e10vq
 
 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission File No. 1-12173
 
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware   36-4094854
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(312) 573-5600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES þ NO o
     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. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a 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 o NO þ
     As of October 31, 2008, 48.5 million shares of the Registrant’s common stock, par value $.001 per share, were outstanding.
 
 

 


 

NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC.
AS OF AND FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
INDEX
         
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    3  
    7  
    21  
    29  
    29  
       
    30  
    30  
    30  
    31  
     “Navigant” is a service mark of Navigant International, Inc. Navigant Consulting, Inc. is not affiliated, associated, or in any way connected with Navigant International, Inc. and the use of “Navigant” is made under license from Navigant International, Inc.

2


 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
    (unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 10,530     $ 11,656  
Accounts receivable, net
    197,877       189,616  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    18,599       11,827  
Deferred income tax assets
    20,950       15,460  
 
           
Total current assets
    247,956       228,559  
Property and equipment, net
    45,391       54,687  
Intangible assets, net
    46,203       57,755  
Goodwill
    475,058       430,768  
Other assets
    19,444       6,928  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 834,052     $ 778,697  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 9,782     $ 7,547  
Accrued liabilities
    9,364       9,771  
Accrued compensation-related costs
    69,519       62,150  
Income taxes payable
          5,904  
Notes payable
    6,239       6,348  
Bank debt
    2,250       2,250  
Other current liabilities
    36,348       32,549  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    133,502       126,519  
Non-current liabilities:
               
Deferred income tax liabilities
    29,427       29,756  
Notes payable
          5,348  
Other non-current liabilities
    30,254       19,955  
Term loan non-current
    219,938       221,625  
Bank borrowings non-current
    50,791       32,741  
 
           
Total non-current liabilities
    330,410       309,425  
 
           
Total liabilities
    463,912       435,944  
 
           
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock
           
Common stock
    59       58  
Additional paid-in capital
    553,666       546,870  
Deferred stock issuance
    985       2,847  
Treasury stock
    (238,696 )     (242,302 )
Retained earnings
    57,910       29,182  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (3,784 )     6,098  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    370,140       342,753  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 834,052     $ 778,697  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

3


 

NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
                 
    For the three months ended  
    September 30,  
    2008     2007  
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 178,908     $ 167,057  
Reimbursements
    19,184       23,790  
 
           
Total revenues
    198,092       190,847  
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    110,083       104,405  
Reimbursable expenses
    19,184       23,790  
 
           
Total costs of services
    129,267       128,195  
General and administrative expenses
    41,417       35,680  
Depreciation expense
    4,330       4,189  
Amortization expense
    3,955       5,378  
Other operating costs:
               
Separation and severance costs
          3,348  
Office consolidation
    553       2,150  
Gain on sale of property
          (2,201 )
 
           
Operating income
    18,570       14,108  
Interest expense
    5,170       6,021  
Interest income
    (380 )     (158 )
Other income, net
    93       58  
 
           
Income before income taxes
    13,687       8,187  
Income tax expense
    5,851       3,454  
 
           
Net income
  $ 7,836     $ 4,733  
 
           
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.10  
Shares used in computing basic net income per share
    46,707       45,263  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.10  
Shares used in computing diluted net income per share
    48,895       46,462  
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


 

NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
                 
    For the nine months ended  
    September 30,  
    2008     2007  
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 552,587     $ 501,545  
Reimbursements
    64,052       62,225  
 
           
Total revenues
    616,639       563,770  
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    337,008       311,488  
Reimbursable expenses
    64,052       62,225  
 
           
Total costs of services
    401,060       373,713  
General and administrative expenses
    120,501       104,227  
Depreciation expense
    12,876       11,905  
Amortization expense
    12,779       12,798  
Other operating costs:
               
Separation and severance costs
          4,625  
Office consolidation
    4,646       2,150  
Gain on sale of property
          (2,201 )
 
           
Operating income
    64,777       56,553  
Interest expense
    15,390       9,461  
Interest income
    (877 )     (431 )
Other income, net
    30       (50 )
 
           
Income before income taxes
    50,234       47,573  
Income tax expense
    21,506       20,153  
 
           
Net income
  $ 28,728     $ 27,420  
 
           
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.62     $ 0.54  
Shares used in computing basic net income per share
    46,439       50,744  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.60     $ 0.53  
Shares used in computing diluted net income per share
    47,997       52,165  
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

5


 

NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                 
    For the nine months ended  
    September 30  
    2008     2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 28,728     $ 27,420  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
               
Depreciation expense
    12,876       11,905  
Depreciation expense-office consolidation
    2,041        
Amortization expense
    12,779       12,798  
Share-based compensation expense
    9,632       13,378  
Accretion of interest expense
    704       572  
Deferred income taxes
    (5,830 )     2,044  
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
    17,201       8,081  
Gain on sale of property
          (2,201 )
Other, net
    (273 )     730  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (14,058 )     (30,441 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (15,966 )     (8,177 )
Accounts payable
    2,186       (4,635 )
Accrued liabilities
    (500 )     3,135  
Accrued compensation-related costs
    1,820       9,267  
Income taxes payable
    (6,498 )     (5,919 )
Other current liabilities
    (6,289 )     4,062  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    38,553       42,019  
 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (5,055 )     (18,648 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (50,000 )     (65,250 )
Payments of acquisition liabilities
    (3,154 )     (4,465 )
Proceeds from sale of property
          4,028  
Other, net
    (863 )     (1,916 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (59,072 )     (86,251 )
 
           
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Issuances of common stock
    5,298       6,795  
Payments of notes payable
    (4,976 )     (5,967 )
Borrowings from banks, net
    20,995       49,176  
(Payments of) proceeds from term loan from banks
    (1,687 )     224,437  
Payments of bank borrowings assumed from business acquisition
          (2,420 )
Repurchases of common stock
          (218,429 )
Other, net
    (237 )     44  
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    19,393       53,636  
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,126 )     9,404  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
    11,656       11,745  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
  $ 10,530     $ 21,149  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

6


 

NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
     We are a specialized independent consulting firm providing dispute, investigative, financial, operational and business advisory, risk management and regulatory advisory, and transaction advisory solution services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. We focus on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations.
     The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The information furnished herein includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments except where indicated, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for these interim periods.
     The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year ending December 31, 2008.
     These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2008.
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may affect future results of operations and cash flows.
Note 2. Acquisitions
2008 Acquisitions
     On May 1, 2008, we acquired the assets of Chicago Partners, LLC (“Chicago Partners”) for $73.0 million, which consisted of $50.0 million in cash paid at closing and $23.0 million in our common stock (which was recorded at fair value for $21.0 million at closing). The common stock will be paid in four equal installments of $5.8 million on the six month anniversary of the closing and each of the first, second and third year anniversaries of the closing. We acquired assets of $16.7 million, including $15.8 million in accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, and assumed liabilities of $7.1 million. Through September 30, 2008, we paid $0.5 million in acquisition-related costs. We recorded $2.1 million to goodwill and liabilities for obligations related to lease exit costs for office space assumed in the acquisition. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.3 million in identifiable intangible assets and $61.1 million in goodwill. The purchase agreement provides for an adjustment of the purchase price for the difference in net assets acquired compared to the target net assets. Additionally, we may pay up to $27.0 million of additional purchase consideration based on the Chicago Partners’ business achieving certain post-closing performance targets during the periods from closing to December 31, 2008 and in calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011. If earned, the additional purchase consideration would be payable 75 percent in cash and 25 percent in our common stock. The additional purchase price payments, if any, will be payable in April of the year following the year such performance targets are attained. Any additional purchase price consideration payments will be recorded as goodwill when the contingencies regarding attainment of performance targets are resolved. The purchase price paid in cash at closing was funded under our credit facility. The allocation of purchase price for Chicago Partners is preliminary, as the valuation of certain identifiable intangible assets has not been finalized. We expect to complete the allocation of purchase price by the end of 2008. The obligation recorded for real estate lease exit costs is based on foregone rent payments for the remainder of the lease terms less assumed sublease income recovery. As of September 30, 2008, we have not secured subtenants to occupy the office space assumed in the acquisition.
     We acquired Chicago Partners to expand our product offerings to our clients. Chicago Partners provides economic and financial analyses of legal and business issues principally for law firms, corporations and government agencies. Chicago Partners had approximately 90 consultants at the time of acquisition. Chicago Partners is managed and resources are allocated based on its results and as such, in accordance with SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”), operates under a fourth operating segment referred to as “Economic Consulting Services.”

