EX-99.1 2 dex991.htm PRESS RELEASE Press Release

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

 

For Immediate Release    Contacts:    Richard W. Pehlke
          Hudson Highland Group
          212-351-7285
          rich.pehlke@hhgroup.com
          Thomas Smith
          Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
          212-880-5269
          thomas.smith@ogilvypr.com

 

Hudson Highland Group Reports

2005 Third Quarter and Nine Month Results

 

NEW YORK, NY – October 25, 2005 – Hudson Highland Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: HHGP), one of the world’s leading providers of specialized professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solutions, today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2005.

 

2005 Third Quarter Highlights

 

    Revenue of $356.6 million, an increase of 13.2 percent from $315.0 million for the third quarter of 2004

 

    Gross margin of $135.2 million, or 37.9 percent of revenue, an increase of 16.1 percent from $116.4 million, or 37.0 percent of revenue, for the third quarter of 2004

 

    EBITDA of $8.7 million, up from a loss of $2.4 million for the third quarter of 2004

 

    Net income of $2.3 million, or $0.10 per basic share and $0.09 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $6.9 million, or $0.34 per basic and diluted share for the third quarter of 2004

 

    Completed acquisition of Balance Ervaring op Projectbasis B.V. (Balance), a leading professional contract staffing firm in the Netherlands in August

 

“Our strategy is paying off,” said Jon Chait, chairman and chief executive officer of Hudson Highland Group. “Our results to date have positioned the company for a strong 2005 overall and demonstrate continuing progress toward our long term profitability goals. Despite historically weak third quarter industry trends, every operating unit delivered improved profitability on a year-over-year basis.”

 

“We achieved stronger operating leverage and better EBITDA margins than expected during the third quarter and are raising our guidance for the year accordingly,” said Richard W. Pehlke, Hudson Highland Group’s executive vice president and chief financial officer.


Guidance

 

Given the current economic environment, the company expects EBITDA as a percent of revenue to be at least 2 percent in 2005 and believes that an assumption of 12 to 15 percent revenue growth for 2005 remains reasonable. Considering the strong year-to-date results and the impact of the Balance acquisition, the company now expects 2005 full-year EBITDA to range from $30 to $34 million. This is based on expectations of constant currency revenue and gross margin growth of 30 to 35 percent in Hudson North America, 10 to 15 percent in Hudson Europe, and 0 to 5 percent in Hudson Asia Pacific and Highland Partners.

 

Given the current economic environment, the company continues to expect EBITDA as a percent of revenue to be 3.5 to 4 percent in 2006, and believes revenue growth assumptions above 10 percent would be unreasonable.

 

2005 Nine Month Results

 

For the first nine months of 2005, Hudson Highland Group reported revenue of $1.074 billion, up 17.8 percent from $912.3 million for the same nine-month period last year. Net income was $2.5 million, or $0.12 per basic share and $0.11 per diluted share, compared with a net loss of $25.4 million, or $1.33 per basic and diluted share, for the same nine-month period last year.

 

Conference Call / Webcast

 

Hudson Highland Group will conduct a conference call tomorrow Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 9:00 AM EDT to discuss this announcement. Individuals wishing to participate can join the conference call by dialing 1-800-374-1532 followed by the participant passcode 1462858 at 8:50 AM EDT. For those outside the United States, please call in on 1-706-634-5594 followed by the participant passcode 1462858. Hudson Highland Group’s quarterly conference call can also be accessed online through Yahoo! Finance at www.yahoo.com and the investor information section of the company’s website at www.hhgroup.com.

 

Hudson Highland Group

 

Hudson Highland Group is one of the world’s leading professional staffing, retained executive search and human capital solution providers. We help our clients achieve greater organizational performance by attracting, selecting, engaging and developing the best and brightest people for their businesses. Our approximately 3,800 employees in more than 20 countries are dedicated to providing unparalleled service and value to our clients. More information about Hudson Highland Group is available at www.hhgroup.com.

