Form 10-K/Amendment No. 1
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10–K/A

(Amendment No. 1)

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008

OR

 

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

Commission file number: 000-50976

 

 

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   01-0666114

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

550 West Van Buren Street

Chicago, Illinois 60607

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(312) 583-8700

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  The NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc.
  (NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2008 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $799,800,000.

As of February 13, 2009, 21,084,510 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated By Reference

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting held on May 6, 2009 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K/A

FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
   Explanatory Note    1

PART I

     

Item 1.

   Business    5

Item 1A.

   Risk Factors    11

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    18

Item 2.

   Properties    18

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    19

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    20

PART II

     

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities    20

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data    22

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    23

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    47

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    48

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    48

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures    49

Item 9B.

   Other Information    51

PART III

     

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance    51

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    52

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters    52

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence    53

Item 14.

   Principal Accounting Fees and Services    53

PART IV

     

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    54

SIGNATURES

      58


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EXPLANATORY NOTE TO AMENDMENT NO. 1

In this Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (“Amendment”) to our annual report on Form 10-K originally filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 24, 2009 (the “Original Filing”), we are restating the following previously-issued financial statements:

 

 

Our audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007;

 

 

Our audited consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006;

 

 

Our audited consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006; and

 

 

Our audited consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

In addition, we are contemporaneously filing an amendment to our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2009 to restate our financial statements for the first quarter of 2009. The restatement relates to four businesses that we acquired between 2005 and 2007 (the “Acquired Businesses”). Pursuant to the purchase agreements for each of these acquisitions, payments were made by us to the selling shareholders (1) upon closing of the transaction, (2) in some cases, upon the Acquired Businesses achieving specific financial performance targets over a number of years (“earn-outs”), and (3) in one case, upon the buy-out of an obligation to make earn-out payments. These payments are collectively referred to as “acquisition-related payments.”

The acquisition-related payments made by us to the selling shareholders represented purchase consideration. As such, these payments, to the extent that they exceeded the net of the fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, were properly recorded as goodwill, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Payments made upon the closing of the acquisition were recorded as goodwill on the date of closing. Earn-out payments were recorded as purchase consideration resulting in additional goodwill when the financial performance targets were met by the Acquired Businesses. The payment made upon the buy-out of an obligation to make earn-out payments was recorded as goodwill on the date of the buy-out.

It recently came to the attention of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors that, in connection with one of these acquisitions, the selling shareholders had an agreement among themselves to reallocate a portion of their earn-outs to an employee of the Company who was not a selling shareholder. Following this discovery, the Audit Committee commenced an inquiry into the relevant facts and circumstances of all of our prior acquisitions to determine if similar situations existed. The Audit Committee notified the Company’s independent auditors who had not previously been aware of the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments (in each case, as defined below).

This inquiry resulted in the discovery that the selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses made one or both of the following types of payments:

 

1) The selling shareholders redistributed portions of their acquisition-related payments among themselves in amounts that were not consistent with their ownership interests on the date we acquired the business (“Shareholder Payments”). These Shareholder Payments were dependent, in part, on continuing employment with the Company or on the achievement of personal performance measures.

 

2) The selling shareholders redistributed portions of their acquisition-related payments to certain of our employees who were not selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses (“Employee Payments”). These Employee Payments were dependent on continuing employment with the Company or on the achievement of personal performance measures. The Company employees who received the Employee Payments were client-serving and administrative employees of the respective Acquired Businesses at the date such businesses were acquired by us as well as similar employees hired by or assigned to the respective Acquired Businesses after the date of such acquisitions.

This restatement is necessary because we failed to account for the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments in accordance with GAAP. The selling shareholders were not prohibited from making the Shareholder Payments or the Employee Payments under the terms of the purchase agreements with the Company for the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses. However, under GAAP, including guidance promulgated by the SEC, actions of economic interest holders in a company may be imputed to the company itself. The selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses meet the criteria of economic interest holders of Huron due to their ability to earn additional consideration from Huron. As such, when the selling shareholders redistribute acquisition-related payments among themselves or redistribute a portion of their acquisition-related payments to our employees who were not selling shareholders based on employment or performance-based

 

 

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criteria, these payments are viewed as resulting from services that are assumed to have benefited Huron and must therefore be recorded as non-cash compensation expense incurred by Huron under GAAP. Accordingly, the Employee Payments and the Shareholder Payments are imputed to us. In the case of the Shareholder Payments, such payments are imputed to us even when the amounts that are received by the selling shareholders in the redistribution do not differ significantly from the amounts the selling shareholders would have received if the portion of the acquisition-related payments redistributed based on performance or employment had been distributed solely in accordance with the ownership interests of the applicable selling shareholders on the date we acquired the business. In effect, the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments are in substance a second and separate transaction from our acquisition of the Acquired Businesses, which should have been recorded as a separate non-cash accounting entry. Both the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments are therefore required to be reflected as non-cash compensation expense of Huron, and the selling shareholders are deemed to have made a capital contribution to Huron. The entries are non-cash because the payments were made directly by the selling shareholders from the acquisition proceeds they received from us. We did not expend additional cash with respect to the compensation charge.

Based on its inquiry into the facts and circumstances underlying the restatement, which is now substantially complete, the Audit Committee determined that the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not properly recorded in our financial statements because senior management did not properly take into account the impact of the selling shareholders’ redistribution of the acquisition-related payments when determining the appropriate accounting treatment. In some cases, senior management was unaware of the redistributions. In other cases, senior management was aware of the redistributions but either misunderstood or misapplied the appropriate accounting guidance. As a result, the facts and circumstances surrounding the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not fully described in representation letters previously provided to our independent auditors.

In light of these determinations and given the magnitude of the accounting errors underlying the restatement, our Board of Directors concluded that it was appropriate for the Company to appoint a new Chairman, a new Chief Executive Officer, a new Chief Financial Officer and a new Chief Accounting Officer. Our Board of Directors and Gary Holdren, our then Chief Executive Officer, agreed that he should resign as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. George Massaro, who was the then Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, was elected as our Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. James Roth, one of the founders of the Company, was named Chief Executive Officer. James Rojas, another founder of the Company, was named Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Gary Burge who will remain as Treasurer and remain with the Company until the end of 2009. Wayne Lipski, previously Chief Accounting Officer, will be leaving the Company.

As a result of the correction of these non-tax deductible errors, we recalculated our provision for income taxes for each of the quarterly periods using the annual effective income tax rate method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” As such, our interim quarterly provision for income taxes decreased in certain periods and increased in others, with a corresponding change in income tax receivable or payable. However, there is no change to our provision for income taxes or our tax accounts on an annual basis. While the correction of these errors significantly reduced our net income and earnings per share for each of the affected periods, it had no effect on our total assets, total liabilities, or total stockholders’ equity on an annual basis. Further, the correction of these errors had no effect on our net cash flows. The tables below summarize the impact of the restatement on our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except earnings per share). The effects of the restatement, including the tax adjustments, for each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are further presented in note “18. Restatement of Previously-Issued Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited)” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

2008

   Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2008
 
   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 5,020      $ 12,885      $ 6,047      $ 6,618      $ 30,570   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 2,144      $ (4,211   $ 345      $ 1,722      $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (7,164   $ (8,674   $ (6,392   $ (8,340   $ (30,570

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.41   $ (0.50   $ (0.33   $ (0.44   $ (1.68

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.39   $ (0.48   $ (0.32   $ (0.41   $ (1.60

 

 

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2007

   Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2007
 
   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 3,072      $ 3,122      $ 5,594      $ 5,833      $ 17,621   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 678      $ 722      $ (822   $ (578   $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (3,750   $ (3,844   $ (4,772   $ (5,255   $ (17,621

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.23   $ (0.23   $ (0.27   $ (0.31   $ (1.04

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.21   $ (0.21   $ (0.27   $ (0.28   $ (0.97

2006

   Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2006
 
   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 1,473      $ 820      $ 818      $ 719      $ 3,830   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ (360   $ (14   $ 171      $ 203      $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (1,113   $ (806   $ (989   $ (922   $ (3,830

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.07   $ (0.06   $ (0.05   $ (0.05   $ (0.23

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.07   $ (0.04   $ (0.06   $ (0.05   $ (0.22

The restatement is further described in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” In addition, certain risks and uncertainties relating to the restatement and certain other risks and uncertainties that are heightened by the restatement are described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” As a result of the inquiry, we have identified a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is described under “Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.”

On August 4, 2009, we signed an Acknowledgment and Consent Agreement with respect to our $460 Million Revolving Credit and Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). We requested an advance of $6 million under the revolving credit facility to fund current working capital needs during the interim period while we restate our financial statements. The lenders agreed to this request subject to a reservation of rights under the Credit Agreement. This advance, together with collections on our accounts receivable, provided adequate working capital during the interim period prior to the restatement of our financial statements. We expect to be in full compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement once the restatement is completed and compliance certificates for the second quarter of 2009 are provided to the lenders. We have been engaging, and expect to continue to engage, in regular discussions with our lenders.

On July 31, 2009, immediately prior to our announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements, the price of our common stock was $44.35 per share. As of the close of business on August 3, 2009, the business day following such announcement, the price of our common stock was $13.69 per share. As a result of the significant decline in the price of our common stock, we expect to engage in an impairment analysis with respect to the carrying value of our goodwill in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. If following such analysis we are required to record a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, we may not be in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement. In the absence of an amendment or waiver from our lenders, failure to comply with such covenants may result in (1) a default interest rate of 2% being charged in addition to the interest rate as determined under the Credit Agreement on all of our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, (2) our not being able to make additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which we rely on to fund our operations, and (3) the lenders requiring us to repay our outstanding indebtedness, under the Credit Agreement, which totaled $295 million as of June 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement or, if we are not, that we will obtain the necessary amendments or waivers and, even if we are able to obtain them, such amendments or waivers may subject us to terms materially less favorable to us than those in our current agreement. A discussion of the risks and uncertainties relating to the Credit Agreement and our ability to borrow funds under the Credit Agreement is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

The SEC is commencing an investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement. In addition to the SEC investigation, we conducted a separate inquiry, in response to an inquiry from the SEC, into the allocation of chargeable hours. This matter has no impact on billings to our clients, but could impact the timing of when revenue is recognized. Based on our internal inquiry, which is substantially complete, we have concluded that an adjustment to our historical financial statements is not required with respect to this matter. The SEC inquiry with respect to the allocation of chargeable hours is ongoing. We intend to cooperate fully with the SEC in its investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the

 

 

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restatement and its inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours. In addition, several purported shareholder class action complaints have been filed in connection with our restatement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, which assert claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and contend that the Company and the individual defendants issued false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial results and compliance with GAAP. We intend to defend vigorously the actions. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a description of these lawsuits. In addition, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties relating to the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits and certain other risks and uncertainties that are heightened by the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits.

This Amendment sets forth the Original Filing in its entirety; however, this Amendment only amends disclosures and amounts related to the restatement. The following items in the Original Filing have been amended as a result of the restatement:

 

 

Part I: Item 1A – Risk Factors

 

 

Part I: Item 3 – Legal Proceedings

 

 

Part II: Item 6 – Selected Financial Data

 

 

Part II: Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

Part II: Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

 

Part II: Item 9A – Controls and Procedures

 

 

Part IV: Item 15 – Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

Except to the extent relating to the restatement of our financial statements and the inquiry by the Company and the SEC into the allocation of chargeable hours discussed below, we have not modified or updated disclosures presented in the Original Filing to reflect events or developments that have occurred after the date of the Original Filing. Among other things, forward-looking statements made in the Original Filing have not been revised to reflect events, results or developments that have occurred or facts that have become known to us after the date of the Original Filing (other than with respect to the restatement and the inquiry by the Company and the SEC into the allocation of chargeable hours), and such forward-looking statements should be read in their historical context and in conjunction with our filings with the SEC subsequent to the date of the Original Filing, including any amendments to these filings.

The effects of the restatement, including the tax adjustments, on each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented in note “18. Restatement of Previously-Issued Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited)” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” We have not amended any of our previously-filed quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended on or prior to December 31, 2008.

This Amendment should be read in conjunction with our filings made with the SEC subsequent to the Original Filing, including any amendments to these filings.

This Amendment includes currently-dated certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which are filed as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2.

 

 

In this annual report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms “Huron,” “company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Huron Consulting Group Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Statements in this Amendment, including the information incorporated by reference herein, that are not historical in nature, including those concerning the Company’s current expectations about its future results, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “assumes,” “can,” “considers,” “could,” “intends,” “might,” “predicts,” “seeks,” “would,” “believes,” “estimates” or “continues”. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could impact the Company’s forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to (i) the restatement, (ii) the SEC investigation and related Company inquiries with respect to the circumstances that led to

 

 

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the restatement, (iii) the SEC and related Company inquiries into the allocation of chargeable hours, (iv) the Company’s projected accounting treatment for acquisition-related payments after August 1, 2009, and (v) management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and any required remediation. In addition, these forward-looking statements reflect our current expectation about our future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements, including, without limitation, that our business continues to grow at the current expectations with respect to, among other factors, utilization rates, billing rates, and the number of revenue-generating professionals; that we are able to expand our service offerings; that we successfully integrate the businesses we acquire; and that existing market conditions, including those in the credit markets, do not continue to deteriorate substantially. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, among others, those described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any anticipated results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date of the Original Filing (other than with respect to the restatement and the inquiry by the Company and the SEC into the allocation of chargeable hours), and such forward-looking statements should be read in their historical context and in conjunction with the Company’s filings with the SEC subsequent to the date of the Original Filing, including any amendments to these filings.

PART I

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

OVERVIEW

We are a leading provider of operational and financial consulting services. We help clients in diverse industries improve performance, comply with complex regulations, resolve disputes, recover from distress, leverage technology, and stimulate growth. We team with our clients to deliver sustainable and measurable results. Our highly experienced professionals, many of whom have master’s degrees in business or healthcare administration, have doctorates in economics, are certified public accountants, or are accredited valuation specialists and forensic accountants, employ their expertise in accounting, finance, economics and operations to provide our clients with specialized analyses and customized advice and solutions that are tailored to address each client’s particular challenges and opportunities. Although historically we have primarily served clients domestically, we intend to continue to expand internationally, including in Asia and the Middle East.

Huron was formed in March 2002 and commenced operations in May 2002. We were founded by a core group of experienced financial and operational consultants that consisted primarily of former Arthur Andersen LLP partners and professionals, including our Chief Executive Officer, Gary E. Holdren, with equity sponsorship from a group of investors led by Lake Capital Management LLC. In October 2004, we completed our initial public offering and became a publicly traded company.

During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we completed the following acquisitions:

 

 

In April 2006, we acquired MSGalt & Company, LLC (“Galt”), a specialized advisory firm that designs and implements corporate-wide programs to improve shareholder returns. With the acquisition of Galt, we expanded our value and service offerings to the offices of the chief executive officer and boards of Fortune 500 companies.

 

 

In July 2006, we acquired Document Review Consulting Services LLC (“DRCS”), a consulting firm that provides comprehensive document review using experienced contract reviewers. Also in July 2006, we acquired Aaxis Technologies Inc. (“Aaxis”). Aaxis provides full-service electronic data discovery support to litigation teams and corporate counsel with a focus on forensics and data gathering, end-to-end data processing, and information consulting. The acquisitions of DRCS and Aaxis enhanced our service offerings to the offices of the general counsel and law firms by helping them manage digital information in a comprehensive manner during litigation, investigations, mergers and acquisitions, and other major transactions.

 

 

In January 2007, we acquired Wellspring Partners LTD (“Wellspring”), a management consulting firm specializing in integrated performance improvement services for hospitals and health systems. With the acquisition of Wellspring, we expanded our national presence in the healthcare provider sector and now provide a full complement of services to a wide spectrum of hospitals and multi-hospital systems.

 

 

Also in January 2007, we acquired Glass & Associates, Inc. (“Glass”), a turnaround and restructuring consulting firm that provides advice and leadership to troubled businesses in the United States and Europe. With the acquisition of Glass, we expanded our position in the consulting and restructuring marketplace, as well as expanded our interim management capabilities to distressed companies in industries beyond healthcare.

 

 

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In July 2007, we acquired Callaway Partners, LLC (“Callaway”), a professional services firm that specializes in finance and accounting projects, financial reporting, internal audit and controls, and corporate tax solutions. With Callaway’s extensive senior consultant and project management skills, along with its variable, on-demand workforce, we are better positioned to assist our clients with their accounting and corporate compliance challenges.

 

 

In July 2008, we acquired Stockamp & Associates, Inc. (“Stockamp”), a management consulting firm specializing in helping high-performing hospitals and health systems optimize their financial and operational performance. With the acquisition of Stockamp, we expanded our presence in the hospital consulting market and are better positioned to serve multiple segments of the healthcare industry, including major health systems, academic medical centers and community hospitals.

We have grown significantly since we commenced operations, increasing the number of our full-time professionals from 249 as of May 31, 2002 to 2,129 as of December 31, 2008, through hiring and acquisitions of complementary businesses. We have hired experienced professionals from a variety of organizations, including the four largest public accounting firms, referred to as the Big Four, and other consulting firms. As of December 31, 2008, we had 177 managing directors who have revenue-generating responsibilities. These individuals have an average of 23 years of business experience. In addition to our full-time employees, we have a roster of consultants, contract reviewers, and other independent contractors who supplement our full-time revenue-generating professionals on an as-needed basis. In addition to our headquarters in Chicago, we have other domestic and international offices, including those located in the following major metropolitan cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; Tokyo, Japan; and Washington D.C. We also have six document review centers located in Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Miramar, Florida; Morrisville, North Carolina; New York City, New York; and Rock Hill, South Carolina, totaling approximately 1,000 workstations.

OUR SERVICES

We are a leading provider of consulting services. We help clients in diverse industries improve performance, comply with complex regulations, resolve disputes, recover from distress, leverage technology, and stimulate growth. We team with our clients to deliver sustainable and measurable results.

We provide our services through four operating segments: Health and Education Consulting, Accounting and Financial Consulting (previously named Financial Consulting), Legal Consulting and Corporate Consulting. For the year ended December 31, 2008, we derived 44.8%, 21.8%, 19.7% and 13.7% of our revenues from Health and Education Consulting, Accounting and Financial Consulting, Legal Consulting, and Corporate Consulting, respectively. For further financial information on our segment results, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and note “15. Segment Information” in the notes to consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Health and Education Consulting

Our Health and Education Consulting segment provides consulting services to hospitals, health systems, physicians, managed care organizations, academic medical centers, colleges, universities, and pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. This segment’s professionals develop and implement solutions to help clients address financial management, strategy, operational and organizational effectiveness, research administration, and regulatory compliance. This segment also provides consulting services related to hospital or healthcare organization performance improvement, revenue cycle improvement, turnarounds, merger or affiliation strategies, labor productivity, non-labor cost management, information technology, patient flow improvement, physician practice management, interim management, clinical quality and medical management, and governance and board development. This segment’s practices and the services they offer include:

 

 

Pharmaceutical and health plans. Our pharmaceutical and health plans practice focuses on operational, compliance, and government contracting issues related to federal healthcare programs. We assist the health insurance industry in navigating and in responding to a wide array of business matters and compliance requirements that arise within the industry and from contracting relationships with the federal government. Our services to the health insurance industry include federal healthcare contract consulting, medical cost containment, operational and financial advisory services, and regulatory and contract compliance services. We help pharmaceutical and medical device

 

 

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manufacturers optimize performance, improve operations, mitigate risk, manage compliance, and support counsel in regulatory investigations. Our services to pharmaceutical and medical device companies include government price reporting and commercial contracting, corporate integrity agreements, medical affairs and clinical activities, regulatory and compliance services, off-label communication, sales and marketing compliance, and state reporting and aggregate spend.

 

 

Healthcare. Our healthcare practice provides integrated performance solutions for hospitals, health systems and academic medical centers. We partner with clients to deliver improvements to the bottom line, more efficient and effective operations, increased revenues, patient flow improvements, reductions in labor and non-labor costs, increased patient and employee satisfaction, improved quality of care, enhanced leadership and governance, compliance with legislations and regulations, and improved utilization and efficiency of information technology investments.

 

 

Higher education. Our higher education professionals have extensive industry knowledge and experience working with institutions on mission-critical business issues relating to the financial, operational, and regulatory aspects of higher education to develop and implement the most effective solutions. We provide comprehensive and customized service offerings in every aspect of higher education and healthcare administration to improve business performance across the entire organization. We serve research universities, academic medical centers, colleges and universities, research institutions, and international organizations. Our primary service areas include financial management and strategy, resource optimization, strategic sourcing and procurement transformation, performance improvement, interim staffing support, information technology planning and integration, risk management and regulatory compliance, research administration, and global health and education.

 

 

Clinical research solutions and healthcare compliance. Our clinical research solutions and healthcare compliance practice helps clients assess and enhance their compliance and quality programs by conducting investigations and compliance effectiveness assessments, and providing expert testimony, compliance infrastructure redesign, and billing and coding compliance assessments. This practice also specializes in clinical research operational assessments, including clinical research billing and human research protections compliance, conflicts of interest, and other related research services.

Accounting and Financial Consulting

Our Accounting and Financial Consulting segment assists corporations with complex accounting and financial reporting matters, financial analysis in business disputes, international arbitration and litigation, as well as valuation analysis related to business acquisitions. This segment also consults with clients in the areas of corporate governance, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, internal audit, and corporate tax. Additionally, the Accounting and Financial Consulting segment provides experienced project leadership and consultants with a variety of financial and accounting credentials and prior corporate experience on an as-needed basis to assist clients with finance and accounting projects. This segment is comprised of certified public accountants, economists, certified fraud examiners, chartered financial analysts and valuation experts who serve attorneys and corporations as expert witnesses and consultants in connection with business disputes, as well as in regulatory or internal investigations. This segment’s practices and the services they offer include:

 

 

Disputes and forensic accounting. Our disputes and forensic accounting practice provides financial and economic analyses to support law firms and corporations in connection with business disputes, litigation, international arbitration, tax controversies, and regulatory or internal investigations. We have extensive experience in the areas of financial investigations and forensic accounting, including matters involving the SEC, other regulatory inquiries and investigations, financial restatements, and special accounting projects. We provide specialized accounting, economic and statistical services to gather and analyze voluminous financial data and reconstruct complex transactions and events.

 

 

Economic consulting. Our economic consulting practice works with clients to provide economic and statistical analyses in situations that arise in connection with litigation, regulatory hearings, complex transactions, bankruptcy, and public policy issues. Our economic consulting group also provides economic-value-driven strategic advice that combines the highly complementary disciplines of economics, accounting, and finance. Our team includes consultants with doctorates in economics and leading academics who perform event studies, sales and claims forecasting, economic damages calculations, policy analysis, and compliance studies.

 

 

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Accounting and finance advisory. Our accounting and finance advisory practice assists corporations with their accounting and finance needs in the areas of accounting and finance operations support, process improvement, bankruptcies, mergers, acquisitions and divestures, shared services, financial restatements, financial services, investigations, and financial reporting relating to SEC reporting matters. We provide a comprehensive range of finance and accounting services to both public and private sector companies with a focus on flexibility and responsiveness, bringing the methodologies, tools and experience needed to expertly provide optimal solutions across a broad spectrum of needs.

 

 

Valuation. Our valuation practice delivers expert valuation analyses to clients and their advisors. We perform valuations of businesses, financial interests, intellectual property, real property, machinery and equipment, and other tangible and intangible assets. Our valuation group typically supports client needs in the areas of transactions, litigation, disputes and bankruptcies.

 

 

Corporate governance. Our corporate governance practice possesses the thought leadership, methodologies, tools, and experience needed to provide optimal solutions to our clients in the areas of enterprise risk management, internal audit, information technology, process improvement, and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. We help clients identify, assess, and document business risks across their organization, linking them to corporate objectives, processes and sub-processes, and evaluating the related controls on an ongoing basis.

 

 

Tax services. Our tax services practice consists of an experienced team of senior tax professionals who direct, manage, or support the ever-changing corporate tax compliance and reporting requirements. We assist clients with international, federal, state and local tax planning and compliance, as well as due diligence and assistance with merger and acquisition transactions. We also work effectively with external auditors to ensure our clients meet reporting and filing requirements.

Legal Consulting

Our Legal Consulting segment provides guidance and business services to address the challenges that confront today’s legal organizations. These services add value to corporate law departments, law firms, and government agencies by helping to reduce legal spending, enhance client service delivery, and increase operational effectiveness. This segment provides measurable results in the areas of digital evidence and discovery services, document review, law firm management services, records management, and strategic and operational improvements. Included in this segment’s offerings is V3locity™, a per page fixed price e-discovery service providing data and document processing, hosting, review and production. This segment’s practices and the services they offer include:

 

 

Legal business consulting. Our legal business consulting practice helps both in-house legal departments and outside counsel enhance the quality of legal services while reducing costs by more efficiently aligning strategy, people, processes, and technology. We provide strategic advice to help legal departments and law firms improve their organizational design and business processes, and to help management in their use of outside counsel. We also have extensive experience in selecting, customizing, and successfully rolling out matter management systems and electronic billing systems that help legal departments track and manage lawsuits and other legal matters. These systems are powerful tools for managing budgets, spending, and resources. We provide similar services for contract management systems, document management systems and patent management applications.

 

 

Discovery and records management. We work with corporations and law firms to provide solutions to enhance their discovery process management and electronic discovery needs. One area of emphasis is helping clients choose and implement technology solutions that improve legal department operations, including litigation preparedness and litigation holds. We provide a full array of digital evidence, discovery, and records management services that include discovery process execution, electronic discovery services, computer forensics, data management, document processing, document review, records program development, records improvement planning and process, and program management, all aimed at reducing costs, coordinating matters and people, streamlining processes and reducing risks. With our V3locity™ offering, we provide comprehensive e-discovery services, including processing, hosting, review and production, for legal matters using a per page fixed price model. With our state-of-the-art facilities, we blend technology and an integrated process to ensure a work product that outperforms more traditional methods.

Corporate Consulting

Our Corporate Consulting segment leads clients through various stages of transformation that result in measurable and sustainable performance improvement. This segment works with clients to solve complex business problems and implements strategies and solutions to effectively address and manage stagnant or declining stock price, acquisitions and divestitures, process inefficiency, third-party contracting difficulties, lack of or misaligned performance measures, margin and cost pressures, performance issues, bank defaults, covenant violations, and liquidity issues. This segment’s practices and the services they offer include:

 

 

Restructuring and turnaround. Our restructuring and turnaround practice provides consulting assistance to financially distressed companies, creditor constituencies, and other stakeholders in connection with out-of-court restructurings and bankruptcy proceedings. For companies in financial distress, we work with management to assess the viability of their business, to develop and implement a turnaround plan to improve cash flow, and to implement a debt-restructuring plan to improve the balance sheet. In some instances, we serve in interim management roles. When out-of-court solutions are not achievable, we assist clients in preparing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings and with all aspects of the bankruptcy process by gathering, analyzing, and presenting financial and business information needed to achieve successful reorganizations. We also provide claims management services to help companies process and analyze complex and voluminous claims filed in bankruptcies and related litigation matters.

 

 

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Strategy. Our strategy practice helps well-managed companies deliver superior shareholder returns by working with management to develop the strategies and decision processes that accelerate profitable growth and improve shareholder value. Our strategy practice brings the discipline of the capital markets inside an organization, improving the way businesses are managed.

 

 

Utilities. Our utilities practice assists utility companies in addressing the full range of complex issues they face affecting the cost, quality, and reliability of their services. We provide rate case, financial and accounting, and operational consulting services to electric, gas, water, and telecommunications entities. Our professionals help utility clients define and implement a business strategy, improve margins, strategize, provide expert testimony, manage rate cases, achieve improved operating performance, and design and implement effective governance, compliance, and risk management programs.

OUR CLIENTS AND INDUSTRIES

We provide consulting services to a wide variety of both financially sound and distressed organizations, including leading academic institutions, healthcare organizations, Fortune 500 companies, medium-sized businesses, and the law firms that represent these various organizations. Since commencing operations in May 2002, we have conducted over 7,000 engagements for over 3,000 clients, and we have worked on engagements with 49 of the 50 largest U.S. law firms listed in The American Lawyer 2008 Am Law 100. Our top ten clients represented approximately 21.4%, 26.1% and 31.2% of our revenues in the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No single client accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in 2008 and 2007. Revenues from one client represented 10.2% of our revenues in 2006.

Our clients are in a broad array of industries, including education, healthcare, pharmaceutical, professional services, transportation services, telecommunications, financial services, electronics, consumer products, energy and utilities, industrial manufacturing, and food and beverage. We believe many organizations will face increasingly large and complex business disputes and lawsuits, a growing number of regulatory and internal investigations and more intense public scrutiny given the current economic environment. Concurrently, we believe greater competition and regulation are presenting significant operational and financial challenges for organizations. Many organizations are finding themselves in financial distress and are responding to these challenges by restructuring and reorganizing their businesses and capital structures, while financially healthy organizations are striving to maintain that position, capitalize on opportunities by improving operations, reducing costs, and enhancing revenues. Many organizations have limited dedicated resources to respond effectively to the challenges and opportunities that exist today. Consequently, we believe these organizations will increasingly seek to augment their internal resources with experienced independent consultants like us.

EMPLOYEES

Our ability to bring the right expertise together to address client issues requires a willingness to work and think outside the bounds of a single practice or specialty. Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals by creating a work environment where both individuals and teams thrive and individuals are rewarded not only for their own contributions but also for the success of our organization as a whole. To accomplish those goals and recognize performance, we have adopted a comprehensive rewards program incorporating compensation, training and development opportunities, performance management and special recognition plans that motivates individual performance and promotes teamwork.

 

 

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As of December 31, 2008, we had 2,129 full-time employees, including 177 revenue-generating managing directors and 23 non-revenue-generating managing directors, as well as other directors, managers, associates, analysts and assistants. Our revenue-generating managing directors serve clients as advisors and engagement team leaders, originate revenue through new and existing client relationships, and work to strengthen our intellectual capital, develop our people and enhance our reputation. Our revenue-generating directors and managers manage day-to-day client relationships and oversee the delivery and overall quality of our work product. Our revenue-generating associates and analysts gather and organize data, conduct detailed analyses and prepare presentations that synthesize and distill information to support recommendations we deliver to clients. Our non-revenue-generating professionals include our senior management team, business developers, and facilities, finance, human resources, information technology, legal and marketing personnel.

In addition to our full-time employees described above, we have a roster of consultants, contract reviewers, and other independent contractors who supplement our full-time revenue-generating professionals on an as-needed basis. These individuals, many of whom have a variety of financial and accounting credentials and prior corporate experience, work variable schedules and are readily available to meet our clients’ needs. Utilizing these independent contractors allows us to maintain a pool of talent with a variable cost structure and enables us to adapt quickly to market demand. We utilize these variable resources extensively, particularly within our Accounting and Financial Consulting and Legal Consulting segments.

We assimilate and support our employees in their career progression through training and development programs. We have structured orientation and training programs for new analysts, “milestone” programs to help recently promoted employees quickly become effective in their new roles, and opportunities for self-directed training, including both on-line and live technical and consulting courses. We also support the pursuit and ongoing maintenance of many certifications. Employees are assigned internal performance coaches to identify opportunities for development, formal training or certifications.

Our compensation plan includes competitive base salary, incentives and benefits. Under our incentive plan, directors, managers, associates and analysts set goals each year with a performance coach. These goals are aligned with our business goals as well as individual interests and development needs. Managing directors set goals with their practice leader using a balanced scorecard. The incentive plan balances our value of teamwork with recognition of individual performance, and incentive compensation is tied to both team and individual performance. Incentives for managing directors are based on their individual performance and their contribution to their practice and to our business as a whole. Funding of the incentive pool is based on our achievement of annual financial goals and each practice’s achievement of its financial goals. In addition, managing directors and others may receive long-term equity incentives.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING

Our business development activities are aimed to develop relationships and build a strong brand reputation with key sources of business and referrals, especially hospital administrators, top-tier law firms and the offices of the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and general counsel of organizations. We believe that excellent service delivery to clients is critical to building and maintaining relationships and our brand reputation, and we emphasize the importance of client service to all of our employees.

We generate most of our new business opportunities through relationships that our managing directors have with individuals working in corporations, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and top-tier law firms. We also view cross-selling as a key component in building our business. Often, the client relationship of a managing director in one practice leads to opportunities in another practice. All of our managing directors understand their role in ongoing relationship and business development, which is reinforced through our compensation and incentive programs. We actively seek to identify new business opportunities, and frequently receive referrals and repeat business from past and current clients and from the law firms with which we have worked. In addition, to complement the business development efforts of our managing directors, we have a group of experienced business developers who are focused exclusively on developing client relationships and generating new business through their extensive network of contacts.

We also host, participate and sponsor conferences that facilitate client development opportunities, promote brand recognition, and showcase our expertise in the industry. For example, during 2008, we hosted such events as The Summit: A Wall Street Perspective of the Health Insurance Industry Meeting, The Summit GC 2008 Conference, Anti-Money Laundering Compliance in these Turbulent Times Roundtable, Medicare Secondary Payer Mandatory Reporting: Managing the Complexities and Finding the Silver Lining Webinar, the Records and Discovery Management Roundtable, ECRT Users Meeting, multiple document review center open houses, and numerous industry webinars. Additionally, we participated or sponsored numerous conferences for organizations such as National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), National Bar Association (NBA), Turnaround

 

 

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Management Association (TMA), Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), Financial Executive Institute (FEI), Center for Business Intelligence (CBI), Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Tax Executives Institute (TEI) and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). These events provide a forum to build and strengthen client relationships, as well as to stay abreast of industry trends and developments.

We have a centralized marketing department with marketing professionals assigned to each of our practices. These professionals coordinate traditional marketing programs, such as participation in industry events, sponsorship of conferences, and publication of articles in industry publications to actively promote our name and capabilities. The marketing department also manages the content delivery on Huron’s website, develops collateral materials, performs research and provides database management to support sales efforts.