7


 

2007 Acquisitions
     On January 5, 2007, we acquired Abros Enterprise Limited (“Abros”) for $11.9 million, which consisted of $9.9 million in cash, $1.0 million of our common stock paid at closing, and notes payable totaling $1.0 million (payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date). We acquired assets of $3.3 million, including $1.8 million in cash, and assumed liabilities of $1.4 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.0 million in identifiable intangible assets and $8.1 million in goodwill, which included $1.2 million of deferred income taxes. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. As part of the purchase agreement, we acquired an office lease agreement which we terminated. We recorded $0.2 million to goodwill and accrued liabilities for the additional acquisition-related costs to exit the lease of the acquired business. In addition, we paid $0.4 million related to adjustments to the net asset value acquired from Abros. Abros offered strategic planning, financial analysis and implementation advice for public sector infrastructure projects. We acquired Abros to strengthen our presence in the United Kingdom public sector markets. Abros was comprised of 15 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition and was included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
     On June 8, 2007, we acquired Bluepress Limited, a holding company which conducts business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Augmentis PLC (“Augmentis”), for $16.2 million, which consisted of $15.3 million in cash paid at closing and $0.8 million of our common stock paid in July 2007. We acquired assets of $3.1 million and assumed liabilities of $7.0 million. In June 2007, as part of the purchase agreement, we received $4.0 million in cash as an adjustment to the purchase price consideration related to the assumption of debt at the closing date, which was paid off shortly thereafter. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $6.8 million in identifiable intangible assets and $11.8 million in goodwill, which included $2.0 million of deferred income taxes. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million in acquisition-related costs. Augmentis provided program management consulting services to support public sector infrastructure projects. We acquired Augmentis to strengthen our presence in the United Kingdom public sector markets. Augmentis was comprised of 24 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition and was included in the International Consulting Operations Segment.
     On June 19, 2007, we acquired the assets of AMDC Corporation (“AMDC”) for $16.6 million, which consisted of $13.0 million in cash and $1.6 million of our common stock paid at closing, and $2.0 million paid in cash on the first anniversary of the closing date. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.9 million in identifiable intangible assets and $12.2 million in goodwill. We assumed certain liabilities aggregating $1.1 million including deferred revenue and acquisition costs related to exiting an office lease acquired as part of the acquisition. AMDC provided strategy and implementation consulting services in relation to the development of hospital and healthcare facilities. We acquired AMDC to strengthen our healthcare business and leverage our construction consulting capabilities. AMDC was included in the North American Business Consulting Services segment and included 23 consulting professionals at the time of acquisition.
     On July 30, 2007, we acquired Troika (UK) Limited (“Troika”) for $43.9 million, which consisted of $30.8 million in cash paid at closing, $3.3 million of our common stock paid in September 2007, and notes payable totaling $9.8 million (payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date). We acquired assets of $10.3 million, including $3.4 million in cash, and assumed liabilities of $5.9 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $14.2 million in identifiable intangible assets and $30.7 million in goodwill, which included $4.0 million of deferred income taxes. We paid $1.0 million related to adjustments to the net asset value acquired from Troika. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. Troika provided consultancy services to the financial services and insurance industry covering operations performance improvement; product and distribution strategies; organization, people and change; and IT effectiveness and transaction support. Troika was included in the International Consulting Operations Segment and included 42 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition.
     We acquired other businesses during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $8.1 million. As part of the purchase price allocations for these acquisitions, we recorded $3.9 million in identifiable intangible assets and $4.9 million in goodwill, which included $1.5 million of deferred income taxes. These acquisitions included 25 consulting professionals, most of whom were located in Canada.
     All of our business acquisitions described above have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and, accordingly, the results of operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the dates of the acquisition.

8


 

Pro Forma Information
     The following table summarizes certain supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information which was prepared as if the acquisitions noted above had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made at that time or of results which may occur in the future.
                                 
    For the three months ended   For the nine months ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Total revenues
  $ 198,092     $ 204,650     $ 634,323     $ 623,665  
Net income
  $ 7,836     $ 4,536     $ 30,204     $ 27,213  
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.17     $ 0.10     $ 0.63     $ 0.52  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.16     $ 0.10     $ 0.62     $ 0.51  
3. Segment Information
     We are organized in four operating segments — North American Dispute and Investigative Services, North American Business Consulting Services, International Consulting Operations, and Economic Consulting Services. The Economic Consulting Services segment was added as a result of our acquisition of Chicago Partners on May 1, 2008 (see note 2). These segments are predominately defined by their services and geographic markets. The business is managed and resources allocated on the basis of the four operating segments.
     The North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment provides a wide range of services to clients facing the challenges of disputes, litigation, forensic investigation, discovery, and regulatory compliance. The clients of this segment are principally law firms, corporate general counsels, and corporate boards.
     The North American Business Consulting Services segment provides strategic, operational, financial, regulatory, and technical management consulting services to clients. Services are sold principally through vertical industry practices. The clients are principally “C” suite and corporate management, government entities, and law firms.
     The International Consulting Operations segment provides a mix of dispute and business consulting services to clients predominately outside North America.
     The Economic Consulting Services segment provides economic and financial analyses of legal and business issues principally for law firms, corporations and government agencies.
     In accordance with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” we identified the above four operating segments as reportable segments.

9


 

     Segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 has been summarized and is presented in the table below (shown in thousands). Transactions between segments have been eliminated.
                                 
    For the three months ended     For the nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Total revenues:
                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 79,836     $ 81,633     $ 259,440     $ 239,114  
North American Business Consulting Services
    82,902       91,244       271,288       280,822  
International Consulting Operations
    20,828       17,970       63,722       43,834  
Economic Consulting Services
    14,526             22,189        
 
                       
Total revenues
  $ 198,092     $ 190,847     $ 616,639     $ 563,770  
 
                       
Operating profit:
                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 32,558     $ 31,809     $ 101,334     $ 93,863  
North American Business Consulting Services
    28,047       29,629       95,370       90,734  
International Consulting Operations
    6,127       4,883       19,689       16,282  
Economic Consulting Services
    5,954             8,902        
 
                       
Total combined segment operating profit
    72,686       66,321       225,295       200,879  
 
                       
Segment reconciliation to income before income taxes:
                               
Unallocated:
                               
General and administrative expenses
    41,417       35,680       120,501       104,227  
Depreciation expense
    4,330       4,189       12,876       11,905  
Amortization expense
    3,955       5,378       12,779       12,798  
Long term compensation expense related to consulting personnel (including share based compensation)
    3,861       3,669       9,716       10,822  
Other operating costs
    553       3,297       4,646       4,574  
Other expense, net
    4,883       5,921       14,543       8,980  
 
                       
Total unallocated expenses, net
    58,999       58,134       175,061       153,306  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
  $ 13,687     $ 8,187     $ 50,234     $ 47,573  
 
                       
     The other operating costs recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were not allocated to segment operating costs (see note 12).
     The information presented does not necessarily reflect the results of segment operations that would have occurred had the segments been stand-alone businesses. Certain unallocated expense amounts, related to specific reporting segments, have been excluded from the segment operating profit to be consistent with the information used by management to evaluate segment performance. We record accounts receivable, goodwill and intangible assets on a segment basis. Other balance sheet amounts are not maintained on a segment basis.
     Total assets by segment were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 314,753     $ 325,426  
North American Business Consulting Services
    237,793       246,656  
International Consulting Operations
    94,405       106,058  
Economic Consulting Services
    72,167        
Unallocated assets
    114,934       100,557  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 834,052     $ 778,697  
 
           

10


 

Note 4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
     Goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Goodwill
  $ 480,483     $ 436,193  
Less—accumulated amortization
    (5,425 )     (5,425 )
 
           
Goodwill, net
    475,058       430,768  
Intangible assets:
               
Client lists and relationships
    64,368       65,705  
Non-compete agreements
    20,593       21,082  
Other
    18,469       16,840  
 
           
Intangible assets, at cost
    103,430       103,627  
Less—accumulated amortization
    (57,227 )     (45,872 )
 
           
Intangible assets, net
    46,203       57,755  
 
           
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
  $ 521,261     $ 488,523  
 
           
     In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” we are required to perform an annual goodwill impairment test. During the second quarter of 2008, we completed an annual impairment test for our goodwill balances as of May 31, 2008. There was no indication of impairment based on our analysis. We reviewed the net book values and estimated useful lives by class of our intangible assets and considered facts and circumstances that could be an indication of impairment. As of September 30, 2008, there was no indication of impairment related to our intangible assets. Our intangible assets have estimated useful lives which range up to nine years. We will amortize the remaining net book values of intangible assets over their remaining useful lives. At September 30, 2008, the weighted average remaining life for our intangible assets was 4.6 years.
     The changes in carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    For the nine months ended  
    September 30,  
    2008     2007  
Beginning of period—Goodwill, net
  $ 430,768     $ 359,705  
Goodwill acquired during the period
    61,184       66,386  
Adjustments to goodwill
    (6,905 )      
Foreign currency translation —goodwill
    (9,989 )     7,253  
 
           
End of period—Goodwill, net
  $ 475,058     $ 433,344  
 
           
 
               
Beginning of period—Intangible assets, net
  $ 57,755     $ 38,416  
Intangible assets acquired during the period
    4,311       35,828  
Foreign currency translation—intangible assets, net
    (3,084 )     3,144  
Less —amortization expense
    (12,779 )     (12,798 )
 
           
End of period—Intangible assets, net
  $ 46,203     $ 64,590  
 
           
     We have allocated the purchase price of the Chicago Partners acquisition, including amounts assigned to goodwill and intangible assets, and made estimates of their related useful lives. The amounts assigned to intangible assets for the businesses acquired include non-compete agreements, client lists and relationships, backlog revenue and a trade name.
     During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a reduction to goodwill and a related reduction to paid-in-capital of $6.8 million to reflect a discount for lack of marketability on common stock with transfer restrictions issued in connection with acquisition purchase agreements. The fair value of the discount for lack of marketability was determined using a protective put approach that considered entity-specific assumptions, including the duration of the transfer restriction periods for the share issuances and applicable volatility of our common stock for those periods. In addition, we recorded a reduction to goodwill and a related reduction to deferred income taxes of $0.5 million to reflect the tax impact of such adjustments. Also, we recorded $0.4 million of goodwill related to purchase price adjustments related to certain 2007 acquisitions.
     As of September 30, 2008, goodwill and intangible assets, net of amortization, was $227.9 million for North American Dispute and Investigative Services, $165.7 million for North American Business Consulting Services, $71.0 million for International Consulting Operations and $56.7 million for Economic Consulting Services.

11


 

     Below is the estimated annual aggregate amortization expense of intangible assets for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter from December 31, 2007, based on intangible assets recorded at September 30, 2008, and includes $12.8 million recorded in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (shown in thousands):
         
Year ending December 31,   Amount  
2008
  $ 16,634  
2009
    13,725  
2010
    9,709  
2011
    8,258  
2012
    5,002  
Thereafter
    5,654  
 
     
Total
  $ 58,982  
 
     
Note 5. Net Income per Share (EPS)
     Basic net income per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the number of basic shares. Basic shares are the total of the common stock outstanding and the equivalent shares from obligations presumed payable in common stock, both weighted for the average days outstanding for the period. Basic shares exclude the dilutive effect of common stock that could potentially be issued due to the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted shares, or satisfaction of necessary conditions for contingently issuable shares. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the number of diluted shares, which are the total of the basic shares outstanding and all potentially issuable shares, based on the weighted average days outstanding for the period.
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the components of basic and diluted shares (shown in thousands) (based on the weighted average days outstanding for the periods) are as follows:
                                 
    For the three months ended   For the nine months ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Common stock outstanding
    46,647       44,915       46,350       50,425  
Business combination obligations payable in a fixed number of shares
    60       348       89       319  
 
                               
Basic shares
    46,707       45,263       46,439       50,744  
Employee stock options
    432       556       458       620  
Restricted shares and stock units
    426       427       355       571  
Business combination obligations payable in a fixed dollar amount of shares
    1,309       119       736       131  
Contingently issuable shares
    21       97       9       99  
 
                               
Diluted shares
    48,895       46,462       47,997       52,165  
 
                               

12


 

     For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we had outstanding stock options for approximately 420,000 and 500,000 shares, respectively, which were excluded from the computation of diluted shares. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we had outstanding stock options for approximately 410,000 and 400,000 shares, respectively, which were excluded from the computation of diluted shares. The shares were excluded from the diluted share computation because these shares had exercise prices greater than the average market price and the impact of including these options in the diluted share calculation would have been antidilutive.
     In connection with certain business acquisitions, we are obligated to issue a certain number of shares of our common stock. Obligations to issue a fixed number of shares are included in the basic earnings per share calculation. Obligations to issue a fixed dollar amount of shares where the number of shares is based on the trading price of our shares at the time of issuance are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.
     In accordance with SFAS No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” we use the treasury stock method to calculate the dilutive effect of our common stock equivalents should they vest. The exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted shares and restricted stock unit shares triggers excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies that reduce or increase the dilutive effect of such shares being issued. The excess tax benefits or deficiencies are based on the difference between the market price of our common stock on the date the equity award is exercised or vested and the cumulative compensation cost of the stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units. These excess tax benefits are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and as a component of financing cash flows in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
Note 6. Stockholders’ Equity
     The following summarizes the activity of stockholders’ equity during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (shown in thousands):
                 
    Dollars     Shares  
Stockholders’ equity at January 1, 2008
  $ 342,753       45,800  
Comprehensive income
    18,846        
Stock issued in acquisition-related transactions
    892       174  
Fair value adjustment of shares issued in acquisitions
    (6,844 )      
Cash proceeds from employee stock option exercises and employee stock purchases
    5,298       441  
Net settlement of employee taxes on the vesting of restricted stock
    (1,131 )     (65 )
Tax benefits on stock options exercised and restricted stock vested, net of deficiencies
    452        
Vesting of restricted stock
          423  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
    8,441        
Amortization of stock option awards
    534        
Fair value adjustment for variable accounting awards
    125        
Discount given on employee stock purchase transactions through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    774        
 
           
Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2008
  $ 370,140       46,773  
 
           
Note 7. Share-based Compensation Expense
Share-based Compensation Expense
     Total share-based compensation expense consisted of the following (shown in thousands):
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Amortization of restricted stock awards
  $ 2,695     $ 4,573     $ 8,441     $ 11,649  
Amortization of stock option awards
    175       225       534       624  
Fair value adjustment for variable accounting awards
    5       (125 )     125       (151 )
Discount given on employee stock purchase transactions through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    180       194       774       832  
Other share-based compensation expense
          (199 )     (242 )     424  
 
                       
Total share-based compensation expense
  $ 3,055     $ 4,668     $ 9,632     $ 13,378  
 
                       

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     Share-based compensation expense attributable to consultants was included in cost of services before reimbursable expenses. Share-based compensation expense attributable to corporate management and support personnel was included in general and administrative expenses. The following table shows the amounts attributable to each category:
                                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Cost of services
  $ 2,476     $ 3,669     $ 7,390     $ 10,822  
General and administrative expenses
    579       999       2,242       2,556  
 
                       
Total share-based compensation expense
  $ 3,055     $ 4,668     $ 9,632     $ 13,378  
 
                       
Restricted Stock Outstanding
     As of September 30, 2008, we had 1.7 million restricted stock awards and equivalent units outstanding at a weighted average measurement price of $19.08 per share. The measurement price is the market price of our common stock at the date of grant of the restricted stock awards and equivalent units. The restricted stock and equivalent units were granted out of our long-term incentive plan.
     The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
                                 
    2008     2007  
            Weighted             Weighted  
    Number     average     Number     average  
    of shares     measurement     of shares     measurement  
    (000s)     date price     (000s)     date price  
Restricted stock outstanding at beginning of the period
    2,264     $ 19.45       1,963     $ 19.07  
Granted
    109       18.17       1,983       18.71  
Vested
    (423 )     20.13       (993 )     17.34  
Forfeited
    (253 )     19.46       (211 )     18.97  
 
                       
Restricted stock outstanding at end of the period
    1,697     $ 19.08       2,742     $ 19.44  
 
                       
     As of September 30, 2008, we had $21.5 million of total compensation costs related to the outstanding or unvested restricted stock that have not been recognized as share-based compensation expense. The compensation costs will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting periods. The weighted-average remaining vesting period is approximately three years. During the first quarter of 2008, the compensation committee of the board of directors suspended, for 2008, the policy to grant shares of the restricted stock in lieu of cash bonus to our employees. Accordingly, 2007 bonus incentive compensation was paid in cash.
     During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we issued 2.0 million shares of restricted stock related to annual bonus incentive compensation, performance incentive initiatives, and recruiting efforts. During the first quarter of 2007, as part of the annual bonus incentive compensation, we granted approximately 310,000 shares of restricted stock, in lieu of cash bonus, to our employees. We also granted approximately 110,000 shares of restricted stock to our employees as a match for the annual bonus received in shares of restricted stock in lieu of cash. These shares vest in three equal installments over 18 months from the grant dates. Also on March 13, 2007 and April 30, 2007, we issued 1.2 million shares of restricted stock, with an aggregate market value of $22.6 million based on the market value of our common stock price at the grant date, to key senior consultants and senior management as part of an incentive program. The restricted stock awards will vest seven years from the grant date, with the opportunity for accelerated vesting within five years based upon the achievement of certain targets related to our consolidated operating performance. The compensation associated with these awards is being recognized within five years through 2012. We review the likelihood of required performance achievements on a periodic basis and will adjust compensation expense on a prospective basis to reflect any change in estimate to properly reflect compensation expense over the remaining balance of the service or performance period. As of September 30, 2008, approximately 0.9 million of these restricted stock awards remain outstanding and no shares have vested.

14


 

Note 8. Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
Accounts Receivable:
     The components of accounts receivable were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Billed amounts
  $ 161,686     $ 150,792  
Engagements in process
    60,793       51,498  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (24,602 )     (12,674 )
 
           
Accounts receivable net
  $ 197,877     $ 189,616  
 
           
     Receivables attributable to engagements in process represent balances for services that have been performed and earned but have not been billed to the client. Billings are generally done on a monthly basis for the prior month’s services. We provide services to and have receivables due from many financial and insurance clients in all four of our segments. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable during 2008 was primarily attributable to the impact of recent disruptions in the financial markets. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts over our prior periods primarily reflects management’s view of the likelihood of collection of receivables due from certain of our financial industry clients as well as the impact of the financial market disruptions on a broad range of clients. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical experience and management judgment and may change based on market conditions or specific client circumstances.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
     The components of prepaid expenses and other current assets were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Notes receivable — current
  $ 5,345     $  
Prepaid income taxes
    2,134        
Other prepaid expenses and other current assets
    11,120       11,827  
 
           
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  $ 18,599     $ 11,827  
 
           
Other assets
     The components of other assets were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Notes receivable — non-current
  $ 15,054     $  
Prepaid expenses and other non-current assets
    4,390       6,928  
 
           
Other assets
  $ 19,444     $ 6,928  
 
           
     During 2008, we issued unsecured forgivable loans with terms of four to five years aggregating $21.6 million to certain senior consultants. The loans were issued to retain and motivate highly-skilled professionals. The principal amount and accrued interest is expected to be forgiven by us over the term of the loans, so long as the professionals continue employment and comply with certain contractual requirements. Certain events such as death or disability, termination by us for cause or voluntarily by the employee will result in earlier repayment of any unforgiven loan amounts. The expense associated with the forgiveness of the principal amount of the loan is recorded as compensation expense over the service period which is consistent with the term of the loans. The accrued interest is calculated based on the loan’s effective interest rate (approximately 5.25 percent per year) and is recorded as interest income. The forgiveness of such accrued interest is recorded as compensation expense, which aggregated $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

15


 

Property and Equipment:
     Property and equipment were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  $ 48,728     $ 52,994  
Software
    21,375       20,754  
Leasehold improvements
    40,007       39,510  
 
           
 
    110,110       113,258  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (64,719 )     (58,571 )
 
           
Property and equipment, net
  $ 45,391     $ 54,687  
 
           
Other Current Liabilities:
     The components of other current liabilities were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Deferred business acquisition obligations
  $ 12,645     $ 5,132  
Deferred revenue
    12,707       16,521  
Deferred rent
    2,003       2,136  
Commitments on abandoned real estate
    2,328       3,445  
Other liabilities
    6,665       5,315  
 
           
Total other current liabilities
  $ 36,348     $ 32,549  
 
           
     The deferred business acquisition obligations of $12.6 million at September 30, 2008 consisted of cash obligations and obligations to issue a fixed dollar amount of shares of our common stock. The liability amounts for deferred business acquisition obligations have been discounted to net present value. Included in the $12.6 million balance of deferred business acquisition obligations at September 30, 2008 were obligations totaling $12.5 million, which will be settled by the issuances of shares of our common stock. The number of shares to be issued will be based on the trading price of our common stock for a period of time prior to the issuance dates.
Other Non-Current Liabilities:
     The components of other non-current liabilities were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Deferred business acquisition obligations
  $ 10,205     $ 465  
Deferred rent
    10,744       10,873  
Commitments on abandoned real estate
    2,121       1,767  
Interest rate swap liability
    5,547       6,030  
Other non-current liabilities
    1,637       820  
 
           
Total other non-current liabilities
  $ 30,254     $ 19,955  
 
           
     The deferred business acquisition obligations of $10.2 million at September 30, 2008 will be settled by the issuance of shares of our common stock and have been discounted to net present value. The number of shares to be issued will be based on the trading price of our common stock for a period of time prior to the issuance dates. The long-term portion of deferred rent is primarily rent allowances on lease arrangements for our office facilities that expire at various dates through 2017. See discussion of the interest rate swap liability in Note 10, Comprehensive Income.
Notes Payable—Current and Non-Current
     As of September 30, 2008, as part of the purchase price agreements for acquired businesses, we had $6.2 million in notes payable which were due within one year subsequent to September 30, 2008. The notes bear interest at annual interest rates of 5.7 percent to 7.2 percent. As of September 30, 2008, accrued interest on the notes payable was $53,000, primarily relating to the note related to the acquisition of HP3.
     Current notes payable were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Note related to the HP3 acquisition
  $ 1,000     $ 1,000  
Note related to the Abros acquisition
    454       499  
Note related to the Troika acquisition
    4,785       4,849  
 
           
Total current notes payable
  $ 6,239     $ 6,348  
 
           
     Non-current notes payable were as follows (shown in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Note related to the Abros acquisition
  $     $ 499  
Note related to the Troika acquisition
          4,849  
 
           
Total non-current notes payable
  $     $ 5,348  
 
           

16


 

Note 9. Supplemental Consolidated Cash Flow Information
Non-Cash Transactions
     During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, as part of the purchase price agreements for acquired businesses during the period, we entered into commitments to pay $21.0 million of deferred purchase price obligations relating to our Chicago Partners acquisition (see Note 2).
Other Information
     Total interest paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $15.2 million and $7.7 million, respectively. Total income taxes paid were $30.7 million and $22.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Note 10. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
     Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and the unrealized gains or losses on our interest rate swap agreement as follows (shown in thousands):
                                 
    For the three months ended     For the nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Net income
  $ 7,836     $ 4,733     $ 28,728     $ 27,420  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (8,683 )     2,792       (10,204 )     7,436  
Unrealized net gain (loss) on interest rate derivative, net of tax
    209       (1,754 )     322       (1,754 )
 
                       
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (638 )   $ 5,771     $ 18,846     $ 33,102  
 
                       
     On July 2, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a bank for a notional value of $165.0 million through June 30, 2010. This agreement effectively fixed our London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) base rate for $165.0 million of our indebtedness at a rate of 5.30 percent during this period. We expect the interest rate derivative to be highly effective against changes in cash flows related to changes in interest rates and have recorded the derivative as a hedge. As a result, gains or losses related to fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate derivative are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into interest expense as the variable interest expense on our indebtedness is recorded. There was no ineffectiveness related to this hedge for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, we had a $5.5 million liability related to this interest rate derivative.
     As of September 30, 2008, accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of foreign currency translation losses of $0.6 million and an unrealized net loss on the interest rate swap of $3.2 million.
     In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. We adopted SFAS 157 during the first quarter of 2008 and the implementation did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. We have deferred the adoption of SFAS No. 157 with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” Such non-financial assets and liabilities include goodwill, and intangible assets with indefinite lives.