 

Safe Harbor Statement

 

This press release contains statements that the company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including those under the caption “Guidance” and other statements regarding the company’s future financial condition, results of operations, business operations and business prospects, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “believe” and similar words, expressions and variations of these words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not


limited to, the impact of global economic fluctuations on temporary contracting operations; the cyclical nature of the company’s executive search and mid-market professional staffing businesses; the company’s ability to manage its growth and fund working capital associated therewith; risks associated with expansion; the company’s reliance on information systems and technology; competition; fluctuations in operating results; risks relating to foreign operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; dependence on highly skilled professionals and key management personnel; the impact of employees departing with existing executive search clients; risks maintaining professional reputation and brand name; restrictions imposed by blocking arrangements; exposure to employment-related claims, and limits on insurance coverage related thereto; government regulations; the company’s ability to successfully operate as an independent company and the level of costs associated therewith; and restrictions on the company’s operating flexibility due to the terms of its credit facility. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to review or confirm analysts’ expectations or estimates or to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

###

 

Financial Tables Follow


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


    Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 

Revenue

   $ 356,604     $ 315,029     $ 1,074,307     $ 912,264  

Direct costs

     221,436       198,615       669,765       570,970  
    


 


 


 


Gross margin

     135,168       116,414       404,542       341,294  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     126,661       115,797       381,974       346,211  

Depreciation and amortization

     4,217       4,368       13,701       14,362  

Business reorganization expenses (recoveries)

     (149 )     3,314       143       3,450  

Merger and integration recoveries

     —         (317 )     (35 )     (354 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     4,439       (6,748 )     8,759       (22,375 )

Other income (expense):

                                

Other income (expense), net

     380       128       376       (1,759 )

Interest income (expense), net

     (331 )     203       (1,253 )     (53 )
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before provision for income taxes

     4,488       (6,417 )     7,882       (24,187 )

Provision for income taxes

     2,193       530       5,359       1,251  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 2,295     $ (6,947 )   $ 2,523     $ (25,438 )
    


 


 


 


Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:

                                

Basic income (loss)

   $ .10     $ (.34 )   $ .12     $ (1.33 )

Diluted income (loss)

   $ .09     $ (.34 )   $ .11     $ (1.33 )

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                

Basic

     23,875,000       20,306,000       21,686,000       19,146,000  

Diluted

     25,540,000       20,306,000       22,951,000       19,146,000  


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

    

September 30,

2005


   

December 31,

2004


 
     (unaudited)        
ASSETS                 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 33,698     $ 21,064  

Accounts receivable, net

     241,127       197,582  

Other current assets

     15,977       14,187  
    


 


Total current assets

     290,802       232,833  

Property and equipment, net

     32,644       36,360  

Intangibles, net

     31,200       6,104  

Other assets

     5,233       6,081  
    


 


     $ 359,879     $ 281,378  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY                 

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 36,595     $ 27,023  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     146,685       140,903  

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

     25,784       4,066  

Accrued business reorganization expenses

     5,079       8,930  

Accrued merger and integration expenses

     1,487       1,872  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     215,630       182,794  

Accrued business reorganization expenses, non-current

     4,439       6,832  

Accrued merger and integration expenses, non-current

     2,121       3,329  

Other non-current liabilities

     4,396       2,648  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     1,134       2,041  
    


 


Total liabilities

     227,720       197,644  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued: 24,210,911 and 20,612,966 shares, respectively

     24       21  

Additional paid-in capital

     403,549       353,825  

Accumulated deficit

     (309,052 )     (311,576 )

Accumulated other comprehensive income - translation adjustments

     37,868       41,694  

Treasury stock, 15,798 shares

     (230 )     (230 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     132,159       83,734  
    


 


     $ 359,879     $ 281,378  
    


 



HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

For the Three Months Ended

September 30, 2005

 

   Americas

    Europe

    Asia Pac

  

Corporate

& Other


    Total

 
Revenue                                        

Hudson

   $ 109,090     $ 117,285     $ 114,410    $ 471     $ 341,256  

Highland

     11,132       3,271       945      —         15,348  
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 120,222     $ 120,556     $ 115,355    $ 471     $ 356,604  
    


 


 

  


 


