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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
 
 
Form 10-K
 
 
 
 
     
(Mark One)    
þ
  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File No. 1-12173
 
 
 
 
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
 
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  36-4094854
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60606
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
(312) 573-5600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share
  New York Stock Exchange
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES þ     NO o
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  YES o     NO þ
 
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, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES þ     NO o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 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 o     NO o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in a definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o      Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  YES o     NO þ
 
As of February 19, 2010, approximately 50.0 million shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), were outstanding. The aggregate market value of shares of common stock held by non-affiliates, based upon the closing sale price of the stock on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2009, was approximately $628.9 million. The registrant’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, is incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 


 

 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
FORM 10-K
 
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                 
        Page
 
PART I
  Item 1.     Business     3  
  Item 1A.     Risk Factors     8  
  Item 1B.     Unresolved Staff Comments     13  
  Item 2.     Properties     13  
  Item 3.     Legal Proceedings     13  
  Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     14  
        Executive Officers of the Registrant     14  
 
PART II
  Item 5.     Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities     15  
  Item 6.     Selected Financial Data     18  
  Item 7.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     19  
  Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     37  
  Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     38  
  Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     38  
  Item 9A.     Controls and Procedures     38  
  Item 9B.     Other Information     38  
 
PART III
  Item 10.     Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance     40  
  Item 11.     Executive Compensation     40  
  Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     40  
  Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence     40  
  Item 14.     Principal Accountant Fees and Services     40  
 
PART IV
  Item 15.     Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules     41  
        Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     F-2  
        Consolidated Balance Sheets     F-3  
        Consolidated Statements of Income     F-4  
        Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity     F-5  
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows     F-6  
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     F-7  
 EX-10.4
 EX-10.15
 EX-21.1
 EX-23.1
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1


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PART I
 
Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which are not historical in nature, are intended to be, and are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements appear in a number of places in this report, including, without limitation, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We caution readers that there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or control and the information contained in the forward-looking statements is inherently uncertain and subject to a number of risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements including, without limitation: the success and timing of our strategy implementation of our strategic business assessments; the success of the Company’s organizational changes and cost reduction actions; risks inherent in international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; ability to make acquisitions; pace, timing and integration of acquisitions; impairment charges; management of professional staff, including dependence on key personnel, recruiting, attrition and the ability to successfully integrate new consultants into our practices; utilization rates; conflicts of interest; potential loss of clients; our clients’ financial condition and their ability to make payments to us; risks inherent with litigation; higher risk client assignments; professional liability; potential legislative and regulatory changes; continued access to capital; and general economic conditions. Further information on these and other potential factors that could affect our financial results is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and prior filings with the SEC under the “Risk Factors” sections and elsewhere in those filings. We cannot guarantee any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement and we undertake no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements.
 
Item 1.   Business.
 
Navigant Consulting, Inc. (referred to throughout this document as “we”, “us” or “our”) is an independent specialty consulting firm that combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise to enable companies to create and protect value in the face of complex and critical business risks and opportunities. Professional services include dispute, investigative, financial, operational and business advisory, risk management and regulatory advisory, strategy, economic analysis and transaction advisory solutions. We are not a certified public accounting firm and do not provide audit, attest, or public accounting services. “Navigant” is a service mark of Navigant International, Inc. Navigant Consulting, Inc. is not affiliated, associated, or in any way connected with Navigant International, Inc. and our use of “Navigant” is made under license from Navigant International, Inc.
 
We are a Delaware corporation headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Our executive office is located at 30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Our telephone number is (312) 573-5600. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NCI”.
 
(a)  General Development of Business
 
We had our initial public offering in 1996. Since then, we have grown through recruiting combined with acquisition investments of selective firms that are complementary to our businesses. Since 2005, we have increased our international presence with investments in Canada, China and the United Kingdom.
 