17


 

     SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). SFAS 157 classifies the inputs used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:
     
Level 1
  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
 
   
Level 2
  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or Unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
 
   
Level 3
  Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability
     We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our interest rate swap liability was valued using counterparty quotations in over-the counter markets. As such, these derivative instruments are classified within level 2.
Note 11. Bank Borrowings
     As of September 30, 2008, we maintained a bank borrowing credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) consisting of a $275.0 million revolving line of credit with the option to increase to $375.0 million (“Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $225.0 million unsecured term loan facility (“Term Loan Facility”). Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are payable in May 2012. The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings in multiple currencies including US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, UK Pound Sterling and Euro. As of September 30, 2008, we had aggregate borrowings of $273.0 million, compared to $256.6 million as of December 31, 2007.
     At our option borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility bear interest, in general, based on a variable rate equal to an applicable base rate or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary depending upon our consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of total funded debt to adjusted EBITDA) and whether the loan is made under the Term Loan Facility or the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2008, the applicable margins on LIBOR loans under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility were 1.25% and 1.0%, respectively. As of September 30, 2008, the applicable margins for base rate loans under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility were 0.25% and zero, respectively. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary between 0.50% to 1.75% depending upon our performance and financial condition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, our average borrowing rates under the Credit Agreement were 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively.
     The Credit Agreement also includes certain financial covenants, including covenants that require that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.25:1, and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (the ratio of the sum of adjusted EBITDA and rental expense to the sum of cash interest expense and rental expense) of not less than 2.0:1. At September 30, 2008, under the definitions in the Credit Agreement, our consolidated leverage ratio was 2.1 and our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was 3.4. In addition to the financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and is subject to customary exceptions. These covenants will limit our ability to incur liens or other encumbrances or make investments, incur indebtedness, enter into mergers, consolidations and asset sales, pay dividends or other distributions, change the nature of our business and engage in transactions with affiliates. We were in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.

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Note 12. Other Operating Costs
     Other operating costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (shown in thousands):
                                 
    For the three months ended     For the nine months ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Separation costs and severance
  $     $ 3,348     $     $ 4,625  
Adjustments to office closures obligations, discounted and net of expected sublease income
          658       2,105       658  
Write down of leasehold improvements
          1,492       500       1,492  
Gain on Sale of property
          (2,201 )           (2,201 )
Accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements due to expected office closures
    553             2,041        
 
                       
Total other operating costs
  $ 553     $ 3,297     $ 4,646     $ 4,574  
 
                       
     During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded $0.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively, of office closure related costs, which consisted of adjustments to office closure obligations, the write down of leasehold improvements and accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements in offices to be abandoned.
     During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we began to eliminate duplicate facilities and consolidate and close certain offices. We recorded $2.2 million of expense associated with the office closings and excess space reductions completed during the three months ended September 30, 2007. The expense consisted of rent obligations for the offices, net of expected sublease income, of $0.7 million and a $1.5 million write down of leasehold improvements, reflecting their estimated fair value. The office closure obligations have been discounted to net present value.
     We continue to monitor our estimates for office closure obligations and related expected sublease income. Such estimates are subject to market conditions and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary. We expect to pay $2.3 million in cash relating to these obligations during the next twelve months. We expect to record additional restructuring charges for real estate lease terminations as other initiatives are completed throughout 2008 and 2009.
     On September 28, 2007, we sold the property where our principal executive office was located for an aggregate gross purchase price of $4.5 million and recorded a $2.2 million gain on the sale of property.
     During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded $3.3 million in separation and severance costs in connection with a plan to restructure our operations as part of a cost savings initiative. The restructuring of our operations included involuntary professional consulting and administrative staff headcount reductions. We offered severance packages to approximately 60 consulting and administrative employees to reduce the capacity of our underperforming practices and to reduce the headcount of our administrative support staff. All severance and separation obligations have been completed. During the quarter ended March 31, 2007, we recorded $1.3 million of realignment costs, which consisted of separation costs and severance.

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     The current and non-current liability activity related to the above, excluding accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements, are as follows:
                 
    Office     Workforce  
    Space     Reductions  
    Reductions          
Charges to operations during the year ended December 31, 2007
  $ 6,750     $ 7,288  
Utilized during the year ended December 31, 2007
    (1,538 )     (6,089 )
 
           
Balance at December 31, 2007
    5,212       1,199  
Charges to operations during the quarter ended March 31, 2008
    650        
Utilized during the quarter ended March 31, 2008
    (1,636 )     (1,011 )
 
           
Balance at March 31, 2008
    4,226       188  
Charges to operations during the quarter ended June 30, 2008
    1,955        
Utilized during the quarter ended June 30, 2008
    (1,106 )     (188 )
 
           
Balance at June 30, 2008
    5,075        
Charges to operations during the quarter ended September 30, 2008
           
Utilized during the quarter ended September 30, 2008
    (626 )      
 
           
Balance at September 30, 2008
  $ 4,449     $  
 
           
     Office space reduction is not allocated to our individual business segments. As of September 30, 2008 had we allocated cumulative amounts relating to workforce reduction costs recorded in 2007 and 2008 to our segments, we would have recorded $2.6 million to our North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment, $2.9 million to our North American Business Consulting Services segment, zero to our International Consulting Operations segment, and zero to our Economic Consulting Services segment.

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Item 2.
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
     Statements included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this report, which are not historical in nature, are intended to be, and are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements appear in a number of places in this report, including, without limitation, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We caution readers that there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or control and the information contained in the forward-looking statements is inherently uncertain and subject to a number of risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation: the success of our organizational changes; risks inherent in international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; pace, timing and integration of acquisitions; management of professional staff, including dependence on key personnel, recruiting, attrition and the ability to successfully integrate new consultants into our practices; utilization rates; dependence on the expansion of and the increase in our service offerings and staff; conflicts of interest; potential loss of clients; our client’s financial condition, which could result in an impairment of their ability to make payments to us; risks inherent with litigation; significant client assignments; professional liability; potential legislative and regulatory changes; and general economic conditions. Further information on these and other potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and prior filings with the SEC under the “Risk Factors” sections and elsewhere in those filings. We cannot guarantee any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement and we undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements.
Overview
     We are a specialized independent consulting firm providing dispute, investigative, financial, operational and business advisory, risk management and regulatory advisory, and transaction advisory solution services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. We focus on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations.
     Our revenues, margins and profits are generally not materially impacted by macro economic business trends, although a long term decline in the U.S. economy would likely impact our business. Examples of impacting events that may affect us are natural disasters, legislative and regulatory changes, capital market disruptions, crises in the energy, healthcare, financial services, insurance and other industries, and significant client specific events.
     We derive our revenues from fees and reimbursable expenses for professional services. A majority of our revenues are generated under hourly or daily rates billed on a time and expense basis. Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis, with revenue recognized as the services are provided. There are also client engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services, often referred to as fixed fee billings. This may be one single amount covering the whole engagement or several amounts for various phases or functions. From time to time, we earn incremental revenues, in addition to hourly or fixed fee billings, which are contingent on the attainment of certain contractual milestones or objectives. Such incremental revenues may cause variations in quarterly revenues and operating results if all other revenues and expenses during the quarters remain the same.
     Our most significant expense is cost of services before reimbursable expenses, which generally relates to costs associated with generating revenues, and includes consultant compensation and benefits, sales and marketing expenses, and the direct costs of recruiting and training the consulting staff. Consultant compensation consists of salaries, incentive compensation, stock compensation and benefits. Our most significant overhead expenses are administrative compensation and benefits and office related expenses. Administrative compensation includes payroll costs, incentive compensation, stock compensation and benefits for corporate management and administrative personnel, which are used to indirectly support client projects. Office related expenses primarily consist of rent for our primary offices.

