UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018

 

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File No.0-28274

 

LOGO

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Florida  56-1383460

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or

organization)

  (IRS Employer Identification No.)

400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 2800, Tampa, FL    33602

(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (813)274-1000

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 at least the past 90 days.

Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T (§ 229.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ☒    Accelerated filer☐    Non-accelerated filer    ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Large accelerated filer        

Smaller reporting company    ☐    Emerging growth company        

Accelerated filer

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Emerging growth company

Non-accelerated filer

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

As of OctoberJuly 19, 2017,2018, there were 42,897,52642,821,212 outstanding shares of common stock.


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Form10-Q

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   3 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

   3 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – SeptemberJune  30, 20172018 and December 31, 20162017 (Unaudited)

   3 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (Unaudited)

   4 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (Unaudited)

   5 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity – NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 (Unaudited)

   6 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (Unaudited)

   7 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

   9 

Item 2.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   4346 

Item 3.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   5558 

Item 4.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   5759 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

   5760 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

   5760 

Item 1A.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   5760 

Item 2.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   5760 

Item 3.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   5760 

Item 4.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

   5760 

Item 5.

Item 5. Other Information

   5760 

Item 6.

Item 6. Exhibits

   5861 

SIGNATURE

   5962 

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

                                                
(in thousands, except per share data)  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016  June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 

Assets

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $328,166  $266,675   $162,422  $343,734 

Receivables, net

   342,640  318,558    347,885  341,958 

Prepaid expenses

   20,848  21,973    23,516  22,132 

Other current assets

   16,930  16,030    19,140  19,743 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total current assets

   708,584  623,236    552,963  727,567 

Property and equipment, net

   159,959  156,214    142,920  160,790 

Goodwill, net

   269,028  265,404    265,991  269,265 

Intangibles, net

   145,543  153,055    139,829  140,277 

Deferred charges and other assets

   29,566  38,494    32,698  29,193 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $1,312,680  $1,236,403   $        1,134,401  $        1,327,092 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

   $26,851  $29,163   $22,236  $32,133 

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

   106,681  92,552    98,557  102,899 

Income taxes payable

   1,252  4,487    843  2,606 

Deferred revenue

   43,330  38,736 

Deferred revenue and customer liabilities

   32,503  34,717 

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities

   37,330  37,919    36,765  30,888 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total current liabilities

   215,444  202,857    190,904  203,243 

Deferred grants

   3,381  3,761    2,913  3,233 

Long-term debt

   267,000  267,000    90,000  275,000 

Long-term income tax liabilities

   2,578  19,326    24,471  27,098 

Other long-term liabilities

   21,824  18,937    25,250  22,039 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities

   510,227  511,881    333,538  530,613 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 
   

Commitments and loss contingency (Note 14)

   

Commitments and loss contingency (Note 13)

   

Shareholders’ equity:

      

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

   -   -    -   - 

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000 shares authorized; 42,895 and 42,895 shares issued, respectively

   429  429 

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000 shares authorized; 42,821 and 42,899 shares issued,

respectively

   428  429 

Additionalpaid-in capital

   279,271  281,357    282,622  282,385 

Retained earnings

   563,879  518,611    567,988  546,843 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   (38,997 (67,027   (47,933 (31,104

Treasury stock at cost: 121 and 362 shares, respectively

   (2,129 (8,848

Treasury stock at cost: 122 and 117 shares, respectively

   (2,242 (2,074
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   802,453  724,522    800,863  796,479 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $1,312,680  $1,236,403   $1,134,401  $1,327,092 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands, except per share data)  2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Revenues

   $407,309   $385,743   $1,166,761   $1,070,891   $    396,785  $    375,438  $    811,156  $    759,452 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

          

Direct salaries and related costs

   267,516  249,859   763,324  694,856    264,924  248,615  539,996  495,751 

General and administrative

   93,364  87,955   277,664  262,800    102,037  92,236  204,477  184,280 

Depreciation, net

   14,227  13,004   41,395  35,748    14,560  13,820  29,396  27,168 

Amortization of intangibles

   5,293  5,254   15,774  14,144    3,629  5,250  7,842  10,481 

Impairment of long-lived assets

   680   -   5,071   -    5,175  4,189  8,701  4,391 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total operating expenses

   381,080  356,072   1,103,228  1,007,548    390,325  364,110  790,412  722,071 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income from operations

   26,229  29,671   63,533  63,343    6,460  11,328  20,744  37,381 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income (expense):

          

Interest income

   169  135   468  429    175  144  346  299 

Interest (expense)

   (2,021 (1,578  (5,585 (3,967   (1,149 (1,865 (2,355 (3,564

Other income (expense), net

   64  981   1,747  2,601    (537 793  (382 1,606 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   (1,788 (462  (3,370 (937   (1,511 (928 (2,391 (1,659
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Income before income taxes

   24,441  29,209   60,163  62,406    4,949  10,400  18,353  35,722 

Income taxes

   2,746  7,939   10,911  18,044    (2,229 1,555  227  8,165 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income

   $21,695  $21,270  $49,252  $44,362   $7,178  $8,845  $18,126  $27,557 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net income per common share:

          

Basic

   $0.52  $0.51  $1.18  $1.06   $0.17  $0.21  $0.43  $0.66 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted

   $0.52  $0.50  $1.17  $1.05   $0.17  $0.21  $0.43  $0.66 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

          

Basic

   41,879  41,938   41,800  41,873    42,125  41,854  42,035  41,756 

Diluted

   42,033  42,224   42,006  42,233    42,160  41,934  42,197  41,919 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)  2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Net income

  $21,695  $21,270  $49,252  $44,362   $      7,178  $      8,845  $      18,126  $      27,557 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

          

Foreign currency translation gain (loss), net of taxes

   11,502  (163  31,884  4,137 

Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes

   (13,597 16,484  (13,306 20,382 

Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges, net of taxes

   (1,916 (607  (5,220 (1,040   -  (2,936  -  (3,304

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of taxes

   (481 (396 (3,374 136 

Unrealized actuarial gain (loss) related to pension liability, net of taxes

   (19 (33  (58 (59   (46 (16 (129 (39

Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedging instruments, net of taxes

   1,326  (1,322  1,462  (888

Unrealized gain (loss) on postretirement obligation, net of taxes

   (13 61   (38 34    (10 (12 (20 (25
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes

   10,880  (2,064  28,030  2,184    (14,134 13,124  (16,829 17,150 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

  $32,575  $19,206  $77,282  $46,546   $(6,956 $21,969  $1,297  $44,707 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018

(Unaudited)

 

                                                                                                                              
          Accumulated    
  Common Stock     Other    
  Shares   Additional Retained Comprehensive Treasury   Common Stock Additional   

Accumulated

Other

     
(in thousands)  Issued Amount Paid-in Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Stock Total Shares
Issued
 Amount Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 Treasury
Stock
 Total 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   42,895  $429  $281,357  $518,611  $(67,027 $(8,848 $724,522 

Balance at December 31, 2017

 42,899  $429  $282,385  $546,843  $(31,104 $(2,074 $796,479 

Cumulative effect of accounting change

   -   -   232   (153  -   -   79   -   -   -  3,019   -   -  3,019 

Stock-based compensation expense

   -   -   4,429   -   -   -  4,429   -   -  3,750   -   -   -  3,750 

Issuance of common stock under equity award plans, net of shares withheld for employee taxes

   250   3   (3,553  -   -   (309  (3,859

Retirement of treasury stock

   (250  (3  (3,194  (3,831  -   7,028   - 

Issuance of common stock under equity award plans, net of forfeitures

 40   -  168   -   -  (168  - 

Shares repurchased for tax withholding on equity awards

 (118 (1 (3,681  -   -   -  (3,682

Comprehensive income (loss)

   -   -   -   49,252   28,030   -   77,282   -   -   -  18,126  (16,829  -  1,297 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

   42,895  $429  $279,271  $563,879  $(38,997 $(2,129 $802,453 

Balance at June 30, 2018

 42,821  $428  $282,622  $567,988  $(47,933 $(2,242 $800,863 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

                                                
  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)  2017 2016  2018 2017 

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $49,252   $44,362   $              18,126  $              27,557 

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

      

Depreciation

   41,778  36,208    29,651  27,423 

Amortization of intangibles

   15,774  14,144    7,842  10,481 

Amortization of deferred grants

   (550 (659   (344 (374

Impairment losses

   5,071   -    8,701  4,391 

Unrealized foreign currency transaction (gains) losses, net

   (1,714 (2,359   (370 (611

Stock-based compensation expense

   4,429  7,836    3,750  4,732 

Deferred income tax provision (benefit)

   7,395  (2,697   1,070  9,785 

Unrealized (gains) losses on financial instruments, net

   126  547 

Unrealized (gains) losses and premiums on financial instruments, net

   625  42 

Amortization of deferred loan fees

   201  201    134  134 

Imputed interest expense and fair value adjustments to contingent consideration

   (529 (2,082   -  (633

Other

   173  (50   (90 144 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:

      

Receivables

   (3,844 (21,717

Receivables, net

   (8,370 9,059 

Prepaid expenses

   1,048  (1,049   (1,611 78 

Other current assets

   (4,523 (2,562   (2,016 (1,855

Deferred charges and other assets

   (667 (919   (2,186 (1,008

Accounts payable

   2,937  (391   (5,499 2,420 

Income taxes receivable / payable

   (7,285 5,356    (6,526 (14,086

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

   12,038  17,538    (2,349 (1,779

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities

   (697 7,304    5,079  (2,916

Deferred revenue

   2,476  5,231 

Deferred revenue and customer liabilities

   (155 2,398 

Other long-term liabilities

   (4,515 1,127    1,922  (3,813
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   118,374  105,369    47,384  71,569 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

   (48,430 (59,348   (26,232 (35,859

Cash paid for business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   (9,075 (205,324   -  (7,500

Net investment hedge settlement

   (5,122 10,339 

Purchase of intangible assets

   (4,825 (10   (7,606 (275

Investment in equity method investees

   (5,012  - 

Other

   6  (43   484  25 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash (used for) investing activities

   (72,458 (254,386   (33,354 (43,609
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

7


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(Continued)

 

                                                
  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)  2017 2016  2018 2017 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Payments of long-term debt

   -  (14,000   (190,000  - 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

   -  216,000    5,000   - 

Cash paid for repurchase of common stock

   -  (4,117

Proceeds from grants

   139  151 

Shares repurchased for tax withholding on equity awards

   (3,859)  (4,916   (3,682 (3,860

Payments of contingent consideration related to acquisitions

   (4,760)   -    -  (4,528

Other

   38  107 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities

   (8,480)  193,118 

Net cash (used for) financing activities

   (188,644 (8,281
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Effects of exchange rates on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

   (6,748 15,159 
  

 

  

 

 

Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

   24,055   3,864 

Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

   (181,362 34,838 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – beginning

   344,805  267,594 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   61,491   47,965 

Cash and cash equivalents – beginning

   266,675  235,358 
         
  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents – ending

   $328,166   $283,323 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash – ending

  $            163,443  $            302,432 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid during period for interest

   $4,852   $2,680   $1,975  $3,066 

Cash paid during period for income taxes

   $21,169   $14,050   $12,084  $17,032 

Non-cash transactions:

      

Property and equipment additions in accounts payable

   $5,165   $7,070   $2,637  $3,742 

Unrealized gain (loss) on postretirement obligation in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $(38)   $34 

Unrealized gain (loss) on postretirement obligation, net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

  $(20 $(25

Shares repurchased for tax withholding on equity awards included in current liabilities

   $123   $-   $-  $119 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

8


Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Overview and Basis of Presentation

BusinessSykes Enterprises, Incorporated and consolidated subsidiaries (“SYKES” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of multichannel demand generation and global business processing outsourcing leader in providing comprehensive inboundcustomer engagement services. SYKES provides differentiated full lifecycle customer engagement solutions and services to Global 2000 companies and their end customers primarily inwithin the communications, financial services, healthcare, technology, transportation and leisure, healthcare, retail and other industries. SYKES’ differentiatedend-to-endSYKES primarily provides customer engagement solutions and service platform effectively engages consumers at every touch point in their customer lifecycle, starting from digital marketing and acquisition to customer support,up-sell/cross-sell and retention. The Company serves its clients through two geographic operating regions: the Americas (United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific Rim) and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa). Our Americas and EMEA regions primarily provide customer engagement services (withwith an emphasis on inbound technical support, digital marketing andmultichannel demand generation, and customer service), which includes customer assistance, healthcareservice and roadside assistance, technical support and product and service sales to its clients’ customers. TheseUtilizing SYKES’ integrated onshore/offshore global delivery model, SYKES provides its services are delivered through multiple communication channels including phone,e-mail, social media, text messaging, chat and digital self-service. The CompanySYKES also provides various enterprise support services in the United States that include services for its clients’ internal support operations, from technical staffing services to outsourced corporate help desk services. In Europe, SYKES also provides fulfillment services, which includes order processing, payment processing, inventory control, product delivery and product returns handling. SYKESThe Company has developed an extensive global reach with customer engagement centers across six continents, including Northoperations in two reportable segments entitled (1) the Americas, which includes the United States, Canada, Latin America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. The Company delivers cost-effective solutionsthe Asia Pacific Rim, in which the client base is primarily companies in the United States that enhanceare using the Company’s services to support their customer service experience, promote stronger brand loyalty,management needs; and bring out high levels of performance(2) EMEA, which includes Europe, the Middle East and profitability.Africa.

Acquisitions2017 Tax Reform Act

In December 2017, the President of the United States (“U.S.”) signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Reform Act”). In general, the 2017 Tax Reform Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective in 2018. The 2017 Tax Reform Act moves from a worldwide business taxation approach to a participation exemption regime. The 2017 Tax Reform Act also imposes base-erosion prevention measures onnon-U.S. earnings of U.S. entities, as well as aone-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on accumulatednon-U.S. earnings which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. The impact of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on the consolidated financial results began with the fourth quarter of 2017, the period of enactment. This impact, along with the transitional taxes discussed in Note 11, Income Taxes, is reflected in the Other segment.

Acquisition

On May 31,April 24, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of certain assets of a Global 2000 telecommunications services provider, pursuant toentered into a definitive Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) entered intoto acquire certain assets from a Global 2000 telecommunications services provider. The aggregate purchase price of $7.5 million was paid on April 24,May 31, 2017, using cash on hand, resulting in $6.0 million of property and equipment and $1.5 million of customer relationship intangibles (the “Telecommunications Asset acquisition”). The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, indemnification obligations and covenants. The Telecommunications Asset acquisition was completed to strengthen and create new partnerships for the Company has reflectedand expand its geographic footprint in North America. The results of the Telecommunications Assets’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the Americas segment since its acquisition on May 31, 2017.

The Company accounted for the Telecommunications Asset acquisition’s resultsacquisition in accordance with ASC 805,Business Combinations, whereby the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements since May 31, 2017. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional informationfair value of the purchase price was allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition.

On April 1, 2016, theclosing date. The Company completed its analysis of the acquisitionpurchase price allocation during the second quarter of Clear Link Holdings LLC (“Clearlink”), pursuant to a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), dated March 6, 2016. The Company has reflected Clearlink’s results in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements since April 1, 2016. See Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional information on the acquisition.2017.

Basis of PresentationThe accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles” or “U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, the instructions to Form10-Q and Article 10 of RegulationS-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future quarters or the year ending December 31, 2017.2018. For further information, refer to the

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consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 1, 2017.2018.

Principles of ConsolidationThe condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SYKES and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and controlled majority-owned subsidiaries. Investments in less than majority-owned subsidiaries in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, but does have significant influence, are accounted for as equity method investments. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of EstimatesThe preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and

liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Subsequent EventsSubsequent events or transactions have been evaluated through the date and time of issuance of the condensed consolidated financial statements. On July 9, 2018, the Company entered into and closed a definitive Share Sale Agreement (“Sale Agreement”) to acquire all the outstanding shares of WhistleOut Pty Ltd and WhistleOut Inc. (together, known as “WhistleOut”) for AUD 30.2 million ($22.4 million). See Note 19, Subsequent Event, for further information. There were no other material subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted cash — Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid short-term investments, primarily held innon-interest-bearing investments which have original maturities of less than 90 days. Restricted cash includes cash whereby the Company’s ability to use the funds at any time is contractually limited or is generally designated for specific purposes arising out of certain contractual or other obligations.

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

  June 30,
2018
  December 31,
2017
  June 30,
2017
  December 31,
2016
 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $162,422  $343,734  $301,451  $266,675 

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”

  153   154   158   160 

Restricted cash included in “Deferred charges and other assets”

  868   917   823   759 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
 $      163,443  $      344,805  $      302,432  $      267,594 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Investments in Equity Method Investees— The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in companies if the investment provides the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over operating and financial policies of the investee. The Company’s proportionate share of the net income or loss of an equity method investment is included in consolidated net income. Judgment regarding the level of influence over an equity method investment includes considering key factors such as the Company’s ownership interest, representation on the board of directors, participation in policy-making decisions and material intercompany transactions.

The Company evaluates an equity method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment might not be recoverable. Factors considered by the Company when reviewing an equity method investment for impairment include the length of time (duration) and the extent (severity) to which the fair value of the equity method investment has been less than cost, the investee’s financial condition and near-term prospects, and the intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery. An impairment that is other-than-temporary is recognized in the period identified. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not identify any instances where the carrying values of its equity method investments were not recoverable.

In July 2017, the Company made a strategic investment of $10.0 million in XSell Technologies, Inc. (“XSell”) for 32.8% of XSell’s preferred stock. The Company plans to incorporate XSell’s machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms into its business. The Company believes this will increase the sales performance of its agents to drive revenue for its clients, improve the experience of the Company’s clients’ end customers and enhance brand

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loyalty, reduce the cost of customer care and leverage analytics and machine learning to source the best agents and improve their performance.

The Company’s net investment in XSell of $10.0$9.6 million and $9.8 million was included in “Other“Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetSheets as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Company paid $5.0 million in July 2017 with the remaining $5.0 million included in “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetSheets as of SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company’s proportionate share of XSell’s income (loss) of less than $(0.1) million and $(0.3) million was included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018, respectively (none in 2017).

Customer-Acquisition Advertising Costs — The Company utilizes direct-response advertising, the primary purpose of which is to elicit purchases from its clients’ customers. These costs are capitalized when they are expected to result in probable future benefits and are amortized over the period during which future benefits are expected to be received, which is generally less than one month. All otherCompany’s advertising costs are expensed as incurred. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0.1 million and less than $0.1 million of capitalized direct-response advertising costs included in “Prepaid expenses” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. Total advertising costs included in “Direct salaries and related costs” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Income Statements of Operations for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017 and 2016 were $9.2$12.0 million and $9.8$8.6 million, respectively, and $27.6$22.0 million and $17.8$18.4 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. Total advertising costs included in “General and administrative” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Income Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017 were less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, (none in 2016).and less than $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Reclassifications — Certain balances in the prior period have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Revenue from Contracts with CustomersLeases

In May 2014,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“ASU2014-09”). The amendments in ASU2014-09 outline a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and indicate that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this, an entity should identify the contract(s) with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU2015-14,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) Deferral of the Effective Date(“ASU2015-14”). In 2016, the FASB issued additional ASUs that are also part of the overall new revenue guidance included in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606. ASU2014-09 and the related subsequent amendments are referred to herein as “ASC 606.” The amendments in ASU2015-14 defer the effective date of ASU2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. Earlier application is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that period. An entity should apply the amendments using either the full retrospective approach or retrospectively with a cumulative effect of initially applying the amendments recognized at the date of initial application.

The Company’s implementation team has completed its evaluation of the Company’s revenue streams, analyzed the Company’s contracts to identify key provisions impacted by ASC 606, assessed the applicable accounting, and reviewed existing accounting policies and internal controls. The Company is in the process of implementing appropriate changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under ASC 606. The Company will adopt ASC 606 using the modified retrospective approach applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. The adoption will result in a cumulative effect adjustment to opening retained earnings as of January 1, 2018, primarily related to deferred revenue associated with the Company’s customer engagement solutions and services. The adoption of these amendments will require expanded qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the Company’s contracts with its customers. Based on the results of its assessment, the Company does not expect the adoption of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 to have a material impact on its timing of recognition of revenue, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The impact to the Company’s results is not expected to be material because the analysis of its contracts under ASC 606 supports the recognition of revenue over time under the output method for the majority of its contracts, which is

consistent with the Company’s current revenue recognition model. Revenue from the majority of the Company’s contracts will continue to be recognized over time because of the continuous transfer of control to the customer. In addition, the number of the Company’s performance obligations, which are classified as stand-ready performance obligations under ASC 606, is not materially different from those under the existing standard. Lastly, the accounting for the estimate of variable consideration is not expected to be materially different compared to the Company’s current practice. The immaterial changes as a result of the Company’s adoption of ASC 606 relate to changes in estimating variable consideration with respect to penalty and holdback provisions for failure to meet specified minimum service levels and other performance-based contingencies, as well as the change in timing of revenue recognition associated with certain customer contracts that provide additional fees upon renewal.

Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-01,Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU2016-01”). These amendments modify how entities measure equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities. Under the new guidance, entities will have to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicality exception. A practicality exception will apply to those equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the practical expedient to estimate fair value under ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements, and as such, these investments may be measured at cost. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU2016-01 to materially impact its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-02,Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU2016-02”) and subsequent amendments (together, “ASC 842”). These amendments require the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet by lessees for those leases currently classified as operating leases under ASC 840,Leases. These amendments also require qualitative disclosures along with specific quantitative disclosures. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. Entities are requiredhave the option to either apply the amendments (1) at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements or (2) at the adoption date and thererecognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. There are also certain optional practical expedients that an entity may elect to apply.

The Company’s implementation team has compiled a detailed inventory of leases and a preliminary analysis of the impact to the financial statements. The Company continues to evaluate the critical factors of ASC 842. Based on an assessment of the Company’s business and system requirements, the implementation team has selected a lease accounting software solution to assist the Company in complying with ASC 842. The Company expects the adoption of ASU2016-02ASC 842 to result in a material increase in the assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets due toas a result of recognizingright-of-use assets and lease liabilities for existing operating leases based on the amount of the Company’s current lease commitments. However,The Company believes that the majority of its leases will maintain their current lease classification under ASC 842. The Company does not expect these amendments to have a material effect on its expense recognition timing or cash flows and, as a result, the Company expects the adoption of ASC 842 will likely haveresult in an insignificant impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of income.income and on the consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company is continuing to evaluate the magnitude of the impact and related disclosures, as well as the timing and method of adoption, with respect to the transition method and optional practical expedients.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-13,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU2016-13”). These amendments require measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluatingalso continuing to evaluate the full impact the guidance will haveof ASC 842, as well as its impacts on its financial condition, results of operationsbusiness processes, systems, and cash flows.