COMPETITION

The consulting services industry is extremely competitive, highly fragmented and subject to rapid change. The industry includes a large number of participants with a variety of skills and industry expertise, including other business operations and financial consulting firms, general management consulting firms, the consulting practices of major accounting firms, technical and economic advisory firms, regional and specialty consulting firms and the internal professional resources of organizations. We compete with a large number of service providers in all of our segments. Our competitors often vary depending on the particular practice area. In addition, we also expect to continue to face competition from new entrants because the barriers to entry into consulting services are relatively low.

We believe the principal competitive factors in our market include firm and consultant reputations, client and law firm relationships and referrals, the ability to attract and retain top professionals, the ability to manage engagements effectively and the ability to be responsive and provide high quality services. There is also competition on price, although to a lesser extent due to the critical nature of many of the issues that the types of services we offer address. Many of our competitors have a greater geographic footprint, including a broader international presence, and name recognition, as well as have significantly greater personnel, financial, technical and marketing resources than we do. We believe that our experience, reputation, industry focus, and a broad range and balanced portfolio of service offerings enable us to compete favorably and effectively in the consulting marketplace.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available free of charge on our website, www.huronconsultinggroup.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

The following discussion of risk factors may be important to understanding the statements in this Amendment or elsewhere. The following information should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and related notes in this Amendment. Discussions about the important operational risks that our business encounters can be found in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

On July 31, 2009, we announced our intention to restate our financial statements for the years ended 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the first quarter of 2009. Concurrently, we announced certain senior management changes. Following such announcements, the price of our common stock declined significantly. The reputational issues raised by the foregoing, the potential goodwill impairment charge arising out of the decline in our stock price and the potential impact of the SEC investigation and private litigation with respect to the restatement could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, cash flow, overall liquidity, results of operations or financial condition.

We are restating certain of our previously-issued financial statements to correct our accounting for certain acquisition-related payments received by the selling shareholders of specific businesses we acquired that were subsequently redistributed by the selling shareholders among themselves and to other select Company employees. Concurrently with the announcement of the restatement, we announced that our then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer had resigned and that our then Chief Financial Officer had been replaced and would be leaving the Company and our then Chief Accounting Officer would be leaving the Company. A new Non-Executive Chairman was elected, and a new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer were appointed, effective July 31, 2009. The restatement and these changes in our senior management have raised reputational issues for our businesses, in particular for our Accounting and Financial Consulting segment.

 

 

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The damages to our business that may arise out of these reputational issues heighten the risks described below in this Item 1A, and specifically may adversely impact our ability to:

 

 

retain our senior management team, our practice leaders and our other managing directors;

 

 

hire and retain talented people in an industry where there is great competition for talent;

 

 

maintain our existing business practices and revenues given our clients’ ability to terminate their engagement agreements with little or no notice and without penalty;

 

 

attract new business in the highly competitive consulting services industry; and

 

 

continue our growth strategy by hiring individuals or groups of individuals and by acquiring complementary businesses.

On July 31, 2009, immediately prior to our announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements, the price of our common stock was $44.35 per share. As of the close of business on August 3, 2009, the business day following such announcement, the price of our common stock was $13.69 per share. As a result of the significant decline in the price of our common stock, we expect to engage in an impairment analysis with respect to the carrying value of our goodwill in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ending September 30, 2009. If following such analysis we are required to record a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, we may not be in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement. In the absence of an amendment or waiver from our lenders, failure to comply with such covenants may result in (1) a default interest rate of 2% being charged in addition to the interest rate as determined under the Credit Agreement on all of our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, (2) our not being able to make additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which we rely on to fund our operations, and (3) the lenders requiring us to repay our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, which totaled $295 million as of June 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement or, if we are not, that we will obtain the necessary amendments or waivers and, even if we are able to obtain them, such amendments or waivers may subject us to terms materially less favorable to us than those in our current agreement. Such amended terms could expose us to significant risks related to increased interest rates, may require us to dedicate a larger portion of our cash from operations to service indebtedness and may limit our ability to obtain additional funding under the Credit Agreement.

Finally, the SEC is commencing an investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, and several purported shareholder class action complaints have been filed in respect of the restatement. In addition, the Company conducted a separate inquiry, in response to an inquiry from the SEC, into the allocation of chargeable hours. The SEC inquiry with respect to the allocation of chargeable hours is ongoing. While we are fully cooperating with the SEC in its investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement and its inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours and intend to vigorously defend the private actions in respect of the restatement, such investigation, inquiry and actions subject us to a number of additional risks, including:

 

 

the diversion of management’s time, attention and resources from managing and marketing our company;

 

 

increased costs and expenses to respond to the SEC’s investigation and inquiry and to defend the private actions;

 

 

additional damage to our reputation that may further heighten the risks described above; and

 

 

the imposition of fines, penalties, damages, administrative remedies and liabilities for additional amounts resulting from actions or findings by the SEC or pursuant to rulings, orders or judgments by the courts with jurisdiction over the private actions.

Given the uncertain nature of the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, the SEC inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours and the private shareholder class action lawsuits in respect of the restatement, and the uncertainties related to the incurrence and amount of loss, including with respect to the imposition of fines, penalties, damages, administrative remedies and liabilities for additional amounts, with respect to the SEC

 

 

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investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry or the private lawsuits, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome in the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry or the private lawsuits. Any such liability could be material.

The failure to successfully address any one or more of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, cash flow, overall liquidity, results of operations or financial condition.

An inability to retain our senior management team and other managing directors would be detrimental to the success of our business.

We rely heavily on our senior management team, our practice leaders, and other managing directors; and our ability to retain them is particularly important to our future success. Given the highly specialized nature of our services, the senior management team must have a thorough understanding of our service offerings as well as the skills and experience necessary to manage an organization consisting of a diverse group of professionals. In addition, we rely on our senior management team and other managing directors to generate and market our business. Further, our senior management’s and other managing directors’ personal reputations and relationships with our clients are a critical element in obtaining and maintaining client engagements. Although we enter into non-solicitation agreements with our senior management team and other managing directors, we generally do not enter into non-competition agreements. Accordingly, members of our senior management team and our other managing directors are not contractually prohibited from leaving or joining one of our competitors, and some of our clients could choose to use the services of that competitor instead of our services. If one or more members of our senior management team or our other managing directors leave and we cannot replace them with a suitable candidate quickly, we could experience difficulty in securing and successfully completing engagements and managing our business properly, which could harm our business prospects and results of operations.

Our inability to hire and retain talented people in an industry where there is great competition for talent could have a serious negative effect on our prospects and results of operations.

Our business involves the delivery of professional services and is highly labor-intensive. Our success depends largely on our general ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly skilled professionals. Further, we must successfully maintain the right mix of professionals with relevant experience and skill sets as we continue to grow, as we expand into new service offerings, and as the market evolves. The loss of a significant number of our professionals, the inability to attract, hire, develop, train and retain additional skilled personnel, or not maintaining the right mix of professionals could have a serious negative effect on us, including our ability to manage, staff and successfully complete our existing engagements and obtain new engagements. Qualified professionals are in great demand, and we face significant competition for both senior and junior professionals with the requisite credentials and experience. Our principal competition for talent comes from other consulting firms, accounting firms and technical and economic advisory firms, as well as from organizations seeking to staff their internal professional positions. Many of these competitors may be able to offer significantly greater compensation and benefits or more attractive lifestyle choices, career paths or geographic locations than we do. Therefore, we may not be successful in attracting and retaining the skilled consultants we require to conduct and expand our operations successfully. Increasing competition for these revenue-generating professionals may also significantly increase our labor costs, which could negatively affect our margins and results of operations.

Additional hiring and business acquisitions could disrupt our operations, increase our costs or otherwise harm our business.

Our business strategy is dependent in part upon our ability to grow by hiring individuals or groups of individuals and by acquiring complementary businesses. However, we may be unable to identify, hire, acquire or successfully integrate new employees and acquired businesses without substantial expense, delay or other operational or financial obstacles. Competition for future hiring and acquisition opportunities in our markets could increase the compensation we offer to potential employees or the prices we pay for businesses we wish to acquire. In addition, we may be unable to achieve the financial, operational and other benefits we anticipate from any hiring or acquisition, including those we have completed so far. Hiring additional employees or acquiring businesses could also involve a number of additional risks, including:

 

 

the diversion of management’s time, attention and resources from managing and marketing our company;

 

 

the failure to retain key acquired personnel;

 

 

the adverse short-term effects on reported operating results from the amortization or write-off of acquired goodwill and other intangible assets;

 

 

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potential impairment of existing relationships with our clients, such as client satisfaction or performance problems, whether as a result of integration or management difficulties or otherwise;

 

 

the creation of conflicts of interest that require us to decline or resign from engagements that we otherwise could have accepted;

 

 

the potential need to raise significant amounts of capital to finance a transaction or the potential issuance of equity securities that could be dilutive to our existing stockholders;

 

 

increased costs to improve, coordinate or integrate managerial, operational, financial and administrative systems;

 

 

the usage of earn-outs based on the future performance of our business acquisitions may deter the acquired company from fully integrating into our existing business;

 

 

a decision not to fully integrate an acquired business may lead to the perception of inequalities if different groups of employees are eligible for different benefits and incentives or are subject to different policies and programs; and

 

 

difficulties in integrating diverse backgrounds and experiences of consultants, including if we experience a transition period for newly hired consultants that results in a temporary drop in our utilization rates or margins.

If we fail to successfully address these risks, our ability to compete may be impaired.

If we are unable to manage the growth of our business successfully, we may not be able to sustain profitability.

We have grown significantly since we commenced operations, increasing the number of our full-time professionals from 249 as of May 31, 2002 to 2,129 as of December 31, 2008. As we continue to increase the number of our employees, we may not be able to successfully manage a significantly larger workforce. Additionally, our considerable growth has placed demands on our management and our internal systems, procedures and controls and will continue to do so in the future. To successfully manage growth, we must add administrative staff and periodically update and strengthen our operating, financial, accounting and other systems, procedures and controls, which will increase our costs and may adversely affect our gross profits and our ability to sustain profitability if we do not generate increased revenues to offset the costs. This need to augment our support infrastructure due to growth is compounded by our decision to become a public reporting company and the increased expense that has arisen in complying with existing and new regulatory requirements. As a public company, our information and control systems must enable us to prepare accurate and timely financial information and other required disclosures. If we discover deficiencies in our existing information and control systems that impede our ability to satisfy our reporting requirements, we must successfully implement improvements to those systems in an efficient and timely manner.

Our international expansion could result in additional risks.

We operate both domestically and internationally, including in Asia and the Middle East. Although historically our international operations have been limited, we intend to continue to expand internationally. Such expansion may result in additional risks that are not present domestically and which could adversely affect our business or our results of operations, including:

 

 

cultural and language differences;

 

 

employment laws and rules and related social and cultural factors;

 

 

currency fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, which is harder to predict in the current adverse global economic climate;

 

 

restrictions on the repatriation of earnings;

 

 

potentially adverse tax consequences;

 

 

different regulatory requirements and other barriers to conducting business;

 

 

different or less stable political and economic environments; and

 

 

civil disturbances or other catastrophic events.

 

 

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Further, conducting business abroad subjects us to increased regulatory compliance and oversight, in particular with respect to operations in the Middle East. A failure to comply with such regulations could result in substantial penalties assessed against the Company and our employees.

Our substantial indebtedness and the current credit crisis could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and obligations, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt, and could adversely affect our financial results.

At December 31, 2008, we had outstanding borrowings totaling $280.0 million compared to $123.5 million at December 31, 2007, representing a 126.7% increase. Our substantial increase in indebtedness could have meaningful consequences for us, including:

 

 

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates because our borrowings are at variable interest rates;

 

 

requiring us to dedicate a larger portion of our cash from operations to service our indebtedness and thus reducing the level of cash for other purposes such as funding working capital, strategic acquisitions, capital expenditures, and other general corporate purposes;

 

 

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing; and

 

 

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic, industry, and competitive developments.

Additionally, if one or more of the banks in our bank syndicate suffers liquidity issues or becomes insolvent stemming from the current credit crisis and is unable to extend credit to us, we may experience negative consequences.

Our intellectual property rights in our “Huron Consulting Group” name are important, and any inability to use that name could negatively impact our ability to build brand identity.

We believe that establishing, maintaining and enhancing the “Huron Consulting Group” name is important to our business. We are, however, aware of a number of other companies that use names containing “Huron.” There could be potential trade name or service mark infringement claims brought against us by the users of these similar names and marks and those users may have trade name or service mark rights that are senior to ours. If another company were to successfully challenge our right to use our name, or if we were unable to prevent a competitor from using a name that is similar to our name, our ability to build brand identity could be negatively impacted.

Our financial results could suffer if we are unable to achieve or maintain adequate utilization and suitable billing rates for our consultants.

Our profitability depends to a large extent on the utilization and billing rates of our professionals. Utilization of our professionals is affected by a number of factors, including:

 

 

the number and size of client engagements;

 

 

the timing of the commencement, completion and termination of engagements, which in many cases is unpredictable;

 

 

our ability to transition our consultants efficiently from completed engagements to new engagements;

 

 

the hiring of additional consultants because there is generally a transition period for new consultants that results in a temporary drop in our utilization rate;

 

 

unanticipated changes in the scope of client engagements;

 

 

our ability to forecast demand for our services and thereby maintain an appropriate level of consultants; and

 

 

conditions affecting the industries in which we practice as well as general economic conditions.

The billing rates of our consultants that we are able to charge are also affected by a number of factors, including:

 

 

our clients’ perception of our ability to add value through our services;

 

 

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the market demand for the services we provide;

 

 

an increase in the number of clients in the government sector;

 

 

introduction of new services by us or our competitors;

 

 

our competition and the pricing policies of our competitors; and

 

 

the current adverse economic conditions and a potential prolonged or deepening recession.

If we are unable to achieve and maintain adequate overall utilization as well as maintain or increase the billing rates for our consultants, our financial results could materially suffer.

Expanding our service offerings or number of offices may not be profitable.

We may choose to develop new service offerings or open new offices because of market opportunities or client demands. Developing new service offerings involves inherent risks, including:

 

 

our inability to estimate demand for the new service offerings;

 

 

competition from more established market participants;

 

 

a lack of market understanding; and

 

 

unanticipated expenses to recruit and hire qualified consultants and to market our new service offerings.

In addition, expanding into new geographic areas and expanding current service offerings is challenging and may require integrating new employees into our culture as well as assessing the demand in the applicable market. If we cannot manage the risks associated with new service offerings or new locations effectively, we are unlikely to be successful in these efforts, which could harm our ability to sustain profitability and our business prospects.

Our ability to maintain and attract new business depends upon our reputation, the professional reputation of our revenue-generating employees and the quality of our services.

As a professional services firm, our ability to secure new engagements depends heavily upon our reputation and the individual reputations of our professionals. Any factor that diminishes our reputation or that of our employees, including not meeting client expectations or misconduct by our employees, could make it substantially more difficult for us to attract new engagements and clients. Similarly, because we obtain many of our new engagements from former or current clients or from referrals by those clients or by law firms that we have worked with in the past, any client that questions the quality of our work or that of our consultants could impair our ability to secure additional new engagements and clients.

The consulting services industry is highly competitive, and we may not be able to compete effectively.

The consulting services industry in which we operate includes a large number of participants and is intensely competitive. We face competition from other business operations and financial consulting firms, general management consulting firms, the consulting practices of major accounting firms, technical and economic advisory firms, regional and specialty consulting firms and the internal professional resources of organizations. In addition, because there are relatively low barriers to entry, we expect to continue to face additional competition from new entrants into the business operations and financial consulting industries. Many of our competitors have a greater national and international presence, as well as have significantly greater personnel, financial, technical and marketing resources. In addition, these competitors may generate greater revenues and have greater name recognition than we do. Our ability to compete also depends in part on the ability of our competitors to hire, retain and motivate skilled professionals, the price at which others offer comparable services and our competitors’ responsiveness to their clients. If we are unable to compete successfully with our existing competitors or with any new competitors, our financial results will be adversely affected.

The profitability of our fixed-fee engagements with clients may not meet our expectations if we underestimate the cost of these engagements.

When making proposals for fixed-fee engagements, we estimate the costs and timing for completing the engagements. These estimates reflect our best judgment regarding the efficiencies of our methodologies and consultants as we plan to deploy them on engagements. Any increased or unexpected costs or unanticipated delays in connection with the

 

 

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performance of fixed-fee engagements, including delays caused by factors outside our control, could make these contracts less profitable or unprofitable, which would have an adverse effect on our profit margin. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, fixed-fee engagements represented 31.9%, 25.9% and 13.4% respectively, of our revenues.

Revenues from our performance-based engagements are difficult to predict, and the timing and extent of recovery of our costs is uncertain.

We have engagement agreements under which our fees include a significant performance-based component. Performance-based fees are contingent on the achievement of specific measures, such as our clients meeting cost-saving or other contractually defined goals. The achievement of these contractually-defined goals is subject to acknowledgement by the client and is often impacted by factors outside of our control, such as the actions of the client or other third parties. Because performance-based fees are contingent, revenues on such engagements, which are recognized when all revenue recognition criteria are met, are not certain and the timing of receipt is difficult to predict and may not occur evenly throughout the year. While performance-based fees comprised only 4.3%, 2.3% and 2.8% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, we expect that the percentage of performance-based fee engagements will increase due to Stockamp & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm that we acquired in the third quarter of 2008 and which has a large number of performance-based fee engagements. A greater number of performance-based fee arrangements may result in increased volatility in our working capital requirements and greater variations in our quarter-to-quarter results, which could affect the price of our common stock. In addition, an increase in the proportion of performance-based fee arrangements may temporarily offset the positive effect on our operating results from increases in our utilization rate or average billing rate per hour.

A significant portion of our revenues is derived from a limited number of clients, and our engagement agreements, including those related to our largest clients, can be terminated by our clients with little or no notice and without penalty, which may cause our operating results to be unpredictable.

As a consulting firm, we have derived, and expect to continue to derive, a significant portion of our revenues from a limited number of clients. Our ten largest clients accounted for approximately 21.4%, 26.1% and 31.2% of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. No single client accounted for more than 10.0% of our revenues in 2008 and 2007. Revenues from one client accounted for 10.2% of our revenues in 2006. Our clients typically retain us on an engagement-by-engagement basis, rather than under fixed-term contracts; the volume of work performed for any particular client is likely to vary from year to year and a major client in one fiscal period may not require or decide not to use our services in any subsequent fiscal period. Moreover, a large portion of our new engagements comes from existing clients. Accordingly, the failure to obtain new large engagements or multiple engagements from existing or new clients could have a material adverse effect on the amount of revenues we generate.

In addition, almost all of our engagement agreements can be terminated by our clients with little or no notice and without penalty. For example, in engagements related to litigation, if the litigation were to be settled, our engagement for those services would no longer be necessary and, therefore, would be terminated. In client engagements that involve multiple engagements or stages, there is a risk that a client may choose not to retain us for additional stages of an engagement or that a client will cancel or delay additional planned engagements. For clients in bankruptcy, a bankruptcy court could elect not to retain our interim management consultants, terminate our retention, require us to reduce our fees for the duration of an engagement, or approve claims against fees earned by us prior to or after the bankruptcy filing. Terminations of engagements, cancellations of portions of the project plan, delays in the work schedule or reductions in fees could result from factors unrelated to our services. When engagements are terminated or reduced, we lose the associated future revenues, and we may not be able to recover associated costs or redeploy the affected employees in a timely manner to minimize the negative impact. In addition, our clients’ ability to terminate engagements with little or no notice and without penalty makes it difficult to predict our operating results in any particular fiscal period.

Conflicts of interest could preclude us from accepting engagements thereby causing decreased utilization and revenues.

We provide services in connection with bankruptcy proceedings and litigation proceedings that usually involve sensitive client information and frequently are adversarial. In connection with bankruptcy proceedings, we are required by law to be “disinterested” and may not be able to provide multiple services to a particular client. In litigation we would generally be prohibited from performing services in the same litigation for the party adverse to our client. In addition, our engagement agreement with a client or other business reasons may preclude us from accepting engagements with our clients’ competitors or adversaries. As we increase the size of our operations and the complement of consulting services, the number of conflict situations will continue to increase. Moreover, in many industries in which we provide services, there has been a continuing trend toward business consolidations and strategic alliances. These consolidations and alliances reduce the number of companies that may seek our services and increase the chances that we will be unable to accept new engagements as a result of conflicts of interest. If we are unable to accept new engagements for any reason, our consultants may become underutilized, which would adversely affect our revenues and results of operations in future periods.

 

 

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Our engagements could result in professional liability, which could be very costly and hurt our reputation.

Our engagements typically involve complex analyses and the exercise of professional judgment. As a result, we are subject to the risk of professional liability. If a client questions the quality of our work, the client could threaten or bring a lawsuit to recover damages or contest its obligation to pay our fees. Litigation alleging that we performed negligently or breached any other obligations to a client could expose us to significant legal liabilities and, regardless of outcome, is often very costly, could distract our management and could damage our reputation. We are not always able to include provisions in our engagement agreements that are designed to limit our exposure to legal claims relating to our services. Even if these limiting provisions are included in an engagement agreement, they may not protect us or may not be enforceable under some circumstances. In addition, we carry professional liability insurance to cover many of these types of claims, but the policy limits and the breadth of coverage may be inadequate to cover any particular claim or all claims plus the cost of legal defense. For example, we provide services on engagements in which the impact on a client may substantially exceed the limits of our errors and omissions insurance coverage. If we are found to have professional liability with respect to work performed on such an engagement, we may not have sufficient insurance to cover the entire liability.

As a holding company, we are totally dependent on distributions from our operating subsidiaries to pay dividends or other obligations and there may also be other restrictions on our ability to pay dividends in the future.

We are a holding company with no business operations. Our only significant asset is the outstanding equity interests of our wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. As a result, we must rely on payments from our subsidiaries to meet our obligations. Accordingly, although we do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future, our subsidiaries may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to distribute funds to us in order to allow us to pay future dividends on, or make any distribution with respect to, our common stock. Our future credit facilities, other future debt obligations and statutory provisions may also limit our ability to pay dividends or make any distribution in respect of our common stock.

The nature of our services and the current economic environment make evaluating our business difficult.

Although we have consistently generated positive earnings since we became a public company, we may not sustain profitability in the future. Additionally, the current instability in the global economy makes it even harder to predict our future operating results. To sustain profitability, we must:

 

 

attract, integrate, retain and motivate highly qualified professionals;

 

 

achieve and maintain adequate utilization and suitable billing rates for our revenue-generating professionals;

 

 

expand our existing relationships with our clients and identify new clients in need of our services;

 

 

successfully re-sell engagements and secure new engagements every year, which may prove to be difficult in light of the current adverse economic conditions;

 

 

maintain and enhance our brand recognition; and

 

 

adapt quickly to meet changes in our markets, our business mix, the economic environment, the credit markets, and competitive developments.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

As of December 31, 2008, our principal executive offices in Chicago, Illinois, consisted of approximately 117,000 square feet of office space, under leases expiring through September 2014. We have two five-year renewal options that will allow us to continue to occupy the majority of this office space until September 2024. This facility accommodates our executive team and corporate departments, as well as professionals in each of our practices. We also have a core office located in New York City, New York, consisting of approximately 55,000 square feet of office space, under a lease that expires in July 2016, with one five-year renewal option. Additionally, we occupy leased facilities for our other domestic and international offices, including those located in the following major metropolitan cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Boston,

 

 

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Massachusetts; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, California; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco, California; Tokyo, Japan; and Washington, D.C. We also occupy leased facilities for our six document review centers located in Chicago, Illinois; Houston, Texas; Miramar, Florida; Morrisville, North Carolina; New York City, New York; and Rock Hill, South Carolina, totaling approximately 1,000 workstations. We do not own any real property. We believe that our leased facilities are adequate to meet our current needs and that additional facilities are available for lease to meet future needs.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Legal Proceedings at the Time of the Original Filing

On July 3, 2007, The Official Committee (the “Committee”) of Unsecured Creditors of Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Centers of New York d/b/a Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (“St. Vincents”), et al. filed suit against Huron Consulting Group Inc., certain of our subsidiaries, including Speltz & Weis LLC, and two of our former managing directors, David E. Speltz (“Speltz”) and Timothy C. Weis (“Weis”), in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York. On November 26, 2007, Gray & Associates, LLC (“Gray”), in its capacity as trustee on behalf of the SVCMC Litigation Trust, was substituted as plaintiff in the place of the Committee and on February 19, 2008, Gray filed an amended complaint in the action. Beginning in 2004, St. Vincents retained Speltz & Weis LLC to provide management services to St. Vincents, and its two principals, Speltz and Weis, were made the interim chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively, of St. Vincents. In May of 2005, we acquired Speltz & Weis LLC. On July 5, 2005, St. Vincents filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (“Bankruptcy Court”). On December 14, 2005, the Bankruptcy Court approved the retention of Speltz & Weis LLC and us in various capacities, including interim management, revenue cycle management and strategic sourcing services. The amended complaint filed by Gray alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties, breach of the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, malpractice, breach of contract, tortious interference with contract, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duties, certain fraudulent transfers and fraudulent conveyances, breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and civil conspiracy, and seeks at least $200 million in damages, disgorgement of fees, return of funds or other property transferred to Speltz & Weis LLC, attorneys’ fees, and unspecified punitive and other damages. We believe that the claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter. The suit is in the pre-trial stage and no trial date has been set.

From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the filing date of the Original Filing, we were not a party to or threatened with any other litigation or legal proceeding that, in our opinion, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expected results.

Legal Proceedings Since the Time of the Original Filing

Related to the Restatement

The SEC is commencing an investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement. We intend to cooperate fully with the SEC in its investigation. In addition, the following purported shareholder class action complaints have been filed in connection with our restatement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: (1) a complaint in the matter of Jason Hughes v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren and Gary L. Burge, filed on August 4, 2009; (2) a complaint in the matter of Dorothy DeAngelis v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge, Wayne Lipski and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed on August 5, 2009; (3) a complaint in the matter of Noel M. Parsons v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge, Wayne Lipski and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed on August 5, 2009; (4) a complaint in the matter of Adam Liebman v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge and Wayne Lipski, filed on August 5, 2009; (5) a complaint in the matter of Gerald Tobin v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed on August 7, 2009 and (6) Gary Austin v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge and Wayne Lipski, filed on August 7, 2009. The complaints assert claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and contend that the Company and the individual defendants issued false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial results and compliance with GAAP. We intend to defend vigorously the actions.

Other

In addition to the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, the Company conducted a

 

 

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separate inquiry, in response to an inquiry from the SEC, into the allocation of chargeable hours. This matter has no impact on billings to our clients, but could impact the timing of when revenue is recognized. Based on the Company’s internal inquiry, which is substantially complete, the Company has concluded that an adjustment to its historical financial statements is not required with respect to the matter. The SEC inquiry with respect to the allocation of chargeable hours is ongoing, and we intend to cooperate fully with the SEC in its inquiry.

Given the uncertain nature of the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, the SEC inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours and the private shareholder class action lawsuits in respect of the restatement, and the uncertainties related to the incurrence and amount of loss, including with respect to the imposition of fines, penalties, damages, administrative remedies and liabilities for additional amounts, with respect to the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry or the private lawsuits, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome in the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry or the private lawsuits. Any such liability could be material. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties relating to the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits and certain other risks and uncertainties that are heightened by the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits.

 

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

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2008.

PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “HURN”. The following table sets forth, on a per share basis and for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sales prices for our common stock as reported by The NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

     High    Low

2007:

     

First Quarter

   $ 67.32    $ 44.26

Second Quarter

   $ 73.47    $ 60.01

Third Quarter

   $ 77.06    $ 61.77

Fourth Quarter

   $ 83.25    $ 62.79

2008:

     

First Quarter

   $ 78.75    $ 40.63

Second Quarter

   $ 53.59    $ 41.36

Third Quarter

   $ 65.63    $ 44.89

Fourth Quarter

   $ 59.90    $ 42.60

Holders

As of February 13, 2009, there were 33 holders of record of Huron’s common stock.

 

 

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Dividends

We have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock since we became a public company and do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently expect that we will retain our future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Future cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other things, our future operations and earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors the board of directors may deem relevant. In addition, our bank credit agreement restricts dividends to an amount up to $10 million per fiscal year plus 50% of consolidated net income (adjusted for non-cash share-based compensation expense) for such fiscal year, plus 50% of net cash proceeds during such fiscal year with respect to any issuance of capital securities.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The information required by this item appears under “Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Our 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan permits the netting of common stock upon vesting of restricted stock awards to satisfy individual tax withholding requirements. During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we redeemed 7,197 shares of common stock with a weighted-average fair market value of $54.04 as a result of such tax withholdings as presented in the table below.

 

Period

   Total Number of
Shares Redeemed
to Satisfy Employee
Tax Withholding

Requirements
   Weighted-
Average Fair
Market Value

Per Share
Redeemed
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly

Announced Plans or
Programs
   Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs

October 1, 2008 – October 31, 2008

   5,177    $ 53.91    N/A    N/A

November 1, 2008 – November 30, 2008

   2,020    $ 54.37    N/A    N/A

December 1, 2008 – December 31, 2008

   —        —      N/A    N/A
                     

Total

   7,197    $ 54.04    N/A    N/A
                     

 

N/A – Not applicable.

 

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The following consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 have been restated to reflect adjustments to our financial statements as described in the “Explanatory Note” in the beginning of this Amendment, under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below, and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 did not change as a result of the restatement. The following selected consolidated financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The following data reflects the business acquisitions that we have completed through December 31, 2008. The results of operations for the acquired businesses have been included in our results of operations since the date of their acquisitions. The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below and the consolidated financial statements and related notes under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data

(in thousands, except per share data):

   Year Ended December 31,  
   2008     2007     2006     2005     2004  
     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)              

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

          

Revenues

   $ 615,476      $ 504,292      $ 288,588      $ 207,213      $ 159,550   

Reimbursable expenses

     56,700        43,661        33,330        18,749        14,361   
                                        

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     672,176        547,953        321,918        225,962        173,911   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses) (1):

          

Direct costs (2)

     390,974        311,008        167,399        117,768        93,248   

Intangible assets amortization

     6,629        7,993        2,207        1,314        —     

Reimbursable expenses

     56,717        43,449        33,506        18,982        14,281   
                                        

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     454,320        362,450        203,112        138,064        107,529   

Operating expenses:

          

Selling, general and administrative

     131,148        102,176        65,926        51,035        40,858   

Depreciation and amortization (1)

     23,291        17,207        9,201        5,282        2,365   

Restructuring charges

     2,343        —          —          —          3,475   
                                        

Total operating expenses

     156,782        119,383        75,127        56,317        46,698   
                                        

Operating income

     61,074        66,120        43,679        31,581        19,684   

Other income (expense):

          

Interest expense, net of interest income

     (13,773     (8,263     (703     472        (692

Other income (expense)

     (2,731     19        16        (37     —     
                                        

Total other income (expense)

     (16,504     (8,244     (687     435        (692
                                        

Income before provision for income taxes

     44,570        57,876        42,992        32,016        18,992   

Provision for income taxes

     34,489        33,596        20,133        14,247        8,128   
                                        

Net income

     10,081        24,280        22,859        17,769        10,864   

Accrued dividends on 8% preferred stock

     —          —          —          —          931   
                                        

Net income attributable to common stockholders

   $ 10,081      $ 24,280      $ 22,859      $ 17,769      $ 9,933   
                                        

Net income attributable to common stockholders per share (3):

          

Basic

   $ 0.55      $ 1.43      $ 1.40      $ 1.13      $ 0.77   

Diluted

   $ 0.53      $ 1.35      $ 1.32      $ 1.05      $ 0.72   

Weighted average shares used in calculating net income attributable to common stockholders per share (3):

          

Basic

     18,257        16,944        16,359        15,741        12,820   

Diluted

     19,082        18,033        17,317        16,858        13,765   

Cash dividend per common share (4)

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ 0.09   

 

 

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Consolidated Balance Sheet Data (in thousands):

   As of December 31,
   2008    2007    2006    2005    2004

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,106    $ 2,993    $ 16,572    $ 31,820    $ 28,092

Working capital

   $ 12,904    $ 33,511    $ 36,047    $ 52,272    $ 42,898

Total assets

   $ 779,597    $ 443,213    $ 199,444    $ 129,699    $ 83,219

Long-term debt (5)

   $ 280,204    $ 123,734    $ 1,000    $ 2,127    $ —  

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 319,026    $ 183,784    $ 116,580    $ 75,532    $ 49,233

 

(1) Intangible assets amortization relating to customer contracts, certain client relationships and software is presented as a component of total direct costs. Depreciation, amortization of leasehold improvements and amortization of other intangible assets are presented as a component of operating expenses.
(2) Includes non-cash compensation expense representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments totaling $30.6 million, $17.6 million and $3.8 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. These charges are further described in the “Explanatory Note” in the beginning of this Amendment, under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” below, and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
(3) Adjusted for a 1 for 2.3 reverse stock split effected on October 5, 2004.
(4) On May 12, 2004, we declared a special dividend on each outstanding share of our common stock and 8% preferred stock payable to holders of record on May 25, 2004. We paid the special dividend on June 29, 2004. The 8% preferred stock participated on an as converted basis. The aggregate amount of the dividend was $1.25 million, or $0.09 per share of common stock and $9.64 per share of 8% preferred stock. Other than the special dividend, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock since our inception and do not intend to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
(5) Consists of bank borrowings and capital lease obligations, net of current portions, at December 31, 2008 and 2007. Consists of notes payable issued in connection with the acquisition of Speltz & Weis LLC at December 31, 2006 and 2005. Also includes capital lease obligations, net of current portions, at December 31, 2005.

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

OVERVIEW

We are a leading provider of operational and financial consulting services. We help clients in diverse industries improve performance, comply with complex regulations, resolve disputes, recover from distress, leverage technology, and stimulate growth. We team with our clients to deliver sustainable and measurable results. Our highly experienced professionals employ their expertise in healthcare administration, accounting, finance, economics and operations to provide our clients with specialized analyses and customized advice and solutions that are tailored to address each client’s particular challenges and opportunities. Huron was formed in March 2002 and we commenced operations in May 2002. We were founded by a core group of experienced consultants, composed primarily of former Arthur Andersen LLP partners and professionals, along with equity sponsorship from a group of investors led by Lake Capital Management LLC. In October 2004, we completed our initial public offering and became a publicly traded company.

We provide our services and manage our business under four operating segments: Health and Education Consulting, Accounting and Financial Consulting (previously named Financial Consulting), Legal Consulting, and Corporate Consulting. See “Item 1. Business – Overview – Our Services” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K/A for a detailed discussion of our four segments.

We have grown significantly since we commenced operations through hiring and acquisitions of complementary businesses. Revenues in 2008 totaled $615.5 million, a 22.0% increase from 2007 and a 113.3% increase from 2006. These increases resulted from a combination of organic growth and business acquisitions. During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we have completed the following acquisitions:

MSGalt & Company, LLC

In April 2006, we acquired substantially all of the assets of MSGalt & Company, LLC (“Galt”), a specialized advisory firm that designs and implements corporate-wide programs to improve shareholder returns. With the acquisition of Galt, we expanded our value and service offerings to the offices of the chief executive officer and boards of Fortune 500 companies. This acquisition was consummated on April 3, 2006 and the results of operations of Galt have been included within our Corporate Consulting segment since that date. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $43.3 million. We financed this acquisition with cash on hand and borrowings under our bank credit agreement. Additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met over a

 

 

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four-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill. Also, additional payments may be made based on the amount of revenues the Company receives from referrals made by Galt employees over a four-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as an expense.

Document Review Consulting Services LLC and Aaxis Technology Inc.

In July 2006, we acquired Document Review Consulting Services LLC (“DRCS”), a consulting firm that provides comprehensive document review using experienced contract reviewers. Also in July 2006, we acquired Aaxis Technologies Inc. (“Aaxis”). Aaxis provides full-service electronic data discovery support to litigation teams and corporate counsel with a focus on forensics and data gathering, end-to-end data processing, and information consulting. The acquisitions of DRCS and Aaxis enhanced our service offerings to the offices of the general counsel and law firms by helping them manage digital information in a comprehensive manner during litigation, investigations, mergers and acquisitions, and other major transactions.

Wellspring Partners LTD

In January 2007, we acquired Wellspring Partners LTD (“Wellspring”), a management consulting firm specializing in integrated performance improvement services for hospitals and health systems. With the acquisition of Wellspring, we expanded our national presence in the healthcare provider sector and now provide a full complement of services to a wide spectrum of hospitals and multi-hospital systems. This acquisition was consummated on January 2, 2007 and the results of operations of Wellspring have been included within our Health and Education Consulting segment since that date. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $135.1 million. We financed this acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our bank credit agreement. Additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met over a five-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill.

Concurrent with the Stockamp acquisition described below, on July 8, 2008 we entered into an amendment to the Wellspring Stock Purchase Agreement. Effective January 1, 2009, in connection with the Stockamp acquisition, we combined Wellspring’s revenue cycle business with Stockamp’s revenue cycle business. As such, Wellspring will no longer be eligible for earn-out payments pertaining to that portion of the Wellspring business. In consideration for this, we paid Wellspring $20.0 million through the issuance of 440,296 shares of our common stock. Additionally, we provided Wellspring with a protection against a decline in the value of the shares issued. We were not required to make further payments upon the lapse of the price protection in January 2009. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for further details relating to the protection. The earn-out provision, as amended, pertaining to the non-revenue cycle portion of Wellspring’s business will remain in effect through December 31, 2011.

Glass & Associates, Inc.

Also in January 2007, we acquired Glass & Associates, Inc. (“Glass”), a turnaround and restructuring consulting firm that provides advice and leadership to troubled businesses in the United States and Europe. With the acquisition of Glass, we expanded our position in the consulting and restructuring marketplace, as well as expanded our interim management capabilities to distressed companies in industries beyond healthcare. The stock purchase agreement for this acquisition was executed on January 2, 2007 and the transaction was consummated on January 9, 2007 upon the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. The results of operations of Glass have been included within our Corporate Consulting segment since January 2, 2007. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $35.2 million. We financed this acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our bank credit agreement. Additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met over a four-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill. Also, additional payments may be made based on the amount of revenues the Company receives from referrals made by certain employees of Glass over a four-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as an expense.

Callaway Partners, LLC

In July 2007, we acquired Callaway Partners, LLC (“Callaway”), a professional services firm that specializes in finance and accounting projects, financial reporting, internal audit and controls, and corporate tax solutions. With Callaway’s extensive senior consultant and project management skills, along with its variable, on-demand workforce, we are better positioned to assist our clients with their accounting and corporate compliance challenges. This acquisition was consummated on July 29, 2007 and the results of operations of Callaway have been included within our Accounting and Financial Consulting segment since that date. The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $88.4 million. We financed this acquisition with borrowings under our bank credit agreement.

 

 

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On April 4, 2008, we entered into an amendment to the Callaway Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 28, 2007, whereby we settled the earn-out provision under Section 3.3 of the agreement in consideration for $23.0 million, payable in the form of a promissory note (the “Note”), and the waiver of certain indemnity obligations. The Note, along with accrued interest of $0.5 million, was paid in full on August 15, 2008.

Stockamp & Associates, Inc.

In July 2008, we acquired Stockamp & Associates, Inc. (“Stockamp”), a management consulting firm specializing in helping high-performing hospitals and health systems optimize their financial and operational performance. With the acquisition of Stockamp, we expanded our presence in the hospital consulting market and are better positioned to serve multiple segments of the healthcare industry, including major health systems, academic medical centers and community hospitals. This acquisition was consummated on July 8, 2008 and the results of operations of Stockamp have been included within our Health and Education Consulting segment since that date.

The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $229.3 million, which included $50.0 million paid through the issuance of 1,100,740 shares of our common stock. Of the 1,100,740 shares of common stock issued, 330,222 shares with an aggregate value of $15.0 million were deposited into escrow for a period of one year, beginning on July 8, 2008, to secure certain indemnification obligations of Stockamp and its shareholders. The purchase price is subject to change based on the finalization of the net working capital adjustment. For the period beginning on the closing date and ending on December 31, 2011, additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill. Additionally, we have provided Stockamp with a protection against a decline in the value of the shares issued. We were not required to make further payments upon the lapse of the price protection in January 2009 with respect to the shares not placed in escrow. The price protection with respect to the shares placed in escrow will lapse on July 9, 2009. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K for further details relating to the protection. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with borrowings under our credit agreement.

In addition to the accounting treatment described above with respect to the foregoing acquisitions, in certain of these acquisitions, portions of the purchase consideration that were redistributed by the selling shareholders among the selling shareholders and to certain of our employees based on performance or employment were also recorded as non-cash compensation expense. See below under the heading “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in this “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

How We Generate Revenues

A large portion of our revenues is generated by our full-time billable consultants who provide consulting services to our clients and are billable to our clients based on the number of hours worked. A smaller portion of our revenues is generated by our other professionals, consisting of finance and accounting consultants, specialized operational consultants and contract reviewers, all of whom work variable schedules, as needed by our clients. Other professionals also include our document review and electronic data discovery groups, as well as full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients. Our document review and electronic data discovery groups generate revenues primarily based on number of hours worked and units produced, such as pages reviewed or amount of data processed. We translate the hours that these other professionals work on client engagements into a full-time equivalent measure that we use to manage our business. We refer to our full-time billable consultants and other professionals collectively as revenue-generating professionals.

Revenues generated by our full-time billable consultants are primarily driven by the number of consultants we employ and their utilization rates, as well as the billing rates we charge our clients. Revenues generated by our full-time equivalents are largely dependent on the number of consultants we employ, their hours worked and billing rates charged, as well as the number of pages reviewed and amount of data processed in the case of our document review and electronic data discovery groups, respectively.

We generate the majority of our revenues from providing professional services under three types of billing arrangements: time-and-expense, fixed-fee, and performance-based.

Time-and-expense billing arrangements require the client to pay based on either the number of hours worked, the number of pages reviewed, or the amount of data processed by our revenue-generating professionals at agreed upon rates. We recognize revenues under time-and-expense billing arrangements as the related services are rendered. Time-and-expense engagements represented 63.2%, 71.8% and 83.8% of our revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

 

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In fixed-fee billing arrangements, we agree to a pre-established fee in exchange for a pre-determined set of professional services. We set the fees based on our estimates of the costs and timing for completing the engagements. It is the client’s expectation in these engagements that the pre-established fee will not be exceeded except in mutually agreed upon circumstances. We recognize revenues under fixed-fee billing arrangements using a percentage-of-completion approach, which is based on our estimates of work completed to-date versus the total services to be provided under the engagement. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, fixed-fee engagements represented approximately 31.9%, 25.9% and 13.4%, respectively, of our revenues.

In performance-based fee billing arrangements, fees are tied to the attainment of contractually defined objectives. We enter into performance-based engagements in essentially two forms. First, we generally earn fees that are directly related to the savings formally acknowledged by the client as a result of adopting our recommendations for improving cost effectiveness in the procurement area. Second, we have performance-based engagements in which we earn a success fee when and if certain pre-defined outcomes occur. Often this type of success fee supplements time-and-expense or fixed-fee engagements. We do not recognize revenues under performance-based billing arrangements until all related performance criteria are met. Performance-based fee revenues represented 4.3%, 2.3% and 2.8% of our revenues in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. We expect performance-based fee revenues to increase in the future due to our acquisition of Stockamp, which has a larger percentage of performance-based fee engagements. Performance-based fee engagements may cause significant variations in quarterly revenues and operating results due to the timing of achieving the performance-based criteria.

We also generate revenues from licensing our proprietary software to clients and from providing related training and support during the term of the consulting engagement. Revenues from software licenses are recognized ratably over the term of the related consulting services contract. Thereafter, clients pay an annual fee for software support and maintenance. Annual support and maintenance fee revenue is recognized ratably over the support period, which is generally one year. These fees are billed in advance and included in deferred revenues until recognized. Support and maintenance revenues represented 0.6% of our revenues in 2008 and none in 2007 and 2006.

Our quarterly results are impacted principally by our full-time billable consultants’ utilization rate, the number of business days in each quarter and the number of our revenue-generating professionals who are available to work. Our utilization rate can be negatively affected by increased hiring because there is generally a transition period for new professionals that results in a temporary drop in our utilization rate. Our utilization rate can also be affected by seasonal variations in the demand for our services from our clients. For example, during the third and fourth quarters of the year, vacations taken by our clients can result in the deferral of activity on existing and new engagements, which would negatively affect our utilization rate. The number of business work days is also affected by the number of vacation days taken by our consultants and holidays in each quarter. We typically have fewer business work days available in the fourth quarter of the year, which can impact revenues during that period.

Time-and-expense engagements do not provide us with a high degree of predictability as to performance in future periods. Unexpected changes in the demand for our services can result in significant variations in utilization and revenues and present a challenge to optimal hiring and staffing. Moreover, our clients typically retain us on an engagement-by-engagement basis, rather than under long-term recurring contracts. The volume of work performed for any particular client can vary widely from period to period.

Reimbursable expenses

Reimbursable expenses that are billed to clients, primarily relating to travel and out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with engagements, are included in total revenues and reimbursable expenses, and typically an equivalent amount of these expenses are included in total direct costs and reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses also include those subcontractors who are billed to our clients at cost. We manage our business on the basis of revenues before reimbursable expenses. We believe this is the most accurate reflection of our services because it eliminates the effect of these reimbursable expenses that we bill to our clients at cost.

Total direct costs

Our most significant expenses are costs classified as total direct costs. These total direct costs primarily include direct costs consisting of salaries, performance bonuses, payroll taxes and benefits for revenue-generating professionals, as well as fees paid to independent contractors that we retain to supplement these professionals, typically on an as-needed basis for specific client engagements. Direct costs also include share-based compensation, which represents the cost of restricted

 

 

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stock and stock option awards granted to our revenue-generating professionals. Compensation for share-based awards is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally four years. As a result of the granting of restricted common stock awards and anticipated future awards, share-based compensation expense will increase in the future. Total direct costs also include intangible assets amortization relating to customer contracts, certain customer relationships, and software.

Operating expenses

Our operating expenses include selling, general and administrative expenses, which consist primarily of salaries, performance bonuses, payroll taxes and benefits, as well as share-based compensation for our non-revenue-generating professionals. Compensation for share-based awards is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, which is generally four years. As a result of the granting of restricted common stock awards and anticipated future awards, share-based compensation expense will increase in the future. Also included in this category are sales and marketing related expenses, rent and other office-related expenses, professional fees, recruiting and training expenses, and restructuring charges. Other operating expenses include certain depreciation and amortization expenses not included in total direct costs.

Segment results

Segment operating income consists of the revenues generated by a segment, less the direct costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative costs that are incurred directly by the segment. Unallocated corporate costs include costs related to administrative functions that are performed in a centralized manner that are not attributable to a particular segment. These administrative function costs include corporate office support costs, certain office facility costs, costs relating to accounting and finance, human resources, legal, marketing, information technology and company-wide business development functions, as well as costs related to overall corporate management.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or GAAP. The notes to our consolidated financial statements include disclosure of our significant accounting policies. We review our financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies to ensure that our financial reporting and disclosures provide accurate information relative to the current economic and business environment. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make assessments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Critical accounting policies are those policies that we believe present the most complex or subjective measurements and have the most potential to impact our financial position and operating results. While all decisions regarding accounting policies are important, we believe that there are four accounting policies that could be considered critical. These critical accounting policies relate to revenue recognition, allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services, carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets, and valuation of net deferred tax assets.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin, or SAB, No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SAB No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.” Under SAB No. 104, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the related services are provided, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. We generate the majority of our revenues from providing professional services under three types of billing arrangements: time-and-expense, fixed-fee, and performance-based.

Time-and-expense billing arrangements require the client to pay based on either the number of hours worked, the number of pages reviewed, or the amount of data processed by our revenue-generating professionals at agreed-upon rates. We recognize revenues under time-and-expense arrangements as the related services are rendered.

In fixed-fee billing arrangements, we agree to a pre-established fee in exchange for a pre-determined set of professional services. We set the fees based on our estimates of the costs and timing for completing the engagements. It is the client’s expectation in these engagements that the pre-established fee will not be exceeded except in mutually agreed upon circumstances. We recognize revenues under fixed-fee billing arrangements using a percentage-of-completion approach, which is based on our estimates of work completed to-date versus the total services to be provided under the engagement. Estimates of total engagement revenues and cost of services are monitored regularly during the term of the engagement. If our estimates indicate a potential loss, such loss is recognized in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

 

 

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In performance-based billing arrangements, fees are tied to the attainment of contractually defined objectives. We do not recognize revenues under performance-based billing arrangements until all related performance criteria are met.

We also generate revenues from licensing our proprietary software to clients and from providing related training and support during the term of the consulting engagement. Licenses for our software are sold only as a component of our consulting projects and as such, there is no vendor specific objective evidence of fair value. Therefore, revenues from software licenses are recognized ratably over the term of the related consulting services contract. Thereafter, clients pay an annual fee for software support and maintenance. Annual support and maintenance fee revenue is recognized ratably over the support period, which is generally one year. These fees are billed in advance and included in deferred revenues until recognized.

We have arrangements with clients in which we provide multiple elements of services under one engagement contract. Revenues under these types of arrangements are allocated to each element based on the element’s fair value in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” and recognized pursuant to the criteria described above.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Unbilled Services

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and for services performed but not yet billed for estimated losses based on several factors, including the historical percentages of fee adjustments and write-offs by practice group, an assessment of a client’s ability to make required payments and the estimated cash realization from amounts due from clients. The allowances are assessed by management on a regular basis. These estimates may differ from actual results. If the financial condition of a client deteriorates in the future, impacting the client’s ability to make payments, an increase to our allowance might be required or our allowance may not be sufficient to cover actual write-offs.

We record the provision for doubtful accounts and unbilled services as a reduction in revenue to the extent the provision relates to fee adjustments and other discretionary pricing adjustments. To the extent the provision relates to a client’s inability to make required payments on accounts receivables, we record the provision in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Carrying Values of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Our goodwill balance as of December 31, 2008 was $505.7 million. Pursuant to the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is required to be tested at the reporting unit level for impairment annually or whenever indications of impairment arise. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, resulting in an impairment charge for this excess. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we aggregate our business components into reporting units and test for goodwill impairment. In testing for a potential impairment of goodwill, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare this fair value to the carrying value of the reporting units. In estimating the fair value of our reporting units, we use a discounted cash flow analysis, which involves estimating the expected after-tax cash flows that will be generated by each of the reporting units and then discounting these cash flows to present value. Significant estimates and projections are utilized when determining expected cash flows, such as revenue growth rates and profitability. As such, an impairment test involves considerable management judgment and estimates. Pursuant to our policy, we performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of April 30, 2008 and determined that no impairment of goodwill existed as of that date. Further, we evaluated whether any events have occurred or any circumstances have changed since April 30, 2008 that would indicate goodwill may have become impaired since our annual impairment test. In this evaluation, we considered qualitative factors such as any adverse change in the business climate, any loss of key personnel, and any unanticipated competition. Additionally, we considered quantitative factors such as our current estimates of the future profitability of our reporting units, our current stock price, and our market capitalization compared to our book value. Based on this evaluation, we determined that no indications of impairment have arisen since our annual goodwill impairment test.

Intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill. Our intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $32.4 million at December 31, 2008 and consist of customer contracts, customer relationships, non-competition agreements, tradenames, as well as technology and software. We use valuation techniques in estimating the initial fair value of acquired intangible assets. These valuations are primarily based on the present value of the estimated net cash flows expected to be derived from the client contracts and relationships, discounted for assumptions such as future customer attrition. We evaluate our intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Therefore, higher or earlier-than-expected customer attrition may result in higher future amortization charges or an impairment charge for customer-related intangible assets.

 

 

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Since our July 31, 2009 announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements, the price of our common stock has declined significantly. As such, we expect to engage in an impairment analysis with respect to the carrying value of our goodwill in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. See the discussion below under the heading “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in this “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a further discussion of the impairment test and the potential effects of a goodwill impairment.

Valuation of Net Deferred Tax Assets

We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. To the extent that deferred tax assets will not likely be recovered from future taxable income, a valuation allowance is established against such deferred tax assets.

In preparing financial statements, we exercise significant judgment in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation allowance. In determining our provision for income taxes on an interim basis, we estimate our annual effective tax rate based on information available at each interim period. In determining whether a valuation allowance is warranted, we consider the historical and estimated future taxable income and other relevant factors of the operation recording the respective deferred tax asset. If actual results differ from our estimates, or if these estimates are adjusted in future periods, an adjustment to the valuation allowance may be required. To the extent that we increase the valuation allowance, our provision for income taxes will increase and our net income will decrease in the period that the adjustment is made. As of December 31, 2008, we have recorded net deferred tax assets totaling $17.8 million and have established a valuation allowance of $2.2 million primarily due to uncertainties relating to our ability to utilize deferred tax assets recorded for foreign operating loss carryforwards.

RESTATEMENT OF PREVIOUSLY-ISSUED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The discussion of our financial condition and results of operations below has been restated to reflect adjustments made to our consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

The restatement relates to four businesses that we acquired between 2005 and 2007 (the “Acquired Businesses”). Pursuant to the purchase agreements for each of these acquisitions, payments were made by us to the selling shareholders (1) upon closing of the transaction, (2) in some cases, upon the Acquired Businesses achieving specific financial performance targets over a number of years (“earn-outs”), and (3) in one case, upon the buy-out of an obligation to make earn-out payments. These payments are collectively referred to as “acquisition-related payments.”

The acquisition-related payments made by us to the selling shareholders represented purchase consideration. As such, these payments, to the extent that they exceeded the net of the fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, were properly recorded as goodwill, in accordance with GAAP. Payments made upon the closing of the acquisition were recorded as goodwill on the date of closing. Earn-out payments were recorded as purchase consideration resulting in additional goodwill when the financial performance targets were met by the Acquired Businesses. The payment made upon the buy-out of an obligation to make earn-out payments was recorded as goodwill on the date of the buy-out.

It recently came to the attention of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors that, in connection with one of these acquisitions, the selling shareholders had an agreement among themselves to reallocate a portion of their earn-outs to an employee of the Company who was not a selling shareholder. Following this discovery, the Audit Committee commenced an inquiry into the relevant facts and circumstances of all of our prior acquisitions to determine if similar situations existed. The Audit Committee notified the Company’s independent auditors who had not previously been aware of the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments (in each case, as defined below).

This inquiry resulted in the discovery that the selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses made one or both of the following types of payments:

 

1) The selling shareholders redistributed portions of their acquisition-related payments among themselves in amounts that were not consistent with their ownership interests on the date we acquired the business (“Shareholder Payments”). These Shareholder Payments were dependent, in part, on continuing employment with the Company or on the achievement of personal performance measures.

 

 

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2) The selling shareholders redistributed portions of their acquisition-related payments to certain of our employees who were not selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses (“Employee Payments”). These Employee Payments were dependent on continuing employment with the Company or on the achievement of personal performance measures. The Company employees who received the Employee Payments were client-serving and administrative employees of the respective Acquired Businesses at the date such businesses were acquired by us as well as similar employees hired by or assigned to the respective Acquired Businesses after the date of such acquisitions.

This restatement is necessary because we failed to account for the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments in accordance with GAAP. The selling shareholders were not prohibited from making the Shareholder Payments or the Employee Payments under the terms of the purchase agreements with the Company for the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses. However, under GAAP, including guidance promulgated by the SEC, actions of economic interest holders in a company may be imputed to the company itself. The selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses meet the criteria of economic interest holders of Huron due to their ability to earn additional consideration from Huron. As such, when the selling shareholders redistribute acquisition-related payments among themselves or redistribute a portion of their acquisition-related payments to our employees who were not selling shareholders based on employment or performance-based criteria, these payments are viewed as resulting from services that are assumed to have benefited Huron and must therefore be recorded as non-cash compensation expense incurred by Huron under GAAP. Accordingly, the Employee Payments and the Shareholder Payments are imputed to us. In the case of the Shareholder Payments, such payments are imputed to us even when the amounts that are received by the selling shareholders in the redistribution do not differ significantly from the amounts the selling shareholders would have received if the portion of the acquisition-related payments redistributed based on performance or employment had been distributed solely in accordance with the ownership interests of the applicable selling shareholders on the date we acquired the business. In effect, the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments are in substance a second and separate transaction from our acquisition of the Acquired Businesses, which should have been recorded as a separate non-cash accounting entry. Both the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments are therefore required to be reflected as non-cash compensation expense of Huron, and the selling shareholders are deemed to have made a capital contribution to Huron. The entries are non-cash because the payments were made directly by the selling shareholders from the acquisition proceeds they received from us. We did not expend additional cash with respect to the compensation charge.

Based on its inquiry into the facts and circumstances underlying the restatement, which is now substantially complete, the Audit Committee determined that the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not properly recorded in our financial statements because senior management did not properly take into account the impact of the selling shareholders’ redistribution of the acquisition-related payments when determining the appropriate accounting treatment. In some cases, senior management was unaware of the redistributions. In other cases, senior management was aware of the redistributions but either misunderstood or misapplied the appropriate accounting guidance. As a result, the facts and circumstances surrounding the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not fully described in representation letters previously provided to our independent auditors.

In light of these determinations and given the magnitude of the accounting errors underlying the restatement, our Board of Directors concluded that it was appropriate for the Company to appoint a new Chairman, a new Chief Executive Officer, a new Chief Financial Officer and a new Chief Accounting Officer. Our Board of Directors and Gary Holdren, our then Chief Executive Officer, agreed that he should resign as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. George Massaro, who was the then Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, was elected as our Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. James Roth, one of the founders of the Company, was named Chief Executive Officer. James Rojas, another founder of the Company, was named Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Gary Burge who will remain as Treasurer and remain with the Company until the end of 2009. Wayne Lipski, previously Chief Accounting Officer, will be leaving the Company.

As discussed above, only a portion of the acquisition-related payments to selling shareholders was redistributed among themselves based on performance or employment while the balance was distributed in accordance with their ownership interests on the date we acquired the business. The total amounts of the acquisition-related payments received by the selling shareholders after the redistribution did not differ significantly from the amounts such selling shareholders would have received if the distribution of such portion of the acquisition-related payments had been made in proportion to their

 

 

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respective ownership interests. Under GAAP, however, we are required to recognize as non-cash compensation expense the entire amount of the acquisition-related payment that was subject to redistribution based on performance or employment and not merely the difference between the amount a selling shareholder received following such redistribution and the amount such selling shareholder would have received if such portion had been distributed in accordance with his ownership interests.

Accordingly, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recognized as non-cash compensation expense $25.2 million, $12.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively, of Shareholder Payments, representing the full amount of the acquisition-related payments that was subject to redistribution based on performance or employment of the selling shareholders. Of these amounts, however, $2.7 million, $2.4 million and $0.1 million were received by four selling shareholders, six selling shareholders and two selling shareholders in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, in excess of the amounts that such selling shareholders would have received if such portion of the acquisition-related payments had been distributed solely in accordance with their ownership interests in the Acquired Businesses. Correspondingly, seven selling shareholders, five selling shareholders and one selling shareholder received amounts that were less than the amounts they would have received in light of their ownership percentages totaling $2.7 million, $2.4 million and $0.1 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we recognized $5.4 million, $4.8 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of non-cash compensation expense for Employee Payments. These payments were received by eight employees in 2008, 25 employees in 2007, and 37 employees in 2006. Accordingly, certain selling shareholders received a correspondingly smaller amount of the acquisition-related payments than they would have received based on their ownership interests in the Acquired Businesses.

Based on the results of the Company’s inquiry into the acquisition-related payments matter to date and the agreement amendments described below, we currently anticipate that future earn-outs will only be accounted for as additional purchase consideration and not also as non-cash compensation expense. Effective August 1, 2009, the selling shareholders of two of the Acquired Businesses each amended certain agreements related to the earn-outs to provide that future earn-outs will be distributed only to the applicable selling shareholders and only in accordance with their equity interests on the date we acquired the business with no required continuing employment, and no further Shareholder Payments or Employee Payments will be made. We expect to recognize approximately $8.3 million of non-cash compensation expense during the first seven months of 2009 related to Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments for that period. In addition, we expect to incur a moderate increase in cash compensation expense in future periods related to Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments for such periods, which we currently estimate to be no more than $4 million in each of 2009, 2010 and 2011. However, there can be no assurance that additional information will not be discovered that will require future acquisition-related payments pertaining to the Acquired Businesses to continue to be accounted for as non-cash compensation expense, which would be material to our results of operations through 2011. The earn-out payments for one of the Acquired Businesses are payable through March 31, 2010, and the earn-out payments for a second Acquired Business are payable through December 31, 2011. There are no additional earn-out obligations related to the other two Acquired Businesses. Additionally, as a result of the impact that our restatement may have on our business, we expect to incur a moderate increase in cash compensation expense to retain our top-performing employees. We also expect an increase in operating expenses, including legal fees, as a result of the Company’s inquiries into the acquisition-related payments and the allocation of chargeable hours further described below, the restatement, the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, the SEC inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours and the private shareholder class action lawsuits in respect of the restatement.

As a result of the correction of these non-tax deductible errors, we recalculated our provision for income taxes for each of the quarterly periods using the annual effective income tax rate method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” As such, our interim quarterly provision for income taxes decreased in certain periods and increased in others, with a corresponding change in income tax receivable or payable. However, there is no change to our provision for income taxes or our tax accounts on an annual basis. While the correction of these errors significantly reduced our net income and earnings per share for each of the affected periods, it had no effect on our total assets, total liabilities, or total stockholders’ equity on an annual basis. Further, the correction of these errors had no effect on our net cash flows. The tables below summarize the impact of the restatement on our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except earnings per share). The effects of the restatement, including the tax adjustments, for each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are further presented in note “18. Restatement of Previously-Issued Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited)” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

 

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2008

   Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2008
 
   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Shareholder Payments

   $ 3,681      $ 11,546      $ 4,708        5,253      $ 25,188   

Employee Payments

     1,339        1,339        1,339        1,365        5,382   
                                        

Total Non-cash Compensation Expense

   $ 5,020      $ 12,885      $ 6,047      $ 6,618      $ 30,570   
                                        

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 5,020      $ 12,885      $ 6,047      $ 6,618      $ 30,570   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 2,144      $ (4,211   $ 345      $ 1,722      $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (7,164   $ (8,674   $ (6,392   $ (8,340   $ (30,570

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.41   $ (0.50   $ (0.33   $ (0.44   $ (1.68

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.39   $ (0.48   $ (0.32   $ (0.41   $ (1.60

2007

   Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2007
 
   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Shareholder Payments

   $ 1,894      $ 1,955      $ 4,299      $ 4,650      $ 12,798   

Employee Payments

     1,178        1,167        1,295        1,183        4,823   
                                        

Total Non-cash Compensation Expense

   $ 3,072      $ 3,122      $ 5,594      $ 5,833      $ 17,621   
                                        

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 3,072      $ 3,122      $ 5,594      $ 5,833      $ 17,621   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 678      $ 722      $ (822   $ (578   $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (3,750   $ (3,844   $ (4,772   $ (5,255   $ (17,621

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.23   $ (0.23   $ (0.27   $ (0.31   $ (1.04

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.21   $ (0.21   $ (0.27   $ (0.28   $ (0.97

2006

   Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2006
 
   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Shareholder Payments

   $ —        $ 28      $ 28      $ 29      $ 85   

Employee Payments

     1,473        792        790        690        3,745   
                                        

Total Non-cash Compensation Expense

   $ 1,473      $ 820      $ 818      $ 719      $ 3,830   
                                        

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 1,473      $ 820      $ 818      $ 719      $ 3,830   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ (360   $ (14   $ 171      $ 203      $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (1,113   $ (806   $ (989   $ (922   $ (3,830

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.07   $ (0.06   $ (0.05   $ (0.05   $ (0.23

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.07   $ (0.04   $ (0.06   $ (0.05   $ (0.22

On August 4, 2009, we signed an Acknowledgment and Consent Agreement with respect to the Credit Agreement. We requested an advance of $6.0 million under the revolving credit facility to fund current working capital needs during the interim period while we restate our financial statements. The lenders agreed to this request subject to a reservation of rights under the Credit Agreement. This advance, together with collections on our accounts receivable, provided adequate working capital during the interim period prior to the restatement of our financial statements. We expect to be in full compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement once the restatement is completed and compliance certificates for the second quarter of 2009 are provided to the lenders. We have been engaging, and expect to continue to engage, in regular discussions with our lenders.

On July 31, 2009, immediately prior to our announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements, the price of our common stock was $44.35 per share. As of the close of business on August 3, 2009, the business day next following such announcement, the price of our common stock was $13.69 per share. As a result of the significant decline in the price of our common stock, we expect to engage in an impairment analysis with respect to the carrying value of our goodwill in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. If following such analysis we are required to record a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, we may not be in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement. In the absence of an amendment or waiver from our lenders, failure to comply with such covenants may result in (1) a default interest rate of 2% being charged in addition to the interest rate as determined

 

 

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under the Credit Agreement on all of our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, (2) our not being able to make additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which we rely on to fund our operations, and (3) the lenders requiring us to repay our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, which totaled $295 million as of June 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement or, if we are not, that we will obtain the necessary amendments or waivers and, even if we are able to obtain them, such amendments or waivers may subject us to terms materially less favorable to us than those in our current agreement. Such amended terms could expose us to significant risks related to increased interest rates, may require us to dedicate a larger portion of our cash from operations to service indebtedness and may limit our ability to obtain additional funding under the Credit Agreement. A discussion of the risks and uncertainties relating to the Credit Agreement and our ability to borrow funds under the Credit Agreement is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors”.

The SEC is commencing an investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement. In addition to the SEC investigation, we conducted a separate inquiry, in response to an inquiry from the SEC, into the allocation of chargeable hours. This matter has no impact on billings to our clients, but could impact the timing of when revenue is recognized. Based on our internal inquiry, which is substantially complete, we have concluded that an adjustment to our historical financial statements is not required with respect to this matter. The SEC inquiry with respect to the allocation of chargeable hours is ongoing. We intend to cooperate fully with the SEC in its investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement and its inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours. In addition, several purported shareholder class action complaints have been filed in connection with our restatement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, which assert claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and contend that the Company and the individual defendants issued false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial results and compliance with GAAP. We intend to defend vigorously the actions. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a description of these lawsuits.

Given the uncertain nature of the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, the SEC inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours and the private shareholder class action lawsuits in respect of the restatement, and the uncertainties related to the incurrence and amount of loss, including with respect to the imposition of fines, penalties, damages, administrative remedies and liabilities for additional amounts, with respect to the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry or the private lawsuits, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome in the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry or the private lawsuits. Any such liability could be material. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties relating to the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits and certain other risks and uncertainties that are heightened by the SEC investigation, the SEC inquiry and the private lawsuits.

 

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The tables below summarize the impact of the restatement on segment operating income and segment operating margin for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The restatement had no impact on segment revenues and consolidated revenues.