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Critical Accounting Policies
     The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Revenue Recognition
     We recognize revenues as the related professional services are provided. In connection with recording revenues, estimates and assumptions are required in determining the expected conversion of the revenues to cash. We may provide multiple services under the terms of an arrangement. There are also client engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services. The recording of these fixed revenue amounts requires us to make an estimate of the total amount of work to be performed and revenues are then recognized as efforts are expended based on (i) objectively determinable output measures, (ii) input measures if output measures are not reliable, or (iii) the straight-line method over the term of the arrangement. From time to time, we also earn incremental revenues. These incremental revenue amounts are generally contingent on a specific event and the incremental revenues are recognized when the contingencies are resolved. Any taxes assessed on revenues relating to services provided to our clients are recorded on a net basis.
Accounts Receivable Realization
     We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our review and assessment of our clients’ ability to make required payments, and the estimated realization, in cash, by us of amounts due from our clients. If our clients’ financial condition was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances might be required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
     Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. We test goodwill and intangible assets annually for impairment. This annual test is performed in the second quarter of each year by comparing the financial statement carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value. We also review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Our impairment testing and reviews may be impacted by, among other things, our expected operating performance, market valuation of comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating segments and competitive environment.
     Considerable management judgment is required to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and cost of capital, are consistent with internal projections and operating plans. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization during the periods presented.
     Intangible assets consist of identifiable intangibles other than goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill include customer lists and relationships, employee non-compete agreements, employee training methodology and materials, backlog revenue and trade names. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are amortized based on the period of consumption, ranging up to nine years.
Share-Based Payments
     We recognize the cost resulting from all share-based compensation arrangements, such as our stock option and restricted stock plans, in the financial statements based on their fair value. Management judgment is required in order to (i) estimate the fair value of certain share based payments, (ii) determine expected attribution period and (iii) assess expected future forfeitures. We treat our employee stock purchase plan as compensatory and record the purchase discount from market price of stock purchases by employees as share-based compensation expense.
Income Taxes
     We account for deferred income taxes utilizing Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”), as amended. SFAS 109 requires application of an asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. When appropriate, in accordance with SFAS 109, we evaluate the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets.

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     We account for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FAS Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). This interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. It prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken. This interpretation also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, and disclosures. The application of FIN 48 requires judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our effective tax rate.
Other Operating Costs
     We recorded expense and related liabilities associated with the office closings and excess space reductions. The expense consisted of rent obligations for the offices, net of expected sublease income, and the write down and accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements reflecting the change in the estimated useful life of our abandoned offices. The expected sublease income is subject to market conditions and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary. The office closure obligations have been discounted to net present value.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. We adopted SFAS 157 during the first quarter of 2008 and the implementation did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. We have deferred the adoption of SFAS No. 157 with respect to non-financial assets and liabilities in accordance with the provisions of FSP FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” Such non financial assets and liabilities include goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 allows entities the option to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value as of specified dates. Such election, which may be applied on an instrument by instrument basis, is typically irrevocable once elected. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We adopted SFAS 159 during the first quarter of 2008 and did not apply such election to any of our assets or liabilities.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”). SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. SFAS 141(R) also sets forth the disclosures required to be made in the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Accordingly, SFAS 141(R) will be applied by us to business combinations occurring on or after January 1, 2009.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 161”) which amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS 133 to provide an enhanced understanding of an entity’s use of derivative instruments, how they are accounted for under SFAS 133 and their effect on the entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The provisions of SFAS 161 are effective as of the beginning of our 2009 fiscal year. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 161 on our financial statements.

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Results of Operations
2008 compared to 2007 — For the three and nine month periods ended September 30
     Our operations are organized in four operating segments — North American Dispute and Investigative Services, North American Business Consulting Services, International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services. These segments are predominately defined by their services and geographic markets. The business is managed and resources allocated on the basis of the four operating segments.
     The following table summarizes for comparative purposes certain financial and statistical data for our four segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (dollar amounts are thousands, except bill rate).
                                                 
    For the three months ended           For the nine months ended    
    September 30,   % Increase/   September 30,   % Increase/
    2008   2007   (Decrease)   2008   2007   (Decrease)
Revenues before reimbursements
                                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 72,363     $ 74,149       -2.4 %   $ 235,492     $ 220,244       6.9 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    74,048       78,252       -5.4 %     239,545       243,598       -1.7 %
International Consulting Operations
    18,311       14,656       24.9 %     56,015       37,703       48.6 %
Economic Consulting Services
    14,186                   21,535              
     
Total revenues before reimbursements
  $ 178,908     $ 167,057       7.1 %   $ 552,587     $ 501,545       10.2 %
     
Total Revenues
                                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 79,836     $ 81,633       -2.2 %   $ 259,440     $ 239,114       8.5 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    82,902       91,244       -9.1 %     271,288       280,822       -3.4 %
International Consulting Operations
    20,828       17,970       15.9 %     63,722       43,834       45.4 %
Economic Consulting Services
    14,526                   22,189              
     
Total revenues
  $ 198,092     $ 190,847       3.8 %   $ 616,639     $ 563,770       9.4 %
     
Average Full Time Equivalent (“FTE”) consultants
                                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
    761       804       -5.3 %     773       782       -1.2 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    886       1,001       -11.5 %     913       1,023       -10.8 %
International Consulting Operations
    189       157       20.4 %     183       147       24.5 %
Economic Consulting Services
    91                   49              
     
Total
    1,927       1,962       -1.8 %     1,918       1,952       -1.7 %
     
Average Utilization rates based on 1,850 hours
                                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
    73 %     75 %     -2.7 %     78 %     76 %     2.6 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    78 %     79 %     -1.3 %     81 %     78 %     3.8 %
International Consulting Operations
    72 %     71 %     1.4 %     73 %     79 %     -7.6 %
Economic Consulting Services
    99 %                 95 %            
     
Total
    76 %     77 %     -1.3 %     79 %     77 %     2.6 %
     
Bill Rate (1)
                                               
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 291     $ 282       3.2 %   $ 295     $ 274       7.7 %
North American Business Consulting Services
  $ 227     $ 200       13.5 %   $ 222     $ 201       10.4 %
International Consulting Operations
  $ 292     $ 267       9.4 %   $ 290     $ 259       12.0 %
Economic Consulting Services
  $ 337     $           $ 330     $        
     
Total
  $ 265     $ 238       11.3 %   $ 262     $ 235       11.5 %
     
 
(1)   Excludes the impact of performance based fee engagements.
     Revenues before Reimbursements. Most revenues before reimbursements are earned from consultants’ fee revenues that are primarily a function of billable hours, bill rates and consultant headcount. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 revenues before reimbursements increased 7.1 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 revenues before reimbursements increased 10.2 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2007.