Gross Margin                                        

Hudson

   $ 28,694     $ 49,561     $ 42,093    $ 309     $ 120,657  

Highland

     10,327       3,206       978      —         14,511  
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 39,021     $ 52,767     $ 43,071    $ 309     $ 135,168  
    


 


 

  


 


Adjusted EBITDA (1)                                        

Hudson

   $ 5,079     $ 3,537     $ 8,730    $ (948 )   $ 16,398  

Highland

     1,032       160       215      —         1,407  

Corporate

     —         —         —        (9,298 )     (9,298 )
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 6,111     $ 3,697     $ 8,945    $ (10,246 )   $ 8,507  
    


 


 

  


 


EBITDA (1)

                                       

Hudson

   $ 5,080     $ 3,537     $ 8,730    $ (948 )   $ 16,399  

Highland

     1,180       160       215      —         1,555  

Corporate

     —         —         —        (9,298 )     (9,298 )
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 6,260     $ 3,697     $ 8,945    $ (10,246 )   $ 8,656  
    


 


 

  


 


For the Three Months Ended

September 30, 2004

 

   Americas

    Europe

    Asia Pac

  

Corporate

& Other


    Total

 
Revenue                                        

Hudson

   $ 83,013     $ 114,957     $ 102,175    $ 683     $ 300,828  

Highland

     11,181       1,318       1,702      —         14,201  
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 94,194     $ 116,275     $ 103,877    $ 683     $ 315,029  
    


 


 

  


 


Gross Margin                                        

Hudson

   $ 22,658     $ 43,129     $ 36,501    $ 643     $ 102,931  

Highland

     10,664       1,253       1,566      —         13,483  
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 33,322     $ 44,382     $ 38,067    $ 643     $ 116,414  
    


 


 

  


 


Adjusted EBITDA (1)                                        

Hudson

   $ 3,014     $ (318 )   $ 7,227    $ (1,328 )   $ 8,595  

Highland

     1,293       (890 )     81      —         484  

Corporate

     —         —         —        (8,462 )     (8,462 )
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 4,307     $ (1,208 )   $ 7,308    $ (9,790 )   $ 617  
    


 


 

  


 


EBITDA (1)

                                       

Hudson

   $ 1,995     $ (268 )   $ 7,807    $ (1,328 )   $ 8,206  

Highland

     (1,316 )     (890 )     82      —         (2,124 )

Corporate

     —         —         —        (8,462 )     (8,462 )
    


 


 

  


 


     $ 679     $ (1,158 )   $ 7,889    $ (9,790 )   $ (2,380 )
    


 


 

  


 



(1) See the Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income (Loss) for a description of note (1).


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2005

 

   Americas

    Europe

    Asia Pac

   

Corporate

& Other


    Total

 
Revenue                                         

Hudson

   $ 327,815     $ 364,341     $ 334,236     $ 1,662     $ 1,028,054  

Highland

     34,820       8,426       3,007       —         46,253  
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 362,635     $ 372,767     $ 337,243     $ 1,662     $ 1,074,307  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross Margin                                         

Hudson

   $ 82,970     $ 154,522     $ 122,057     $ 1,182     $ 360,731  

Highland

     32,635       8,233       2,943       —         43,811  
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 115,605     $ 162,755     $ 125,000     $ 1,182     $ 404,542  
    


 


 


 


 


Adjusted EBITDA (1)                                         

Hudson

   $ 12,957     $ 12,567     $ 25,658     $ (3,340 )   $ 47,842  

Highland

     2,978       179       (723 )     —         2,434  

Corporate

     —         —         —         (27,708 )     (27,708 )
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 15,935     $ 12,746     $ 24,935     $ (31,048 )   $ 22,568  
    


 


 


 


 


EBITDA (1)

                                        

Hudson

   $ 12,483     $ 12,646     $ 25,658     $ (3,340 )   $ 47,447  

Highland

     3,272       179       (730 )     —         2,721  

Corporate

     —         —         —         (27,708 )     (27,708 )
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 15,755     $ 12,825     $ 24,928     $ (31,048 )   $ 22,460  
    


 


 


 


 


For the Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2004

 