 

(in thousands)

   Health and
Education
Consulting
    Accounting
& Financial
Consulting
    Legal
Consulting
   Corporate
Consulting
    Total  

Year Ended 2008

           

Revenues before reimbursable

   $ 275,510      $ 134,011      $ 121,413    $ 84,542      $ 615,476   

Operating income – As reported

   $ 108,784      $ 32,010      $ 37,780    $ 24,426      $ 203,000   

Adjustments (1)

     (14,966     (11,554     —        (4,050     (30,570
                                       

Operating income – As restated

   $ 93,818      $ 20,456      $ 37,780    $ 20,376      $ 172,430   
                                       

Operating margin – As reported

     39.5%        23.9%        31.1%      28.9%     

Adjustments (1)

     (5.4%     (8.6%     —        (4.8%  
                                 

Operating margin – As restated

     34.1%        15.3%        31.1%      24.1%     
                                 

Year Ended 2007

           

Revenues before reimbursable

   $ 181,439      $ 156,013      $ 89,849    $ 76,991      $ 504,292   

Operating income – As reported

   $ 66,289      $ 60,873      $ 28,293    $ 19,961      $ 175,416   

Adjustments (1)

     (12,819     (2,195     —        (2,607     17,621   
                                       

Operating income – As restated

   $ 53,470      $ 58,678      $ 28,293    $ 17,354      $ 157,795   
                                       

Operating margin – As reported

     36.5%        39.0%        31.5%      25.9%     

Adjustments (1)

     (7.0%     (1.4%     —        (3.4%  
                                 

Operating margin – As restated

     29.5%        37.6%        31.5%      22.5%     
                                 

Year Ended 2006

           

Revenues before reimbursable

   $ 84,108      $ 109,220      $ 47,774    $ 47,486      $ 288,588   

Operating income – As reported

   $ 25,375      $ 50,304      $ 13,884    $ 17,816      $ 107,379   

Adjustments (1)

     (2,260     —          —        (1,570     (3,830
                                       

Operating income – As restated

   $ 23,115      $ 50,304      $ 13,884    $ 16,246      $ 103,549   
                                       

Operating margin – As reported

     30.2%        46.1%        29.1%      37.5%     

Adjustments (1)

     (2.7%     —          —        (3.3%  
                                 

Operating margin – As restated

     27.5%        46.1%        29.1%      34.2%     
                                 

 

1) Consists of non-cash compensation expense representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.”

 

 

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The following table sets forth restated selected segment and consolidated operating results for the periods indicated, as well as other operating data, which was not affected by the restatement.

 

Segment and Consolidated Operating Results

(in thousands):

   Year Ended December 31,  
   2008     2007     2006  
     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

      

Health and Education Consulting

   $ 275,510      $ 181,439      $ 84,108   

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     134,011        156,013        109,220   

Legal Consulting

     121,413        89,849        47,774   

Corporate Consulting

     84,542        76,991        47,486   
                        

Total revenues

     615,476        504,292        288,588   

Total reimbursable expenses

     56,700        43,661        33,330   
                        

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

   $ 672,176      $ 547,953      $ 321,918   
                        

Operating income:

      

Health and Education Consulting

   $ 93,818      $ 53,470      $ 23,115   

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     20,456        58,678        50,304   

Legal Consulting

     37,780        28,293        13,884   

Corporate Consulting

     20,376        17,354        16,246   
                        

Total segment operating income

     172,430        157,795        103,549   

Operating expenses not allocated to segments

     111,356        91,675        59,870   
                        

Operating income

   $ 61,074      $ 66,120      $ 43,679   
                        

Other Operating Data

                  

Number of full-time billable consultants (at period end) (1):

      

Health and Education Consulting

     918        439        274   

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     306        367        268   

Legal Consulting

     163        173        121   

Corporate Consulting

     171        230        131   
                        

Total

     1,558        1,209        794   

Average number of full-time billable consultants (for the period) (1):

      

Health and Education Consulting

     653        381        231   

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     338        315        239   

Legal Consulting

     164        139        112   

Corporate Consulting

     207        191        117   
                        

Total

     1,362        1,026        699   

Full-time billable consultant utilization rate (2):

      

Health and Education Consulting

     79.7     79.4     79.3

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     53.4     73.7     81.6

Legal Consulting

     62.8     73.4     71.7

Corporate Consulting

     64.2     67.7     72.7

Total

     68.8     74.6     77.8

 

 

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Other Operating Data (continued):

   Year Ended December 31,
   2008    2007    2006

Full-time billable consultant average billing rate per hour (3):

        

Health and Education Consulting

   $ 251    $ 271    $ 231

Accounting and Financial Consulting

   $ 271    $ 290    $ 285

Legal Consulting

   $ 235    $ 240    $ 232

Corporate Consulting

   $ 322    $ 303    $ 307

Total

   $ 263    $ 278    $ 263

Revenue per full-time billable consultant (in thousands):

        

Health and Education Consulting

   $ 381    $ 407    $ 345

Accounting and Financial Consulting

   $ 267    $ 398    $ 443

Legal Consulting

   $ 269    $ 305    $ 297

Corporate Consulting

   $ 394    $ 390    $ 403

Total

   $ 341    $ 387    $ 381

Average number of full-time equivalents (for the period) (4):

        

Health and Education Consulting

     71      60      14

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     176      125      7

Legal Consulting

     583      338      120

Corporate Consulting

     8      7      1
                    

Total

     838      530      142

Revenue per full-time equivalents (in thousands):

        

Health and Education Consulting

   $ 379    $ 438    $ 319

Accounting and Financial Consulting

   $ 249    $ 246    $ 474

Legal Consulting

   $ 133    $ 141    $ 121

Corporate Consulting

   $ 385    $ 344    $ 282

Total

   $ 180    $ 202    $ 159

 

(1) Consists of our full-time professionals who provide consulting services and generate revenues based on the number of hours worked.
(2) Utilization rate for our full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing the number of hours all our full-time billable consultants worked on client assignments during a period by the total available working hours for all of these consultants during the same period, assuming a forty-hour work week, less paid holidays and vacation days.
(3) Average billing rate per hour for our full-time billable consultants is calculated by dividing revenues for a period by the number of hours worked on client assignments during the same period.
(4) Consists of consultants who work variable schedules as needed by our clients, as well as contract reviewers and other professionals who generate revenues primarily based on number of hours worked and units produced, such as pages reviewed and data processed. Also includes full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients.

 

 

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Year ended December 31, 2008 compared to year ended December 31, 2007

Revenues

Revenues increased $111.2 million, or 22.0%, to $615.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $504.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. We acquired Stockamp on July 8, 2008 and, therefore, revenues for 2008 included six months of revenues generated by Stockamp while revenues for 2007 did not include any revenues from Stockamp. We acquired Callaway on July 29, 2007 and therefore, revenues for 2008 included twelve months of revenues generated by Callaway while revenues for 2007 included five months of revenues generated by Callaway.

Of the overall $111.2 million increase in revenues, $66.9 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $44.3 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. Full-time equivalents consist of finance and accounting consultants, specialized operational consultants and contract reviewers, all of whom work variable schedules as needed by our clients. Full-time equivalents also include our document review and electronic data discovery groups, as well as full-time employees who provide software support and maintenance services to our clients. The $66.9 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues was attributable to an increase in the number of consultants, particularly in our Health and Education Consulting segment resulting from internal growth and our acquisition of Stockamp, partially offset by a decline in both the utilization rate and the average billing rate of our consultants. The $44.3 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues resulted from greater demand and usage of contract reviewers in our document review group, as well as from our acquisition of Callaway, which heavily utilizes variable, on-demand consultants.

During 2008, our Accounting and Financial Consulting segment experienced a 14.1% decline in revenues as we had several large engagements that wound down and which have not been replaced by similarly-sized engagements. This decline in revenues was more than offset by increases in revenues in our Health and Education and Legal Consulting segments as demand for healthcare and electronic discovery services continue to grow.

Total direct costs

Our direct costs increased $80.0 million, or 25.7%, to $391.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $311.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Approximately $49.7 million of the increase was attributable to the increase in the average number of revenue-generating professionals and the promotion of our employees during the year, including ten to the managing director level effective January 1, 2008, and their related salaries and benefits costs. Additionally, $11.2 million of the increase in direct costs was attributable to an increased usage of independent contractors. Share-based compensation expense associated with our revenue-generating professionals increased $4.0 million, or 33.1%, to $16.1 million during 2008 from $12.1 million during 2007. Additionally, we recorded non-cash compensation expense totaling $30.6 million and $17.6 million during 2008 and 2007, respectively, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.”

Total direct costs for the year ended December 31, 2008 included $6.6 million of intangible assets amortization expense, representing customer-related assets and software acquired in connection with the Stockamp acquisition. Total direct costs for the year ended December 31, 2007 included $8.0 million of intangible assets amortization expense, primarily attributable to customer contracts acquired in connection with the acquisitions of Wellspring, Glass and Callaway, all of which were fully amortized during 2007.

Operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $28.9 million, or 28.4%, to $131.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $102.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Promotional and marketing expenses increased $8.5 million, or 58.6%, to $23.0 million for 2008 from $14.5 million for 2007, as we continue to build our brand. Approximately $4.7 million of the increase in selling, general and administrative costs was due to an increase in non-revenue-generating professionals and their related compensation and benefits costs. We added a number of non-revenue-generating professionals during the past year to support our growth. The remaining increase in selling, general and administrative costs during 2008 compared to 2007 was due to a $4.8 million increase in facilities costs, a $2.9 million increase in share-based compensation expense, a $2.8 million increase attributable to company and team meetings, and a $2.8 million increase in our provision for bad debt. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2008, we reduced our workforce to balance our employee base with current revenue expectations, market demand and areas of focus. This reduction included the elimination of the operational consulting group within the Corporate Consulting segment and a reduction in the number of consultants in various other practice groups. Restructuring charges associated with these actions were $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

 

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Depreciation expense increased $4.8 million, or 44.0%, to $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 as computers, network equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements were added to support our increase in employees. Non-direct intangible assets amortization expense for 2008 and 2007 was $7.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively. The increase in 2008 was attributable to amortization of intangible assets, including customer relationships, non-competition agreements and tradenames acquired in connection with our acquisitions.

Operating income

Operating income decreased $5.0 million, or 7.6%, to $61.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Operating margin, which is defined as operating income expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 9.9% in 2008 from 13.1% in 2007. The decline in operating margin was attributable to higher non-cash compensation expense and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues, coupled with the restructuring charges described above. Non-cash compensation expense totaling $30.6 million in 2008 and $17.6 million in 2007, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” reduced our operating margin by 500 basis points in 2008 and 350 basis points in 2007.

Due to the costs associated with the factors listed below, we expect our direct costs and operating expenses to continue to increase in 2009 as compared to 2008.

 

 

During 2008, we increased the number of our full-time revenue-generating managing directors from 163 at December 31, 2007 to 177 at December 31, 2008 through new hires and business acquisitions. In addition, in January 2009, we promoted 17 of our revenue-generating directors to the managing director level. During 2009, we expect to continue to hire additional managing directors and anticipate that some of them may not be in a position to generate revenues for a period of six months or more, as they will initially focus their time on new sales efforts. Additionally, a significant number of the managing directors who we will hire in 2009 may be subject to restrictive covenants and may require additional time to establish new client relationships.

 

 

In 2009, we expect to hire additional managers, associates and analysts in certain practice areas to support and better leverage our directors and managing directors.

 

 

We expect to continue to use variable on-demand consultants, contract reviewers and independent contractors to supplement our full-time staff as needed based on demand for our services.

 

 

To attract, retain and recognize talented professionals, we have and will continue to use share-based awards as a component of our compensation program. If the price of Huron’s common stock increases, share-based compensation expense associated with future awards may also increase.

As described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” no further Shareholder Payments or Employee Payments will be made as result of amendments to the agreements among the selling shareholders effective August 1, 2009. We expect to recognize approximately $8.3 million of non-cash compensation expense during the first seven months of 2009 related to Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments for that period. In addition, we expect to incur a moderate increase in cash compensation expense in future periods related to Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments for such periods, which we currently estimate to be no more than $4 million in each of 2009, 2010 and 2011. However, there can be no assurance that additional information will not be discovered that will require future acquisition-related payments pertaining to the Acquired Businesses to continue to be accounted for as non-cash compensation expense, which would be material to our results of operations through 2011. Additionally, as a result of the impact that our restatement may have on our business, we expect to incur a moderate increase in cash compensation expense to retain our top-performing employees. We also expect an increase in operating expenses, including legal fees, as a result of the Company’s inquiries into the acquisition-related payments and the allocation of chargeable hours, the restatement, the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement, the SEC inquiry into the allocation of chargeable hours and the private shareholder class action lawsuits in respect of the restatement.

Other expense

Other expense increased $8.3 million, or 100.2%, to $16.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $8.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Of the $8.3 million increase, $5.5 million was attributable to an increase in interest expense from higher levels of borrowings during 2008, partially offset by a decrease in interest rates. Additionally, we incurred a $1.8 million loss due to a decline in the market value of our investments that are used to fund our deferred compensation liability. This loss was largely offset by a $1.5 million reduction in direct costs as our corresponding deferred compensation liability decreased. The remaining increase in other expense was due to net foreign currency transaction losses totaling $0.9 million.

 

 

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As further described below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, the fees and interest we pay on outstanding borrowings vary based on our total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio as set forth in the Credit Agreement. As a result of our restatement, our historical EBITDA decreased resulting in higher fees and interest expense for certain historical periods totaling $0.1 million. We will recognize this amount in the second quarter of 2009. Additionally, the fees and interest expense we pay on outstanding borrowings in the future may exceed those paid historically as a result of a decrease in our EBITDA and the impact of a lower EBITDA on the total debt to EBITDA ratio.

Provision for income taxes

Our effective income tax rate increased to 77.4% in 2008 from 58.0% in 2007. The higher effective income tax rate in 2008 was attributable to an increase in the valuation allowance for foreign losses, foreign tax credit limitations resulting from our expansion in foreign countries, and the non-deductibility of certain items including market losses related to investments used to fund our deferred compensation liability. Additionally, non-cash compensation expense totaling $30.6 million in 2008 and $17.6 million in 2007, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements”, are not tax deductible because these payments were not made by us. As such, these charges increased our effective income tax rate by 3,150 basis points in 2008 and 1,350 basis points in 2007.

Net income

Net income decreased $14.2 million, or 58.5%, to $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to higher non-cash compensation expense totaling $30.6 million in 2008 compared to $17.6 million in 2007, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.” Diluted earnings per share decreased 60.7% to $0.53 for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $1.35 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease in earnings per share was attributable to the decrease in net income, coupled with the dilutive impact of the shares issued in connection with the acquisition of Stockamp and the amendment to the Wellspring Stock Purchase Agreement. Non-cash compensation expense reduced diluted earnings per share by $1.60 in 2008 and $0.97 in 2007.

Segment Results

Health and Education Consulting

Revenues

Health and Education Consulting segment revenues increased $94.1 million, or 51.8%, to $275.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $181.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Revenues for 2008 included six months of revenues from our acquisition of Stockamp while revenues for 2007 did not include any revenues from Stockamp. For 2008, revenues from time-and-expense engagements, fixed-fee engagements, performance-based engagements and software and maintenance arrangements represented 40.0%, 50.0%, 8.6% and 1.4% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 51.3%, 44.8%, 3.9% and 0%, respectively, for 2007.

Of the overall $94.1 million increase in revenues, $93.5 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $0.6 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $93.5 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the number of consultants, partially offset by a decrease in the average billing rate per hour for this segment.

Operating income

Health and Education Consulting segment operating income increased $40.3 million, or 75.5%, to $93.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Health and Education Consulting segment operating margin, defined as segment operating income expressed as a percentage of segment revenues, increased to 34.1% in 2008 from 29.5% in 2007, primarily due to lower cash compensation expense and non-cash compensation expense as a percentage of revenues. This increase was partially offset by higher promotion and marketing expense. Non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” for the Health and Education Consulting segment totaled $15.0 million and $12.8 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and reduced this segment’s operating margin by 540 basis points and 700 basis points in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

 

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Accounting and Financial Consulting

Revenues

Accounting and Financial Consulting segment revenues decreased $22.0 million, or 14.1%, to $134.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $156.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. We acquired Callaway on July 29, 2007 and therefore, revenues for 2008 included revenues generated by Callaway while revenues for 2007 included five months of revenues generated by Callaway. For both 2008 and 2007, most of this segment’s revenues were from time-and-expense engagements.

Of the overall $22.0 million decrease in revenues, $35.1 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants, which was partially offset by an increase of $13.1 million attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $35.1 million decrease in full-time billable consultant revenues was primarily due to a decline in both the utilization rate and the average billing rate per hour for this segment. The $13.1 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues resulted from our acquisition of Callaway, which heavily utilizes variable, on demands consultants.

Operating income

Accounting and Financial Consulting segment operating income decreased $38.2 million, or 65.1%, to $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Operating margin for the Accounting and Financial Consulting segment decreased to 15.3% in 2008 from 37.6% in 2007. The decline was attributable to higher non-cash compensation expense and lower utilization of this segment’s full-time billable consultants as we added a number of consultants in the previous years to staff several large engagements and to support our anticipated growth. These large engagements have since wound down and have not been replaced by similarly-sized engagements. The decline in operating margin was also attributable to a lower average billing rate per hour for this segment as described above. Higher share-based compensation expense and promotion and marketing expense also contributed to the decline in this segment’s operating margin. Non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” for the Accounting and Financial Consulting segment totaled $11.6 million and $2.2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and reduced this segment’s operating margin by 860 basis points and 140 basis points in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Legal Consulting

Revenues

Legal Consulting segment revenues increased $31.6 million, or 35.1%, to $121.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $89.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. For 2008, revenues from time-and-expense engagements, fixed-fee engagements and performance-based engagements represented 91.2%, 7.9% and 0.9% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 90.8%, 7.7% and 1.5%, respectively, for 2007.

Of the overall $31.6 million increase in revenues, $1.7 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $29.9 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $1.7 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the average number of consultants, which was largely offset by a decline in both the utilization rate and the average billing rate per hour for this segment. The $29.9 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues reflects greater demand for our document review services.

Operating income

Legal Consulting segment operating income increased $9.5 million, or 33.5%, to $37.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Operating margin for the Legal Consulting segment remained steady at 31.1% in 2008 compared to 31.5% in 2007.

Corporate Consulting

Revenues

Corporate Consulting segment revenues increased $7.5 million, or 9.8%, to $84.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $77.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. For 2008, revenues from time-and-expense engagements, fixed-fee engagements and performance-based engagements represented 47.4%, 50.9% and 1.7% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 45.3%, 50.9% and 3.8%, respectively, for 2007.

Of the overall $7.5 million increase in revenues, $6.9 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $0.6 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $6.9 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in both the average number of consultants and the average billing rate per hour for this segment, partially offset by a decline in the utilization rate of this segment’s billable consultants.

 

 

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Operating income

Corporate Consulting segment operating income increased $3.0 million, or 17.4%, to $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Operating margin for the Corporate Consulting segment increased to 24.1% in 2008 from 22.5% in 2007. The unfavorable impact of higher non-cash compensation expense and restructuring charges on this segment’s operating margin was largely offset by lower compensation cost as a percentage of revenues. Non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” for the Corporate Consulting segment totaled $4.1 million and $2.6 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and reduced this segment’s operating margin by 480 basis points and 340 basis points in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Year ended December 31, 2007 compared to year ended December 31, 2006

Revenues

Revenues increased $215.7 million, or 74.7%, to $504.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $288.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Revenues for 2007 included revenues from our acquisitions of Wellspring and Glass since January 2007 and Callaway since August 2007. Revenues for 2006 and 2007 included revenues from our acquisition of Galt since April 2006 and revenues from our acquisitions of DRCS and Aaxis since July 2006.

Of the overall $215.7 million increase in revenues, $131.3 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $84.4 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $131.3 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected growing demand for our services from new and existing clients and our acquisitions. This increase was attributable to an increase in the number of consultants across all of our segments due to internal growth and our acquisitions and an increase in our average billing rate, partially offset by a decline in the utilization rate of our billable consultants. The $84.4 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues was due to increased demand and usage of contract reviewers in our document review group and our acquisitions of Callaway and Wellspring, both of which utilize variable, on-demand consultants and independent contractors.

Total direct costs

Our direct costs increased $143.6 million, or 85.8%, to $311.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $167.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Approximately $116.0 million of the increase was attributable to the increase in the number of full-time billable consultants and greater utilization of variable, on-demand consultants and contract reviewers, as described above, as well as the promotion of our employees during the year, including 16 to the managing director level effective January 1, 2007, and their related salaries, bonuses and benefit costs. Share-based compensation expense associated with our revenue-generating professionals increased $5.4 million, or 80.6%, to $12.1 million during 2007 from $6.7 million during 2006. Additionally, we recorded non-cash compensation expense totaling $17.6 million and $3.8 million during 2007 and 2006, respectively, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.”

Total direct costs for the year ended December 31, 2007 included $8.0 million of intangible assets amortization expense, primarily attributable to the acquisitions of Wellspring, Glass and Callaway, in which customer contracts totaling $7.6 million were acquired and fully amortized during the year. Intangible assets amortization for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $2.2 million, primarily attributable to the acquisitions of Galt, DRCS and Aaxis, in which customer contracts totaling $2.1 million were acquired and fully amortized during the year.

Operating expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $36.3 million, or 55.0%, to $102.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $65.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Approximately $9.6 million of this increase was due to an increase in non-revenue-generating professionals and their related salaries, bonuses and benefits costs. We added a number of non-revenue-generating professionals during the past year to support our growth. Promotional and marketing expenses increased $6.5 million, or 81.3%, to $14.5 million for 2007 from $8.0 million for 2006, as we continue to build our brand. Share-based compensation expense associated with our non-revenue-generating professionals increased $4.6 million, or 148.4%, to $7.7 million during 2007 from $3.1 million during 2006. The remaining increase in selling, general and administrative costs during 2007 compared to 2006 was due to a $3.4 million increase in facilities costs, a $1.7 million increase in legal fees, a $1.6 million increase attributable to outside professional services, and a $1.2 million increase reflecting higher severance costs. These increases were partially offset by the absence of secondary offering costs. During the first quarter of 2006 in connection with a secondary offering of our common stock, we incurred costs totaling $0.6 million after tax, or $0.03 per diluted share.

 

 

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Depreciation expense increased $4.0 million, or 58.0%, to $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $6.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006 as computers, network equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements were added to support our increase in employees. Non-direct intangible assets amortization expense for 2007 and 2006 was $6.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The increase in 2007 was attributable to amortization of intangible assets, including customer relationships, non-competition agreements and a tradename, acquired in connection with our business acquisitions in 2007.

Operating income

Operating income increased $22.4 million, or 51.4%, to $66.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $43.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in operating income was primarily due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by the increases in direct costs, including non-cash compensation expense, and operating expenses as discussed above. Operating margin, decreased to 13.1% in 2007 from 15.1% in 2006. The decline in operating margin was attributable to higher non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.” Non-cash compensation expense totaling $17.6 million in 2007 and $3.8 million in 2006 reduced our operating margin by 350 basis points in 2007 and 140 basis points in 2006. Additionally, lower selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues in 2007 were offset by increases in salaries and related costs, as well as an increase in intangible assets amortization expense as discussed above.

Provision for income taxes

Our effective income tax rate increased to 58.0% in 2007 from 46.8% in 2006. The higher effective income tax rate in 2007 was primarily attributable to higher non-cash compensation expense, which is not tax deductible because the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments resulting in the non-cash compensation expense were not made by us. These charges increased our effective income tax rate by 1,350 basis points in 2007 and 380 basis points in 2006.

Net income

Net income increased $1.4 million, or 6.2%, to $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The increase in net income was primarily due to the increase in revenues, which was largely offset by higher non-cash compensation expense totaling $17.6 million in 2007 and $3.8 million in 2006, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.” The increase in our effective income tax rate as described above also had an unfavorable impact on net income. Diluted earnings per share increased 2.3% to $1.35 for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $1.32 for the year ended December 31, 2006. Non-cash compensation expense reduced diluted earnings per share by $0.97 in 2007 and $0.22 in 2006. Additionally, diluted earnings per share was slightly reduced by an increase in weighted-average shares outstanding.

Segment results

Health and Education Consulting

Revenues

Health and Education Consulting segment revenues, which include revenues from our acquisition of Wellspring since January 2007, increased $97.3 million, or 115.7%, to $181.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $84.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. For 2007, revenues from time-and-expense engagements, fixed-fee engagements and performance-based engagements represented 51.3%, 44.8% and 3.9% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 77.3%, 17.3% and 5.4%, respectively, for 2006. The increase in fixed-fee engagements primarily reflects the acquisition of Wellspring, which has a larger percentage of these engagements.

Of the overall $97.3 million increase in revenues, $75.5 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $21.8 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $75.5 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the number of consultants and an increase in the average billing rate per hour for this segment. The increase in the average billing rate per hour was partially due to $3.2 million of performance-based fees earned during the third quarter of 2007 upon achieving targeted levels of cost savings on two engagements. The $21.8 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues resulted from our acquisition of Wellspring, which utilizes independent contractors.

 

 

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Operating income

Health and Education Consulting segment operating income increased $30.4 million, or 131.3%, to $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $23.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating margin for the Health and Education Consulting segment increased to 29.5% in 2007 from 27.5% in 2006. The increase was partially due to $3.2 million of performance-based fees earned during the third quarter of 2007 as discussed above. This increase was largely offset by non-cash compensation expense and amortization of customer contracts relating to the Wellspring acquisition. Non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” for the Health and Education Consulting segment totaled $12.8 million and $2.3 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and reduced this segment’s operating margin by 700 basis points and 270 basis points in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Accounting and Financial Consulting

Revenues

Accounting and Financial Consulting segment revenues, which include revenues from our acquisition of Callaway since August 2007, increased $46.8 million, or 42.8%, to $156.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $109.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. For both 2007 and 2006, most of this segment’s revenues were from time-and-expense engagements.

Of the overall $46.8 million increase in revenues, $19.4 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $27.4 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $19.4 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the number of consultants, an increase in the average billing rate per hour for this segment, partially offset by a decrease in the utilization rate of this segment’s billable consultants. The $27.4 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues resulted from our acquisition of Callaway, which heavily utilizes variable, on-demand consultants.

Operating income

Accounting and Financial Consulting segment operating income increased $8.4 million, or 16.6%, to $58.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $50.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Accounting and Financial Consulting segment operating margin decreased to 37.6% in 2007 from 46.1% in 2006. The decline was attributable to lower utilization of this segment’s full-time billable consultants as we added a significant number of consultants to position us for future market demand. The decline in this segment’s operating margin was also impacted by the acquisition of Callaway, which operated at an operating margin that was slightly lower than the average for the segment. Higher share-based compensation expense and intangible assets amortization expense also contributed to the decline in operating margin. Additionally, non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” for the Accounting and Financial Consulting segment totaled $2.2 million and reduced this segment’s operating margin by 140 basis points.

Legal Consulting

Revenues

Legal Consulting segment revenues, which include revenues from our acquisitions of DRCS and Aaxis since July 2006, increased $42.0 million, or 88.1%, to $89.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $47.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. For 2007, revenues from time-and-expense engagements, fixed-fee engagements and performance-based engagements represented 90.8%, 7.7% and 1.5% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 86.4%, 9.5% and 4.1%, respectively, for 2006.

Of the overall $42.0 million increase in revenues, $9.0 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $33.0 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $9.0 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the number of consultants, an increase in the average billing rate per hour for this segment, and an increase in the utilization rate of this segment’s billable consultants. The $33.0 million increase in full-time equivalent revenues reflects greater demand and usage of contract reviewers in our document review group.

Operating income

Legal Consulting segment operating income increased $14.4 million, or 103.8%, to $28.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $13.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating margin for the Legal Consulting segment increased to 31.5% in 2007 from 29.1% in 2006, primarily due to improved financial results in our document review group, higher utilization of our full-time billable consultants, particularly at the analyst and associate levels, and a decrease in intangible assets amortization.

 

 

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Corporate Consulting

Revenues

Corporate Consulting segment revenues, which include revenues from our acquisition of Galt since April 2006 and revenues from our acquisition of Glass since January 2007, increased $29.5 million, or 62.1%, to $77.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $47.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. For 2007, revenues from time-and-expense engagements, fixed-fee engagements and performance-based engagements represented 45.3%, 50.9% and 3.8% of this segment’s revenues, respectively, compared to 60.3%, 36.7% and 3.0%, respectively, for 2006.

Of the overall $29.5 million increase in revenues, $27.4 million was attributable to our full-time billable consultants and $2.1 million was attributable to our full-time equivalents. The $27.4 million increase in full-time billable consultant revenues reflected an increase in the number of consultants, partially offset by a decline in both the average billing rate per hour for this segment and the utilization rate of this segment’s billable consultants.

Operating income

Corporate Consulting segment operating income increased $1.2 million, or 6.8%, to $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $16.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Operating margin for the Corporate Consulting segment decreased to 22.5% in 2007 from 34.2% in 2006, primarily due to higher compensation costs and selling, general and administrative expenses for this segment, as well as expenses associated with our expansion into Japan. Non-cash compensation expense, representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described above under “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements,” for the Corporate Consulting segment totaled $2.6 million and $1.6 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, and reduced this segment’s operating margin by 340 basis points and 330 basis points in 2007 and 2006, respectively.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and cash equivalents increased $11.1 million, from $3.0 million at December 31, 2007, to $14.1 million at December 31, 2008. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $13.6 million, from $16.6 million at December 31, 2006, to $3.0 million at December 31, 2007. Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and debt capacity available under our credit facility.

Operating activities

During 2008, cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $101.2 million, compared to $55.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Our operating assets and liabilities consist primarily of receivables from billed and unbilled services, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and accrued payroll and related benefits. The volume of services rendered and the related billings and timing of collections on those billings, as well as payments of our accounts payable affect these account balances. The increase in cash provided by operations during 2008 was attributable to us collecting cash on our receivables more quickly during 2008 as compared to 2007. Additionally, deferred revenues increased during 2008 due to a higher level of advanced billings and collections. Our days sales outstanding, which is a measure of the average number of days that we take to collect our receivables, decreased from 67 days in 2007 to 57 days in 2008. The increase in advanced billings and the decrease in days sales outstanding were largely due to our integration of Stockamp, which has a practice of billing its clients in advance. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was also attributable to lower estimated tax payments during 2008 as we made an overpayment of taxes in 2007 that was subsequently applied to 2008. These increases in cash were partially offset by lower accrued bonuses at December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007.

During 2007, cash flows generated by operating activities totaled $55.9 million, compared to $43.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Receivables from clients and unbilled services increased $39.0 million during 2007 as compared to $12.0 million during 2006. This increase was attributable to a greater volume of billings as more services were rendered. Additionally, our days sales outstanding increased in 2007 from 2006. Accrued payroll and related benefits at December 31, 2007 increased by $14.0 million from December 31, 2006, which was primarily related to accrued bonuses that we paid out in the first quarter of 2008. Accrued bonuses at December 31, 2007 were higher than the prior year due to an increase in the number of employees.

 

 

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Investing activities

Cash used in investing activities was $250.9 million, $189.4 million and $69.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The use of cash in 2008 primarily consisted of $168.5 million for the acquisition of Stockamp, $23.0 million for the settlement of Callaway’s earn-out provisions, and payments of additional purchase consideration earned by the selling shareholders of Galt, Wellspring and Glass totaling $32.8 million. The use of cash in 2007 primarily related to the acquisitions of Wellspring, Glass and Callaway. The use of cash in 2006 primarily related to the acquisitions of Galt, DRCS and Aaxis. Additionally, we used cash in all three periods for purchases of computer hardware and software, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements needed to meet the ongoing needs relating to the hiring of additional employees and the expansion of office space. We estimate that our cash utilized for capital expenditures in 2009 will be approximately $25.0 million, primarily for leasehold improvements, computer equipment and software.

Financing activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $161.5 million, $119.8 million and $11.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. During 2008, 2007 and 2006 upon the vesting of restricted stock awards, we redeemed 107,759, 146,100 and 99,471, respectively, shares of our common stock at an average stock price of $57.18, $69.02 and $34.78, respectively, to satisfy employee tax withholding requirements.

At December 31, 2008, we had a credit agreement with various financial institutions under which we may borrow up to $460.0 million, with an accordion feature allowing for an additional amount of up to $60.0 million to be borrowed upon approval from the lenders. The credit agreement consists of a $240.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) and a $220.0 million term loan facility (“Term Loan”), which was drawn in a single advance of $220.0 million on July 8, 2008 to fund in part our acquisition of Stockamp. The borrowing capacity under the credit agreement is reduced by any outstanding letters of credit, which totaled $5.7 million at December 31, 2008, and any payments under the Term Loan. At December 31, 2008, the borrowing capacity under the credit agreement was $163.3 million.

Fees and interest on borrowings vary based on our total debt to EBITDA ratio as set forth in the credit agreement. Interest is based on a spread, ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%, over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or a spread, ranging from 0.50% to 1.50%, over the base rate (which is the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50% or the Prime Rate), as selected by us. The Term Loan is subject to amortization of principal in fifteen consecutive quarterly installments that begun on September 30, 2008, with the first fourteen installments being $5.5 million each. The fifteenth and final installment will be the amount of the remaining outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan and will be payable on February 23, 2012, but can be repaid earlier. All outstanding borrowings under the Revolver will be due upon expiration of the credit agreement on February 23, 2012.

Under the credit agreement, dividends are restricted to an amount up to $10.0 million per fiscal year plus 50% of consolidated net income (adjusted for non-cash share-based compensation expense) for such fiscal year, plus 50% of net cash proceeds during such fiscal year with respect to any issuance of capital securities. In addition, certain acquisitions and similar transactions will need to be approved by the lenders. The credit agreement includes quarterly financial covenants that require us to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 2.5 to 1.0 and a maximum leverage ratio of 3.25 to 1.0, as those ratios are defined in the credit agreement. At December 31, 2008, we were in compliance with these financial covenants with a fixed charge coverage ratio of 3.5 to 1.0 and a leverage ratio of 1.98 to 1.0.