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     Revenues before reimbursements for the three months ended September 30, 2008 increased over the corresponding period in 2007 mainly due to the increase in international consulting, the Chicago Partners acquisition and increased bill rates. Revenue before reimbursements for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased over the corresponding period in 2007 mainly due to the combination of recent acquisitions, increased bill rates, and increased utilization. In both the three and nine months periods in 2008, the headcount decreased from the prior year reflecting realignment initiatives in the segments partially offset by increased headcount from acquisitions. The consultant utilization rates were 76 percent and 79 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to 77 percent for the corresponding periods in 2007. The decreased headcount and increased utilization rates during the nine months period reflected, in part, our realignment efforts during the third and fourth quarters of 2007. We calculate our utilization rate assuming a 1,850 hour base.
     North American Dispute and Investigative Services. Total revenues for this segment decreased 2 percent and increased 9 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods in 2007. Utilization decreased 3 percent and increased 3 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods last year. The decrease for the three months period partially resulted from delays in the timing of certain project activity during the third quarter, due, in part, to the recent disruptions in the financial markets. The increase in utilization during the nine months period resulted from strong demand during the first and second quarters of 2008. Bill rates increased 3 percent and 8 percent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods in 2007. The bill rate increase was a result of a higher mix of more senior consultants and efforts to increase billing rates.
     North American Business Consulting Services. Total revenues for this segment decreased by 9 percent and 3 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods in 2007. Utilization decreased 1 percent and increased 4 percent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods last year. Utilization decreased 1 percent for the three months period as a result of the recent disruption in the financial markets, including decreased demand for our consulting services in the financial and insurance markets, as clients in these markets have limited discretionary consulting spending. Utilization increased 4 percent for the nine months period ended September 30, 2008 primarily as a result of workforce reductions occurring in the third and fourth quarters of 2007. Bill rates increased 14 percent and 10 percent for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2008, respectively over the corresponding periods in 2007. The bill rate increase was attributable to rate increases and a higher mix of more senior consultants.
     International Consulting Operations. Total revenues for this segment increased 16 percent and 45 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods in 2007, mainly due to our 2007 acquisitions. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the increase in segment revenues was partially offset by negative currency exchange rate impacts of 6 percent. Utilization increased 1 percent and decreased 8 percent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding periods in 2007. The decrease in utilization for the nine months was a result of our acquisitions during 2007 having a greater mix of senior consultants resulting in lower utilization which was offset by higher bill rates. Bill rates increased 9 percent and 12 percent during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, over the corresponding period last year.
     Economic Consulting Services. This segment commenced operations with our acquisition of Chicago Partners on May 1, 2008.
     Cost of Services before Reimbursable Expenses. Cost of services before reimbursable expenses were $110.1 million and $337.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to $104.4 million and $311.5 million for the corresponding periods in 2007, which represented increases in costs of services before reimbursable expenses of 5 percent and 8 percent, respectively.
     Cost of services before reimbursable expenses increased primarily because of higher consultant compensation and benefits, which was primarily attributable to enhanced performance and favorable results in 2008 compared to 2007. As a percentage of revenues before reimbursements, costs of services before reimbursable expenses were 62 percent and 61 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to 62 percent in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007.
     Cost of services before reimbursable expenses includes amounts related to consultant incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is structured to reward consultants based on the achieved business performance and under a compensation methodology as approved by our management and the compensation committee of our board of directors. The amount of expense recorded for consultant incentive compensation during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was higher than the corresponding period in 2007 primarily as a result of the improved operating performance. In addition, we entered into long-term incentive and retention agreements during the second and third quarters of 2008 (see discussion of unsecured forgiveable loans in Note 8), the amortization of which is included in consultant compensation. The increase in compensation expense related to the issuance of these long-term and retention agreements was partially offset by reduced share based compensation expense.

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     General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses include facility-related costs, salaries and benefits of corporate management and support personnel, allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, professional and administrative services costs and all other support costs.
     General and administrative expenses increased $5.7 million and $16.2 million, or 16 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods in 2007. The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily the result of an increase in allowances for doubtful accounts receivable of $4.3 million and $9.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. We provide services to and have receivables due from many financial and insurance clients in all four of our segments. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts receivable during 2008 was primarily attributable to the impact of recent disruptions in the financial markets. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts over our prior periods primarily reflects management’s view of the likelihood of collection of receivables due from certain of our financial industry clients as well as the impact of the financial market disruptions on a broad range of clients. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical experience and management judgment and may change based on market conditions or specific client circumstances. In addition, we incurred incremental overhead costs related to professional fees including legal and information technology costs. General and administrative expenses were 23 percent and 22 percent of revenues before reimbursements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, compared to 21 percent for each of the corresponding periods in 2007. The increase in general and administrative expenses as a percent of revenues before reimbursements during 2008 is primarily due to the increased allowance for doubtful accounts.
     Other Operating Costs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recorded $0.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively, of office closure related costs which consisted of adjustments to office closure obligations, the write down of leasehold improvements and accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements in offices to be abandoned.
     During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we began to eliminate duplicate facilities and consolidate and close certain offices. We recorded $2.2 million of expense associated with the office closings and excess space reductions completed during the three months ended September 30, 2007. The expense consisted of rent obligations for the offices, net of expected sublease income, of $0.7 million and approximately $1.5 million write down of leasehold improvements reflecting their estimated fair value. The office closure obligations have been discounted to net present value.
     We continue to monitor our estimates for office closure obligations and related expected sublease income. Such estimates are subject to market conditions and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary. We expect to pay $2.3 million in cash relating to these obligations during the next twelve months. We expect to record additional restructuring charges for real estate lease terminations as other initiatives are completed throughout 2008 and 2009.
     On September 28, 2007, we sold the property where our principal executive office was located for an aggregate gross purchase price of $4.5 million and recorded a $2.2 million gain on the sale of property.
     During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded $3.3 million in separation and severance costs in connection with a plan to restructure our operations as part of a cost savings initiative. The restructuring of our operations included involuntary professional consulting and administrative staff headcount reductions. We offered severance packages to approximately 60 consulting and administrative employees to reduce the capacity of our underperforming practices and to reduce the headcount of our administrative support staff. All severance and separation obligations have been completed. During the first quarter ended March 31, 2007, we recorded $1.3 million of realignment costs, which consisted of separation costs and severance.
     Amortization Expense. Amortization expense includes primarily the amortization of intangible assets such as customer lists and relationships, and non-compete agreements related to certain business acquisitions.
     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, amortization expense was $4.0 million and $12.8 million, respectively, compared to $5.4 million and $12.8 million for the corresponding periods in 2007. The decrease in amortization of intangible assets during the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily related to reduced amortization of backlog intangible assets related to acquisitions completed during the second and third quarters of 2007.
     Interest Expense. Interest expense includes interest on borrowed amounts under our Credit Agreement, amortization of debt refinancing costs, and accretion of interest related to deferred purchase price obligations.

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     For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, interest expense was $5.2 million and $15.4 million, respectively, compared to $6.0 million and $9.5 million for the corresponding periods in 2007. The increase in interest expense in the nine month period was related to the increase in borrowings under our Credit Agreement. We increased borrowings to finance certain acquisitions and, in the second quarter of 2007, to purchase shares of our common stock. The decrease in interest expense in the three month period resulted from lower interest rates and average borrowings for the three month period in 2008 compared to the corresponding period in 2007.
     Income tax expense. The effective income tax rate for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 43 percent, compared to 42 percent for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007. The slight increase in effective income tax rate was primarily attributable to an increased mix of income earned in higher tax jurisdictions.
Human Capital Resources
     Our human capital resources include consulting professionals and administrative and management personnel. As a result of both recruiting activities and business acquisitions, we have a diverse pool of consultants and administrative support staff with various skills and experience. Recent acquisitions have broadened our international presence. The following table shows the employee data for the periods presented:
                                 
    For the three months ended   For the nine months ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Number of FTE consultants as of September 30
    1,952       2,009       1,952       2,009  
Average number of FTE consultants
    1,927       1,962       1,918       1,952  
Average utilization of consultants, based on industry standard of 1,850 hours
    76 %     77 %     79 %     77 %
Number of administrative and management personnel as of September 30
    589       557       589       557  
     The number of FTE consultants is adjusted for part-time status and takes into consideration hiring and attrition during the periods. The decrease during 2008 compared to the prior year reflects realignment initiatives in all segments partially offset by acquisitions.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Summary
     We had $10.5 million in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2008, compared to $11.7 million at December 31, 2007. Our cash equivalents were primarily limited to fully pledged commercial paper or securities (rated A or better), with maturity dates of 90 days or less. As of September 30, 2008 we had total bank debt outstanding of $273.0 million under our Credit Agreement, compared to $256.6 million as of December 31, 2007.
     We calculate accounts receivable days sales outstanding (“DSO”) by dividing the accounts receivable balance, net of deferred revenue credits, at the end of the quarter, by daily revenues. Daily revenues are calculated by dividing quarterly revenues by 90 days, approximately equal to the number of days in a quarter. Calculated as such, DSO was 84 days at September 30, 2008, compared to 77 days at December 31, 2007 and 90 days at September 30, 2007.
Operating Activities
     Net cash provided by operating activities was $38.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $42.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in net cash from operating activities was primarily associated with the issuance of certain unsecured forgivable loans to retain and motivate highly skilled senior consultants aggregating $21.6 million, partially offset by a lower increase in our investment in accounts receivable.
Investing Activities
     Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $59.1 million, compared to $86.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 we paid $50.0 million for the cash portion of the purchase price for Chicago Partners payable at closing. During the corresponding period in 2007, we spent $65.3 million for various acquisitions (see note 2), partially offset by proceeds of $4.1 million from the sale of a property. The decrease in purchases of property and equipment of approximately $13.6 million reflects reduced investment in leasehold improvements.

