(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Canada | 98 0364441 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
None | n/a |
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | |
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares without par value | NASDAQ Toronto Stock Exchange |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o NO x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o NO x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x NO o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b 2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer x | Non-accelerated o |
The aggregate market value of the shares of all classes of voting and non-voting common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2007 was approximately $201 million, computed upon the basis of the closing sales price of the common stock on that date.
As of February 29, 2008, there were 27,059,117 outstanding shares of Class A subordinate voting shares without par value, and 2,503 outstanding shares of Class B multiple voting shares without par value, of the registrant.
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References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to MDC Partners, MDC, the Company, we, us and our refer to MDC Partners Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires or otherwise is expressly stated, its subsidiaries.
All dollar amounts are stated in US dollars unless otherwise stated.
The following sections of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 30, 2008, are incorporated by reference in Parts I and III: Election of Directors, Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance, Compensation of Executive Officers, Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board, Outstanding Shares, Transactions with MDC Partners Inc. and Appointment of Independent Accountants.
Information regarding the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to these reports, will be made available, free of charge, at the Companys website at http://www.mdc-partners.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such reports with or furnishes them to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any document that the Company files with the SEC may also be read and copied at the SECs public reference room located at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1 (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. The Companys filings are also available to the public from the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.
The Companys Code of Conduct, WhistleBlower Policy, and each of the charters for the Audit Committee, Human Resources & Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, are available free of charge on the Companys website at http://www.mdc-partners.com or by writing to MDC Partners Inc., 950 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, Attention: Investor Relations.
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This document contains forward-looking statements. The Companys representatives may also make forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including statements about the Companys beliefs and expectations, recent business and economic trends, potential acquisitions, estimates of amounts for deferred acquisition consideration and put option rights, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events, if any.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
| risks associated with effects of national and regional economic conditions; |
| the Companys ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients; |
| the financial success of the Companys clients; |
| the Companys ability to retain and attract key employees; |
| the Companys ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements and the Companys ability to finance its contingent payment obligations when due and payable, including but not limited to those relating to put options rights and deferred acquisition consideration; |
| the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand the Companys business capabilities; |
| foreign currency fluctuations; and |
| risks arising from the Companys historical stock option grant practices. |
The Companys business strategy includes ongoing efforts to engage in material acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry. The Company intends to finance these acquisitions by using available cash from operations, from borrowings under its current Financing Agreement and through incurrence of bridge or other debt financing, either of which may increase the Companys leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive impact on existing shareholders proportionate ownership. At any given time, the Company may be engaged in a number of discussions that may result in one or more material acquisitions. These opportunities require confidentiality and may involve negotiations that require quick responses by the Company. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased volatility in the trading price of the Companys securities.
Investors should carefully consider these risk factors and the additional risk factors outlined in more detail in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption Risk Factors and in the Companys other SEC filings.
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of the United States of America (US GAAP). However, the Company has included certain non-US GAAP financial measures and ratios, which it believes, provide useful information to both management and readers of this report in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by US GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to other titled measures determined in accordance with US GAAP.
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MDC was formed by Certificate of Amalgamation effective December 19, 1986, pursuant to the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Effective December 19, 1986, MDC amalgamated with Branbury Explorations Limited, and thereby became a public company operating under the name of MDC Corporation. On May 28, 1996, MDC changed its name to MDC Communications Corporation and, on May 29, 1999, it changed its name to MDC Corporation Inc. On July 31, 2003, MDC acquired the remaining 26% of Maxxcom Inc. (Maxxcom) that it did not already own, privatizing the now wholly-owned subsidiary and merging Maxxcoms corporate functions with MDCs existing corporate functions. On January 1, 2004, MDC changed its name to its current name, MDC Partners Inc., and on June 28, 2004, MDC was continued under Section 187 of the Canada Business Corporations Act. MDCs registered and head office address is located at 45 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2E3.
MDC is a leading provider of marketing communications services to customers globally. MDC has operating units in the United States, Canada, Europe, Jamaica, Philippines and Mexico.
MDCs subsidiaries provide a comprehensive range of marketing communications and consulting services, including advertising, interactive marketing, direct marketing, database and customer relationship management, sales promotion, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity, design and branding and other related services.
MDCs strategy is to build, grow and acquire market-leading businesses that deliver innovative, value-added marketing communications and strategic consulting services to their clients. MDC Partners strives to be a partnership of best in class marketing communications and consulting companies whose strategic, creative and innovative solutions are media-agnostic, challenge the status quo and achieve superior results for clients and stakeholders.
MDCs Corporate Group ensures that MDC is the most Partner-responsive marketing services network through its strategic mandate to help Partner firms find clients, tuck under acquisitions, and talent, as well as cross-sell services and enhance their culture for innovation and growth. MDC s Corporate Group also works directly with Partner firms to expand their offerings through new strategic services, as well as leverage the collective expertise and scale of the partnership as a whole.
The MDC model is driven by three key elements:
Perpetual Partnership. The perpetual partnership creates ongoing alignment of interests to drive performance. The perpetual partnership model functions by (1) identifying the right Partners with a sustainable differentiated position in the marketplace; (2) creating the right Partnership structure generally by taking a majority ownership position and leaving a substantial minority ownership position in the hands of operating management to incentivize long-term growth; (3) providing access to more resources and leverage the networks, scale; and (4) delivering financial results.
Entrepreneurialism. Entrepreneurial spirit is optimized by creating customized solutions to support and grow our businesses.
Human and Financial Capital. The model balances accountability with financial flexibility to support growth.
MDC operates through Partner companies within the following reportable segments:
The SMS segment generally consists of firms that offer a full suite of integrated marketing communication and consulting services, including advertising and media, interactive marketing, direct marketing, public
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relations, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity and branding, and sales promotion to national and global clients. The SMS segment is comprised of the following agencies: Allard Johnson; ACLC; Colle + McVoy; Crispin Porter + Bogusky; Fletcher Martin; HL Group Partners; kirshenbaum bond + partners; Mono Advertising; Redscout; VitroRobertson; Zig; and Zyman Group.
The CRM segment, comprised of Accent Marketing Services, provides marketing services that interface directly with the consumer of a clients product or service. These services include the design, development and implementation of a complete customer service and direct marketing initiative intended to acquire, retain and develop each clients customer base. This is accomplished primarily through sophisticated database management and analytical services and through customer care services using several domestic and two foreign-based customer care facilities to regional, national and global clients.
The SCS segment includes marketing services firms that are generally engaged to provide a single or a few specific marketing services to regional, national and global clients. These firms provide niche solutions by providing world class expertise in selected marketing services. The services they provide include advertising, interactive marketing, sales promotion, direct marketing, media relations, design and branding, research, and corporate communications. The SCS segment is comprised of the following agencies: Accumark Communications, Bratskeir; Bruce Mau Design; Bryan Mills Iradesso; Company C; Computer Composition; Hello Design; henderson bas; Ito Partners; Northstar Research Partners; Onbrand; Source Marketing; TargetCom; Veritas Communications; and Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie.
Adrenalina, LLC is accounted for under the equity method. Adrenalina is an agency focused on providing marketing services to the Hispanic market, and its marketing disciplines include: media agnostic advertising, retail and event marketing and consumer promotions. Cliff Freeman and Partners is accounted for under the cost method. Cliff Freeman provides a range of advertising and marketing communication services.
The following table includes certain information about MDCs operating subsidiaries. The Put and Call Options information represents existing contractual rights. Owners of interests in certain Marketing Communications subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require MDC to acquire additional ownership interests held by them. The owners ability to exercise any such put option right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligations of MDC to fund the related amounts during the periods described in the accompanying notes. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights. The amount payable by MDC in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on defined valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment. See also Managements Discussion and Analysis Off-Balance Sheet Commitments Put Rights of Subsidiaries Minority Shareholders for further discussion.
Put options represent puts of ownership interests by other interest holders to MDC with reciprocal call rights held by MDC for the same ownership interests with similar terms. The percentages shown represent the potential ownership interest MDC could achieve in each company assuming that the remaining equity holder(s) were to fully exercise their put option rights at the earliest opportunity.
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Company | % Owned at 12/31/07 | Year of Initial Investment |
Put/Call Options | |||||||||||||
2008 | Thereafter | |||||||||||||||
(See Notes) | ||||||||||||||||
Consolidated: |
||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services |
||||||||||||||||
ACLC Inc | 90.0 | % | 1992 | | Note 1 | |||||||||||
Allard Johnson Communications Inc. | 60.2 | % | 1992 | 80.1 | % | Note 2 | ||||||||||
Colle & McVoy, LLC | 95.0 | % | 1999 | | Note 3 | |||||||||||
Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC | 77.0 | % | 2001 | | Note 4 | |||||||||||
Fletcher Martin, LLC | 85.0 | % | 1999 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
HL Group Partners, LLC | 52.0 | % | 2007 | | Note 5 | |||||||||||
kirshenbaum bond & partners, LLC | 100.0 | % | 2004 | | ||||||||||||
Mono Advertising, LLC | 49.9 | % | 2004 | | Note 6 | |||||||||||
Redscout, LLC | 60.0 | % | 2007 | | Note 7 | |||||||||||
Vitro Robertson, LLC | 84.0 | % | 2004 | | Note 8 | |||||||||||
Zig Inc. | 50.1 | % | 2004 | | Note 9 | |||||||||||
Zyman Group, LLC. | 62.1 | % | 2005 | | Note 10 | |||||||||||
Customer Relationship Management |
||||||||||||||||
Accent Marketing Services, LLC | 93.7 | % | 1999 | 99.5 | % | |||||||||||
Specialized Communication Services |
||||||||||||||||
Accumark Communications Inc. | 55.0 | % | 1993 | | Note 11 | |||||||||||
Bratskeir & Company, LLC | 85.0 | % | 2000 | | Note 12 | |||||||||||
Bruce Mau Design Inc. | 50.1 | % | 2004 | | ||||||||||||
Bryan Mills Iradesso Inc. | 62.8 | % | 1989 | 88.0 | % | Note 13 | ||||||||||
Company C Communications LLC | 90.0 | % | 2000 | | Note 14 | |||||||||||
Computer Composition of Canada Inc. | 100.0 | % | 1988 | | ||||||||||||
Hello Design, LLC | 51.0 | % | 2004 | | ||||||||||||
henderson bas partnership | 65.0 | % | 2004 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
Ito Partners LLC | 60.0 | % | 2006 | | Note 15 | |||||||||||
Northstar Research Partners Inc. | 72.4 | % | 1998 | | ||||||||||||
Onbrand | 85.0 | % | 1992 | | ||||||||||||
Source Marketing, LLC | 80.0 | % | 1998 | 86.7 | % | Note 16 | ||||||||||
TargetCom, LLC | 100.0 | % | 2000 | | ||||||||||||
Veritas Communications Inc. | 64.1 | % | 1993 | 72.3 | % | Note 17 | ||||||||||
Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie | 100.0 | % | 2000 | | ||||||||||||
Equity Accounted: |
||||||||||||||||
Adrenalina, LLC | 49.9 | % | 2007 | | Note 18 | |||||||||||
Cost Accounted: |
||||||||||||||||
Cliff Freeman and Partners, LLC | 19.9 | % | 2004 | |
(1) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in ACLC Inc. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 95% of this entity in 2010 and up to 100% in 2012. |
(2) | In January 2008, 9.9% of Allard Johnson Communications Inc. was put to MDC. |
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(3) | MDC has the right to increase its economic ownership in Colle & McVoy, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012. |
(4) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Crispin Porter & Bogusky, LLC (CPB) through acquisitions of incremental interests and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest up to 94% of this entity in 2010 and up to 100% in 2012. |
(5) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in HL Group Partners, LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 64% of this entity in 2012, up to 76% in 2013 and up to 88% in 2014. |
(6) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Mono Advertising, LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 54.9% of this entity in 2010, up to 59.9% in 2011, up to 64.9% in 2012, up to 69.9% in 2013 and up to 74.9% in 2014. |
(7) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Redscout, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 80% of this entity in 2012. |
(8) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Vitro Robertson, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2011. MDCs current economic interest is 100% of profits as its priority return is not expected to be exceeded. |
(9) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Zig Inc. through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 80% of this entity in 2009. |
(10) | As of December 31, 2007, MDCs economic interest in Zyman Group, LLC was 100% of profits as its priority return is not expected to be exceeded. |
(11) | MDC, has the right to increase its ownership in Accumark Communications Inc. through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests up to 61.7% of this entity in 2010, up to 68.3% in 2011 and up to 75.0% in 2012. MDCs current economic interest is 42%. |
(12) | MDC has the right to increase its economic ownership in Bratskeir & Company LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 90% of this entity in 2010, up to 93% in 2012, up to 97% in 2013 and up to 100% in 2014. |
(13) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Bryan Mills Iradesso, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012. |
(14) | MDC has the right to increase its economic ownership in Company C Communications, LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 100% of this entity in 2012. |
(15) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Ito Partners LLC through acquisition of an incremental interest, and the other interest holder has the right to put to MDC the same incremental interest, up to 80% of this entity in 2011. |
(16) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Source Marketing, LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests up 93.4% of this entity in 2010 and 100% in 2012. |
(17) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Veritas Communications Inc. through acquisitions of |
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incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 75% of this entity in 2009, up to 78% in 2010, up to 86% in 2011 and up to 100% in 2012. |
(18) | MDC has the right to increase its ownership in Adrenalina, LLC through acquisitions of incremental interests, and the other interest holders have the right to put to MDC the same incremental interests, up to 61% of this entity in 2013, up to 72% in 2014 and up to 82% in 2015. |
Since January 1, 2007, the following significant developments in MDCs business have occurred.
On November 1, 2007, the Company acquired an additional 28% of Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC, (CPB) from certain minority holders. The purchase price consisted of a payment of approximately $22.6 million in cash and the issuance of 514,025 newly-issued shares of the Companys Class A shares valued at approximately $5.5 million. Following this transaction, the Companys ownership in CPB is 77%.
On October 18, 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 40% equity interest in kirshenbaum bond & partners LLC, (KBP) from the founding partners. The purchase price consisted of an initial payment of approximately $12.3 million in cash and the issuance of 269,389 newly-issued shares of the Companys Class A shares valued at approximately $2.9 million. In addition, the Company expects to pay contingent amounts to the selling partners in 2009 and 2010, based on KBPs financial performance in 2008 and 2009.
On June 15, 2007, the Company acquired a 60% membership interest in Redscout, LLC (Redscout). Redscout is a brand development and innovation consulting firm. The purchase price consisted of $4.0 million in cash and $0.6 million was paid in the form of 76,340 newly issued Class A shares of the Company. Based on Redscouts results in 2007, the Company expects to make an additional cash payment of $1.3 million and issue shares valued at $0.2 million during 2008. In addition, the Company may be required to make additional payments which are contingent on the results of Redscouts operations through December 2008.
On April 4, 2007, the Company acquired a 59% membership interest in HL Group Partners LLC (HL). The Company intends to use up to 8% of the membership interests acquired for purposes of entering into a profits interest arrangement with other key executives of HL, or Gen II management. HL is a marketing strategy and corporate communications firm with a specialty in high end fashion and luxury goods. The purchase price consisted of $4.8 million in cash, of which $4.5 million was paid and $0.3 million will be paid on April 4, 2008, and $1 million was paid in the form of 128,550 newly-issued Class A shares of the Company.
For financial information relating to (a) the Companys Marketing Communications Businesses, and (b) the geographic regions the businesses operate within, refer to Note 15 (Segmented Information) of the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report and to Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
In the competitive, highly fragmented marketing and communications industry, the Companys operating companies compete for business with the operating subsidiaries of large global holding companies such as Omnicom Group Inc., Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., WPP Group plc, Publicis Group SA and Havas Advertising. These global holding companies generally have greater resources than those available to MDC and its subsidiaries, and such resources may enable them to aggressively compete with the Companys marketing communications businesses. Each of MDCs operating companies also faces competition from numerous independent agencies that operate in multiple markets. MDCs operating companies must compete with these other companies to maintain existing client relationships and to obtain new clients and assignments. MDCs operating companies compete at this level by providing clients with marketing ideas and strategies that are focused on increasing clients revenues and profits. These existing and potential clients include multinational corporations and national companies with mid-to-large sized marketing budgets. MDC also benefits from cooperation among the operating companies through referrals and the sharing of both services and expertise, which enables MDC to service clients varied marketing needs.
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A companys ability to compete for new clients is affected in some instances by the policy, which many advertisers and marketers impose, of not permitting their agencies to represent competitive accounts in the same market. In the vast majority of cases, however, MDCs consistent maintenance of separate, independent operating companies has enabled MDC to represent competing clients across its network.
Historically, advertising has been the primary service provided by the marketing communications industry. However, as clients aim to establish one-to-one relationships with customers, and more accurately measure the effectiveness of their marketing expenditures, specialized and digital communications services are consuming a growing portion of marketing dollars. This is increasing the demand for a broader range of non-advertising marketing communications services (i.e., direct marketing, sales promotion, interactive, etc). The notion of a mass market audience is giving way to life-style segments, social events/networks, and online/mobile communities, each segment requiring a different message and/or different, often non-traditional, channels of communication. Global marketers now seek innovative ideas wherever they can find them, providing new opportunities for small to mid-sized communications companies.
The Company serves clients in virtually every industry and in many cases the same clients in various locations. Representation of a client rarely means that MDC handles marketing communications for all brands or product lines of the client in every geographical location. MDCs agencies have written contracts with many of their clients. As is customary in the industry, these contracts provide for termination by either party on relatively short notice. See Managements Discussion and Analysis Executive Overview for a further discussion of MDCs arrangements with its clients.
During 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Companys largest client, Sprint, accounted for approximately 16.3%, 16.0% and 14.7% of revenues, respectively. In addition, MDCs ten largest clients (measured by revenue generated) accounted for 38%, 42% and 36% of 2007, 2006 and 2005 revenues, respectively.
As of December 31, 2007, MDC and its subsidiaries had the following number of employees within its reportable segments:
Segment | Total | |||
Strategic Marketing Services | 1,636 | |||
Customer Relationship Management | 4,318 | |||
Specialized Communication Services | 581 | |||
Corporate | 26 | |||
Total | 6,561 |
See Managements Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of the effect of cost of services sold on MDCs historical results of operations. Because of the personal service character of the marketing communications businesses, the quality of personnel is of crucial importance to MDCs continuing success. MDC considers its relations with employees to be satisfactory.
MDC believes it is substantially in compliance with all regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the environment, and such regulations have not had a material effect on the capital expenditures or operations of MDC.
The following factors could adversely affect the Companys revenues, results of operations or financial condition. See also Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure.
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment in an industry characterized by numerous firms of varying sizes, with no single firm or group of firms having a dominant position in the marketplace.
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Competitive factors include creative reputation, management, personal relationships, quality and reliability of service and expertise in particular niche areas of the marketplace. In addition, because a firms principal asset is its people, barriers to entry are minimal, and relatively small firms are, on occasion, able to take all or some portion of a clients business from a larger competitor.
While many of MDCs client relationships are long-standing, companies put their advertising and marketing services businesses up for competitive review from time to time, including at times when clients enter into strategic transactions. To the extent that the Company fails to maintain existing clients or attract new clients, MDCs business, financial condition and operating results may be affected in a materially adverse manner.
The marketing communications services industry is cyclical and is subject to the negative effects of economic downturns. MDCs advertising and marketing services subsidiaries and affiliates are also exposed to the risk of clients changing their business plans and/or reducing their marketing budgets. As a result, if the U.S., Canadian and European economies continue to weaken, our businesses, financial condition and operating results are likely to be negatively affected.
As of December 31, 2007, MDC had utilized approximately $120.4 million of its Financing Agreement in the form of borrowings and letters of credit. MDC uses amounts available under the Financing Agreement, together with cash flow from operations, to fund its working capital needs, to fund the exercise of put option obligations and to fund our strategy of making selective acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry.
The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement, and management believes that the Company will be in compliance with covenants over the next twelve months. If, however, events were to occur which result in MDC losing all or a substantial portion of its available credit under the Financing Agreement, MDC would be required to seek other sources of liquidity. In addition, if MDC were unable to replace this source of liquidity, then MDCs ability to fund its working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to put options would be materially adversely affected.
MDCs business strategy includes ongoing efforts to engage in material acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry. MDC intends to finance these acquisitions by using available cash from operations and through incurrence of debt or bridge financing, either of which may increase its leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive impact on its existing shareholders. At any given time MDC may be engaged in a number of discussions that may result in one or more material acquisitions. These opportunities require confidentiality and may involve negotiations that require quick responses by MDC. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased volatility in the trading price of its securities.
The success of acquisitions or strategic investments depends on the effective integration of newly acquired businesses into MDCs current operations. Such integration is subject to risks and uncertainties, including realization of anticipated synergies and cost savings, the ability to retain and attract personnel and clients, the diversion of managements attention from other business concerns, and undisclosed or potential legal liabilities of the acquired company. MDC may not realize the strategic and financial benefits that it expects from any of its past acquisitions, or any future acquisitions.
MDCs strategy has been to acquire ownership stakes in diverse marketing communications businesses to minimize the effects that might arise from the loss of any one client or executive. The loss of one or more
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clients could materially affect the results of the individual operating companies and the Company as a whole. Management succession at our operating units is very important to the ongoing results of the Company because, as in any service business, the success of a particular agency is dependent upon the leadership of key executives and management personnel. If key executives were to leave our operating units, the relationships that MDC has with its clients could be adversely affected.
To increase its revenues, MDC needs to obtain additional clients or generate demand for additional services from existing clients. MDCs ability to generate initial demand for its services from new clients and additional demand from existing clients is subject to such clients and potential clients requirements, pre-existing vendor relationships, financial condition, strategic plans and internal resources, as well as the quality of MDCs employees, services and reputation and the breadth of its services. To the extent MDC cannot generate new business from new and existing clients due to these limitations, it will limit MDCs ability to grow its business and to increase its revenues.
Employees, including creative, research, media, account and practice group specialists, and their skills and relationships with clients, are among MDCs most important assets. An important aspect of MDCs competitiveness is its ability to retain key employee and management personnel. Compensation for these key employees is an essential factor in attracting and retaining them, and MDC may not offer a level of compensation sufficient to attract and retain these key employees. If MDC fails to hire and retain a sufficient number of these key employees, it may not be able to compete effectively.
The Company often incurs expenses on behalf of its clients in order to secure a variety of media time and space, in exchange for which it receives a fee. The difference between the gross cost of the media and the net revenue earned by us can be significant. While MDC takes precautions against default on payment for these services (such as advance billing of clients) and have historically had a very low incidence of default, MDC is still exposed to the risk of significant uncollectible receivables from our clients.
Although MDCs financial results are reported in U.S. dollars, a portion of its revenues and operating costs are denominated in currencies other than the US dollar. As a result, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and other currencies, particularly the Canadian dollar, may affect MDCs financial results and competitive position.
As disclosed in the Companys Report on Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006, a Special Committee of disinterested and independent directors, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, completed an internal review of the Companys historical option grant practice. In connection with this review, the Company has corrected all historical option grants for which the exercise price did not correspond to the market price on the date of the approval of the grant so that the exercise price is now the same as the market price on the date of the approval. These adjustments were made pursuant to the self-correcting provisions in the Companys option plan. As previously disclosed, the Company does not intend nor expect to restate any financial statements for prior periods, and management does not expect any material impact on the Companys financial statements as a result of the Special Committees review and conclusions.
We have recorded a significant amount of goodwill in our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP or GAAP) resulting from our acquisition activities, which principally represents the specialized know-how of the workforce at the agencies we have acquired. We annually test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment, as discussed in Note 2 to our
9
consolidated financial statements. The estimates and assumptions about future results of operations and cash flows made in connection with the impairment testing could differ from future actual results of operations and cash flows. While we have concluded, for each year presented in our financial statements, that our goodwill relating to continuing operations is not impaired, future events could cause us to conclude that the asset values associated with a given operation may become impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Advertising and marketing communications businesses are subject to government regulation, both domestic and foreign. There has been an increasing tendency in the United States on the part of advertisers to resort to litigation and self-regulatory bodies to challenge comparative advertising on the grounds that the advertising is false and deceptive. Moreover, there has recently been an expansion of specific rules, prohibitions, media restrictions, labeling disclosures and warning requirements with respect to advertising for certain products. Representatives within government bodies, both domestic and foreign, continue to initiate proposals to ban the advertising of specific products and to impose taxes on or deny deductions for advertising which, if successful, may have an adverse effect on advertising expenditures and consequently MDCs revenues.
None.
See the notes to the Companys consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report for a discussion of the Companys lease commitments and the Managements Discussion and Analysis for the impact of occupancy costs on the Companys operating expenses.
The Company maintains office space in many cities in the United States, Canada, and in the United Kingdom, Jamaica, Philippines and Mexico. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Companys employees in performing professional services. This office space is in suitable and well-maintained condition for MDCs current operations. All of the Companys materially important office space is leased from third parties with varying expiration dates. Certain of these leases are subject to rent reviews or contain various escalation clauses and certain of our leases require our payment of various operating expenses, which may also be subject to escalation. In addition, leases related to the Companys non-US businesses are denominated in other than US dollars and are therefore subject to changes in foreign exchange rates.
MDCs operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, MDC has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of MDC.