Statement of Cash Flows

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU2016-15”). These amendments clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in eight specific situations. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU2016-15 to materially impact its cash flows.internal controls.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU2016-18”). These amendments clarify how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows, requiring entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These amendments will be applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU2016-18 to materially impact its cash flows.

Income Taxes11

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-16,Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU2016-16”). These amendments require recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. These amendments will be applied using a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU2016-16 to materially impact its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Business Combinations

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-01,Business Combinations (Topic 805) – Clarifying the Definition of a Business (“ASU2017-01”). These amendments clarify the definition of a business to help companies evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. These amendments will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted in certain circumstances. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU2017-01 to materially impact its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Retirement Benefits

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-07,Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU2017-07”). These amendments require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component outside of a subtotal of income from operations. If a separate line item is not used, the line items used in the income statement to present other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements, interim or annual, have not been issued or made available for issuance. These amendments will be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The amendments allow a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU2017-07 to materially impact its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


Derivatives and Hedging

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-12,Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedge Activities (“ASU2017-12”). These amendments help simplify certain aspects of hedge accounting and better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. For cash flow and net investment hedges as of the adoption date, the guidance requires a modified retrospective approach. The amended presentation and disclosure guidance is required only

prospectively. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application permitted in any interim period after issuance of this update. The Company is currently evaluatingdoes not expect the accounting, transition and disclosure requirements to determine the impactadoption of ASU2017-12 may have onto materially impact its financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and disclosures.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-13,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU2016-13”). These amendments require measurement and recognition of expected versus incurred credit losses for financial assets held. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

New Accounting Standards Recently Adopted

GoodwillRevenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“ASU2014-09”) and subsequent amendments (together, “ASC 606”). ASC 606 outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and indicates that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this, an entity should identify the contract(s) with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company adopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. See Note 2, Revenues, for further details.

Financial Instruments

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-01,Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic825-10) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“ASU2016-01”). These amendments modify how entities measure equity investments and present changes in the fair value of financial liabilities. Under the new guidance, entities will measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicality exception. A practicality exception applies to those equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value and do not qualify for the practical expedient to estimate fair value under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements, and as such, these investments may be measured at cost. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU2016-01 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Cash Flows

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-15,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (“ASU2016-15”). These amendments clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in eight specific situations. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These amendments have been applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The adoption of ASU2016-15 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s cash flows.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) – Restricted Cash (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (“ASU2016-18”). These amendments clarify how entities should

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present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows, requiring entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. These amendments have been applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. The inclusion of restricted cash increased the beginning balance of cash in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows by $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and increased the beginning and ending balances of cash by $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Other than the change in presentation within the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the retrospective adoption of ASU2016-18 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-16,Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory (“ASU2016-16”). These amendments require recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. These amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The adoption of ASU2016-16 on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and no cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings was required.

In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangiblelow-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or to treat any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period costs are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company evaluated the accounting treatment options related to the GILTI provisions and elected to treat any potential GILTI inclusions as a current period cost. The election did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC paragraphs pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“ASU2018-05”). These amendments add various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(“SAB 118”). SAB 118, issued in December 2017, directs taxpayers to consider the implications of the 2017 Tax Reform Act as provisional when it does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the change in the tax law. As described in Note 11, Income Taxes, and in accordance with SAB 118, the Company recorded amounts that were considered provisional.

Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)(“ASU2018-02”). These amendments allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the 2017 Tax Reform Act. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption of the amendment in this update is permitted, including adoption in any interim period. These amendments can be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate in the 2017 Tax Reform Act is recognized. The early adoption of ASU2018-02 on June 30, 2018 had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Business Combinations

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-04,2017-01,IntangiblesBusiness Combinations (Topic 805)Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – SimplifyingClarifying the Test for Goodwill ImpairmentDefinition of a Business (“ASU2017-04”2017-01”). These amendments simplifyclarify the testdefinition of a business to help companies evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the impairment test, which required the entity to perform procedures to determine the fair value at the impairment testing date of its assets and liabilities following the procedure that would be required in determining fair valueas acquisitions or disposals of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. These amendments are effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. These amendments will be applied on a prospective basis, with early adoption permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The early adoption of ASU2017-04 on July 31, 2017 did not have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

Stock Compensation

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Scope of Modification Accounting (“ASU2017-09”). These amendments provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. These amendments should be applied prospectively to changes in terms and conditions of awards occurring on or after the adoption date. The amendments are effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, including in any interim period, for public business entities for reporting periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The early adoption of ASU2017-09 on June 30, 2017 did not have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-09,Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU2016-09”). These amendments are intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows.businesses. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. The adoption of ASU2016-09 on January 1, 2017, resulted in stock-based compensation excess tax benefits or deficiencies reflected in the consolidated statements of operations on a prospective basis as a component of the provision for income taxes. Prior to the adoption, these benefits or deficiencies were recognized in equity. Additionally, the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows now include excess tax benefits as an operating activity, with prior periods adjusted accordingly. The presentation requirements for cash flows related to employee taxes paid for withheld shares had no impact to any of the periods presented on the Company’s consolidated cash flows statements since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity. Finally, the Company has elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating expected forfeitures.

As a result of the adoption of ASU2016-09, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was adjusted as follows: a $2.1 million increase to net cash provided by operating activities and a $2.1 million decrease to net cash provided by financing activities. Additionally, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflects a cumulative effect of accounting change of $0.2 million to “Additionalpaid-in capital” and $(0.2) million to “Retained earnings” related to the change in accounting for forfeitures.

Derivatives and Hedging

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-05,Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships (“ASU2016-05”). These amendments clarify that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under

Topic 815 does not, in and of itself, require dedesignation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedge accounting criteria continue to be met. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.periods. These amendments were applied prospectively. The adoption of ASU2016-052017-01 on January 1, 20172018 did not have a material impact on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Company.

Note 2. Acquisitions

Telecommunications Asset Acquisition

On April 24, 2017, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement to acquire certain assets from a Global 2000 telecommunications services provider. The aggregate purchase price of $7.5 million was paid on May 31, 2017, using cash on hand, resulting in $6.0 million of property and equipment and $1.5 million of customer relationship intangibles. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, indemnification obligations and covenants. The Telecommunications Asset acquisition was completed to strengthen and create new partnerships for the Company and expand its geographic footprint in North America. The results of the Telecommunications Assets’ operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements sincestatements.

Retirement Benefits

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU2017-07,Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) – Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (“ASU2017-07”). These amendments require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line item or items as other

13


compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component outside of a subtotal of income from operations. If a separate line item is not used, the line items used in the income statement to present other components of net benefit cost must be disclosed. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. These amendments were applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit in assets. The amendments allow a practical expedient that permits an employer to use the amounts disclosed in its acquisition on May 31, 2017.pension and other postretirement benefit plan note for the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements.

The Company accounted foradopted the Telecommunications Asset acquisition in accordance with ASC 805,Business Combinations, whereby the fair valueincome statement presentation aspects of ASU2017-07 on a retrospective basis effective January 1, 2018. The following is a reconciliation of the purchase price was allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values aseffect of the closing date. The Company completed its analysisreclassification of the purchase price allocation during the second quarterinterest cost and amortization of 2017.

Clearlink

On April 1, 2016, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding membership units of Clearlink through a merger of Clearlink with and into a subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). Clearlink, with its operations located in the United States, is an inbound demand generation and sales conversion platform serving numerous Fortune 500business-to-consumer andbusiness-to-business clients across various industries and subsectors, including telecommunications, satellite television, home security and insurance. The results of Clearlink’s operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since April 1, 2016 (the “Clearlink acquisition date”). The strategic acquisition of Clearlink expands the Company’s suite of service offerings while creating differentiation in the marketplace, broadening its addressable market opportunity and extending executive level reach within the Company’s existing clients’ organizations. This resulted in the Company paying a substantial premium for Clearlink resulting in the recognition of goodwill. Pursuantactuarial gain (loss) from operating expenses to Federalother income tax laws, intangible assets and goodwill from the Clearlink acquisition are deductible over a15-year amortization period.

The Clearlink purchase price totaled $207.9 million, consisting of the following (in thousands):

Total

Cash(1)

 $209,186

Working capital adjustment

(1,278

 $207,908

(1)Funded through borrowings under the Company’s credit agreement. See Note 10, Borrowings, for more information.

Approximately $2.6 million of the purchase price was placed in an escrow account as security for the indemnification obligations of Clearlink’s members under the merger agreement. The escrow was released pursuant to the terms of the escrow agreement, but the Company subsequently asserted a claim of approximately $0.4 million against the Clearlink members. This claim has been resolved by the parties for $0.2 million, which is due to the Company prior to December 31, 2017.

The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation of the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, all included in the Americas segment (in thousands):

Amount

Cash and cash equivalents

 $2,584

Receivables(1)

16,801

Prepaid expenses

1,553

Total current assets

20,938

Property and equipment

12,869

Goodwill

70,563

Intangibles

121,400

Deferred charges and other assets

229

Accounts payable

(3,564

Accrued employee compensation and benefits

(1,610

Income taxes payable

(340

Deferred revenue

(4,620

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities

(6,324

Total current liabilities

(16,458

Other long-term liabilities

(1,633

 $207,908

(1)The fair value equals the gross contractual value of the receivables.

The Company accounted for the Clearlink acquisition in accordance with ASC 805,Business Combinations (“ASC 805”), whereby the purchase price paid was allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangibles acquired and liabilities assumed from Clearlink based on their estimated fair values as of the closing date. The Company completed its analysis of the purchase price allocation during the fourth quarter of 2016 and the resulting adjustments were recorded in accordance with ASU2015-16,Business Combinations (Topic 805) Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.

Fair values are based on management’s estimates and assumptions including variations of the income approach, the cost approach and the market approach.

The following table presents the Company’s purchased intangible assets as of April 1, 2016, the Clearlink acquisition date (in thousands):

                                                
   Amount Assigned  Weighted Average
Amortization Period
(years)

Customer relationships

   $63,800    13 

Trade name

   2,400    7 

Non-compete agreements

   1,800    3 

Proprietary software

   700    5 

Indefinite-lived domain names

   52,700    N/A 
  

 

 

 

  
   $121,400    7 
  

 

 

 

  

The amount of Clearlink’s revenues and net income since the April 1, 2016 acquisition date, included(expense) in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2017 (in thousands):

  As Previously
Reported
  Adjustments
Due to the
Adoption of
ASU 2017-07
    As Revised   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2017:

   

Direct salaries and related costs

 $248,643  $(28 $248,615 

General and administrative

  92,246   (10  92,236 

Income from operations

  11,290   38   11,328 

Other income (expense), net

  831   (38  793 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2017:

   

Direct salaries and related costs

 $495,808  $(57 $495,751 

General and administrative

  184,300   (20  184,280 

Income from operations

  37,304   77   37,381 

Other income (expense), net

  1,683   (77  1,606 

Note 2. Revenues

Adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, which includes ASU2014-09 and all related amendments, using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company’s historic accounting for revenues under ASC 605,Revenue Recognition(“ASC 605”).

The Company recorded an increase to opening retained earnings of $3.0 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting ASC 606. The impact, all in the Americas segment, primarily related to the change in timing of revenue recognition associated with certain customer contracts that provide fees upon renewal, as well as changes in estimating variable consideration with respect to penalties and holdback provisions for failure to meet specified minimum service levels and other performance-based contingencies. Revenues recognized under ASC 606 are expected to be slightly higher during 2018 than revenues would have been under ASC 605. This is primarily attributable to the change in the timing of revenue recognition, as discussed above. The impact on revenues recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 is reported below.

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The cumulative effect of the adjustments made to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 for the line items impacted by the adoption of ASC 606 was as follows (in thousands):

  December 31,
2017
      Adjustments    
Due to the
Adoption of
ASC 606
  January 1, 2018 

Receivables, net

 $      341,958  $825  $342,783 

Deferred charges and other assets

  29,193   2,045   31,238 

Income taxes payable

  2,606   697   3,303 

Deferred revenue and customer liabilities

  34,717   (1,048  33,669 

Other long-term liabilities

  22,039   202   22,241 

Retained earnings

  546,843   3,019   549,862 

The financial statement line items impacted by the adoption of ASC 606 in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                
   For the Three
Months Ended

September 30, 2016
  From April 1, 2016
Through
September 30, 2016

Revenues

   $45,494   $81,856 

Net income

   $3,942   $4,733 
    As Reported    Balances
Without the
  Impact of the  
ASC 606

Adoption
  Effect of
Adoption
Increase
  (Decrease)  
 

June 30, 2018:

   

Receivables, net

 $347,885  $345,932  $1,953 

Deferred charges and other assets

  32,698   28,280   4,418 

Income taxes payable

  843   (733  1,576 

Deferred revenue and customer liabilities

  32,503   34,585   (2,082

Other long-term liabilities

  25,250   25,524   (274

Retained earnings

  567,988   560,837   7,151 

The financial statement line items impacted by the adoption of ASC 606 in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows, along with the impact per share (in thousands, except per share data):

  As Reported  Balances
Without the
Impact of
  the ASC 606  
Adoption
  Effect of
  Adoption  
Increase
(Decrease)
 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018:

   

Revenues

 $396,785  $394,483  $2,302 

Income from operations

  6,460   4,158   2,302 

Income before income taxes

  4,949   2,647   2,302 

Income taxes

  (2,229  (2,804  575 

Net income

  7,178   5,451   1,727 

Net income per common share:

   

Basic

 $0.17  $0.13  $0.04 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

 $0.17  $0.13  $0.04 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

15


The financial statement line items impacted by the adoption of ASC 606 in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows, along with the impact per share (in thousands, except per share data):

  As Reported  Balances
Without the
Impact of
  the ASC 606  
Adoption
  Effect of
  Adoption  
Increase
(Decrease)
 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018:

   

Revenues

 $811,156  $805,759  $5,397 

Income from operations

  20,744   15,347   5,397 

Income before income taxes

  18,353   12,956   5,397 

Income taxes

  227   (1,038  1,265 

Net income

  18,126   13,994   4,132 

Net income per common share:

   

Basic

 $0.43  $0.33  $0.10 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Diluted

 $            0.43  $            0.33  $            0.10 
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Company’s net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 did not change due to the adoption of ASC 606.

Practical Expedients

The Company utilized the practical expedient that allows for the application of ASC 606 to a portfolio of contracts (or performance obligations) with similar characteristics if the entity reasonably expects that the effects on the financial statements of applying this guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts (or performance obligations) within that portfolio.

Costs of Obtaining Customer Contracts

ASC 606 requires an entity to recognize as an asset the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if the entity expects to recover those costs. The incremental costs of obtaining a contract are those costs that an entity incurs to obtain a contract with a customer that it would not have incurred if the contract had not been obtained (e.g., a sales commission). Because the Company’s sales commissions are not directly incremental to obtaining customer contracts, they are expensed as incurred.

Recognition of Revenues Accounting Policy

The Company’s “Recognition of Revenues” accounting policy under ASC 606 is outlined below. For the Company’s accounting policy under ASC 605, see Note 1, Overview and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with ASC 606, whereby revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

Customer Engagement Solutions and Services

Under ASC 606, the Company accounts for a contract with a client when it has approval, the contract is committed, the rights of the parties, including payment terms, are identified, the contract has commercial substance and consideration is probable of collection. The Company’s customer engagement solutions and services are classified as stand-ready performance obligations. Because the Company’s customers simultaneously receive and consume the benefits of its services as they are delivered, the performance obligations are satisfied over time. The Company recognizes revenues over time using output methods such as a per minute, per hour, per call, per transaction or per time and materials basis. These output methods faithfully depict the satisfaction of the Company’s obligation to deliver the services as requested and represent a direct measurement of value to the customer. The Company’s contracts have a single performance obligation as the promise to transfer the customer solutions and services are not separately identifiable from other promises in the contract, and therefore not distinct.

16


The stated term of the Company’s contracts with customers range from 30 days to six years. The majority of these contracts include termination for convenience or without cause provisions allowing either party to cancel the contract without substantial cost or penalty within a defined notification period (“termination rights”), typically varying periods up to 180 days. Because of the termination rights, only the noncancelable portion qualifies as a legally enforceable contract under Step 1, Identify the Contract with a Customer, of ASC 606 (“Step 1”) and is accounted for as such, even if the customer is unlikely to exercise its termination right. Furthermore, the amounts excluded from assessment under Step 1 are, in effect, optional customer purchases of additional services.

If the termination right is only provided to the customer, the unsatisfied performance obligations will be evaluated as a customer option. The Company typically does not include options that would result in a material right. If options to purchase additional services or options to renew are included in customer contracts, the Company evaluates the option in order to determine if the arrangement includes promises that may represent a material right and needs to be accounted for as a performance obligation in the contract with the customer.

The Company’s primary billing terms are that payment is due upon receipt of the invoice, payable usually within 30 or 60 days. Invoices are generally issued on a monthly basis as control transfers and/or as services are rendered. Revenue recognition is limited to the established transaction price, the amount to which the Company expects to be entitled to under the contract, including the amount of expected fees for those contracts with renewal provisions, and the amount that is not contingent upon delivery of any future product or service or meeting other specified performance obligations. The transaction price, once determined, is allocated to the single performance obligation on a contract by contract basis.

The Company’s contracts include penalties and holdbacks provisions for failure to meet specified minimum service levels and other performance-based contingencies, as well as the right of certain of the Company’s clients to chargeback accounts that do not meet certain requirements for specified periods after a sale has occurred. Certain customers also receive cash discounts for early payment. These provisions are accounted for as variable consideration and are estimated using historical service and pricing trends, the individual contract provisions, and the Company’s best judgment at the time. None of these variable consideration components are subject to constraint due to the short time period to resolution, the Company’s extensive history with similar transactions, and the limited number of possible outcomes and third-party influence. The portion of the consideration received under the contract that the Company expects to ultimately refund to the customer is excluded from the transaction price and is recorded as a refund liability.

Other Revenues

In the Americas, the Company provides a range of enterprise support services including technical staffing services and outsourced corporate help desk services, primarily in the U.S. Revenues for enterprise support services are recognized over time using output methods such as number of positions filled similar to the Company’s outsourced customer engagement services and solutions.

In EMEA, the Company offers fulfillment services that are integrated with its customer care and technical support services. The Company’s fulfillment solutions include order processing, payment processing, inventory control, product delivery and product returns handling. Sales are recognized upon shipment to the customer and satisfaction of all obligations.

The Company also has miscellaneous other revenues in the Other segment.

In total, other revenues are immaterial, representing 0.6% and 0.5% of the Company’s consolidated total revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 0.6% and 0.6% of the Company’s consolidated total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Disaggregated Revenues

The Company disaggregates its revenues from contracts with customers by service type and geographic location (see Note 16, Segments and Geographic Information), for each of its reportable segments, as the Company believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of its revenues and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

17


The following table presents the unaudited pro forma combinedrepresents revenues and net earnings as if Clearlink had been included in the consolidated results of the Companyfrom contracts with customers disaggregated by service type for the entire three and nine month periodssix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016. The pro forma financial information is not indicative of2018 and 2017, by the results of operations that would have been achieved if the acquisition and related borrowings had taken place on January 1, 2016reportable segment for each category (in thousands):

 

                                                
   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016

Revenues

   $385,743   $1,104,720 

Net income

   $21,277   $47,172 

Net income per common share:

    

Basic

   $0.51   $1.13 

Diluted

   $0.50   $1.12 
     Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,   
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Americas:

        

Customer engagement solutions and services

  $326,766   $314,603   $667,188   $635,265 

Other revenues

   275    268    574    537 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Americas

   327,041    314,871    667,762    635,802 

EMEA:

        

Customer engagement solutions and services

   67,772    58,836    139,443    119,905 

Other revenues

   1,948    1,704    3,904    3,702 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total EMEA

   69,720    60,540    143,347    123,607 

Other:

        

Other revenues

   24    27    47    43 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Other

   24    27    47    43 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $      396,785   $      375,438   $      811,156   $      759,452 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

These amounts were calculated to reflectTrade Accounts Receivable

The Company’s trade accounts receivable, net, consists of the additional depreciation, amortization, interest expense and rent expense that would have been incurred assuming the fair value adjustments and borrowings occurred on January 1, 2016, together with the consequential tax effects. In addition, these amounts exclude costs incurred which were directly attributable to the acquisition, and which did not have a continuing impact on the combined companies’ operating results.following (in thousands):

     June 30, 2018      January 1, 2018  

Trade accounts receivable, net, current(1)

  $334,818   $332,014 

Trade accounts receivable, net, noncurrent(2)

   4,614    2,078 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $339,432   $334,092 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Included in these costs are advisory and legal costs, net of the tax effects.

Merger and integration costs associated with Clearlink included in “General and administrative” costs“Receivables, net” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated StatementBalance Sheets. The January 1, 2018 balance includes the $0.8 million adjustment recorded upon adoption of Operations were as follows (noneASC 606.

(2) Included in 2017)“Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The January 1, 2018 balance includes a $2.1 million adjustment recorded upon adoption of ASC 606.

The Company’s noncurrent trade accounts receivable result from contracts with customers that include renewal provisions that take effect subsequent to the satisfaction of the associated performance obligations. Payment is expected upon renewal, which occurs inbi-annual and annual increments over the associated expected contract term, the majority of which range from two to five years.

Deferred Revenue and Customer Liabilities

Deferred revenue and customer liabilities consists of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                
   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016

Severance costs:

    

Americas

   $162   $162 

Transaction and integration costs:

    

Americas

   -    29 

Other

   39    4,415 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   39    4,444 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $201   $4,606 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

     June 30, 2018      January 1, 2018  

Deferred revenue

  $4,900   $4,598 

Customer arrangements with termination rights

   18,498    21,755 

Estimated refund liabilities(1)

   9,105    7,316 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $32,503   $33,669 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) The January 1, 2018 balance includes the $1.0 million adjustment recorded upon adoption of ASC 606.

Deferred Revenue

The Company receivesup-front fees in connection with certain contracts. In accordance with ASC 606, theup-front fees are recorded as a contract liability only to the extent a legally enforceable contract exists, typically varying periods up to 180 days. Accordingly, theup-front fees allocated to the notification period are recorded as deferred revenue, while the fees that extend beyond the notification period are classified as a customer arrangement with termination rights.

18


Revenues of $0.3 million and $4.2 million were recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, from amounts included in deferred revenue as of January 1, 2018.

The Company expects to recognize its deferred revenue as of June 30, 2018 over the next 180 days.

Customer Liabilities – Customer Arrangements with Termination Rights

Customer arrangements with termination rights represent the amount ofup-front fees received for unsatisfied performance obligations for periods that extend beyond the legally enforceable contract period. All customer arrangements with termination rights are classified as current as the customer can terminate the contracts and demandpro-rata refunds of theup-front fees over varying periods, typically up to 180 days. The Company expects to recognize the majority of the customer arrangements with termination rights into revenue as the Company has not historically experienced a high rate of contract terminations.

Customer Liabilities – Refund Liabilities

Refund liabilities represent consideration received under the contract that the Company expects to ultimately refund to the customer and primarily relates to estimated penalties, holdbacks and chargebacks. Penalties and holdbacks result from the failure to meet specified minimum service levels in certain contracts and other performance-based contingencies. Chargebacks reflect the right of certain of the Company’s clients to chargeback accounts that do not meet certain requirements for specified periods after a sale has occurred.

Refund liabilities are generally resolved in 180 days, once it is determined whether the requisite service levels and client requirements were achieved to settle the contingency.

Note 3. Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities

During 2011 and 2010,the second quarter of 2018, the Company announced several initiativesinitiated a restructuring plan to streamline excess capacity through targeted seat reductions in the Americas (“(the “Americas 2018 Exit Plans”Plan”) in anon-going effort to manage and optimize capacity utilization. These Americas’The Americas 2018 Exit Plans included,Plan includes, but wereis not limited to, closing customer engagementcontact management centers in the Philippines and consolidating leased space in various locations in the U.S. and Canada. The Company anticipates finalizing the remainder of the site closures under the Americas 2018 Exit Plan by December 2018.

The Company paid $8.1 millionCompany’s actions will result in cash through December 31, 2016 under thesea reduction in seats as well as anticipated general and administrative cost savings, including lower depreciation expense, resulting from the 2018 site closures.

The cumulative costs expected and incurred as a result of the Americas 2018 Exit Plans forPlan are outlined below as of June 30, 2018 (in thousands):

   Costs Expected
To Be Incurred
   Cumulative
 Costs Incurred 
To Date
   Expected
    Remaining    
Costs
 

Lease obligations and facility exit costs(1)

  $6,692   $3,028   $3,664 

Severance and related costs(2)

   3,701    402    3,299 

Severance and related costs(1)

   488    219    269 

Non-cash impairment charges

   5,175    5,175    - 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $16,056   $8,824   $7,232 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Relates to “General and administrative” costs.

(2) Relates to “Direct salaries and related costs.”

19


The expected remaining severance charges are anticipated to be incurred during the third quarter of 2018. The expected remaining lease obligations and facility exit costs. Ascosts are anticipated to be incurred primarily during the third quarter of December 31, 2016, there were no remaining outstanding liabilities related to2018 with the Exit Plans.balance during the fourth quarter of 2018.

The following table summarizes the accrued liability associated with the Exit Plans’ exit and disposal activities and related charges for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018 (none in 2017) (in thousands):

 

                                                
   Three Months Ended
September 30, 2016
  Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2016

Beginning accrual

   $319   $733 

Cash payments

   (211   (625
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Ending accrual

   $108   $108 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Lease Obligations
and Facility
Exit Costs
   Severance and
Related Costs
   Total 

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $-   $-   $- 

Charges included in “Direct salaries and related costs”

   -    402    402 

Charges included in “General and administrative”

   3,028    219    3,247 

Cash payments

   (429   (131   (560

Balance sheet reclassifications(1)

   216    -    216 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

  $                2,815   $                   490   $                3,305 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) Consists of the reclassification of deferred rent balances for locations subject to closure to the restructuring liability.

Restructuring Liability Classification

The following table summarizes the Company’s short-term and long-term accrued liabilities associated with the Americas 2018 Exit Plan as of June 30, 2018 (none in 2017) (in thousands):

   Americas 2018
Exit Plan
 

Short-term accrued restructuring liability(1)

  $                            2,726 

Short-term accrued restructuring liability(2)

   490 

Long-term accrued restructuring liability(3)

   89 
  

 

 

 

Ending accrual at June 30, 2018

  $3,305 
  

 

 

 

(1) Included in “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2) Included in “Accrued employee compensation and benefits” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(3) Included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The long-term accrued restructuring liability relates to future rent obligations to be paid through the remainder of the lease terms, the last of which ends in September 2019.

20


Note 4. Fair Value

ASC 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”) requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

 

  

Level 1 Quoted prices for identicalinstruments in active markets.

  

Level 2 Quoted prices for similarinstruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.

  

Level 3 Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

Fair Value of Financial InstrumentsThe following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

  

Cash, short-term and other investments, investments held in rabbi trust and accounts payable The carrying values for cash, short-term and other investments, investments held in rabbi trust and accounts payable approximate their fair values.

  

Foreign currency forward contracts and options Foreign currency forward contracts and options, including premiums paid on options, are recognized at fair value based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or, if none are available, on pricing models or formulas using current market and model assumptions, including adjustments for credit risk.

  

Embedded derivatives Embedded derivatives within certain hybrid lease agreements are bifurcated from the host contract and recognized at fair value based on pricing models or formulas using significant unobservable inputs, including adjustments for credit risk.

  

Long-term debt The carrying value of long-term debt approximates its estimated fair value.value as the debt bears interest based on variable market rates, as outlined in the debt agreement.

  

Contingent consideration The contingent consideration is recognized at fair value based on the discounted cash flow method.

Fair Value Measurements ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC820-10-20 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.

ASC 825Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”) permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The Company has not elected to use the fair value option permitted under ASC 825 for any of its financial assets and financial liabilities that are not already recorded at fair value.

Determination of Fair ValueThe Company generally uses quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access to determine fair value and classifies such items in Level 1. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, etc. Assets or liabilities valued using such internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable.

21


The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts and OptionsThe Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts and options over the counter and values such contracts using quoted market prices of comparable instruments or, if none are available, on pricing models or formulas using current market and model assumptions, including adjustments for credit risk. The key inputs include forward or option foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. These items are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Embedded DerivativesThe Company uses significant unobservable inputs to determine the fair value of embedded derivatives, which are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. These unobservable inputs include expected cash flows associated with the lease, currency exchange rates on the day of commencement, as well as forward currency exchange rates, the results of which are adjusted for credit risk. These items are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. See Note 6, Financial Derivatives, for further information.

Investments Held in Rabbi TrustThe investment assets of the rabbi trust are valued using quoted market prices in active markets, which are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information about the deferred compensation plan, refer to Note 7, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust, and Note 16,15, Stock-Based Compensation.

Contingent Consideration The Company uses significant unobservable inputs to determine the fair value of contingent consideration, which is classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The contingent consideration recorded related to the acquisition of Qelp B.V. and its subsidiary (together, known as “Qelp”) on July 2, 2015 and liabilities assumed as part of the ClearlinkClear Link Holdings, LLC (“Clearlink”) acquisition was recognized at fair value using a discounted cash flow methodology and a discount rate of approximately 14.0% and 10.0%, respectively. The discount rates vary dependent on the specific risks of each acquisition including the country of operation, the nature of services and complexity of the acquired business, and other similar factors, all of which are significant inputs not observable in the market. Significant increases or decreases in any of the inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement.

The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the requirements of ASC 820 consist of the following as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 (in thousands):

 

        Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2017 Using:
        Quoted Prices  Significant   
        in Active  Other  Significant
        Markets For      Observable      Unobservable
     Balance at  Identical Assets  Inputs  Inputs
     September 30, 2017  Level (1)  Level (2)  Level (3)

Assets:

         

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

 

(1)

   $815    $-        $815    $-     

Embedded derivatives

 

(1)

   41    -        -        41 

Equity investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan

 

(2)

   7,849    7,849    -        -     

Debt investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan

 

(2)

   3,427    3,427    -        -     
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    $12,132    $11,276    $815    $41 
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

         

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

 

(1)

   $916    $-        $916    $-     

Embedded derivatives

 

(1)

   341    -        -        341 

Contingent consideration

 

(3)

  

 

1,000

 

   -        -        1,000 
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

    $2,257    $-        $    916    $1,341 
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
   Balance at   Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
For
Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   June 30,
2018
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Assets:

        

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(1)

  $1,354   $-   $1,354   $- 

Equity investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan(2)

   8,557    8,557    -    - 

Debt investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation  Plan(2)

   3,307    3,307    -    - 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $          13,218   $        11,864   $1,354   $- 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(1)

  $1,903   $-   $1,903   $- 

Embedded derivatives(1)

   598    -    -    598 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $2,501   $-   $            1,903   $               598 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

22


The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the requirements of ASC 820 consist of the following as of December 31, 20162017 (in thousands):

 

        Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2016 Using:
        Quoted Prices  Significant   
        in Active  Other  Significant
        Markets For      Observable      Unobservable
     Balance at  Identical Assets  Inputs  Inputs
     December 31, 2016  Level (1)  Level (2)  Level (3)

Assets:

         

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

 

(1)

  $3,921   $-       $3,921   $-     

Embedded derivatives

 

(1)

   12    -        -        12 

Equity investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan

 

(2)

   7,470    7,470    -        -     

Debt investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan

 

(2)

   1,944    1,944    -        -     
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $13,347   $9,414   $3,921   $12 
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

         

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

 

(1)

   $1,912    $-        $1,912    $-     

Embedded derivatives

 

(1)

   567    -        -        567 

Contingent consideration

 

(3)

   6,100    -        -        6,100 
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $8,579   $-       $1,912   $6,667 
   

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

       Fair Value Measurements Using: 
   Balance at   Quoted
Prices in
Active Markets
For Identical
Assets
   Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
   Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
 
   December 31,
2017
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 

Assets:

        

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(1)

  $3,848   $-   $3,848   $- 

Embedded derivatives(1)

   52    -    -    52 

Equity investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan(2)

   8,094    8,094    -    - 

Debt investments held in rabbi trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan(2)

   3,533    3,533    -    - 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $          15,527   $        11,627   $            3,848   $52 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities:

        

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(1)

  $256   $-   $256   $- 

Embedded derivatives(1)

   579    -    -    579 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $835   $-   $256   $               579 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(1) See Note 6, Financial Derivatives, for the classification in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2) Included in “Other current assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 7, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust.

(3) Included in “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Reconciliations of Fair Value Measurements Categorized within Level 3 of the Fair Value Hierarchy

Embedded Derivatives in Lease Agreements

A rollforward of the net asset (liability) activity in the Company’s fair value of the embedded derivatives is as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017  2016  2017  2016      Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,     
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $(171  $43   $(555  $-     $(409 $(375 $(527 $(555

Gains (losses) recognized in “Other income (expense), net”

   (193   131    122    176    (252 176  (165 315 

Settlements

   66    (2   134    (5   38  25  80  70 

Effect of foreign currency

   (2   4    (1   5    25  3  14  (1
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

  $(300  $176   $(300  $176   $(598 $(171 $(598 $(171
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in “Other income (expense), net” related to embedded derivatives held at the end of the period

  $(193  $131   $122   $176   $(253 $48  $(171 $183 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

23


Contingent Consideration

A rollforward of the activity in the Company’s fair value of the contingent consideration (liability) is as follows (none in 2018) (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017  2016  2017  2016
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  Three Months
Ended June 30,
2017
   Six Months
Ended June 30,
2017
 

Balance at the beginning of the period

  $(1,127  $(9,696  $(6,100  $(6,280  $(5,633  $(6,100

Acquisition(1)

   -      -      -      (2,779

Imputed interest

   (8   (207   (76   (716   (34   (68

Fair value gain (loss) adjustments(2)

   (96   2,798    605    2,798 

Fair value gain (loss) adjustments(1)

   268    701 

Settlements

   232    -      4,760    -      4,402    4,528 

Effect of foreign currency

   (1   (87   (189   (215   (130   (188
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Balance at the end of the period

  $(1,000  $(7,192  $(1,000  $(7,192  $(1,127  $(1,127
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Change in unrealized gains (losses) included in “General and administrative” related to contingent consideration outstanding at the end of the period

  $-     $2,755   $-     $2,755   $268   $268 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

(1) Liability acquired as part of the Clearlink acquisition on April 1, 2016. See Note 2, Acquisitions.

(2) Included in “General and administrative” costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The Company recorded a fair value lossgain of $0.1$0.3 million and a net fair value gain of $0.6$0.7 million in “General and administrative” during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, respectively, related to the Clearlink contingent consideration related to settlements and changes in the probability of achievement of certain revenue targets.

The Company recorded a fair value gain of $2.6 million to the Qelpconsideration. All outstanding Clearlink contingent consideration in “General and administrative” during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the executionliabilities remaining as of an addendum to the Qelp purchase agreement, subject to which the Company agreed to pay the sellers EUR 4.0 million by June 30, 2017 were paid prior to December 31, 2017.

The Company paid $4.4 million in May 2017 to settle the outstanding Qelp contingent consideration obligation. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded a fair value gain of $0.2 million in “General and administrative” to the Clearlink contingent consideration due to changes in the probability of achievement of certain revenue targets.

The Company accretesaccreted interest expense each period using the effective interest method until the contingent consideration reachesreached the estimated remaining future value of $1.0 million.value. Interest expense related to the contingent consideration iswas included in “Interest (expense)” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.

Non-Recurring Fair Value

Certain assets, under certain conditions, are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis utilizing Level 3 inputs, including goodwill, other intangible assets, other long-lived assets and equity method investments. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition would be applicable if these assets were determined to be impaired. The adjusted carrying values for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (no liabilities) subject to the requirements of ASC 820 were not material at SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.

The following table summarizes the total impairment losses related to nonrecurring fair value measurements of certain assets (no liabilities) subject to the requirements of ASC 820 (in thousands) (none in 2016):

 

                                                
  Total Impairment (Loss)  Total Impairment (Loss) 
  Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended    Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017  2017  2018   2017   2018   2017 

Americas:

            

Property and equipment, net

  $(680  $(5,071  $(5,175)   $(4,189)   $(8,701)   $(4,391) 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

As a resultIn connection with the closure of the consolidation of leased spacecertain under-utilized customer contact management centers in the U.S., and Canada, the Company recorded an impairment chargecharges of $0.7$5.2 million and $8.7 million related to leasehold improvements, equipment, furniture and fixtures which were not recoverable during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 related to leasehold improvements which were not recoverable and equipment, furniture and fixtures that could not be redeployed to other locations.2018, respectively. See Note 3, Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, for further information.

In connection with the closure of an under-utilized customer contact management center in the U.S., the Company recorded an impairment charge of $4.2 million during the ninethree and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017 related to leasehold improvements which were not recoverable and equipment, furniture and fixtures that could not be redeployed to other locations.

24


The Company also recorded an impairment charge of $0.2 million related to the write-down of a vacant and unused parcel of land in the U.S. to its estimated fair value during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.

Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

The following table presents the Company’s purchased intangible assets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
   Gross Intangibles  Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Intangibles  Weighted Average
Amortization Period
(years)

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

       

Customer relationships

  $170,925   $(90,596 $80,329    10 

Trade names and trademarks

   14,137    (8,367  5,770    7 

Non-compete agreements

   1,820    (901  919    3 

Content library

   533    (533  -      2 

Proprietary software

   1,550    (1,060  490    3 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

       

Domain names

   58,035    -     58,035    N/A 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
  $247,000   $(101,457 $145,543    6 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

   Gross
 Intangibles 
   Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
 Intangibles 
   Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (years)
 

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

       

Customer relationships

  $169,749   $(100,859 $68,890    10 

Trade names and trademarks

   14,135    (9,651  4,484    7 

Non-compete agreements

   1,820    (1,356  464    3 

Content library

   526    (526  -    2 

Proprietary software

   1,040    (655  385    4 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

       

Domain names

   65,606    -   65,606    N/A 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   
  $252,876   $(113,047)  $139,829    5 
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

The following table presents the Company’s purchased intangible assets as of December 31, 20162017 (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Gross Intangibles  Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Intangibles  Weighted Average
Amortization Period

(years)
  Gross
Intangibles
   Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
 Intangibles 
   Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period (years)
 

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

              

Customer relationships

  $166,634   $(75,364 $91,270    10   $170,853   $(95,175 $75,678    10 

Trade names and trademarks

   14,095    (7,083 7,012    7    14,138    (8,797 5,341    7 

Non-compete agreements

   2,993    (1,643 1,350    2    1,820    (1,052 768    3 

Content library

   475    (357 118    2    542    (542  -    2 

Proprietary software

   1,550    (955 595    3    1,040    (585 455    4 

Favorable lease agreement

   449    (449  -    2 

Intangible assets not subject to amortization:

              

Domain names

   52,710    -    52,710    N/A    58,035    -  58,035    N/A 
  

 

  

 

 

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

   
  $238,906   $(85,851 $153,055    6   $246,428   $(106,151)  $140,277    6 
  

 

  

 

 

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

   

The Company’s estimated future amortization expense for the succeeding years relating to the purchased intangible assets resulting from acquisitions completed prior to SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018 is as follows (in thousands):

 

                        
Years Ending December 31,  Amount    Amount   

2017 (remaining three months)

  $5,464 

2018

   15,126 

2018 (remaining six months)

   7,230 

2019

   14,067    14,022 

2020

   11,380    11,348 

2021

   6,816    6,799 

2022

   5,723    5,714 

2023 and thereafter

   28,932 

2023

   4,882 

2024 and thereafter

   24,228 

Goodwill

Changes in goodwill for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  January 1, 2017  Acquisition  Effect of Foreign
Currency
  September 30, 2017    January 1,  
2018
     Acquisition     Effect of
Foreign
  Currency  
     June 30,    
2018
 

Americas

  $255,842   $410   $2,132   $258,384   $258,496   $-   $(2,872 $255,624 

EMEA

   9,562    -      1,082    10,644    10,769    -    (402 10,367 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 
  $265,404   $410   $3,214   $269,028   $269,265   $-   $      (3,274 $      265,991 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

  

 

 

25


Changes in goodwill for the year ended December 31, 20162017 consist of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
   January 1, 2016  Acquisition (1)  Effect of Foreign
Currency
 December 31, 2016

Americas

  $186,049   $70,563   $(770 $255,842 

EMEA

   9,684    -      (122  9,562 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  $195,733   $70,563   $(892 $265,404 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)See Note 2, Acquisitions, for further information.

   January 1,
2017
   Acquisition   Effect of
Foreign
Currency
   December 31,
2017
 

Americas

  $255,842   $390   $2,264   $258,496 

EMEA

   9,562    -    1,207    10,769 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $    265,404   $          390   $        3,471   $    269,265 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company performs its annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

For the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company elected to forgo the option to first assess qualitative factors and performed its annual quantitative goodwill impairment test as of July 31, 2017. Under ASC 350, the carrying value of assets is calculated at the reporting unit level. The quantitative assessment of goodwill includes comparing a reporting unit’s calculated fair value to its carrying value. The calculation of fair value requires significant judgments including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth, the useful life over which cash flows will occur and determination of the Company’s weighted average cost of capital. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or conclusions on goodwill impairment for each reporting unit. If the fair value of

the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, goodwill is considered impaired and an impairment loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

The process of evaluating the fair value of the reporting units is highly subjective and requires significant judgment and estimates as the reporting units operate in a number of markets and geographical regions. The Company considered the income and market approaches to determine its best estimates of fair value, which incorporated the following significant assumptions:

 

  

Revenue projections, including revenue growth during the forecast periods;

  

EBITDA margin projections over the forecast periods;

  

Estimated income tax rates;

  

Estimated capital expenditures; and

  

Discount rates based on various inputs, including the risks associated with the specific reporting units as well as their revenue growth and EBITDA margin assumptions.

As of July 31, 2017, the Company concluded that goodwill was not impaired for all six of its reporting units with goodwill, based on generally accepted valuation techniques and the significant assumptions outlined above. While the fair values of four of the six reporting units were substantially in excess of their carrying value, the Qelp and Clearlink reporting units’ fair value exceeded the respective carrying value, although not substantially.

The Qelp and Clearlink reporting units are at risk of future impairment if projected operating results are not met or other inputs into the fair value measurement change. However, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, the Company believes there were no indicators of impairment related to Qelp’s $10.6$10.4 million of goodwill or Clearlink’s $71.0 million of goodwill.

26


Note 6. Financial Derivatives

Cash Flow Hedges – The Company has derivative assets and liabilities relating to outstanding forward contracts and options, designated as cash flow hedges, as defined under ASC 815Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), consisting of Philippine Peso, Costa Rican Colon, Hungarian Forint and Romanian Leu contracts. These contracts are entered into to protect againsthedge the risk thatexposure to variability in the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions will be adversely affected byof a specific asset or liability, or of a forecasted transaction that is attributable to changes in exchange rates.

The deferred gains (losses) and related taxes on the Company’s cash flow hedges recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” (“AOCI”) in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                
  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016      June 30, 2018       December 31, 2017 

Deferred gains (losses) in AOCI

  $(761  $(2,295  $(999  $2,550 

Tax on deferred gains (losses) in AOCI

   (2   69                    96    (79
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Deferred gains (losses) in AOCI, net of taxes

  $(763  $(2,226  $(903  $            2,471 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 
Deferred gains (losses) expected to be reclassified to “Revenues” from AOCI during the next twelve months  $(757    $(882  
  

 

    

 

   

Deferred gains (losses) and other future reclassifications from AOCI will fluctuate with movements in the underlying market price of the forward contracts and options.

Net Investment Hedge – The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge its net investment in certain foreign operations, as defined under ASC 815. The purpose of these derivative instruments is to protect the Company’s interests against the risk that the net assets of certain foreign subsidiaries will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates and economic exposures related to the Company’s foreign currency-based investments in these subsidiaries.

Non-Designated Hedges

Foreign Currency Forward ContractsThe Company also periodically enters into foreign currency hedge contracts that are not designated as hedges as defined under ASC 815. The purpose of these derivative instruments is to protect the Company’s interests against adverse foreign currency moves relating primarily to intercompany receivables and payables, and other assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the Company’s subsidiaries’ functional currencies. These contracts generally do not exceed 180 days in duration.