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Financing Activities
     Net cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $19.4 million, compared to $53.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had net borrowings of $21.0 million primarily to finance the cash consideration for our acquisition of Chicago Partners. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we had net cash proceeds of $49.2 million primarily from the Revolving Credit Facility and $225.0 million from the Term Loan Facility, of which $218.4 million was used to purchase shares of our common stock.
Debt, Commitments and Capital
     As of September 30, 2008, we maintained the Credit Agreement consisting of the Revolving Credit Facility of $275.0 million with the option to increase to $375.0 million, and the Term Loan Facility of $225.0 million consisting of unsecured term loans. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are payable in May 2012. The Credit Agreement provides for borrowings in multiple currencies including US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, UK Pound Sterling and Euro. As of September 30, 2008, we had aggregate borrowings of $273.0 million, compared to $256.6 million as of December 31, 2007.
     At our option borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Facility bear interest, in general, based on a variable rate equal to an applicable base rate or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary depending upon our consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of total funded debt to adjusted EBITDA) and whether the loan is made under the Term Loan Facility or the Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2008, the applicable margins on LIBOR loans under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility were 1.25% and 1.0%, respectively. As of September 30, 2008, the applicable margins for base rate loans under the Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility were 0.25% and zero, respectively. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary between 0.50% to 1.75% depending upon our performance and financial condition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, our average borrowing rates under the Credit Agreement were 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively.
     The Credit Agreement also includes certain financial covenants, including covenants that require that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.25:1 and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (the ratio of the sum of adjusted EBITDA and rental expense to the sum of cash interest expense and rental expense) of not less than 2.0:1. At September 30, 2008, under the definitions in the Credit Agreement, our consolidated leverage ratio was 2.1 and our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was 3.4. In addition to the financial covenants, the Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and is subject to customary exceptions. These covenants will limit our ability to incur liens or other encumbrances or make investments, incur indebtedness, enter into mergers, consolidations and asset sales, pay dividends or other distributions, change the nature of our business and engage in transactions with affiliates. We were in compliance with the terms of the Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007.
     As of September 30, 2008, we had total commitments of $435.2 million, which included $23.8 million in deferred business acquisition obligations, payable in cash and common stock, notes payable of $6.2 million, debt of $273.0 million, and $132.2 million in lease commitments. As of September 30, 2008, we had no significant commitments for capital expenditures.
     The following table shows the components of significant commitments as of September 30, 2008 and the scheduled years of payments (shown in thousands):
                                         
            From Oct 1,                    
            2008 to                    
            December 31,                    
Contractual Obligations   Total     2008     2009 to 2010     2011 to 2012     Thereafter  
Deferred purchase price obligations
  $ 23,835     $ 5,826     $ 13,053     $ 4,956     $  
Notes payable
    6,239       1,000       5,239              
Line of credit
    50,791                   50,791        
Bank debt
    222,188       563       14,625       207,000        
Lease commitments
    132,166       6,807       53,212       36,422       35,725  
 
                             
Total
  $ 435,219     $ 14,196     $ 86,129     $ 299,169     $ 35,725  
 
                             
     We may pay up to $27.0 million of additional purchase consideration based on the Chicago Partners’ business achieving certain post-closing performance targets during the periods from closing to December 31, 2008 and calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011. If earned, the additional purchase consideration would be payable 75 percent in cash and 25 percent in our common stock. The additional purchase price payments, if any, will be payable in April of the year following the year such performance targets are attained.
     We do not expect to significantly increase or reduce our reserve for uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months.

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     We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, the future cash flows from operations and our Credit Agreement will provide adequate cash to fund anticipated short-term and long-term cash needs from normal operations. In the event we make significant cash expenditures in the future for major acquisitions or other non-operating activities, we might need additional debt or equity financing, as appropriate.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to have a material current or future impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
     Our primary exposure to market risks relates to changes in interest rates associated with our borrowings under the line of credit, and our investment portfolio, classified as cash equivalents. Our general investment policy is to limit the risk of principal loss by limiting market and credit risks.
     At September 30, 2008, our investments were primarily limited to ‘A’ rated securities, with maturity dates of 90 days or less. These financial instruments are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates rise. Because of the short periods to maturity of these instruments, an increase in interest rates would not have a material effect on our financial position or operating results.
     On July 2, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a bank for a notional value of $165.0 million through June 30, 2010. This agreement effectively fixed our LIBOR base rate for $165.0 million of our indebtedness at a rate of 5.30 percent during this period. We expect the interest rate derivative to be highly effective against changes in cash flows related to changes in interest rates and have recorded the derivative as a hedge. As a result, gains or losses related to fluctuations in the fair value of the interest rate derivative are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified into interest expense as the variable interest expense on our indebtedness is recorded. There was no ineffectiveness related to this hedge for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, we had a $5.5 million liability related to this interest rate derivative and we recorded a $0.3 million unrealized gain, net of tax of $0.2 million, to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
     Other than the deferred purchase price obligations, notes payable, borrowings under the Credit Agreement, and the $165.0 million interest rate swap agreement, we did not have, at September 30, 2008, any other short-term debt, long-term debt, interest rate derivatives, forward exchange agreements, firmly committed foreign currency sales transactions or derivative commodity instruments.
     Our market risk associated with the Credit Agreement relates to changes in interest rates. As of September 30, 2008, borrowings under the Credit Agreement bore interest, in general, based on a variable rate equal to an applicable base rate (equal to the higher of a reference prime rate or one half of one percent above the federal funds rate) or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. Based on borrowings under the Credit Agreement at September 30, 2008, each quarter point change in market interest rates would result in approximately a $0.3 million change in annual interest expense, after considering the impact of our interest rate swap agreement entered into on July 2, 2007.
     We operate in foreign countries, which exposes us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. At September 30, 2008, we had net assets of approximately $78.1 million with a functional currency of the United Kingdom Pounds Sterling and $36.1 million with a functional currency of the Canadian Dollar related to our operations in the United Kingdom and Canada, respectively.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     Under the supervision of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2008. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
     We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time frames specified in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
     During the three months ended September 30, 2008, there has not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f).

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     From time to time we are party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of those lawsuits or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of those lawsuits or claims will have a material adverse effect on us.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we issued the following unregistered securities:
                         
        Number of            
    Type of   Shares in   Exemption   Purchaser or   Assets
Date   Securities   Consideration (a)   Claimed (b)   “Recipient”   Purchased
January 24, 2008
  Common Stock     14,866     Section 4(2)   Tedd Avey & Associates Ltd.   (c)
January 31, 2008
  Common Stock     8,159     Section 4(2)   Devito Consulting, Inc   (d)
February 8, 2008
  Common Stock     100,539     Section 4(2)   Casas, Benjamin & White, LLC   (d)
July 1, 2008
  Common Stock     12,458     Section 4(2)   Architech Corporation   (d)
August 1, 2008
  Common Stock     37,860     Section 4(2)   LAC, Limited   (c)
 
(a)   Does not take into account additional cash or other consideration paid or payable as a part of the transactions.
 
(b)   The shares of common stock were issued to accredited investors without registration in private placements in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
(c)   Shares represent deferred payment consideration of the purchase agreement to purchase substantially all of the equity interests of the entity and, as such, these shares were issued to the owner(s) of the entity.
 
(d)   Shares represent deferred payment consideration of the purchase agreement to purchase substantially all of the assets of the recipient.
Item 6. Exhibits-
     The following exhibits are filed with the Form 10-Q:
         
Exhibit 31.1
    Rule 13a—14(a) Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
 
       
Exhibit 31.2
    Rule 13a—14(a) Certification of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
 
       
Exhibit 32.1
    Section 1350 Certification

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SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
 
  Navigant Consulting, Inc.    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ WILLIAM M. GOODYEAR    
 
           
 
      William M. Goodyear    
 
      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    
 
           
 
  By:   /s/ DAVID E. WARTNER    
 
           
 
      David E. Wartner    
 
      Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and Controller    
Date: October 31, 2008

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