MDC's annual shareholders' meeting has historically been held in the second quarter of the year. No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2007.
10
The principal United States market on which the Companys Class A subordinate voting shares are traded is the NASDAQ National Market (NASDAQ) (symbol: MDCA), and the principal market in Canada is The Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: MDZ.A). As of February 29, 2008, the approximate number of holders of our Class A subordinate voting shares, including those whose shares are held in nominee name, was 2,800. Quarterly high and low sales prices per share of the Companys Class A subordinate voting shares, as reported by the NASDAQ composite and The Toronto Stock Exchange, respectively, for each quarter in the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
Nasdaq National Market
Quarter Ended | High | Low | ||||||
($ per Share) | ||||||||
March 31, 2006 | 9.50 | 6.06 | ||||||
June 30, 2006 | 9.60 | 7.75 | ||||||
September 30, 2006 | 9.00 | 6.80 | ||||||
December 31, 2006 | 8.06 | 6.79 | ||||||
March 31, 2007 | 9.47 | 7.02 | ||||||
June 30, 2007 | 9.11 | 7.59 | ||||||
September 30, 2007 | 11.18 | 8.61 | ||||||
December 31, 2007 | 11.52 | 8.31 |
The Toronto Stock Exchange
Quarter Ended | High | Low | ||||||
(C $ per Share) | ||||||||
March 31, 2006 | 10.04 | 7.32 | ||||||
June 30, 2006 | 10.63 | 8.68 | ||||||
September 30, 2006 | 10.00 | 7.55 | ||||||
December 31, 2006 | 9.01 | 7.65 | ||||||
March 31, 2007 | 9.50 | 8.26 | ||||||
June 30, 2007 | 10.20 | 8.36 | ||||||
September 30, 2007 | 11.64 | 9.36 | ||||||
December 31, 2007 | 11.26 | 8.35 |
As of February 29, 2008, the last reported sale price of the Class A subordinate voting shares was $8.07 on NASDAQ and C$7.97 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
MDC has not declared nor paid any dividends on its Class A subordinate voting shares since its incorporation in 1986. In addition, MDCs Financing Agreement prohibits MDC from declaring and paying cash dividends. Accordingly, it is expected that no dividends will be paid by MDC on the Class A subordinate voting shares or the Class B shares in the foreseeable future. Any future payment of dividends will be determined by the board of directors of MDC Partners Inc. on the basis of MDCs earnings, financial requirements and other relevant factors.
11
The following table sets forth information regarding securities issued under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2007.
Number of Securities to Be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options and Rights |
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options and Rights |
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance (Excluding Column (a)) |
||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans: |
||||||||||||
Approved by stockholders: |
||||||||||||
Share options | 975,029 | $ | 11.14 | 1,111,622 | ||||||||
Stock appreciation rights | 10,647 | (1) | $ | 11.33 | 1,047,894 | |||||||
Not approved by stockholders: |
||||||||||||
None | | | |
(1) | Based on December 31, 2007 closing Class A subordinate voting share price on the Toronto Stock Exchange of C$9.65 ($9.74). |
On May 26, 2005, the Companys shareholders approved the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which provides for the issuance of two million Class A shares. On June 1, 2007, the Companys shareholders approved an amendment to the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, which increased the number of shares available for issuance to three million Class A shares.
See also Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.
None
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities:
Shares Class A subordinate voting shares
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2007, the Company made no open market purchases of its Class A subordinate voting shares or its Class B shares. Pursuant to its Financing Agreement, the Company is currently restricted from repurchasing its shares.
During 2007, the Companys employees surrendered 83,253 Class A shares valued at $0.7 million in connection with the required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted stock. In addition, during 2007, the Company received 10,595 Class A shares valued at $0.1 million in connection with a partial repayment of a note receivable from the Companys Chief Executive Officer. These 93,848 Class A shares were subsequently retired and no longer remain outstanding as of December 31, 2007.
The transfer agent and registrar for the Companys common stock is CIBC Mellon Trust Company. CIBC Mellon Trust Company operates a telephone information inquiry line that can be reached by dialing toll-free 1-800-387-0825 or 416-643-5500.
Correspondence may be addressed to:
MDC Partners Inc.
C/o CIBC Mellon Trust Company Corporate Trust Services
P.O. Box 7010 Adelaide Street
Postal Station Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M7
12
The following selected financial data should be read in connection with Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and notes that are included in this annual report on Form 10-K.
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | ||||||||||||||||
(Dollars in Thousands, Except per Share Data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 547,319 | $ | 412,207 | $ | 349,824 | $ | 234,094 | $ | 197,966 | ||||||||||
Operating profit | $ | 23,015 | $ | 23,782 | $ | 22,312 | $ | 3,968 | $ | 8,787 | ||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations | $ | (19,078 | ) | $ | (8,723 | ) | $ | (7,838 | ) | $ | 6,237 | $ | 28,449 | |||||||
Stock-based compensation included in income from operations | $ | 10,217 | $ | 8,361 | $ | 3,272 | $ | 8,388 | $ | 6,182 | ||||||||||
Earnings (Loss) per Share |
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | (0.76 | ) | $ | (0.37 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | 0.29 | $ | 1.60 | |||||||
Diluted |
||||||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | (0.76 | ) | $ | (0.37 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | 0.27 | $ | 1.38 | |||||||
Financial Position |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 520,698 | $ | 493,501 | $ | 507,315 | $ | 437,341 | $ | 321,539 | ||||||||||
Total debt | $ | 164,754 | $ | 95,454 | $ | 123,149 | $ | 53,538 | $ | 150,142 | ||||||||||
Fixed charge coverage ratio | 1.36 | 1.98 | 2.41 | 2.77 | 3.10 |
Several significant factors that should be considered when comparing the annual results shown above are as follows:
During the year ended December 31, 2007, MDC incurred $7.2 million of primarily non cash unrealized foreign exchange losses due to the weakening of the US dollar as compared to the Canadian dollar on its intercompany balances that are denominated in the US dollar.
Effective December 31, 2007, two of the Companys operating subsidiaries, Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC (MFP) and Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC (Banjo), have been deemed discontinued operations. All periods have been restated to reflect these discontinued operations. See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included herein.
On November 14, 2006, MDC sold its Secure Products International Products division, and all periods have been restated to reflect these discontinued operations. See Note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included herein.
On June 28, 2005, MDC completed an issuance in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures amounting to $38.7 million as of December 31, 2005 (C$45.0 million) (the Debentures). The Debentures mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Effective January 1, 2006 until the date on which a registration statement for the resale of the Debentures is declared effective by the SEC, the Debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.50%, the registration statement was declared effective during the second quarter of 2006. The Companys interest rate was 8.5% until June 30, 2006, at which time the rate was reduced to 8.0%.
13
On April 1, 2005, MDC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC for a purchase price equal to $52.4 million paid in cash, plus the issuance of 1,139,975 class A shares of MDC valued at approximately $11.2 million.
During 2004, MDC sold its remaining 20% interest in Custom Direct, Inc. (CDI) with a resulting reduction in long-term debt and a net gain of $15.0 million.
MDC acquired interests in several marketing communication businesses in 2004, which contributed $56.1 million of revenue, $2.9 million of income from continuing operations and $120.6 million of assets.
Effective September 22, 2004, MDC consolidated Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC (CPB) as a variable interest entity. Prior to that date, CPB had been accounted for on an equity basis since acquired by MDC in 2001. As a result of the change in accounting, from September 22, 2004, CPB contributed revenues of $13.3 million and increased MDCs assets by approximately $80.0 million.
During 2003, MDC disposed of 80% of its interest in CDI and retired the remaining 10.5% senior subordinated notes. The divestitures and debt repayment resulted in a gain of $42.1 million. CDI contributed $48.5 million of revenue and $6.1 million of income from continuing operations in 2003.
Effective January 1, 2003, MDC prospectively adopted fair value accounting for stock based awards as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
Unless otherwise indicated, references to the Company mean MDC Partners Inc. and its subsidiaries, and references to a fiscal year means the Companys year commencing on January 1 of that year and ending December 31 of that year (e.g., fiscal 2007 means the period beginning January 1, 2007, and ending December 31, 2007).
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of the United States of America (US GAAP). However, the Company has included certain non-US GAAP financial measures and ratios, which it believes provide useful information to both management and readers of this report in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company. One such term is organic revenue, which means growth in revenues from sources other than acquisitions or foreign exchange impacts. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by US GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be construed as an alternative to other titled measures determined in accordance with US GAAP.
The Companys objective is to create shareholder value by building market-leading subsidiaries and affiliates that deliver innovative, value-added marketing communications and strategic consulting to their clients. Management believes that shareholder value is maximized with an operating philosophy of Perpetual Partnership with proven committed industry leaders in marketing communications.
MDC manages the business by monitoring several financial and non-financial performance indicators. The key indicators that we review focus on the areas of revenues and operating expenses. Revenue growth is analyzed by reviewing the components and mix of the growth, including: growth by major geographic location; existing growth by major reportable segment (organic); growth from currency changes; and growth from acquisitions.
MDC conducts its businesses through the Marketing Communications Group. Within the Marketing Communications Group, there are three reportable operating segments: Strategic Marketing Services (SMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Specialized Communication Services (SCS). In addition, MDC has a Corporate Group which provides certain administrative, accounting, financial and legal functions.
14
Through its operating partners, MDC provides advertising, consulting, customer relationship management, and specialized communication services to clients throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Jamaica and the Philippines.
The operating companies earn revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses. Additional information about revenue recognition appears in Note 2 of the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
MDC measures operating expenses in two distinct cost categories: cost of services sold, and office and general expenses. Cost of services sold is primarily comprised of employee compensation related costs and direct costs related primarily to providing services. Office and general expenses are primarily comprised of rent and occupancy costs and administrative service costs including related employee compensation costs. Also included in operating expenses is depreciation and amortization.
Because we are a service business, we monitor these costs on a percentage of revenue basis. Cost of services sold tend to fluctuate in conjunction with changes in revenues, whereas office and general expenses and depreciation and amortization, which are not directly related to servicing clients, tend to decrease as a percentage of revenue as revenues increase because a significant portion of these expenses are relatively fixed in nature.
Acquisitions and Dispositions. MDCs strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed businesses with strong reputations in the industry. MDC has entered into a number of acquisition and disposal transactions during the 2005 to 2007 period, which affected revenues, expenses, operating income and net income. Additional information regarding material acquisitions is provided in Note 4 Acquisitions and information on dispositions is provided in Note 11 Discontinued Operations in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Foreign Exchange Fluctuations. MDCs financial results and competitive position are primarily affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the US dollar and non-US dollars, primarily the Canadian dollar, as described in Item 1A Risk Factors MDCs results of operations are subject to currency fluctuation risks. See also Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Foreign Exchange. Further information is provided in Foreign Currency Translation in Note 2 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Seasonality. Historically, with some exceptions, the fourth quarter generates the highest quarterly revenues in a year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.
Other important factors that could affect our results of operations are set forth in Item 1A Risk Factors.
On June 18, 2007, MDC and its material subsidiaries entered into a new $185 million senior secured financing agreement (the Financing Agreement) with Fortress Credit, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders. This facility replaced the Companys existing $96.5 million credit facility that was originally expected to mature on September 21, 2007. Proceeds from the Financing Agreement were used to repay in full the outstanding balances on the Company's existing credit facility. The obligations repaid totaled approximately $73.7 million. All of these repaid credit facilities have been terminated.
The new Financing Agreement consists of a $55 million revolving credit facility, a $60 million term loan and a $70 million delayed draw term loan. Borrowings under the Financing Agreement will bear interest as
15
follows: (a) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at applicable interbank rates and Reference Rate Loans bear interest at the rate of interest publicly announced by the Reference Bank in New York, New York, plus (b) a percentage spread ranging from 0% to a maximum of 4.75% depending on the type of loan and the Companys Senior Leverage Ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 50 basis points.
On November 1, 2007, the Company acquired an additional 28% of Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC, (CPB) from certain minority holders. The purchase price consisted of a payment of approximately $22.6 million in cash and the issuance of 514,025 newly-issued shares of the Companys Class A subordinated voting stock valued at approximately $5.5 million. Following this transaction, the Companys ownership in CPB is 77%.
On October 18, 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 40% equity interest in kirshenbaum bond & partners LLC (KBP). The purchase price consisted of an initial payment of approximately $12.3 million in cash and the issuance of 269,389 newly-issued shares of the Companys Class A subordinated voting stock valued at approximately $2.9 million. In addition, the Company expects to pay contingent amounts to the selling minority holder in 2009 and 2010, based on KBPs financial performance in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
On April 27, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (the Services Agreement) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to set forth the terms and conditions on which Mr. Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nadals prior services agreement with the Company was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007, subject to two-year annual renewals. If the Company were not going to enter into a new agreement with Mr. Nadal and did not intend to allow the prior agreement to renew, it would have been required to give Mr. Nadal notice of such non-renewal by April 30, 2007.
As an incentive to enter into the Services Agreement, the Company paid a one-time non-renewal fee of $3.5 million upon execution of the Services Agreement, which was expensed during the second quarter of 2007. Mr. Nadal used a portion of the proceeds to repay to the Company the $2.7 million (C$3.0 million) note receivable due on November 1, 2007 from Nadal Management, Inc. The Company had previously reserved the principal amount of this note receivable; the collection of this receivable resulted in a one-time recovery of $2.7 million, which was included in operating income in the year ended December 31, 2007. In addition, during 2007, Mr. Nadal repaid an additional $0.5 million of other previously reserved notes receivable. As a result of these transactions above, operating income was adversely impacted by $0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2007.
On July 23, 2007, the Company entered into a separation agreement and release with its former President and Chief Financial Officer. In connection with this agreement and related matters, the Company incurred charges of approximately $1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2007. This charge represents all costs and expenses incurred as a consequence of this separation.
On November 14, 2006, MDC completed the sale of its Secure Products International Group for consideration equal to approximately $27 million. Consideration was received in the form of cash of $20 million and additional $1 million annual payments over the next five years. In addition, MDC received a 7.5% equity interest in the newly formed entity acquiring the Secure Products International Group. As of December 31, 2007, MDC received $3 million of these annual payments and a dividend distribution equal to $0.8 million. During 2006, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $19.5 million and a gain on a sale of $1.8 million. The results of operations of the Secure Products International Group have been included in discontinued operations in 2006 and prior periods presented.
16
On April 1, 2005, MDC, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased approximately 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC (Zyman Group) for a purchase price equal to $52.4 million in cash and 1,139,975 Class A shares of MDC.
During the first five years following MDCs acquisition of the Zyman Group, MDCs allocation of profits of the Zyman Group may differ from its proportionate share of ownership. On an annual basis, the Company receives a 20% priority return calculated based on its total investment in Zyman Group. Thereafter, based on calculations set forth in the operating agreement of Zyman Group (the LLC Agreement), the Companys share of remaining Zyman Group profits in excess of a predetermined threshold, may be disproportionately less than its equity ownership in Zyman Group. Specifically, on an annual basis, if Zyman operating results exceed a defined operating margin, the Company would be entitled to 25% of the excess margins in the first two years of the LLC Agreement and 30% of the excess margins in the following three years of the LLC Agreement, rather than the Companys equity portion of 61.6%. After the first five years, the earnings of the Zyman Group will be allocated in a proportion equal to the respective equity interests of the members.
Based on the Companys investment in the Zyman Group, at December 31, 2007, the annual priority return is expected to be equal to approximately $12.7 million, with the minority owners receiving the next $7.9 million up to the threshold amount of $20.6 million. If profits are insufficient to meet the Companys priority return during any of the first five years, the Company will receive a catch-up payment through year five equal to any shortfall from the prior year(s). Furthermore, if profits do not reach the threshold amount during the first five years, the minority owners will be entitled to receive a catch-up payment through year five equal to any shortfall from the prior year(s). Based on Zyman Groups results for 2007, the Company received less than its priority return from Zyman Group in 2007.
MDC completed an issuance in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures amounting to $38.7 million as of December 31, 2005 (C$45.0 million) (the Debentures). The Debentures mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Because a registration statement for resale of the Debentures was not declared effective on December 31, 2005, but rather during the second quarter of 2006, the Companys interest rate was 8.5% until June 30, 2006, at which time it was reduced to 8%.
17
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services |
Customer Relationship Management |
Specialized Communication Services |
Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of United States Dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 313,813 | $ | 112,958 | $ | 120,548 | $ | | $ | 547,319 | ||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 186,993 | 81,826 | 83,032 | | 351,851 | |||||||||||||||
Office and general expenses | 76,884 | 21,306 | 22,868 | 22,149 | 143,207 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,321 | 6,488 | 2,180 | 257 | 29,246 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 29,615 | $ | 3,338 | $ | 12,468 | $ | (22,406 | ) | $ | 23,015 | |||||||||
Other Income (Expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 3,065 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss | (7,192 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (11,946 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest | 6,942 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 5,620 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 1,322 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates | 165 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | $ | (15,663 | ) | $ | (122 | ) | $ | (4,780 | ) | $ | | (20,565 | ) | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (19,078 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (7,277 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,355 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 5,194 | $ | 91 | $ | 489 | $ | 4,443 | $ | 10,217 |
Restated for Discontinued Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services |
Customer Relationship Management |
Specialized Communication Services |
Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of United States Dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 241,481 | $ | 84,917 | $ | 85,809 | | $ | 412,207 | |||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 118,018 | 61,419 | 57,479 | | 236,916 | |||||||||||||||
Office and general expenses | 71,589 | 16,531 | 15,165 | $ | 24,062 | 127,347 | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 17,567 | 5,003 | 1,308 | 284 | 24,162 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 34,307 | $ | 1,964 | $ | 11,857 | $ | (24,346 | ) | 23,782 | ||||||||||
Other Income (Expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 1,246 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | 614 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (10,698 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest | 14,944 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 7,120 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 7,824 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates | 168 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | $ | (13,077 | ) | $ | (73 | ) | $ | (3,565 | ) | $ | | (16,715 | ) | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (8,723 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (24,816 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (33,539 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 1,010 | $ | 24 | $ | 2,339 | $ | 4,988 | $ | 8,361 |
18
Restated For Discontinued Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services | Customer Relationship Management | Specialized Communication Services | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
(Thousands of United States Dollars) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 203,944 | $ | 67,240 | $ | 78,640 | $ | | $ | 349,824 | ||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 97,316 | 51,913 | 52,204 | 201,433 | ||||||||||||||||
Office and general expenses | 54,810 | 10,427 | 13,068 | 25,138 | 103,443 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 17,892 | 3,578 | 804 | 362 | 22,636 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 33,926 | $ | 1,322 | $ | 12,564 | $ | (25,500 | ) | 22,312 | ||||||||||
Other Income (Expense): | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 729 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (7,526 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest | 15,595 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 3,248 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 12,347 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates | 1,402 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | $ | (18,205 | ) | $ | (84 | ) | $ | (3,298 | ) | $ | | (21,587 | ) | |||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (7,838 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (111 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (7,949 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 519 | $ | 81 | $ | | $ | 2,672 | $ | 3,272 |
Revenue was $547.3 million for the year ended 2007, representing an increase of $135.1 million, or 32.8%, compared to revenue of $412.2 million for the year ended 2006. This increase relates primarily to organic growth of $96.4 million, $19.8 million relating to the consolidation of three entities that were previously accounted for on the equity method and $12.7 million relating to acquisitions. In addition, a weakening of the US Dollar, primarily versus the Canadian dollar during the year ended December 31, 2007, resulted in increased revenues of $6.3 million.
Operating profit for the year ended 2007 was $23.0 million, compared to $23.8 million for the year ended 2006. The decrease in operating profit was primarily the result of a decrease in operating profit of $4.7 million in the Strategic Marketing Services (SMS) segment, partially offset by increases in operating profits of $1.4 million and $0.6 million within the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Specialized Communication Services (SCS) segments, respectively. In addition, Corporate operating expenses decreased by $1.9 million.
During 2007, certain members of corporate management were permanently assigned and actively involved in the strategic planning of the various operating subsidiaries within each of the Marketing Communication business segments in an effort to maximize growth and profitability. As a result, during the year ended December 31, 2007, approximately $2.4 million, $0.3 million and $1.5 million of costs were allocated to the SMS, CRM, and SCS segments, respectively. The operating results of each of the operating segments are discussed in further details within Managements Discussion and Analysis that follows.
The loss from continuing operations for 2007 was $19.1million, compared to $8.7 million in 2006. This increase in net loss of $10.4 million was primarily the result of an increase in other expenses of $7.2 million, which includes a $7.8 million increase in unrealized losses on foreign currency transactions, increased minority interest of $3.9 million, decreased operating profits of $0.8 million, partially offset by reduced income taxes of $1.5 million.
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Revenues in 2007 attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of three reportable segments Strategic Marketing Services (SMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Specialized Communication Services (SCS), were $547.3 million compared to $412.2 million in 2006, representing a year-over-year increase of 32.8%.
The components of revenue growth for 2007 are shown in the following table:
Revenue | ||||||||
$000s | % | |||||||
Year ended December 31, 2006 | $ | 412,207 | | |||||
Organic | 96,381 | 23.4 % | ||||||
Effect of accounting change | 19,753 | 4.8 % | ||||||
Acquisitions | 12,653 | 3.1 % | ||||||
Foreign exchange impact | 6,325 | 1.5 % | ||||||
Year ended December 31, 2007 | $ | 547,319 | 32.8 % |
The geographic mix in revenues was relatively consistent between 2007 and 2006 and is demonstrated in the following table:
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
US | 80 % | 84 % | ||||||
Canada | 17 % | 14 % | ||||||
UK and other | 3 % | 2 % |
The operating profit of the Marketing Communications Group decreased by approximately 5.6% to $45.4 million from $48.1 million. Operating margins decreased by 3.4% and were 8.3% for 2007 compared to 11.7% for 2006. The decrease in operating margin is primarily attributable to an increase in direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenues from 20.9% of revenue in 2006 to 25.8% of revenue in 2007 due to an increase in reimbursed client related direct costs. In addition, staff costs as a percentage of revenues increased from 45.7% in 2006 to 46.8% in 2007. This was offset in part by a decrease in occupancy and administrative costs as a percentage of revenue from 14.1% in 2006 to 11.9% in 2007 and a decrease in depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenue from 5.8% in 2006 to 5.3% in 2007. Included in operating profits in 2006 was a termination payment of $5.3 million received in connection with the termination by a client of their engagement with a subsidiary of the Company.
Revenues attributable to SMS in 2007 were $313.8 million compared to $241.5 million in 2006. The year-over-year increase of $72.3 million or 30.0% was attributable primarily to organic growth of $49.9 million as a result of net new business wins, $11.7 million of the increase related to the acquisitions of HL Group Partners and Redscout, LLC and $8.5 million related to the change in accounting for Zig Inc., and Mono Advertising, LLC, from the equity method of accounting in 2006 to consolidating them in 2007 for the full year. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2007 compared to 2006 resulted in a $2.1 million increase in revenues from the divisions Canadian-based operations.
The operating profit of SMS decreased by approximately 13.7% to $29.6 million in 2007 from $34.3 million in 2006, while operating margins decreased to 9.4% in 2007 from 14.2% in 2006. Excluding the receipt of the termination payment noted above, 2006 operating profit would have been $29.0 million with operating margins of 12.3%. The decrease in margin is primarily related to an increase in direct costs (excluding staff costs) as a percentage of revenues from 5.5% of revenue in 2006 to 11.7% of revenue in 2007 primarily due to an increase in reimbursed client related direct costs. Operating margins also decreased in 2007 by 0.8% due to the allocation of $2.4 million relating to the reassignment of certain members of corporate management to entities within this segment. Total staff costs as a percentage of revenue increased from 54.4% in 2006 to 56.7% in 2007. Excluding the termination payment, staff costs as a percentage of revenue in
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2006 would have been 55.6%. In addition, staff costs increased in 2007 due to a $4.2 million increase in non-cash stock based compensation primarily as a result of a $2.6 million charge resulting from the acquisition of the remaining 40% equity interest in kirshenbaum bond + partners and other phantom equity plans at certain partner firms. Office and general expenses increased due to additional occupancy and administrative costs relating to the expansion of operations in Boulder, Colorado and expansions and office moves of other partner firms but as a percentage of revenue occupancy and administrative costs decreased from 16.3% in 2006 to 13.3% in 2007. Depreciation and amortization represented 6.5% and 7.3% of revenues during 2007 and 2006, respectively, as certain intangibles resulting from the Zyman acquisition were fully amortized during 2006. During 2007, amortization expense increased from a change in the estimated amortization rate of customer lists.
Revenues reported by the CRM segment in 2007 were $113.0 million, an increase of $28.1 million or 33.0% compared to the $84.9 million reported for 2006. This growth was entirely organic due primarily to higher volumes from existing clients in part as a result of the opening of a new customer care center in September 2007 and the opening of three additional customer care centers during 2006. Such growth was offset by the closure of one customer care center in August 2006.
Operating profit earned by CRM increased by approximately $1.3 million to $3.3 million for 2007 from $2.0 million for the previous year. Operating margins were 3.0% for 2007 as compared to 2.3% in 2006. The increase in margins is primarily due to a decrease in occupancy and administrative costs as a percentage of revenue from 11.0% in 2006 to 9.4% in 2007.
SCS generated revenues of $120.5 million for 2007, $34.7 million or 40.5% higher than revenues of $85.8 million in 2006. The year-over-year increase was attributable primarily to organic growth of $18.4 million as a result of net new business wins, $11.2 million relating to the change in accounting for Accumark, Inc., from the equity method in 2006 to consolidating them in 2007 for the full year. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar and British pound in 2007 compared to 2006 resulted in a $4.2 million increase in revenues from the divisions Canadian and UK-based operations.
The operating profit of SCS increased by $0.6 million to $12.5 million in 2007, from an operating profit of $11.9 in 2006, with operating margins of 10.3% in 2007 compared to 13.8% in 2006. Included in 2006 was a non-cash stock based compensation charge of $2.3 million relating to the price paid for membership interests, which was less than fair value of such membership interests and the fair value of an option granted to certain members of management of Source Marketing LLC (Source). Excluding the Source non-cash stock based compensation charge, 2006 operating income would have been $14.2 million with operating margins of 16.5% compared to 10.3% in 2007. The decrease in operating margin in 2007 was due primarily to an increase in direct costs as a percentage of revenues from 25.9% in 2006 to 31.0% in 2007, primarily due to an increase in reimbursed client related direct costs. Operating margins also decreased in 2007 by 1.3% due to the allocation of $1.5 million relating to the reassignment of certain members of corporate management to entities within this segment. In addition, staff costs excluding the Source non-cash stock based compensation charge as a percentage of revenue increased to 45.2% in 2007 from 43.9% in 2006. Including the Source non-cash stock based compensation charge staff costs as a percentage of revenue in 2006 was 46.6%. This increase is a result of the timing of when expected clients projects will begin, while maintaining the appropriate staffing levels to properly service those projects.
Operating costs related to the Companys Corporate operations totaled $22.4 million in 2007 compared to $24.3 million in 2006. During 2007, certain members of corporate management were permanently assigned and actively involved in the strategic planning of the various operating subsidiaries within each of the Marketing Communication business segments in an effort to maximize growth and profitability. As a result, approximately $4.2 million of costs were allocated to the Marketing Communications segments. Excluding the allocation of these costs, corporate operating costs increased by $2.3 million. This increase in corporate expenses was a result of $1.9 million of costs associated with the Companys separation agreement with its
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former President and Chief Financial Officer and the hiring of a new CFO, and the net $0.4 million impact of the renewal of the CEO management services agreement. In addition, non-cash stock based compensation increased by $1.0 million. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in insurance and professional fees in 2007.
Other income increased to $3.1 million in 2007 compared to $1.2 million in 2006. The 2007 income is primarily comprised of a $1.8 million gain on the sale of the plane acquired in the Zyman acquisition, a dividend payment of $0.8 million from the purchaser of the Secured Products Group, and the recovery of an investment of $0.4 million. The 2006 income is comprised of gains on the sale of assets, the settlement in June 2006, of the Companys cross currency swap, the recovery of an investment offset in part by a loss on an equity transaction of a subsidiary.
The foreign exchange loss was $7.2 million for 2007 compared to the gain of $0.6 million recorded in 2006 and was due primarily to an unrealized loss due to a weakening in the US dollar during 2007 compared to the Canadian dollar primarily on its US dollar denominated intercompany balances with its Canadian subsidiaries. At December 31, 2006, the exchange rate was 1.17 Canadian dollars to one US dollar, compared to 0.99 at the end of 2007.
Net interest expense for 2007 was $11.9 million, an increase of $1.2 million over the $10.7 million net interest expense incurred during 2006. Interest expense increased $2.4 million in 2007 due to higher interest rates and higher average outstanding debt in 2007. Interest income was $1.7 million for 2007, as compared to $0.5 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to the interest income recognized from the acceleration of payments received in July 2007 related to the sale of SPI, originally due to be received in 2010 and 2011.
Income tax expense in 2007 was $5.6 million compared to an expense of $7.1 million for 2006. In 2007, the Companys effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory tax rate in 2007 due to non deductible stock based compensation, and an increase in the Companys valuation allowance offset in part by minority interest charges. The Companys effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutory rate in 2006 because the Company increased its valuation allowance in an amount equal to the tax loss resulting from the sale of SPI.
The Companys US operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of profits, while minority holders are responsible for taxes on their share of the profits.
Equity in affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For 2007 and 2006, income of $0.2 million was recorded. Included in 2006 is an impairment charge of $0.8 million relating to the Companys investment in Cliff Freeman.
Minority interest expense was $20.6 million for 2007, up $3.9 million from the $16.7 million of minority interest expense incurred during 2006. Such increase was primarily due to the increase in profitability in the subsidiaries within the SMS and SCS operating segments who are not 100% owned, offset in part by the Companys step-up in ownership of CPB and KBP.
The loss from discontinued operations for 2007 was $7.3 million and is comprised of the operating results of Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC (MFP) and Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC (Banjo). The operations of these entities were discontinued during 2007.
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In March 2007, due to continued operating and client losses, the Company ceased MFPs current operations and spun off a new operating division, and as a result incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $4.5 million. After reviewing the 2008 projections of the new operating division, the Company decided to cease the operations of the new operating business as well. In addition, an additional intangible relating to an employment contract of $0.6 million was deemed impaired and written off. The results of operations of MFP and the new operating business, net of income tax benefits, was a loss of $7.1 million in 2007 and a loss of $6.0 million in 2006.
In December 2007, due to continued operating losses and the lack of new business wins, the Company ceased Banjos operations. The results of operations of Banjo, net of income tax benefits, was a loss $0.2 million in 2007 and a loss of $0.1 million in 2006.
As a result, the Company has classified these operations as discontinued.
The loss from discontinued operations for 2006 amounted to $24.8 million and is comprised of $18.7 million relating to SPI and $6.1 million relating to MFP and Banjo.
On November 14, 2006, the Company completed its sale of SPI, resulting in net proceeds of $27 million. During 2006, the Company had previously recorded an impairment charge of $19.5 million relating to SPIs long lived assets to adjust them to fair market value. The sale of SPI resulted in a gain of $2.9 million ($1.8 million, net of taxes). The results of operations of SPI for 2006 resulted in a loss of $2.1 million.
Based on the net proceeds and average borrowing rate for each period, the Company has allocated interest expense to discontinued operations of $1.4 million for the year ended 2006.
As a result of the foregoing, the net loss recorded for 2007 was $26.3 million or a loss of $1.05 per diluted share, compared to the net loss of $33.5 million or $1.40 per diluted share reported for 2006.
Revenue was $412.2 million for the year ended 2006, representing a $62.4 million or 17.8% increase compared to revenue of $349.8 million for the year ended 2005. This increase relates primarily to organic growth and acquisitions made during 2005.
Operating profit for the year ended 2006 was $23.8 million, compared to $22.3 million for the year ended 2005. The increase in operating profit in 2006 was primarily the result of the increase in revenue, a reduction in outside professional fees, a one time reversal of a liability relating to the termination of a prior commitment of $1.9 million and a reduction in cost of services sold resulting from a change in estimate relating to the elimination of potential liabilities of $1.7 million. This was partially offset by a $5.1 million increase in stock-based compensation expense, a charge of $2.6 million relating to the closure of one of our West Coast facilities, relating primarily to the net present value of lease termination costs, and additional depreciation and amortization of $1.5 million.
The loss from continuing operations for 2006 increased from $7.8 million in 2005, to $8.7 million in 2006, as a result of the items described above.
Revenues in 2006 attributable to the Marketing Communications Group, which consists of three reportable segments Strategic Marketing Services (SMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Specialized Communication Services (SCS), were $412.2 million compared to $349.8 million in 2005, representing a year-over-year increase of 17.8%.
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The components of revenue growth for 2006 are shown in the following table:
Revenue | ||||||||
$000s | % | |||||||
Year ended December 31, 2005 | $ | 349,824 | | |||||
Organic | 41,557 | 11.9 % | ||||||
Acquisitions | 13,517 | 3.9 % | ||||||
Effect of accounting change | 3,635 | 1.0 % | ||||||
Foreign exchange impact | 3,674 | 1.0 % | ||||||
Year ended December 31, 2006 | $ | 412,207 | 17.8 % |
The Marketing Communications Group had organic revenue growth of $41.6 million or 11.9% in 2006, primarily attributable to new business wins and additional revenues from existing clients, particularly in the US. Acquisition related revenue was $13.5 million primarily as a result of the acquisition of the Zyman Group in 2005. Additionally, revenue increased $3.6 million in 2006 as a result of the consolidation of Zig Inc., Mono Advertising, LLC and Accumark Communications, Inc., all previously accounted for under the equity method of accounting during 2005. A weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar and UK pound in 2006 compared to 2005 resulted in increased contributions from the divisions Canadian and UK-based operations by approximately $3.7 million.
The geographic mix in revenues was consistent between 2006 and 2005 and is demonstrated in the following table:
2006 | 2005 | |||||||
US | 84 % | 83 % | ||||||
Canada | 14 % | 15 % | ||||||
UK and other | 2 % | 2 % |
The operating profit of the Marketing Communications Group increased by approximately 0.7% to $48.1 million from $47.8 million, with operating margins of 11.7% for 2006 compared to 13.7% in 2005. The 2.0% decrease in operating margins was primarily reflective of an increase in staff costs as a percentage of revenue to 45.7% in 2006 as compared to 44.0% in 2005. In addition, general and other operating costs increased as a percentage of revenue from 13.4% in 2005 to 14.1% in 2006 primarily related to a charge for the closure of one of our West Coast facilities.
Revenues attributable to SMS in 2006 were $241.5 million compared to $203.9 million in 2005. The year-over-year increase of $37.6 million or 18.4% was attributable primarily to organic growth of $22.4 million, $11.7 million relating to the 2005 acquisition of the Zyman Group, $2.1 million relating to the change in accounting for Zig Inc., and Mono Advertising, LLC, both previously accounted for on the equity method to consolidating them during 2006. In addition, a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar in 2006 compared to 2005 resulted in a $1.3 million increase in revenues from the divisions Canadian-based operations. Organic growth for 2006 was approximately 10.9% primarily due to new business wins in the US.
The operating profit of SMS increased by approximately 1% to $34.3 million from $33.9 million in 2005, while operating margins decreased to 14.2% for 2006 from 16.6% in 2005. These decreased profits were primarily reflective of an increase in total staff costs as a percentage of revenue from 52% in 2005 to 54% in 2006, a $2.6 million charge relating to the closure of one of our West Coast facilities, increased stock based compensation of $0.5 million, offset in part by the increase in revenue, a one time reversal of a liability relating to the termination of a prior commitment of $1.9 million and a reduction in cost of services sold resulting from a change in estimate relating to the elimination of potential liabilities in the amount of $1.7 million. The increase in staff costs results primarily from an increase in head count to service the increase in the organic growth.
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Revenues reported by the CRM segment in 2006 were $84.9 million, an increase of $17.7 million or 26.3% compared to the $67.2 million reported for 2005. This growth was due primarily to higher volumes from existing clients in part as a result of the opening of three additional customer care centers during 2006 offset by the closure of one customer care center.
Operating profit earned by CRM increased by approximately $0.6 million to $1.9 million for 2006 from $1.3 million for the previous year. Operating margins were 2.3% for 2006 as compared to 2.0% in 2005. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in gross margins primarily from reduced costs incurred relating to the implementation of a new service contract with one of the segments large clients, partially offset by increases in office and general expenses as a percentage of revenue and depreciation and amortization. These increases resulted from the start up of three additional customer care centers during fiscal 2006.
SCS generated revenues of $85.8 million for 2006, $7.2 million or 9.1% higher than 2005 revenues of $78.6 million. Acquisitions accounted for an increase of approximately $1.8 million or 2.3%, $1.5 million or 1.9% of the increase related to the change for Accumark Communications, Inc. previously accounted for on the equity method to consolidating that entity during 2006. Revenues of the divisions Canadian and UK-based operations increased 3.0% compared to 2005 as a result of a weakening of the US dollar versus the Canadian dollar and British pound.
The operating profit of SCS decreased by approximately $0.7 million or 5.6% to $11.9 million from $12.6 million in 2005 due primarily to an increase in stock based compensation of $2.3 million relating to the price paid for membership interests, which was less than fair value of such membership interests and the fair value of an option granted to certain members of management of Source Marketing LLC during the first quarter of 2006. In addition, depreciation and amortization increased by $0.5 million and occupancy and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue increased from 10.2% in 2005 to 11.0% in 2006 as a result of expansions and office moves of certain partner firms.
Operating costs related to the Companys Corporate operations totaled $24.3 million in 2006 compared to $25.5 million in 2005. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in outside professional fees of $4.5 million resulting from decreased costs relating to compliance costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation and a reduction in audit fees. These decreases were offset by an increase in staff costs of $2.7 million relating primarily to an increase in non-cash stock based compensation of $2.3 million. Additional increases in insurance and occupancy costs relating to the establishment of a New York office in December 2005 were offset in part in 2006 by decreases in recruitment costs.
Other income increased to $1.2 million in 2006 compared to $0.7 million in 2005. The 2006 income is comprised of gains on the sale of assets, the settlement in June 2006, of the Companys cross currency swap, the recovery of an investment offset in part by a loss on an equity transaction of a subsidiary. The 2005 income is comprised of a recovery of an investment offset by losses on the sale of assets.
The foreign exchange gain was $0.6 million for 2006 compared to the gain of $0.1 million recorded in 2005 and was due primarily to a weakening in the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar on the US dollar denominated balances of Canadian subsidiaries. At December 31, 2006, the exchange rate was 1.17 Canadian dollars to one US dollar, compared to 1.16 at the end of 2005.
Net interest expense for 2006 was $10.7 million, an increase of $3.2 million over the $7.5 million net interest expense incurred during 2005. This increase relates primarily to higher outstanding debt combined with higher interest rates in 2006 due in part to the acquisition of the Zyman Group and the issuance of the 8% Debentures, in June 2005 (which accrued interest at 8.5% during the first six months of 2006). Interest income increased by $0.2 million during 2006 compared to 2005.
25
Income tax expense in 2006 was $7.1 million compared to an expense of $3.2 million for 2005. The Companys effective tax rate was substantially higher than the statutary rate in 2006 because the Company increased its valuation allowance in an amount equal to the tax loss resulting from the sale of SPI. In 2005, the Companys effective tax rate was substantially lower than the statutory tax rate due to non deductible stock based compensation and to minority interest charges.
The Companys US operating units are generally structured as limited liability companies, which are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. The Company is only taxed on its share of profits, while minority holders are responsible for taxes on their share of the profits.
Equity in affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. For 2006, income of $0.2 million was recorded, $1.2 million lower than the $1.4 million earned in 2005. This decrease was primarily due to the consolidation of Zig Inc., Mono Advertising, LLC and Accumark Communications Inc., which have been consolidated in the Companys financial statements during 2006, but was previously accounted for under the equity method. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $0.8 million relating to its investment in Cliff Freeman.
Minority interest expense was $16.7 million for 2006, down $4.9 million from the $21.6 million of minority interest expense incurred during 2005, primarily due to the decrease in profitability of the SMS operating segment.
The loss from discontinued operations for 2006 amounted to $24.8 million compared to $0.1 million in 2005. Discontinued operations is comprised of SPI, MFP, Banjo, Mr Smith Agency, Ltd. (Mr Smith) and a variable interest entity whose operations had been consolidated by the Company, LifeMed Media, Inc. (LifeMed).
In March 2007, due to continued operating and client losses, the Company ceased MFPs current operations and spun off a new operating business. After reviewing the 2008 projections of the new operating business the Company decided to cease the operations of the new operating business as well. The results of operations of MFP and the new operating business, net of income tax benefits, was a loss of $6.0 million in 2006 and a loss of $0.6 million in 2005.
In December 2007, due to continued operating losses and the lack of new business wins, the Company ceased Banjos operations. The results of operations of Banjo, net of income tax benefits, was a loss of $0.1 million in 2006 and $0.6 million in 2005.
As a result, the Company has classified these operations as discontinued.
On November 14, 2006, the Company completed its sale of SPI, resulting in net proceeds of $27 million. During 2006, the Company had previously recorded an impairment charge of $19.5 million relating to SPIs long lived assets to adjust them to fair market value. The sale of SPI resulted in a gain of $2.9 million ($1.8 million, net of taxes). The results of operations of SPI for 2006 resulted in a loss of $2.1 million and income of $0.6 million in 2005.
Based on the net proceeds and average borrowing rate for each period, the Company has allocated interest expense to discontinued operations of $1.4 million and $1.1 million for the years ended 2006 and 2005, respectively.
During July 2005, LifeMed completed a private placement issuing approximately 12.5 million shares at a price of $0.4973 per share. LifeMed received net proceeds of approximately $6.2 million. Consequently, the Companys ownership interest in LifeMed was reduced to 18.3% from this transaction. As a result of the equity transaction of LifeMed, the Company recorded an equity gain of $1.3 million. This gain represents the Companys recovery of previously recorded losses in excess of the Companys original investment and the
26
losses recorded that were in excess of the minority shareholders original investment. The Company no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the management or operations of LifeMed, and has not participated in the purchase of significant new equity offerings by LifeMed. Consequently, as of July 2005, the Company no longer consolidates the operations of LifeMed, and commenced accounting for its remaining investment in LifeMed on a cost basis and has reported the results of operations of LifeMed as discontinued operations for all periods presented in the consolidated statement of operations. During February 2006, the Company further reduced its ownership in LifeMed in connection with a put obligation relating to Source Marketing LLC. The Companys current ownership in LifeMed is 5.8%.
In November 2004, the Companys management reached a decision to discontinue Mr. Smith due to its unfavorable operating performance. Substantially all of the net assets of the discontinued business were sold during the fourth quarter of 2004 with the disposition of all activities of Mr. Smith. The remaining sale of assets was completed by the end of the second quarter of 2005. A gain of $0.4 million was recognized in the second and third quarters of 2005 as a result of receivables previously written off being recovered and unsecured liabilities being written off on liquidation. No significant one-time termination benefits were incurred. No further significant charges are expected to be incurred.
As a result of the foregoing, the net loss recorded for 2006 was $33.5 million or a loss of $1.40 per diluted share, compared to the net loss of $7.9 million or $0.34 per diluted share reported for 2005.
The following table provides information about the Companys liquidity position:
Liquidity | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | |||||||||
(In Thousands, Except for Long-Term Debt to Shareholders Equity Ratio) | ||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10,410 | $ | 6,591 | $ | 12,923 | ||||||
Working capital (deficit) | $ | (22,364 | ) | $ | (105,039 | ) | $ | (99,935 | ) | |||
Cash from operations | $ | 4,132 | $ | 39,705 | $ | 4,670 | ||||||
Cash from investing | $ | (60,914 | ) | $ | (14,315 | ) | $ | (67,404 | ) | |||
Cash from financing | $ | 60,929 | $ | (31,597 | ) | $ | 52,316 | |||||
Long-term debt to shareholders equity ratio | 1.27 | 0.37 | 0.81 |
As at December 31, 2007 and 2006, $3.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of the consolidated cash position was held by subsidiaries, which, although available for the subsidiaries use, does not represent cash that is distributable as earnings to MDC for use to reduce its indebtedness. It is the Companys intent through its cash management system to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Financing Agreement using available cash.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had a working capital deficit of $22.4 million compared to a deficit of $105.0 million at December 31, 2006. Working capital increased by $82.6 million primarily due to the refinancing of the Companys existing Credit Facility and due to seasonal shifts in amounts collected from clients and paid to suppliers, primarily media outlets. The Company includes amounts due to minority interest holders, for their share of profits, in accrued and other liabilities. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, the Company made distributions to these minority interest holders of $25.0 million, $19.4 million and $17.6 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007, $7.9 million remains outstanding to be distributed to minority interest holders over the next twelve months.
The Company expects that available borrowings under its Financing Agreement, together with cash flows from operations, will be sufficient at any particular time to adequately fund working capital deficits should there be a need to do so from time to time.
27
Cash flow provided by continuing operations for 2007 was $4.0 million. This was attributable primarily to a loss from continuing operations of $19.1 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of $9.1 million, depreciation and amortization of $31.6 million, foreign exchange of $7.3 million, deferred income taxes of $5.3 million, a decrease in expenditures billable to clients of $8.6 million and a decrease in other non-current assets and liabilities of $3.8 million. This was partially offset by decreases in accounts payable, accruals and other current liabilities of $25.1 million and an increase in accounts receivable of $12.7 million. Discontinued operations generated cash of $0.1 million.
Cash flow provided by continuing operations for 2006 was $34.0 million. This was attributable primarily to a loss from continuing operations of $8.7 million, plus non-cash stock based compensation of $7.4 million, depreciation and amortization of $26.4 million, deferred income taxes of $4.9 million, an increase in accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities of $35.4 million and an increase in advance billings of $15.9 million. This was partially offset by increases in accounts receivable of $21.0 million and expenditures billable to clients of $19.4 million. Discontinued operations provided cash of $5.7 million.
Cash flow provided by continuing operations for 2005 was $1.9 million. This was attributable primarily to the loss from continuing operations of $7.8 million, plus non-cash depreciation and amortization of $23.9 million, non-cash stock-based compensation of $3.3 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of $9.0 million. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accruals of $15.7 million and a decrease in advance billings of $7.7 million. Discontinued operations provided cash of $2.8 million.
Cash flows used in investing activities were $60.9 million for 2007, compared with $14.3 million in 2006, and $67.4 million in 2005.
Cash used in acquisitions during 2007 was $47.6 million and was primarily attributed to cash paid in the acquisition of equity interests in Crispin Porter & Bogusky of $22.6 million, kirshenbaum bond + partners of $12.3 million, HL Group Partners of $4.3 million, net of cash acquired and Redscout of $3.7 million, net of cash acquired.
The proceeds from dispositions in 2007 primarily relate to proceeds received from the sale of the plane acquired in the Zyman acquisition.
Expenditures for capital assets in 2007 were $20.1 million. Of this amount, $9.0 million was incurred by the SMS segment, $7.9 million was incurred by the CRM segment and $2.9 million was incurred by the SCS segment. These expenditures consisted primarily of computer equipment, leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, and $0.2 million related to the purchase of corporate assets, primarily software.
In 2006, capital expenditures totaled $22.4 million, of which $9.2 million was incurred by the SMS segment, $11.6 million was incurred by the CRM segment and $1.2 million was incurred by the SCS segment, which expenditures consisted primarily of leasehold improvements, computer and switching equipment, and $0.4 million related to the purchase of corporate assets.
Expenditures for capital assets in 2005 were $10.7 million. Of this amount, $5.8 million was incurred by the SMS segment, $4.0 million was incurred by the CRM segment, $0.6 million was incurred by the SCS segment and and $0.3 million related to the purchase of corporate assets.
During 2006, the Company received net proceeds of $16.4 million in connection with the sale of SPI and used $7.2 million of cash to fund acquisitions, step-ups in ownership of certain partner firms and earnout payments.
Cash flow used in acquisitions of continuing operations was $55.0 million in 2005 and primarily related to the purchase of the Zyman Group. For further details relating to the Companys acquisitions, see Note 4 of the Companys consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K.
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Profit distributions received from non-consolidated affiliates amounted to nil for 2007, compared to $1.0 million for 2006 and $1.8 million in 2005. The decrease between 2007, 2006 and 2005 related primarily to the consolidation in 2006 and 2007 of certain partner firms, which had been previously accounted for on the equity method of accounting.
Discontinued operations used cash of nil and $2.7 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively, relating to expenditures for capital assets. Discontinued operations used cash of $4.3 million in 2005 relating to capital expenditures and acquisitions.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $60.9 million, and primarily consisted of $111.5 million of proceeds from the new Financing Agreement. These proceeds were partially offset by the $45.0 million repayment of the old credit facility, $10.8 million of net repayments of long-term debt and bank borrowings, and the payment of $3.9 million of deferred financing costs relating to the new Financing Agreement. The Company also received proceeds from a forgivable note payable amounting to $3.3 million relating to the opening of a new customer care center. In addition, the Company received $4.9 million of proceeds from the issuance of share capital resulting from the exercise of stock options. Discontinued operations used cash of $0.1 million for payments under capital leases.
During 2006, the Company used cash of $31.6 million to repay borrowings under the Credit Facility and payments under capital leases and other debt. Discontinued operations used cash of $3.3 million for payments under capital leases.
During 2005, cash flows provided by financing activities amounted to $52.3 million, and consisted of proceeds related to the issuance of $36.7 million of 8% convertible debentures and borrowings under the Credit Facility used to fund the acquisition of the Zyman Group. Payments made of $6.6 million consist of payments under capital leases, bank borrowings, and debt assumed in the Zyman Group acquisition. In addition, the Company incurred $3.3 million of finance costs related to both the convertible debentures and the various amendments under the credit facility. Discontinued operations used cash for payments under capital leases of $2.0 million.
On June 18, 2007, the Company and its material subsidiaries entered into a new $185 million senior secured financing agreement (the Financing Agreement) with Fortress Credit, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders. This facility replaced the Companys existing $96.5 million credit facility that was originally expected to mature on September 21, 2007. Proceeds from the Financing Agreement were used to repay in full the outstanding balances on the Company's existing credit facility. The obligations repaid totaled approximately $73.7 million. All of these repaid credit facilities have been terminated.
This new Financing Agreement consists of a $55 million revolving credit facility, a $60 million term loan and a $70 million delayed draw term loan. Borrowings under the Financing Agreement will bear interest as follows: (a) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at applicable interbank rates and Reference Rate Loans bear interest at the rate of interest publicly announced by the Reference Bank in New York, New York, plus (b) a percentage spread ranging from 0% to a maximum of 4.75% depending on the type of loan and the Companys Senior Leverage Ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 50 basis points. The weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2007 was 9.22%.
The new Financing Agreement is guaranteed by the material subsidiaries of the Company and matures on June 17, 2012. The Financing Agreement is subject to various covenants, including a senior leverage ratio, fixed charges ratio, limitations on debt incurrence, limitation on liens and limitation on dividends and other payments.
Debt as of December 31, 2007 was $164.8 million, an increase of $69.3 million compared with the $95.5 million outstanding at December 31, 2006, primarily as a result of borrowings under the Financing Agreement to fund acquisitions and capital expenditures during 2007. At December 31, 2007, $64.6 million is available under the Financing Agreement.
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The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its Financing Agreement, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with covenants over the next twelve months.
If the Company loses all or a substantial portion of its lines of credit under the Financing Agreement, it will be required to seek other sources of liquidity. If the Company were unable to find these sources of liquidity, for example through an equity offering or access to the capital markets, the Companys ability to fund its working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to put options would be adversely affected.
Pursuant to the Financing Agreement, the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including, among other things, covenants for (i) total debt ratio, (ii) fixed charges ratio, (iii) minimum earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, and (iv) limitations on capital expenditures, in each case as such term is specifically defined in the Financing Agreement. For the period ended December 31, 2007, the Companys calculation of each of these covenants, and the specific requirements under the Financing Agreement, respectively, were as follows:
December 2007 | ||||
Total Senior Leverage Ratio | 2.11 | |||
Maximum per covenant | 3.25 | |||
Fixed Charges Ratio | 2.23 | |||
Minimum per covenant | 1.20 | |||
Minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization | $ | 57.7 million | ||
Minimum per covenant | $ | 37.6 million | ||
Capital Expenditures: | $ | 15.6 million | ||
Maximum per covenant | $ | 16.0 million |
These ratios are not based on generally accepted accounting principles and are not presented as alternative measures of operating performance or liquidity. They are presented here to demonstrate compliance with the covenants in the Companys Financing Agreement, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
On June 28, 2005, the Company completed a public offering in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures amounting to $36.7 million (C$45.0 million) (the Debentures). The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the Debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of the Companys obligations to pay interest on the Debentures in accordance with the indenture in which event holders of the Debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the Debenture trustee.
The Debentures will be convertible at the holders option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company, at any time prior to maturity or redemption, subject to the restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of $14.12 (C$14.00) per Class A subordinate voting share being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per $1,009 (C$1,000) principal amount of Debentures.
The Debentures may not be redeemed by the Company on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior to June 30, 2009, the Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange during a specified period is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the Debentures, the Debentures may be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the principal amount of the
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Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Company may elect to satisfy the redemption consideration, in whole or part, by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company to the holders, the number of which will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the Debenture by 95% of the current market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares prior to June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the Debentures calculated from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at a specified rate. Upon the occurrence of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.
The following table provides a payment schedule of present and future obligations. Management anticipates that the obligations outstanding at December 31, 2007 will be repaid with new financing, equity offerings and/or cash flow from operations (in thousands):
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | Less than 1 Year |
1 3 Years | 3 5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
Indebtedness | $ | 162,081 | $ | 885 | $ | 46,595 | $ | 114,601 | $ | | ||||||||||
Capital lease obligations | 2,673 | 911 | 1,420 | 342 | | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases | 94,118 | 17,293 | 30,550 | 20,037 | 26,238 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred acquisition consideration | 2,511 | 1,981 | 280 | 250 | | |||||||||||||||
Management services agreement | 3,338 | 1,469 | 1,869 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total contractual obligations | $ | 264,721 | $ | 22,539 | $ | 80,714 | $ | 135,230 | $ | 26,238 |
The following table provides a summary of other commercial commitments (in thousands) at December 31, 2007:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other Commercial Commitments | Total | Less than 1 Year |
1 3 Years | 3 5 Years | After 5 Years | |||||||||||||||
Lines of credit | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Letters of credit | 6,975 | 5,307 | 1,668 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total Other Commercial Commitments | $ | 6,975 | $ | 5,307 | $ | 1,668 | $ | | $ | |
For further detail on MDCs long-term debt principal and interest payments, see Note 12 of the Companys consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. See also Off-Balance Sheet Commitments below.
At December 31, 2007, the Company had utilized approximately $120.4 million of its Financing Agreement in the form of drawings and letters of credit. Cash and undrawn available bank credit facilities to support the Companys future cash requirements at December 31, 2007 was approximately $71.5 million.
The Company expects to incur approximately $15 million of capital expenditures in 2008. Such capital expenditures are expected to include leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment at certain of the Companys operating subsidiaries. The Company intends to maintain and expand its business using cash from operating activities, together with funds available under the Financing Agreement. Management believes that the Companys cash flow from operations and funds available under the Financing Agreement will be sufficient to meet its ongoing working capital, capital expenditures and other cash needs over the next eighteen months. If the Company has growth through acquisitions, management expects that the Company may need to obtain additional financing in the form of debt and/or equity financing.
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Acquisitions of businesses by the Company include commitments to contingent deferred purchase consideration payable to the seller. The contingent purchase obligations are generally payable annually over a three-year period following the acquisition date, and are based on achievement of certain thresholds of future earnings and, in certain cases, also based on the rate of growth of those earnings. The contingent consideration is recorded as an obligation of the Company when the contingency is resolved and the amount is reasonably determinable. At December 31, 2007, the deferred consideration relates to acquisitions in 2007 and is presented on the Companys balance sheet. Based on the various assumptions as to future operating results of the relevant entities, including the October 2007 acquisition of the remaining 40% of KBP, management estimates that approximately $23.4 million of additional deferred purchase obligations could be triggered during 2008 or thereafter, including approximately $5.9 million which may be paid in the form of issuance by the Company of its Class A shares. The actual amount that the Company pays in connection with the obligations may be materially different from this estimate.
Owners of interests in certain of the Companys subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire the remaining ownership interests held by them. These rights are not freestanding. The owners ability to exercise any such put right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during the period 2008 to 2015. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.
The amount payable by the Company in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through that date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.
Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at December 31, 2007, perform over the relevant future periods at their 2007 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $69.7 million to the owners of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $11.8 million by the issuance of the Companys Class A Shares. In addition, the Company is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $8.5 million only upon termination of such owners employment with the applicable subsidiary. The ultimate amount payable and the incremental operating income in the future relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when these rights are exercised. Approximately $12.1 million of the estimated $69.7 million that the Company would be required to pay subsidiaries minority shareholders upon the exercise of outstanding put rights, relates to rights exercisable within the next twelve months. In January 2008, certain owners of Allard Johnson put to the Company 9.9% of their ownership in Allard Johnson for approximately $2.3 million in cash. See Item 1A Risk Factors.
The following table summarizes the potential timing of the consideration and incremental operating income before depreciation and amortization based on assumptions as described above excluding certain put option rights exercisable only pursuant to a termination of employment.
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Consideration(4) | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 & Thereafter |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||
($ Millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 11.8 | $ | 2.1 | $ | 26.3 | $ | 2.0 | $ | 15.7 | $ | 57.9 | ||||||||||||
Shares | 0.3 | 0.9 | 6.5 | 1.1 | 3.0 | 11.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
$ | 12.1 | $ | 3.0 | $ | 32.8 | $ | 3.1 | $ | 18.7 | $ | 69.7 | (1) | ||||||||||||
Operating income before depreciation and amortization to be received(2) | $ | 2.8 | $ | 0.6 | $ | 4.1 | $ | 1.6 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 12.5 | ||||||||||||
Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization(3) | $ | 2.8 | $ | 3.4 | $ | 7.5 | $ | 9.1 | 12.5 | (5 | ) |
(1) | Of this, approximately $19.6 million has been recognized in Minority Interest on the Companys balance sheet in conjunction with the consolidation of CPB as a variable interest entity in 2004. As a result, the net off-balance sheet commitment is $50.1 million. |
(2) | This financial measure is presented because it is the basis of the calculation used in the underlying agreements relating to the put rights and is based on actual 2007 operating results. This amount represents amounts to be received commencing in the year the put is exercised. |
(3) | Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization represents the cumulative amounts to be received by the company. |
(4) | The timing of consideration to be paid varies by contract and does not necessarily correspond to the date of the exercise of the put. |
(5) | Amounts are not presented as they would not be meaningful due to multiple periods included. |
In connection with certain dispositions of assets and/or businesses in 2001 and 2003, as well as the 2006 sale of SPI, the Company has provided customary representations and warranties whose terms range in duration and may not be explicitly defined. The Company has also retained certain liabilities for events occurring prior to sale, relating to tax, environmental, litigation and other matters. Generally, the Company has indemnified the purchasers in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification guarantees typically extend for several years.
In connection with the sale of the Companys investment in CDI, the amounts of indemnification guarantees are limited to the total sale price of approximately $84 million. For the remainder, the Companys potential liability for these indemnifications are not subject to a limit as the underlying agreements do not always specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events.
Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no provision has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such losses under any guarantees or indemnifications in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.
For guarantees and indemnifications entered into after January 1, 2003, in connection with the sale of the Companys investment in CDI and the sale of SPI, the Company has estimated the fair value of its liability to be insignificant.
On April 27, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (the Services Agreement) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to set forth the terms and conditions on which Mr. Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nadals
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prior services agreement with the Company was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007, subject to two-year annual renewals. If the Company were not going to enter into a new agreement with Mr. Nadal and did not intend to allow the prior agreement to renew, it would have been required to give Mr. Nadal notice of such non-renewal by April 30, 2007.
As an incentive to enter into the Services Agreement, the Company paid a one-time non-renewal fee of $3.5 million upon execution of the Services Agreement, which has been expensed during the second quarter of 2007. Mr. Nadal used a portion of the proceeds to repay to the Company the $2.7 million (C$3.0 million) note receivable due on November 1, 2007 from Nadal Management, Inc. In addition, during 2007 and in accordance with this new Services Agreement, Mr. Nadal repaid an additional $0.5 million of loans due to the Company.
At December 31, 2007, outstanding loans due from Nadal Management to the Company, with no stated maturity date, amounted to C$6.4 million ($6.4 million), which have been reserved for in the Companys accounts.
In 2000, the Company purchased 1,600,000 shares in Trapeze Media Limited (Trapeze) for $0.2 million. At the same time, the Companys CEO purchased 4,280,000 shares of Trapeze for $0.6 million, the Companys former Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Director of the Company each purchased 50,000 Trapeze shares for $7,000 and a Board Member of the Company purchased 75,000 shares of Trapeze for $10,000. In 2001, the Company purchased an additional 1,250,000 shares for $0.2 million, and the Companys CEO purchased 500,000 shares for $0.1 million. In 2002, the Companys CEO purchased 3,691,930 shares of Trapeze for $0.5 million. All of these purchases were made at identical prices (i.e., C$0.20/unit).
During 2007 and 2006, Trapeze provided services to certain partner firms of MDC, and the total amount of such services provided was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.
The Companys Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee, has reviewed and approved these transactions.
The following summary of accounting policies has been prepared to assist in better understanding the Companys consolidated financial statements and the related management discussion and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider this information together with the Companys consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements as included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for a more complete understanding of accounting policies discussed below.
Estimates. The preparation of the Companys financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred income tax assets, stock-based compensation, and the reporting of variable interest entities at the date of the financial statements. The statements are evaluated on an ongoing basis and estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results can differ from those estimates, and it is possible that the differences could be material.
The Companys revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB 104), and accordingly, revenue is generally recognized when services are earned or upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the customer, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses.
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Non-refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer contract. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are recognized upon completion of the earnings process and acceptance by the client. Per diem fees are recognized upon the performance of the Companys services. In addition, for certain service transactions, which require delivery of a number of service acts, the Company uses the Proportional Performance model, which generally results in revenue being recognized based on the straight-line method due to the acts being non-similar and there being insufficient evidence of fair value for each service provided.
Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue are classified as advance billings.
A small portion of the Companys contractual arrangements with clients includes performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when specific quantitative goals are achieved, or when the Companys clients determine performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured.
The Company follows EITF No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent (EITF 99-19). This Issue summarized the EITFs views on when revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because revenue has been earned from the sale of goods or services, or the net amount retained because a fee or commission has been earned. The Companys business at times acts as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. The Company also follows EITF No. 01-14 for reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses. This issue summarized the EITFs views that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included in revenue such reimbursed expenses.
Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangibles. A fair value approach is used in testing goodwill for impairment under SFAS 142 to determine if an other than temporary impairment has occurred. One approach utilized to determine fair values is a discounted cash flow methodology. When available and as appropriate, comparative market multiples are used. Numerous estimates and assumptions necessarily have to be made when completing a discounted cash flow valuation, including estimates and assumptions regarding interest rates, appropriate discount rates and capital structure. Additionally, estimates must be made regarding revenue growth, operating margins, tax rates, working capital requirements and capital expenditures. Estimates and assumptions also need to be made when determining the appropriate comparative market multiples to be used. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors used in a discounted cash flow valuation will likely differ from the estimates used and it is possible that differences and changes could be material.
The Company has historically made and expects to continue to make selective acquisitions of marketing communications businesses. In making acquisitions, the price paid is determined by various factors, including service offerings, competitive position, reputation and geographic coverage, as well as prior experience and judgment. Due to the nature of advertising, marketing and corporate communications services companies; the companies acquired frequently have significant identifiable intangible assets, which primarily consist of customer relationships. The Company has determined that certain intangibles (trademarks) have an indefinite life, as there are no legal, regulatory, contractual, or economic factors that limit the useful life.
A summary of the Companys deferred acquisition consideration obligations, sometimes referred to as earnouts, and obligations under put rights of subsidiaries minority shareholders to purchase additional interests in certain subsidiary and affiliate companies is set forth in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section of this report. The deferred acquisition consideration obligations and obligations to purchase additional interests in certain subsidiary and affiliate companies are primarily based on future performance. Contingent purchase price obligations are accrued, in accordance with GAAP, when the contingency is resolved and payment is determinable.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Trade receivables are stated less allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance represents estimated uncollectible receivables usually due to customers potential insolvency. The allowance includes amounts for certain customers where risk of default has been specifically identified.
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Income Tax Valuation Allowance. The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Management considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, the character of the income tax asset, tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other factors. A change to these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.
The fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modified or settled on or after January 1, 2003. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, that is the awards vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award. Changes in the Companys payment obligation are revalued each period and recorded as compensation cost over the service period in operating income.
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R) and has opted to use the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method the Company will not restate its prior financial statements. Instead, the Company will apply SFAS 123(R) for new awards granted or modified after the adoption of SFAS 123(R), any portion of awards that were granted after December 15, 1994 and have not vested as of January 1, 2006, and any outstanding liability awards.
Variable Interest Entities. The Company evaluates its various investments in entities to determine whether the investee is a variable interest entity and if so whether MDC is the primary beneficiary. Such evaluation requires management to make estimates and judgments regarding the sufficiency of the equity at risk in the investee and the expected losses of the investee and may impact whether the investee is accounted for on a consolidated basis.
The following recent pronouncements were issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB):
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier application permitted. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on its financial statements.
In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for all fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on our financial statements.
In February 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement expands the use of fair value measurement and applies to entities that elect the fair value option. The fair value option established by this Statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on our financial statements.
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In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141R Business Combination (SFAS 141R). This revised statement retains some fundamental concepts of the current standard, including the acquisition method of accounting (known as the purchase method in Statement 141) for all business combinations but SFAS 141R broadens the definitions of both businesses and business combinations, resulting in the acquisition method applying to more events and transactions. This statement also requires the acquirer to recognize the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair values. SFAS 141R will require both acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs to be recognized separately from the acquisition and be expensed as incurred. In addition, acquirers will record contingent consideration at fair value on the acquisition date as either a liability or equity. Subsequent changes in fair value will be recognized in the income statement for any contingent consideration recorded as a liability. SFAS 141R is to be applied prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its financial statements.
In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160 Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS 160). This statement amends ARB No. 51 Consolidated Financial Statements, to now require the classification of noncontrolling (minority) interests and dispositions of noncontrolling interests as equity within the consolidated financial statements. The income statement will now be required to show net income/loss with and without adjustments for noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is to be applied prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. However, this statement requires companies to apply the presentation and disclosure requirements retrospectively to comparative financial statements. Early application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its financial statements.
The Company is exposed to market risk related to interest rates and foreign currencies.
Debt Instruments: At December 31, 2007, the Companys debt obligations consisted of amounts outstanding under its Financing Agreement. This facility bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar rate, US bank prime rate and, US base rate, at the Companys option. The Companys ability to obtain the required bank syndication commitments depends in part on conditions in the bank market at the time of syndication. Given the existing level of debt of $113.4 million, as of December 31, 2007, a 1.0% increase or decrease in the weighted average interest rate, which was 9.22% at December 31, 2007, would have an interest impact of approximately $1.1 million annually.
Foreign Exchange: The Company conducts business in five currencies, the US dollar, the Canadian dollar, Jamaican dollar, the Mexican Peso and the British Pound. Our results of operations are subject to risk from the translation to the US dollar of the revenue and expenses of our non-US operations. The effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our results of operations are discussed in the Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations and in Note 2 of our consolidated financial statements. For the most part, our revenues and expenses incurred related to our non-US operations are denominated in their functional currency. This minimizes the impact that fluctuations in exchange rates will have on profit margins. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
Effective June 28, 2005, the Company entered into a cross-currency swap contract (Swap), a form of derivative, in order to mitigate the risk of currency fluctuations relating to interest payment obligations. The Swap contract provides for a notional amount of debt fixed at C$45.0 million and at $36.5 million, with the interest rates fixed at 8% per annum for the Canadian dollar amount and fixed at 8.25% per annum for the US dollar amount. On June 22, 2006, the Company settled this swap and recorded a gain of $0.2 million.
37
38
Board of Directors and Shareholders
MDC Partners, Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commissions (COSO) and our report dated March 7, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
New York, New York
March 7, 2008
39
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
MDC Partners Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2005 of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company). In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedules II for the year ended December 31, 2005. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of its operations, shareholders equity, and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules for the year ended December 31, 2005, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Toronto, Canada
March 15, 2006, except as to Note 10, which is as of March 7, 2008
40
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||
Services | $ | 547,319 | $ | 412,207 | $ | 349,824 | ||||||
Operating Expenses: |
||||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 351,851 | 236,916 | 201,433 | |||||||||
Office and general expenses | 143,207 | 127,347 | 103,443 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 29,246 | 24,162 | 22,636 | |||||||||
524,304 | 388,425 | 327,512 | ||||||||||
Operating Profit | 23,015 | 23,782 | 22,312 | |||||||||
Other Income (Expenses) |
||||||||||||
Gain on sale of assets and other | 3,065 | 1,246 | 729 | |||||||||
Foreign exchange gain, (loss) | (7,192 | ) | 614 | 80 | ||||||||
Interest expense | (13,672 | ) | (11,238 | ) | (7,777 | ) | ||||||
Interest income | 1,726 | 540 | 251 | |||||||||
(16,073 | ) | (8,838 | ) | (6,717 | ) | |||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interests | 6,942 | 14,944 | 15,595 | |||||||||
Income taxes | 5,620 | 7,120 | 3,248 | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 1,322 | 7,824 | 12,347 | |||||||||
Equity in earnings of non consolidated affiliates | 165 | 168 | 1,402 | |||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | (20,565 | ) | (16,715 | ) | (21,587 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (19,078 | ) | (8,723 | ) | (7,838 | ) | ||||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (7,277 | ) | (24,816 | ) | (111 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,355 | ) | $ | (33,539 | ) | $ | (7,949 | ) | |||
Loss Per Common Share: |
||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
||||||||||||
Continuing operations | $ | (0.76 | ) | $ | (0.37 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | |||
Discontinued operations | (0.29 | ) | (1.03 | ) | (0.00 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (1.05 | ) | $ | (1.40 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | |||
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: |
||||||||||||
Basic | 25,000,582 | 23,875,286 | 23,298,795 | |||||||||
Diluted | 25,000,582 | 23,875,286 | 23,298,795 |
Non cash stock-based compensation expense is included in the following line items above:
Cost of services sold | $ | 4,245 | $ | 3,373 | $ | 578 | ||||||
Office and general expenses | 5,972 | 4,988 | 2,694 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 10,217 | $ | 8,361 | $ | 3,272 |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
41
December 31, | ||||||||
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 10,410 | $ | 6,591 | ||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,357 and $1,633 | 135,260 | 125,744 | ||||||
Expenditures billable to clients | 19,409 | 28,077 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses | 5,937 | 4,816 | ||||||
Other current assets | 2,422 | 1,248 | ||||||
Total Current Assets | 173,438 | 166,476 | ||||||
Fixed assets, net | 47,440 | 44,425 | ||||||
Investment in affiliates | 1,434 | 2,058 | ||||||
Goodwill | 217,726 | 203,693 | ||||||
Other intangible assets, net | 55,399 | 48,933 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets | 9,175 | 13,332 | ||||||
Other assets | 16,086 | 14,584 | ||||||
Total Assets | $ | 520,698 | $ | 493,501 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Bank debt | $ | | $ | 4,910 | ||||
Revolving credit facility | | 45,000 | ||||||
Accounts payable | 65,839 | 90,588 | ||||||
Accrued and other liabilities | 74,668 | 75,315 | ||||||
Advance billings, net | 50,988 | 51,804 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term debt | 1,796 | 1,177 | ||||||
Deferred acquisition consideration | 2,511 | 2,721 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities | 195,802 | 271,515 | ||||||
Revolving credit facility | 1,901 | | ||||||
Long-term debt | 115,662 | 5,754 | ||||||
Convertible notes | 45,395 | 38,613 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 8,267 | 5,512 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | 819 | 1,140 | ||||||
Total Liabilities | 367,846 | 322,534 | ||||||
Minority interests | 24,919 | 46,553 | ||||||
Commitments, contingencies and guarantees (Note 17) |
||||||||
Shareholders Equity: |
||||||||
Preferred shares, unlimited authorized, none issued | | | ||||||
Class A Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 26,235,932 and 23,923,522 shares issued in 2007 and 2006, respectively | 207,958 | 184,698 | ||||||
Class B Shares, no par value, unlimited authorized, 2,503 and 2,502 shares issued in 2007 and 2006, respectively, convertible into one Class A share | 1 | 1 | ||||||
Share capital to be issued | 214 | | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 26,743 | 26,216 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit | (112,969 | ) | (86,614 ) | |||||
Stock subscription receivable | (357 | ) | (643 ) | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | 6,343 | 756 | ||||||
Total Shareholders Equity | 127,933 | 124,414 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity | $ | 520,698 | $ | 493,501 |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
42
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,355 | ) | $ | (33,539 | ) | $ | (7,949 | ) | |||
Loss from discontinued operations | (7,277 | ) | (24,816 | ) | (111 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (19,078 | ) | (8,723 | ) | (7,838 | ) | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 9,088 | 7,360 | 3,272 | |||||||||
Depreciation | 14,638 | 13,251 | 9,226 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 14,608 | 10,911 | 13,410 | |||||||||
Amortization and write-off of deferred finance charges | 2,330 | 2,213 | 1,305 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 5,253 | 4,861 | 34 | |||||||||
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets | (1,691 | ) | | 128 | ||||||||
Earnings of non consolidated affiliates | (165 | ) | (168 | ) | (1,402 | ) | ||||||
Other non-current assets and liabilities | 3,754 | (2,617 | ) | (2,968 | ) | |||||||
Foreign exchange | 7,278 | (2,157 | ) | 887 | ||||||||
Changes in non-cash working capital |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable | (12,712 | ) | (21,045 | ) | 9,013 | |||||||
Expenditures billable to clients | 8,635 | (19,416 | ) | 528 | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (1,160 | ) | (1,817 | ) | (421 | ) | ||||||
Accounts payable, accruals and other current liabilities | (25,083 | ) | 35,435 | (15,652 | ) | |||||||
Advance billings | (1,662 | ) | 15,897 | (7,666 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows from continuing operating activities | 4,033 | 33,985 | 1,856 | |||||||||
Discontinued operations | 99 | 5,720 | 2,814 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 4,132 | 39,705 | 4,670 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (20,072 | ) | (22,398 | ) | (10,712 | ) | ||||||
Net proceeds from sale of business | | 16,407 | | |||||||||
Proceeds from dispositions | 8,270 | 656 | | |||||||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (47,648 | ) | (7,230 | ) | (55,046 | ) | ||||||
Profit distributions from non consolidated affiliates | | 940 | 1,796 | |||||||||
Other investments | (1,464 | ) | | 848 | ||||||||
Discontinued operations | | (2,690 | ) | (4,290 | ) | |||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (60,914 | ) | (14,315 | ) | (67,404 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in bank indebtedness | (4,910 | ) | 1,171 | (2,287 | ) | |||||||
(Repayments) proceeds under old revolving credit facility | (45,000 | ) | (28,506 | ) | 27,501 | |||||||
Proceeds from term loans | 111,500 | | | |||||||||
Proceeds from new credit facility | 1,901 | | | |||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes | | | 36,723 | |||||||||
Proceeds from notes payable | 3,250 | | | |||||||||
Repayment of long-term debt | (5,843 | ) | (1,477 | ) | (4,330 | ) | ||||||
Deferred financing costs | (3,946 | ) | | (3,316 | ) |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
43
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Subsidiary issuance of share capital | | 385 | | |||||||||
Issuance of share capital | 4,893 | 177 | 31 | |||||||||
Purchase of share capital | (769 | ) | | | ||||||||
Discontinued operations | (147 | ) | (3,347 | ) | (2,006 | ) | ||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 60,929 | (31,597 | ) | 52,316 | ||||||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (328 | ) | (125 | ) | 697 | |||||||
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 3,819 | (6,332 | ) | (9,721 | ) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 6,591 | 12,923 | 22,644 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 10,410 | $ | 6,591 | $ | 12,923 | ||||||
Supplemental disclosures: |
||||||||||||
Cash paid to minority partners | $ | 25,033 | $ | 19,359 | $ | 17,559 | ||||||
Cash income taxes paid | $ | 1,216 | $ | 1,459 | $ | 918 | ||||||
Cash interest paid | $ | 14,085 | $ | 9,920 | $ | 5,762 | ||||||
Non-cash transactions: |
||||||||||||
Share capital issued, or to be issued, on acquisitions | $ | 10,302 | $ | 4,459 | $ | 14,794 | ||||||
Capital leases | $ | 1,756 | 1,351 | $ | 1,467 | |||||||
Note receivable exchanged for shares of subsidiary | $ | 125 | $ | 1,540 | $ | 122 | ||||||
Notes and equity received on sale business | $ | | $ | 5,648 | $ | |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
44
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Class A Shares |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 23,923,522 | $ | 184,698 | 23,437,615 | $ | 178,589 | 21,937,871 | $ | 164,064 | |||||||||||||||
Stock appreciation rights exercised |
350,264 | 4,948 | 99,844 | 830 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Share options exercised | 592,000 | 4,993 | 30,400 | 820 | 5,258 | 31 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares acquired and cancelled | (93,848 | ) | (770 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued as acquisition consideration | 988,394 | 10,088 | 30,058 | 250 | 1,139,975 | 11,257 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued as deferred acquisition consideration |
108,097 | 856 | 315,247 | 4,209 | 354,511 | 3,237 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued on privatization of Maxxcom | 3 | | 10,358 | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock | 367,500 | 3,145 | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | 26,235,932 | $ | 207,958 | 23,923,522 | $ | 184,698 | 23,437,615 | $ | 178,589 | |||||||||||||||
Class B Shares |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | 2,502 | $ | 1 | 2,502 | $ | 1 | 2,502 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares converted to Class B shares | 1 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | 2,503 | $ | 1 | 2,502 | 1 | 2,502 | $ | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
Share Capital to Be Issued |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | | $ | 4,209 | $ | 3,909 | ||||||||||||||||||
Shares to be issued as deferred acquisition consideration | 214 | | 300 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Shares issued as deferred acquisition consideration |
| (4,209 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | 214 | $ | | $ | 4,209 | ||||||||||||||||||
Additional Paid-In Capital |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 26,216 | $ | 20,028 | $ | 17,113 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 9,088 | 7,395 | 775 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition contingency payment |
(82 | ) | (377 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||
Warrants granted to service providers | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share appreciation rights plan | | | 2,140 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Share options exercised | (364 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of restricted stock | (3,145 | ) | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Share appreciation rights exercised |
(4,970 | ) | (830 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | 26,743 | $ | 26,216 | $ | 20,028 |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
45
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | Number of Shares |
Amount | |||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated Deficit |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | (86,614 | ) | $ | (53,075 | ) | $ | (45,083 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Distribution to minority shareholder |
| | (43 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Loss for the year | (26,355 | ) | (33,539 | ) | (7,949 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | (112,969 | ) | $ | (86,614 | ) | $ | (53,075 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Stock Subscription Receivable |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | (643 | ) | $ | | $ | | |||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options | | (674 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Receipts for exercise of stock options | 286 | 31 | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | (357 | ) | $ | (643 | ) | $ | | ||||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 756 | 2,966 | $ | 3,147 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustments | 5,587 | (2,210 | ) | (181 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | 6,343 | 756 | 2,966 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total Shareholders Equity | $ | 127,933 | $ | 124,414 | $ | 152,718 |
The accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
46
MDC Partners Inc. (the Company) has prepared the consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of the United States of America (US GAAP).
MDC Partners Inc., formerly MDC Corporation Inc., is incorporated under the laws of Canada. The Company commenced using the name MDC Partners Inc. on November 1, 2003 and legally changed its name through amalgamation with a wholly-owned subsidiary on January 1, 2004. The Companys operations are in primarily one business group Marketing Communications. The business group operates primarily in the United States (US), Canada and in the United Kingdom. See Note 15, Segment Information, for further description of the one business group and MDCs reportable segments.
The Companys significant accounting policies are summarized as follows:
Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MDC Partners Inc. its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, valuation allowances for receivables and deferred tax assets, and the reporting of variable interest entities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and estimates are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk. The Company provides marketing communications services to clients who operate in most industry sectors. Credit is granted to qualified clients in the ordinary course of business. Due to the diversified nature of the Companys client base, the Company does not believe that it is exposed to a concentration of credit risk; however, one client accounted for approximately 13% of the Companys consolidated accounts receivable as of December 31, 2007. This client also accounted for 16.3%, 16.0% and 14.7% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Companys cash equivalents are primarily comprised of investments in overnight interest-bearing deposits, commercial paper and money market instruments and other short-term investments with original maturity dates of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company has a concentration of credit risk in that there are cash deposits in excess of federally insured amounts. Included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is $63 and $172, respectively of cash restricted as to withdrawal pursuant to a collateral agreement and a customers contractual requirement.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Trade receivables, exclusive of sales tax are stated at invoiced amounts less allowances for doubtful accounts. The allowances represent estimated uncollectible receivables associated with potential customer defaults usually due to customers potential insolvency. The allowances include amounts for certain customers where a risk of default has been specifically identified. The assessment of the likelihood of customer defaults is based on various factors, including the length of time the receivables are past due, historical experience and existing economic conditions.
47
Expenditures Billable to Clients. Expenditures billable to clients consist principally of outside vendors costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications services to clients that have not been invoiced. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of the production process.
Fixed Assets. Fixed assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Buildings are depreciated on a declining balance basis over the estimated useful lives of 20 to 25 years. Computers, furniture and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of 3 to 7 years. Machinery and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over periods of 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets. In accordance with SFAS, No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets, (SFAS No. 144) a long-lived asset or asset group is tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. When such events occur, the Company compares the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or asset group. If this comparison indicates that there is an impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows where observable fair values are not readily determinable. The discount rate applied to these cash flows is based on the Companys weighted average cost of capital, risk adjusted where appropriate.
Equity Method Investments. The equity method is used to account for investments in entities in which the Company has an ownership interest of less than 50% and has significant influence, or joint control by contractual arrangement with all parties having an equity interest, over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate or has an ownership interest of greater than 50% however the substantive participating rights of the minority interest shareholders preclude the Company from exercising unilateral control over the operating and financial policies of the affiliate. The Companys investments accounted for using the equity method includes Adrenalina, 49.9% owned by the Company, and a 50% undivided interest in a real estate joint venture. The Companys management periodically evaluates these investments to determine if there has been a decline in value that is other than temporary. During 2006, the Company also accounted for Zig, Inc., Mono Advertising, LLC and Accumark Communications Inc. on the equity method; however, as a result of changes in their operating agreements, and/or ownership structure, the Company has consolidated these entities as of December 31, 2006.
Cost Method Investments. The Companys cost-based investments at December 31, 2007 were primarily comprised of various interests in limited partnerships and companies where the Company does not exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The total net cost basis of these investments, which are included in Other Assets on the balance sheet, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $3,783 and $2,896, respectively. These investments are periodically evaluated to determine if there have been any other than temporary declines below book value. A variety of factors are considered when determining if a decline in fair value below book value is other than temporary, including, among others, the financial condition and prospects of the investee, as well as the Companys investment intent. In addition, the Company has a 7.5% interest in newly formed entity which purchased the Secured Products International Group. See Note 10.
Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No 142), goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets (trademarks) acquired as a result of a business combination which are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is
48
recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the assets fair value. For goodwill, this determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. Fair value is determined based on earnings multiples of each subsidiary. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting units goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation, in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Impairment losses, where applicable, will be charged to operating profit. The Company identifies certain intangible assets (trademarks) as indefinite life if there are no legal, regulatory, contractual or economic factors that limit the useful life. If the carrying amount of an indefinite life intangible exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for the excess.
Definite Lived Intangible Assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, acquired intangibles, are subject to amortization over their useful lives. The method of amortization selected reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the specific intangible asset is consumed or otherwise used up. If that pattern cannot be reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method is used over the estimated useful life. Intangible assets that are subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment in accordance with SFAS 144 at least annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See also Note 8.
Deferred Taxes. The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary difference between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of the Companys assets and liabilities. Deferred tax benefits result principally from recording certain expenses in the financial statements that are not currently deductible for tax purposes and from differences between the tax and book basis of assets and liabilities recorded in connection with acquisitions. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax liabilities result principally from deductions recorded for tax purposes in excess of that recorded in the financial statements. The effect of changes in tax rates is recognized in the period the rate change is enacted.
Variable Interest Entities. The Company evaluates its various investments in entities to determine whether the investee is a variable interest entity and if so whether MDC is the primary beneficiary. Such evaluation requires management to make estimates and judgments regarding the sufficiency of the equity at risk in the investee and the expected losses of the investee and may impact whether the investee is accounted for on a consolidated basis.
Minority Interest. The Company accounts for minority interest in two accounts, long term minority interest and short term minority interest. Long term minority interest represents the minority holders share of equity in the related subsidiaries that is not expected to be distributed in the near term. Short term minority interest represents the minority holders share of current year profits that are expected to be distributed within the next twelve months.
Guarantees. Guarantees issued or modified by the Company to third parties after January 1, 2003 are generally recognized, at the inception or modification of a guarantee, as a liability for the obligations it has undertaken in issuing the guarantee, including its ongoing obligation to stand ready to perform over the term of the guarantee in the event that the specified triggering events or conditions occur. The initial measurement of that liability is the fair value of the guarantee. The recognition of the liability is required even if it is not probable that payments will be required under the guarantee. The Companys liability associated with guarantees is not significant. (See Note 17)
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The Companys revenue recognition policies are in compliance with the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB 104), and accordingly, revenue is generally recognized as services are provided or upon delivery of the products when ownership and risk of loss has transferred to the customer, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
In November 2002, EITF Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables (EITF 00-21 was issued. EITF 00-21) addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which it will perform multiple revenue-generating activities and how to determine whether an arrangement involving multiple deliverables contains more than one unit of accounting. EITF 00 21 is effective for revenue arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. Also, in July 2000, the EITF of the Financial Accounting Standards Board released Issue No. 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent (EITF 99-19). This Issue summarized the EITFs views on when revenue should be recorded at the gross amount billed because it has earned revenue from the sale of goods or services, or the net amount retained because it has earned a fee or commission. The Company also follows EITF No. 01-14 for reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses. This issue summarized the EITFs views that reimbursements received for out-of-pocket expenses incurred should be characterized in the income statement as revenue. Accordingly, the Company has included in revenue such reimbursed expenses.
The Company earns revenue from agency arrangements in the form of retainer fees or commissions; from short-term project arrangements in the form of fixed fees or per diem fees for services; and from incentives or bonuses.
Non refundable retainer fees are generally recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the specific customer contract. Commission revenue is earned and recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligations. Fixed fees for services are recognized upon completion of the earnings process and acceptance by the client. Per diem fees are recognized upon the performance of the Companys services. In addition, for certain service transactions, which require delivery of a number of service acts, the Company uses the Proportional Performance model, which generally results in revenue being recognized based on the straight-line method due to the acts being non-similar and there being insufficient evidence of fair value for each service provided.
Fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue are classified as Advanced Billings.
A small portion of the Companys contractual arrangements with customers includes performance incentive provisions, which allows the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. The Company recognizes the incentive portion of revenue under these arrangements when specific quantitative goals are achieved, or when the companys clients determine performance against qualitative goals has been achieved. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. The Company records revenue net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities.
Cost of Services Sold. Costs of services sold do not include depreciation charges for related fixed assets.
The fair value method is applied to all awards granted, modified or settled on or after January 1, 2003. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at fair value at the date of grant and is expensed over the service period, that is the awards vesting period. When awards are exercised, share capital is credited by the sum of the consideration paid together with the related portion previously credited to additional paid-in capital when compensation costs were charged against income or acquisition consideration. The Company uses
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its historical volatility derived over the expected term of the award, to determine the volatility factor used in determining the fair value of the award. The Company uses the simplified method to determine the term of the award.
Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or may be settled in cash at the option of employees are recorded as liabilities. The measurement of the liability and compensation cost for these awards is based on the fair value of the award, and is recorded into operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award. Changes in the Companys payment obligation prior to the settlement date are recorded as compensation cost in operating profit in the period of the change. The final payment amount for such awards is established on the date of the exercise of the award by the employee.
Stock-based awards that are settled in cash or equity at the option of the Company are recorded at fair value on the date of grant and recorded as additional paid-in capital. The fair value measurement of the compensation cost for these awards is based on using the Black-Scholes option pricing-model and is recorded in operating income over the service period, that is the vesting period of the award.
The fair value of the stock options and similar awards at the grant date were estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions for each of the following years:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Expected dividend | 0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||
Expected volatility | 65.6% 66.7 | % | 32.2% 40 | % | 40 | % | ||||||
Risk-free interest rate | 4.95% 5.0 | % | 4.57% 4.95 | % | 2.9% 3.9 | % | ||||||
Expected option life in years | 7.5 | 5.75 7 | 3.16 | |||||||||
Weighted average fair value of options granted | $ | 5.75 | $ | 4.50 | $ | 2.56 |
Effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS 123(R) and has opted to use the modified prospective application transition method. Under this method the Company has not restated its prior financial statements. Instead, the Company applies SFAS 123(R) for new awards granted or modified after the adoption of SFAS 123(R), any portion of awards that were granted after December 15, 1994 and have not vested as of January 1, 2006, and any outstanding liability awards. It is the Companys policy for issuing shares upon the exercise of an equity incentive award to verify the amount of shares to be issued, as well as the amount of proceeds to be collected (if any) and delivery of new shares to the exercising party.
Measurement of compensation cost for awards that are outstanding and classified as equity, at January 1, 2006, will be based on the original grant-date fair value calculations of those awards. The Company had previously adopted SFAS 123 and as such has been expensing the fair value of all awards issued after January 1, 2003. For all previously issued awards, the Company has been providing pro-forma disclosure for such awards. Upon the adoption of SFAS 123(R), the Company expenses the fair value of the awards granted prior to January 1, 2003. The Company has adopted the straight-line attribution method for determining the compensation cost to be recorded during each accounting period. However, awards based on performance conditions are recorded as compensation expense when the performance conditions are expected to be met. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) did not have a material effect on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
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The table below summarizes the pro forma effect, had the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for stock options and similar instruments for awards issued prior to 2003 and prior to the adoption of SFAS 123(R).
Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
||||
Net loss as reported | $ | (7,949 | ) | |
Fair value costs, net of income tax, of stock-based employee compensation awards issued prior to 2003 | 683 | |||
Net loss, pro forma | $ | (8,632 | ) | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share, as reported | $ | (0.34 | ) | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share, pro forma | $ | (0.37 | ) |
Pension Costs. Several of the Companys US and Canadian subsidiaries offer employees access to certain defined contribution pension programs. Under the defined contribution plans, these subsidiaries, in some cases, make annual contributions to participants accounts which are subject to vesting. The Companys contribution expense pursuant to these plans was $1,131, $1,476 and $1,144 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Earnings per Common Share. Basic earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period, including the Share capital to be issued as reflected in the Shareholders Equity on the balance sheet. Diluted earnings per share is based on the above, plus, if dilutive, common share equivalents, which include outstanding options, warrants, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and convertible notes.
Sale of Subsidiary Interests. The Company records dilution gains and losses on sales of certain subsidiary interests as a component of the statement operations as other income (expense).
Foreign Currency Translation. The Companys financial statements were prepared in accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation (SFAS 52). The functional currency of the Company is the Canadian dollar and it has decided to use US dollars as its reporting currency for consolidated reporting purposes. All of the Companys subsidiaries use their local currency as their functional currency in accordance with SFAS 52. Accordingly, the currency impacts of the translation of the balance sheets of the Companys non-US dollar based subsidiaries to US dollar statements are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income. Cumulative translation adjustments are not included in net earnings unless they are actually realized through a sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of the Companys net investment in the foreign operation. The balance sheets of non-US dollar based subsidiaries are translated at the period end rate. The income statements of non-US dollar based subsidiaries are translated at average exchange rates for the period.
Gains and losses arising from the Companys foreign currency transactions are reflected in net earnings other than those unrealized gains or losses arising on the translation of certain intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature (that is settlement is not planned or anticipated in the future) and which are included as cumulative translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income.
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company follows SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and debt instruments) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value. The accounting for the change in fair value of the derivative depends on whether the instrument qualifies for and has been designated as a hedging relationship and on the type of hedging relationship. There are three types of hedging relationships: a cash flow hedge, a fair value hedge and a hedge of foreign currency
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exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. The designation is based upon the exposure being hedged. Derivatives that are not hedges, or become ineffective hedges, must be adjusted to fair value through earnings.
Effective June 28, 2005, the Company entered into a cross currency swap contract (Swap), a form of derivative. The Swap contract provides for a notional amount of debt fixed at $45,000 Canadian dollars (C$) and at $36,452, with the interest rates fixed at 8% per annum for the Canadian dollar amount and fixed at 8.25% per annum for the US dollar amount. Consequently, under the terms of this Swap, semi-annually, the Company will receive interest of C$1,800 and will pay interest of $1,503 per annum. On June 22, 2006, the Company settled this swap for its fair value of $357, which resulted in a gain of $192 for the year ended December 31, 2006 and is included in other income.
Put Options. The minority interest shareholders of certain subsidiaries have the right to require the Company to acquire their ownership interest under certain circumstances pursuant to a contractual arrangement and the Company has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amount of consideration under the put and call rights is not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, etc. as described in Note 17.
The Company accounts for the put options with a charge to minority interest expense to reflect the excess, if any, of the estimated exercise price over the estimated fair value of the minority shares at the date of the option being exercised. No recognition is given to any increase in value of the put option if the estimated exercise price is less than the estimated fair value of the minority interest shares. The estimated exercise price is determined based on defined criteria pursuant to each arrangement. The commitment is calculated at each reporting period based on the earliest contractual exercise date. The estimated fair value of the minority interest shares is based on an overall enterprise value determined by a multiple of historical and projected future earnings.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations for the years ended December 31:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Numerator |
||||||||||||
Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per common share income (loss) from continuing operations plus assumed conversion |
$ | (19,078 | ) | $ | (8,723 | ) | $ | (7,838 | ) | |||
Denominator |
||||||||||||
Denominator for basic earnings (loss) per common share weighted average common shares | 25,000,582 | 23,875,286 | 23,298,795 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive securities: |
||||||||||||
Warrants | | | | |||||||||
Employee stock options, warrants, and stock appreciation rights | | | | |||||||||
Employee restricted stock units | | | | |||||||||
Dilutive potential common shares | | | | |||||||||
Denominator for diluted earnings (loss) per common share adjusted weighted shares and assumed conversions | 25,000,582 | 23,875,286 | 23,298,795 | |||||||||
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations |
$ | (0.76 | ) | $ | (0.37 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | |||
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations | $ | (0.76 | ) | $ | (0.37 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) |
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At December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 convertible notes, warrants, options and other rights to purchase 6,929,101, 8,504,707 and 6,667,015 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted loss per common share because doing so would have had an antidilutive effect.
On November 1, 2007, the Company acquired an additional 28% of Crispin Porter & Bogusky LLC, (CPB) from certain minority holders resulting in the Companys current ownership of 77%. The purchase price consisted of a payment of approximately $22,561 in cash and the issuance of 514,025 newly-issued shares of the Companys Class A subordinated voting stock valued at approximately $5,546. For accounting purposes, the value of the Companys Class A shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price of the Companys Class A shares over a period two days before and after the November 1, 2007 announcement date. This acquisition represented an accelerated exercise of the Companys existing call option that was otherwise exercisable in December 2007 and in April 2008. Prior to the transaction, the Company consolidated CPB as a Variable Interest Entity (VIE). As a result of this step acquisition, the Company now consolidates CPB as a majority owned subsidiary. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in 100% or $4,637 of the excess consideration being allocated to identifiable intangible assets. Approximately $2,000 represents customer backlog and is being amortized over a five month period and the balance of $2,637 represents customer relationships and is being amortized over a five year period. These intangibles are tax deductible in future years as well as $23,471 of intangibles which have been previously recorded in connection with the VIE accounting.
On October 18, 2007, the Company acquired the remaining 40% equity interest in KBP Holdings LLC, (KBP) from KBP Management Partners LLC (Minority Holder). The purchase price consisted of an initial payment of approximately $12,255 in cash and the issuance of 269,389 newly-issued shares of the Companys Class A subordinated voting stock valued at approximately $2,901. For accounting purposes, the value of the Companys Class A shares issued as consideration was calculated based on the price of the Companys Class A shares on the date of the acquisition. In addition, the Company expects to pay a contingent amount to the Minority Holder in 2009 and 2010, based on KBPs financial performance in 2008 and 2009. These additional contingent payments will be calculated in accordance with KBPs existing limited liability company agreement. In connection with this acquisition, certain key executives of KBP agreed to extend the terms of their existing employment agreements and received grants of restricted stock of the Company valued at $234 in the aggregate. These equity grants vest over a three year period. This acquisition represented an accelerated exercise of the Companys existing call option that was otherwise exercisable in 2008. The allocation of the excess purchase consideration of this acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in 100% or $14,482 of the excess consideration being allocated to identifiable intangible assets. Approximately $2,711 represents customer backlog and is being amortized over a six and one-half month period and the balance of $11,771 represents customer relationships and the amortization rate is expected to be 30%, 25%, 20%, 15% and 10% in years one through five, respectively. The value of the restricted stock grants will be amortized over a three year period. In addition, the Company incurred a non-cash stock based compensation charge of approximately $2,603 resulting from a portion of the purchase price being paid by the Minority Holder to certain employees of KBP pursuant to an existing phantom equity plan between those employees and the Minority Holder. A similar type of charge will be incurred if and when any contingent payments are made in 2009 and 2010. The intangibles are tax deductible in future years.
On August 17, 2007, the Company purchased an additional 16% of the equity interests of VitroRobertson LLC (Vitro) resulting in the Companys current ownership of 84%. This 16% represents one of the founders remaining equity interest in Vitro. This founder initially had a put option right to the Company for this 16%, which was to become exercisable in 2011. However, the Company agreed to purchase this 16% for
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an initial payment of $650, together with the potential of two additional payments of $75 each based upon client retention targets. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in identifiable intangible assets of $200 and goodwill of $375. The identifiable intangibles will be amortized on a straight line basis over five years. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible in future years.
On June 15, 2007, the Company acquired a 60% membership interest in Redscout, LLC (Redscout). Redscout is a brand development and innovation consulting firm. Redscout is expected to expand the Companys strategic consultancy services within the Strategic Marketing Services segment. The purchase price consisted of $4,021 in cash and $641 was paid in the form of 76,340 newly issued Class A shares of the Company. In addition, the Company may be required to make additional payments which are contingent on the results of Redscouts operations through December 2008. As of December 31, 2007, the Company will be required to make additional payments of $1,500 of which approximately $213 may be paid in the form of Class A shares. At December 31, 2007, this amount has been accrued in deferred acquisition consideration. In addition, the Company incurred approximately $35 of transaction related costs for a total purchase price of $4,697. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in amortizable intangible assets of $1,275 and goodwill of $2,706 and is based on estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible in future years.
On May 1, 2007, the Companys 70.1% owned subsidiary, Northstar Research Holdings USA LP, acquired a 51% membership interest in Trend Core LLC (TC). TC is a qualitative research firm with a specialty in the understanding of the merger of cultural trends and consumer needs with product innovation. TC is expected to expand the Companys research capabilities within the Specialized Communication Services segment. The purchase price consisted of $103 in cash and related closing costs. In addition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $900 in cash to the sellers if TC achieves specified financial targets at certain specified times over the period ending April 30, 2011. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in an amortizable intangible asset of approximately $96 based on estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The intangible is tax deductible in future years.
On April 4, 2007, the Company acquired a 59% membership interest in HL Group Partners LLC (HL). The Company intends to use up to 8% of the membership interests acquired for purposes of entering into a profits interest arrangement with other key executives of HL, or Gen II management. Gen II management will also have liquidity rights based on any appreciation of value over the original purchase price attributable to the profits interest. HL is a marketing strategy and corporate communications firm with a specialty in high end fashion and luxury goods. HL is expected to expand the Companys creative talent within the Strategic Marketing Services segment. The purchase price consisted of $4,813 in cash, of which $4,493 was paid and $320 will be paid on April 4, 2008, and $1,000 was paid in the form of 128,550 newly-issued Class A shares of the Company. In addition, the Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $30 for a total purchase price of $5,843. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in amortizable intangible assets of $2,154 and goodwill of $3,442 and is based on estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. The intangibles and goodwill are tax deductible in future years.
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During 2006, the Company did not complete any material acquisitions, however the Company did complete the following transactions:
On February 7, 2006, the Company purchased the remaining outstanding membership interests of 12.33% of Source Marketing LLC (Source) pursuant to an exercise of a put option notice delivered in October 2005. The purchase price of $2,287 consisted of cash of $1,830 and the delivery of 1,063,516 shares of LifeMed Media Inc. (LifeMed) valued at $457. The Companys carrying value of these LifeMed shares was $27, thus the Company recorded a gain on the disposition of these shares of $430, which has been included in other income.
On February 15, 2006, Source issued 15% of its membership interests to certain members of management. The purchase price for these membership interests was $1,540, which consisted of $385 cash and recourse notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to $1,155. In addition, the purchaser also received a fully vested option to purchase an additional 5% of Source at an exercise price equal to the price paid above. The option is exercisable any time prior to December 31, 2010. An amended and restated LLC agreement was entered into with these new members. The agreement also provides these members with an option to put to the Company these membership interests from December 2008-2012. As a result of the above transactions, the Company now owns 85% of Source. During the quarter ended March 31, 2006, the company recorded a non-cash stock based compensation charge of $2,338 relating to the price paid for the membership interests which was less than the fair value of such membership interests and the fair value of the option granted. On October 1, 2006, the options noted above were exercised. This exercise resulted in a dilution loss of $626 and reduced the Companys ownership down to 80%.
On July 1, 2006, the Company and Mono Advertising, LLC amended its operating agreement to eliminate certain limitations that the Company had on its ability to exercise control of Mono Advertising, LLC. Effective July 1, 2006 the Company has consolidated Mono Advertising, LLC which had previously been accounted for under the equity method.
On July 27, 2006, the Company settled a put option obligation for a fixed amount equal to $1,492, relating to the purchase of 4.3% of additional equity interests of Accent Marketing, LLC. The settlement of this put was satisfied by a cash payment of $424, plus the cancellation of an outstanding promissory note to the Company in a principal amount equal to $1,068. The purchase price was allocated as follows: $403 to identified intangibles, amortized over eight years and the balance of $1,089 as additional goodwill. The goodwill and intangibles are deductible for tax purposes. Including this transaction, the Company now owns 93.7% of Accent Marketing, LLC.
On November 14, 2006, the Company purchased an additional 20% interest in Northstar Research Partners Inc. for $3,405 in cash. This transaction resulted in an allocation of the purchase price to goodwill of $2,989 and identifiable intangible assets of $415. The goodwill and intangibles are deductible for tax purposes.
On November 14, 2006, the Company through its subsidiary Zig Inc. purchased a 65% interest in Hadrians Wall Advertising, LLC for $550. Hadrians Wall Advertising, LLC is a creative advertising firm that was acquired to facilitate the expansion of the Zig Canada business into the US market. In addition the Company purchased an additional 0.2% of Zig Inc. for cash of $18 and 30,000 of the Companys Stock Appreciation Rights, valued at $104. The purchase price was allocated to goodwill of $18 and the value of the SARs was considered to be compensation expense and will be amortized over the vesting period of the SARs. Effective November 17, 2006, as a result of the additional share purchase, the Company has consolidated Zig Inc. which had previously been accounted for under the equity method.
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On December 15, 2006, the Company and Accumark Communications Group Inc. amended its operating agreement to eliminate certain minority rights. As a result of this amendment, effective December 15, 2006, the Company has consolidated Accumark Communications Inc. which had previously been accounted for under the equity method.
On April 1, 2005, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, purchased approximately 61.6% of the total outstanding membership units of Zyman Group, LLC (Zyman Group) for purchase price consideration of $52,389 in cash and 1,139,975 Class A shares of the Company, valued at $11,257 based on the share price on or about the announcement date. Related transaction costs of approximately $977 were also incurred. In addition, the Company may be required to pay up to an additional $12,000 to the sellers if Zyman Group achieves specified financial targets for the twelve month period ending June 30, 2006 and/or June 30, 2007. These targets were not achieved.
In connection with the Zyman Group acquisition, the Company, Zyman Group and the other unitholders of Zyman Group entered into a new Limited Liability Company Agreement (the LLC Agreement). The LLC Agreement sets forth certain economic, governance and liquidity rights with respect to Zyman Group. Zyman Group initially has seven managers, four of whom were appointed by the Company. Pursuant to the LLC Agreement, the Company will have the right to purchase, and may have an obligation to purchase, for a combination of cash and shares, additional membership units of Zyman Group from the other members of Zyman Group, in each case, upon the occurrence of certain events or during certain specified time periods.
The Zyman Group name is well recognized for strategic marketing consulting and as such was acquired by the Company for its assembled workforce to enhance the creative talent within the Companys Strategic Marketing Service segment of businesses.
The Zyman Group acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The purchase price of the net assets acquired in this transaction is $64,622. The final allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired and minority interests is as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 5,653 | ||
Accounts receivable and other current assets | 6,734 | |||
Fixed assets and other assets | 7,785 | |||
Goodwill (tax deductible) | 45,349 | |||
Intangible assets | 20,143 | |||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | (7,475 | ) | ||
Total debt | (8,524 | ) | ||
Minority interest at carrying value | (5,043 | ) | ||
Total cost of the acquisition | $ | 64,622 |
Identifiable intangible assets of $20,143 are comprised primarily of customer relationships and related backlog and trademarks. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The Companys consolidated financial statements include Zyman Groups results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on April 1, 2005.
During the first five years following the Companys acquisition of the Zyman Group, the Companys allocation of profits of the Zyman Group may differ from its proportionate share of ownership. On an annual basis, the Company receives a 20% priority return calculated based on its total investment in Zyman Group.
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Thereafter, based on calculations set forth in the operating agreement of Zyman Group (the LLC Agreement), the Companys share of remaining Zyman Group profits in excess of the annual threshold amount of $20,600 may be disproportionately less than its equity ownership in Zyman Group. Specifically, on an annual basis, if Zyman operating results exceed a defined operating margin, the Company would be entitled to 25% of the excess margins in the first two years of the LLC Agreement and 30% of the excess margins in the following three years of the LLC Agreement, rather than the Companys equity portion of 61.6%. After the first five years, the earnings of the Zyman Group will be allocated in a proportion equal to the respective equity interests of the members.
Based on the Companys investment in the Zyman Group, at December 31, 2007, the annual priority return continues to be equal to approximately $12,700, with the minority owners receiving the next $7,900 up to the threshold amount. If profits are insufficient to meet the Companys priority return during any of the first five years, the Company will receive a catch-up payment through year five equal to any shortfall from the prior year(s). Furthermore, if profits do not reach the threshold amount during the first five years, the minority owners will be entitled to receive a catch-up payment through year five equal to any shortfall from the prior year(s). The short fall payments are subject to the actual results of operations and are not guaranteed payments. Based on Zyman Groups results for 2007 and 2006, the Company received less than its priority return from Zyman Group.
On December 1, 2005, the Company, through its subsidiary Northstar Research Partners (USA) LLC (NS LLC), purchased the business of Neuwirth Research, Inc. (Neuwirth) for purchase price consideration of $450 in cash, a 20% equity interest in NS LLC valued at $225 based on the estimated market value of NS LLC on or about the announcement date, and 48,391 of the Companys Class A shares valued at $300. Related transaction costs of approximately $100 were also incurred. In addition, the Company was required to pay up to an additional $625 in cash to the seller if the acquired Neuwirth business achieves specified financial targets for the year ended December 31, 2005 and/or December 31, 2006. As of March 31, 2006, the Company determined that these targets were achieved and, accordingly, the $625 payment obligation was settled by the Companys issuance of 30,058 Class A shares stock valued at $250 and cash of $375.
In connection with the Neuwirth acquisition, the Company and seller entered into agreements related to governance and certain put option rights with respect to the sellers 20% equity interest in NS LLC which becomes 50% exercisable in 2010 and 100% exercisable in 2015.
Neuwirth is a recognized market research firm and was acquired by the Company for its list of blue chip clients and synergies with NS LLC existing business. This acquisition is part of the Specialized Communications Services segment of businesses.
The Neuwirth acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired is as follows:
Accounts receivable and other current assets | $ | 492 | ||
Fixed assets and other assets | 50 | |||
Intangible assets | 1,680 | |||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | (522 | ) | ||
Total cost of the acquisition | $ | 1,700 |
Identifiable intangible assets, consisting of an employment agreement, estimated to be $1,680, are being amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes
58
are reasonable under the circumstances. The Companys consolidated financial statements include Neuwirths results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on December 1, 2005.
On July 25, 2005, the Company, through its subsidiary Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC, (MFP) purchased the business of Powell, LLC (Powell) for purchase price consideration of $332 in cash and a 5% equity interest in MFP valued at $400 based on the estimated market value of MFP on or about the announcement date. The issuance of equity interests by MFP resulted in a loss of $103 on the dilution of the Companys equity interest in its subsidiary. Related transaction costs of approximately $20 were also incurred. In addition, in August 2006, the Company paid an additional $300 in cash to the seller. Effective 2007, MFP was discontinued. See Note 10.
The Powell acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of net assets acquired is as follows:
Accounts receivable and other current assets | $ | 32 | ||
Fixed assets and other assets | 31 | |||
Intangible assets | 1,130 | |||
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | (141 | ) | ||
Total cost of the acquisition | $ | 1,052 |
Identifiable intangible assets, consisting of an employment agreement, estimated to be $1,130, are being amortized on a straight-line basis over five years. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The Companys consolidated financial statements include Powells results of operations subsequent to its acquisition on July 25, 2005.
On July 31, 2005, the Company acquired a further 20% equity interest in its existing subsidiary MFP pursuant to the exercise of a put obligation under the existing purchase agreement with a minority interest holder. The purchase price of $1,740 which includes $15 of acquisition costs was paid in cash. Of the purchase price, $500 was allocated to customer relationship intangible assets and $1,240 was allocated to goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. As a result of this acquisition, and the Powell transaction discussed above, the Company retains a 95% equity interest in MFP.
On September 1, 2005, the Company, through a consolidated variable interest entity, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, LLC (CPB), purchased 20% of the total outstanding membership units of Fuse Project, LLC (Fuseproject) for purchase price consideration of $750 in cash and an additional $400, which was paid during the quarter ended March 31, 2006. Fuseproject is a design firm acquired by CPB to complement its creative offerings. The Fuseproject acquisition was accounted for using the equity method as CPB has significant influence over the operations of Fuseproject. The purchase price of the net assets acquired in this transaction is $1,150. The allocation of the cost of the acquisition to the fair value of the net assets acquired resulted in a portion being attributed to intangible assets valued at $40 and $1,090 consisting of goodwill. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based upon estimates of fair values and certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The Companys consolidated financial statements include Fuseprojects results of operations in equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates subsequent to its acquisition on September 1, 2005.
During August 2005, Bryan Mills Group Ltd., (BMG) a subsidiary whose operations are consolidated by the Company, completed the acquisition of 450 shares from a minority shareholder at a price of $515.00
59
per share, for a total purchase price of $232. This resulted in the Companys ownership interest in BMG increasing to 71.2% from 68.0%. Also as a result of the equity transaction by BMG, the Company recorded goodwill of $146.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2005, the Company contributed $125 of cash as additional paid in capital to its existing consolidated subsidiary, Banjo Strategies Entertainment LLC. There was no change in the Companys ownership interest. This resulted in a loss on dilution of $61 and is reflected in the Companys consolidated statement of operations. During the quarter ended June 30, 2005, the Company acquired further equity interests in the existing consolidated subsidiaries of Allard Johnson Communications Inc. (0.3%) and Banjo Strategies Entertainment LLC (7.2%). In aggregate, the Company paid $143 in cash for these incremental ownership interests. During the quarter ended September 30, 2005, the Company acquired a further 0.7% equity interest in the existing consolidated subsidiary, Allard Johnson Communications Inc., for $148. Effective on December 31, 2007, Banjos operations were discontinued. See Note 10.
The following unaudited pro forma results of operations of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 assume that the acquisition of the operating assets of the significant businesses acquired during 2007 and 2005 had occurred on January 1st of the respective year in which the business was acquired and for the comparable period. During 2006, there were no significant businesses acquired. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of either the actual results of operations that would have been achieved had the companies been combined during these periods, or are they necessarily indicative of future results of operations. These unaudited pro forma results for the years December 31, 2007 and 2006, include in each of the years, an adjustment for the non-cash stock based compensation charge of $2,603 resulting from the KBP acquisition.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
Year Ended December 31, 2006 |
Year Ended December 31, 2005 |
||||||||||
Revenues | $ | 547,319 | $ | 412,207 | $ | 364,210 | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (26,478 | ) | $ | (38,840 | ) | $ | (2,998 | ) | |||
Loss per common share: |
||||||||||||
Basic net loss | $ | (1.03 | ) | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (0.13 | ) | |||
Diluted net loss | $ | (1.03 | ) | $ | (1.58 | ) | $ | (0.13 | ) |
The following is a summary of the fixed assets as of December 31:
2007 | 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value |
Cost | Accumulated Depreciation | Net Book Value |
|||||||||||||||||||
Computers, furniture and fixtures | $ | 70,342 | $ | (44,053 | ) | $ | 26,289 | $ | 59,357 | $ | (37,221 | ) | $ | 22,136 | ||||||||||
Equipment | | | | 7,103 | (2,643 ) | 4,460 | ||||||||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements |
35,920 | (14,769 | ) | 21,151 | 30,324 | (12,495 | ) | 17,829 | ||||||||||||||||
$ | 106,262 | $ | (58,822 | ) | $ | 47,440 | $ | 96,784 | $ | (52,359 | ) | $ | 44,425 |
Included in fixed assets are assets under capital lease obligations with a cost of $7,373, (2006 $6,506) and accumulated depreciation of $4,838 (2006 $4,454). Included in equipment is a plane acquired in the Zyman acquisition with a net book value of $4,218. This plane was sold during 2007 and resulted in again on sale of $1,846 and is reflected in other income. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $14,638, $12,297 and $9,217, respectively.
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At December 31, 2007 and 2006, accrued and other liabilities included amounts due to minority interest holders, for their share of profits, which will be distributed within the next twelve months of $7,916 and $11,129, respectively.
Financial assets, which include cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable, have carrying values which approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets. Financial liabilities with carrying values approximating fair value due to short-term maturities include accounts payable, accrued and other liabilities, advance billings, and deferred acquisition consideration. Bank debt and long-term debt are variable rate debt, the carrying value of which approximates fair value. The Companys convertible debt and note payable are fixed rate debt instruments, the carrying values of which approximates fair value. The fair value of financial commitments, guarantees and letters of credit, are based on the stated value of the underlying instruments. Guarantees have been issued in conjunction with the disposition of businesses in 2001 and 2003 and letters of credit have been issued in the normal course of business.
As of December 31, the gross and net amounts of acquired intangible assets were as follows:
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Goodwill: |
||||||||
Beginning of the year | $ | 203,693 | $ | 195,026 | ||||
Acquired goodwill | 14,383 | 15,838 | ||||||
Reduction for disposition | (175 | ) | (1,037 | ) | ||||
Goodwill impairment discontinued operations | (4,475 | ) | (5,984 | ) | ||||
Foreign currency translation | 4,300 | (150 | ) | |||||
Balance end of the year | $ | 217,726 | $ | 203,693 | ||||
Intangibles: |
||||||||
Trademarks (indefinite lived) | $ | 17,780 | $ | 17,780 | ||||
Customer relationships gross | $ | 56,619 | $ | 41,455 | ||||
Less accumulated amortization | (28,703 | ) | (17,494 | ) | ||||
Customer relationships net | $ | 27,916 | $ | 23,961 | ||||
Other intangibles gross | $ | 23,581 | $ | 17,887 | ||||
Less accumulated amortization | (13,878 | ) | (10,695 | ) | ||||
Other intangibles net | $ | 9,703 | $ | 7,192 | ||||
Total intangible assets | $ | 97,980 | $ | 77,122 | ||||
Less accumulated amortization | (42,581 | ) | (28,189 | ) | ||||
Total intangible assets net | $ | 55,399 | $ | 48,933 |
During 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge relating to MFP. MFPs business operations have been discontinued as of December 31, 2007. In addition, the Company recognized losses in connection with an equity transaction of one of its consolidated subsidiaries in 2007 and another subsidiary in 2006 and reduced the carrying value of the goodwill related to the respective subsidiaries by $175 and $1,037, respectively.
The weighted average amortization periods for customer relationships and other intangible assets are 5 years and 5 years in total. The amortization expense of amortizable intangible assets for the year ended
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December 31, 2007, was $14,608 (2006 $10,787; 2005 $13,481) before tax and the estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding years before tax, per year is:
Year | Amortization | |||
2008 | $ | 14,797 | ||
2009 | $ | 9,427 | ||
2010 | $ | 4,940 | ||
2011 | $ | 4,219 | ||
2012 | $ | 2,552 |
The components of the Companys income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interests by taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, were:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Income (loss): |
||||||||||||
US | $ | 12,834 | $ | 13,024 | $ | 21,929 | ||||||
Non-US | (5,892 | ) | 1,920 | (6,334 | ) | |||||||
$ | 6,942 | $ | 14,944 | $ | 15,595 |
The provision (benefit) for income taxes by taxing jurisdiction for the years ended December 31, were:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Current tax provision |
||||||||||||
US federal | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||
US state and local | (343 | ) | 1,523 | 1,331 | ||||||||
Non-US | 710 | 740 | 1,883 | |||||||||
367 | 2,263 | 3,214 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax provision (benefit): |
||||||||||||
US federal | 3,145 | 5,550 | (1,477 | ) | ||||||||
US state and local | 867 | (844 | ) | 823 | ||||||||
Non-US | 1,241 | 151 | 688 | |||||||||
5,253 | 4,857 | 34 | ||||||||||
Income tax provision | $ | 5,620 | $ | 7,120 | $ | 3,248 |
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A reconciliation of income tax expense using the statutory Canadian federal and provincial income tax rate compared with actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, is as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest | $ | 6,942 | $ | 14,944 | $ | 15,595 | ||||||
Statutory income tax rate | 36.12 | % | 36.12 | % | 36.12 | % | ||||||
Tax expense using statutory income tax rate | 2,508 | 5,398 | 5,633 | |||||||||
Other taxes | 508 | 1,086 | 2,264 | |||||||||
Non-deductible stock-based compensation | 3,065 | 3,017 | 1,182 | |||||||||
Other non-deductible expense | 577 | 407 | 540 | |||||||||
Change to valuation allowance on items affecting taxable income | 6,870 | 3,038 | 943 | |||||||||
Minority interests | (7,428 | ) | (6,035 | ) | (7,655 | ) | ||||||
Other, net | (480 | ) | 209 | 341 | ||||||||
Income tax expense | $ | 5,620 | $ | 7,120 | $ | 3,248 | ||||||
Effective income tax rate | 80.9 | % | 47.6 | % | 20.8 | % |
See Note 10 for income taxes for discontinued operations.
Income taxes receivable were $579 and $263 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were included in accounts receivable on the balance sheet. Income taxes payable were $987 and $2,629 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and were included in accrued and other liabilities on the balance sheet. It is the Companys policy to classify interest and penalties arising in connection with the under payment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. For the years ended 2007, 2006 and 2005, income tax expense does not include any amounts for interest and penalties.
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The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, were as follows:
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets: |
||||||||
Capital assets and other | $ | 1,631 | $ | 1,891 | ||||
Net operating loss carry forwards | 65,077 | 61,472 | ||||||
Goodwill amortization | 252 | 1,281 | ||||||
Interest deductions | 8,383 | 7,492 | ||||||
Stock compensation | 461 | | ||||||
Unrealized foreign exchange | 2,548 | | ||||||
Capital loss carry forwards | 20,123 | 10,827 | ||||||
Accounting reserves | 3,033 | 4,416 | ||||||
Gross deferred tax asset | 101,508 | 87,379 | ||||||
Less: valuation allowance | (86,125 | ) | (65,790 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax assets | 15,383 | 21,589 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities: |
||||||||
Capital assets and other | (981 | ) | (3,192 | ) | ||||
Deferred finance charges | (609 | ) | (553 | ) | ||||
Goodwill amortization | (4,813 | ) | (5,744 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | (6,403 | ) | (9,489 | ) | ||||
Net deferred tax asset | $ | 8,980 | $ | 12,100 | ||||
Disclosed as: |
||||||||
Deferred tax assets | $ | 9,883 | 13,332 | |||||
Deferred tax liabilities | (903 | ) | (1,232 | ) | ||||
$ | 8,980 | $ | 12,100 |
Included in accrued and other liabilities at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is a deferred tax liability of $84 and $92, respectively. Included in other current assets at December 31, 2007 is a deferred tax asset of $707.
The Company has US federal net operating loss carry forwards of $37,469 and non-US net operating loss carry forwards of $134,386, these carry forwards expire in years 2008 through 2027. The Company also has total indefinite loss carry forwards of $136,017. These indefinite loss carry forwards consist of $24,221 relating to the US and $111,796 which are related to capital losses from the Canadian operations. In addition, the Company has net operating loss carry forwards for various state taxing jurisdictions of approximately $88,236.
The Company records a valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets when management believes it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Management considers factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, the character of the income tax asset; tax planning strategies, changes in tax laws and other factors. A change to these factors could impact the estimated valuation allowance and income tax expense.
The valuation allowance has been recorded to reduce our deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized, and is based upon the uncertainty of the realization of certain non-US and state deferred tax assets. The increase in the Companys valuation allowance charged to the statement of operations for each of the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $6,870, $3,038 and $943, respectively.
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Deferred taxes are not provided for temporary differences representing earnings of non-Canadian subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested. The potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not material.
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of FIN48. We have classified certain liabilities as unrecognized tax benefits as well as any applicable penalties and interest.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
Total | ||||
Balance at January 1, 2007 | $ | 617 | ||
Increases related to current year tax positions | | |||
Expiration of statute of limitations for the assessment of taxes | | |||
Balance at December 31, 2007 | $ | 617 |
We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.
In March 2007, due to continued operating and client losses, the Company ceased Margeotes Fertitta Powell, LLC (MFP) current operations and spun off a new operating business and as a result incurred a goodwill impairment charge of $4,475, in 2007. The Company also recorded an impairment charge relating to MFP of $6,306 in 2006. After reviewing the 2008 projections of the new operating business the Company decided to cease the operations of the new operating business as well. As a result, the Company has classified these operations as discontinued. In addition, an additional intangible relating to an employment contract of $629 was deemed impaired and written off. The results of operations of MFP and the new operating business, net of income tax benefits, was a loss of $7,123 in 2007, a loss of $5,986 in 2006 and a loss of $624 in 2005.
In December 2007, due to continued operating losses and the lack of new business wins the Company ceased Banjo Strategic Entertainment, LLC (Banjo) operations. The results of operations of Banjo, net of income tax benefits, was a loss of $154 in 2007, a loss of $114 in 2006 and a loss of $621 in 2005. MFP and Banjo had been previously included in the Companys specialized communication services segment.
In June 2006, the Companys Board of Directors made the decision to sell or otherwise divest the Companys Secure Paper Businesses and Secure Card Businesses (collectively, Secured Products International or SPI).
On November 14, 2006, the Company completed its sale of SPI, resulting in net proceeds of $27,000. Consideration was received in the form of cash of $20,000 and five additional annual payments of $1,000. In addition, the Company received a 7.5% equity interest in the newly formed entity acquiring SPI. The Company has recorded the present value of the five additional payments of $3,724 as Other Assets. Also included in Other Assets is the estimated value of the 7.5% equity interest received of $1,924. During 2006, the Company had previously recorded an impairment charge of $19,498 relating to SPIs long lived assets to adjust them to fair market value. The sale of SPI has resulted in a gain of $2,856 ($1,824, net of taxes). The results of operations of SPI for 2006 was a loss of $21,569. During 2005, the results of operations of SPI was income of $561.
Based on the net proceeds and average borrowing rate for each period, the Company has allocated interest expense to discontinued operations of $1,393 and $1,096 for the years ended 2006 and 2005, respectively.
During July 2005, LifeMed Media, Inc., (LifeMed) a variable interest entity whose operations had been consolidated by the Company, completed a private placement issuing approximately 12.5 million shares at a price of $0.4973 per share. LifeMed received net proceeds of approximately $6,200. Consequently, the
65
Companys ownership interest in LifeMed was reduced to 18.3% from this transaction. As a result of the equity transaction of LifeMed, the Company recorded a gain of $1,300. This gain represents the Companys reversal of a liability related to funding obligations that the Company is no longer obligated to fund. The Company no longer has any significant continuing involvement in the management or operations of LifeMed, and has not participated in the purchase of significant new equity offerings of LifeMed. Consequently, as of July 2005, the Company no longer consolidates the operations of LifeMed, commenced accounting for its remaining investment in LifeMed on a cost basis, and has reported the results of operations of LifeMed as discontinued operations for all periods presented. During 2005, LifeMed had income of $147. In February 2006, the Company sold 27% of its remaining ownership in LifeMed as partial settlement of a put obligation.
In November 2004, the Companys management reached a decision to discontinue the operations of a component of its business. This component is comprised of the Companys UK based marketing communications business, a wholly owned subsidiary Mr. Smith Agency, Ltd. (formerly known as Interfocus Networks Limited). The Company decided to dispose of the operations of this business due to its unfavorable economics. Substantially all of the net assets of the discontinued business were sold during the fourth quarter of 2004 with the disposition of all activities of Mr. Smith and remaining sale of assets was substantially complete by the end of the first quarter of 2005. No significant one-time termination benefits were incurred or are expected to be incurred. No further significant other charges are expected to be incurred. During 2005, Mr. Smith had income of $426.
Included in discontinued operations in the Companys consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31 were the following:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 3,491 | $ | 78,869 | $ | 96,577 | ||||||
Impairment charge | 5,104 | 25,804 | 473 | |||||||||
Operating loss | $ | (9,683 | ) | $ | (28,407 | ) | $ | (829 | ) | |||
Other income (expense) | (772 | ) | 625 | (1,138 | ) | |||||||
Income tax recovery | 3,178 | 2,959 | 1,201 | |||||||||
Minority interest recovery | | 7 | 655 | |||||||||
Net loss from discontinued operations | $ | (7,277 | ) | $ | (24,816 | ) | $ | (111 | ) |
The statutory income tax rate differs from the effective rate for 2006 due to the operating loss of SPI, which had a valuation allowance recorded against that amount. The 2005 effective rate was different from the statutory rate due to losses from certain Canadian entities in SPI which had a valuation allowance recorded against those amounts.
Total comprehensive income (loss) and its components for the years ended December 31, were:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Net loss for the year | $ | (26,355 | ) | $ | (33,539 | ) | $ | (7,949 | ) | |||
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment | 5,587 | (2,210 | ) | (181 | ) | |||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) for the year | $ | (20,768 | ) | $ | (35,749 | ) | $ | (8,130 | ) |
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At December 31, the Companys indebtedness was comprised as follows:
2007 | 2006 | |||||||
Short term debt | $ | | $ | 4,910 | ||||
Revolving credit facility | 1,901 | 45,000 | ||||||
8% convertible debentures | 45,395 | 38,613 | ||||||
Term loans | 111,500 | | ||||||
Note payable and other bank loans | 3,285 | 5,206 | ||||||
162,081 | 93,729 | |||||||
Obligations under capital leases | 2,673 | 1,725 | ||||||
164,754 | 95,454 | |||||||
Less: |
||||||||
Short term debt | | 4,910 | ||||||
Revolving credit facility | | 45,000 | ||||||
Current portion | 1,796 | 1,177 | ||||||
$ | 162,958 | $ | 44,367 |
Interest expense related to long-term debt for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was $11,342, $9,025 and $6,472, respectively.
The amortization of deferred finance costs included in interest expense were $2,330, $2,213 and $1,305 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.
Short term debt represents the swing line under the revolving credit facility and outstanding checks at the end of the reporting period.
On June 18, 2007, MDC Partners Inc. (the Company) and its material subsidiaries entered into a new $185,000 senior secured financing agreement (the Financing Agreement) with Fortress Credit, an affiliate of Fortress Investment Group, as collateral agent and Wells Fargo Bank, as administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders. This facility replaced the Companys existing $96,500 credit facility that was originally expected to mature on September 21, 2007. Proceeds from the Financing Agreement were used to repay in full the outstanding balances on the Company's existing credit facility. All of these repaid credit facilities have been terminated.
The new Financing Agreement consists of a $55,000 revolving credit facility, a $60,000 term loan and a $70,000 delayed draw term loan. Borrowings under the Financing Agreement will bear interest as follows: (a) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at applicable interbank rates and Reference Rate Loans bear interest at the rate of interest publicly announced by the Reference Bank in New York, New York, plus (b) a percentage spread ranging from 0% to a maximum of 4.75% depending on the type of loan and the Companys Senior Leverage Ratio. In addition, the Company is required to pay a facility fee of 50 basis points. At December 31, 2007, the weighted average interest rate was 9.22%.
At December 31, 2007, $64,624 remains available under the Financing Agreement to support the Companys future cash requirements. The new Financing Agreement is guaranteed by the material subsidiaries of the Company and matures on June 17, 2012. The Financing Agreement is subject to various covenants, including a senior leverage ratio, fixed charges ratio, limitations on debt incurrence, limitation on liens and limitation on dividends and other payments.
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The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its Financing Agreement, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with covenants over the next twelve months.
On June 28, 2005, the Company completed an offering in Canada of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures amounting to $36,723 (C$45,000) (the Debentures). The Debentures will mature on June 30, 2010. The Debentures will bear interest at an annual rate of 8.00% payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing December 31, 2005. Unless an event of default has occurred and is continuing, the Company may elect, from time to time, subject to applicable regulatory approval, to issue and deliver Class A subordinate voting shares to the Debenture trustee in order to raise funds to satisfy all or any part of the Companys obligations to pay interest on the Debentures in accordance with the indenture in which holders of the Debentures will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the interest payable from the proceeds of the sale of such Class A subordinate voting shares by the Debenture trustee.
The Debentures are convertible at the holders option into fully-paid, non-assessable and freely tradeable Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company, at any time prior to maturity or redemption, subject to the restrictions on transfer, at a conversion price of $14.12 (C$14.00) per Class A subordinate voting share being a ratio of approximately 71.4286 Class A subordinate voting shares per $1,009.00 (C$1,000.00) principal amount of Debentures.
The Debentures may not be redeemed by the Company on or before June 30, 2008. Thereafter, but prior to June 30, 2009, the Debentures may be redeemed, in whole or in part from time to time, at a price equal to the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that the volume weighted average trading price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange during a specified period is not less than 125% of the conversion price. From July 1, 2009 until the maturity of the Debentures the Debentures may be redeemed by the Company at a price equal to the principal amount of the Debenture plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. The Company may elect to satisfy the redemption consideration, in whole or in part, by issuing Class A subordinate voting shares of the Company to the holders, the number of which will be determined by dividing the principal amount of the Debenture by 95% of the current market price of the Class A subordinate voting shares on the redemption date. Upon the occurrence of a change of control of the Company involving the acquisition of voting control or direction over 50% or more of the outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares prior to June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof plus an amount equal to the interest payments not yet received on the Debentures calculated from the date of the change of control to June 30, 2008, discounted at a specified rate. Upon the occurrence of a change of control on or after June 30, 2008, the Company shall be required to make an offer to purchase all of the then outstanding Debentures at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Debentures plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.
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Future principal repayments, including capital lease obligations, for the years ended December 31, and in aggregate are as follows:
Period | Amount | |||
2008 | $ | 1,796 | ||
2009 | 1,404 | |||
2010 | 46,611 | |||
2011 | 928 | |||
2012 | 114,015 | |||
$ | 164,754 |
Future minimum capital lease payments for the years ended December 31 and in aggregate are as follows:
Period | Amount | |||
2008 | $ | 1,075 | ||
2009 | 906 | |||
2010 | 666 | |||
2011 | 340 | |||
2012 | 14 | |||
2013 and thereafter | | |||
3,001 | ||||
Less: imputed interest | (328 | ) | ||
2,673 | ||||
Less: current portion | (911 | ) | ||
$ | 1,762 |
The authorized share capital of the Company is as follows:
(a) Authorized Share Capital
Class A Shares
An unlimited number, subordinate voting shares, carrying one vote each, entitled to dividends equal to or greater than Class B shares, convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B share for each Class A share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B shares.
Class B Shares
An unlimited number, carrying 20 votes each, convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one Class A share for each Class B share.
Preference Shares
An unlimited number, non-voting, issuable in series.
The Company has not paid dividends on any class of shares during the three years ended December 31, 2007.
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(b) 2007 Share Capital Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2007, Class A share capital increased by $23,260, as the Company issued 1,096,491 shares related to business acquisitions and 1,215,916 shares related to the exercise of stock options, vested restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.
Additional paid-in capital increased by $527, of which $9,088 related to an increase from stock-based compensation that was expensed during 2007 partially offset by $8,479 related to the exercise of stock appreciation right awards, stock options and vested restricted stock and $82 related to the resolution of a contingency based on the Companys share price relating to a previous acquisition.
(c) 2006 Share Capital Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2006, Class A share capital increased by $6,188, as the Company issued 345,305 shares related to business acquisitions and 130,244 shares related to the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights. In addition, during 2006, 10,358 Class A Shares were issued in connection with the 2003 privatization of Maxxcom. As of December 31, 2006, 30,954 Class A Shares remain to be issued upon the presentation of the Maxxcom shares which, based on the privatization of this subsidiary in 2003, were exchanged into the Companys Class A shares. Certain option prices have been retroactively corrected to comply with provisions in the option plan. As a result, the Company has recorded a stock subscription receivable of $674, included in shareholders equity.
(d) 2005 Share Capital Transactions
During the year ended December 31, 2005, Class A share capital increased by $14,825, as the Company issued 1,494,486 shares related to business acquisitions and 5,258 shares related to the exercise of stock options.
(e) Employee Stock Incentive Plan
On May 26, 2005, the Companys shareholders approved the Companys 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Incentive Plan). The 2005 Incentive Plan authorizes the issuance of awards to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company with respect to 2,000,000 shares of MDC Partners Class A Subordinate Voting Shares or any other security in to which such shares shall be exchanged. On June 1, 2007, the Companys shareholders approved an additional 1,000,000 authorized Class A Shares to be added to the 2005 Incentive Plan for a total of 3,000,000 authorized Class A Shares. As of December 31, 2007, the Company has granted 200,000 Director options, (of which 65,000 were forfeited) which option grants were for a ten-year term and vests over five (5) years from the grant date under this plan.
70
The following table summarizes information about time based and financial performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2005 Incentive Plan:
Performance Based Awards | Time Based Awards | |||||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value |
|||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2005 | | | | | ||||||||||||
Granted | 737,500 | $ | 8.56 | 59,000 | $ | 8.78 | ||||||||||
Forfeited | (7,500 | ) | 8.55 | | | |||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 | 730,000 | 8.56 | 59,000 | 8.78 | ||||||||||||
Granted | 553,729 | 7.80 | 439,149 | 9.87 | ||||||||||||
Vested | (367,500 | ) | 8.56 | | | |||||||||||
Forfeited | (2,500 | ) | 8.55 | (16,000 | ) | 8.54 | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 | 913,729 | $ | 8.10 | 482,149 | $ | 9.78 |
The total fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards, which vested during the year ended December 31, 2007, was $2,841. In connection with the vesting of these awards, the Company realized a tax benefit of $340. At December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual life for performance based awards is 1.3 years and for time based awards is 1.9 years. At December 31 2007, the fair value of all restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards is $13,596. The term of these awards is three years with vesting up to three years. At December 31, 2007, the unrecognized compensation expense for performance based awards was $3,032 and time based awards was $4,193. At December 31, 2007, there are 1,111,622 awards available to grant.
The Companys Board of Directors adopted the 2005 Incentive Plan as a replacement for MDC Partners Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (the Prior 2003 Plan). Following approval of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Company ceased making awards under the Prior 2003 Plan.
Prior to adoption of the 2005 Incentive Plan, the Companys Prior 2003 Plan provided for grants of up to 1,890,786 options to employees, officers, directors and consultants of the Company. All the options granted were for a term of five years from the date of the grant and vest 20% on the date of grant and a further 20% on each anniversary date. In addition, the Company granted 534,960 options, on the privatization of Maxxcom, with a term of no more than 10 years from initial date of grant by Maxxcom and vest 20% in each of the first two years with the balance vesting on the third anniversary of the initial grant.
71
Information related to share option transactions grant under all plans over the past three years is summarized as follows:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | Non Vested Options | ||||||||||||||||||
Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2004 | 1,884,615 | $ | 6.78 | 979,900 | $ | 6.65 | ||||||||||||||
Granted | 25,000 | 6.89 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (5,258 | ) | 5.87 | |||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (111,153 | ) | 10.29 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2005 | 1,793,204 | 6.79 | 1,241,773 | 6.41 | 551,431 | |||||||||||||||
Vested | | | (304,407 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Granted | 125,000 | 8.95 | 125,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (30,400 | ) | 4.92 | | ||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (154,724 | ) | 7.96 | (8,000 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2006 | 1,733,080 | 8.57 | 1,369,056 | 8.25 | 364,024 | |||||||||||||||
Vested | | | | | (207,009 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Granted | 50,000 | 8.48 | 50,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (592,000 | ) | 7.59 | | ||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (216,052 | ) | 9.08 | (83,203 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 975,028 | $ | 11.14 | 851,216 | $ | 11.31 | 123,812 |
At December 31, 2007, the intrinsic value of vested options was $198 and the intrinsic value of all options was $261. For options exercised during 2007, the Company received cash proceeds of $4,689. The Company did not receive any windfall tax benefits. The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007 was $1,550. At December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was 1.7 years and for all vested options was 1.2 years. At December 31, 2007, the unrecognized compensation expense of all options was $515 and will be recognized over the next 2.4 years.
For options exercised during 2006, the Company received cash proceeds of $146. The Company did not receive any windfall tax benefits. The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2006 was $119.
Share options outstanding as of December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:
Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices | Outstanding Number |
Weighted Average Contractual Life |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Exercisable Number | Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Weighted Average Contractual Life |
||||||||||||||||||
$5.30 $7.94 | 8,982 | 4.56 | $ | 6.81 | 8,982 | $ | 6.81 | 4.56 | ||||||||||||||||
$7.95 $9.27 | 193,830 | 3.87 | $ | 8.53 | 143,830 | $ | 8.55 | 1.89 | ||||||||||||||||
$9.28 $10.75 | 535,400 | 0.90 | $ | 10.61 | 475,400 | $ | 10.70 | 0.59 | ||||||||||||||||
$10.76 $15.84 | 230,148 | 1.65 | $ | 14.17 | 217,289 | $ | 14.08 | 1.68 | ||||||||||||||||
$15.85 $56.93 | 6,668 | 3.75 | $ | 30.71 | 5,715 | $ | 32.46 | 4.17 |
72
(f) Stock Appreciation Rights
During 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a stock appreciation rights (SARs) compensation program for senior officers and directors of the Company. SARSs granted prior to 2006 have a term of four years, for SARs granted in 2006 and after they have a term of up to 10 years and all awards vest one-third on each anniversary date.
SARs granted and outstanding are as follows:
SARs Outstanding | SARs Exercisable | Non Vested SARs | ||||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Number Outstanding |
Price Per Share |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2004 | 1,940,479 | $ | 7.02 | 548,493 | $ | 6.21 | ||||||||||||||
Granted | 285,000 | 9.87 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercised | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (5,000 ) | 7.81 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2005 | 2,220,479 | 7.58 | 1,211,986 | 6.91 | 1,008,493 | |||||||||||||||
Vested | | | (728,438 ) | |||||||||||||||||
Granted | 40,000 | 8.09 | 40,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (215,000 ) | 4.42 | | |||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (35,166 ) | 8.52 | (10,055 ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 | 2,010,313 | 7.91 | 1,700,313 | 7.48 | 310,000 | |||||||||||||||
Vested | | | (206,666 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Granted | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Exercised | (1,364,866 | ) | 6.84 | | ||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (30,447 | ) | 8.68 | | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 | 615,000 | $ | 11.33 | 511,666 | $ | 11.72 | 103,334 |
SARs outstanding as at December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:
At December 31, 2007, the aggregate amount of shares to be issued on vested SARs was 4,971 shares with an intrinsic value of $48 and for all outstanding SARs, the aggregate amount of shares to be issued was 10,647 with an intrinsic value of $104. During 2007, the aggregate value of SARs exercised was $2,909. The Company did not receive any windfall tax benefits. At December 31, 2007, the weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding SARs was 1.5 years and for all vested SARs was 1.1 years. At December 31, 2007, the unrecognized compensation expense of all SARs was $93 and will be recognized over the next 1.3 years. During 2006, the aggregate value of SARs exercised was $813. The Company did not receive any windfall tax benefits.
SARs Outstanding | SARs Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices | Outstanding Number |
Weighted Average Contractual Life |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Exercisable Number |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Weighted Average Contractual Life |
||||||||||||||||||
$7.80 | 30,000 | 8.92 | $ | 7.80 | 9,999 | $ | 7.80 | 8.92 | ||||||||||||||||
$7.81 $10.00 | 230,000 | 1.99 | $ | 9.71 | 151,667 | $ | 9.72 | 1.92 | ||||||||||||||||
$10.01 $16.14 | 355,000 | 0.57 | $ | 12.68 | 350,000 | $ | 12.70 | 0.56 |
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(g) Restricted Stock Units
During the year ended December 31, 2004, the Company issued 50,000 restricted stock units of which 16,500 vest on each of the first and second anniversary dates with the remaining 17,000 vesting on September 6, 2007.
In 2007, 2006 and 2005, the recipient of these shares of restricted stock exercised his contractual right to receive a cash payment of $185, $127 and $121, respectively, in lieu of the 17,000 shares of restricted stock that vested in 2007, 16,500 shares of restricted stock that vested in 2006 and 2005, and as a result the underlying shares of restricted stock in each year were cancelled.
(h) Warrants
The Company measures the fair value of warrants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model on the date of grant.
Warrants outstanding as at December 31, 2007 are summarized as follows:
Warrants Outstanding | Warrants Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise Prices | Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Contractual Life |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Exercisable Number |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
|||||||||||||||
$13.66 15.34 | 102,426 | 1.13 | $ | 14.89 | 87,409 | $ | 14.82 | |||||||||||||
$15.35 $17.95 | 466,394 | 1.09 | $ | 16.12 | 448,394 | $ | 16.04 | |||||||||||||
$17.96 $19.71 | 160,087 | 1.17 | $ | 19.43 | 145,070 | $ | 19.46 |
Information related to warrant transactions over the past three years is summarized as follows:
Warrants Outstanding | Warrants Exercisable | Non Vested Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||
Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
Number Outstanding |
Weighted Average Price Per Share |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance December 31, 2004 | 1,020,672 | $ | 13.10 | 648,159 | $ | 12.20 | ||||||||||||||
Granted | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (30,000 ) | 13.54 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2005 | 990,672 | 13.53 | 768,168 | 13.06 | ||||||||||||||||
Vested | | | 222,504 | |||||||||||||||||
Granted | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (257,146 ) | 11.62 | (92,843 ) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2006 | 733,526 | 14.20 | 603,685 | 14.02 | 129,661 | |||||||||||||||
Vested | | | (81,627 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Granted | | | | |||||||||||||||||
Expired and cancelled | (4,619 | ) | 17.96 | | ||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2007 | 728,907 | $ | 16.67 | 680,873 | $ | 16.61 | 48,034 |
At December 31, 2007, there was no intrinsic value of vested warrants and outstanding warrants.
The Company has reserved a total of 5,259,330 Class A shares in order to meet its obligations under various conversion rights, warrants and employee share related plans. At December 31, 2007 there were 1,111,622 shares available for future option and similar grants.
74
The gain on sale of assets and other for the years ended December 31 were as follows:
2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||
Other income | $ | 117 | $ | 101 | $ | 100 | ||||||
Dividend income(b) | 820 | | ||||||||||
Gain (loss) on disposition of assets(a) | 1,709 | 617 | (200 | ) | ||||||||
Gain (loss) on equity transactions of affiliates | | (626 | ) | 39 | ||||||||
Gain on sale of cross currency swap | | 192 | | |||||||||
Gain on recovery of investment | 419 | 962 | 790 | |||||||||
$ | 3,065 | $ | 1,246 | $ | 729 |
(a) | The gain on the dispositions of assets in 2007 primarily relates to the sale of the plane that was acquired in connection with the Zyman acquisition for consideration equal to $6,368. In connection with the sale, the Company repaid the loan relating to the plane in an amount equal to $5,001 and recorded a gain on the sale of $1,846. |
(b) | The Company received a dividend payment of $820 from the purchaser of the Secured Products International Group. |
The Company reports in three segments plus corporate. The segments are as follows:
| The Strategic Marketing Services (SMS) segment includes Crispin Porter & Bogusky, kirshenbaum bond + partners, Zyman Group LLC among others. This segment consists of integrated marketing consulting services firms that offer a full complement of marketing consulting services including advertising and media, marketing communications including direct marketing, public relations, corporate communications, market research, corporate identity and branding, interactive marketing and sales promotion. Each of the entities within SMS share similar economic characteristics, specifically related to the nature of their respective services, the manner in which the services are provided and the similarity of their respective customers. Due to the similarities in these businesses, they exhibit similar long term financial performance and have been aggregated together. |
| The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) segment provides marketing services that interface directly with the consumer of a clients product or service. These services include the design, development and implementation of a complete customer service and direct marketing initiative intended to acquire, retain and develop a clients customer base. This is accomplished using several domestic and a foreign-based customer contact facilities. |
| The Specialized Communication Services (SCS) segment includes all of the Companys other marketing services firms that are normally engaged to provide a single or a few specific marketing services to regional, national and global clients. These firms provide niche solutions by providing world class expertise in select marketing services. |
The significant accounting polices of these segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies included in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
The SCS segment is an Other segment pursuant SFAS 131 Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.
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For the Year Ended December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services | Customer Relationship Management | Specialized Communication Services | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 313,813 | $ | 112,958 | $ | 120,548 | $ | | $ | 547,319 | ||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 186,993 | 81,826 | 83,032 | | 351,851 | |||||||||||||||
Office and general expenses | 76,884 | 21,306 | 22,868 | 22,149 | 143,207 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 20,321 | 6,488 | 2,180 | 257 | 29,246 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 29,615 | $ | 3,338 | $ | 12,468 | $ | (22,406 | ) | $ | 23,015 | |||||||||
Other Income (Expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 3,065 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange loss | (7,192 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (11,946 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest | 6,942 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 5,620 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 1,322 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates | 165 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | $ | (15,663 | ) | $ | (122 | ) | $ | (4,780 | ) | $ | | $ | (20,565 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (19,078 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations | (7,277 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net Loss | $ | (26,355 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 5,194 | $ | 91 | $ | 489 | $ | 4,443 | $ | 10,217 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 9,025 | $ | 7,936 | $ | 2,901 | $ | 210 | $ | 20,072 | ||||||||||
Goodwill intangibles | $ | 200,408 | $ | 29,257 | $ | 43,460 | $ | | $ | 273,125 | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 329,169 | $ | 73,133 | $ | 109,321 | $ | 9,075 | $ | 520,698 |
76
Summary financial information concerning the Companys operating segments is shown in the following tables:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2006 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services | Customer Relationship Management | Specialized Communication Services | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 241,481 | $ | 84,917 | $ | 85,809 | $ | | $ | 412,207 | ||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 118,018 | 61,419 | 57,479 | | 236,916 | |||||||||||||||
Office and general expenses | 71,589 | 16,531 | 15,165 | 24,062 | 127,347 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 17,567 | 5,003 | 1,308 | 284 | 24,162 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 34,307 | 1,964 | $ | 11,857 | $ | (24,346 | ) | $ | 23,782 | ||||||||||
Other Income (Expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 1,246 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | 614 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (10,698 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest |
14,944 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 7,120 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 7,824 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates | 168 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | $ | (13,077 | ) | $ | (73 | ) | $ | (3,565 | ) | $ | | $ | (16,715 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (8,723 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(24,816 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (33,539 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 1,010 | $ | 24 | $ | 2,339 | $ | 4,988 | $ | 8,361 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 9,165 | $ | 11,646 | $ | 1,210 | $ | 377 | $ | 22,398 | ||||||||||
Goodwill and intangibles | $ | 185,033 | $ | 37,823 | $ | 29,770 | $ | | $ | 252,626 | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 297,636 | $ | 63,577 | $ | 93,838 | $ | 38,450 | $ | 493,501 |
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For the Year Ended December 31, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Strategic Marketing Services | Customer Relationship Management | Specialized Communication Services | Corporate | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 203,944 | $ | 67,240 | $ | 78,640 | $ | | $ | 349,824 | ||||||||||
Cost of services sold | 97,316 | 51,913 | 52,204 | | 201,433 | |||||||||||||||
Office and general expenses | 54,810 | 10,427 | 13,068 | 25,138 | 103,443 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 17,892 | 3,578 | 804 | 362 | 22,636 | |||||||||||||||
Operating Profit (Loss) | $ | 33,926 | $ | 1,322 | $ | 12,564 | $ | (25,500 | ) | $ | 22,312 | |||||||||
Other Income (Expense): |
||||||||||||||||||||
Other income, net | 729 | |||||||||||||||||||
Foreign exchange gain | 80 | |||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net | (7,526 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in affiliates and minority interest |
15,595 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income taxes | 3,248 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before equity in affiliates and minority interests | 12,347 | |||||||||||||||||||
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates | 1,402 | |||||||||||||||||||
Minority interests in income of consolidated subsidiaries | $ | (18,205 | ) | $ | (84 | ) | $ | (3,298 | ) | $ | | $ | (21,587 | ) | ||||||
Loss from continuing operations | (7,838 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Loss from discontinued operations |
(111 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (7,949 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 519 | $ | 81 | $ | | $ | 2,672 | $ | 3,272 | ||||||||||
Capital expenditures | $ | 5,762 | $ | 4,028 | $ | 636 | $ | 286 | $ | 10,712 | ||||||||||
Goodwill and intangibles | $ | 187,977 | $ | 28,761 | $ | 35,366 | $ | 61 | $ | 252,165 | ||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 289,011 | $ | 50,362 | $ | 91,914 | $ | 76,028 | $ | 507,315 |
78
A summary of the Companys long-lived assets, comprised of fixed assets, goodwill and intangibles, net, as at December 31, is set forth in the following table.