During 2008, 2007 and 2006, we made borrowings under our credit facility to fund our business acquisitions, to pay additional purchase consideration earned by selling shareholders of businesses that we acquired, and to pay annual bonuses. We also made borrowings to fund our daily operations. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the average daily outstanding balance under our credit facility was $245.4 million, $126.4 million and $11.9 million, respectively. Borrowings outstanding under this credit facility at December 31, 2008 totaled $280.0 million and carried a weighted-average interest rate of 3.1%, all of which are classified as long-term on our consolidated balance sheet as the principal under the Revolver is not due until 2012 and we intend to fund scheduled quarterly payments under the Term Loan with availability under the Revolver. Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2007 totaled $123.5 million and carried interest at 6.1%. Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2006 totaled $8.0 million and carried interest at 5.9%. We were in compliance with our debt covenants as of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

See above under the heading “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in this “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain matters related to the Credit Agreement and our borrowings thereunder in light of the restatement.

 

 

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Future needs

Our primary financing need has been to fund our growth. Our growth strategy is to expand our service offerings, which will require investments in new hires, acquisitions of complementary businesses, expansion into other geographic areas, and capital expenditures for information technology, office space, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements. In connection with our past business acquisitions, we are required under earn-out provisions to pay additional purchase consideration to the sellers if specific financial performance targets are met. We also have cash needs to service our credit facility and repay our term loan. Further, we have other cash commitments as presented below in contractual obligations. Because we expect that our future annual growth rate in revenues and related percentage increases in working capital balances will moderate, we believe our internally generated liquidity, together with the borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facility and access to external capital resources, will be adequate to fund our long-term growth and capital needs arising from earn-out provisions, cash commitments and debt service obligations. Our ability to secure short-term and long-term financing in the future will depend on several factors, including our future profitability, the quality of our accounts receivable and unbilled services, our relative levels of debt and equity, and the overall condition of the credit markets, which have declined significantly during 2008. As discussed under the heading “Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in this “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, we expect to engage in an impairment analysis with respect to the carrying value of our goodwill in connection with the significant decline in the price of our common stock since our July 31, 2009 announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements, which analysis could result in our not being in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

The following table represents our obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, such as lease agreements, and under contingent commitments as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands).

 

     Less than
1 year
(2009)
   1-3 years
(2010 to
2011)
   3-5 years
(2012 to
2013)
   More than 5
years
(2014 and
thereafter)
   Total

Additional purchase consideration

   $ 45,400    $ —      $ —      $ —      $ 45,400

Liability for uncertain tax positions

     320      —        —        —        320

Purchase obligations

     4,363      2,523      12      —        6,898

Capital lease obligations

     426      392      —        —        818

Long-term bank borrowings

     —        —        280,000      —        280,000

Operating lease obligations

     18,544      32,613      24,453      20,611      96,221
                                  

Total contractual obligations

   $ 69,053    $ 35,528    $ 304,465    $ 20,611    $ 429,657
                                  

In connection with certain business acquisitions, we are required to pay additional purchase consideration to the sellers if specific financial performance targets and conditions are met over a number of years as specified in the related purchase agreements. These amounts are calculated and payable at the end of each year based on full year financial results. There is no limitation to the maximum amount of additional purchase consideration and future amounts are not determinable at this time, but the aggregate amount that potentially may be paid could be significant.

As of December 31, 2008, our current and non-current liabilities for uncertain tax positions are $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. We are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of future cash flows related to the non-current portion as it is dependent on examinations by taxing authorities.

Purchase obligations include sponsorships, subscriptions to research tools, information technology, and other commitments to purchase services where we cannot cancel or would be required to pay a termination fee in the event of cancellation.

Borrowings outstanding under our credit facility at December 31, 2008 totaled $280.0 million, all of which we have classified as long-term on our consolidated balance sheet as the principal under the Revolver is not due until 2012 and we intend to fund scheduled quarterly payments under the Term Loan with availability under the Revolver. As described above under “Liquidity and Capital Resources,” interest on borrowings varies based on our total debt to EBITDA ratio and will depend on the timing of our repayments. As such, we are unable to quantify our future obligations relating to interest on our borrowings.

 

 

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We lease our facilities and equipment under operating and capital lease arrangements expiring on various dates through 2018, with various renewal options. We lease office facilities under noncancelable operating leases that include fixed or minimum payments plus, in some cases, scheduled base rent increases over the term of the lease. Certain leases provide for monthly payments of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expense applicable to the property. Some of the leases contain provisions whereby the future rental payments may be adjusted for increases in operating expense above the specified amount.

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and guidance in GAAP. Thus, for some entities, the application of this statement may change current practice. We adopted SFAS No. 157 effective beginning on January 1, 2008 for financial assets and financial liabilities, which did not have any impact on our financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delayed by one year the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We adopted SFAS No. 157 effective beginning on January 1, 2009 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, which did not have any impact on our financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of this statement is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We adopted SFAS No. 159 effective beginning on January 1, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on our financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R was issued to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of information in financial statements about a business combination and its effects. This statement retains the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, but requires a number of changes. The changes that may have the most significant impact on us include: contingent consideration, such as earn-outs, will be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings until settled; acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs will be expensed as incurred; previously-issued financial information will be revised for subsequent adjustments made to finalize the purchase price accounting; reversals of valuation allowances related to acquired deferred tax assets and changes to acquired income tax uncertainties will be recognized in earnings, except in certain situations. We adopted SFAS 141R on a prospective basis effective beginning on January 1, 2009. For business combinations completed on or subsequent to the adoption date, the application of this statement may have a significant impact on our financial statements, the magnitude of which will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the transactions.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 was issued to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of financial information provided in financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. We adopted SFAS No. 160 effective beginning on January 1, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on our financial statements.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We are exposed to market risks related to interest rates and changes in the market value of our investments. We generally do not enter into interest rate swaps, caps or collars or other hedging instruments.

 

 

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Our exposure to changes in interest rates is limited to borrowings under our bank credit agreement, which has variable interest rates tied to the LIBOR, Federal Funds Rate or Prime Rate. At December 31, 2008, we had borrowings outstanding totaling $280.0 million that carried a weighted-average interest rate of 3.1%. A one percent change in this interest rate would have a $2.8 million effect on our pre-tax income.

As described above under “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Overview,” in connection with our acquisition of Stockamp and the amendment to the Wellspring Stock Purchase Agreement, we issued a total of 1,541,036 shares of our common stock to the sellers of Stockamp and Wellspring. Additionally, we provided them with a protection against a decline in the value of the shares issued until the restrictions on the shares have lapsed. As such, we are subject to market risk relating to our common stock. Upon the lapse of the restrictions, if the average daily closing price of our common stock for the ten consecutive trading days prior to the date that the restrictions lapse is $47.81 or below, then for every $1.00 that our stock price is below $47.81, we would be required to pay the sellers approximately $1.5 million, in the form of cash, stock, or any combination of cash and stock. Of the 1,541,036 shares issued, the restrictions on 1,210,814 shares lapsed on January 9, 2009 and we were not required to make further payments. The restrictions on the remaining 330,222 shares will lapse on July 9, 2009. Based on the average daily closing price of our common stock for the ten consecutive trading days prior to and including December 31, 2008, or $57.18, we would not be obligated to make any protection payments to the sellers. If the average price decreased by 10% to $51.46, we would still not be obligated to make any protection payments to the sellers.

From time to time, we invest excess cash in marketable securities. These investments principally consist of overnight sweep accounts. Due to the short maturity of our investments, we have concluded that we do not have material market risk exposure.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements and supplementary data begin on page F-1 of this Amendment.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

 

 

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Background

As discussed in the “Explanatory Note to Amendment No. 1” to this Amendment, in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”, we are amending our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the “Original Filing”) to restate our audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and our audited consolidated statements of income, audited consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and audited consolidated statements of cash flows for, in each case, the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

As discussed in the aforementioned sections, the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not properly recorded in our financial statements because senior management did not properly take into account the impact of the selling shareholders’ redistribution of the acquisition-related payments when determining the appropriate accounting treatment. In some cases, senior management was unaware of the redistributions. In other cases, senior management was aware of the redistributions but either misunderstood or misapplied the appropriate accounting guidance. As a result, the facts and circumstances surrounding the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not fully described in representation letters previously provided to our independent auditors.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

In the Original Filing, our management, with the participation of the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer and then Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of December 31, 2008. Based on that evaluation, our then Chief Executive Officer and then Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, they further concluded that such information was accumulated and communicated to management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In connection with the restatement described above, our management, with the participation of our current Chief Executive Officer and current Chief Financial Officer, each of whom was appointed on July 31, 2009, reevaluated our initial conclusion. Based on that reevaluation and solely as a result of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting described below, we concluded our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2008.

As discussed below, we have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting related to our accounting for certain acquisition-related payments received by the selling shareholders of specific businesses we acquired that were subsequently redistributed by the selling shareholders among themselves and to other select Huron employees. As a result of our identification of such material weakness, we performed substantial additional procedures to determine how such acquisition-related payments were redistributed among such selling shareholders and to such employees and to reconcile such redistribution with our underlying records. We also engaged in a related analysis of our underlying records and our financial statements in light of the redistribution of the acquisition-related payments to determine the completeness and accuracy of our underlying records and our financial statements with respect to such redistribution. These procedures and our related analysis were undertaken to identify the accounting adjustments required with respect to the redistribution of such acquisition-related payments by the selling shareholders to ensure that our consolidated financial statements for all periods beginning with the year ended December 31, 2006 and through the year ended December 31, 2008, including quarterly periods, could be presented in accordance with GAAP.

Notwithstanding the material weakness described below, we believe that, because we performed the substantial additional procedures and analysis described above and recorded the appropriate accounting adjustments, the consolidated financial statements for the periods included in this Amendment are fairly stated in all material respects in accordance with GAAP.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) for the Company. Internal control over financial

 

 

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reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP and includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(i) Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

(ii) Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

(iii) Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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

In the Original Filing, our management, with the supervision of the Company’s then Chief Executive Officer and then Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008. We evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).

Under the supervision of our new Chief Executive Officer and new Chief Financial Officer, we reevaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO. Based on this reevaluation, we have concluded that we did not maintain effective controls to ensure the appropriate recording and reporting of certain acquisition-related payments. Specifically, the Company’s controls were not designed to ensure that the redistribution of such acquisition-related payments among the selling shareholders and to certain of our employees was correctly recorded in accordance with GAAP, including guidance promulgated by the SEC.

This failure to correctly account for the redistribution of such acquisition-related payments resulted in misstatements in our consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, including the quarterly periods in each of those years, that were not prevented or detected as more fully described in the “Explanatory Note to Amendment No. 1” to this Amendment and in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” in the notes to consolidated financial statements under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”. This control deficiency could result in a material misstatement of direct costs, total direct costs and reimbursable expenses, operating income, income before provision for income taxes, net income, earnings per share, additional paid-in-capital and retained earnings that could result in a material misstatement of the Company’s annual and interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Accordingly, our management has determined that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness. A “material weakness” is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

As a result of this material weakness, our current management, with the supervision of our new Chief Executive Officer and new Chief Financial Officer, has revised its earlier assessment and has now concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2008. Accordingly, our management has revised its report on internal control over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing on page F-2 of this Amendment.

Remediation Plans to Address Material Weakness in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have engaged in and continue to engage in significant efforts to address the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. Actions already implemented along with other improvements we plan to implement will address the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting noted above. The following paragraphs describe changes we have implemented or plan to implement to our internal control over financial reporting subsequent to December 31, 2008 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting:

 

i. Changes in senior management, including the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and a new Chief Financial Officer;

 

 

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ii. Improved documentation that will include specific provisions, stipulations and certifications that will allow us to identify and accurately record the allocation, disbursement and subsequent redistribution, if any, of acquisition-related payments;

 

iii. Enhanced monitoring that will enable us to review and audit the allocation, disbursement and subsequent redistribution, if any, of acquisition-related payments;

 

iv. Revisions to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Employee Handbook that will require employee disclosure with respect to acquisition-related payments; and

 

v. Implementation of new review procedures to ensure that proper accounting and disclosure controls are in place, including documentation review and approval by the Audit Committee for future acquisitions.

We intend to implement the remediation plans noted above to enhance our internal control over financial reporting existing as of December 31, 2008 as prescribed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. It is our goal to remediate the material weakness as soon as practicable.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from portions of our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A by April 30, 2009 (the “Proxy Statement”) under “Nominees to Board of Directors,” “Directors Not Standing For Election” and “Executive Officers.”

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) that is applicable to all of our employees, officers and directors. The Code is available on our website at www.huronconsultinggroup.com. If we make any amendments to or grant any waivers from the Code which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we will make such disclosures on our website.

Corporate Governance

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Board Meetings and Committees.”

 

 

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Executive Compensation.”

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation.”

Compensation Committee Report

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Compensation Committee Report.”

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table summarizes information as of December 31, 2008 with respect to equity compensation plans approved by shareholders. We do not have equity compensation plans that have not been approved by shareholders.

 

Plan Category

   Number of Shares
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding
Options
   Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options
   Number of Shares
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
(excluding shares
in 1st column)
 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders(1):

        

2002 Equity Incentive Plan

   75,251    $ 0.02    —   (2) 

2002 Equity Incentive Plan (California)

   4,317    $ 1.04    —   (2) 

2003 Equity Incentive Plan

   161,357    $ 1.27    —   (2) 

2004 Omnibus Stock Plan

   57,105    $ 15.50    1,269,038   

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders:

   N/A      N/A    N/A   
                  

Total

   298,030    $ 3.68    1,269,038   
                  

 

(1) Our equity compensation plans were approved by the existing shareholders prior to our initial public offering. At our annual meeting of stockholders on May 2, 2006 our stockholders approved an amendment to our 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance by 2,100,000 shares.
(2) Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, we established the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan. We terminated the 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (California) and 2003 Equity Incentive Plan with respect to future awards and no further awards will be granted under these plans.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The other information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”

 

 

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from portions of the Proxy Statement under “Nominees to Board of Directors,” “Directors Not Standing For Election,” and “Board Meetings and Committees.”

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from a portion of the Proxy Statement under “Audit and Non-Audit Fees.”

 

 

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PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

(a) Documents filed as part of this Amendment.

 

1. Financial Statements – Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report and our consolidated financial statements are listed below and begin on page F-1 of this Amendment.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Statements of Income

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

2. Financial Statement Schedules – The financial statement schedules required by this item are included in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

 

3. Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit Description

  

Filed

herewith

  

Incorporated by Reference

       

Form

  

Period

Ending

  

Exhibit

  

Filing

Date

  2.1

  Asset Purchase Agreement by and between MSGalt & Company, LLC, Huron Consulting Services LLC, M. Scott Gillis, Joseph R. Shalleck and Leroy J. Mergy, dated as of March 31, 2006.       8-K         2.1    4/6/06

  2.2

  Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC, Document Review Consulting Services LLC and Robert Rowe, dated as of July 31, 2006.       8-K         2.1    8/3/06

  2.3

  Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Wellspring Partners LTD, the Shareholders of Wellspring Partners LTD and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC, dated as of December 29, 2006.       8-K         2.1    1/8/07

  2.4

  Amendment No. 1, dated July 8, 2008, to the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2006, by and among Wellspring Partners LTD, the shareholders of Wellspring Partners LTD listed on the signature page thereto, and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC.       8-K         2.2    7/9/08

  2.5

  Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Glass & Associates, Inc., the Shareholders of Glass & Associates, Inc. and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC and Huron Consulting Group Inc., dated as of January 2, 2007.       8-K         2.2    1/8/07

  2.6

  Joinder Agreement by and between John DiDonato and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC.       8-K         2.3    1/8/07

 

 

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  2.7

  Joinder Agreement by and between Anthony Wolf and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC.       8-K         2.4    1/8/07

  2.8

  Joinder Agreement by and between Shaun Martin and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC.       8-K         2.5    1/8/07

  2.9

  Joinder Agreement by and between Sanford Edlein and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC.       8-K         2.6    1/8/07

  2.10

  Joinder Agreement by and between Dalton Edgecomb and Huron Consulting Group Holdings LLC.       8-K         2.7    1/8/07

  2.11

  Asset Purchase Agreement, dated July 8, 2008, by and among, Huron Consulting Group Inc., Huron Consulting Group Services LLC, Stockamp & Associates, Inc. and the shareholders of Stockamp & Associates, Inc. listed on the signature pages thereto.       8-K         2.1    7/9/08

  3.1

  Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Huron Consulting Group Inc.       10-K    12/31/04      3.1    2/16/05

  3.2

  Amended and Restated Bylaws of Huron Consulting Group Inc.       8-K         3.2    5/14/07

  4.1

  Specimen Stock Certificate.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

        4.1    10/5/04

10.1

  Office Lease, dated December 2003, between Union Tower, LLC and Huron Consulting Services LLC (formerly known as Huron Consulting Group LLC).      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.1    10/5/04

10.2

  Restricted Shares Award Agreement, dated December 10, 2002, between Huron Consulting Group Inc., Huron Consulting Services LLC (formerly known as Huron Consulting Group LLC), HCG Holdings LLC and Gary E. Holdren.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.5    10/5/04

10.3

  Restricted Shares Award Agreement, dated December 31, 2002, between Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Gary E. Holdren.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.6    10/5/04

10.4

  Huron Consulting Group Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan and form of option agreement thereunder.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.13    10/5/04

10.5

  Amendment No. 1 to Huron Consulting Group Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.14    10/5/04

 

 

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10.6

  Amended and Restated Huron Consulting Group Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (California) and form of option agreement thereunder.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.15    10/5/04

10.7

  Huron Consulting Group Inc. 2003 Equity Incentive Plan and form of option agreement thereunder.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.16    10/5/04

10.8

  Huron Consulting Group Inc. 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan and form of option and restricted stock agreement thereunder.      

S-1

(File No. 333-115434)

      10.17    10/5/04

10.9

  Amendment No. 1 to the Huron Consulting Group Inc. 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan.      

S-8

(File No. 333-137107)

      10.1    9/5/06

10.10

  Sixth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2008, by and among Huron Consulting Group Inc., the guarantors and lenders listed on the signature pages thereto, and Bank of America, N.A.       10-Q       10.1    8/5/08

10.11

  Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2008, by and among Huron Consulting Group Inc., the guarantors and lenders listed on the signature pages thereto, and Bank of America, N.A.       10-Q       10.1    10/30/08

10.12

  Huron Consulting Group Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2009.       10-K    12/31/08    10.12    2/24/09

10.13

  Amended and Restated Senior Management Agreement By and Between Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Gary E. Holdren.       10-K    12/31/08    10.13    2/24/09

10.14

  Amended and Restated Senior Management Agreement By and Between Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Daniel P. Broadhurst.       10-K    12/31/08    10.14    2/24/09

10.15

  Amended and Restated Senior Management Agreement By and Between Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Gary L. Burge.       10-K    12/31/08    10.15    2/24/09

10.16

  Amended and Restated Senior Management Agreement By and Between Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Mary M. Sawall.       10-K    12/31/08    10.16    2/24/09

10.17

  Senior Management Agreement By and Between Huron Consulting Group Inc. and Natalia Delgado.       10-K    12/31/08    10.17    2/24/09

 

 

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10.18

  Executive Officers’ Compensation for 2008 and 2009 Summary Sheet.       10-K    12/31/08    10.18    2/24/09

10.19

  Directors’ Compensation for 2008 and 2009 Summary Sheet.       10-K    12/31/08    10.19    2/24/09

21.1

  List of Subsidiaries of Huron Consulting Group Inc.       10-K    12/31/08   

21.1

   2/24/09

23.1

  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.    X            

31.1

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    X            

31.2

  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    X            

32.1

  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    X            

32.2

  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.    X            

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K/A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

     

Huron Consulting Group Inc.

      (Registrant)
Date:  

August 17, 2009

   

/s/ James H. Roth

      James H. Roth
      Chief Executive Officer
     

/s/ James K. Rojas

      James K. Rojas
      Chief Financial Officer

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

INDEX

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2008 and 2007

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006

   F-8

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-9

 

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Huron Consulting Group Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Huron Consulting Group Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Management and we previously concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. However, management has subsequently determined that a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the recording of the redistribution of acquisition-related payments by selling shareholders among such selling shareholders and to certain of the employees of the Company existed as of that date. Accordingly, management’s report has been restated and our present opinion on internal control over financial reporting, as presented therein, is different from that expressed in our previous report. In our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the recording of the redistribution of acquisition-related payments by selling shareholders among such selling shareholders and to certain of the employees of the Company existed as of that date. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is disclosed in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2008 consolidated financial statements and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has restated its 2008, 2007 and 2006 consolidated financial statements to correct an error.

As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the manner in which it accounts for uncertain tax positions in 2007.

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

 

 

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Table of Contents

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

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, IL

February 24, 2009, except for the restatement described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements and the matter described in the fourth paragraph of Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, as to which the date is August 17, 2009.

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007  
     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Assets

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,106      $ 2,993   

Receivables from clients, net

     88,071        86,867   

Unbilled services, net

     43,111        28,245   

Income tax receivable

     3,496        13,492   

Deferred income taxes

     15,708        13,680   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     14,563        10,435   
                

Total current assets

     179,055        155,712   

Property and equipment, net

     44,708        38,147   

Deferred income taxes

     2,064        3,628   

Other non-current assets

     15,722        8,737   

Intangible assets, net

     32,372        13,936   

Goodwill

     505,676        223,053   
                

Total assets

   $ 779,597      $ 443,213   
                

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 6,505      $ 5,823   

Accrued expenses

     27,361        15,208   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     48,374        58,279   

Accrued consideration for business acquisitions

     60,099        34,962   

Income tax payable

     2,086        1,342   

Deferred revenues

     21,208        5,278   

Note payable and current portion of capital lease obligations

     518        1,309   
                

Total current liabilities

     166,151        122,201   

Non-current liabilities:

    

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

     5,511        3,795   

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

     204        234   

Bank borrowings

     280,000        123,500   

Deferred lease incentives

     8,705        9,699   
                

Total non-current liabilities

     294,420        137,228   

Commitments and contingencies

     —          —     

Stockholders’ equity

    

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 21,387,679 and 19,279,176 shares issued at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

     202        182   

Treasury stock, at cost, 404,357 and 589,755 shares at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively

     (21,443     (20,703

Additional paid-in capital

     263,485        137,599   

Retained earnings

     76,731        66,650   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     51        56   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     319,026        183,784   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders equity

   $ 779,597      $ 443,213   
                

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

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

      

Revenues

   $ 615,476      $ 504,292      $ 288,588   

Reimbursable expenses

     56,700        43,661        33,330   
                        

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     672,176        547,953        321,918   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

      

Direct costs

     390,974        311,008        167,399   

Intangible assets amortization

     6,629        7,993        2,207   

Reimbursable expenses

     56,717        43,449        33,506   
                        

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     454,320        362,450        203,112   
                        

Operating expenses:

      

Selling, general and administrative

     131,148        102,176        65,926   

Depreciation and amortization

     23,291        17,207        9,201   

Restructuring charges

     2,343        —          —     
                        

Total operating expenses

     156,782        119,383        75,127   
                        

Operating income

     61,074        66,120        43,679   

Other income (expense):

      

Interest expense, net of interest income

     (13,773     (8,263     (703

Other income (expense)

     (2,731     19        16   
                        

Total other expense

     (16,504     (8,244     (687
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

     44,570        57,876        42,992   

Provision for income taxes

     34,489        33,596        20,133   
                        

Net income

   $ 10,081      $ 24,280      $ 22,859   
                        

Earnings per share:

      

Basic

   $ 0.55      $ 1.43      $ 1.40   

Diluted

   $ 0.53      $ 1.35      $ 1.32   

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

      

Basic

     18,257        16,944        16,359   

Diluted

     19,082        18,033        17,317   

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

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

     Common Stock    Treasury     Additional
Paid-In
   Retained    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
   Stockholders’  
     Shares    Amount    Stock     Capital    Earnings    Income    Equity  

Balance at December 31, 2005

   17,397,312    $ 174    $ (3,061   $ 58,908    $ 19,511    $ —      $ 75,532   

Net income

   —        —        —          —        22,859      —        22,859   

Issuance of common stock in connection with:

                   

Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations

   5,000      —        (2,875     2,875      —        —        —     

Exercise of stock options

   426,011      4      —          384      —        —        388   

Share-based compensation

   —        —        —          9,839      —        —        9,839   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

   —        —        (3,460     —        —        —        (3,460

Income tax benefit on share-based compensation

   —        —        —          7,592      —        —        7,592   

Capital contributed by selling shareholders of acquired businesses

   —        —        —          3,830      —        —        3,830   
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2006 (Restated)

   17,828,323    $ 178    $ (9,396   $ 83,428    $ 42,370    $ —      $ 116,580   

Comprehensive Income:

                   

Net income

   —        —        —          —        24,280      —        24,280   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —        —        —          —        —        56      56   
                         

Total comprehensive income

                      24,336   

Issuance of common stock in connection with:

                   

Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations

   189,790      2      (1,223     1,221      —        —        —     

Exercise of stock options

   225,960      2      —          560      —        —        562   

Share-based compensation

   —        —        —          19,812      —        —        19,812   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

   —        —        (10,084     —        —        —        (10,084

Income tax benefit on share-based compensation

   —        —        —          14,957      —        —        14,957   

Capital contributed by selling shareholders of acquired businesses

   —        —        —          17,621      —        —        17,621   
                                                 

Balance at December 31, 2007 (Restated)

   18,244,073    $ 182    $ (20,703   $ 137,599    $ 66,650    $ 56    $ 183,784   

 

 

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Comprehensive Income:

                 

Net income

   —        —        —          —          10,081      —          10,081   

Foreign currency translation adjustment

   —        —        —          —          —        (5     (5
                       

Total comprehensive income

                    10,076   

Issuance of common stock in connection with:

                 

Restricted stock awards, net of cancellations

   362,669      4      5,422        (5,426     —        —          —     

Exercise of stock options

   256,253      3      —          394        —        —          397   

Business combinations

   1,320,913      13      —          61,307        —        —          61,320   

Share-based compensation

   —        —        —          26,807        —        —          26,807   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

   —        —        (6,162     —          —        —          (6,162

Income tax benefit on share-based compensation

   —        —        —          12,234        —        —          12,234   

Capital contributed by selling shareholders of acquired businesses

   —        —        —          30,570        —        —          30,570   
                                                   

Balance at December 31, 2008 (Restated)

   20,183,908    $ 202    $ (21,443   $ 263,485      $ 76,731    $ 51      $ 319,026   
                                                   

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

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

Year ended December 31,    2008     2007     2006  
     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 10,081      $ 24,280      $ 22,859   

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

      

Depreciation and amortization

     29,920        25,200        11,408   

Share-based compensation

     26,807        19,812        9,839   

Non-cash compensation

     30,570        17,621        3,830   

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

     5,477        7,306        569   

Deferred income taxes

     520        1,384        (6,463

Other

     —          15        194   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:

      

Decrease (increase) in receivables from clients

     6,386        (30,957     (6,962

Increase in unbilled services

     (12,380     (8,016     (4,429

Decrease (increase) in current income tax receivable / payable, net

     11,066        (8,512     (3,896

Increase in other assets

     (8,620     (7,377     (702

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     5,494        4,271        7,821   

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits

     (13,051     13,964        9,575   

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

     8,930        (3,062     (574
                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     101,200        55,929        43,069   
                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (19,821     (18,909     (18,110

Net investment in life insurance policies

     (1,093     (2,245     (527

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (229,947     (168,209     (51,073
                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     (250,861     (189,363     (69,710
                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     397        562        388   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

     (6,162     (10,084     (3,460

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

     12,234        14,957        7,592   

Proceeds from borrowings under line of credit

     631,500        340,500        114,700   

Repayments on line of credit

     (475,000     (225,000     (106,700

Principal payments of notes payable and capital lease obligations

     (1,432     (1,136     (1,127
                        

Net cash provided by financing activities

     161,537        119,799        11,393   
                        

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (763     56        —     
                        

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     11,113        (13,579     (15,248

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     2,993        16,572        31,820   
                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 14,106      $ 2,993      $ 16,572   
                        

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

      

Issuance of common stock in connection with business combinations

   $ 61,320      $ —        $ —     

Issuance of common stock in connection with a business combination classified as a liability

   $ 15,000      $ —        $ —     

Capitalized lease obligations incurred

   $ 611      $ 398      $ —     

Cash paid during the year for:

      

Interest

   $ 17,065      $ 7,138      $ 1,071   

Income taxes

   $ 9,254      $ 25,475      $ 23,038   

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

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

1. Description of Business

We are a leading provider of operational and financial consulting services. We help clients in diverse industries improve performance, comply with complex regulations, resolve disputes, recover from distress, leverage technology, and stimulate growth. We team with our clients to deliver sustainable and measurable results. Our clients include a wide variety of both financially sound and distressed organizations, including leading academic institutions, healthcare organizations, Fortune 500 companies, medium-sized businesses, and the law firms that represent these various organizations.

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, which have been restated as described in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.” Certain amounts reported in the previous years have been reclassified to conform to the 2008 presentation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Huron Consulting Group Inc. and its 100% owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenues in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 101, “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” as amended by SAB No. 104, “Revenue Recognition.” Under SAB No. 104, revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the related services are provided, the price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. We generate the majority of our revenues from providing professional services under three types of billing arrangements: time-and-expense, fixed-fee, and performance-based.

Time-and-expense billing arrangements require the client to pay based on either the number of hours worked, the number of pages reviewed, or the amount of data processed by our revenue-generating professionals at agreed-upon rates. We recognize revenues under time-and-expense billing arrangements as the related services are rendered.

In fixed-fee billing arrangements, we agree to a pre-established fee in exchange for a pre-determined set of professional services. We set the fees based on our estimates of the costs and timing for completing the engagements. It is the client’s expectation in these engagements that the pre-established fee will not be exceeded except in mutually agreed upon circumstances. We recognize revenues under fixed-fee billing arrangements using a percentage-of-completion approach, which is based on our estimates of work completed to-date versus the total services to be provided under the engagement. Estimates of total engagement revenues and cost of services are monitored regularly during the term of the engagement. If our estimates indicate a potential loss, such loss is recognized in the period in which the loss first becomes probable and reasonably estimable.

In performance-based billing arrangements, fees are tied to the attainment of contractually defined objectives. We enter into performance-based engagements in essentially two forms. First, we generally earn fees that are directly related to the savings formally acknowledged by the client as a result of adopting our recommendations for improving cost effectiveness in the procurement area. Second, we have performance-based engagements in which we earn a success fee when and if certain pre-defined outcomes occur. Often this type of performance-based fee supplements time-and-expense or fixed-fee engagements. We do not recognize revenues under performance-based billing arrangements until all related performance criteria are met and agreed to by the client.

 

 

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We also generate revenues from licensing our proprietary software to clients and from providing related training and support during the term of the consulting engagement. Licenses for our software are sold only as a component of our consulting projects and as such, there is no vendor specific objective evidence of fair value. Therefore, revenues from software licenses are recognized ratably over the term of the related consulting services contract. Thereafter, clients pay an annual fee for software support and maintenance. Annual support and maintenance fee revenue is recognized ratably over the support period, which is generally one year. These fees are billed in advance and included in deferred revenues until recognized.

We have arrangements with clients in which we provide multiple elements of services under one engagement contract. Revenues under these types of arrangements are allocated to each element based on the element’s fair value in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 00-21, “Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” and recognized pursuant to the criteria described above.

Provisions are recorded for the estimated realization adjustments on all engagements, including engagements for which fees are subject to review by the bankruptcy courts. Expense reimbursements that are billable to clients are included in total revenues and reimbursable expenses, and typically an equivalent amount of reimbursable expenses are included in total direct costs and reimbursable expenses. Reimbursable expenses are primarily recognized as revenue in the period in which the expense is incurred. Subcontractors that are billed to clients at cost are also included in reimbursable expenses.

Differences between the timing of billings and the recognition of revenue are recognized as either unbilled services or deferred revenues in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Revenues recognized for services performed but not yet billed to clients are recorded as unbilled services. Client prepayments and retainers are classified as deferred (i.e., unearned) revenues and recognized over future periods as earned in accordance with the applicable engagement agreement.

Allowances for Doubtful Accounts and Unbilled Services

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and for services performed but not yet billed for estimated losses based on several factors, including the estimated cash realization from amounts due from clients, an assessment of a client’s ability to make required payments, and the historical percentages of fee adjustments and write-offs by practice group. The allowances are assessed by management on a regular basis.

We record the provision for doubtful accounts and unbilled services as a reduction in revenue to the extent the provision relates to fee adjustments and other discretionary pricing adjustments. To the extent the provision relates to a client’s inability to make required payments on accounts receivables, we record the provision in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Direct Costs and Reimbursable Expenses

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses consist primarily of revenue-generating employee compensation and their related benefit and share-based compensation costs, the cost of outside consultants or subcontractors assigned to revenue-generating activities and direct expenses to be reimbursed by clients. Direct costs and reimbursable expenses incurred on engagements are expensed in the period incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments, including overnight investments and commercial paper, with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

To the extent receivables from clients become delinquent, collection activities commence. No single client balance is considered large enough to pose a material credit risk. The allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services are based upon the expected ability to collect accounts receivable, and bill and collect unbilled services. Management does not anticipate incurring losses on accounts receivable in excess of established allowances. See note “16. Segment Information” for concentration of accounts receivable and unbilled services.

 

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair market value. The carrying values for receivables from clients, unbilled services, accounts payable, deferred revenues and other accrued liabilities reasonably approximate fair market value due to the nature of the financial instrument and the short term maturity of these items.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Software, computers and related equipment are depreciated over an estimated useful life of 2 to 4 years. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 5 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset or the initial term of the lease.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.” No impairment charges were recorded in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill

We account for intangible assets in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This statement requires that certain identifiable intangible assets be amortized over their expected useful lives.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquired business over the net of the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is required to be tested at the reporting unit level for impairment on an annual basis and between annual tests whenever indications of impairment arise. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, resulting in an impairment charge for the excess. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, we aggregate our business components into reporting units and test for goodwill impairment. In testing for a potential impairment of goodwill, we estimate the fair value of each of our reporting units and compare this fair value to the carrying value of the reporting units. In estimating the fair value of our reporting units, we use a discounted cash flow analysis, which involves estimating the expected after-tax cash flows that will be generated by each of the reporting units and then discounting these cash flows to present value. Pursuant to our policy, we performed the annual goodwill impairment test as of April 30, 2008 and determined that no impairment of goodwill existed as of that date. Further, we evaluated whether any events have occurred or any circumstances have changed since April 30, 2008 that would indicate goodwill may have become impaired since our annual impairment test. In this evaluation, we considered qualitative factors such as any adverse change in the business climate, any loss of key personnel, and any unanticipated competition. Additionally, we considered quantitative factors such as our current estimates of the future profitability of our reporting units, our current stock price, and our market capitalization compared to our book value. Based on our evaluation, we determined that no indications of impairment have arisen since our annual goodwill impairment test. See note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” for a discussion of a potential goodwill impairment in light of the significant decline in the price of our common stock since our July 31, 2009 announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements.

Non-Current Liabilities

We record certain liabilities that are expected to be settled over a period that exceeds one year as non-current liabilities. We have also recorded as non-current the portion of the deferred lease incentive liability that we expect to recognize over a period greater than one year. The deferred lease incentive liability at December 31, 2008 and 2007 totaled $8.7 million and $9.7 million, respectively, and was primarily generated from tenant improvement allowances and rent abatement. Deferred lease incentives are amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. The portion of the deferred lease incentive corresponding to the rent payments that will be paid within twelve months of the balance sheet date is classified as current liabilities. We monitor the classification of such liabilities based on the expectation of their utilization periods.

Income Taxes

Current tax liabilities and assets are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on the tax returns for the current year. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences

 

 

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between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Share-Based Compensation

Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, “Share-based Payment,” using the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method, compensation cost for the portion of share-based awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered that are outstanding as of the adoption date is recognized over the remaining service period. The compensation cost for that portion of awards is based on the grant-date fair value of those awards as calculated for pro forma disclosures under SFAS No. 123, as originally issued. All new awards and awards that are modified, repurchased or cancelled after the adoption date are accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R. We recognize share-based compensation ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the requisite service period. In addition, pursuant to SFAS No. 123R, we estimate the amount of expected forfeitures when calculating share-based compensation.

Sponsorship and Advertising Costs

Sponsorship and advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Such expenses for 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $4.3 million, $3.8 million and $1.7 million, respectively, and are a component of selling, general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement of income.

Foreign Currency

Assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the United States Dollar (USD) are translated into the USD using the exchange rates in effect at period end. Revenue and expense items are translated using the average exchange rates for the period. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income, which is a component of stockholders’ equity.

Foreign currency transaction losses, net of gains, are included in other income (expense) on the statements of income and totaled $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 and none for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Segment Reporting

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” establishes annual and interim reporting standards for an enterprise’s business segments and related disclosures about its products, services, geographic areas and major customers. Segments are defined by SFAS No. 131 as components of a company in which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker manages the business under four operating segments: Health and Education Consulting, Accounting and Financial Consulting (previously named Financial Consulting), Legal Consulting, and Corporate Consulting.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements in financial statements, but standardizes its definition and guidance in GAAP. Thus, for some entities, the application of this statement may change current practice. We adopted SFAS No. 157 effective beginning on January 1, 2008 for financial assets and financial liabilities, which did not have any impact on our financial statements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delayed by one year the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). We adopted SFAS No. 157 effective beginning on January 1, 2009 for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, which did not have any impact on our financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of this statement is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by

 

 

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measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We adopted SFAS No. 159 effective beginning on January 1, 2008. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on our financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R was issued to improve the relevance, representational faithfulness, and comparability of information in financial statements about a business combination and its effects. This statement retains the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, but requires a number of changes. The changes that may have the most significant impact on us include: contingent consideration, such as earn-outs, will be recognized at its fair value on the acquisition date and, for certain arrangements, changes in fair value will be recognized in earnings until settled; acquisition-related transaction and restructuring costs will be expensed as incurred; previously-issued financial information will be revised for subsequent adjustments made to finalize the purchase price accounting; reversals of valuation allowances related to acquired deferred tax assets and changes to acquired income tax uncertainties will be recognized in earnings, except in certain situations. We adopted SFAS No. 141R on a prospective basis effective beginning on January 1, 2009. For business combinations completed on or subsequent to the adoption date, the application of this statement may have a significant impact on our financial statements, the magnitude of which will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the transactions.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements – an amendment of ARB No. 51.” SFAS No. 160 was issued to improve the relevance, comparability, and transparency of financial information provided in financial statements by establishing accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. We adopted SFAS No. 160 effective beginning on January 1, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have any impact on our financial statements.

 

3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements

In this Amendment, we are restating the following previously-issued financial statements:

 

 

Our audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007;

 

 

Our audited consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006;

 

 

Our audited consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006; and

 

 

Our audited consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

The effects of the restatement on each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are presented in note “18. Restatement of Previously-Issued Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited).”

The restatement relates to four businesses that we acquired between 2005 and 2007 (the “Acquired Businesses”). Pursuant to the purchase agreements for each of these acquisitions, payments were made by us to the selling shareholders (1) upon closing of the transaction, (2) in some cases, upon the Acquired Businesses achieving specific financial performance targets over a number of years (“earn-outs”), and (3) in one case, upon the buy-out of an obligation to make earn-out payments. These payments are collectively referred to as “acquisition-related payments.”

The acquisition-related payments made by us to the selling shareholders represented purchase consideration. As such, these payments, to the extent that they exceeded the net of the fair value assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed, were properly recorded as goodwill, in accordance with GAAP. Payments made upon the closing of the acquisition were recorded as goodwill on the date of closing. Earn-out payments were recorded as purchase consideration resulting in additional goodwill when the financial performance targets were met by the Acquired Businesses. The payment made upon the buy-out of an obligation to make earn-out payments was recorded as goodwill on the date of the buy-out.

It recently came to the attention of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors that, in connection with one of these acquisitions, the selling shareholders had an agreement among themselves to reallocate a portion of their earn-outs to an employee of the Company who was not a selling shareholder. Following this discovery, the Audit Committee commenced an inquiry into the relevant facts and circumstances of all of our prior acquisitions to determine if similar situations existed. The Audit Committee notified the Company’s independent auditors who had not previously been aware of the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments (in each case, as defined below).

 

 

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This inquiry resulted in the discovery that the selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses made one or both of the following types of payments:

 

1) The selling shareholders redistributed portions of their acquisition-related payments among themselves in amounts that were not consistent with their ownership interests on the date we acquired the business (“Shareholder Payments”). These Shareholder Payments were dependent, in part, on continuing employment with the Company or on the achievement of personal performance measures.

 

2) The selling shareholders redistributed portions of their acquisition-related payments to certain of our employees who were not selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses (“Employee Payments”). These Employee Payments were dependent on continuing employment with the Company or on the achievement of personal performance measures. The Company employees who received the Employee Payments were client-serving and administrative employees of the respective Acquired Businesses at the date such businesses were acquired by us as well as similar employees hired by or assigned to the respective Acquired Businesses after the date of such acquisitions.

This restatement is necessary because we failed to account for the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments in accordance with GAAP. The selling shareholders were not prohibited from making the Shareholder Payments or the Employee Payments under the terms of the purchase agreements with the Company for the acquisitions of the Acquired Businesses. However, under GAAP, including guidance promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), actions of economic interest holders in a company may be imputed to the company itself. The selling shareholders of the Acquired Businesses meet the criteria of economic interest holders of Huron due to their ability to earn additional consideration from Huron. As such, when the selling shareholders redistribute acquisition-related payments among themselves or redistribute a portion of their acquisition-related payments to our employees who were not selling shareholders based on employment or performance-based criteria, these payments are viewed as resulting from services that are assumed to have benefited Huron and must therefore be recorded as non-cash compensation expense incurred by Huron under GAAP. Accordingly, the Employee Payments and the Shareholder Payments are imputed to us. In the case of the Shareholder Payments, such payments are imputed to us even when the amounts that are received by the selling shareholders in the redistribution do not differ significantly from the amounts the selling shareholders would have received if the portion of the acquisition-related payments redistributed based on performance or employment had been distributed solely in accordance with the ownership interests of the applicable selling shareholders on the date we acquired the business. In effect, the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments are in substance a second and separate transaction from our acquisition of the Acquired Businesses, which should have been recorded as a separate non-cash accounting entry. Both the Shareholder Payments and the Employee Payments are therefore required to be reflected as non-cash compensation expense of Huron, and the selling shareholders are deemed to have made a capital contribution to Huron. The entries are non-cash because the payments were made directly by the selling shareholders from the acquisition proceeds they received from us. We did not expend additional cash with respect to the compensation charge.

Based on its inquiry into the facts and circumstances underlying the restatement, which is now substantially complete, the Audit Committee determined that the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not properly recorded in our financial statements because senior management did not properly take into account the impact of the selling shareholders’ redistribution of the acquisition-related payments when determining the appropriate accounting treatment. In some cases, senior management was unaware of the redistributions. In other cases, senior management was aware of the redistributions but either misunderstood or misapplied the appropriate accounting guidance. As a result, the facts and circumstances surrounding the Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments were not fully described in representation letters previously provided to our independent auditors.

In light of these determinations and given the magnitude of the accounting errors underlying the restatement, our Board of Directors concluded that it was appropriate for the Company to appoint a new Chairman, a new Chief Executive Officer, a new Chief Financial Officer and a new Chief Accounting Officer. Our Board of Directors and Gary Holdren, our then Chief Executive Officer, agreed that he should resign as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. George Massaro, who was the then Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, was elected as our Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. James Roth, one of the founders of the Company, was named Chief Executive

 

 

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Officer. James Rojas, another founder of the Company, was named Chief Financial Officer, succeeding Gary Burge who will remain as Treasurer and remain with the Company until the end of 2009. Wayne Lipski, previously Chief Accounting Officer, will be leaving the Company.

Based on the results of the Company’s inquiry into the acquisition-related payments matter to date and the agreement amendments described below, we currently anticipate that future earn-outs will only be accounted for as additional purchase consideration and not also as non-cash compensation expense. Effective August 1, 2009, the selling shareholders of two of the Acquired Businesses each amended certain agreements related to the earn-outs to provide that future earn-outs will be distributed only to the applicable selling shareholders and only in accordance with their equity interests on the date we acquired the business with no required continuing employment, and no further Shareholder Payments or Employee Payments will be made. However, there can be no assurance that additional information will not be discovered that will require future acquisition-related payments pertaining to the Acquired Businesses to continue to be accounted for as non-cash compensation expense, which would be material to our results of operations through 2011. The earn-out payments for one of the Acquired Businesses are payable through March 31, 2010, and the earn-out payments for a second Acquired Business are payable through December 31, 2011. There are no additional earn-out obligations related to the other two Acquired Businesses.

On August 4, 2009, we signed an Acknowledgment and Consent Agreement with respect to our $460 Million Revolving Credit and Term Loan Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). We requested an advance of $6.0 million under the revolving credit facility to fund current working capital needs during the interim period while we restate our financial statements. The lenders agreed to this request subject to a reservation of rights under the Credit Agreement. This advance, together with collections on our accounts receivable, provided adequate working capital during the interim period prior to the restatement of our financial statements. We expect to be in full compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement once the restatement is completed and compliance certificates for the second quarter of 2009 are provided to the lenders. We have been engaging, and expect to continue to engage, in regular discussions with our lenders.

On July 31, 2009, immediately prior to our announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements, the price of our common stock was $44.35 per share. As of the close of business on August 3, 2009, the business day next following such announcement, the price of our common stock was $13.69 per share. As a result of the significant decline in the price of our common stock, we expect to engage in an impairment analysis with respect to the carrying value of our goodwill in connection with the preparation of our financial statements for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. If following such analysis we are required to record a non-cash goodwill impairment charge, we may not be in compliance with the financial covenants in the Credit Agreement. In the absence of an amendment or waiver from our lenders, failure to comply with such covenants may result in (1) a default interest rate of 2% being charged in addition to the interest rate as determined under the Credit Agreement on all of our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, (2) our not being able to make additional borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which we rely on to fund our operations, and (3) the lenders requiring us to repay our outstanding indebtedness under the Credit Agreement, which totaled $295 million as of June 30, 2009. There can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement or, if we are not, that we will obtain the necessary amendments or waivers and, even if we are able to obtain them, such amendments or waivers may subject us to terms materially less favorable to us than those in our current agreement.

The SEC is commencing an investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement. We intend to cooperate fully with the SEC in its investigation. In addition, the following purported shareholder class action complaints have been filed in connection with our restatement in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: (1) a complaint in the matter of Jason Hughes v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren and Gary L. Burge, filed on August 4, 2009; (2) a complaint in the matter of Dorothy DeAngelis v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge, Wayne Lipski and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed on August 5, 2009; (3) a complaint in the matter of Noel M. Parsons v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge, Wayne Lipski and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed on August 5, 2009; (4) a complaint in the matter of Adam Liebman v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge and Wayne Lipski, filed on August 5, 2009; (5) a complaint in the matter of Gerald Tobin v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, filed on August 7, 2009 and (6) Gary Austin v. Huron Consulting Group Inc., Gary E. Holdren, Gary L. Burge and Wayne Lipski, filed on August 7, 2009. The complaints assert claims under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and contend that the Company and the individual defendants issued false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s financial results and compliance with GAAP. We intend to defend vigorously the actions.

 

 

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Given the uncertain nature of the SEC investigation with respect to the circumstances that led to the restatement and the private shareholder class action lawsuits in respect of the restatement, and the uncertainties related to the incurrence and amount of loss, including with respect to the imposition of fines, penalties, damages, administrative remedies and liabilities for additional amounts, with respect to the SEC investigation and the private lawsuits, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of the SEC investigation or the private lawsuits, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make a reasonable estimate of the liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome in the SEC investigation or the private lawsuits. Any such liability could be material.

As a result of the correction of these non-tax deductible errors, we recalculated our provision for income taxes for each of the quarterly periods using the annual effective income tax rate method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” As such, our interim quarterly provision for income taxes decreased in certain periods and increased in others, with a corresponding change in income tax receivable or payable. However, there is no change to our provision for income taxes or our tax accounts on an annual basis. While the correction of these errors significantly reduced our net income and earnings per share for each of the affected periods, it had no effect on our total assets, total liabilities, or total stockholders’ equity on an annual basis. Further, the correction of these errors had no effect on our net cash flows. The tables below summarize the impact of the restatement on our consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 (in thousands, except earnings per share). The effects of the restatement, including the tax adjustments, for each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 are further presented in note “18. Restatement of Previously-Issued Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited).”

 

     Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2008
 

2008

   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Shareholder Payments

   $ 3,681      $ 11,546      $ 4,708        5,253      $ 25,188   

Employee Payments

     1,339        1,339        1,339        1,365        5,382   
                                        

Total Non-cash Compensation Expense

   $ 5,020      $ 12,885      $ 6,047      $ 6,618      $ 30,570   
                                        

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 5,020      $ 12,885      $ 6,047      $ 6,618      $ 30,570   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 2,144      $ (4,211   $ 345      $ 1,722      $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (7,164   $ (8,674   $ (6,392   $ (8,340   $ (30,570

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.41   $ (0.50   $ (0.33   $ (0.44   $ (1.68

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.39   $ (0.48   $ (0.32   $ (0.41   $ (1.60
     Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2007
 

2007

   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Shareholder Payments

   $ 1,894      $ 1,955      $ 4,299      $ 4,650      $ 12,798   

Employee Payments

     1,178        1,167        1,295        1,183        4,823   
                                        

Total Non-cash Compensation Expense

   $ 3,072      $ 3,122      $ 5,594      $ 5,833      $ 17,621   
                                        

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 3,072      $ 3,122      $ 5,594      $ 5,833      $ 17,621   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ 678      $ 722      $ (822   $ (578   $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (3,750   $ (3,844   $ (4,772   $ (5,255   $ (17,621

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.23   $ (0.23   $ (0.27   $ (0.31   $ (1.04

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.21   $ (0.21   $ (0.27   $ (0.28   $ (0.97

 

 

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     Three Months Ended (Unaudited)     Full Year
2006
 

2006

   Mar. 31     Jun. 30     Sep. 30     Dec. 31    

Shareholder Payments

   $ —        $ 28      $ 28      $ 29      $ 85   

Employee Payments

     1,473        792        790        690        3,745   
                                        

Total Non-cash Compensation Expense

   $ 1,473      $ 820      $ 818      $ 719      $ 3,830   
                                        

Impact on Consolidated Statement Of Income:

          

Increase in Direct Costs

   $ 1,473      $ 820      $ 818      $ 719      $ 3,830   

Increase (Decrease) in Provision for Income Taxes

   $ (360   $ (14   $ 171      $ 203      $ —     

Decrease in Net Income

   $ (1,113   $ (806   $ (989   $ (922   $ (3,830

Decrease in Basic Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.07   $ (0.06   $ (0.05   $ (0.05   $ (0.23

Decrease in Diluted Earnings Per Share

   $ (0.07   $ (0.04   $ (0.06   $ (0.05   $ (0.22

The tables below present the effects of the restatement on our previously-issued consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

 

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Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     As of December 31, 2008     As of December 31, 2007     As of December 31, 2006  
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Assets

                  

Current assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,106        $ 14,106      $ 2,993        $ 2,993      $ 16,572        $ 16,572   

Receivables from clients, net

     88,071          88,071        86,867          86,867        41,848          41,848   

Unbilled services, net

     43,111          43,111        28,245          28,245        22,627          22,627   

Income tax receivable

     3,496          3,496        13,492          13,492        3,637          3,637   

Deferred income taxes

     15,708          15,708        13,680          13,680        15,290          15,290   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     14,563          14,563        10,435          10,435        6,435          6,435   
                                                                  

Total current assets

     179,055      —          179,055        155,712      —          155,712        106,409      —          106,409   

Property and equipment, net

     44,708          44,708        38,147          38,147        27,742          27,742   

Deferred income taxes

     2,064          2,064        3,628          3,628        5,433          5,433   

Other non-current assets

     15,722          15,722        8,737          8,737        2,294          2,294   

Intangible assets, net

     32,372          32,372        13,936          13,936        4,238          4,238   

Goodwill

     505,676          505,676        223,053          223,053        53,328          53,328   
                                                                  

Total assets

   $ 779,597      —        $ 779,597      $ 443,213      —        $ 443,213      $ 199,444      —        $ 199,444   
                                                                  

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

                  

Current liabilities:

                  

Accounts payable

   $ 6,505        $ 6,505      $ 5,823        $ 5,823      $ 2,684        $ 2,684   

Accrued expenses

     27,361          27,361        15,208          15,208        12,712          12,712   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     48,374          48,374        58,279          58,279        41,649          41,649   

Accrued consideration for business acquisitions

     60,099          60,099        34,962          34,962        —            —     

Income tax payable

     2,086          2,086        1,342          1,342        —            —     

Deferred revenues

     21,208          21,208        5,278          5,278        4,035          4,035   

Bank borrowings

     —            —          —            —          8,000          8,000   

Note payable and current portion of capital lease obligations

     518          518        1,309          1,309        1,282          1,282   
                                                                  

Total current liabilities

     166,151      —          166,151        122,201      —          122,201        70,362      —          70,362   

Non-current liabilities:

                  

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

     5,511          5,511        3,795          3,795        1,169          1,169   

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

     204          204        234          234        1,000          1,000   

Bank borrowings

     280,000          280,000        123,500          123,500        —            —     

Deferred lease incentives

     8,705          8,705        9,699          9,699        10,333          10,333   
                                                                  

Total non-current liabilities

     294,420      —          294,420        137,228      —          137,228        12,502      —          12,502   

Commitments and contingencies

                  

Stockholders’ equity

                  

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized

     202          202        182          182        178          178   

Treasury stock, at cost

     (21,443       (21,443     (20,703       (20,703     (9,396       (9,396

Additional paid-in capital

     211,464      52,021        263,485        116,148      21,451        137,599        79,598      3,830        83,428   

Retained earnings

     128,752      (52,021     76,731        88,101      (21,451     66,650        46,200      (3,830     42,370   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     51          51        56          56        —            —     
                                                                  

Total stockholders’ equity

     319,026      —          319,026        183,784      —          183,784        116,580      —          116,580   
                                                                  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 779,597      —        $ 779,597      $ 443,213      —        $ 443,213      $ 199,444      —        $ 199,444   
                                                                  

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

     Year ended
December 31, 2008
    Year ended
December 31, 2007
    Year ended
December 31, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                  

Revenues

   $ 615,476        $ 615,476      $ 504,292        $ 504,292      $ 288,588        $ 288,588   

Reimbursable expenses

     56,700          56,700        43,661          43,661        33,330          33,330   
                                                                  

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     672,176      —          672,176        547,953      —          547,953        321,918      —          321,918   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                  

Direct costs

     360,404      30,570        390,974        293,387      17,621        311,008        163,569      3,830        167,399   

Intangible assets amortization

     6,629          6,629        7,993          7,993        2,207          2,207   

Reimbursable expenses

     56,717          56,717        43,449          43,449        33,506          33,506   
                                                                  

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     423,750      30,570        454,320        344,829      17,621        362,450        199,282      3,830        203,112   
                                                                  

Operating expenses:

                  

Selling, general and administrative

     131,148          131,148        102,176          102,176        65,926          65,926   

Depreciation and amortization

     23,291          23,291        17,207          17,207        9,201          9,201   

Restructuring charges

     2,343          2,343        —            —          —            —     
                                                                  

Total operating expenses

     156,782      —          156,782        119,383      —          119,383        75,127      —          75,127   
                                                                  

Operating income

     91,644      (30,570     61,074        83,741      (17,621     66,120        47,509      (3,830     43,679   

Other income (expense):

                  

Interest income (expense), net

     (13,773       (13,773     (8,263       (8,263     (703       (703

Other income (expense)

     (2,731       (2,731     19          19        16          16   
                                                                  

Total other expense

     (16,504   —          (16,504     (8,244   —          (8,244     (687   —          (687
                                                                  

Income before provision for income taxes

     75,140      (30,570     44,570        75,497      (17,621     57,876        46,822      (3,830     42,992   

Provision for income taxes

     34,489          34,489        33,596          33,596        20,133          20,133   
                                                                  

Net income

   $ 40,651      (30,570   $ 10,081      $ 41,901      (17,621   $ 24,280      $ 26,689      (3,830   $ 22,859   
                                                                  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 2.23      (1.68   $ 0.55      $ 2.47      (1.04   $ 1.43      $ 1.63      (0.23   $ 1.40   

Diluted

   $ 2.13      (1.60   $ 0.53      $ 2.32      (0.97   $ 1.35      $ 1.54      (0.22   $ 1.32   

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                  

Basic

     18,257      —          18,257        16,944      —          16,944        16,359      —          16,359   

Diluted

     19,082      —          19,082        18,033      —          18,033        17,317      —          17,317   

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

    Year ended
December 31, 2008
    Year ended
December 31, 2007
    Year ended
December 31, 2006
 
    As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                 

Net income

  $ 40,651      (30,570   $ 10,081      $ 41,901      (17,621   $ 24,280      $ 26,689      (3,830   $ 22,859   

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

                 

Depreciation and amortization

    29,920          29,920        25,200          25,200        11,408          11,408   

Share-based compensation

    26,807          26,807        19,812          19,812        9,839          9,839   

Non-cash compensation

    —        30,570        30,570        —        17,621        17,621        —        3,830        3,830   

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

    5,477          5,477        7,306          7,306        569          569   

Deferred income taxes

    520          520        1,384          1,384        (6,463       (6,463

Other

    —            —          15          15        194          194   

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:

                 

Decrease (increase) in receivables from clients

    6,386          6,386        (30,957       (30,957     (6,962       (6,962

Increase in unbilled services

    (12,380       (12,380     (8,016       (8,016     (4,429       (4,429

Decrease (increase) in income tax receivable/payable, net

    11,066          11,066        (8,512       (8,512     (3,896       (3,896

Increase in other assets

    (8,620       (8,620     (7,377       (7,377     (702       (702

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    5,494          5,494        4,271          4,271        7,821          7,821   

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits

    (13,051       (13,051     13,964          13,964        9,575          9,575   

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

    8,930          8,930        (3,062       (3,062     (574       (574
                                                                 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    101,200      —          101,200        55,929      —          55,929        43,069      —          43,069   
                                                                 

Cash flows from investing activities:

                 

Purchases of property and equipment, net

    (19,821       (19,821     (18,909       (18,909     (18,110       (18,110

Net investment in life insurance policies

    (1,093       (1,093     (2,245       (2,245     (527       (527

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

    (229,947       (229,947     (168,209       (168,209     (51,073       (51,073
                                                                 

Net cash used in investing activities

    (250,861   —          (250,861     (189,363   —          (189,363     (69,710   —          (69,710
                                                                 

Cash flows from financing activities:

                 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    397          397        562          562        388          388   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

    (6,162       (6,162     (10,084       (10,084     (3,460       (3,460

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

    12,234          12,234        14,957          14,957        7,592          7,592   

Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility

    631,500          631,500        340,500          340,500        114,700          114,700   

Repayments on credit facility

    (475,000       (475,000     (225,000       (225,000     (106,700       (106,700

Principal payment of notes payable and capital lease obligations

    (1,432       (1,432     (1,136       (1,136     (1,127       (1,127
                                                                 

Net cash provided by financing activities

    161,537      —          161,537        119,799      —          119,799        11,393      —          11,393   
                                                                 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    (763   —          (763     56      —          56        —        —          —     
                                                                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    11,113          11,113        (13,579       (13,579     (15,248       (15,248

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

    2,993          2,993        16,572          16,572        31,820          31,820   
                                                                 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

  $ 14,106      —        $ 14,106      $ 2,993      —        $ 2,993      $ 16,572      —        $ 16,572   
                                                                 

 

 

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4. Business Combinations

During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, we completed the material acquisitions described below.

2008 Acquisition

Stockamp & Associates, Inc.

In July 2008, we acquired Stockamp & Associates, Inc. (“Stockamp”), a management consulting firm specializing in helping high-performing hospitals and health systems optimize their financial and operational performance. With the acquisition of Stockamp, we expanded our presence in the hospital consulting market and are better positioned to serve multiple segments of the healthcare industry, including major health systems, academic medical centers and community hospitals. This acquisition was consummated on July 8, 2008 and the results of operations of Stockamp have been included within our Health and Education Consulting segment since that date.

The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $229.3 million, consisting of $168.5 million in cash paid at closing, $50.0 million paid through the issuance of 1,100,740 shares of our common stock, $1.6 million of transaction costs, $9.5 million of additional purchase price earned by selling shareholders subsequent to the acquisition, as certain performance targets were met, and a $0.3 million preliminary working capital deficit adjustment. Of the 1,100,740 shares of common stock issued, 330,222 shares with an aggregate value of $15.0 million were deposited into escrow for a period of one year, beginning on July 8, 2008, to secure certain indemnification obligations of Stockamp and its shareholders. Because the shares placed in escrow have been issued conditionally since they may be returned to us in satisfaction of indemnification arrangements, the $15.0 million is classified as a liability and included in accrued consideration for business acquisitions on our consolidated balance sheet. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with borrowings under our credit agreement.

The purchase agreement also provides for the following future potential payments:

 

1. With respect to the shares of common stock not placed in escrow, on the date that is six months and one day after the closing date (the “Contingent Payment Date”), we will pay Stockamp (in cash, shares of common stock, or any combination of cash and common stock, at our election) the amount, if any, equal to $35.0 million less the value of the common stock issued on the closing date, based on 95% of the average daily closing price per share of common stock for the ten consecutive trading days prior to the Contingent Payment Date. No payment will be made if the common stock so valued equals or exceeds $35.0 million on the Contingent Payment Date. We were not required to make further payments upon the lapse of the Contingent Payment Date in January 2009.

 

2. With respect to the shares of common stock placed in escrow, when the shares are released to Stockamp (the “Contingent Escrow Payment Date”), we will pay Stockamp (in cash, shares of common stock, or any combination of cash and common stock at our election) the amount, if any, equal to $15.0 million (or such pro rata portion thereof, to the extent fewer than all shares are being released) less the value of the common stock released from escrow based on 95% of the average daily closing price per share of common stock for the ten consecutive trading days prior to the Contingent Escrow Payment Date. No payment will be made if the common stock so valued equals or exceeds $15.0 million on the Contingent Escrow Payment Date (or the applicable pro rata portion thereof). Any additional payment resulting from this price protection will not change the purchase consideration. Based on the average daily closing price of our common stock for the ten consecutive trading days prior to and including December 31, 2008, we would not be obligated to make any price protection payments to Stockamp.

 

3. For the period beginning on the closing date and ending on December 31, 2011, additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met. These payments are not contingent upon the continuing employment of the selling shareholders. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase consideration and an adjustment to goodwill.

Based on a preliminary valuation that is subject to refinement pending the finalization of the working capital adjustment, the identifiable intangible assets that were acquired totaled approximately $31.1 million and have an estimated weighted average useful life of 6 years, which consists of customer contracts totaling $5.4 million (7 months useful life), customer relationships totaling $10.8 million (12.5 years useful life), software totaling $7.8 million (4 years useful life), non-competition agreements totaling $3.7 million (6 years useful life), and a tradename valued at

 

 

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$3.4 million (2.5 years useful life). Customer relationships represent software support and maintenance relationships that are renewable by the customer on an annual basis. The renewal rate of these relationships has historically been high and as such, we have assigned a relatively long useful life to these customer relationships. Additionally, we recorded approximately $196.4 million of goodwill, which we intend to deduct for income tax purposes.

2007 Acquisitions

Callaway Partners, LLC

In July 2007, we acquired Callaway Partners, LLC (“Callaway”), a professional services firm that specializes in finance and accounting projects, financial reporting, internal audit and controls, and corporate tax solutions. With Callaway’s extensive senior consultant and project management skills, along with its variable, on-demand workforce, we are better positioned to assist clients with their accounting and corporate compliance challenges. This acquisition was consummated on July 29, 2007 and the results of operations of Callaway have been included within our Accounting and Financial Consulting segment since that date.

The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $88.4 million, consisting of $58.5 million in cash paid at closing, $1.5 million in cash paid upon the collection of receivables acquired, $0.6 million of transaction costs, a $4.8 million working capital adjustment, and $23.0 million paid in the form of a note payable relating to the settlement of the earn-out provision in the Callaway Asset Purchase Agreement, as described below. The $58.5 million paid at closing was financed with borrowings under our bank credit agreement.

On April 4, 2008, we entered into an amendment to the Callaway Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of July 28, 2007, whereby we settled the earn-out provision under Section 3.3 of the agreement in consideration for $23.0 million, payable in the form of a promissory note (the “Note”), and the waiver of certain indemnity obligations. The Note, along with accrued interest of $0.5 million, was paid in full on August 15, 2008.

The identifiable intangible assets that were acquired totaled $5.7 million and have an estimated weighted average useful life of 27 months, which consists of customer contracts totaling $1.9 million (5 months useful life), customer relationships totaling $2.4 million (19 months useful life), and non-competition agreements totaling $1.4 million (72 months useful life). Additionally, we recorded approximately $72.0 million of goodwill, which we intend to deduct for income tax purposes.

Wellspring Partners LTD

In January 2007, we acquired Wellspring Partners LTD (“Wellspring”), a management consulting firm specializing in integrated performance improvement services for hospitals and health systems. With the acquisition of Wellspring, we expanded our national presence in the healthcare provider sector and now provide a full complement of services to a wide spectrum of hospitals and multi-hospital systems. This acquisition was consummated on January 2, 2007 and the results of operations of Wellspring have been included within our Health and Education Consulting segment since that date.

The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $135.1 million, consisting of $64.7 million in cash paid at closing, $0.4 million of transaction costs, a $0.7 million working capital adjustment, $0.3 million in cash paid upon the collection of receivables acquired, $49.0 million of additional purchase price earned by selling shareholders subsequent to the acquisition, as certain performance targets were met, and $20.0 million to settle certain earn-out provisions as described below. We financed this acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings of $55.0 million under our bank credit agreement. Additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met over a five-year period. These payments are not contingent upon the continuing employment of the selling shareholders. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill.

Concurrent with the Stockamp acquisition described above, on July 8, 2008 we entered into an amendment to the Wellspring Stock Purchase Agreement (“Wellspring Amendment”). Effective January 1, 2009, in connection with the Stockamp acquisition, we combined Wellspring’s revenue cycle business with Stockamp’s revenue cycle business. As such, Wellspring will no longer be eligible for earn-out payments pertaining to that portion of the Wellspring business. In consideration for this, we paid the sellers $20.0 million through the issuance of 440,296 shares of our common stock. In addition, on the date that is six months and one day after the date of the Wellspring Amendment (the “Wellspring

 

 

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Contingent Payment Date”), we will pay the sellers (in cash, shares of common stock, or any combination of cash and common stock, at our election) the amount, if any, equal to $20.0 million less the value of the common stock issued on the date of the Wellspring Amendment, based on 95% of the average daily closing price per share of common stock for the ten consecutive trading days prior to the Wellspring Contingent Payment Date. No payment will be made if the common stock so valued equals or exceeds $20.0 million on the Wellspring Contingent Payment Date. We were not required to make further payments upon the lapse of the Wellspring Contingent Payment Date in January 2009. The earn-out provision, as amended, pertaining to the non-revenue cycle portion of Wellspring’s business will remain in effect through December 31, 2011.

The identifiable intangible assets that were acquired totaled $13.1 million and have an estimated weighted average useful life of 26 months, which consists of customer contracts totaling $4.7 million (9 months useful life), customer relationships totaling $3.9 million (20 months useful life), non-competition agreements totaling $2.4 million (72 months useful life), and a tradename valued at $2.1 million (24 months useful life). Additionally, we recorded approximately $125.5 million of goodwill, which we can not deduct for income tax purposes.