   Americas

    Europe

    Asia Pac

   

Corporate

& Other


    Total

 
Revenue                                         

Hudson

   $ 235,243     $ 327,233     $ 302,805     $ 1,263     $ 866,544  

Highland

     32,948       5,463       7,309       —         45,720  
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 268,191     $ 332,696     $ 310,114     $ 1,263     $ 912,264  
    


 


 


 


 


Gross Margin                                         

Hudson

   $ 59,899     $ 132,382     $ 104,841     $ 1,166     $ 298,288  

Highland

     31,109       5,177       6,720       —         43,006  
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 91,008     $ 137,559     $ 111,561     $ 1,166     $ 341,294  
    


 


 


 


 


Adjusted EBITDA (1)                                         

Hudson

   $ 6,054     $ (458 )   $ 15,967     $ (4,453 )   $ 17,110  

Highland

     2,101       (1,115 )     946       —         1,932  

Corporate

     —         —         —         (23,959 )     (23,959 )
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 8,155     $ (1,573 )   $ 16,913     $ (28,412 )   $ (4,917 )
    


 


 


 


 


EBITDA (1)

                                        

Hudson

   $ 5,105     $ (408 )   $ 16,329     $ (4,453 )   $ 16,573  

Highland

     (293 )     (1,281 )     947       —         (627 )

Corporate

     —         —         —         (23,959 )     (23,959 )
    


 


 


 


 


     $ 4,812     $ (1,689 )   $ 17,276     $ (28,412 )   $ (8,013 )
    


 


 


 


 



(1) See the Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income (Loss) for a description of note (1).


HUDSON HIGHLAND GROUP, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA TO OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,


    Nine Months Ended
September 30,


 
     2005

    2004

    2005

    2004

 
Hudson                                 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 16,398     $ 8,595     $ 47,842     $ 17,110  

Business reorganization (expenses) recoveries

     1       (706 )     (430 )     (891 )

Merger and integration recoveries

     —         317       35       354  
    


 


 


 


EBITDA (1)

     16,399       8,206       47,447       16,573  

Depreciation and amortization

     (3,744 )     (3,860 )     (12,264 )     (11,192 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income

   $ 12,655     $ 4,346     $ 35,183     $ 5,381  
    


 


 


 


Highland                                 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 1,407     $ 484     $ 2,434     $ 1,932  

Business reorganization (expenses) recoveries

     148       (2,608 )     287       (2,559 )
    


 


 


 


EBITDA (1)

     1,555       (2,124 )     2,721       (627 )

Depreciation and amortization

     (327 )     (473 )     (1,023 )     (1,305 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   $ 1,228     $ (2,597 )   $ 1,698     $ (1,932 )
    


 


 


 


Corporate                                 

Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA (1)

   $ (9,298 )   $ (8,462 )   $ (27,708 )   $ (23,959 )

Depreciation and amortization

     (146 )     (35 )     (414 )     (1,865 )
    


 


 


 


Corporate expenses

   $ (9,444 )   $ (8,497 )   $ (28,122 )   $ (25,824 )
    


 


 


 


Hudson Highland Group consolidated                                 

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 8,507     $ 617     $ 22,568     $ (4,917 )

Business reorganization (expenses) recoveries

     149       (3,314 )     (143 )     (3,450 )

Merger and integration recoveries

     —         317       35       354  
    


 


 


 


EBITDA (1)

     8,656       (2,380 )     22,460       (8,013 )

Depreciation and amortization

     (4,217 )     (4,368 )     (13,701 )     (14,362 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

   $ 4,439     $ (6,748 )   $ 8,759     $ (22,375 )
    


 


 


 



(1) Non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, special charges, other non-operating expense, and depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) and non-GAAP earnings before interest, income taxes, other non-operating expense, and depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) are presented to provide additional information about the company’s operations on a basis consistent with the measures which the company uses to manage its operations and evaluate its performance. Management also uses these measurements to evaluate capital needs and working capital requirements. Adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, cash flows from operating activities, and other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of the company’s profitability or liquidity. Furthermore, adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA as presented above may not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies.