Monster Worldwide Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2006 Results
New York, United States
, 2007-02-01
International Revenue Growth of 63% Drives Consolidated Revenue up 33% to $299 Million
Diluted Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations Increases 41% to $0.31
Free Cash Flow of $213 Million for 2006 Lifts Net Cash Balance to $573 Million
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ:MNST) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2006.
"Our strong fourth quarter and full-year operating performance demonstrate the power of the Monster brand and our ability to grow market share profitably across the globe. Our outstanding financial results reflect continued significant revenue growth and improved profitability from our International Careers operations and solid contributions from both Careers North America and our Internet Advertising & Fees business," said William Pastore, President and Chief Executive Officer of Monster Worldwide. "We have made progress addressing the Company's historical stock option issues, and we remain focused on serving Monster's consumers, customers, employees and shareholders. We accomplished several significant corporate milestones in 2006 as revenue surpassed the $1 billion mark; our International segment achieved higher levels of profitability as the year progressed; and the Internet Advertising & Fees segment emerged as a diversified growth opportunity. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the global markets we serve and believe we are poised to build on our industry-leading position."
Fourth Quarter 2006 Financial Results
Monster Worldwide revenue grew 33% overall and 29% organically to $298.6 million in the 2006 fourth quarter from $223.8 million in the comparable quarter of 2005.
Monster Careers revenue increased 34% to $258.3 million, compared to $193.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2005, driven by revenue growth of 22% in North America to $168.3 million and 63% in International to $89.9 million. Internet Advertising & Fees revenue grew 31% to $40.4 million.
Monster Worldwide's deferred revenue balance at December 31, 2006 was $444.1 million, representing a 36% increase from last year's fourth quarter balance of $327.4 million.
Income from continuing operations was $40.2 million while diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.31 in the fourth quarter of 2006. Income from continuing operations was negatively impacted by a previously announced charge of $5.0 million to compensate former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended. In addition, during the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company recorded $8.6 million in professional fees related to the stock option investigations, which were approximately $2.8 million higher than anticipated.
At December 31, 2006, the Company's net cash position was $572.9 million compared with $548.4 million at September 30, 2006. Cash generated from operating activities was $44.8 million compared to $60.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. Free cash flow was $27.6 million versus $33.8 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year. Federal income tax payments, professional fees related to the stock option investigations, and higher capital expenditures contributed to lower free cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2006.
Full Year 2006 Results
Monster Worldwide reported total revenue of $1.12 billion for the year ended December 31, 2006 compared to $818.3 million in 2005, a 36% increase. Monster Careers revenue grew 36% to $964.3 million compared with $708.7 million in 2005, driven by revenue growth of 26% in North America to $658.1 million and 64% in International to $306.3 million. Internet Advertising & Fees reported revenue of $152.3 million, an increase of 39% over the prior year. For the year ended December 31, 2006, Monster Worldwide reported income from continuing operations of $153.6 million, or $1.17 per diluted share compared with $90.4 million, or $0.72 per diluted share in 2005.
Free cash flow for the year was $213.2 million compared to $173.3 million in 2005. The Company generated $268.8 million of cash from operating activities in 2006, an increase of 21% over the $221.6 million in 2005.
For the full year, Monster Worldwide recorded $13.3 million of professional fees related to the investigations into the Company's historical stock option practices, in addition to the $5.0 million charge in the fourth quarter, to compensate former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended.
Recent Company Developments
Monster Worldwide Adds Independent Board Member
In December, Philip R. Lochner, Jr. was appointed as the ninth member and seventh independent director of Monster Worldwide's Board of Directors. Mr. Lochner previously served as a Commissioner at the Securities and Exchange Commission and Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Time Warner Inc. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of: Adelphia Communications Corporation, Apria Healthcare Group Inc., CLARCOR Inc., CMS Energy Corporation, Crane Co. and Solutia Inc.
Media Alliances Update
Monster Worldwide has continued to focus on driving local market growth through strategic newspaper alliances. During the fourth quarter the Company announced strategic newspaper alliances with Freedom Communications, Inc.; Times Publishing Company, owner of the St. Petersburg Times; North Jersey Media Group, owner of The Record (Bergen, NJ); Oahu Publications, Inc., owner of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin; Wilkes-Barre Publishing Company, Inc., owner of the Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA); and Beacon Journal Publishing, Inc., owner of The Akron Beacon Journal. To date, Monster has forged relationships with seven media companies that represent 45 daily newspapers, with a print circulation of over 2 million people.
Monster Enhances Site Functionality
In North America, Monster.com announced several website enhancements, and introduced new search functionality to further empower job seekers and produce more quality matches between employers and job seekers. Monster is the first leading career site to give job seekers an opportunity to compare themselves with other candidates who applied for the same position through www.monster.com. The site now enables users to easily track employer activity and application status, while providing a newly structured, personalized career advice section. Monster also became the first leading career site to accept payment by PayPal, a leading global online payment method that enables customers to pay for items using their bank accounts or credit cards- without sharing their financial information with recipients.
Monster Expands HR Alliance Program
Monster added six companies to its roster of HR Alliance Program members, bringing total membership to 18 organizations and expanding the program's scope to include two new categories to further broaden the distribution of Monster products and services. The expansion of Monster's HR Alliance program underscores Monster's commitment to providing customers with a variety of integrated recruitment solutions aimed at enhancing their overall efficiencies and operational processes. The new relationships establish Monster in the job wrapping and applicant tracking system (ATS) consultant categories.
Business Outlook
"As we look ahead to 2007, we are encouraged and anticipate continued global growth in revenue, profitability and cash generation. At the same time, we are committed to investing in product innovation and technology that will enhance the Monster user experience and support sustainable long-term growth in shareholder value," said Lanny Baker, Monster Worldwide's Chief Financial Officer. "As the investigations of the Company's historical stock option practices transition from an internal review to external investigations by government agencies of the conduct of former employees, and the defense of shareholder lawsuits, our ability to forecast the timing and amount of future stock option-related legal and other potential fees and expenses is limited. As a result of the increased difficulty in forecasting these costs with any certainty, the business outlook we are providing for 2007 includes only selected financial statement line items, none of which include any legal or other fees or expenses related to the ongoing stock option investigations and related shareholder lawsuits."
First
$'s in millions Quarter 2007 Full Year 2007
--------------------------------------- -------------- ---------------
Total Revenue $330-$338 $1,360-$1,410
Non-GAAP Operating Expenses* $258-$267 $1,045-$1,090
Interest and Other, net $5-$6 $22-$24
Effective Income Tax Rate 35% 35%
Losses in Equity Interest $(5)-$(4) $(12)-$(10)
* Excludes ongoing costs associated with the
stock option investigations, potential fines or
settlements and shareholder lawsuits
The Operating Expenses included in the Company's outlook ranges are non-GAAP financial measures within the meaning of Regulation G as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission because they do not include legal costs and expenses that the Company will incur as a result of its historical stock option granting practices. Because the Company cannot reasonably estimate or predict these costs and expenses, the Company cannot calculate the most directly comparable GAAP measure of Operating Expenses that would include such legal costs and expenses. Therefore, the Company cannot reconcile the non-GAAP measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure. While the amount of the legal costs and expenses associated with the Company's historical stock option granting practices is likely to be material, the Company believes that such costs and expenses are of limited significance to an evaluation of the Company's business fundamentals, since such costs and expenses bear little relation to the Company's core business or operating prospects.
The preceding forward-looking statements regarding our business outlook reflect Monster Worldwide's expectations as of February 1, 2007. These expectations do not include the effect of any future acquisitions or dispositions, costs associated with the ongoing investigations and litigation relating to past stock option grants (including the likely professional fees and other costs, potential fines or settlements, and excise or other tax liabilities), or factors outside of our control, which may have an impact on future financial results and are subject to the Special Note regarding forward-looking statements elsewhere in this release.
Supplemental Financial Information
The Company has made available certain supplemental financial information, in a separate document that can be accessed directly at http://www.monsterworldwide.com/Q406.pdf or through the Company's Investor Relations website at http://ir.monsterworldwide.com.
Conference Call Information
Fourth quarter 2006 results will be discussed on Monster Worldwide's quarterly conference call taking place on February 1, 2007 at 10:00 AM EDT. To join the conference call, please dial in on 1-888-551-5973 at 9:50 AM EDT and reference conference ID#: 5847883. For those outside the United States, please call in on (706)
643-3467 and reference the same conference ID#. The call will begin promptly at 10:00 AM EDT. Individuals can also access Monster Worldwide's quarterly conference call online through the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.monsterworldwide.com. For a replay of the call, please dial (800) 642-1687 or for outside the United States dial (706) 645-9291 and reference ID # 5847883. This number is valid until midnight on February 8, 2007.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: MNST), parent company of Monster(R), the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to bring people together to advance their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P; 500 Index and the NASDAQ 100. To learn more about Monster's industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at www.monsterworldwide.com.
Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (the "Company") has provided certain non-GAAP financial information as additional information for its operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and may be different from non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that its presentation of non-GAAP measures, such as operating income before depreciation and amortization, free cash flow and net cash, provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company's management uses these measures for reviewing the financial results of the Company and for budgeting and planning purposes.
Operating income before depreciation and amortization ("OIBDA") is defined as income from operations before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and amortization of stock based compensation. The Company considers operating income before depreciation and amortization to be an important indicator of its operational strength. This measure eliminates the effects of depreciation, amortization of intangible assets and amortization of stock based compensation from period to period, which the Company believes is useful to management and investors in evaluating its operating performance. Operating income before depreciation and amortization is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Free cash flow is defined as cash flow from operating activities less capital expenditures. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 123(R) in 2006, free cash flow amounts in 2005 have been adjusted to exclude the income tax benefit on stock option exercises. Free cash flow is considered a liquidity measure and provides useful information about the Company's ability to generate cash after investments in property and equipment. Free cash flow reflected herein is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Free cash flow does not reflect the total change in the Company's cash position for the period and should not be considered a substitute for such a measure.
Net cash is defined as cash and cash equivalents plus marketable securities, less total debt. The Company considers net cash to be an important measure of liquidity and an indicator of its ability to meet its ongoing obligations. The Company also uses net cash, among other measures, in evaluating its choices for capital deployment. Net cash presented herein is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.
Special Note: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions, competition, seasonality, ongoing costs associated with the stock option investigations and the other risks discussed in our Form 10-K/A and our other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
------------------- ---------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
--------- --------- ----------- ---------
Revenue $298,616 $223,812 $1,116,676 $818,271
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Salaries and related 114,596 86,937 411,849 331,051
Office and general 59,772 40,529 201,457 151,867
Marketing and promotion 66,418 53,633 273,506 194,721
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Total operating expenses 240,786 181,099 886,812 677,639
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Operating income 57,830 42,713 229,864 140,632
Interest and other, net 6,398 3,804 18,480 4,830
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Income from continuing
operations before income
taxes and equity interests 64,228 46,517 248,344 145,462
Income taxes 22,481 16,028 87,661 51,641
Losses in equity interests (1,517) (2,180) (7,096) (3,397)
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Income from continuing
operations 40,230 28,309 153,587 90,424
Income (loss) from
discontinued operations,
net of tax (1,155) 7,840 (116,450) 7,770
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Net income $ 39,075 $ 36,149 $ 37,137 $ 98,194
============================ ========= ========= =========== =========
Basic earnings per share:
Earnings per share from
continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.23 $ 1.20 $ 0.74
Income (loss) per share from
discontinued operations,
net of tax (0.01) 0.06 (0.91) 0.06
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Basic earnings per share $ 0.30 $ 0.29 $ 0.29 $ 0.80
============================ ========= ========= =========== =========
Diluted earnings per share:
Earnings per share from
continuing operations $ 0.31 $ 0.22 $ 1.17 $ 0.72
Income (loss) per share from
discontinued operations,
net of tax (0.01) 0.06 (0.89) 0.06
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Diluted earnings per share* $ 0.30 $ 0.28 $ 0.28 $ 0.79
============================ ========= ========= =========== =========
Weighted average shares
outstanding:
Basic 128,489 124,348 128,077 122,055
============================ ========= ========= =========== =========
Diluted 131,209 127,418 131,247 125,038
============================ ========= ========= =========== =========
Operating income before
depreciation and
amortization:
Operating income $ 57,830 $ 42,713 $ 229,864 $140,632
Depreciation and
amortization of intangibles 9,765 9,124 39,780 33,423
Amortization of stock based
compensation 2,424 1,118 10,819 14,620
---------------------------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
Operating income before
depreciation and
amortization $ 70,019 $ 52,955 $ 280,463 $188,675
============================ ========= ========= =========== =========
* - Diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005 do not add due to rounding.
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
December 31, December 31,
--------------------- -----------------------
2006 2005 2006 2005
---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- Cash flows provided by operating activities:
Net income $ 39,075 $ 36,149 $ 37,137 $ 98,194
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
(Income) loss from
discontinued
operations, net of
tax 1,155 (7,840) 116,450 (7,770)
Depreciation and
amortization of
intangibles 9,765 9,124 39,780 33,423
Provision for doubtful
accounts 2,550 1,807 9,055 8,447
Tax benefit on stock
based compensation 632 12,180 17,972 12,556
Excess tax benefits
from stock option
exercises (348) - (17,402) -
Non-cash compensation 2,424 640 10,819 14,620
Common stock issued
for matching
contribution to
401(k) plan - 973 1,854 3,813
Deferred income taxes 2,267 9,762 10,781 24,826
Minority interests and
other 1,522 2,641 7,097 3,653
Changes in assets and
liabilities, net of
business combinations: - -
Accounts receivable (122,790) (75,510) (171,312) (81,892)
Prepaid and other 2,465 (8,617) (21,817) (17,796)
Deferred revenue 97,440 79,779 116,556 92,198
Accounts payable,
accrued liabilities
and other 12,739 (6,443) 94,012 36,546
Net cash used for
operating activities
of discontinued
operations (4,053) 6,304 17,783 752
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Total adjustments 5,768 24,800 231,628 123,376
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Net cash provided by
operating activities 44,843 60,949 268,765 221,570
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Cash flows used for
investing activities:
Capital expenditures (17,238) (14,983) (55,606) (35,691)
Purchase of marketable
securities (373,959) (118,461) (1,722,425) (118,461)
Sales and maturities
of marketable
securities 342,351 - 1,308,279 -
Payments for
acquisitions and
intangible assets,
net of cash acquired (248) (96,598) (48,846) (148,168)
Investment in
unconsolidated
affiliate - - (19,936) (50,137)
Sale of long-term
investment and other - 2,713 - 4,716
Net proceeds from sale
of businesses - 1,000 69,155 50,091
Cash funded to equity
investee (2,800) - (10,000) -
Net cash used for
investing activities
of discontinued
operations - (727) (2,924) (5,007)
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Net cash used for
investing activities (51,894) (227,056) (482,303) (302,657)
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Cash flows provided by
financing activities:
Borrowings (payments)
on capital lease
obligations 322 323 (171) (1,814)
Proceeds from exercise
of employee stock
options 1,038 57,317 92,263 95,026
Excess tax benefits
from stock option
exercises 348 - 17,402 -
Repurchase of common
stock (318) (7,906) (14,734) (9,304)
Structured stock
repurchase, net - - (22,758) -
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Net cash provided by
financing activities 1,390 49,734 72,002 83,908
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Effects of exchange
rates on cash 1,553 (739) 3,619 (4,335)
Net decrease in cash and
cash equivalents (4,108) (117,112) (137,917) (1,514)
Cash and cash
equivalents, beginning
of period 62,788 313,709 196,597 198,111
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of
period $ 58,680 $ 196,597 $ 58,680 $ 196,597
======================== ========== ========== ============ ==========
Free cash flow:
Net cash provided by
operating activities $ 44,843 $ 60,949 $ 268,765 $ 221,570
Less: Tax benefit on
stock option exercises - (12,180) - (12,556)
Less: Capital
expenditures (17,238) (14,983) (55,606) (35,691)
------------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ----------
Free cash flow $ 27,605 $ 33,786 $ 213,159 $ 173,323
======================== ========== ========== ============ ==========
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
Assets: December 31, December 31,
2006 2005
------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents $ 58,680 $ 196,597
Marketable securities 537,893 123,747
Accounts receivable, net 444,747 258,848
Property and equipment, net 102,402 80,977
Goodwill and intangibles, net 640,736 577,319
Other assets 185,345 131,164
Total assets of discontinued operations - 310,063
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total assets $ 1,969,803 $ 1,678,715
========================================== ============= =============
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other $ 358,850 $ 249,464
Deferred revenue 444,145 327,429
Other liabilities 33,459 23,615
Debt 23,664 47,056
Total liabilities of discontinued
operations - 97,811
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total liabilities 860,118 745,375
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Stockholders' equity 1,109,685 933,340
------------------------------------------ ------------- -------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,969,803 $ 1,678,715
MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
UNAUDITED OPERATING SEGMENT INFORMATION
(in thousands)
MONSTER
---------------------------------------------------
Careers - Internet
Three Months Ended North Careers - Advertising
December 31, 2006 America International & Fees Subtotal
------------------ ---------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 168,327 $ 89,933 $ 40,356 $ 298,616
Operating income 59,853 9,658 11,170 80,681
OIBDA 64,984 13,001 12,849 90,834
Operating margin 35.6% 10.7% 27.7% 27.0%
OIBDA margin 38.6% 14.5% 31.8% 30.4%
Three Months Ended Corporate
December 31, 2006 Expenses Total
------------------ ---------------------------
Revenue $ 298,616
Operating income $ (22,851) 57,830
OIBDA (20,815) 70,019
Operating margin 19.4%
OIBDA margin 23.4%
MONSTER
---------------------------------------------------
Careers - Internet
Three Months Ended North Careers - Advertising
December 31, 2005 America International & Fees Subtotal
------------------ ---------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 137,798 $ 55,184 $ 30,830 $ 223,812
Operating income 45,769 285 10,656 56,710
OIBDA 49,974 3,580 11,915 65,469
Operating margin 33.2% 0.5% 34.6% 25.3%
OIBDA margin 36.3% 6.5% 38.6% 29.3%
Three Months Ended Corporate
December 31, 2005 Expenses Total
------------------ --------------------------
Revenue $ 223,812
Operating income $ (13,997) 42,713
OIBDA (12,514) 52,955
Operating margin 19.1%
OIBDA margin 23.7%
MONSTER
--------------------------------------------------
Careers - Internet
Twelve Months Ended North Careers - Advertising
December 31, 2006 America International & Fees Subtotal
------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 658,051 $ 306,280 $ 152,345 $1,116,676
Operating income 227,202 17,423 45,062 289,687
OIBDA 247,087 33,037 52,196 332,320
Operating margin 34.5% 5.7% 29.6% 25.9%
OIBDA margin 37.5% 10.8% 34.3% 29.8%
Twelve Months Ended Corporate
December 31, 2006 Expenses Total
------------------- ---------------------------
Revenue $ 1,116,676
Operating income $ (59,823) 229,864
OIBDA (51,857) 280,463
Operating margin 20.6%
OIBDA margin 25.1%
MONSTER
--------------------------------------------------
Careers - Internet
Twelve Months Ended North Careers - Advertising
December 31, 2005 America International & Fees Subtotal
------------------- --------------------------------------------------
Revenue $ 521,600 $ 187,118 $ 109,553 $ 818,271
Operating income
(loss) 170,889 (7,277) 34,225 197,837
OIBDA 187,676 3,440 38,928 230,044
Operating margin 32.8% -3.9% 31.2% 24.2%
OIBDA margin 36.0% 1.8% 35.5% 28.1%
Twelve Months Ended Corporate
December 31, 2005 Expenses Total
------------------- --------------------------
Revenue $ 818,271
Operating income
(loss) $ (57,205) 140,632
OIBDA (41,369) 188,675
Operating margin 17.2%
OIBDA margin 23.1%
Contact
CONTACT:
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
Investors:
Robert Jones
212-351-7032
[email protected]
or
Media:
Rich Teplitsky
212-351-7019
[email protected]
or
Kathryn Burns
212-351-7063
[email protected], ,
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