Glass & Associates, Inc.

Also in January 2007, we acquired Glass & Associates, Inc. (“Glass”), a turnaround and restructuring consulting firm that provides advice and leadership to troubled businesses in the United States and Europe. With the acquisition of Glass, we expanded our position in the consulting and restructuring marketplace, as well as expanded our interim management capabilities to distressed companies in industries beyond healthcare. The stock purchase agreement for this acquisition was executed on January 2, 2007 and the transaction was consummated on January 9, 2007 upon the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. The results of operations of Glass have been included within our Corporate Consulting segment since January 2, 2007.

The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $35.2 million, consisting of $30.0 million in cash paid at closing, $0.9 million of transaction costs, a $1.0 million working capital adjustment, $1.7 million cash paid to sellers for a tax election reimbursement, and $1.6 million of additional purchase price earned by selling shareholders subsequent to the acquisition, as certain performance targets were met. We financed this acquisition with a combination of cash on hand and borrowings of $20.0 million under our bank credit agreement. Additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met over a four-year period. These payments are not contingent upon the continuing employment of the selling shareholders. Such amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill. Also, additional payments may be made based on the amount of revenues we receive from referrals made by certain employees of Glass over a four-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as an expense.

The identifiable intangible assets that were acquired totaled $4.3 million and have an estimated weighted average useful life of 37 months, which consists of customer contracts totaling $1.0 million (6 months useful life), customer relationships totaling $1.1 million (19 months useful life), and non-competition agreements totaling $2.2 million (60 months useful life). Additionally, we recorded approximately $29.7 million of goodwill, which we intend to deduct for income tax purposes.

2006 Acquisition

MSGalt & Company, LLC

In April 2006, we acquired substantially all of the assets of MSGalt & Company, LLC (“Galt”), a specialized advisory firm that designs and implements corporate-wide programs to improve shareholder returns. With the acquisition of Galt, we expanded our value and service offerings to the offices of the chief executive officer and boards of Fortune 500 companies. This acquisition was consummated on April 3, 2006 and the results of operations of Galt have been included within our Corporate Consulting segment since that date.

The aggregate purchase price of this acquisition was approximately $43.3 million, which consisted of $20.4 million in cash paid at closing, $0.3 million of transaction costs, and $22.6 million of additional purchase price earned by selling shareholders subsequent to the acquisition, as certain performance targets and conditions were met. We financed this acquisition with cash on hand and borrowings of $6.5 million under our bank credit agreement. Additional purchase consideration may be payable to the selling shareholders if specific financial performance targets are met over a four-year period. These payments are not contingent upon the continuing employment of the selling shareholders. Such

 

 

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amounts will be recorded as additional purchase price and an adjustment to goodwill. Also, additional payments may be made based on the amount of revenues we receive from referrals made by Galt employees over a four-year period. Such amounts will be recorded as an expense.

The identifiable intangible assets that were acquired totaled $4.3 million and have an estimated weighted average useful life of 20 months, which consisted of customer contracts totaling $1.7 million (3 months weighted average useful life), customer relationships totaling $1.4 million (6 months weighted average useful life), and non-competition agreements totaling $1.2 million (60 months weighted average useful life). We assigned relatively short lives to the customer contracts and customer relationships due to the short-term nature of the services and relationships provided under these contracts. Additionally, we recorded $39.0 million of goodwill, which we intend to deduct for income tax purposes.

In addition to the accounting treatment described above with respect to the foregoing acquisitions, in certain of these acquisitions, portions of the purchase consideration that were redistributed by the selling shareholders among the selling shareholders and to certain of our employees based on performance or employment were also recorded as non-cash compensation expense. See note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.”

Purchase Price Allocations

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for our material business acquisitions.

 

     (Preliminary)
Stockamp
July 8,
2008
   Callaway
July 29,
2007
   Wellspring
January 2,
2007
   Glass
January 2,
2007
   Galt
April 3,
2006

Assets Acquired:

              

Current assets

   $ 17,446    $ 12,418    $ 9,868    $ 2,705    $ —  

Property and equipment

     2,158      698      1,073      215      11

Non-current assets

     547      23      —        23      —  

Intangible assets

     31,100      5,700      13,100      4,300      4,300

Goodwill

     196,355      72,007      125,465      29,683      38,967
                                  
     247,606      90,846      149,506      36,926      43,278

Liabilities Assumed:

              

Current liabilities

     18,097      2,354      9,128      1,727      —  

Non-current liabilities

     232      94      5,278      —        —  
                                  
     18,329      2,448      14,406      1,727      —  
                                  

Net Assets Acquired

   $ 229,277    $ 88,398    $ 135,100    $ 35,199    $ 43,278
                                  

 

 

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Pro Forma Financial Data

2008 Acquisition

The following unaudited pro forma financial data gives effect to the acquisition of Stockamp as if it had been completed at the beginning of the period presented. The actual results from the acquisition of Stockamp have been included within our consolidated financial results since July 8, 2008.

 

     Historical Huron and
Historical Stockamp
     2008
Pro forma
   2007
Pro forma
     (Restated)    (Restated)

Revenues, net of reimbursable expenses

   $ 673,676    $ 575,660

Operating income

   $ 82,273    $ 67,771

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 61,620    $ 51,212

Net income

   $ 20,140    $ 20,348

Earnings per share:

     

Basic

   $ 1.08    $ 1.15

Diluted

   $ 1.02    $ 1.06

2007 Acquisitions

The following unaudited pro forma financial data gives effect to the acquisitions of Callaway, Wellspring, and Glass as if they had been completed at the beginning of the period presented. The actual results from the acquisition of Callaway have been included within our consolidated financial results since July 29, 2007. The actual results from the acquisitions of Wellspring and Glass have been included within our consolidated financial results since January 2, 2007; therefore 2007 pro forma financial information is not presented.

 

     Historical Huron and
Historical Callaway
   Historical
Huron and
Historical
Wellspring
   Historical
Huron and
Historical
Glass
     2007
Pro forma
   2006
Pro forma
   2006
Pro forma
   2006
Pro forma
     (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)

Revenues, net of reimbursable expenses

   $ 539,635    $ 361,651    $ 339,573    $ 312,919

Operating income

   $ 69,583    $ 53,150    $ 48,921    $ 47,359

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 59,027    $ 48,583    $ 45,447    $ 45,361

Net income

   $ 24,960    $ 26,163    $ 24,310    $ 24,259

Earnings per share:

           

Basic

   $ 1.47    $ 1.60    $ 1.49    $ 1.50

Diluted

   $ 1.39    $ 1.51    $ 1.40    $ 1.41

2006 Acquisition

The following unaudited pro forma financial data gives effect to the acquisition of Galt as if it had been completed at the beginning of the period presented. The actual results from the acquisition of Galt have been included within our consolidated financial results since April 3, 2006.

 

 

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     Historical Huron and
Historical Galt
     2006
Pro forma
     (Restated)

Revenues, net of reimbursable expenses

   $ 292,657

Operating income

   $ 45,399

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 44,499

Net income

   $ 23,760

Earnings per share:

  

Basic

   $ 1.46

Diluted

   $ 1.37

 

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The table below sets forth the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

     Health and
Education
Consulting
   Accounting
& Financial
Consulting
   Legal
Consulting
   Corporate
Consulting
   Total

Balance as of December 31, 2006

   $ 11,256    $ 1,334    $ 13,771    $ 26,967    $ 53,328

Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations

     58,305      48,980      —        29,469      136,754

Additional purchase price subsequently recorded for business combinations (1)

     24,000      —        1,541      7,430      32,971
                                  

Balance as of December 31, 2007

   $ 93,561    $ 50,314    $ 15,312    $ 63,866    $ 223,053

Goodwill recorded in connection with business combinations

     193,705      —        —        —        193,705

Additional purchase price subsequently recorded for business combinations (1)

     34,486      27      2,144      9,261      45,918

Additional purchase price paid for the settlement of earn-out provisions (2)

     20,000      23,000      —        —        43,000
                                  

Balance as of December 31, 2008

   $ 341,752    $ 73,341    $ 17,456    $ 73,127    $ 505,676
                                  

 

(1) Primarily consists of additional purchase price earned by selling shareholders subsequent to the business combination, as certain financial performance targets and conditions were met.
(2) Consists of additional purchase price paid to the selling shareholders of Wellspring and Callaway in consideration for the settlement of certain earn-out provisions as described in note “4. Business Combinations.”

 

 

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Intangible assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following:

 

     December 31, 2008    December 31, 2007
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization

Customer contracts

   $ 5,650    $ 4,800    $ —      $ —  

Customer relationships

     21,476      8,649      9,826      3,814

Non-competition agreements

     12,473      3,558      8,273      1,690

Tradenames

     5,500      2,752      2,100      1,050

Technology and software

     8,385      1,353      585      294
                           

Total

   $ 53,484    $ 21,112    $ 20,784    $ 6,848
                           

Identifiable intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Customer contracts are amortized on a straight-line basis over relatively short lives due to the short-term nature of the services provided under these contracts. The majority of the customer relationships are amortized on an accelerated basis to correspond to the cash flows expected to be derived from the relationships. Non-competition agreements, tradenames, and technology and software are amortized on a straight-line basis.

Intangible assets amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $14.3 million, $14.3 million and $4.5 million, respectively. Estimated intangible assets amortization expense is $10.2 million for 2009, $7.5 million for 2010, $5.2 million for 2011, $3.5 million for 2012, and $1.8 million for 2013. Actual amortization expense could differ from these estimated amounts as a result of the finalization of the Stockamp valuation, future acquisitions and other factors.

See note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” for a discussion of a potential goodwill impairment in light of the significant decline in the price of our common stock since our July 31, 2009 announcement of our intention to restate our financial statements.

 

6. Property and Equipment

Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $15.7 million, $10.9 million and $6.9 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Property and equipment at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are detailed below:

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007  

Computers, related equipment and software

   $ 37,388      $ 30,026   

Leasehold improvements

     27,936        20,473   

Furniture and fixtures

     15,493        11,325   

Assets under capital lease

     1,417        806   

Assets under construction

     149        111   
                

Property and equipment

     82,383        62,741   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (37,675     (24,594
                

Property and equipment, net

   $ 44,708      $ 38,147   
                

 

7. Line of Credit

At December 31, 2008, we had a credit agreement with various financial institutions under which we may borrow up to $460.0 million, with an accordion feature allowing for an additional amount of up to $60.0 million to be borrowed upon approval from the lenders. The credit agreement consists of a $240.0 million revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) and a $220.0 million term loan facility (“Term Loan”), which was drawn in a single advance of $220.0 million on July 8, 2008 to fund in part our acquisition of Stockamp. The borrowing capacity under the credit agreement is reduced by any outstanding letters of credit, which totaled $5.7 million at December 31, 2008, and any payments under the Term Loan. At December 31, 2008, the borrowing capacity under the credit agreement was $163.3 million.

 

 

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The Revolver and Term Loan are secured by a pledge of 100% of the voting stock or other equity interests in our domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the voting stock or other equity interests in our foreign subsidiaries. Fees and interest on borrowings vary based on our total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio as set forth in the credit agreement. Interest is based on a spread, ranging from 1.50% to 2.50%, over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or a spread, ranging from 0.50% to 1.50%, over the base rate (which is the greater of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% or the Prime Rate), as selected by us. The Term Loan is subject to amortization of principal in fifteen consecutive quarterly installments that begun on September 30, 2008, with the first fourteen installments being $5.5 million each. The fifteenth and final installment will be in the amount of the remaining outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan and will be payable on February 23, 2012, but can be repaid earlier. All outstanding borrowings under the Revolver will be due upon expiration of the credit agreement on February 23, 2012. The credit agreement includes quarterly financial covenants that require us to maintain certain fixed coverage and total debt to EBITDA ratios. Under the credit agreement, dividends are restricted to an amount up to $10.0 million per fiscal year plus 50% of consolidated net income (adjusted for non-cash share-based compensation expense) for such fiscal year, plus 50% of net cash proceeds during such fiscal year with respect to any issuance of capital securities. In addition, certain acquisitions and similar transactions will need to be approved by the lenders.

Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2008 totaled $280.0 million and carried a weighted-average interest rate of 3.1%, all of which are classified as long-term on our consolidated balance sheet as the principal under the Revolver is not due until 2012 and we intend to fund scheduled quarterly payments under the Term Loan with availability under the Revolver. Borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2007 were $123.5 million and carried a weighted-average interest rate of 6.1%. At both December 31, 2008 and 2007, we were in compliance with our financial debt covenants.

See note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” for a discussion of certain matters related to the Credit Agreement and our borrowings thereunder in light of the restatement.

 

8. Capital Structure

Preferred Stock

We are authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock. Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors, without any further stockholder action or approval, to issue these shares in one or more classes or series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each class or series, and to fix the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each wholly unissued class or series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, no such preferred stock has been approved or issued.

Common Stock

We are authorized to issue up to 500,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share. The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders. Subject to the rights and preferences of the holders of any series of preferred stock that may at the time be outstanding, holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as our board of directors may declare. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, after payment of all of our debts and liabilities and subject to the rights and preferences of the holders of any series of preferred stock that may at the time be outstanding, holders of common stock will be entitled to receive the distribution of any of our remaining assets.

 

 

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9. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period, excluding unvested restricted common stock and unvested restricted stock units. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential reduction in earnings per share that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock under the treasury stock method. Earnings per share under the basic and diluted computations are as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2008    2007    2006
     (Restated)    (Restated)    (Restated)

Net income

   $ 10,081    $ 24,280    $ 22,859
                    

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

     18,257      16,944      16,359

Weighted average common stock equivalents

     825      1,089      958
                    

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

     19,082      18,033      17,317
                    

Basic earnings per share

   $ 0.55    $ 1.43    $ 1.40
                    

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 0.53    $ 1.35    $ 1.32
                    

There were approximately 452,800 and 1,600 anti-dilutive securities for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and none for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

10. Restructuring Charges

During 2008, we recorded a $2.3 million pre-tax restructuring charge that reduced operating income in our consolidated statement of income. This charge consisted primarily of severance payments related to workforce reductions to balance our employee base with current revenue expectations, market demand, and areas of focus. These reductions in workforce included the elimination of the operational consulting group within the Corporate Consulting segment and a reduction in the number of consultants in various other practice groups. All but $0.3 million of the restructuring charge was paid as of December 31, 2008.

 

11. Employee Benefit and Deferred Compensation Plans

We sponsor a qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan covering substantially all of our employees. Under the plan, employees are entitled to make pre-tax contributions. We match an amount equal to the employees’ contributions up to 6% of the employees’ salaries. Our matching contributions for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 were $10.4 million, $8.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively.

We have a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “Plan”) that is administered by our board of directors or a committee designated by the board of directors. Under the Plan, members of the board of directors and a select group of our employees may elect to defer the receipt of their director retainers and meeting fees or base salary and bonus, as applicable. Additionally, we may credit amounts to a participant’s deferred compensation account in accordance with employment or other agreements entered into between us and the participant. At our sole discretion, we may, but are not required to, credit any additional amount we desire to any participant’s deferred compensation account. Amounts credited are subject to vesting schedules set forth in the Plan, employment agreement or any other agreement entered into between us and the participant. The deferred compensation liability at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $3.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively.

 

12. Equity Incentive Plans

In connection with our initial public offering, we adopted the 2004 Omnibus Stock Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which replaced our then-existing equity plans for grants of share-based awards. The Omnibus Plan permits the grant of stock options, restricted stock, and other share-based awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, our common stock. Under the Omnibus Plan, as originally adopted, a total of 2,141,000 shares of common stock were

 

 

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reserved for issuance to eligible employees, executive officers, independent contractors and outside directors. The Plan was amended effective as of May 2, 2006 to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance by 2,100,000. As of December 31, 2008, 1,269,038 shares remain available for future issuance.

The Compensation Committee of the board of directors has the responsibility of interpreting the Omnibus Plan and determining all of the terms and conditions of awards made under the Omnibus Plan, including when the awards will become exercisable or otherwise vest. Subject to acceleration under certain conditions, the majority of our stock options and restricted stock vest annually, pro-rata over 4 years. All stock options have a ten-year contractual term.

The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2006 was $23.69. No options were granted during 2008 or 2007. The weighted average fair values were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for each period:

 

     December 31,  
     2006     2005     2004     2003  

Expected dividend yield

   0   0   0   0

Expected volatility

   40   40   12   1

Risk-free interest rate

   4.7   4.7   2.6   2.3

Expected option life (in years)

   4      4      4      4   

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

     Number
of
Options
(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

(in dollars)
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

(in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(in millions)

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

   557      $ 2.70      

Granted

   —             

Exercised

   (256   $ 1.55      

Forfeited or expired

   (3   $ 4.13      
              

Outstanding at December 31, 2008

   298      $ 3.68    4.8    $ 16.0
              

Exercisable at December 31, 2008

   298      $ 3.68    4.8    $ 16.0
              

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $13.7 million, $14.8 million and $13.4 million, respectively.

The grant date fair values of our restricted stock awards are measured pursuant to SFAS No. 123R. Restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:

 

     Number of
Shares

(in thousands)
    Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(in dollars)

Restricted stock at January 1, 2008

   1,718      $ 37.77

Granted

   584      $ 63.20

Vested

   (647   $ 31.98

Forfeited

   (93   $ 38.25
        

Restricted stock at December 31, 2008 (1)

   1,562      $ 49.64
        

 

(1) Includes 200,000 unvested restricted stock units with a weighted average grant date fair value of $50.47.

The aggregate fair value of restricted stock that vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $35.3 million, $33.4 million and $12.5 million, respectively.

 

 

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Total share-based compensation cost recognized for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $26.8 million, $19.8 million and $9.8 million, respectively, with related income tax benefits of $11.0 million, $8.1 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, there was $57.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.

 

13. Income Taxes

In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which became effective for us on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under FIN 48, we must recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

A reconciliation of our beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

 

Balance at January 1, 2007

   $ 68

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     81

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     37

Additions related to acquired companies

     525
      

Balance at December 31, 2007

   $ 711

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     328

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     129
      

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 1,168
      

Of the $1.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008, $0.6 million would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. We do not expect that changes in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the next 12 months will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

As of both December 31, 2008 and 2007, an immaterial amount was accrued for the potential payment of interest and penalties. Accrued interest and penalties are recorded as a component of provision for income taxes on our consolidated statement of income.

We file income tax returns with federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The 2004 Federal and main office state of Illinois tax returns were examined and closed in 2006 and no material adjustments were identified toward any of our tax positions. Our 2005 Federal tax return was examined and closed in 2008 and no adjustments were identified. Our 2006 and 2007 Federal tax returns are subject to future examination. For all other states, 2003 through 2007 are subject to future examinations. All of our foreign income tax filings are subject to future examinations.

 

 

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The income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 consists of the following:

 

     Year ended December 31,
     2008     2007    2006

Current:

       

Federal

   $ 14,685      $ 11,841    $ 15,170

State

     3,090        3,796      3,803

Foreign

     2,960        1,292      70
                     

Total current

     20,735        16,929      19,043
                     

Deferred:

       

Federal

     11,063        12,993      878

State

     3,091        3,674      212

Foreign

     (400     —        —  
                     

Total deferred

     13,754        16,667      1,090
                     

Income tax expense

   $ 34,489      $ 33,596    $ 20,133
                     

A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective tax rate is as follows. Other non-deductible items include taxes not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

 

     Year ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Percent of pretax income:

      

At U.S. statutory tax rate

   35.0   35.0   35.0

Non-cash compensation(1)

   27.8      12.4      3.6   

State income taxes

   4.2      5.9      5.2   

Meals and entertainment

   3.2      2.3      2.3   

Valuation allowance

   3.0      1.4      —     

Mark-to-market investments

   1.6      —        —     

Disallowed executive compensation

   1.5      0.5      —     

Foreign income taxes

   (0.4   (0.2   —     

Secondary offering

   —        —        0.5   

Other non-deductible items

   1.5      0.7      0.2   
                  

Effective income tax expense rate

   77.4   58.0   46.8
                  

 

(1) Consists of non-cash compensation expense representing Shareholder Payments and Employee Payments as described in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.”

 

 

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Deferred tax assets at December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2008     2007  

Deferred tax assets:

    

Share-based compensation

   $ 9,246      $ 6,215   

Accrued payroll and other liabilities

     8,441        7,864   

Deferred lease incentives

     4,333        4,616   

Revenue recognition

     4,212        2,159   

Net operating loss and foreign tax credit carryforwards

     2,153        1,069   

Other

     111        —     
                

Total deferred tax assets

     28,496        21,923   

Less valuation allowance

     (2,153     (833
                

Net deferred tax assets

     26,343        21,090   
                

Deferred tax liabilities:

    

Prepaid expenses

     (3,851     (2,348

Property and equipment

     (2,619     (1,277

Amortization of intangibles

     (1,924     (157

Other

     (177     —     
                

Total deferred tax liabilities

     (8,571     (3,782
                

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 17,772      $ 17,308   
                

As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, we had a valuation allowance of $2.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, primarily due to uncertainties relating to the ability to utilize deferred tax assets recorded for foreign operating losses.

 

14. Related Party Transaction

Pursuant to a registration rights agreement with HCG Holdings LLC, which owned a majority of our issued and outstanding common stock at December 31, 2005 and was a related party, we were obligated to pay all of the expenses relating to any public offerings. In connection with our initial public offering, in which HCG Holdings LLC participated as a selling stockholder, we paid all of the offering expenses of HCG Holdings LLC, other than underwriting discounts and commissions and transfer taxes with respect to the shares sold by HCG Holdings LLC. We also paid costs associated with an offering that was withdrawn in November 2005 and the secondary offering that was completed in February 2006. During the year ended December 31, 2006, these costs totaled $0.6 million.

 

15. Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

Lease Commitments

We lease office space and certain equipment and software under noncancelable operating and capital lease arrangements expiring on various dates through 2018, with various renewal options. Our principal executive offices located in Chicago, Illinois are under leases expiring through September 2014. We have two five-year renewal options that will allow us to continue to occupy the majority of this office space until September 2024. We also have a core office located in New York City, New York under a lease that expires in July 2016, with one five-year renewal option. Office facilities under operating leases include fixed or minimum payments plus, in some cases, scheduled base rent increases over the term of the lease. Certain leases provide for monthly payments of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expense applicable to the property. Some of the leases contain provisions whereby the future rental payments may be adjusted for increases in operating expense above the specified amount. Rental expense, including operating costs and taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $15.8 million, $12.2 million and $8.7 million, respectively. Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases and sublease income as of December 31, 2008, are as follows:

 

     Capital
Lease

Obligations
   Operating
Lease

Obligations
   Sublease
Income
 

2009

   $ 426    $ 18,544    $ (1,054

2010

     315      17,744      (1,047

2011

     77      14,869   

2012

     —        13,368      —     

2013

     —        11,085      —     

Thereafter

     —        20,611      —     
                      

Total

   $ 818    $ 96,221    $ (2,101
                      

 

 

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Litigation

On July 3, 2007, The Official Committee (the “Committee”) of Unsecured Creditors of Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Centers of New York d/b/a Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (“St. Vincents”), et al. filed suit against Huron Consulting Group Inc., certain of our subsidiaries, including Speltz & Weis LLC, and two of our former managing directors, David E. Speltz (“Speltz”) and Timothy C. Weis (“Weis”), in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York. On November 26, 2007, Gray & Associates, LLC (“Gray”), in its capacity as trustee on behalf of the SVCMC Litigation Trust, was substituted as plaintiff in the place of the Committee and on February 19, 2008, Gray filed an amended complaint in the action. Beginning in 2004, St. Vincents retained Speltz & Weis LLC to provide management services to St. Vincents, and its two principals, Speltz and Weis, were made the interim chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively, of St. Vincents. In May of 2005, we acquired Speltz & Weis LLC. On July 5, 2005, St. Vincents filed for bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (“Bankruptcy Court”). On December 14, 2005, the Bankruptcy Court approved the retention of Speltz & Weis LLC and us in various capacities, including interim management, revenue cycle management and strategic sourcing services. The amended complaint filed by Gray alleges, among other things, breach of fiduciary duties, breach of the New York Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, malpractice, breach of contract, tortious interference with contract, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duties, certain fraudulent transfers and fraudulent conveyances, breach of the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, aiding and abetting fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and civil conspiracy, and seeks at least $200 million in damages, disgorgement of fees, return of funds or other property transferred to Speltz & Weis LLC, attorneys’ fees, and unspecified punitive and other damages. We believe that the claims are without merit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter. The suit is in the pre-trial stage and no trial date has been set.

From time to time, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. As of the filing date of this annual report on Form 10-K, we are not a party to or threatened with any other litigation or legal proceeding that, in the opinion of management, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations. However, due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in legal proceedings, actual results could differ from current expected results.

See note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” for a discussion of the SEC investigation that is being commenced, and the purported shareholder class action complaints filed, in connection with the restatement.

Guarantees

Guarantees in the form of letters of credit totaling $5.7 million and $6.1 million were outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, to support certain office lease obligations.

In connection with certain business acquisitions, we are required to pay additional purchase consideration to the sellers if specific performance targets and conditions are met over a number of years as specified in the related purchase agreements. These amounts are calculated and payable at the end of each year based on full year financial results. Additional purchase consideration earned by certain sellers totaled $45.4 million, $32.4 million and $8.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. There is no limitation to the maximum amount of additional purchase consideration and future amounts are not determinable at this time, but the aggregate amount that potentially may be paid could be significant.

To the extent permitted by law, our by-laws and articles of incorporation require that we indemnify our officers and directors against judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement, including attorney’s fees, incurred in connection with

 

 

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civil or criminal action or proceedings, as it relates to their services to us if such person acted in good faith. Although there is no limit on the amount of indemnification, we may have recourse against our insurance carrier for certain payments made.

 

16. Segment Information

Segments are defined by SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” as components of a company in which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker manages the business under four operating segments: Health and Education Consulting, Accounting and Financial Consulting, Legal Consulting, and Corporate Consulting.

 

 

Health and Education Consulting. This segment provides consulting services to hospitals, health systems, physicians, managed care organizations, academic medical centers, colleges, universities, and pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers. This segment’s professionals develop and implement solutions to help clients address financial management, strategy, operational and organizational effectiveness, research administration, and regulatory compliance. This segment also provides consulting services related to hospital or healthcare organization performance improvement, revenue cycle improvement, turnarounds, merger or affiliation strategies, labor productivity, non-labor cost management, information technology, patient flow improvement, physician practice management, interim management, clinical quality and medical management, and governance and board development.

 

 

Accounting and Financial Consulting. This segment assists corporations with complex accounting and financial reporting matters, financial analysis in business disputes, international arbitration and litigation, as well as valuation analysis related to business acquisitions. This segment also consults with management in the areas of corporate governance, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, internal audit, and corporate tax. Additionally, the Accounting and Financial Consulting segment provides experienced project leadership and consultants with a variety of financial and accounting credentials and prior corporate experience on an as-needed basis to assist clients with finance and accounting projects. This segment is comprised of certified public accountants, economists, certified fraud examiners, chartered financial analysts and valuation experts who serve attorneys and corporations as expert witnesses and consultants in connection with business disputes, as well as in regulatory or internal investigations.

 

 

Legal Consulting. This segment provides guidance and business services to corporate law departments, law firms and government agencies by helping to reduce legal spending, enhance client service delivery and increase operational effectiveness. These services include digital evidence and discovery services, document review, law firm management services, records management, and strategic and operational improvements.

 

 

Corporate Consulting. This segment leads clients through various stages of transformation that result in measurable and sustainable performance improvement. This segment works with clients to solve complex business problems and implements strategies and solutions to effectively address and manage stagnant or declining stock price, acquisitions and divestitures, process inefficiency, third party contracting difficulties, lack of or misaligned performance measurements, margin and cost pressures, performance issues, bank defaults, covenant violations, and liquidity issues.

Segment operating income consists of the revenues generated by a segment, less the direct costs of revenue and selling, general and administrative costs that are incurred directly by the segment. Unallocated corporate costs include costs related to administrative functions that are performed in a centralized manner that are not attributable to a particular segment. These administrative function costs include costs for corporate office support, certain office facility costs, costs relating to accounting and finance, human resources, legal, marketing, information technology and company-wide business development functions, as well as costs related to overall corporate management.

The table below sets forth information about our operating segments along with the items necessary to reconcile the segment information to the totals reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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     Year ended December 31,  
     2008     2007     2006  
     (Restated)     (Restated)     (Restated)  

Health and Education Consulting:

      

Revenues

   $ 275,510      $ 181,439      $ 84,108   

Operating income

   $ 93,818      $ 53,470      $ 23,115   

Segment operating income as a percent of segment revenues

     34.1     29.5     27.5

Accounting and Financial Consulting:

      

Revenues

   $ 134,011      $ 156,013      $ 109,220   

Operating income

   $ 20,456      $ 58,678      $ 50,304   

Segment operating income as a percent of segment revenues

     15.3     37.6     46.1

Legal Consulting:

      

Revenues

   $ 121,413      $ 89,849      $ 47,774   

Operating income

   $ 37,780      $ 28,293      $ 13,884   

Segment operating income as a percent of segment revenues

     31.1     31.5     29.1

Corporate Consulting:

      

Revenues

   $ 84,542      $ 76,991      $ 47,486   

Operating income

   $ 20,376      $ 17,354      $ 16,246   

Segment operating income as a percent of segment revenues

     24.1     22.5     34.2

Total Company:

      

Revenues

   $ 615,476      $ 504,292      $ 288,588   

Reimbursable expenses

     56,700        43,661        33,330   
                        

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

   $ 672,176      $ 547,953      $ 321,918   
                        

Statement of operations reconciliation:

      

Segment operating income

   $ 172,430      $ 157,795      $ 103,549   

Charges not allocated at the segment level:

      

Other selling, general and administrative expenses

     88,065        74,468        50,669   

Depreciation and amortization

     23,291        17,207        9,201   

Other expense

     16,504        8,244        687   
                        

Income before provision for income taxes

   $ 44,570      $ 57,876      $ 42,992   
                        

Segment assets:

      

Health and Education Consulting

   $ 48,777      $ 35,764     

Accounting and Financial Consulting

     25,191        38,937     

Legal Consulting

     37,973        22,228     

Corporate Consulting

     19,241        18,183     

Unallocated assets (1)

     648,415        328,101     
                  

Total assets

   $ 779,597      $ 443,213     
                  

 

(1) Goodwill and intangible assets are included in unallocated assets, as in assessing segment performance or in allocating resources, management does not evaluate these items at the segment level.

For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, substantially all of our revenues and long-lived assets were attributed to or located in the United States.

No single client generated greater than 10% of our consolidated revenues during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. At both December 31, 2008 and 2007, no single client’s total receivables and unbilled services balance represented greater than 10% of our total receivables and unbilled services balance.

During the year ended December 31, 2006, one client generated $29.3 million, or 10.2%, of our consolidated revenues. Of the $29.3 million, $25.8 million was generated by the Accounting and Financial Consulting segment and $3.5 million was generated by the Legal Consulting segment. No single client accounted for 10% or more of our total receivables and unbilled services at December 31, 2006.

 

 

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17. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

The following table summarizes the activity of the allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services and the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets:

 

     Beginning
balance
   Additions (1)    Deductions    Ending
balance

Year ended December 31, 2006:

           

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

   $ 3,944    8,928    8,359    $ 4,513

Year ended December 31, 2007:

           

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

   $ 4,513    29,281    21,071    $ 12,723

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

   $ —      833    —      $ 833

Year ended December 31, 2008:

           

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

   $ 12,723    36,313    30,854    $ 18,182

Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets

   $ 833    1,320    —      $ 2,153

 

(1) Additions to allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services are charged to revenues to the extent the provision relates to fee adjustments and other discretionary pricing adjustments. To the extent the provision relates to a client’s inability to make required payments on accounts receivables, the provision is charged to operating expenses. Additions also include allowances acquired in business acquisitions.

 

18. Restatement of Previously-Issued Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited)

The following tables present the effects of the restatement described in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements” for each of the quarters during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006. While there is no tax effect to these adjustments, we recalculated our provision for income taxes for each of the quarterly periods affected by the restatement using the annual effective income tax rate method as further described in note “3. Restatement of Previously-Issued Financial Statements.”

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

     As of March 31, 2008     As of March 31, 2007     As of March 31, 2006  
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Assets

                  

Current assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,277        $ 14,277      $ 6,336        $ 6,336      $ 16,177        $ 16,177   

Receivables from clients, net

     90,239          90,239        57,435          57,435        34,770          34,770   

Unbilled services, net

     38,798          38,798        33,283          33,283        21,246          21,246   

Income tax receivable

     13,996      (2,144     11,852        —            —          —            —     

Deferred income taxes

     15,567          15,567        19,757          19,757        14,110          14,110   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     10,277          10,277        8,911          8,911        7,897          7,897   
                                                                  

Total current assets

     183,154      (2,144     181,010        125,722      —          125,722        94,200      —          94,200   

Property and equipment, net

     40,239          40,239        29,559          29,559        19,259          19,259   

Deferred income taxes

     3,228          3,228        1,725          1,725        2,978          2,978   

Other non-current assets

     10,866          10,866        4,012          4,012        1,024          1,024   

Intangible assets, net

     12,213          12,213        18,449          18,449        629          629   

Goodwill

     223,284          223,284        135,026          135,026        14,637          14,637   
                                                                  

Total assets

   $ 472,984      (2,144   $ 470,840      $ 314,493      —        $ 314,493      $ 132,727      —        $ 132,727   
                                                                  

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

                  

Current liabilities:

                  

Accounts payable

   $ 7,109        $ 7,109      $ 4,228        $ 4,228      $ 2,236        $ 2,236   

Accrued expenses

     15,785          15,785        14,365          14,365        7,289          7,289   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     21,582          21,582        26,079          26,079        17,872          17,872   

Accrued consideration for business acquisitions

     24,300          24,300        —            —          —            —     

Income tax payable

     2,659          2,659        5,246      678        5,924        2,666      (360     2,306   

Deferred revenues

     5,610          5,610        6,599          6,599        4,127          4,127   

Note payable and current portion of capital lease obligations

     1,165          1,165        1,138          1,138        1,138          1,138   
                                                                  

Total current liabilities

     78,210      —          78,210        57,655      678        58,333        35,328      (360     34,968   

Non-current liabilities:

                  

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

     4,773          4,773        2,389          2,389        186          186   

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

     164          164        1,000          1,000        2,129          2,129   

Bank borrowings

     177,000          177,000        112,000          112,000        —            —     

Deferred lease incentives

     9,413          9,413        10,420          10,420        9,569          9,569   
                                                                  

Total non-current liabilities

     191,350      —          191,350        125,809      —          125,809        11,884      —          11,884   

Commitments and contingencies

                  

Stockholders’ equity

                  

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized

     185          185        178          178        176          176   

Treasury stock, at cost

     (17,602       (17,602     (10,955       (10,955     (4,758       (4,758

Additional paid-in capital

     122,125      26,471        148,596        85,795      6,902        92,697        64,990      1,473        66,463   

Retained earnings

     98,314      (28,615     69,699        56,011      (7,580     48,431        25,107      (1,113     23,994   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     402          402        —            —          —            —     
                                                                  

Total stockholders’ equity

     203,424      (2,144     201,280        131,029      (678     130,351        85,515      360        85,875   
                                                                  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 472,984      (2,144   $ 470,840      $ 314,493      —        $ 314,493      $ 132,727      —        $ 132,727   
                                                                  

 

 

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HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)  
     As of June 30, 2008     As of June 30, 2007     As of June 30, 2006  
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Assets

                  

Current assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,335        $ 14,335      $ 3,437        $ 3,437      $ 3,381        $ 3,381   

Receivables from clients, net

     90,198          90,198        66,116          66,116        38,472          38,472   

Unbilled services, net

     43,255          43,255        34,124          34,124        23,242          23,242   

Income tax receivable

     7,636      2,067        9,703        1,651      (1,400     251        3,092      374        3,466   

Deferred income taxes

     13,960          13,960        22,280          22,280        14,747          14,747   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     13,298          13,298        12,204          12,204        5,211          5,211   
                                                                  

Total current assets

     182,682      2,067        184,749        139,812      (1,400     138,412        88,145      374        88,519   

Property and equipment, net

     44,378          44,378        32,017          32,017        23,504          23,504   

Deferred income taxes

     2,662          2,662        3,029          3,029        3,951          3,951   

Other non-current assets

     12,876          12,876        7,508          7,508        1,273          1,273   

Intangible assets, net

     10,519          10,519        15,002          15,002        3,085          3,085   

Goodwill

     246,386          246,386        137,707          137,707        35,501          35,501   
                                                                  

Total assets

   $ 499,503      2,067      $ 501,570      $ 335,075      (1,400   $ 333,675      $ 155,459      374      $ 155,833   
                                                                  

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

                  

Current liabilities:

                  

Accounts payable

   $ 8,138        $ 8,138      $ 4,634        $ 4,634      $ 2,944        $ 2,944   

Accrued expenses

     16,206          16,206        19,762          19,762        9,846          9,846   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     29,490          29,490        35,100          35,100        23,318          23,318   

Accrued consideration for business acquisitions

     —            —          —            —          —            —     

Income tax payable

     2,843          2,843        —            —          —            —     

Deferred revenues

     7,377          7,377        6,608          6,608        5,180          5,180   

Bank borrowings

     —            —          —            —          6,500          6,500   

Note payable and current portion of capital lease obligations

     23,246          23,246        1,141          1,141        1,141          1,141   
                                                                  

Total current liabilities

     87,300      —          87,300        67,245      —          67,245        48,929      —          48,929   

Non-current liabilities:

                  

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

     5,233          5,233        2,737          2,737        604          604   

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

     127          127        —            —          1,132          1,132   

Bank borrowings

     179,500          179,500        107,000          107,000        —            —     

Deferred lease incentives

     9,046          9,046        10,246          10,246        10,175          10,175   
                                                                  

Total non-current liabilities

     193,906      —          193,906        119,983      —          119,983        11,911      —          11,911   

Commitments and contingencies

                  

Stockholders’ equity

                  

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized

     185          185        180          180        177          177   

Treasury stock, at cost

     (18,297       (18,297     (12,252       (12,252     (6,029       (6,029

Additional paid-in capital

     128,128      39,356        167,484        93,880      10,024        103,904        69,084      2,293        71,377   

Retained earnings

     108,123      (37,289     70,834        66,112      (11,424     54,688        31,387      (1,919     29,468   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     158          158        (73       (73     —            —     
                                                                  

Total stockholders’ equity

     218,297      2,067        220,364        147,847      (1,400     146,447        94,619      374        94,993   
                                                                  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 499,503      2,067      $ 501,570      $ 335,075      (1,400   $ 333,675      $ 155,459      374      $ 155,833   
                                                                  

 

 

F-39


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

 

     As of September 30, 2008     As of September 30, 2007     As of September 30, 2006  
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Assets

                  

Current assets:

                  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 14,545        $ 14,545      $ 3,742        $ 3,742      $ 943        $ 943   

Receivables from clients, net

     102,267          102,267        86,157          86,157        51,858          51,858   

Unbilled services, net

     61,053          61,053        41,116          41,116        24,726          24,726   

Income tax receivable

     6,469      1,722        8,191        4,097      (578     3,519        2,510      203        2,713   

Deferred income taxes

     15,381          15,381        24,674          24,674        15,903          15,903   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     12,943          12,943        9,025          9,025        5,619          5,619   
                                                                  

Total current assets

     212,658      1,722        214,380        168,811      (578     168,233        101,559      203        101,762   

Property and equipment, net

     46,530          46,530        33,764          33,764        27,357          27,357   

Deferred income taxes

     2,811          2,811        3,786          3,786        4,777          4,777   

Other non-current assets

     16,259          16,259        7,503          7,503        1,468          1,468   

Intangible assets, net

     38,195          38,195        16,117          16,117        5,269          5,269   

Goodwill

     451,271          451,271        190,780          190,780        50,146          50,146   
                                                                  

Total assets

   $ 767,724      1,722      $ 769,446      $ 420,761      (578   $ 420,183      $ 190,576      203      $ 190,779   
                                                                  

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

                  

Current liabilities:

                  

Accounts payable

   $ 8,586        $ 8,586      $ 3,937        $ 3,937      $ 4,778        $ 4,778   

Accrued expenses

     22,131          22,131        26,011          26,011        8,572          8,572   

Accrued payroll and related benefits

     49,931          49,931        52,661          52,661        33,356          33,356   

Accrued consideration for business acquisitions

     21,152          21,152        —            —          —            —     

Income tax payable

     3,500          3,500        140          140        —            —     

Deferred revenues

     21,175          21,175        4,466          4,466        3,538          3,538   

Bank borrowings

     —            —          —            —          22,000          22,000   

Note payable and current portion of capital lease obligations

     454          454        1,143          1,143        1,143          1,143   
                                                                  

Total current liabilities

     126,929      —          126,929        88,358      —          88,358        73,387      —          73,387   

Non-current liabilities:

                  

Deferred compensation and other liabilities

     5,273          5,273        3,145          3,145        414          414   

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

     252          252        —            —          1,134          1,134   

Bank borrowings

     335,000          335,000        154,500          154,500        —            —     

Deferred lease incentives

     8,908          8,908        9,934          9,934        10,623          10,623   
                                                                  

Total non-current liabilities

     349,433      —          349,433        167,579      —          167,579        12,171      —          12,171   

Commitments and contingencies

                  

Stockholders’ equity

                  

Common stock; $0.01 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized

     199          199        182          182        178          178   

Treasury stock, at cost

     (20,045       (20,045     (16,094       (16,094     (7,322       (7,322

Additional paid-in capital

     194,689      45,403        240,092        104,112      15,618        119,730        73,990      3,111        77,101   

Retained earnings

     116,953      (43,681     73,272        76,599      (16,196     60,403        38,172      (2,908     35,264   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (434       (434     25          25        —            —     
                                                                  

Total stockholders’ equity

     291,362      1,722        293,084        164,824      (578     164,246        105,018      203        105,221   
                                                                  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 767,724      1,722      $ 769,446      $ 420,761      (578   $ 420,183      $ 190,576      203      $ 190,779   
                                                                  

 

 

F-40


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
March 31, 2008
    Three months ended
March 31, 2007
    Three months ended
March 31, 2006
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
   Adjustments     Restated

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                   

Revenues

   $ 139,394        $ 139,394      $ 116,009        $ 116,009      $ 62,187      $ 62,187

Reimbursable expenses

     11,613          11,613        10,035          10,035        5,439        5,439
                                                               

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     151,007      —          151,007        126,044      —          126,044        67,626    —          67,626

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses
(exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                   

Direct costs

     83,444      5,020        88,464        66,903      3,072        69,975        35,990    1,473        37,463

Intangible assets amortization

     24          24        2,240          2,240        76        76

Reimbursable expenses

     11,610          11,610        10,117          10,117        5,538        5,538
                                                               

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     95,078      5,020        100,098        79,260      3,072        82,332        41,604    1,473        43,077
                                                               

Operating expenses:

                   

Selling, general and administrative

     30,162          30,162        23,827          23,827        14,841        14,841

Depreciation and amortization

     5,138          5,138        4,042          4,042        1,508        1,508

Restructuring charges

     —            —          —            —          —          —  
                                                               

Total operating expenses

     35,300      —          35,300        27,869      —          27,869        16,349    —          16,349
                                                               

Operating income

     20,629      (5,020     15,609        18,915      (3,072     15,843        9,673    (1,473     8,200

Other income (expense):

                   

Interest income (expense), net

     (1,833       (1,833     (1,425       (1,425     232        232

Other income (expense)

     (294       (294     30          30        —          —  
                                                               

Total other income (expense)

     (2,127   —          (2,127     (1,395   —          (1,395     232    —          232
                                                               

Income before provision for income taxes

     18,502      (5,020     13,482        17,520      (3,072     14,448        9,905    (1,473     8,432

Provision for income taxes

     8,289      2,144        10,433        7,709      678        8,387        4,309    (360     3,949
                                                               

Net income

   $ 10,213      (7,164   $ 3,049      $ 9,811      (3,750   $ 6,061      $ 5,596    (1,113   $ 4,483
                                                               

Earnings per share:

                   

Basic

   $ 0.59      (0.41   $ 0.18      $ 0.59      (0.23   $ 0.36      $ 0.35    (0.07   $ 0.28

Diluted

   $ 0.56      (0.39   $ 0.17      $ 0.55      (0.21   $ 0.34      $ 0.33    (0.07   $ 0.26

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                   

Basic

     17,372      —          17,372        16,725      —          16,725        16,077    —          16,077

Diluted

     18,215      —          18,215        17,768      —          17,768        16,995    —          16,995

 

 

F-41


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
June 30, 2008
    Three months ended
June 30, 2007
    Three months ended
June 30, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                  

Revenues

   $ 143,408        $ 143,408      $ 118,266        $ 118,266      $ 67,769        $ 67,769   

Reimbursable expenses

     12,565          12,565        10,910          10,910        6,691          6,691   
                                                                  

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     155,973      —          155,973        129,176      —          129,176        74,460      —          74,460   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                  

Direct costs

     85,991      12,885        98,876        66,508      3,122        69,630        37,436      820        38,256   

Intangible assets amortization

     24          24        2,304          2,304        1,640          1,640   

Reimbursable expenses

     12,578          12,578        10,814          10,814        6,795          6,795   
                                                                  

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     98,593      12,885        111,478        79,626      3,122        82,748        45,871      820        46,691   
                                                                  

Operating expenses:

                  

Selling, general and administrative

     31,780          31,780        25,606          25,606        15,713          15,713   

Depreciation and amortization

     5,370          5,370        4,177          4,177        1,569          1,569   

Restructuring charges

     —            —          —            —          —            —     
                                                                  

Total operating expenses

     37,150      —          37,150        29,783      —          29,783        17,282      —          17,282   
                                                                  

Operating income

     20,230      (12,885     7,345        19,767      (3,122     16,645        11,307      (820     10,487   

Other income (expense):

                  

Interest income (expense), net

     (2,294       (2,294     (1,825       (1,825     (193       (193

Other income (expense)

     (35       (35     95          95        —            —     
                                                                  

Total other expense

     (2,329   —          (2,329     (1,730   —          (1,730     (193   —          (193
                                                                  

Income before provision for income taxes

     17,901      (12,885     5,016        18,037      (3,122     14,915        11,114      (820     10,294   

Provision for income taxes

     8,092      (4,211     3,881        7,936      722        8,658        4,834      (14     4,820   
                                                                  

Net income

   $ 9,809      (8,674   $ 1,135      $ 10,101      (3,844   $ 6,257      $ 6,280      (806   $ 5,474   
                                                                  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 0.56      (0.50   $ 0.06      $ 0.60      (0.23   $ 0.37      $ 0.39      (0.06   $ 0.33   

Diluted

   $ 0.54      (0.48   $ 0.06      $ 0.56      (0.21   $ 0.35      $ 0.36      (0.04   $ 0.32   

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                  

Basic

     17,558      —          17,558        16,842      —          16,842        16,309      —          16,309   

Diluted

     18,178      —          18,178        17,993      —          17,993        17,244      —          17,244   

 

 

F-42


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2008
    Six months ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months ended
June 30, 2006
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
   Adjustments     Restated

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                   

Revenues

   $ 282,802        $ 282,802      $ 234,275        $ 234,275      $ 129,956      $ 129,956

Reimbursable expenses

     24,178          24,178        20,945          20,945        12,130        12,130
                                                               

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     306,980      —          306,980        255,220      —          255,220        142,086    —          142,086

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                   

Direct costs

     169,435      17,905        187,340        133,411      6,194        139,605        73,426    2,293        75,719

Intangible assets amortization

     48          48        4,544          4,544        1,716        1,716

Reimbursable expenses

     24,188          24,188        20,931          20,931        12,333        12,333
                                                               

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     193,671      17,905        211,576        158,886      6,194        165,080        87,475    2,293        89,768
                                                               

Operating expenses:

                   

Selling, general and administrative

     61,942          61,942        49,433          49,433        30,554        30,554

Depreciation and amortization

     10,508          10,508        8,219          8,219        3,077        3,077

Restructuring charges

     —            —          —            —          —          —  
                                                               

Total operating expenses

     72,450      —          72,450        57,652      —          57,652        33,631    —          33,631
                                                               

Operating income

     40,859      (17,905     22,954        38,682      (6,194     32,488        20,980    (2,293     18,687

Other income (expense):

                   

Interest income (expense), net

     (4,127       (4,127     (3,250       (3,250     39        39

Other income (expense)

     (329       (329     125          125        —          —  
                                                               

Total other expense

     (4,456   —          (4,456     (3,125   —          (3,125     39    —          39
                                                               

Income before provision for income taxes

     36,403      (17,905     18,498        35,557      (6,194     29,363        21,019    (2,293     18,726

Provision for income taxes

     16,381      (2,067     14,314        15,645      1,400        17,045        9,143    (374     8,769
                                                               

Net income

   $ 20,022      (15,838   $ 4,184      $ 19,912      (7,594   $ 12,318      $ 11,876    (1,919   $ 9,957
                                                               

Earnings per share:

                   

Basic

   $ 1.15      (0.91   $ 0.24      $ 1.19      (0.46   $ 0.73      $ 0.73    (0.12   $ 0.61

Diluted

   $ 1.10      (0.87   $ 0.23      $ 1.11      (0.42   $ 0.69      $ 0.69    (0.11   $ 0.58

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                   

Basic

     17,465      —          17,465        16,784      —          16,784        16,194    —          16,194

Diluted

     18,197      —          18,197        17,881      —          17,881        17,120    —          17,120

 

 

F-43


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
September 30, 2008
    Three months ended
September 30, 2007
    Three months ended
September 30, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                  

Revenues

   $ 168,659        $ 168,659      $ 134,051        $ 134,051      $ 75,194        $ 75,194   

Reimbursable expenses

     16,696          16,696        11,286          11,286        7,921          7,921   
                                                                  

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     185,355      —          185,355        145,337      —          145,337        83,115      —          83,115   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                  

Direct costs

     100,263      6,047        106,310        80,237      5,594        85,831        42,973      818        43,791   

Intangible assets amortization

     3,036          3,036        2,208          2,208        467          467   

Reimbursable expenses

     16,734          16,734        11,108          11,108        7,907          7,907   
                                                                  

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     120,033      6,047        126,080        93,553      5,594        99,147        51,347      818        52,165   
                                                                  

Operating expenses:

                  

Selling, general and administrative

     34,435          34,435        25,675          25,675        16,724          16,724   

Depreciation and amortization

     6,260          6,260        4,283          4,283        2,921          2,921   

Restructuring charges

     2,343          2,343        —            —          —            —     
                                                                  

Total operating expenses

     43,038      —          43,038        29,958      —          29,958        19,645      —          19,645   
                                                                  

Operating income

     22,284      (6,047     16,237        21,826      (5,594     16,232        12,123      (818     11,305   

Other income (expense):

                  

Interest income (expense), net

     (4,938       (4,938     (2,621       (2,621     (404       (404

Other income (expense)

     (518       (518     11          11        —            —     
                                                                  

Total other expense

     (5,456   —          (5,456     (2,610   —          (2,610     (404   —          (404
                                                                  

Income before provision for income taxes

     16,828      (6,047     10,781        19,216      (5,594     13,622        11,719      (818     10,901   

Provision for income taxes

     7,998      345        8,343        8,729      (822     7,907        4,934      171        5,105   
                                                                  

Net income

   $ 8,830      (6,392   $ 2,438      $ 10,487      (4,772   $ 5,715      $ 6,785      (989   $ 5,796   
                                                                  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 0.46      (0.33   $ 0.13      $ 0.61      (0.27   $ 0.34      $ 0.41      (0.05   $ 0.36   

Diluted

   $ 0.44      (0.32   $ 0.12      $ 0.58      (0.27   $ 0.31      $ 0.39      (0.06   $ 0.33   

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                  

Basic

     18,901      —          18,901        17,033      —          17,033        16,424      —          16,424   

Diluted

     19,845      —          19,845        18,137      —          18,137        17,415      —          17,415   

 

 

F-44


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

     Nine months ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2007
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                  

Revenues

   $ 451,461        $ 451,461      $ 368,326        $ 368,326      $ 205,150        $ 205,150   

Reimbursable expenses

     40,874          40,874        32,231          32,231        20,051          20,051   
                                                                  

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     492,335      —          492,335        400,557      —          400,557        225,201      —          225,201   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                  

Direct costs

     269,698      23,952        293,650        213,648      11,788        225,436        116,399      3,111        119,510   

Intangible assets amortization

     3,084          3,084        6,752          6,752        2,183          2,183   

Reimbursable expenses

     40,922          40,922        32,039          32,039        20,240          20,240   
                                                                  

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     313,704      23,952        337,656        252,439      11,788        264,227        138,822      3,111        141,933   
                                                                  

Operating expenses:

                  

Selling, general and administrative

     96,377          96,377        75,108          75,108        47,278          47,278   

Depreciation and amortization

     16,768          16,768        12,502          12,502        5,998          5,998   

Restructuring charges

     2,343          2,343        —            —          —            —     
                                                                  

Total operating expenses

     115,488      —          115,488        87,610      —          87,610        53,276      —          53,276   
                                                                  

Operating income

     63,143      (23,952     39,191        60,508      (11,788     48,720        33,103      (3,111     29,992   

Other income (expense):

                  

Interest income (expense), net

     (9,065       (9,065     (5,871       (5,871     (365       (365

Other income (expense)

     (847       (847     136          136        —            —     
                                                                  

Total other expense

     (9,912   —          (9,912     (5,735   —          (5,735     (365   —          (365
                                                                  

Income before provision for income taxes

     53,231      (23,952     29,279        54,773      (11,788     42,985        32,738      (3,111     29,627   

Provision for income taxes

     24,379      (1,722     22,657        24,374      578        24,952        14,077      (203     13,874   
                                                                  

Net income

   $ 28,852      (22,230   $ 6,622      $ 30,399      (12,366   $ 18,033      $ 18,661      (2,908   $ 15,753   
                                                                  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 1.61      (1.24   $ 0.37      $ 1.80      (0.73   $ 1.07      $ 1.15      (0.18   $ 0.97   

Diluted

   $ 1.54      (1.19   $ 0.35      $ 1.69      (0.69   $ 1.00      $ 1.08      (0.17   $ 0.91   

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                  

Basic

     17,947      —          17,947        16,868      —          16,868        16,272      —          16,272   

Diluted

     18,750      —          18,750        17,967      —          17,967        17,220      —          17,220   

 

 

F-45


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
December 31, 2008
    Three months ended
December 31, 2007
    Three months ended
December 31, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Revenues and reimbursable expenses:

                  

Revenues

   $ 164,015        $ 164,015      $ 135,966        $ 135,966      $ 83,438        $ 83,438   

Reimbursable expenses

     15,826          15,826        11,430          11,430        13,279          13,279   
                                                                  

Total revenues and reimbursable expenses

     179,841      —          179,841        147,396      —          147,396        96,717      —          96,717   

Direct costs and reimbursable expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown in operating expenses):

                  

Direct costs

     90,706      6,618        97,324        79,739      5,833        85,572        47,170      719        47,889   

Intangible assets amortization

     3,545          3,545        1,241          1,241        24          24   

Reimbursable expenses

     15,795          15,795        11,410          11,410        13,266          13,266   
                                                                  

Total direct costs and reimbursable expenses

     110,046      6,618        116,664        92,390      5,833        98,223        60,460      719        61,179   
                                                                  

Operating expenses:

                  

Selling, general and administrative

     34,771          34,771        27,068          27,068        18,648          18,648   

Depreciation and amortization

     6,523          6,523        4,705          4,705        3,203          3,203   

Restructuring charges

     —            —          —            —          —            —     
                                                                  

Total operating expenses

     41,294      —          41,294        31,773      —          31,773        21,851      —          21,851   
                                                                  

Operating income

     28,501      (6,618     21,883        23,233      (5,833     17,400        14,406      (719     13,687   

Other income (expense):

                  

Interest income (expense), net

     (4,708       (4,708     (2,392       (2,392     (338       (338

Other income (expense)

     (1,884       (1,884     (117       (117     16          16   
                                                                  

Total other expense

     (6,592   —          (6,592     (2,509   —          (2,509     (322   —          (322
                                                                  

Income before provision for income taxes

     21,909      (6,618     15,291        20,724      (5,833     14,891        14,084      (719     13,365   

Provision for income taxes

     10,110      1,722        11,832        9,222      (578     8,644        6,056      203        6,259   
                                                                  

Net income

   $ 11,799      (8,340   $ 3,459      $ 11,502      (5,255   $ 6,247      $ 8,028      (922   $ 7,106   
                                                                  

Earnings per share:

                  

Basic

   $ 0.62      (0.44   $ 0.18      $ 0.67      (0.31   $ 0.36      $ 0.48      (0.05   $ 0.43   

Diluted

   $ 0.59      (0.41   $ 0.18      $ 0.63      (0.28   $ 0.35      $ 0.46      (0.05   $ 0.41   

Weighted average shares used in calculating earnings per share:

                  

Basic

     19,180      —          19,180        17,169      —          17,169        16,616      —          16,616   

Diluted

     20,074      —          20,074        18,228      —          18,228        17,607      —          17,607   

 

 

F-46


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

 

     Three months ended
March 31, 2008
    Three months ended
March 31, 2007
    Three months ended
March 31, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                  

Net income

   $ 10,213      (7,164   $ 3,049      $ 9,811      (3,750   $ 6,061      $ 5,596      (1,113   $ 4,483   

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

                  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,162          5,162        6,282          6,282        1,584          1,584   

Share-based compensation

     6,418          6,418        4,206          4,206        2,263          2,263   

Non-cash compensation

     —        5,020        5,020        —        3,072        3,072        —        1,473        1,473   

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

     651          651        3,035          3,035        404          404   

Deferred income taxes

     (1,487       (1,487     (3,866       (3,866     (2,380       (2,380

Other

     —            —          —            —          135          135   

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:

                  

Increase in receivables from clients

     (2,823       (2,823     (10,937       (10,937     (5,319       (5,319

Increase in unbilled services

     (11,752       (11,752     (10,972       (10,972     (3,750       (3,750

Decrease in income tax receivable/payable, net

     812      2,144        2,956        8,884      678        9,562        2,407      (360     2,047   

Increase in other assets

     (1,094       (1,094     (2,224       (2,224     (1,975       (1,975

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     1,815          1,815        (521       (521     5,695          5,695   

Decrease in accrued payroll and related benefits

     (36,697       (36,697     (16,115       (16,115     (14,201       (14,201

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

     332          332        (1,567       (1,567     (482       (482
                                                                  

Net cash used in operating activities

     (28,450   —          (28,450     (13,984   —          (13,984     (10,023   —          (10,023
                                                                  

Cash flows from investing activities:

                  

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (5,530       (5,530     (3,022       (3,022     (7,600       (7,600

Net investment in life insurance policies

     (878       (878     (1,206       (1,206     —            —     

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (10,153       (10,153     (96,312       (96,312     —            —     
                                                                  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (16,561   —          (16,561     (100,540   —          (100,540     (7,600   —          (7,600
                                                                  

Cash flows from financing activities:

                  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     136          136        164          164        127          127   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

     (5,491       (5,491     (1,564       (1,564     (864       (864

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

     8,018          8,018        1,832          1,832        2,861          2,861   

Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility

     101,500          101,500        146,500          146,500        —            —     

Repayments on credit facility

     (48,000       (48,000     (42,500       (42,500     —            —     

Principal payment of notes payable and capital lease obligations

     (214       (214     (144       (144     (144       (144
                                                                  

Net cash provided by financing activities

     55,949      —          55,949        104,288      —          104,288        1,980      —          1,980   
                                                                  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     346      —          346        —        —          —          —        —          —     
                                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     11,284          11,284        (10,236       (10,236     (15,643       (15,643

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     2,993          2,993        16,572          16,572        31,820          31,820   
                                                                  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 14,277      —        $ 14,277      $ 6,336      —        $ 6,336      $ 16,177      —        $ 16,177   
                                                                  

 

 

F-47


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)  
     Six months ended
June 30, 2008
    Six months ended
June 30, 2007
    Six months ended
June 30, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                  

Net income

   $ 20,022      (15,838   $ 4,184      $ 19,912      (7,594   $ 12,318      $ 11,876      (1,919   $ 9,957   

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

                  

Depreciation and amortization

     10,556          10,556        12,763          12,763        4,793          4,793   

Share-based compensation

     13,568          13,568        9,051          9,051        4,721          4,721   

Non-cash compensation

     —        17,905        17,905        —        6,194        6,194        —        2,293        2,293   

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

     1,172          1,172        4,219          4,219        241          241   

Deferred income taxes

     687          687        (7,171       (7,171     (3,991       (3,991

Other

     —            —          —            —          134          134   

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:

                  

Increase in receivables from clients

     (1,647       (1,647     (19,623       (19,623     (9,464       (9,464

Increase in unbilled services

     (17,866       (17,866     (12,741       (12,741     (5,140       (5,140

Decrease (increase) in income tax receivable/payable, net

     7,356      (2,067     5,289        1,987      1,400        3,387        (3,351   (374     (3,725

Decrease (increase) in other assets

     (5,755       (5,755     (8,572       (8,572     450          450   

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     3,357          3,357        3,880          3,880        4,894          4,894   

Decrease in accrued payroll and related benefits

     (28,789       (28,789     (7,324       (7,324     (8,755       (8,755

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

     2,099          2,099        (1,599       (1,599     1,071          1,071   
                                                                  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     4,760      —          4,760        (5,218   —          (5,218     (2,521   —          (2,521
                                                                  

Cash flows from investing activities:

                  

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (13,324       (13,324     (8,094       (8,094     (13,200       (13,200

Net investment in life insurance policies

     (1,249       (1,249     (1,641       (1,641     —            —     

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (34,554       (34,554     (98,345       (98,345     (20,562       (20,562
                                                                  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (49,127   —          (49,127     (108,080   —          (108,080     (33,762   —          (33,762
                                                                  

Cash flows from financing activities:

                  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     181          181        405          405        234          234   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

     (5,744       (5,744     (1,894       (1,894     (1,014       (1,014

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

     6,384          6,384        3,866          3,866        3,270          3,270   

Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility

     173,500          173,500        184,500          184,500        35,600          35,600   

Repayments on credit facility

     (117,500       (117,500     (85,500       (85,500     (29,100       (29,100

Principal payment of notes payable and capital lease obligations

     (1,214       (1,214     (1,141       (1,141     (1,146       (1,146
                                                                  

Net cash provided by financing activities

     55,607      —          55,607        100,236      —          100,236        7,844      —          7,844   
                                                                  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     102      —          102        (73   —          (73     —        —          —     
                                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     11,342          11,342        (13,135       (13,135     (28,439       (28,439

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     2,993          2,993        16,572          16,572        31,820          31,820   
                                                                  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 14,335      —        $ 14,335      $ 3,437      —        $ 3,437      $ 3,381      —        $ 3,381   
                                                                  

 

 

F-48


Table of Contents

HURON CONSULTING GROUP INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)  
     Nine months ended
September 30, 2008
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2007
    Nine months ended
September 30, 2006
 
     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated     As
Reported
    Adjustments     Restated  

Cash flows from operating activities:

                  

Net income

   $ 28,852      (22,230   $ 6,622      $ 30,399      (12,366   $ 18,033      $ 18,661      (2,908   $ 15,753   

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

                  

Depreciation and amortization

     19,852          19,852        19,254          19,254        8,181          8,181   

Share-based compensation

     20,421          20,421        14,238          14,238        7,223          7,223   

Non-cash compensation

     —        23,952        23,952        —        11,788        11,788        —        3,111        3,111   

Allowances for doubtful accounts and unbilled services

     3,859          3,859        5,511          5,511        750          750   

Deferred income taxes

     375          375        (10,165       (10,165     (6,420       (6,420

Other

     —            —          8          8        134          134   

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:

                  

Increase in receivables from clients

     (6,354       (6,354     (28,290       (28,290     (17,058       (17,058

Increase in unbilled services

     (29,867       (29,867     (20,674       (20,674     (6,624       (6,624

Decrease (increase) in income tax receivable/payable, net

     9,181      (1,722     7,459        (319   578        259        (2,769   (203     (2,972

(Increase) decrease in other assets

     (7,494       (7,494     (4,996       (4,996     652          652   

Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     8,805          8,805        2,929          2,929        7,079          7,079   

Increase (decrease) in accrued payroll and related benefits

     (11,874       (11,874     8,471          8,471        1,282          1,282   

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenues

     8,653          8,653        (3,814       (3,814     (1,071       (1,071
                                                                  

Net cash provided by operating activities

     44,409      —          44,409        12,552      —          12,552        10,020      —          10,020   
                                                                  

Cash flows from investing activities:

                  

Purchases of property and equipment, net

     (17,478       (17,478     (11,850       (11,850     (14,956       (14,956

Net investment in life insurance policies

     (1,326       (1,326     (1,985       (1,985     (211       (211

Purchases of businesses, net of cash acquired

     (227,537       (227,537     (160,515       (160,515     (50,187       (50,187
                                                                  

Net cash used in investing activities

     (246,341   —          (246,341     (174,350   —          (174,350     (65,354   —          (65,354
                                                                  

Cash flows from financing activities:

                  

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     231          231        431          431        324          324   

Shares redeemed for employee tax withholdings

     (5,773       (5,773     (5,621       (5,621     (1,397       (1,397

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

     9,337          9,337        8,772          8,772        4,676          4,676   

Proceeds from borrowings under credit facility

     575,500          575,500        292,000          292,000        89,500          89,500   

Repayments on credit facility

     (364,000       (364,000     (145,500       (145,500     (67,500       (67,500

Principal payment of notes payable and capital lease obligations

     (1,321       (1,321     (1,139       (1,139     (1,146       (1,146
                                                                  

Net cash provided by financing activities

     213,974      —          213,974        148,943      —          148,943        24,457      —          24,457   
                                                                  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (490   —          (490     25      —          25        —        —          —     
                                                                  

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     11,552          11,552        (12,830       (12,830     (30,877       (30,877

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     2,993          2,993        16,572          16,572        31,820          31,820   
                                                                  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 14,545      —        $ 14,545      $ 3,742      —        $ 3,742      $ 943      —        $ 943   
                                                                  

 

 

F-49

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

 

EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC REGISTERED ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-119697 and 333-137107) of Huron Consulting Group Inc. of our report dated February 24, 2009, except for the restatement described in note 3 to the consolidated financial statements and the matter described in the fourth paragraph of management’s report on internal control over financial reporting, for which the date is August 17, 2009, relating to the financial statements and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1).

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chicago, Illinois

August 17, 2009

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James H. Roth, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Huron Consulting Group Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date:  

August 17, 2009

   By:  

/s/ James H. Roth

       James H. Roth
       Chief Executive Officer
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302

 

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James K. Rojas, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K/A of Huron Consulting Group Inc.;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Date:  

August 17, 2009

   By:  

/s/ James K. Rojas

       James K. Rojas
       Chief Financial Officer
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 906

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the annual report of Huron Consulting Group Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James H. Roth, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

 

Date:  

August 17, 2009

   By:  

/s/ James H. Roth

       James H. Roth
       Chief Executive Officer
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 906

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the annual report of Huron Consulting Group Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James K. Rojas, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

  1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

  2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company for the periods presented therein.

 

Date:  

August 17, 2009

   By:  

/s/ James K. Rojas

       James K. Rojas
       Chief Financial Officer