Embedded Derivatives – The Company enters into certain lease agreements which require payments not denominated in the functional currency of any substantial party to the agreements. The foreign currency component of these contracts meets the criteria under ASC 815 as embedded derivatives. The Company has determined that the embedded derivatives are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host contracts (lease agreements), and separate, stand-alone instruments with the same terms as the embedded derivative instruments would otherwise qualify as derivative instruments, thereby requiring separation from the lease agreements and recognition at fair value. Such instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting under ASC 815.

The Company had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts and options, and embedded derivatives (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  As of September 30, 2017  As of December 31, 2016  June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Contract Type  Notional
Amount in
USD
  Settle Through
Date
  Notional
Amount in
USD
  Settle Through
Date
  

Notional

Amount in
USD

   Settle
Through
Date
   Notional
Amount
in USD
   Settle
Through
Date
 

Cash flow hedges:

                

Options:

                

US Dollars/Philippine Pesos

  $39,000    September 2018   $51,000    December 2017   $        61,750    September 2019     $        78,000    December 2018   

Forwards:

                

US Dollars/Philippine Pesos

   3,000    June 2018    -    -    53,400    September 2019    3,000    June 2018 

US Dollars/Costa Rican Colones

   64,000    December 2018    45,500    December 2017    82,500    August 2019    70,000    March 2019 

Euros/Hungarian Forints

   709    December 2017    -    -    1,726    December 2018    3,554    December 2018 

Euros/Romanian Leis

   1,981    December 2017    -    -    6,894    December 2018    13,977    December 2018 

Net investment hedges:

        

Forwards:

        

Euros/US Dollar

   -    -    76,933    September 2017 

Non-designated hedges:

                

Forwards

   27,468    December 2017    55,614    March 2017    6,153    September 2018    9,253    March 2018 

Embedded derivatives

   13,752    April 2030    13,234    April 2030    12,676    April 2030    13,519    April 2030 

27


Master netting agreements exist with each respective counterparty to reduce credit risk by permitting net settlement of derivative positions. In the event of default by the Company or one of its counterparties, these agreements include aset-off clause that provides thenon-defaulting party the right to net settle all derivative transactions, regardless of the currency and settlement date. The maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that, based on gross fair value, the Company would incur if parties to the derivative transactions that make up the concentration failed to perform according to the terms of the contracts was $0.8$1.4 million and $3.9$3.8 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively. After consideration of these netting arrangements and offsetting positions by counterparty, the total net settlement amount as it relates to these positions are asset positions of $0.7$0.9 million and $3.6 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, and liability positions of $0.8$1.4 million and $1.6 million$0 as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively.

Although legally enforceable master netting arrangements exist between the Company and each counterparty, the Company has elected to present the derivative assets and derivative liabilities on a gross basis in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company is not required to pledge, nor is it entitled to receive, cash collateral related to these derivative transactions.

The following tables present the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands):

 

                                                
  Derivative Assets
  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016  Derivative Assets 
  Fair Value  Fair Value  June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under ASC 815:

        

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(1)

  $538   $-   $1,343   $3,604 

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(2)

   4    -    11    - 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 
   542    -    1,354    3,604 

Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments under ASC 815:

    

Foreign currency forward contracts(1)

   -    3,230 
  

 

  

 

   542    3,230 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

        

Foreign currency forward contracts(1)

   273    691    -    244 

Embedded derivatives(1)

   8    8    -    9 

Embedded derivatives(2)

   33    4    -    43 
    
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total derivative assets

  $856   $3,933   $                                1,354   $                                3,900 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 
  Derivative Liabilities  Derivative Liabilities 
  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016  June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
  Fair Value  Fair Value

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under ASC 815:

        

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(3)

  $908   $1,806   $1,595   $175 

Foreign currency forward and option contracts(4)

   8    -    129    81 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 
   1,724    256 
   916    1,806 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

        

Foreign currency forward contracts(3)

   -    106    179    - 

Embedded derivatives(3)

   167    174    108    189 

Embedded derivatives(4)

   

 

174

 

 

 

   

 

393

 

 

 

   490    390 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

  $1,257   $2,479   $2,501   $835 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

(1)Included in “Other current assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)Included in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)Included in “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)Included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

28


The following tables presenttable presents the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                            
   Gain (Loss) Recognized in
AOCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 Gain (Loss) Reclassified
From AOCI Into
“Revenues” (Effective
Portion)
  Gain (Loss) Recognized in
“Revenues” on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
   September 30, September 30,  September 30,
   2017 2016 2017 2016  2017  2016

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under ASC 815:

         

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

  $585  $(1,274 $(766)  $127   $-   $- 

Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments under ASC 815:

         

Foreign currency forward contracts

   (2,979)   (979  -   -    -    - 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  $(2,394 $(2,253)  $(766 $127   $-   $- 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

                                                
   Gain (Loss) Recognized in “Other
income (expense), net” on Derivatives
   Three Months Ended September 30,
   2017  2016

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

    

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $(252  $240 

Embedded derivatives

   (193   (130
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  $(445  $110 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
  Gain (Loss)
Reclassified From
AOCI Into
“Revenues”
(Effective Portion)
  Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
“Revenues” on
Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
   June 30,  June 30,  June 30, 
   2018  2017  2018   2017  2018   2017 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under ASC 815:

         

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

  $(305 $(1,232 $191   $(820 $2   $- 

Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments under ASC 815:

         

Foreign currency forward contracts

   -   (4,774  -    -   -    - 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $        (305)  $      (6,006)  $        191   $      (820)  $            2   $              - 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables presenttable presents the gains (losses) recognized in “Other income (expense), net” of the Company’s derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

         Three Months Ended June 30,       
   2018   2017 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

    

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $(93)   $921 

Embedded derivatives

   (252   176 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $(345  $1,097 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table presents the effect of the Company’s derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                            
  Gain (Loss) Recognized in
AOCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 Gain (Loss) Reclassified
From AOCI Into
“Revenues” (Effective
Portion)
  Gain (Loss) Recognized in
“Revenues” on Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion and
Amount Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
  Gain (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
 Gain (Loss)
Reclassified From
AOCI Into
“Revenues”
(Effective Portion)
 Gain (Loss)
Recognized in
“Revenues” on
Derivatives
(Ineffective Portion
and Amount
Excluded from
Effectiveness Testing)
 
  September 30, September 30,  September 30,  June 30, June 30, June 30, 
  2017 2016 2017 2016  2017  2016  2018 2017 2018   2017 2018   2017 

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments under ASC 815:

                  

Foreign currency forward and option contracts

  $(881)  $(843 $(2,346)  $77   $-   $-   $(3,001 $(1,466 $428   $(1,580 $8   $- 

Derivatives designated as net investment hedging instruments under ASC 815:

                  

Foreign currency forward contracts

   (8,352)  (1,677  -   -    -    -    -  (5,373  -    -   -    - 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 
  $(9,233 $ (2,520 $(2,346 $ 77   $-   $-   $    (3,001)  $      (6,839)  $        428   $    (1,580)  $            8   $              - 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

                                                
   Gain (Loss) Recognized in “Other
income (expense), net” on Derivatives
   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2017  2016

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

    

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $(170  $1,610 

Embedded derivatives

   122    (176
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  $(48  $1,434 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

29


The following table presents the gains (losses) recognized in “Other income (expense), net” of the Company’s derivative instruments included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

   Six Months Ended June 30, 
   2018   2017 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under ASC 815:

    

Foreign currency forward contracts

  $(1,262  $82 

Embedded derivatives

   (165   315 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $            (1,427  $              397 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Note 7. Investments Held in Rabbi Trust

The Company’s investments held in rabbi trust, classified as trading securities and included in “Other current assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, at fair value, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
   September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016
   Cost  Fair Value  Cost  Fair Value

Mutual funds

  $8,017   $11,276   $7,257   $9,414 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   June 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
   Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value 

Mutual funds

  $        8,252   $        11,864   $        8,096   $        11,627 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The mutual funds held in rabbi trust were 70%72% equity-based and 30%28% debt-based as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2018. Net investment income (losses), included in “Other income (expense), net” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,    Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017  2016  2017  2016  2018   2017   2018   2017 

Net realized gains (losses) from sale of trading securities

  $13   $-   $162   $-   $27   $149   $32   $149 

Dividend and interest income

   28    7    67    26    43    25    68    39 

Net unrealized holding gains (losses)

   401    317    943    471    72    149    17    542 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Net investment income (losses)

  $442   $324   $1,172   $497   $142   $323   $117   $730 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Note 8. Deferred Revenue

Deferred revenue consists of the following (in thousands):

                                                
   September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016

Future service

  $30,949   $27,116 

Estimated potential penalties and holdbacks

   6,879    6,593 

Estimated chargebacks

   5,502    5,027 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  $43,330   $38,736 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Note 9. Deferred Grants

Deferred grants, net of accumulated amortization, consist of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                
  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016      June 30, 2018         December 31, 2017   

Property grants

  $2,970   $3,353   $                2,587   $    2,843 

Lease grants

   525    502    441    507 

Employment grants

   45    67    68    61 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total deferred grants

   3,540    3,922    3,096    3,411 

Less: Lease grants - short-term(1)

   (114   (94   (115   (117

Less: Employment grants - short-term(1)

   (45   (67   (68   (61
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

Total long-term deferred grants

  $3,381   $3,761   $2,913   $3,233 
  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

(1)Included in “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 10.9. Borrowings

On May 12, 2015, the Company entered into a $440 million revolving credit facility (the “2015 Credit“Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders and KeyBank National Association, as Lead Arranger, Sole Book Runner, Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Lender (“KeyBank”). The 2015 Credit Agreement is subject to certain borrowing limitations and includes certain customary financial and restrictive covenants.

The 2015 Credit Agreement includes a $200 million alternate-currencysub-facility, a $10 million swinglinesub-facility and a $35 million letter of creditsub-facility, and may be used for general corporate purposes including acquisitions, share repurchases, working capital support and letters of credit, subject to certain limitations. The Company is not currently aware of any inability of its lenders to provide access to the full commitment of funds that exist under the

30


revolving credit facility, if necessary. However, there can be no assurance that such facility will be available to the Company, even though it is a binding commitment of the financial institutions.

The 2015 Credit Agreement matures on May 12, 2020, and had outstanding borrowings of $267.0$90.0 million and $275.0 million at both SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, included in “Long-term debt” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On April 1, 2016, the Company borrowed $216.0 million under its 2015 Credit Agreement in connection with the acquisition of Clearlink.

Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement bear interest at the rates set forth in the 2015 Credit Agreement. In addition, the Company is required to pay certain customary fees, including a commitment fee determined quarterly based on the Company’s leverage ratio and due quarterly in arrears as calculated on the average unused amount of the 2015 Credit Agreement.

The 2015 Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all of the Company’s existing and future direct and indirect material U.S. subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of 100% of thenon-voting and 65% of the voting capital stock of all the direct foreign subsidiaries of the Company and those of the guarantors.

In May 2015, the Company paid an underwriting fee of $0.9 million for the 2015 Credit Agreement, which is deferred and amortized over the term of the loan, along with the deferred loan fees of $0.4 million related to the previous credit agreement.

The following table presents information related to our credit agreements (dollars in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,    Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017  2016  2017  2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Average daily utilization

  $267,000   $272,000   $267,000   $207,161   $100,110  $267,000  $110,691  $267,000 

Interest expense, including commitment fee(1)

  $1,772   $1,171   $4,815   $2,625 

Interest expense(1), (2)

  $915  $1,600  $1,916  $3,043 

Weighted average interest rate(2)

   2.6%    1.7%    2.4%    1.8%    3.7 2.4 3.5 2.3

(1)Excludes the amortization of deferred loan fees.

(2)Includes the commitment fee.

In January 2018, the Company repaid $175.0 million of long-term debt outstanding under its Credit Agreement, primarily using funds repatriated from its foreign subsidiaries.

Note 11.10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company presents data in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity in accordance with ASC 220,Comprehensive Income (“ASC 220”). ASC 220 establishes rules for the reporting of comprehensive income (loss) and its components. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                                                                
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Gain (Loss)
 Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Net
Investment
Hedge
 Unrealized
Actuarial Gain
(Loss) Related
to Pension
Liability
 Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Cash Flow
Hedging
Instruments
 Unrealized
Gain (Loss) on
Post
Retirement
Obligation
 Total  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments
 Unrealized
Gain
(Loss) on
Net
Investment
Hedge
 Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on
Cash Flow
Hedging
Instruments
 Unrealized
Actuarial
Gain
(Loss)
Related
to Pension
Liability
 Unrealized
Gain
(Loss) on
Post
Retirement
Obligation
 Total 

Balance at January 1, 2016

  $(58,601 $4,170  $1,029  $(527 $267  $(53,662

Balance at January 1, 2017

  $(72,393 $    6,266  $(2,225 $    1,125  $        200  $  (67,027

Pre-tax amount

   (13,832 3,409  212  (2,313 (9 (12,533          36,101  (8,352      2,276  527  (30 30,522 

Tax (provision) benefit

   -  (1,313 (8 72   -  (1,249   -  3,132  (54 (18  -  3,060 

Reclassification of (gain) loss to net income

   -   -  (52 527  (58 417    -   -  2,444  (53 (50 2,341 

Foreign currency translation

   40   -  (56 16   -   -    (23  -  30  (7  -   - 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   (72,393 6,266  1,125  (2,225 200  (67,027

Balance at December 31, 2017

   (36,315 1,046  2,471  1,574  120  (31,104

Pre-tax amount

   31,922   (8,352  -   (881  (1  22,688    (13,522  -  (2,993  -   -  (16,515

Tax (provision) benefit

   -   3,132   -   15   -   3,147    -   -  194  7   -  201 

Reclassification of (gain) loss to net income

   -   -   (31  2,263   (37  2,195    -   -  (460 (35 (20 (515

Foreign currency translation

   (38  -   (27  65   -   -    216   -  (115 (101  -   - 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

  $(40,509 $1,046  $1,067  $(763 $162  $(38,997

Balance at June 30, 2018

  $(49,621 $1,046  $(903 $1,445  $100  $(47,933
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

31


The following table summarizes the amounts reclassified to net income from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the associated line item in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                                        
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,  Statements of Operations
Location
      Three Months Ended    
June 30,
     Six Months Ended    
June 30,
 

Statements of

Operations

 
  2017 2016 2017 2016    2018   2017 2018   2017 Location 

Actuarial Gain (Loss) Related to Pension Liability:(1)

       

Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments:(1)

        

Pre-tax amount

  $10  $10  $31  $32   Direct salaries and related costs  $193   $(820 $436   $(1,580 Revenues 

Tax (provision) benefit

   -   -   -   -   Income taxes   17    17  24    58�� Income taxes 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

Reclassification to net income

   10  10   31  32      210    (803 460    (1,522 

Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedging Instruments:(2)

       

Actuarial Gain (Loss) Related to Pension Liability:(2)

        

Pre-tax amount

   (766 127   (2,346 77   Revenues   14    11  29    21   
Other income
(expense), net
 
 

Tax (provision) benefit

   25  (17  83  5   Income taxes   3    -  6    -  Income taxes 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

Reclassification to net income

   (741 110   (2,263 82      17    11  35    21  

Gain (Loss) on Post Retirement Obligation:(1),(3)

       

Gain (Loss) on Post Retirement Obligation: (2),(3)

        

Reclassification to net income

   12  13   37  40   General and administrative   10    13  20    25   
Other income
(expense), net
 
 
       
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

Total reclassification of gain (loss) to net income

  $(719 $133  $(2,195 $154     $        237   $        (779 $         515   $    (1,476 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

   

 

  

 

   

 

  

(1)See Note 15,6, Financial Derivatives, for further information.

(2) See Note 14, Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits, for further information.

(2)See Note 6, Financial Derivatives, for further information.

(3)No related tax (provision) benefit.

As discussed in Note 12,11, Income Taxes, earningsfor periods prior to December 31, 2017, any remaining outside basis differences associated with the Company’s investments in its foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested and no provision for income taxes on those earnings or translation adjustments havehas been provided.

Note 12.11. Income Taxes

The Company’s effective tax rate was 11.2%rates were (45.0)% and 27.2%15.0% for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates israte in 2018 compared to 2017 was primarily due to several significant factors, includinga $2.0 million increase in benefit associated with the recognitionsettlement of a $0.8 million previously unrecognized tax benefit, inclusive of penaltiesaudits and interest, arising from a favorable tax audit settlement and statute of limitation expirations. Additionally,ancillary issues. In addition, the Company recognized a $0.8benefit of $0.5 million benefit relatedfrom the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to the increase in anticipated tax credits and reductions in estimatednon-deferred foreign income, as well21% as a $0.3 million benefit forresult of the release of a valuation allowance where it is more likely than not that the benefit will be realized.2017 Tax Reform Act. The decrease in the effective tax rate was also significantly affected by shifts in earnings among the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Several additional factors, none of which are individually material, also impacted the rate. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate as compared to the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0%21.0% was primarily due to the aforementioned factors as well as the recognition of tax benefits resulting from foreign tax rate differentials, income earned in certain tax holiday jurisdictions and tax credits, partially offset by the tax impact of permanent differences, state income and foreign withholding taxes.withholding.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 18.1%rates were 1.2% and 28.9%22.9% for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rates israte was primarily due to several significant factors, including the recognition ofaforementioned $2.0 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of penalties and interest, of which $1.2 million arose from the effective settlement of the Canadian Revenue Agency audit and $0.8 million arose from other favorable audit settlements and statute of limitation expirations. Additionally,increase in discrete benefit. In addition, the Company recognized a $0.8benefit of $1.1 million benefit relatedfrom the reduction in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to the increase in anticipated tax credits and reductions in estimatednon-deferred foreign income, as well21% as a $0.3result of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. This was partially offset by a $0.6 million benefit fordecrease in the releaseamount of a valuation allowance where it is more likely than not thatexcess tax benefits from stock-based compensation recognized in the benefit will be realized. The Company also recognized a $0.9 million tax benefit resulting from the adoption of ASU2016-09 on January 1,six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to June 30, 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate was also significantly affected by shifts in earnings among the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Several additional factors, none of which are individually material, also impacted the rate. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rate as compared to the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0%21.0% was primarily due to the aforementioned factors as well as the recognition of tax benefits resulting from foreign tax rate differentials, income earned in certain tax holiday jurisdictions and tax credits, partially offset by the tax impact of permanent differences, state income and foreign withholding taxes.withholding.

Earnings associatedThe 2017 Tax Reform Act made significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including, but not limited to, a federal corporate tax rate decrease from 35% to 21% for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation from a worldwide tax system to a participation exemption regime, and aone-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings. The Company estimated its provision for income taxes in accordance with the investments2017 Tax Reform Act and guidance available upon enactment and as a result

32


recorded $32.7 million as additional income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017, the period in which the legislation was signed into law. The $32.7 million estimate includes the provisional amount related to theone-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings of $32.7 million based on cumulative foreign earnings of $531.8 million and $1.0 million of foreign withholding taxes on certain anticipated distributions. The provisional tax expense was partially offset by a provisional benefit of $1.0 million related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities, based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future. The Company has not determined the need for nor recorded any adjustments to this provisional amount as of June 30, 2018. The Company anticipates finalizing these provisional amounts no later than the fourth quarter of 2018.

Prior to December 31, 2017, no additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining outside basis differences inherent in the Company’s investments in its foreign subsidiaries are consideredas these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested outsidein foreign operations. Determining the amount of the U.S. Therefore, a U.S. provision for income taxes on those earnings or translation adjustments has not been recorded, as permitted by criterion outlined in ASC 740,Income Taxes(“ASC 740”). Determination of any unrecognized deferred tax liability related to investmentsany remaining outside basis difference in foreign subsidiariesthese entities is not practicable due to the inherent complexity of the multi-national tax environment in which the Company operates.

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued SAB 118 to address the application of U.S. GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has determined that the deferred tax benefit recorded in connection with the remeasurement of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the current tax expense recorded in connection with the transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of foreign earnings was a provisional amount and a reasonable estimate at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Additional work is necessary for a more detailed analysis of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities and its historical foreign earnings as well as potential correlative adjustments. Any subsequent adjustment to these amounts will be recorded to current tax expense in the quarter of identification, but no later than one year from the enactment date.

The 2017 Tax Reform Act instituted a number of new provisions effective January 1, 2018, including GILTI, Foreign Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) and Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT”). The Company made a reasonable estimate of the impact of each of these provisions of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on its effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and determined that the resulting impact was not material. The Company will continue to refine its provisional estimates related to the GILTI, FDII and BEAT rules as additional information is made available.

The Company received assessments for the Canadian 2003-2009 audit. Requests for Competent Authority Assistance were filed with both the Canadian Revenue Agency and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the Company paid mandatory security deposits to Canada as part of this process. The total amount of the deposits was $13.8 million as of December 31, 2016 (none at September 30, 2017) and was included in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2017, the Company determined that all material aspects of the Canadian audit were effectively settled pursuant to ASC 740. As a result, the Company recognized a netan income tax benefit of $1.2 million, net of the U.S. tax impact, at that time and the deposits were applied against the anticipated liability. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the Company finalized procedures ancillary to the Canadian audit and recognized an additional $2.7 million income tax benefit due to the elimination of certain assessed penalties, interest and withholding taxes.

With the effective settlement of the Canadian audit, the Company has no significant tax jurisdictions under audit; however, the Company is currently under audit in several tax jurisdictions. The Company believes it is adequately reserved for the remaining audits and their resolution is not expected to have a material impact on its financial conditionconditions and results of operations.

33


Note 13.12. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods and the further dilutive effect, if any, from stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares held in rabbi trust using the treasury stock method.

The numbers of shares used in the earnings per share computation are as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,    Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017  2016  2017  2016  2018   2017   2018   2017 

Basic:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   41,879    41,938    41,800    41,873    42,125    41,854    42,035    41,756 

Diluted:

                

Dilutive effect of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and shares held in rabbi trust

   154    286    206    360    35    80    162    163 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding

   42,033    42,224    42,006    42,233    42,160    41,934    42,197    41,919 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation

   14    23    16    22    31    46    6    16 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

On August 18, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) authorized the Company to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of its outstanding common stock (the “2011 Share Repurchase Program”). On March 16, 2016, the Board authorized an increase of 5.0 million shares to the 2011 Share Repurchase Program for a total of 10.0 million shares. A total of 5.3 million shares have been repurchased under the 2011 Share Repurchase Program since inception. The shares are purchased, from time to time, through open market purchases or in negotiated private transactions, and the purchases are based on factors, including but not limited to, the stock price, management discretion and general market conditions. The 2011 Share Repurchase Program has no expiration date.

TheThere were no shares repurchased under the Company’s share repurchase program were as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts) (none in 2017):during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

                                                                                                

Total Number

of Shares    

Repurchased

   Range of Prices Paid Per Share  Total Cost of
Shares
Repurchased
  Low  High  

Three Months Ended:

       

September 30, 2016

  140   $29.27   $30.00   $4,117 

Nine Months Ended:

       

September 30, 2016

  140   $29.27   $30.00   $4,117 

Note 14.13. Commitments and Loss Contingency

Commitments

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, the Company entered into several leases in the ordinary course of business. The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments required under operating leases that have noncancelable lease terms as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, including the impact of the leases assumed in connection with the Telecommunications Asset acquisition2018 (in thousands):

 

                        
  Amount  Amount 

2017 (remaining three months)

  $1,560 

2018

   7,645 

2018 (remaining six months)

  $630 

2019

   7,271    8,118 

2020

   7,474    8,520 

2021

   7,631    8,643 

2022

   6,940    7,959 

2023 and thereafter

   18,437 

2023

   3,343 

2024 and thereafter

   8,211 
  

 

  

 

 

Total minimum payments required

  $56,958 
  

 

  $        45,424 
  

 

 

34


During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, the Company entered into agreements with third-party vendors in the ordinary course of business whereby the Company committed to purchase goods and services used in its normal operations. These agreements generally are not cancelable, range from one to five yearfive-year periods and may contain fixed or minimum annual commitments. Certain of these agreements allow for renegotiation of the minimum annual commitments. The following is a schedule of the future minimum purchases remaining under the agreements as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 (in thousands):

 

                        
    Amount

2017 (remaining three months)

  $6,646 

2018

   20,021 

2019

   12,994 

2020

   5,727 

2021

   - 

2022

   - 

2023 and thereafter

   - 
  

 

 

 

Total minimum payments required

  $45,388 
  

 

 

 

The July 2015 Qelp acquisition included contingent consideration of $6.0 million, based on achieving targets tied to revenues and EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018. On September 26, 2016, the Company entered into an addendum to the Qelp purchase agreement with the sellers to settle the outstanding contingent consideration for EUR 4.0 million to be paid by June 30, 2017. The Company paid $4.4 million in May 2017 to settle the outstanding contingent consideration obligation.

As part of the April 2016 Clearlink acquisition, the Company assumed contingent consideration liabilities related to four separate acquisitions made by Clearlink in 2015 and 2016, prior to the Merger. The fair value of the contingent consideration related to these previous acquisitions was $2.8 million as of April 1, 2016 and was based on achieving targets primarily tied to revenues for varying periods of time during 2016 and 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the fair value of the remaining contingent consideration was $1.0 million, which was paid in October 2017.

    

  Amount 

2018 (remaining six months)

  $10,237 

2019

   6,346 

2020

   1,699 

2021

   193 

2022

   - 

2023

   - 

2024 and thereafter

   - 
  

 

 

 
  $      18,475 
  

 

 

 

Loss Contingency

Contingencies are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when it is probable that a liability will be incurred and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable, or otherwise disclosed, in accordance with ASC 450,Contingencies(“ASC 450”). Significant judgment is required in both the determination of probability and the determination as to whether a loss is reasonably estimable. In the event the Company determines that a loss is not probable, but is reasonably possible, and it becomes possible to develop what the Company believes to be a reasonable range of possible loss, then the Company will include disclosures related to such matter as appropriate and in compliance with ASC 450.

The Company received a state audit assessment and is currently rebutting the position. The Company has determined that the likelihood of a liability is reasonably possible and developed a range of possible loss up to $1.0 million, net of federal benefit.

The Company, from time to time, is involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. With respect to these matters, management believes that the Company has adequate legal defenses and/or, when possible and appropriate, has provided adequate accruals related to those matters such that the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

Note 15.14. Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Postretirement Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The following table provides information about the net periodic benefit cost for the Company’s pension plans (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Service cost

  $118  $112  $371  $350   $109  $128  $223  $253 

Interest cost

   46  42   144  131    48  49  98  98 

Recognized actuarial (gains)

   (10 (10  (31 (32   (14 (11 (29 (21
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

  $154  $144  $484  $449 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  $143  $166  $292  $330 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

The Company’s service cost for its qualified pension plans was included in “Direct salaries and related costs” and “General and administrative” costs in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 3018 and 2017. The remaining components of net periodic benefit cost were included in “Other income (expense), net” in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. See Note 1, Overview and Basis of Presentation, for further information related to the adoption of ASU2016-18.

35


Employee Retirement Savings Plans

The Company maintains a 401(k) plan covering defined employees who meet established eligibility requirements. Under the plan provisions, the Company matches 50% of participant contributions to a maximum matching amount of 2% of participant compensation. The Company’s contributions included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
   Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2017  2016  2017  2016

401(k) plan contributions

  $484   $260   $1,104   $879 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,     
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

401(k) plan contributions

  $344   $309   $803   $620 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangement

In 1996, the Company entered into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement to benefit the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Under the terms of the arrangement, the Company retained a collateral interest in the policy to the extent of the premiums paid by the Company. The postretirement benefit obligation included in “Other long-term liabilities” and the unrealized gains (losses) included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                
  September 30, 2017  December 31, 2016      June 30, 2018       December 31, 2017 

Postretirement benefit obligation

  $19   $27   $12   $15 

Unrealized gains (losses) in AOCI(1)

   162    200    100    120 

(1)Unrealized gains (losses) are impacted bydue to changes in discount rates related to the postretirement obligation.

Note 16.15. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation plans include the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, theNon-Employee Director Fee Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan. The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense (primarily in the Americas), and income tax benefits related to the stock-based compensation and excess tax benefits (deficiencies) (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2017 2016 2017 2016

Stock-based compensation reversal (expense)(1)

  $303  $(2,107 $(4,429)   $(7,836

Income tax benefit (expense)(2)

   (161  840   1,661   3,017 

Excess tax benefit (deficiency) from stock-based compensation(3)

   -   5   -   2,065 
     Three Months Ended June 30,        Six Months Ended June 30,     
   2018  2017  2018  2017 

Stock-based compensation (expense)(1)

  $(1,673 $(2,261 $(3,750 $(4,732

Income tax benefit(2)

   402   871   900   1,822 

(1)Included in “General and administrative” costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(2)Included in “Income taxes” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(3)Included in “Additionalpaid-in capital” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.

There were no capitalized stock-based compensation costs as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016.2017.

Beginning January 1, 2017, as a result of the adoption of ASU2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU2016-09”), the Company began accounting for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating expected forfeitures. The net cumulative effect of this change was recognized as a $0.2 million reduction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2017. Additionally, excess tax benefits (deficiencies) from stock compensation are included in “Income taxes” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of IncomeOperations subsequent to the adoption of ASU2016-09.

2011Equity Incentive PlanThe Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) on March 23, 2011, as amended on May 11, 2011 to reduce the number of shares of common stock available to 4.0 million shares. The 2011 Plan was approved by the shareholders at the May 2011 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. The 2011 Plan replaced and superseded the Company’s 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2001 Plan”), which expired on March 14, 2011. The outstanding awards granted under the 2001 Plan will remain in effect until their exercise, expiration or termination. The 2011 Plan permits the grant of restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, stock options and other stock-based awards to certain employees of the Company, members of the Company’s Board and certainnon-employees who provide services to the Company in order to encourage them to remain in the employment of, or to faithfully provide services to, the Company and to increase their interest in the Company’s success.

36


Stock Appreciation RightsThe Board, at the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resources Development Committee (the “Compensation Committee”), has approved in the past, and may approve in the future, awards of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) for eligible participants. SARs represent the right to receive, without payment to the Company, a certain number of shares of common stock, as determined by the Compensation Committee, equal to the amount by which the fair market value of a share of common stock at the time of exercise exceeds the grant price. The SARs are granted at the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant and vestone-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, provided the participant is employed by the Company on such date. The SARs have a term of 10 years from the date of grant. The fair value of each SAR is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses various assumptions.

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of SARS granted:

 

                                                
   Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2017 2016

Expected volatility

   19.3  25.3

Weighted-average volatility

   19.3  25.3

Expected dividend rate

   0.0  0.0

Expected term (in years)

   5.0   5.0 

Risk-free rate

   1.9  1.5

           Six Months Ended June 30,         
   2018  2017 

Expected volatility

   21.4  19.3

Weighted-average volatility

   21.4  19.3

Expected dividend rate

   0.0  0.0

Expected term (in years)

   5.0   5.0 

Risk-free rate

   2.5  1.9

The following table summarizes SARs activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and for the ninesix months then ended:

 

                                                                                                
Stock Appreciation Rights  Shares (000s) Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(000s)
  Shares (000s) Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
   Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual

Term
(in years)
   Aggregate
Intrinsic
 Value (000s) 
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2017

   633  $-     

Outstanding at January 1, 2018

   734  $              -     

Granted

   396  $-        333  $-     

Exercised

   (196 $-        (43 $-     

Forfeited or expired

   (70 $-        -  $-     
  

 

       

 

      

Outstanding at September 30, 2017

   763  $-    8.6   $915 

Outstanding at June 30, 2018

   1,024  $-    8.6   $790 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2017

   763  $-    8.6   $915 

Vested or expected to vest at June 30, 2018

   1,024  $-    8.6   $790 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Exercisable at September 30, 2017

   163  $-    7.0   $658 

Exercisable at June 30, 2018

   363  $-    7.6   $580 
  

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

The following table summarizes information regarding SARs granted and exercised (in thousands, except per SAR amounts):

 

                                                
  Nine Months Ended September 30,          Six Months Ended June 30,         
  2017  2016  2018   2017 

Number of SARs granted

   396    323    333    396 

Weighted average grant-date fair value per SAR

  $6.24   $7.68   $6.84   $6.24 

Intrinsic value of SARs exercised

  $1,678   $1,691   $305   $1,678 

Fair value of SARs vested

  $1,846   $1,520   $1,950   $1,846 

The following table summarizes nonvested SARs activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and for the ninesix months then ended:

 

                                                
Nonvested Stock Appreciation Rights  Shares (000s)  Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
    Shares (000s)     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2017

   515   $7.76 

Nonvested at January 1, 2018

   600   $                  6.88 

Granted

   396   $6.24    333   $6.84 

Vested

   (241  $7.69    (272  $7.16 

Forfeited or expired

   (70  $6.93    -   $- 
  

 

    

 

   

Nonvested at September 30, 2017

   600   $6.88 

Nonvested at June 30, 2018

   661   $6.74 
  

 

    

 

   

37


As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there was $3.1$4.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, related to nonvested SARs granted under the 2011 Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.41.5 years.

Restricted SharesThe Board, at the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has approved in the past, and may approve in the future, awards of performance and employment-based restricted shares (“restricted shares”) for eligible participants. In some instances, where the issuance of restricted shares has adverse tax consequences to the recipient, the Board may instead issue restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The restricted shares are shares of the Company’s common stock (or in the case of RSUs, represent an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock) which are issued to the participant subject to (a) restrictions on transfer for a period of time and (b) forfeiture under certain conditions. The performance goals, including revenue growth and income from operations targets, provide a range of vesting possibilities from 0% to 100% and will be measured at the end of the performance period. If the performance conditions are met for the performance period, the shares will vest and all restrictions on the transfer of the restricted shares will lapse (or in the case of RSUs, an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock will be issued to the recipient). The Company recognizes compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, based on the fair value (which approximates the current market price) of the restricted shares (and RSUs) on the date of grant ratably over the requisite service period based on the probability of achieving the performance goals.

Changes in the probability of achieving the performance goals from period to period will result in corresponding changes in compensation expense. The employment-based restricted shares currently outstanding vestone-third on

each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, provided the participant is employed by the Company on such date.

The following table summarizes nonvested restricted shares/RSUs activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and for the ninesix months then ended:

 

                                                
Nonvested Restricted Shares and RSUs  Shares (000s)  Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
    Shares (000s)     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2017

   1,136   $25.47 

Nonvested at January 1, 2018

   1,109   $            28.50 

Granted

   480   $29.42    488   $28.15 

Vested

   (328  $20.95    (323  $25.78 

Forfeited or expired

   (179  $25.62    (59  $27.00 
  

 

    

 

   

Nonvested at September 30, 2017

   1,109   $28.50 

Nonvested at June 30, 2018

   1,215   $29.15 
  

 

    

 

   

The following table summarizes information regarding restricted shares/RSUs granted and vested (in thousands, except per restricted share/RSU amounts):

 

                                                
  Nine Months Ended September 30,          Six Months Ended June 30,         
  2017  2016  2018   2017 

Number of restricted shares/RSUs granted

   480    451    488    480 

Weighted average grant-date fair value per restricted share/RSU

  $29.42   $30.32   $28.15   $29.42 

Fair value of restricted shares/RSUs vested

  $6,868   $6,785   $            8,342   $            6,868 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there was $25.0$32.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, related to nonvested restricted shares/RSUs granted under the 2011 Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Non-Employee Director Fee PlanThe Company’s 2004Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (the “2004 Fee Plan”), as amended on May 17, 2012, provided that all newnon-employee directors joining the Board would receive an initial grant of shares of common stock on the date the new director is elected or appointed, the number of which will be determined by dividing $60,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date a new director is elected or appointed, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares. The initial grant of shares vested in twelve equal quarterly installments,one-twelfth on the date of grant and an additionalone-twelfth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The award lapses with respect to all unvested shares in the event thenon-employee director ceases to be a director of the Company, and any unvested shares are forfeited.

38


The 2004 Fee Plan also provided that eachnon-employee director would receive, on the day after the annual shareholders’ meeting, an annual retainer for service as anon-employee director (the “Annual Retainer”). Prior to May 17, 2012, the Annual Retainer was $95,000, of which $50,000 was payable in cash, and the remainder was paid in stock. The annual grant of cash vested in four equal quarterly installments,one-fourth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders, and an additionalone-fourth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The annual grant of shares paid tonon-employee directors prior to May 17, 2012 vests in eight equal quarterly installments,one-eighth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders, and an additionalone-eighth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. On May 17, 2012, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board adopted the Fifth Amended and RestatedNon-Employee Director Fee Plan (the “Amendment”), which increased the common stock component of the Annual Retainer by $30,000, resulting in a total Annual Retainer of $125,000, of which $50,000 was payable in cash and the remainder paid in stock. In addition, the Amendment also changed the vesting period for the annual equity award, from atwo-year vesting period, to aone-year vesting period (consisting of four equal quarterly installments,one-fourth on the date of grant and an additionalone-fourth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant). The award lapses with respect to all unpaid cash and unvested shares in the event thenon-employee director ceases to be a director of the Company, and any unvested shares and unpaid cash are forfeited.

In addition to the Annual Retainer award, the 2004 Fee Plan also provided for anynon-employee Chairman of the Board to receive an additional annual cash award of $100,000, and eachnon-employee director serving on a committee of the Board to receive an additional annual cash award. The additional annual cash award for the

Chairperson of the Audit Committee is $20,000 and Audit Committee members’members are entitled to an annual cash award of $10,000. The annual cash awards for the Chairpersons of the Compensation Committee, Finance Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are $15,000, $12,500 and $12,500, respectively, and all other members of such committees are entitled to an annual cash award of $7,500.

The 2004 Fee Plan expired in May 2014, prior to the 2014 annual shareholders’ meeting. In March 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board determined that, following the expiration of the 2004 Fee Plan, the compensation ofnon-employee Directors should continue on the same terms as provided in the Fifth Amended and RestatedNon-Employee Director Fee Plan, except the amounts of cash and equity grants shall be determined annually by the Board and that the stock portion of such compensation would be issued under the 2011 Plan.

At the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on December 10, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board determined that the amount of the cash and equity compensation payable tonon-employee directors beginning on the date of the 2015 annual shareholders’ meeting would be increased as follows: cash compensation would be increased by $5,000 per year to a total of $55,000 and equity compensation would be increased by $25,000 per year to a total of $100,000. No change would be made in the additional amounts payable to the Chairman of the Board or the Chairs or members of the various Board committees for their service on such committees, and no changes would be made in the payment terms described above for such cash and equity compensation.

At the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on December 6, 2016, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board determined that the amount of the cash compensation payable tonon-employee directors beginning on the date of the 2017 annual shareholders’ meeting would be increased by $15,000 per year to a total of $70,000.

The Board may pay additional cash compensation to anynon-employee director for services on behalf of the Board over and above those typically expected of directors, including but not limited to service on a special committee of the Board. Directors who are executive officers of the Company receive no compensation for service as members of either the Board of Directors or any committees of the Board.

39


The following table summarizes nonvested common stock share award activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and for the ninesix months then ended:

 

                                                
Nonvested Common Stock Share Awards  Shares (000s)  Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
    Shares (000s)     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2017

   10   $28.69 

Nonvested at January 1, 2018

   8   $32.21 

Granted

   24   $32.93    34   $                27.68 

Vested

   (20  $31.14    (15  $29.87 

Forfeited or expired

   -   $-    -   $- 
  

 

    

 

   

Nonvested at September 30, 2017

   14   $32.45 

Nonvested at June 30, 2018

   27   $27.73 
  

 

    

 

   

The following table summarizes information regarding common stock share awards granted and vested (in thousands, except per share award amounts):

 

                                                
  Nine Months Ended September 30,      Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017  2016  2018   2017 

Number of share awards granted

   24    32    34    24 

Weighted average grant-date fair value per share award

  $32.93   $29.04   $27.68   $32.93 

Fair value of share awards vested

  $640   $630   $            450   $            430 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there was $0.4$0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, related to nonvested common stock share awards granted under the Fee Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less than one year.

Deferred Compensation PlanThe Company’snon-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), which is not shareholder-approved, was adopted by the Board effective December 17, 1998. It was last amended and restated on December 9, 2015, effective as of January 1, 2016, and was subsequently amended on May 18, 2016, effective as of June 30, 2016, August 17, 2016, effective as of January 1, 2017, May 25, 2017, effective as of July 1, 2017 and August 15, 2017, effective January 1, 2018. Eligibility is limited to a select group of key management and employees who are expected to receive an annualized base salary (which will not take into account bonuses or commissions) that exceeds the amount taken into account for purposes of determining highly compensated employees under Section 414(q) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 based on the current year’s base salary and applicable dollar amounts. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides participants with the ability to defer between 1% and 80% of their compensation (between 1% and 100% prior to June 30, 2016, the effective date of the first amendment) until the participant’s retirement, termination, disability or death, or a change in control of the Company. Using the Company’s common stock, the Company matches 50% of the amounts deferred by participants on a quarterly basis up to a total of $12,000 per year for the president, chief executive officer and executive vice presidents, $7,500 per year for senior vice presidents, global vice presidents and vice presidents, and, effective January 1, 2017, $5,000 per year for all other participants (there was no match for other participants prior to January 1, 2017, the effective date of the second amendment). Matching contributions and the associated earnings vest over a seven-year service period. Vesting will be accelerated in the event of the participant’s death or disability, a change in control or retirement (defined as separate from service after age 65). In the event of a distribution of benefits as a result of a change in control of the Company, the Company will increase the benefit by an amount sufficient to offset the income tax obligations created by the distribution of benefits. Deferred compensation amounts used to pay benefits, which are held in a rabbi trust, include investments in various mutual funds and shares of the Company’s common stock (see Note 7, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust).

As of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, liabilities of $11.3$11.8 million and $9.4$11.6 million, respectively, of the Deferred Compensation Plan were recorded in “Accrued employee compensation and benefits” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Additionally, the Company’s common stock match associated with the Deferred Compensation Plan, with a carrying value of approximately $2.1$2.2 million and $1.8$2.1 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and December 31, 2016,2017, respectively, is included in “Treasury stock” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

40


The following table summarizes nonvested common stock activity as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and for the ninesix months then ended:

 

                                                
Nonvested Common Stock  Shares (000s)  Weighted
Average Grant-
Date Fair Value
    Shares (000s)     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
 

Nonvested at January 1, 2017

   2   $22.77 

Nonvested at January 1, 2018

   3   $              29.56 

Granted

   12   $30.39    10   $28.86 

Vested

   (10  $29.42    (7  $28.89 

Forfeited or expired

   (1  $29.81    -   $- 
  

 

    

 

   

Nonvested at September 30, 2017

   3   $29.18 

Nonvested at June 30, 2018

   6   $29.19 
  

 

    

 

   

The following table summarizes information regarding shares of common stock granted and vested (in thousands, except per common stock amounts):

 

                                                
  Nine Months Ended September 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,       
  2017  2016 2018 2017 

Number of shares of common stock granted

   12    8  10  10 

Weighted average grant-date fair value per common stock

  $30.39   $29.39  $28.86  $30.66 

Fair value of common stock vested

  $310   $241  $213  $240 

Cash used to settle the obligation

  $590   $359  $644  $422 

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of actual forfeitures, related to nonvested common stock granted under the Deferred Compensation Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.7 years.

Note 17.16. Segments and Geographic Information

The Company operates within two regions, the Americas and EMEA. Each region represents a reportable segment comprised of aggregated regional operating segments, which portray similar economic characteristics. The Company aligns its business into two segments to effectively manage the business and support the customer care needs of every client and to respond to the demands of the Company’s global customers.

The reportable segments consist of (1) the Americas, which includes the United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific Rim, and provides outsourced customer engagement solutions (with an emphasis on inbound technical support, digital support and demand generation, and customer service) and technical staffing and (2) EMEA, which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and provides outsourced customer engagement solutions (with an emphasis on technical support and customer service) and fulfillment services. The sites within Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific Rim are included in the Americas segment given the nature of the business and client profile, which is primarily made up of U.S.-based companies that are using the Company’s services in these locations to support their customer engagement needs.