United States | Canada | Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Long-lived Assets |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | 40,808 | $ | 5,196 | $ | 1,437 | $ | 47,441 | ||||||||
2006 | $ | 38,933 | $ | 3,871 | $ | 1,621 | $ | 44,425 | ||||||||
Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | 241,410 | $ | 31,715 | $ | | $ | 273,125 | ||||||||
2006 | $ | 228,065 | $ | 24,561 | $ | | $ | 252,626 |
A summary of the Companys revenue as at December 31 is set forth in the following table.
United States | Canada | Other | Total | |||||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | 439,495 | $ | 94,401 | $ | 13,423 | $ | 547,319 | ||||||||
2006 | $ | 345,310 | $ | 58,927 | $ | 7,970 | $ | 412,207 | ||||||||
2005 | $ | 290,493 | $ | 51,880 | $ | 7,451 | $ | 349,824 |
(a) | The Company incurred fees and paid incentive awards totaling $2,471, $2,394 and $2,375 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, relating to companies controlled by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company in respect of services rendered pursuant to a management services agreement and incentive plans. |
On April 27, 2007, the Company entered into a new Management Services Agreement (the Services Agreement) with Miles Nadal and with Nadal Management, Inc. to set forth the terms and conditions on which Mr. Nadal will continue to provide services to the Company as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Nadals prior services agreement with the Company was scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007, subject to two-year annual renewals. If the Company were not going to enter into a new agreement with Mr. Nadal and did not intend to allow the prior agreement to renew, it would have been required to give Mr. Nadal notice of such non-renewal by April 30, 2007.
The Services Agreement has a three-year term with automatic one-year extensions. Pursuant to the Agreement, the base compensation for Mr. Nadals services will continue through 2007 at the current rate of $950, with annual increases of $25 in each of 2008 and 2009. The Services Agreement also provides for an annual bonus with a targeted payout of up to 250% of the base compensation. The Company will also make an annual cash payment of $500 in respect of retirement benefits, employee health benefits and perquisites. In addition, in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the Company may grant equity incentives with a targeted grant-date value of up to 300% of the then current base retainer.
As an incentive to enter into the Services Agreement, the Company paid a one-time non-renewal fee of $3,500 upon execution of the Services Agreement, which has been expensed during the second quarter of 2007. Mr. Nadal used a portion of the proceeds to repay to the Company the $2,677 (C$3,000) note receivable due on November 1, 2007 from Nadal Management, Inc. In addition during 2007, in accordance with this new agreement Mr. Nadal repaid an additional $458 of loans due to the Company.
(b) | In 2000, the Company agreed to provide to its CEO, Miles S. Nadal a bonus of C$10,000 ($10,088) in the event that the average market price of the Companys Class A subordinate voting shares is C$30 ($30) per share or more for more than 20 consecutive trading days (measured as of the close of trading |
79
on each applicable date). This bonus is payable until the date that is three years after the date on which Mr. Nadal is no longer employed by the Company for any reason. The after-tax proceeds of such bonus are to be applied first as repayment of any outstanding loans due to the Company from this officer and his related companies in the amount of C$6,351 ($6,407), as at December 31, 2007, which has been reserved for in the Companys accounts. These loans have no stated maturity date. |
(c) | In 2000, the Company purchased 1,600,000 shares in Trapeze Media Limited (Trapeze) for $215. At the same time, the Companys CEO purchased 4,280,000 shares of Trapeze for $576, the Companys former Chief Financial Officer and a Managing Director of the Company each purchased 50,000 Trapeze shares for $7 and a Board Member of the Company purchased 75,000 shares of Trapeze for $10. In 2001, the Company purchased an additional 1,250,000 shares for $161, and the Companys CEO purchased 500,000 shares for $64. In 2002, the Companys CEO purchased 3,691,930 shares of Trapeze for $470. All of these purchases were made at identical prices (i.e., C$.20/share). In 2003, the Company and the CEO exchanged their units in Trapeze for non-voting shares and entered into a voting trust agreement. |
During 2007, 2006 and 2005, Trapeze provided services to certain subsidiaries, the total amount of such services provided were $0.4 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
(d) | A subsidiary of the Company charged fees of $33, $149 and $147 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively, to a trust of which an officer of the Company is a trustee. |
Deferred Acquisition Consideration. In addition to the consideration paid by the Company in respect of certain of its acquisitions at closing, additional consideration may be payable, or may be potentially payable based on the achievement of certain threshold levels of earnings. See Note 4.
Put Options. Owners of interests in certain subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire the remaining ownership interests held by them. The owners ability to exercise any such put right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during the period 2008 to 2015. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.
The amount payable by the Company in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.
Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at December 31, 2007, perform over the relevant future periods at their 2007 earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, in future periods, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $69,753 to the owners of such rights to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $11,876 by the issuance of share capital. In addition, the Company is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $8,484 only upon termination of such owners employment with the applicable subsidiary. The ultimate amount payable relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when and if these rights are exercised.
In January 2008, certain owners of Allard Johnson put to the Company 9.9% of their ownership in Allard Johnson for approximately $2,300 cash.
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Natural Disasters. Certain of the Companys operations are located in regions of the United States and Caribbean which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the year ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, these operations incurred costs of nil, nil and $128, respectively related to damages resulting from hurricanes.
Guarantees. In connection with certain dispositions of assets and/or businesses in 2001 and 2003, the Company has provided customary representations and warranties whose terms range in duration and may not be explicitly defined. The Company has also retained certain liabilities for events occurring prior to sale, relating to tax, environmental, litigation and other matters. Generally, the Company has indemnified the purchasers in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification guarantees typically extend for a number of years.
In connection with the sale of the Companys investment in CDI, the amounts of indemnification guarantees were limited to the total sale price of approximately $84,000. For the remainder, the Companys potential liability for these indemnifications are not subject to a limit as the underlying agreements do not always specify a maximum amount and the amounts are dependent upon the outcome of future contingent events.
Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred, and would recognize any such losses under any guarantees or indemnifications in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.
For guarantees and indemnifications entered into after January 1, 2003, in connection with the sale of the Companys investment in CDI, the Company has estimated the fair value of its liability, which was insignificant.
Legal Proceedings. The Companys operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
Commitments. The Company has commitments to fund $447 in an investment fund over a period of up to two years. At December 31, 2007, the Company has $6,975 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit.
Leases. The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities and equipment. Gross premises rental expense amounted to $16,990, for 2007, $15,762 for 2006 and $14,689 for 2005, which was reduced by sublease income of $124 in 2007, $779 in 2006 and $954 in 2005. Where leases contain escalation clauses or other concessions, the impact of such adjustments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the minimum lease period.
Minimum rental commitments for the rental of office and production premises and equipment under non-cancellable leases net of sublease income, some of which provide for rental adjustments due to increased property taxes and operating costs for 2007 and thereafter, are as follows:
Period | Amount | |||
2008 | $ | 17,293 | ||
2009 | 15,860 | |||
2010 | 14,690 | |||
2011 | 10,651 | |||
2012 | 9,386 | |||
2013 and thereafter | 26,238 | |||
$ | 94,118 |
At December 31, 2007, the total future cash to be received on sublease income is $3,740.
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In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. This Interpretation clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. This Interpretation is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier application permitted. The adoption of this interpretation did not have a material effect on its financial statements.
In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement is effective for all fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Earlier application is encouraged. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its financial statements.
In February 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement expands the use of fair value measurement and applies to entities that elect the fair value option. The fair value option established by this Statement permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its financial statements.
In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 141R Business Combination (SFAS 141R). This revised statement retains some fundamental concepts of the current standard, including the acquisition method of accounting (known as the purchase method in Statement 141) for all business combinations but SFAS 141R broadens the definitions of both businesses and business combinations, resulting in the acquisition method applying to more events and transactions. This statement also requires the acquirer to recognize the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, at the full amounts of their fair values. SFAS 141R will require both acquisition-related costs and restructuring costs to be recognized separately from the acquisition and be expensed as incurred. In addition, acquirers will record contingent consideration at fair value on the acquisition date as either a liability or equity. Subsequent changes in fair value will be recognized in the income statement for any contingent consideration recorded as a liability. SFAS 141R is to be applied prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Early application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its financial statements.
In December 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 160 Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements (SFAS 160). This statement amends ARB No. 51 Consolidated Financial Statements, to now require the classification of noncontrolling (minority) interests and dispositions of noncontrolling interests as equity within the consolidated financial statements. The income statement will now be required to show net income/loss with and without adjustments for noncontrolling interests. SFAS 160 is to be applied prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim periods within those years. However, this statement requires companies to apply the presentation and disclosure requirements retrospectively to comparative financial statements. Early application is prohibited. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this new statement on its financial statements.
In January 2008, the Company through its Zyman subsidiary acquired the net assets of two consulting firms. The Company paid an aggregate purchase price of $2,125, comprised of cash equal to $1,000 and the issuance of 126,478 Class A shares valued at $1,125. The principals of those consulting firms joined the Zyman Group as executive officers.
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In February 2008, the Company through its Bratskeir subsidiary acquired the net assets of Clifford Public Relations LLC, (Clifford). This acquisition will expand the locations and breath of services provided by Bratskeir. The purchase price of $2,300 was paid in cash equal to $2,050 and the issuance of 30,444 Class A shares, plus the issuance of 7.5% of the membership interests in the new Bratskeir/Clifford entity.
The following table sets forth a summary of the Companys consolidated unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts.
Quarters | ||||||||||||||||
First | Second | Third | Fourth | |||||||||||||
Revenue: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | 118,080 | $ | 134,497 | $ | 139,135 | $ | 155,607 | ||||||||
2006 | $ | 94,518 | $ | 97,556 | $ | 98,297 | $ | 121,836 | ||||||||
Cost of services sold: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | 76,963 | $ | 85,886 | $ | 90,468 | $ | 98,534 | ||||||||
2006 | $ | 57,005 | $ | 58,290 | $ | 55,092 | $ | 66,529 | ||||||||
Loss from continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | (4,968 | ) | $ | (929 | ) | $ | (6,060 | ) | $ | (7,121 | ) | ||||
2006 | $ | (4,196 | ) | $ | (253 | ) | $ | (2,369 | ) | $ | (1,905 | ) | ||||
Net loss: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | (8,797 | ) | $ | (2,601 | ) | $ | (6,773 | ) | $ | (8,184 | ) | ||||
2006 | $ | (5,133 | ) | $ | (10,503 | ) | $ | (12,909 | ) | $ | (4,994 | ) | ||||
Loss per common share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | ||||
2006 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | ||||
Net loss: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.27 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||
2006 | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.44 | ) | $ | (0.54 | ) | $ | (0.20 | ) | ||||
Diluted |
||||||||||||||||
Continuing operations: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | (0.20 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.28 | ) | ||||
2006 | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.08 | ) | ||||
Net loss: |
||||||||||||||||
2007 | $ | (0.36 | ) | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.27 | ) | $ | (0.31 | ) | ||||
2006 | $ | (0.22 | ) | $ | (0.44 | ) | $ | (0.54 | ) | $ | (0.20 | ) |
The above revenue, cost of services sold, and income (loss) from continuing operations have primarily been affected by acquisitions, divestitures and discontinued operations.
Historically, with some exceptions, the Companys fourth quarter generates the highest quarterly revenues in a year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.
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Loss from continuing operations and net loss have been affected as follows:
| The fourth quarter of 2007 includes a $2,603 non-cash stock based compensation charge relating to the KBP acquisition. See Note 4. |
| The fourth quarter of 2006 includes a one time reversal of a termination of a prior commitment of $1,980 and the elimination of potential liabilities of $1,251 relating to a change in estimate. |
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Not Applicable.
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be included in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the applicable time periods specified by the SECs rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), who is our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO, our CFO and our management Disclosure Committee, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Company has concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b) Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
We evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2007, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting based on these criteria.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, has been independently audited by BDO Seidman LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.
(c) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
(d) Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Shareholders
MDC Partners, Inc.
New York, New York
We have audited MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). MDC Partners, Inc. and subsidiaries management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Item 9A, Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
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We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, MDC Partners, Inc., and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the related consolidated statement of operations, shareholders equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and our report dated March 7, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
New York, New York
March 7, 2008
Not Applicable.
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Reference is made to the sections captioned Election of Directors, Information Concerning Nominees, Information Concerning Executive Officers, Audit Committee Financial Expert, Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act in our Proxy Statement for the 2008 Annual General Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the Commission within 120 days of the close of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, which sections are incorporated herein by reference.
The executive officers of MDC Partners as of March 6, 2008 are:
Name | Age | Office | ||
Miles S. Nadal(1) | 50 | Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Steven Pustil(1) | 64 | Vice Chairman | ||
David Doft | 36 | Chief Financial Officer | ||
Charles K. Porter | 63 | Chief Strategist | ||
Robert E. Dickson | 49 | Managing Director | ||
Mitchell S. Gendel | 42 | General Counsel & Corporate Secretary | ||
Graham L. Rosenberg | 45 | Managing Director | ||
Michael Sabatino | 43 | Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer | ||
Gavin Swartzman | 43 | Managing Director |
(1) | Also a director |
There is no family relationship among any of the executive officers.
Mr. Nadal was the founder of MDC and has held the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of MDC since 1986 and, until November 2005, the position of President of the Company. Mr. Nadal is active in supporting various business and community organizations including Mount Sinai Hospital, Junior Achievement of Canada, The Young Presidents Association and the Schulich School of Business.
Mr. Pustil has been a director of MDC since 1992, and Vice Chairman of MDC since 1992. Mr. Pustil is President of Penwest Development Corporation Ltd. a real estate development and construction firm that he established in 1972. Mr. Pustil is a chartered accountant and serves on the Board of Mount Sinai Hospital.
Mr. Doft joined MDC Partners in August 2007 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he oversaw media and Internet investments at Cobalt Capital Management Inc. from July 2005 to July 2007. Prior thereto, he worked at Level Global Investors from October 2003 to March 2005 investing in media and Internet companies. Before that, Mr. Doft was a sell side analyst for ten years predominately researching the advertising and marketing services sector for CIBC World Markets where he served as Executive Director and ABN AMRO/ING Barings Furman Selz where he was Managing Director.
Mr. Dickson has been a Managing Director of the Company since September 2003. Mr Dickson joined Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in November 2000 as Executive Vice President, Corporate Development. He is responsible for corporate development for MDC and its operating companies. Prior to joining Maxxcom, Mr. Dickson was a partner of Fraser Milner Casgrain, a Canadian business law firm, where he practiced law for 17 years. Mr. Dickson is a trustee of H&R Real Estate Investment Trust.
Mr. Gendel joined MDC Partners in November 2004 as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. from December 1999 until September 2004.
Mr. Porter has been the Chief Strategist of the Company since September of 2003. He is responsible for identifying future agency partnerships as well as strategic assistance for MDC and its operating companies. Mr. Porter is also the chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky, one of the top creative shops in the country. Mr.
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Porter served as a creative director and partner of Crispin Porter +Bogusky. Crispin Porter + Bogusky joined Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, in January 2001.
Mr. Rosenberg joined MDC in October 2002 as Executive Vice President and has been a Managing Director of the Company since July 2003. He is responsible for the corporate development of MDC and its operating companies. Prior to that, Mr. Rosenberg served as Executive Vice President of Maxxcom Inc., a subsidiary of MDC Partners, which he joined in November 2001. Before joining Maxxcom, Mr. Rosenberg was Executive Vice President of Amadeus Capital Corporation, a privately held investment firm which he joined in July 2001, after spending eight years as a Managing Partner at Clairvest Group Inc., a publicly traded merchant bank.
Mr. Sabatino joined MDC Partners on April 1, 2005 as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to joining MDC Partners, he was an audit partner with the accounting firm of Eisner LLP from April 2004. Prior to that, from December 2001 to March 2004, he was the Co-CFO/Senior Vice President Finance of JAKKs Pacific, Inc., a publicly-held toy company. Before that, Mr. Sabatino was an audit partner at BDO Seidman, LLP, a public accounting firm.
Mr. Swartzman has been a Managing Director of the Company since October 2004. He is responsible for corporate development and real estate for MDC and its operating companies. Mr. Swartzman served as an officer in a similar capacity for the Company from September 2002 until February 2003. Prior thereto, Mr. Swartzman joined Amadeus Capital Corporation in 2000 as Senior Vice President where he was responsible for various corporate development activities of that company and its affiliates, including serving as the Vice President, Corporate Development from February 2003 to October 2004 for First Asset Management Inc., a Toronto based asset management company. Prior thereto, he was Executive Vice President of Pet Valu International Inc., a retail chain.
Additional information about our directors and executive officers appears under the captions Election of Directors and Executive Compensation in our Proxy Statement.
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct, which applies to all directors, officers (including the Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) and employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Companys policy is to not permit any waiver of the Code of Conduct for any director or executive officer, except in extremely limited circumstances. Any waiver of this Code of Conduct for directors or officers of the Company must be approved by the Companys Board of Directors. Amendments to and waivers of the Code of Conduct will be publicly disclosed as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations. The Code of Conduct is available free of charge on the Companys website at http://www.mdc-partners.com, or by writing to MDC Partners Inc., 950 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022, Attention: Investor Relations.
Reference is made to the sections captioned Directors Compensation and Compensation of Executive Officers in our next Proxy Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to Part II Item 5 of this Form 10-K and to the sections captioned Common Share Ownership by Directors and Executive Officers and Principal Stockholders in the Companys next Proxy Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to the section captioned Certain Relationships and Related Transactions in our next Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Reference is made to the section captioned Independent Public Accountants in our next Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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Board of Directors and Shareholders MDC Partners Inc. New York, New York
The audits referred to in our report dated March 7, 2008 relating to the consolidated financial statements of MDC Partners Inc. and subsidiaries which is contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K also included the audits of the financial statement Schedule II for years ending 2006 and 2007. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statement schedule based upon our audits.
In our opinion such financial statement Schedule II when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
New York, New York
March 7, 2008
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(a) Financial Statements and Schedules
The Financial Statements and schedules listed in the accompanying index to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 are filed as part of this report. Schedules not included in the index have been omitted because they are not applicable.
Schedule II 1 of 2
Column A | Column B | Column C | Column D | Column E | Column F | |||||||||||||||
Description | Balance at Beginning of Period | Charged to Costs and Expenses | Removal of Uncollectable Receivables | Translation Adjustments Increase (Decrease) | Balance at the End of Period | |||||||||||||||
Valuation accounts deducted from assets to which they apply allowance for doubtful accounts: |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2007 | $ | 1,633 | $ | 529 | $ | (872 | ) | $ | 67 | $ | 1,357 | |||||||||
December 31, 2006 | $ | 1,250 | $ | 716 | $ | (332 | ) | $ | (1 ) | $ | 1,633 | |||||||||
December 31, 2005 | $ | 1,521 | $ | 595 | $ | (1,002 ) | $ | 136 | $ | 1,250 |
Schedule II 2 of 2
Column A | Column B | Column C | Column D | Column E | Column F | |||||||||||||||
Description | Balance at Beginning of Period | Charged to Costs and Expenses | Other | Translation Adjustments Increase (Decrease) | Balance at the End of Period | |||||||||||||||
Valuation accounts deducted from assets to which they apply valuation allowance for deferred income taxes: |
||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2007 | $ | 65,790 | $ | 6,870 | $ | 6,853 | (1) | $ | 6,612 | $ | 86,125 | |||||||||
December 31, 2006 | $ | 44,721 | $ | 3,038 | $ | 18,226 | (1) | $ | (195 ) | $ | 65,790 | |||||||||
December 31, 2005 | $ | 42,555 | $ | 943 | $ | (225 ) | $ | 1,448 | $ | 44,721 |
(1) | Adjustment to reconcile actual net operating loss carry forwards to prior year tax accrued, which were fully reserved and adjustment for net operating loss relating to sale of business. |
(b) Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibits Index are filed as a part of this report.
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
MDC PARTNERS INC.
By: | s/ Miles S. Nadal Name: Miles S. Nadal Title: Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President |
Date: March 7, 2008
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Miles S. Nadal Miles S. Nadal |
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Robert Kamerschen Robert Kamerschen |
Presiding Director | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Clare Copeland Clare Copeland |
Director | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Thomas N. Davidson Thomas N. Davidson |
Director | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Jeffrey Epstein Jeffrey Epstein |
Director | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Scott Kauffman Scott Kauffman |
Director | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Michael J. Kirby Michael J. Kirby |
Director | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/ Stephen M. Pustil Stephen M. Pustil |
Director, Vice Chairman | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/David Doft David Doft |
Chief Financial Officer | March 7, 2008 | ||
/s/Michael Sabatino Michael Sabatino |
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer | March 7, 2008 |
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Exhibit No. | Description | |
3.1 | Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004); | |
3.1.1 | Articles of Continuance, dated June 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2004); | |
3.2 | General By-law No. 1, as amended on April 29, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2007); | |
4.1 | Trust Indenture, dated as of June 28, 2005, by and between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada Inc. relating to the issuance of the Companys 8% convertible debentures (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2005); | |
10.1 | Underwriting Agreement, dated June 10, 2005, by and among the Company and four underwriters, for the purchase of 8% convertible unsecured debentures of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2005); | |
10.2 | Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 3, 2006, by and among the Company (as seller), Secured Products (Cayman), Inc. (as purchaser) and H.I.G. Capital Management, Inc., relating to the sale of the Companys Secure Products International Group (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2006); | |
10.3 | Management Services Agreement relating to the employment of Miles Nadal as Chief Executive Officer, dated April 27, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed May 8, 2007); | |
10.3.1 | Letter Agreement between the Company and Miles Nadal dated April 11, 2005, (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to the Companys Form 10-K filed on April 18, 2005); | |
10.4 | Employment Agreement between the Company and Stephen M. Pustil, dated as of August 20, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys 10-Q filed on November 8, 2007); | |
10.5 | Employment Agreement between the Company and David Doft, dated as of July 19, 2007 (effective August 10, 2007) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Companys Form 10-Q filled on August 7, 2007); | |
10.6 | Employment Agreement between the Company and Gavin Swartzman, dated as of September 5, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys 10-Q filed on November 8, 2007); | |
10.7 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Graham Rosenberg, dated as of December 26, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2006); | |
10.7.1 | Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Graham Rosenberg, dated November 14, 2007* | |
10.8 | Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Dickson, dated July 26, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004); | |
10.8.1 | Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Robert Dickson, dated November 20, 2007* | |
10.9 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Mitchell Gendel, dated as of July 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2007); | |
10.10 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Michael Sabatino, dated as of July 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2007); |
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Exhibit No. | Description | |
10.11 | Separation Agreement and Release between the Company and Steven Berns, dated as of July 23, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Companys Form 10-Q filled on August 7, 2007); | |
10.12 | Amended and Restated Stock Option Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004); | |
10.13 | Stock Appreciation Rights Plan dated as of April 22, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004); | |
10.13.1 | Amended and Restated Stock Appreciation Rights Plan, as amended on April 28, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on May 5, 2006); | |
10.13.2 | Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys 10-Q filed on May 5, 2006); | |
10.14 | Amended 2005 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, as approved and adopted by the shareholders of the Company at the 2007 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders on June 1, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys 10-Q filed on August 7, 2007); | |
10.14.1 | Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005); | |
10.14.2 | Form of Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2005); | |
10.14.3 | Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006); | |
10.14.4 | Form of Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006); | |
10.14.5 | Form of ServiceBased and Financial Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Companys Form 10-Q filed on November 8, 2007). | |
10.15 | Membership Unit Purchase Agreement (the Zyman Purchase Agreement), dated as of April 1, 2005 among the Company, and ZG Acquisition Inc., Zyman Group, LLC, Zyman Company, Inc. and certain employees of Zyman Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2005); | |
10.15.1 | Amendment No. 1, dated as of August 8, 2005, to the Zyman Purchase Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.2 to the Companys Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2005); | |
10.15.2 | Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Zyman Group, LLC dated as of January 11, 2008*; | |
10.16 | Financing Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2007 by and among MDC Partners Inc., Maxxcom Inc., and Fortress Credit Corp., as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Form 8-K filed on June 19, 2007); | |
12 | Statement of computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges*; | |
14 | Code of Conduct of MDC Partners Inc.*; | |
14.1 | MDC Partners Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted on March 6, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.2 to the Companys Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2006); | |
21 | Subsidiaries of Registrant*; | |
23.1 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [KPMG LLP]*; | |
23.2 | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm [BDO Seidman LLP]*; | |
31.1 | Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a 14(a) and 15d 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*; | |
31.2 | Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a 14(a) and 15d 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*; |
93
Exhibit No. | Description | |
32.1 | Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*; | |
32.2 | Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*. |
* | Filed electronically herewith. |
94