41


Information about the Company’s reportable segments is as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                        
  Americas  EMEA  Other(1) Consolidated    Americas   EMEA     Other (1)     Consolidated 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017:

       

Three Months Ended June 30, 2018:

     

Revenues

   $341,334    $65,957    $18   $407,309   $327,041  $      69,720  $24  $396,785 

Percentage of revenues

   83.8%    16.2%    0.0%   100.0%    82.4 17.6 0.0 100.0

Depreciation, net

   $12,064    $1,375    $788   $14,227   $12,335  $1,476  $749  $14,560 

Amortization of intangibles

   $5,081    $212    $-   $5,293   $3,415  $214  $-  $3,629 

Income (loss) from operations

   $35,896    $4,523    $(14,190  $26,229   $19,824  $2,220  $(15,584 $6,460 

Total other income (expense), net

       (1,788  (1,788    (1,511 (1,511

Income taxes

       (2,746  (2,746    2,229  2,229 
       

 

     

 

 

Net income

        $21,695      $7,178 
       

 

     

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2016:

       

Three Months Ended June 30, 2017:

     

Revenues

   $326,013    $59,711    $19   $385,743   $314,871  $60,540  $27  $375,438 

Percentage of revenues

   84.5%    15.5%    0.0%  100.0%    83.9 16.1 0.0 100.0

Depreciation, net

   $11,364    $1,124    $516   $13,004   $11,842  $1,254  $724  $13,820 

Amortization of intangibles

   $4,990    $264    $-   $5,254   $4,989  $261  $-  $5,250 

Income (loss) from operations

   $36,946    $7,391    $(14,666  $29,671   $26,127  $2,163  $(16,962)  $11,328 

Total other income (expense), net

       (462 (462    (928 (928

Income taxes

       (7,939 (7,939    (1,555 (1,555
       

 

     

 

 

Net income

        $21,270      $8,845 
       

 

     

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017:

       

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018:

     

Revenues

   $977,136    $189,564    $61   $1,166,761   $667,762  $143,347  $47  $811,156 

Percentage of revenues

   83.8%    16.2%    0.0%   100.0%    82.3 17.7 0.0 100.0

Depreciation, net

   $35,374    $3,815    $2,206   $41,395   $25,018  $2,887  $1,491  $29,396 

Amortization of intangibles

   $15,048    $726    $-   $15,774   $7,407  $435  $-  $7,842 

Income (loss) from operations

   $99,918    $12,266    $(48,651  $63,533   $45,688  $6,859  $(31,803)  $20,744 

Total other income (expense), net

       (3,370  (3,370    (2,391 (2,391

Income taxes

       (10,911  (10,911    (227 (227
       

 

     

 

 

Net income

        $49,252      $18,126 
       

 

     

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016:

       

Six Months Ended June 30, 2017:

     

Revenues

   $893,300    $177,488    $103   $1,070,891   $635,802  $123,607  $43  $759,452 

Percentage of revenues

   83.4%    16.6%    0.0%  100.0%    83.7 16.3 0.0 100.0

Depreciation, net

   $30,856    $3,450    $1,442   $35,748   $23,310  $2,440  $1,418  $27,168 

Amortization of intangibles

   $13,353    $791    $-   $14,144   $9,967  $514  $  $10,481 

Income (loss) from operations

   $100,658    $13,697    $(51,012  $63,343   $64,099  $7,743  $(34,461)  $37,381 

Total other income (expense), net

       (937 (937    (1,659 (1,659

Income taxes

       (18,044 (18,044    (8,165 (8,165
       

 

     

 

 

Net income

        $44,362      $27,557 
       

 

     

 

 

(1)Other items (including corporate and other costs, impairment costs, other income and expense, and income taxes) are shownincluded for purposes of reconciling to the Company’s consolidated totals as shown in the tables above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.periods shown. Inter-segment revenues are not material to the Americas and EMEA segment results.

The Company’s reportable segments are evaluated regularly by its chief operating decision maker to decide how to allocate resources and assess performance. The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance based upon reportable segment revenue and income (loss) from operations. Because assets by segment are not reported to or used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to allocate resources, or to assess performance, total assets by segment are not disclosed.

42


The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers by geographic location for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, by the reportable segment for each category (in thousands):

     Three Months Ended June 30,         Six Months Ended June 30,     
   2018   2017   2018   2017 

Americas:

        

United States

  $165,648   $151,654   $337,094   $305,298 

The Philippines

   56,571    56,779    116,657    115,319 

Costa Rica

   30,973    32,924    63,048    66,249 

Canada

   24,828    27,020    52,017    56,742 

El Salvador

   20,584    18,369    40,595    36,714 

People’s Republic of China

   8,149    9,282    17,497    18,542 

Australia

   7,700    6,440    15,402    13,090 

Mexico

   5,632    5,832    11,950    11,441 

Other

   6,956    6,571    13,502    12,407 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Americas

   327,041    314,871    667,762    635,802 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

EMEA:

        

Germany

   22,404    18,457    46,579    38,894 

Sweden

   13,674    14,043    27,804    28,344 

United Kingdom

   11,960    9,407    25,307    19,140 

Romania

   8,191    6,685    16,327    13,078 

Other

   13,491    11,948    27,330    24,151 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total EMEA

   69,720    60,540    143,347    123,607 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Other

   24    27    47    43 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
  $396,785   $375,438   $811,156   $759,452 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of customer, except for revenues for The Philippines, Costa Rica, the People’s Republic of China and India which are primarily comprised of customers located in the U.S., but serviced by centers in those respective geographic locations.

Note 18.17. Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense), net consists of the following (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,    Three Months Ended June 30,       Six Months Ended June 30,     
  2017 2016 2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017 

Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)

   $(77  $778   $567   $3,534   $641  $(535 $2,089  $644 

Gains (losses) on derivative instruments not designated as hedges

   (445 (110  (48 (1,434   (345 1,097  (1,427 397 

Other miscellaneous income (expense)

   586  313   1,228  501    (833 231  (1,044 565 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   $64   $981   $1,747   $2,601   $(537 $793  $(382 $1,606 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Note 19.18. Related Party Transactions

In January 2008, the Company entered into a lease for a customer engagement center located in Kingstree, South Carolina. The landlord, Kingstree Office One, LLC, is an entity controlled by John H. Sykes, the founder, former Chairman and former Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the father of Charles Sykes, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The lease payments on the20-year lease were negotiated at or below market rates, and the lease is cancellable at the option of the Company. There are penalties for early cancellation which decrease over time. The Company paid $0.1 million to the landlord during both the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017 and 2016, and $0.3$0.2 million during both the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 20162017 under the terms of the lease.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company contracted to receive services from XSell, an equity method investee, for $0.1 million. There were no such transactions in 2017. These related party transactions occurred in the normal course of business on terms and conditions that are similar to those of transactions with unrelated parties and, therefore, were measured at the exchange amount.

43


Note 19. Subsequent Event

On July 9, 2018, the Company as guarantor and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Sykes Australia Pty Ltd, an Australian company, and Clear Link Technologies, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, entered into a Sale Agreement with WhistleOut Nominees Pty Ltd as trustee for the WhistleOut Holdings Unit Trust, CPC Investments USA Pty Ltd, JJZL Pty Ltd, Kenneth Wong as trustee for Wong Family Trust and C41 Pty Ltd as trustee for the Ottery Family Trust (together, the “Sellers”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of WhistleOut.

The aggregate purchase price of AUD 30.2 million ($22.4 million), paid at the closing of the transaction on July 9, 2018, is subject to certain post-closing adjustments related to WhistleOut’s working capital. The purchase price was funded through $22.0 million of additional borrowings under the Company’s Credit Agreement. The Sale Agreement provides for a three-year, retention based earnout of AUD 14.0 million.

The Sale Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, indemnification obligations and covenants.

44


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated

400 North Ashley Drive

Tampa, Florida

Results of Review of Interim Financial Information

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, and2018, the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month and nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016, of2017, changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine-monthsix-month period ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, and of cash flows for the nine-monthsix-month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016. Thesethe related notes (collectively referred to as the “interim financial information”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim financial statements areinformation for it to be in conformity with principles generally accepted in the responsibilityUnited States of the Company’s management.America.

We conducted our reviewshave previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 1, 2018, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

Basis for Review Results

This interim financial information is the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 1, 2017, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Tampa, Florida

November 9, 2017August 7, 2018

45


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this report and the consolidated financial statements and notes in the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (“SYKES,” “our,” “we” or “us”) Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Our discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about SYKES, our beliefs, and assumptions made by us. In addition, we may make other written or oral statements, which constitute forward-looking statements, from time to time. Words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives, or goals also are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this report. Our actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the impact of economic recessions in the U.S. and other parts of the world, (ii) fluctuations in global business conditions and the global economy, (iii) currency fluctuations, (iv) the timing of significant orders for our products and services, (v) variations in the terms and the elements of services offered under our standardized contract including those for future bundled service offerings, (vi) changes in applicable accounting principles or interpretations of such principles, (vii) difficulties or delays in implementing our bundled service offerings, (viii) failure to achieve sales, marketing and other objectives, (ix) construction delays of new or expansion of existing customer engagement centers, (x) delays in our ability to develop new products and services and market acceptance of new products and services, (xi) rapid technological change, (xii) loss or addition of significant clients, (xiii) political and country-specific risks inherent in conducting business abroad, (xiv) our ability to attract and retain key management personnel, (xv) our ability to continue the growth of our support service revenues through additional technical and customer engagement centers, (xvi) our ability to further penetrate into vertically integrated markets, (xvii) our ability to expand our global presence through strategic alliances and selective acquisitions, (xviii) our ability to continue to establish a competitive advantage through sophisticated technological capabilities, (xix) the ultimate outcome of any lawsuits, (xx) our ability to recognize deferred revenue through delivery of products or satisfactory performance of services, (xxi) our dependence on the trend towarddemand for outsourcing, (xxii) risk of interruption of technical and customer engagement center operations due to such factors as fire, earthquakes, inclement weather and other disasters, power failures, telecommunication failures, unauthorized intrusions, computer viruses and other emergencies, (xxiii) the existence of substantial competition, (xxiv) the early termination of contracts by clients, (xxv) the ability to obtain and maintain grants and other incentives (tax or otherwise), (xxvi) the potential of cost savings/synergies associated with acquisitions not being realized, or not being realized within the anticipated time period, (xxvii) risks related to the integration of the acquisitions and the impairment of any related goodwill, and (xxviii) other risk factors whichthat are identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form10-K, including factors identified under the headings “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Executive Summary

We are a leading provider of multichannel demand generation and global comprehensive customer engagement services. We provide comprehensive inbounddifferentiated full lifecycle customer engagement solutions and services to Global 2000 companies and their end customers primarily in the communications, financial services, healthcare, technology, transportation and leisure, healthcare, retail and other industries. Our differentiated full lifecycle management services platform effectively engages customers at every touchpoint within the customer journey, including digital marketing and acquisition, sales expertise, customer service, technical support and retention. We serve our clients through two geographic operating regions: the Americas (United States, Canada, Latin America, Australia and the Asia Pacific Rim) and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa). Our Americas and EMEA regions primarily provide customer engagement solutions and services (withwith an emphasis on inbound technical support, digital marketing andmultichannel demand generation, and customer service), which includes customer assistance, healthcareservice and roadside assistance, technical support and product and service sales to our clients’ customers. These services, which represented 99.5%99.4% and 99.1%99.5% of consolidated revenues during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, and 99.5%99.4% and 99.1%99.4% of consolidated

46


revenues during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, are delivered through multiple communication channels including phone,e-mail, social media, text messaging, chat and digital self-service. We also provide various

enterprise support services in the United States (“U.S.”) that include services for our clients’ internal support operations, from technical staffing services to outsourced corporate help desk services. In Europe, we also provide fulfillment services, which includes order processing, payment processing, inventory control, product delivery and product returns handling. Our complete service offering helps our clients acquire, retain and increase the lifetime value of their customer relationships. We have developed an extensive global reach with customer engagement centers across six continents, including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. We deliver cost-effective solutions that generate demand, enhance the customer service experience, promote stronger brand loyalty, and bring about high levels of performance and profitability.

Recent Developments

Americas 2018 Exit Plan

During the second quarter of 2018, we initiated a restructuring plan to streamline excess capacity through targeted seat reductions (the “Americas 2018 Exit Plan”) in an on-going effort to manage and optimize capacity utilization. The Americas 2018 Exit Plan includes, but is not limited to, closing customer contact management centers and consolidating leased space in various locations in the U.S. and Canada. We anticipate finalizing the remainder of the site closures under the Americas 2018 Exit Plan by December 2018.

The actions are expected to impact approximately 4,500 seats, of which 2,200 seats have been rationalized as of June 30, 2018. We anticipate annualized gross general and administrative cost savings, including lower depreciation expense, of approximately $24.6 million as a result of the 2018 site closures.

See Note 3, Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

2017 Tax Reform Act

In December 2017, the President of the United States (“U.S.”) signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Reform Act”). In general, the 2017 Tax Reform Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective in 2018. The 2017 Tax Reform Act moves from a worldwide business taxation approach to a participation exemption regime. The 2017 Tax Reform Act also imposes base-erosion prevention measures onnon-U.S. earnings of U.S. entities, as well as aone-time mandatory deemed repatriation tax on accumulatednon-U.S. earnings which was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017. The impact of the 2017 Tax Reform Act on our consolidated financial results began with the fourth quarter of 2017, the period of enactment. This impact, along with the transitional taxes discussed in Note 11, Income Taxes, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” is reflected in the Other segment.

Acquisition of Telecommunications Assets

OnIn May 31, 2017, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of a Global 2000 telecommunications service provider (the “Telecommunications Asset acquisition”) to strengthen and create new partnerships and expand our geographic footprint in North America. The total purchase price of $7.5 million was funded through cash on hand. The results of operations of the Telecommunications Asset acquisition have been reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operationsour consolidated financial statements since May 31, 2017.

Acquisition of Clearlink

In April 2016, we completed the acquisition of Clear Link Holdings LLC (“Clearlink”), to expand our suite of service offerings while creating differentiation in the marketplace, broadening our addressable market opportunity and extending executive level reach within our existing clients’ organizations. We refer to such acquisition herein as the “Clearlink acquisition.” The total purchase price of  $207.9 million was funded by borrowings under our existing credit facility. The results of operations of Clearlink have been reflected in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations since April 1, 2016.

47


Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amounts presented in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as well as the change between the respective periods:

 

                                                                                                            
   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
       2017     2017
(in thousands)  2017 2016 $ Change 2017 2016 $ Change

Revenues

   $407,309   $385,743   $21,566   $1,166,761   $1,070,891   $95,870 

Operating expenses:

       

Direct salaries and related costs

   267,516   249,859   17,657   763,324   694,856   68,468 

General and administrative

   93,364   87,955   5,409   277,664   262,800   14,864 

Depreciation, net

   14,227   13,004   1,223   41,395   35,748   5,647 

Amortization of intangibles

   5,293   5,254   39   15,774   14,144   1,630 

Impairment of long-lived assets

   680   -   680   5,071   -   5,071 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   381,080   356,072   25,008   1,103,228   1,007,548   95,680 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

   26,229   29,671   (3,442  63,533   63,343   190 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

       

Interest income

   169   135   34   468   429   39 

Interest (expense)

   (2,021  (1,578  (443  (5,585  (3,967  (1,618

Other income (expense), net

   64   981   (917  1,747   2,601   (854

Total other income (expense), net

   (1,788  (462  (1,326  (3,370  (937  (2,433

Income before income taxes

   24,441   29,209   (4,768  60,163   62,406   (2,243

Income taxes

   2,746   7,939   (5,193  10,911   18,044   (7,133
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

   $21,695   $21,270   $425   $49,252   $44,362   $4,890 
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Three Months Ended June 30,  Six Months Ended June 30, 
(in thousands)  2018  2017  $ Change  2018  2017  $ Change 

Revenues

  $    396,785  $  375,438  $    21,347  $    811,156  $    759,452  $      51,704 

Operating expenses:

       

Direct salaries and related costs

   264,924   248,615   16,309   539,996   495,751   44,245 

General and administrative

   102,037   92,236   9,801   204,477   184,280   20,197 

Depreciation, net

   14,560   13,820   740   29,396   27,168   2,228 

Amortization of intangibles

   3,629   5,250   (1,621  7,842   10,481   (2,639

Impairment of long-lived assets

   5,175   4,189   986   8,701   4,391   4,310 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

   390,325   364,110   26,215   790,412   722,071   68,341 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income from operations

   6,460   11,328   (4,868  20,744   37,381   (16,637
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

       

Interest income

   175   144   31   346   299   47 

Interest (expense)

   (1,149  (1,865  716   (2,355  (3,564  1,209 

Other income (expense), net

   (537  793   (1,330  (382  1,606   (1,988
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   (1,511  (928  (583  (2,391  (1,659  (732
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

   4,949   10,400   (5,451  18,353   35,722   (17,369

Income taxes

   (2,229  1,555   (3,784  227   8,165   (7,938
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net income

  $7,178  $8,845  $(1,667 $18,126  $27,557  $(9,431
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 Compared to Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017

Revenues

 

                                                                                          
  Three Months Ended September 30,   
  2017  2016    Three Months Ended June 30,   
     % of     % of    2018 2017   
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues  Amount  Revenues  $ Change Amount % of Revenues Amount % of Revenues $ Change 

Americas

   $341,334   83.8%   $326,013   84.5%   $15,321  $327,041  82.4% $314,871  83.9% $12,170 

EMEA

   65,957   16.2%   59,711   15.5%   6,246  69,720  17.6% 60,540  16.1% 9,180 

Other

   18   0.0%   19   0.0%   (1 24  0.0% 27  0.0% (3
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $407,309   100.0%   $385,743   100.0%   $21,566  $      396,785  100.0% $      375,438  100.0% $      21,347 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Consolidated revenues increased $21.6$21.3 million, or 5.6%5.7%, for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 from the comparable period in 2016.2017.

The increase in Americas’ revenues was due to new clients of $23.4 million and higher volumes from existing clients of $0.2$17.7 million, new clients of $8.8 million and a positive foreign currency impact of $2.7 million, partially offset byend-of-life client programs of $8.3$17.0 million. Revenues from our offshore operations represented 40.6%39.4% of Americas’ revenues in 2018, compared to 40.0%41.2% for the comparable period in 2016.2017.

The increase in EMEA’s revenues was due to higher volumes from existing clients of $2.8$3.9 million, new clients of $2.7$1.1 million and a positive foreign currency impact of $1.6$4.7 million, partially offset byend-of-life client programs of $0.9$0.5 million.

We adopted ASU2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),and subsequent amendments (together, “ASC 606”) on January 1, 2018. See Note 2, Revenues, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

On a consolidated basis, we had 52,40051,200brick-and-mortar seats as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, an increase2018, a decrease of 5,000200 seats from the comparable period in 2016. Included in this seat count are 2,900 seats associated with the Telecommunications Asset acquisition. This increase in seats, net of the Telecommunications Asset acquisition additions, reflect seat additions to support higher projected demand.2017. The capacity utilization rate on a combined basis was 71%70% compared to 75%72% in the comparable period in 2016. This decrease was primarily due to capacity additions related to the Telecommunications Asset acquisition with its seasonally low utilization rate, as well as capacity additions owing to higher projected demand and certain operational inefficiencies.2017.

48


On a geographic segment basis, 45,20043,900 seats were located in the Americas, an increasea decrease of 4,300500 seats from the comparable period in 2016,2017, and 7,2007,300 seats were located in EMEA, an increase of 700300 seats from the comparable period in 2016.2017. Capacity utilization rates as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 were 70%68% for the Americas and 80%77% for EMEA, compared to 75%71% and 78%80%, respectively, in the comparable period in 2016, with the2017. The decrease in utilization in the Americas was primarily due to operational inefficiencies, capacity additions in certain geographies to address demand opportunities and also in part by the aforementioned factors. Asshort-term inefficiencies created by the progress in implementing initiatives to rationalize underutilized capacity. We are executing on initiatives to rationalize up to 10% of our total seat capacity on a resultgross basis by the end of the Telecommunications Asset acquisition, we expect to take further actions in streamlining our capacity footprint in the U.S.2018. We strive to attain a capacity utilization rate of 85% at each of our locations.

Direct Salaries and Related Costs

 

                                                                                                      
  Three Months Ended September 30,     
  2017  2016      Three Months Ended June 30,   
     % of     % of    Change in % of 2018 2017   
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues  Amount  Revenues $ Change  Revenues   Amount   % of
  Revenues  
   Amount   % of
  Revenues  
   $ Change   Change in % of
Revenues

Americas

   $221,392    64.9%   $208,664    64.0%  $12,728    0.9% $214,502  65.6% $205,000  65.1% $9,502  0.5%

EMEA

   46,124    69.9%   41,195    69.0% 4,929    0.9% 50,422  72.3% 43,615  72.0% 6,807  0.3%
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

Consolidated

   $267,516    65.7%   $249,859    64.8%  $17,657    0.9% $    264,924  66.8% $    248,615  66.2% $    16,309  0.6%
  

 

    

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

  

The increase of $17.7$16.3 million in direct salaries and related costs included a positive foreign currency impact of $2.3$0.2 million in the Americas and a negative foreign currency impact of $1.4$3.1 million in EMEA.

The increase in Americas’ direct salaries and related costs, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to higher compensationcustomer-acquisition advertising costs of 1.7% driven by a decrease in agent productivity principally within the financial services0.9% and communications verticals in the current period,higher severance costs of 0.2%, partially offset by lower communicationsauto tow claim costs of 0.3%, lower customer-acquisition advertising costs of 0.3%0.4% and lower other costs of 0.2%.

The increase in EMEA’s direct salaries and related costs, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to

higher compensationcommunications costs of 1.7% driven by a decrease in agent productivity principally within the communications and technology verticals in the current period,0.2%, higher rebillablefulfillment materials costs of 0.3%0.1%, higher recruiting costs of 0.2%0.1%, higher travel costs of 0.1%, higher facility and office supplies of 0.1% and higher other costs of 0.3%0.4%, partially offset by lower fulfillment materialscompensation costs of 1.6%0.7%.

General and Administrative

 

                                                                                                      
  Three Months Ended September 30,   
  2017 2016     Three Months Ended June 30,   
     % of    % of   Change in % of  2018 2017   
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues $ Change Revenues    Amount     % of
  Revenues  
   Amount     % of
  Revenues  
   $ Change   Change in % of
Revenues

Americas

   $66,221     19.4%  $64,049     19.6%  $2,172  -0.2%  $71,790   22.0% $62,724   19.9% $9,066  2.1%

EMEA

   13,723     20.8%  9,737     16.3% 3,986  4.5%   15,388   22.1% 13,247   21.9% 2,141  0.2%

Other

   13,420     -  14,169     - (749 -   14,859   - 16,265   - (1,406 -
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $93,364     22.9%  $87,955     22.8%  $5,409  0.1%  $    102,037   25.7% $    92,236   24.6% $      9,801  1.1%
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

The increase of $5.4$9.8 million in general and administrative expenses included a positive foreign currency impact of $0.7$0.2 million in the Americas and a negative foreign currency impact of $0.2$0.9 million in EMEA.

The decreaseincrease in Americas’ general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to lower technology equipmenthigher facility-related costs of 0.8% resulting from the Americas 2018 Exit Plan (see Note 3, Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information), higher compensations costs of 0.7%, higher software and maintenance costs of 0.3% and a reduction in technology costshigher legal and professional fees of 0.2% allocated from corporate, partially offset by higher software and maintenance costs of 0.2% and higher other costs of 0.1%0.3%.

The increase in EMEA’s general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to a gain on settlementhigher recruiting costs of Qelp’s contingent consideration0.3%, higher software and maintenance costs of 4.3% in the prior period0.2% and higher facility-relatedother costs of 0.2%0.3%, partially offset by lower advertising and marketing costs of 0.3% and lower legal and professional costs of 0.3%.

The decrease of $0.7$1.4 million in Other general and administrative expenses, which includes corporate and other costs, was primarily attributable to lower compensation costs of $2.6$0.7 million, lower legal and professional fees of $0.6 million, lower merger and integration costs of $0.1 million and lower other costs of $0.2 million, partially offset by higher severancesoftware and maintenance costs of $0.8 million, a reduction in technology costs of $0.5 million allocated to the Americas, higher legal and professional fees of $0.4 million and higher charitable contributions of $0.2 million.

49


Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

                                                                                                      
  Three Months Ended September 30,    
  2017 2016      Three Months Ended June 30,     
     % of    % of   Change in % of  2018 2017     
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues $ Change Revenues    Amount     % of
  Revenues  
 Amount   % of
  Revenues  
   $ Change   Change in % of
Revenues
 

Depreciation, net:

                  

Americas

   $12,064      3.5%   $11,364      3.5%   $700  0.0%   $12,335    3.8%  $    11,842    3.8%  $493  0.0% 

EMEA

   1,375      2.1%  1,124      1.9%  251  0.2%    1,476    2.1%  1,254    2.1%  222  0.0% 

Other

   788      -  516      -  272   -    749    -  724    -  25   - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $14,227      3.5%   $13,004      3.4%   $1,223  0.1%   $14,560    3.7%  $13,820    3.7%  $740  0.0% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Amortization of intangibles:

                  

Americas

   $5,081      1.5%   $4,990      1.5%   $91  0.0%   $3,415    1.0%  $4,989    1.6%  $(1,574 -0.6% 

EMEA

   212      0.3%  264      0.4%  (52 -0.1%    214    0.3%  261    0.4%  (47 -0.1% 

Other

   -      -   -      -   -   -    -    -   -    -   -   - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $5,293      1.3%   $5,254      1.4%   $39  -0.1%   $3,629    0.9%  $5,250    1.4%  $(1,621 -0.5% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Impairment of long-lived assets:

                  

Americas

   $680      0.2%   $-      0.0%   $680  0.2%   $5,175    1.6%  $4,189    1.3%  $986  0.3% 

EMEA

   -      0.0%   -      0.0%   -  0.0%    -    0.0%   -    0.0%   -  0.0% 

Other

   -      -   -      -   -   -    -    -   -    -   -   - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $      680      0.2%   $-      0.0%   $680  0.2%   $      5,175    1.3%  $4,189    1.1%  $986  0.2% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

The increase in depreciation was primarily due to new depreciable fixed assets placed into service supporting site expansions and infrastructure upgrades, partially offset by certain fully depreciated fixed assets.

The decrease in amortization remained consistent with the comparable period.was primarily due to certain fully amortized intangible assets.

See Note 3, Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities, and Note 4, Fair Value, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information regarding the

impairment of long-lived assets.

Other Income (Expense)

 

                                                               
  Three Months Ended September 30,          Three Months Ended June 30,           
(in thousands)  2017 2016  $ Change  2018   2017   $ Change 

Interest income

   $169   $135   $34   $            175   $            144   $              31 
  

 

   

 

   

 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (expense)

   $(2,021  $(1,578  $(443  $(1,149  $(1,865  $716 
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Other income (expense), net:

          

Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)

   $(77  $778   $(855  $641   $(535  $1,176 

Gains (losses) on foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges

   (445 (110 (335

Gains (losses) on derivative instruments not designated as hedges

   (345   1,097    (1,442

Other miscellaneous income (expense)

   586  313  273    (833   231    (1,064
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   $64   $981   $(917  $(537  $793   $(1,330
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   

 

   

 

 

Interest income remained relatively consistent with the comparable period.

The increasedecrease in interest (expense) was primarily due to a decrease in the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as a result of a $175.0 million repayment in January 2018, partially offset by an increase in weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset byborrowings.

The change in other miscellaneous income (expense) was primarily due to payroll tax compliance costs, the net investment income (losses) related to the investments held in a decreaserabbi trust and losses from our equity method investee, XSell. See Note 7, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust, of the interest accretion on contingent consideration.accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

50


Income Taxes

 

                                                               
  Three Months Ended September 30,     Three Months Ended June 30,   
(in thousands)  2017  2016   $ Change  2018 2017     $ Change     

Income before income taxes

   $24,441    $29,209    $(4,768  $              4,949  $            10,400  $(5,451

Income taxes

   2,746    7,939    $(5,193   (2,229 1,555  $(3,784
      % Change 
        % Change

Effective tax rate

   11.2%    27.2%    -16.0%    -45.0 15.0 -60.0

The decrease in the effective tax rate in 20172018 compared to 2016 is2017 was primarily due to several significant factors, including the recognition of a $0.8$2.0 million previously unrecognized tax benefit, inclusive of penalties and interest, arising from a favorable tax audit settlement and statute of limitation expirations. Additionally, we recognized a $0.8 millionincrease in benefit related to the increasesettlement of tax audits and ancillary issues. In addition, we recognized a benefit of $0.5 million from the reduction in anticipatedthe U.S. federal corporate tax credits and reductions in estimatednon-deferred foreign income, as wellrate from 35% to 21% as a $0.3 million benefit forresult of the release of a valuation allowance where it is more likely than not that the benefit will be realized.2017 Tax Reform Act. The decrease in the effective tax rate was also significantly affected by shifts in earnings among the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Several additional factors, none of which are individually material, also impacted the rate.

NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 Compared to NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162017

Revenues

 

                                                                                          
  Nine Months Ended September 30,   
  2017  2016     Six Months Ended June 30,   
     % of     % of     2018 2017   
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues  Amount  Revenues  $ Change  Amount   % of Revenues Amount   % of Revenues $ Change 

Americas

   $977,136    83.8%   $893,300    83.4%   $83,836   $667,762   82.3% $635,802   83.7% $31,960 

EMEA

   189,564    16.2%   177,488    16.6%   12,076    143,347   17.7% 123,607   16.3% 19,740 

Other

   61    0.0%   103    0.0%   (42   47   0.0% 43   0.0% 4 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Consolidated

   $1,166,761    100.0%   $1,070,891    100.0%   $95,870   $      811,156   100.0% $      759,452   100.0% $      51,704 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Consolidated revenues increased $95.9$51.7 million, or 9.0%6.8%, for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 from the comparable period in 2016.2017.

The increase in Americas’ revenues was due to an increase in Clearlink acquisition revenues of $43.1 million, higher volumes from existing clients of $39.1$48.9 million, and new clients of $37.7$13.4 million and a positive foreign currency impact of $6.6 million, partially offset byend-of-life client programs of $33.0 million and a negative foreign currency impact of $3.1$36.9 million. Revenues from our offshore operations represented 40.9%39.4% of Americas’ revenues in 2018, compared to 41.8%41.0% for the comparable period in 2016.2017.

The increase in EMEA’s revenues was due to higher volumes from existing clients of $16.8$5.8 million, new clients of $2.0 million and new clients

a positive foreign currency impact of $5.7$13.3 million, partially offset by a negative foreign currency impact of $7.4 million andend-of-life client programs of $3.0$1.4 million.

See Note 2, Revenues, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information regarding the adoption of ASC 606.

Direct Salaries and Related Costs

 

                                                                                                            
  Nine Months Ended September 30,     
  2017 2016       Six Months Ended June 30,      
     % of    % of    Change in % of  2018 2017      
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues $ Change  Revenues  Amount   % of
  Revenues  
 Amount   % of
  Revenues  
 $ Change   Change in % of
Revenues

Americas

  $630,151    64.5% $569,388    63.7% $60,763    0.8%  $437,655   65.5% $408,702   64.3% $28,953   1.2%

EMEA

   133,173    70.3%  125,468    70.7% 7,705    -0.4%   102,341   71.4% 87,049   70.4% 15,292   1.0%
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

Consolidated

  $763,324    65.4% $694,856    64.9% $68,468    0.5%  $    539,996   66.6% $    495,751   65.3% $    44,245   1.3%
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

The increase of $68.5$44.2 million in direct salaries and related costs included a positivenegative foreign currency impact of $8.4$0.5 million in the Americas and a positivenegative foreign currency impact of $4.4$9.0 million in EMEA.

The increase in Americas’ direct salaries and related costs, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to higher compensation costs of 1.1% driven by a decrease in agent productivity due to operational inefficiencies principally within the financial services, transportation and communications verticals in the current period, higher customer-acquisition advertising costs of 0.8%0.4% and higher compensationother costs of 0.2%, partially offset by lower communicationsauto tow claim costs of 0.3% and lower recruiting costs of 0.2%.

51


The decreaseincrease in EMEA’s direct salaries and related costs, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to lower fulfillment materials costs of 1.1%, partially offset by higher compensation costs of 0.3%, higher rebillablecommunications costs of 0.2%, higher recruiting costs of 0.1% and higher other costs of 0.3%0.4%.

General and Administrative

 

                                                                                                            
  Nine Months Ended September 30,   
  2017 2016     Six Months Ended June 30,   
     % of    % of   Change in % of  2018 2017   
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues $ Change Revenues  Amount   % of
  Revenues  
 Amount   % of
  Revenues  
 $ Change Change in % of
Revenues

Americas

  $191,574    19.6% $179,045    20.0% $12,529  -0.4%  $143,293   21.5% $125,333   19.7% $17,960  1.8%

EMEA

   39,584    20.9%  34,082    19.2% 5,502  1.7%   30,825   21.5% 25,861   20.9% 4,964  0.6%

Other

   46,506    -  49,673    - (3,167 -   30,359   - 33,086   - (2,727 -
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

  $277,664    23.8% $262,800    24.5% $14,864  -0.7%  $    204,477   25.2% $    184,280   24.3% $    20,197  0.9%
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

  

The increase of $14.9$20.2 million in general and administrative expenses included a positive foreign currency impact of $2.5$0.1 million in the Americas and a positivenegative foreign currency impact of $1.9$2.8 million in EMEA.

The decreaseincrease in Americas’ general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to a reduction in technologyhigher compensations costs of 0.3% allocated0.7%, higher facility-related costs of 0.4% resulting from corporate, lower technology equipmentthe Americas 2018 Exit Plan (see Note 3, Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information), higher software and maintenance costs of 0.3%, higher ongoing facility-related costs of 0.2%, higher legal and professional fees of 0.2% and lowerhigher other costs of 0.1%0.2%, partially offset by higher softwarelower technology equipment and maintenance costs of 0.2%.

The increase in EMEA’s general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to a gain on settlementhigher recruiting costs of Qelp’s contingent consideration of 1.5% in the prior period and0.4%, higher compensation costs of 0.7%0.2% and higher other costs of 0.5%, partially offset by lower facility-relatedadvertising and marketing costs of 0.1%, lower communication costs of 0.1%0.3% and lower other costslegal and professional fees of 0.3%0.2%.

The decrease of $3.2$2.7 million in Other general and administrative expenses, which includes corporate and other costs, was primarily attributable to lower compensation costs of $2.0 million, lower legal and professional fees of $0.9 million, lower merger and integration costs of $3.8 million, lower compensation costs of $3.5$0.2 million and lower othertravel costs of $0.1$0.2 million, partially offset by a reduction in technologyhigher software and maintenance costs of $2.3$0.2 million, allocated to the Americas, higher severance costs of $0.8 million, higher legal and professional fees of $0.7$0.2 million and higher charitable contributionsother costs of $0.4$0.2 million.

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

                                                                                                            
  Nine Months Ended September 30,     
  2017 2016       Six Months Ended June 30,     
     % of    % of    Change in % of  2018 2017     
(in thousands)  Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues $ Change  Revenues  Amount   % of
  Revenues  
 Amount   % of
  Revenues  
 $ Change Change in % of
Revenues
 

Depreciation, net:

                   

Americas

   $35,374     3.6%   $30,856     3.5%   $4,518     0.1%   $25,018   3.7% $23,310    3.7%  $1,708  0.0% 

EMEA

   3,815     2.0%  3,450     1.9%  365     0.1%    2,887   2.0% 2,440    2.0%  447  0.0% 

Other

   2,206     -  1,442     -  764     -    1,491   - 1,418    -  73   - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $41,395     3.5%   $35,748     3.3%   $5,647     0.2%   $29,396   3.6% $27,168    3.6%  $2,228  0.0% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

Amortization of intangibles:

                   

Americas

   $15,048     1.5%   $13,353     1.5%   $1,695     0.0%   $7,407   1.1% $9,967    1.6%  $(2,560 -0.5% 

EMEA

   726     0.4%  791     0.4%  (65)    0.0%    435   0.3% 514    0.4%  (79 -0.1% 

Other

       -       -       -    -   -  -    -   -   - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $15,774     1.4%   $14,144     1.3%   $1,630     0.1%   $7,842   1.0% $10,481    1.4%  $(2,639 -0.4% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

Impairment of long-lived assets:

                   

Americas

   $5,071     0.5%   $    0.0%   $5,071     0.5%   $8,701   1.3% $4,391    0.7%  $4,310  0.6% 

EMEA

       0.0%       0.0%       0.0%    -   0.0%  -    0.0%   -  0.0% 

Other

       -       -       -    -   -  -    -   -   - 
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

Consolidated

   $5,071     0.4%   $    0.0%   $5,071     0.4%   $      8,701   1.1% $      4,391    0.6%  $      4,310  0.5% 
  

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

  

52


The increase in depreciation was primarily due to new depreciable fixed assets placed into service supporting site expansions and infrastructure upgrades, as well as the addition of depreciable fixed assets acquired in conjunction with the April 2016 Clearlink acquisition, partially offset by certain fully depreciated fixed assets.

The increasedecrease in amortization was primarily due to the addition of intangible assets acquired in conjunction with the April 2016 Clearlink acquisition, partially offset by certain fully amortized intangible assets.

See Note 3, Costs Associated with Exit and Disposal Activities, and Note 4, Fair Value, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information regarding the impairment of long-lived assets.

Other Income (Expense)

 

                                                                        
  Nine Months Ended September 30,    Six Months Ended June 30,   
(in thousands)  2017 2016 $ Change  2018 2017 $ Change 

Interest income

   $468   $429   $39   $                  346  $                  299  $                47 
  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

 

 

 

 

 

Interest (expense)

   $(5,585  $(3,967  $(1,618  $(2,355 $(3,564 $1,209 
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Other income (expense), net:

        

Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)

   $567   $3,534   $(2,967  $2,089  $644  $1,445 

Gains (losses) on foreign currency derivative instruments not designated as hedges

   (48 (1,434 1,386 

Gains (losses) on derivative instruments not designated as hedges

   (1,427 397  (1,824

Other miscellaneous income (expense)

   1,228  501  727    (1,044 565  (1,609
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total other income (expense), net

   $1,747   $2,601   $(854  $(382 $1,606  $(1,988
  

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Interest income remained relatively consistent with the comparable period.

The increasedecrease in interest (expense) was primarily due to $216.0a decrease in the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement as a result of the $175.0 million repayment in borrowings used to acquire Clearlink in April 2016 as well asJanuary 2018, partially offset by an increase in weighted average interest rates on outstanding borrowings, partially offset by a decrease in the interest accretion on contingent consideration.borrowings.

The increasechange in other miscellaneous income (expense) was primarily due to payroll tax compliance costs, the net investment income (losses) related to the investments held in a rabbi trust.trust and losses from our equity method investee, XSell. See Note 7, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

Income Taxes

 

                                                               
  Nine Months Ended September 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,   
(in thousands)  2017  2016  $Change  2018 2017 $ Change 

Income before income taxes

   $60,163    $62,406    $(2,243  $              18,353  $                  35,722  $        (17,369

Income taxes

   10,911    18,044    $(7,133   227  8,165  $(7,938
      % Change 
        % Change

Effective tax rate

   18.1%    28.9%    -10.8%    1.2 22.9 -21.7

The decrease in the effective tax rate in 20172018 compared to 2016 is2017 was primarily due to several significant factors, including the recognition ofa $2.0 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits, inclusive of penalties and interest, of which $1.2 million arose from the effective settlement of the Canadian Revenue Agency audit and $0.8 million arose from other favorable audit settlements and statute of limitation expirations. Additionally, we recognized a $0.8 millionincrease in benefit related to the increasesettlement of tax audits and ancillary issues. In addition, we recognized a benefit of $1.1 million from the reduction in anticipatedthe U.S. federal corporate tax credits and reductions in estimatednon-deferred foreign income, as wellrate from 35% to 21% as a $0.3result of the 2017 Tax Reform Act. This was partially offset by a $0.6 million benefit fordecrease in the releaseamount of a valuation allowance where it is more likely than not that the benefit will be realized. We alsoexcess tax benefits from stock-based compensation recognized a $0.9 million tax benefit resulting from the adoption of ASU2016-09 on January 1,in 2018 as compared to 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate was also significantly affected by shifts in earnings among the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Several additional factors, none of which are individually material, also impacted the rate.

53


Client Concentration

Our top ten clients accounted for approximately 47.6%45.8% and 50.1%48.7% of our consolidated revenues in the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively, and 48.1%approximately 45.9% and 49.1% of our consolidated revenues in the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

Total revenues by segment from AT&T Corporation (“AT&T”), a major provider of communication services for which we provide various customer support services over several distinct lines of AT&T businesses, were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                                        
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
     % of    % of    % of    % of  2018 2017 2018 2017
  Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues  Amount   % of
Revenues
 Amount   % of
Revenues
 Amount   % of
Revenues
 Amount   % of
Revenues

Americas

  $56,448    16.5% $65,847    20.2% $173,609    17.8% $176,701    19.8%  $40,947   12.5% $55,627   17.7% $82,935   12.4% $117,161   18.4%

EMEA

      0.0%     0.0%     0.0%     0.0%   -     0.0%  -     0.0%  -     0.0%  -     0.0%
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   
  $56,448    13.9% $65,847    17.1% $173,609    14.9% $176,701    16.5%  $    40,947   10.3% $    55,627   14.8% $    82,935   10.2% $    117,161   15.4%
  

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

We have multiple distinct contracts with AT&T spread across multiple lines of businesses, which expire at varying dates between 20172018 and 2019.2020. We have historically renewed most of these contracts. However, there is no assurance that these contracts will be renewed, or if renewed, will be on terms as favorable as the existing contracts. Each line of business is governed by separate business terms, conditions and metrics. Each line of business also has a separate decision maker such that a loss of one line of business would not necessarily impact our relationship with the client and decision makers on other lines of business. The loss of (or the failure to retain a significant amount of business with) any of our key clients, including AT&T, could have a material adverse effect on our performance. Many of our contracts contain penalty provisions for failure to meet minimum service levels and are cancelable by the client at any time or on short notice. Also, clients may unilaterally reduce their use of our services under our contracts without penalty.

Total revenues by segment from our next largest client, which was in the financial services vertical in each of the periods, were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                                        
   Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
   2017 2016 2017 2016
      % of    % of    % of    % of
   Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues Amount  Revenues

Americas

  $28,644    8.4% $22,930    7.0% $76,388    7.8% $67,479    7.6%

EMEA

      0.0%     0.0%     0.0%     0.0%
  

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  
  $28,644    7.0% $22,930    5.9% $76,388    6.5% $67,479    6.3%
  

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

  

   Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
   2018 2017 2018 2017
   Amount   % of
 Revenues 
 Amount   % of
 Revenues 
 Amount   % of
 Revenues 
 Amount   % of
 Revenues 

Americas

  $29,922   9.1% $24,818   7.9% $60,531   9.1% $47,744   7.5%

EMEA

   -   0.0%  -   0.0%  -   0.0%  -   0.0%
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   
  $    29,922   7.5% $    24,818   6.6% $    60,531   7.5% $    47,744   6.3%
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

Other than AT&T, total revenues by segment of our clients that each individually represents 10% or greater of that segment’s revenues in each of the periods were as follows (in thousands):

 

                                                                                                                        
  Three Months Ended September 30,  Nine Months Ended September 30,  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2017 2016  2017 2016  2018 2017 2018 2017
  Amount  % of
Revenues
 Amount  % of
Revenues
  Amount  % of
Revenues
 Amount  % of
Revenues
  Amount   % of
 Revenues 
 Amount   % of
 Revenues 
 Amount   % of
 Revenues 
 Amount   % of
 Revenues 

Americas

   $   0.0%  $   0.0%   $   0.0%  $   0.0%  $-   0.0% $-   0.0% $-   0.0% $-   0.0%

EMEA

   20,684    31.4% 24,112    40.4%   58,813    31.0% 70,298    39.6%   25,996   37.3% 18,819   31.1% 53,641   37.4% 50,523   40.9%
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   
   $20,684    5.1%  $24,112    6.3%   $58,813    5.0%  $70,298    6.6%  $    25,996   6.6% $    18,819   5.0% $    53,641   6.6% $    50,523   6.7%
  

 

   

 

    

 

   

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

    

 

   

54


Business Outlook

For the three months ended December 31, 2017,September 30, 2018, we anticipate the following financial results:

 

  

Revenues in the range of $407.0$402.0 million to $412.0$407.0 million;

  

Effective tax rate of approximately 29%14%;

  

Fully diluted share count of approximately 42.2 million;

  

Diluted earnings per share in the range of $0.30$0.33 to $0.32;$0.36; and

  

Capital expenditures in the range of $14.0$12.0 million to $17.0$15.0 million.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017,2018, we anticipate the following financial results:

 

  

Revenues in the range of $1,574.0$1,630.0 million to $1,579.0$1,640.0 million;

  

Effective tax rate of approximately 20%12%;

  

Fully diluted share count of approximately 42.142.2 million;

  

Diluted earnings per share in the range of $1.46$1.30 to $1.49;$1.37; and

  

Capital expenditures in the range of $62.0$45.0 million to $65.0$50.0 million.

We are raisingrevising our full-year 20172018 revenue and diluted earnings per share outlook reflectingdownward by approximately $50.0 million relative to the above-expectations operating resultsoutlook provided in May 2018. Roughly half, or $25.0 million, of the revision is related to a combination of weakness in the thirdcommunications vertical representing approximately $10.0 million and $15.0 million related to the decision we made to discontinue a specific program – as opposed to shifting it to another geography or at-home, as has been the case with others – because of its long-term viability in the market it was operating. Another approximately $15.0 million of the revision is related to foreign exchange volatility, with the remainder related to a slight extension in the sales cycle as well as a ramp of new client and program wins, partially offset by the contribution from WhistleOut. The benefits of the capacity rationalization initiatives are expected to start flowing through in the fourth quarter of 2018, which should yield significant improvement in year-over-year operating margins relative to the fourth quarter of 2017. Meanwhile,Additionally, based on the rapid pace of progress reported thus far, we continueexpect to implement various action plansrationalize a few hundred additional seats, bringing the total gross number of seats rationalized close to address the operational inefficiencies around staffing, attritionupper end of the 10% target outlined in our May 2018 outlook.

Our third quarter 2018 business outlook anticipates a pre-tax charge of approximately $8.1 million, or $0.15 on an after-tax basis, related to capacity rationalization. The pre-tax charge is expected to be mostly in cash. The full-year outlook reflects a pre-tax charge of approximately $22.3 million, or $0.40 on an after-tax basis, split roughly evenly between non-cash and capacity utilization, and believe the associated drag on our underlying operating results is beginning to moderate.cash.

Our revenues and earnings per share assumptions for the fourththird quarter and full-year 2017full year 2018 are based on foreign exchange rates as of October 2017.July 2018. Therefore, the continued volatility in foreign exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and the functional currencies of the markets we serve could have a further impact, positive or negative, on revenues and earnings per share relative to the business outlook for the fourththird quarter and full-year as discussed above.

We anticipate total other interest income (expense), net of approximately $(1.8)$(1.0) million for the fourththird quarter and $(5.3)$(4.6) million for the full-year 2017. Thesefull year 2018. The amounts includein the accretion on the Clearlink contingent consideration, which is expected to be a total of $(0.1) million for the year. The amounts,other interest income (expense), net, however, exclude the potential impact of any future foreign exchange gains or losses in other income (expense).losses.

We expect a slightfurther reduction in our full-year 20172018 effective tax rate relativecompared to the business outlookwhat was provided in August 2017, with the declineour May 2018 outlook due largely to various discrete items, including the settlement of uncertain tax positions and an increase in tax credits, coupled with a release of a valuation allowance and a shiftbenefits in the geographic mixsecond quarter of earnings to lower tax rate jurisdictions.2018.

Not included in this guidance is the impact of any future acquisitions, share repurchase activities or a potential sale of previously exited customer engagement centers.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are generally cash flows generated by operating activities and from available borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We utilize these capital resources to make capital expenditures associated primarily with our customer engagement services, invest in technology applications and tools to further develop our service offerings and for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including repurchase of our common stock in the open market and to fund acquisitions. In future periods, we intendanticipate similar uses of these funds.

On August 18, 2011, the Board authorized us to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of our outstanding common stock (the “2011 Share Repurchase Program”). On March 16, 2016, the Board authorized an increase of 5.0 million shares to the 2011 Share Repurchase Program, for a total of 10.0 million. A total of 5.3 million shares have been repurchased under the 2011 Share Repurchase Program since inception. The shares are purchased, from time to time, through open market purchases or in negotiated private transactions, and the purchases are based on factors, including but not limited to, the stock price, management discretion and general market conditions. The 2011 Share Repurchase Program has no expiration date.

During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, cash increased $118.4$47.4 million from operating activities, and $0.1$5.0 million offrom proceeds from grants, whichissuance of long-term debt and $0.4 million from other investing and financing activities. This increase was partially offset by $48.4$190.0 million used to repay long-term debt, $26.2 million used for capital expenditures, $9.1 million of cash paid for acquisitions, a $5.1 million settlement of the net investment hedge, a $5.0 million investment in equity method investees, a $4.8$7.6 million purchase of intangible assets a $4.8 million payment of contingent consideration and $3.9$3.7 million to repurchase common stock for tax withholding on equity awards, resulting in a $61.5$181.4 million increasedecrease in available cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (including the favorableunfavorable effects of foreign currency exchange

rates on cash, and cash equivalents and restricted cash of $24.1$6.7 million).

Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 were $118.4$47.4 million, compared to $105.4$71.6 million for the comparable period in 2016.2017. The $13.0$24.2 million increasedecrease in net cash flows from operating activities was due to a $4.9$9.4 million increasedecrease in net income, a net decrease of $10.2 million in cash flows from assets and liabilities and a $21.1$4.6 million increasedecrease innon-cash reconciling items such as depreciation, amortization, unrealized foreign currency transaction (gains) lossesimpairment and deferred income taxes, partially offset by a net decrease of $13.0 million in cash flows from assets and liabilities.tax provision (benefit). The $13.0$10.2 million decrease in 20172018 from 20162017 in cash flows from assets and liabilities was principally a result of a $15.8 million decrease in other liabilities, a $12.6$17.4 million increase in taxesaccounts receivable, neta $3.0 million increase in other assets and a $2.8$2.6 million decrease in deferred revenue, partially offset by a $17.9$7.6 million decrease in taxes receivable, net, and a $5.2 million increase in other liabilities. The $17.4 million increase in the change in accounts receivable in the six months ended June 30, 2018 over the comparable period in 2017 was primarily due to the timing of billings and a $0.3 million decrease in other assets.collections. The $15.8$7.6 million decrease in the change in other liabilities was primarily due to $8.0 million related to other accrued expenses and current liabilities principally due to a decrease of $4.8 million related to the timing of payments associated with site expansions and infrastructure upgrades, a $2.1 million decrease resulting from the settlement of thetaxes receivable, net, investment hedge and a $1.5 million decrease driven by a reduction in cash flow hedge liabilities as well as a $5.5 million decrease related to the timing of accrued employee compensation and benefits in the ninesix months ended September

55


June 30, 20172018 over the comparable period in 2016. The $12.6 million increase in taxes receivable, net2017 was primarily due to the effective settlement of the Canadian Revenue Agency audit and a reductionan increase in estimated tax liabilities in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016. The $17.9 million decrease in the change in accounts receivable was primarily due to the timing of billings and collections in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 over the comparable period in 2016.liabilities.

Capital expenditures, which are generally funded by cash generated from operating activities, available cash balances and borrowings available under our credit facilities, were $48.4$26.2 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, compared to $59.3$35.9 million for the comparable period in 2016,2017, a decrease of $10.9$9.7 million. In 2017,2018, we anticipate capital expenditures in the range of $62.0$45.0 million to $65.0$50.0 million, primarily for new seat additions, Enterprise Resource Planning upgrades, facility upgrades, maintenance and systems infrastructure.

On May 12, 2015, we entered into a $440 million revolving credit facility (the “2015 Credit“Credit Agreement”) with a group of lenders and KeyBank National Association, as Lead Arranger, Sole Book Runner and Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and Issuing Lender (“KeyBank”). The 2015 Credit Agreement is subject to certain borrowing limitations and includes certain customary financial and restrictive covenants. At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we were in compliance with all loan requirements of the 2015 Credit Agreement and had $267.0$90.0 million of outstanding borrowings under this facility. On April 1, 2016, we borrowed $216.0 million under our 2015

Our Credit Agreement in connection with the acquisition of Clearlink. See Note 2, Acquisitions, of “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information.

Our credit agreement had an average daily utilization of $267.0$100.1 million and $272.0$267.0 million during the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and 2016, respectively,$110.7 million and $267.0 million and $207.2 million during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively. During the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the related interest expense, including the commitment fee and excluding the amortization of deferred loan fees, was $1.8$0.9 million and $1.2$1.6 million, respectively, which represented weighted average interest rates of 2.6%3.7% and 1.7%2.4%, respectively. During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the related interest expense, including the commitment fee and excluding the amortization of deferred loan fees, was $4.8$1.9 million and $2.6$3.0 million, respectively, which represented weighted average interest rates of 2.4%3.5% and 1.8%2.3%, respectively.

The 2015 Credit Agreement includes a $200 million alternate-currencysub-facility, a $10 million swinglinesub-facility and a $35 million letter of creditsub-facility, and may be used for general corporate purposes including acquisitions, share repurchases, working capital support and letters of credit, subject to certain limitations. We are not currently aware of any inability of our lenders to provide access to the full commitment of funds that exist under the 2015 Credit Agreement, if necessary. However, there can be no assurance that such facility will be available to us, even though it is a binding commitment of the financial institutions. The 2015 Credit Agreement will mature on May 12, 2020.

Borrowings under the 2015 Credit Agreement bear interest at the rates set forth in the 2015 Credit Agreement. In addition, we are required to pay certain customary fees, including a commitment fee determined quarterly based on our leverage ratio and due quarterly in arrears as calculated on the average unused amount of the 2015 Credit Agreement.

The 2015 Credit Agreement is guaranteed by all of our existing and future direct and indirect material U.S. subsidiaries and secured by a pledge of 100% of thenon-voting and 65% of the voting capital stock of all of our direct foreign subsidiaries and those of the guarantors.

We received assessments for the Canadian 2003-2009 audit. Requests for Competent Authority Assistance were filed with both the Canadian Revenue Agency and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and we paid mandatory security deposits to Canada as part of this process. The total amountprocess of deposits wereapproximately $13.8 million as of December 31, 2016 (none at September 30, 2017) and were included in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.million. As of June 30, 2017, we determined that all material aspects of the Canadian audit were effectively settled pursuant to ASC 740,Income Taxes. As a result, we recognized a net income tax benefit of $1.2 million and the deposits were netted against the anticipated liability.liability at that time. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we finalized procedures ancillary to the Canadian audit and recognized an additional $2.7 million income tax benefit due to the elimination of certain penalties, interest and assessed withholding taxes.

With the effective settlement of the Canadian audit, we have no significant tax jurisdictions under audit; however, we are currently under audit in several tax jurisdictions. We believe we are adequately reserved for the remaining audits and their resolution is not expected to have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

56


The 2017 Tax Reform Act provides for aone-time transition tax based on our undistributed foreign earnings on which we previously had deferred U.S. income taxes. We recorded a $28.3 million provisional liability, which is net of $5.0 million of available tax credits, for ourone-time transition tax. As of June 30, 2018, $2.1 million of the provisional liability was netted in “Income taxes receivable” and $3.8 million was included in “Income taxes payable” as of December 31, 2017 in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, $22.4 million and $24.5 million, respectively, of the long-term provisional liability were included in “Long-term income tax liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. This transition tax liability will be paid over the next eight years. As of December 31, 2017, no additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining outside basis difference inherent in our investments in our foreign subsidiaries as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations.

On April 24, 2017,July 9, 2018, we entered into and closed a definitive Asset PurchaseShare Sale Agreement to purchase certain assetsacquire all the outstanding shares of a Global 2000 telecommunications services provider. The aggregate purchase price of $7.5WhistleOut Pty Ltd and WhistleOut Inc. (together, “WhistleOut”) for AUD 30.2 million was paid on May 31, 2017, using cash on hand.

As part of the April 2016 Clearlink acquisition, we assumed contingent consideration liabilities related to four separate acquisitions made by Clearlink in 2015 and 2016, prior to the Merger. The fair value of the contingent consideration related to these previous acquisitions was $2.8 million as of April 1, 2016 and was based on achieving targets primarily tied to revenues for varying periods of time during 2016 and 2017. As of September 30, 2017, the fair value of the remaining contingent consideration liability was $1.0 million, which was paid in October 2017.

In July 2015, we completed the acquisition of Qelp B.V. and its subsidiary (together, known as “Qelp”) pursuant to the definitive share sale and purchase agreement, dated July 2, 2015.($22.4 million). The purchase price was paid upon closing using $22.0 million of $15.8 million was funded through cashadditional borrowings under our Credit Agreement. WhistleOut is a consumer comparison platform focused on hand of $9.8 millionmobile, broadband and contingent consideration of $6.0 million. On September 26, 2016, we entered into an addendum topay TV services, principally across Australia and the Qelp purchase agreement with the sellers to settle the outstanding contingent consideration for EUR 4.0 million to be paid by June 30, 2017. We paid $4.4 million in May 2017 to settle the outstanding contingent consideration obligation.U.S. The acquisition broadens our digital marketing capabilities geographically and extends our home services product portfolio.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we had $328.2$162.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately 90.0%87.9%, or $295.5$142.7 million, was held in international operations and is deemed to be indefinitely reinvested offshore. Theseoperations. As a result of the 2017 Tax Reform Act, most of these funds maywill not be subject to additional taxes if repatriated to the United States, including withholding tax applied by the country of origin and an incremental U.S. income tax, net of allowable foreign tax credits.States. There are circumstances where we may be unable to repatriate some of the cash and cash equivalents held by our international operations due to country restrictions. We do not intend nor currently foresee a need to repatriate these funds.

We expect our current domestic cash levels and cash flows from operations to be adequate to meet our domestic anticipated working capital needs, including investment activities such as capital expenditures and debt repayment for the next twelve months and the foreseeable future. However, from time to time, we may borrow funds under our 2015 Credit Agreement as a result of the timing of our working capital needs, including capital expenditures. Additionally, we expect our current foreign cash levels and cash flows from foreign operations to be adequate to meet our foreign anticipated working capital needs, including investment activities such as capital expenditures for the next twelve months and the foreseeable future.

If we should require more cash in the U.S. than is provided by our domestic operations for significant discretionary unforeseen activities such as acquisitions of businesses and share repurchases, we could elect to repatriate future foreign earnings and/or raise capital in the U.S through additional borrowings or debt/equity issuances. These alternatives could result in higher effective tax rates, interest expense and/or dilution of earnings. We have borrowed funds domestically and continue to have the ability to borrow additional funds domestically at reasonable interest rates.

Our cash resources could also be affected by various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, the risks described in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

��

53


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we did not have any material commercial commitments, including guarantees or standby repurchase obligations, or any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, including entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities or variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitatingoff-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

From time to time, during the normal course of business, we may make certain indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which we may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include, but are not limited to: (i) indemnities to clients, vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on negligence or willful misconduct and (ii) indemnities involving breach of contract, the accuracy of representations and warranties, or other liabilities assumed by us in certain contracts. In addition, we have agreements whereby we will indemnify certain officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at our request in such capacity. The indemnification period covers all pertinent events and occurrences during the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, we have director and officer insurance coverage that limits our exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. We believe the applicable insurance coverage is generally adequate to cover any estimated potential liability under these indemnification agreements. The majority of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential for future payments we could be obligated to make. We have not recorded any liability for these indemnities, commitments and other guarantees in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we have some client contracts that do not contain contractual provisions for the limitation of liability and other client contracts that contain agreed upon exceptions to limitation of liability. We have not recorded any liability in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with respect to any client contracts under which we have or may have unlimited liability.

57


Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizesDuring the material changes to our contractual obligations assix months ended June 30, 2018, we repaid $185.0 million, net, of September 30, 2017, and the effect these obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods (in thousands):

                                                                                                            
   Payments Due By Period
      Less Than        After 5   
   Total  1 Year  1 -3 Years  3 -5 Years  Years  Other

Operating leases(1)

   $56,958     $1,560     $14,916     $15,105     $25,377     $ 

Purchase obligations(2)

   45,388     6,646     33,015     5,727          

Other accrued expenses and current liabilities(3)

   5,000         5,000              
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

   $107,346     $8,206     $52,931     $20,832     $25,377     $ 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

(1) Amounts represent the change in expected cash paymentslong-term debt outstanding under our operating leases, including amounts that were assumedCredit Agreement, primarily using funds repatriated from our foreign subsidiaries, resulting in conjunction with the Telecommunications Asset acquisition in May 2017. a remaining outstanding debt balance of $90.0 million.

See Note 14,13, Commitments and Loss Contingency, to the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) Amounts represent the change in expected cash payments under ourStatements” for operating leases and purchase obligations which include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; andentered into in the approximate timingnormal course of business during the transaction. Purchase obligations exclude agreements that are cancelable without penalty. six months ended June 30, 2018.

See Note 14, Commitments and Loss Contingency,19, Subsequent Event, to the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

(3) Amount represents the final paymentStatements” for information related to an equity method investment entered into inacquisition we completed on July 2017.9, 2018.

Except for the contractual obligations mentioned above, there have not been any material changes to the outstanding contractual obligations from the disclosure in our Annual Report on Form10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Critical Accounting Estimates

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on FormForm 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 for a discussion of our critical accounting estimates.

There have been noThe adoption of ASC 606 did not result in a material changeschange to our “Recognition of Revenues” critical accounting estimates in 2017.estimate. See Note 2, Revenues, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for further information on the adoption of ASC 606.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

See Note 1, Overview and Basis of Presentation, of the accompanying “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for information related to recent accounting pronouncements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Foreign Currency Risk

Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in currency exchange rates. We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations when subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. Dollar (“USD”) are translated into our USD consolidated financial statements. As exchange rates vary, those results, when translated, may vary from expectations and adversely impact profitability. The cumulative translation effects for subsidiaries using functional currencies other than USD are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in shareholders’ equity. Movements innon-USD currency exchange rates may negatively or positively affect our competitive position, as exchange rate changes may affect business practices and/or pricing strategies ofnon-U.S. based competitors.

We employ a foreign currency risk management program that periodically utilizes derivative instruments to protect against unanticipated fluctuations in certain earnings and cash flows caused by volatility in foreign currency exchange (“FX”) rates. We also utilize derivative contracts to hedge intercompany receivables and payables that are denominated in a foreign currency and to hedge net investments in foreign operations.

We serve a number of U.S.-based clients using customer engagement center capacity in The Philippines and Costa Rica, which are within our Americas segment. Although a substantial portion of the costs incurred to render services under these contracts are denominated in Philippine Pesos (“PHP”) and Costa Rican Colones (“CRC”), the contracts with these clients are priced in USDs, which represent FX exposures. Additionally, our EMEA segment services clients in Hungary and Romania with a substantial portion of the costs incurred to render services under these contracts denominated in Hungarian Forints (“HUF”) and Romanian Leis (“RON”), where the contracts are priced in Euros (“EUR”).

In order to hedge a portion of our anticipated revenues denominated in USD and EUR, we had outstanding forward contracts and options as of SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 with counterparties through December 2018September 2019 with notional amounts totaling $108.7$206.3 million. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we had net total derivative liabilities associated with these contracts with a fair value of $0.4 million, which will settle within the next 15 months.million. If the USD was to weaken against the PHP and CRC and the EUR was to weaken against the

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HUF and RON by 10% from currentperiod-end levels, we would incur a loss of approximately $9.1$18.6 million on the underlying exposures of the derivative instruments. However, this loss would be mitigated by corresponding gains on the underlying exposures.

We had outstanding forward exchange contracts as of June 30, 2018 with notional amounts totaling $27.5$6.2 million that are not designated as hedges. The purpose of these derivative instruments is to protect against FX volatility pertaining to intercompany receivables and payables, and other assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries’ functional currencies. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of these derivatives was a net assetliability of $0.3$0.2 million. The potential loss in fair value at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, for these contracts resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the foreign currency exchange rates is approximately $5.0$1.3 million. However, this loss would be mitigated by corresponding gains on the underlying exposures.

We had embedded derivative contracts with notional amounts totaling $13.8$12.7 million that are not designated as hedges. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, the fair value of these derivatives was a net liability of $0.3$0.6 million. The potential loss in fair value at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, for these contracts resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the foreign currency exchange rates is approximately $2.3$1.9 million. However, this loss would be mitigated

by corresponding gains on the underlying exposures.

We evaluate the credit quality of potential counterparties to derivative transactions and only enter into contracts with those considered to have minimal credit risk. We periodically monitor changes to counterparty credit quality as well as our concentration of credit exposure to individual counterparties.

We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative trading purposes, nor do we hedge our foreign currency exposure in a manner that entirely offsets the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates. As a general rule, we do not use financial instruments to hedge local currency denominated operating expenses in countries where a natural hedge exists. For example, in many countries, revenue from the local currency services substantially offsets the local currency denominated operating expenses.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to interest rate risk results from variable rate debt outstanding under our revolving credit facility. We pay interest on outstanding borrowings at interest rates that fluctuate based upon changes in various base rates. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, we had $267.0$90.0 million in borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility. Based on our level of variable rate debt outstanding during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, a 1.0% increase in the weighted average interest rate, which generally equals the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin, would have had an impact of $0.7$0.2 million and $2.0$0.5 million, respectively, on our results of operations.

We have not historically used derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in interest rates.

Fluctuations in Quarterly Results

For the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, quarterly revenues as a percentage of total consolidated annual revenues were approximately 22%24%, 25%24%, 26% and 27%26%, respectively, for each of the respective quarters of the year. We have experienced and anticipate that in the future we will experience variations in quarterly revenues. The variations are due to the timing of new contracts and renewal of existing contracts, the timing and frequency of client spending for customer engagement services,non-U.S. currency fluctuations, and the seasonal pattern of customer engagement support and fulfillment services.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a – 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We concluded that, as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2018, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. With respect to these matters, we believe that we have adequate legal defenses and/or, when possible and appropriate, has provided adequate accruals for related coststo those matters such that the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our future financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

For risk factors, see Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Below is a summary of stock repurchases for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172018 (in thousands, except average price per share). See Note 13,12, Earnings Per Share, of “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” for information regarding our stock repurchase program.

 

Period  

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased  

  Average
Price
Paid Per
Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or  Programs
 Maximum Number
of Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under Plans or
Programs(1)

JulyApril 1, 20172018 - July 31, 2017April 30, 2018

   -    $-    -    4,748 

AugustMay 1, 20172018 - AugustMay 31, 20172018

   -    $-    -    4,748 

SeptemberJune 1, 20172018 - SeptemberJune 30, 20172018

   -    $-    -    4,748 
  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

Total

   -      -    4,748 
  

 

 

    

 

 

  

 

 

(1) The total number of shares approved for repurchase under the 2011 Share Repurchase Plan dated August 18, 2011, as amended on March 16, 2017, is 10.0 million. The 2011 Share Repurchase Plan has no expiration date.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

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Item 6.Exhibits

Item 6. Exhibits

The following documents are filed as an exhibit to this Report:

 

No.

 

Description

10.1*Fifth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated Deferred Compensation Plan, effective as of January 1, 2018.
15* Awareness letter.
31.1* Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule13a-14(a).
31.2* Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule13a-14(a).
32.1** Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
32.2** Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
101.INS*+ XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB*+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*+ XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

*

 

Filed herewith as an Exhibit.

**

 

Furnished herewith as an Exhibit.

+

 

Submitted electronically with this Quarterly Report.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

 

(Registrant)

Date: November 9, 2017August 7, 2018

  

By: /s/ John Chapman

 

John Chapman

  

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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