(b)  Financial Information about Business Segments
 
We manage our business in four segments — North American Dispute and Investigative Services, North American Business Consulting Services, International Consulting Operations, and Economic Consulting Services. The Economic Consulting Services segment was added in 2008 in connection with our acquisition of the Chicago Partners business on May 1, 2008 (see Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Acquisitions). These segments are generally defined by the nature of their services and by geography. The business is managed and resources are allocated on the basis of the four operating segments.


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The North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment provides a wide range of services to clients facing the challenges of disputes, litigation, forensic investigation, discovery, and regulatory compliance. The clients of this segment are principally law firms, corporate general counsel and corporate boards.
 
The North American Business Consulting Services segment provides strategic, operational, financial, regulatory and technical management consulting services to clients. Services are sold principally through vertical industry practices such as energy, healthcare, financial and insurance. The clients are principally “C” suite and corporate management, government entities, and law firms.
 
The International Consulting Operations segment provides a mix of dispute and business consulting services to clients predominately outside North America.
 
The Economic Consulting Services segment provides economic and financial analyses of complex legal and business issues principally for law firms, corporations and government agencies. Expertise includes areas such as antitrust, corporate finance and governance, bankruptcy, intellectual property, investment banking, labor market discrimination and compensation, corporate valuation, and securities litigation.
 
We have identified the above four operating segments as reportable segments. Segment revenue and segment operating profit (together with a reconciliation to our operating income) for the last three years are included in Note 4-Segment Information to our consolidated financial statements.
 
The relative percentages of revenues attributable to each segment were as follows:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
    40.6 %     41.7 %     42.3 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    41.2 %     43.9 %     49.4 %
International Consulting Operations
    10.3 %     9.8 %     8.3 %
Economic Consulting Services
    7.9 %     4.6 %      
 
The relative percentages of segment operating profit attributable to each segment were as follows:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
    44.8 %     44.4 %     46.4 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    41.1 %     42.9 %     45.4 %
International Consulting Operations
    6.2 %     7.9 %     8.2 %
Economic Consulting Services
    7.9 %     4.8 %      
 
Segment operating profit as a percentage of segment revenue before reimbursement was as follows:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
    39.6 %     42.8 %     42.4 %
North American Business Consulting Services
    36.1 %     40.4 %     37.8 %
International Consulting Operations
    24.1 %     33.3 %     40.3 %
Economic Consulting Services
    35.3 %     39.5 %      
                         
Total segment operating profit
    36.3 %     40.7 %     40.0 %
                         


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Total assets by segment were as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 294,439     $ 287,225  
North American Business Consulting Services
    232,892       236,419  
International Consulting Operations
    73,197       73,897  
Economic Consulting Services
    78,533       74,089  
Unallocated assets
    141,184       120,763  
                 
Total assets
  $ 820,245     $ 792,393  
                 
 
The information presented above does not necessarily reflect the results of segment operations that would have occurred had the segments been stand-alone businesses. Certain unallocated expense amounts, related to specific reporting segments, have been excluded from the segment operating profit to be consistent with the information used by management to evaluate segment performance.
 
(c)  Narrative Description of Business
 
Overview
 
We market our services directly to corporate counsel, law firms, government entities, corporate boards, corporate executives and special committees. We use a variety of business development and marketing channels to communicate directly with current and prospective clients, including on-site presentations, industry seminars, and industry-specific articles. New engagements are sought and won by our senior and mid-level consultants working together with our business development team that supports all segments. Our future performance will continue to depend upon the ability of our consultants to win new engagements as well as our ability to retain such consultants.
 
A significant portion of new business arises from prior client engagements. In addition, we seek to leverage our client relationships in one business segment to cross sell existing services provided by the other segments. Clients frequently expand the scope of engagements during delivery to include follow-on, complementary activities. In addition, an on-site presence affords our consultants the opportunity to become aware of, and to help define, additional project opportunities as they are identified.
 
We derive our revenues from fees and reimbursable expenses for professional services. A majority of our revenues are generated under hourly or daily rates billed on a time and expense basis. Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis, with revenue recognized as the services are provided. There are also client engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services, often referred to as fixed fee billings. This may be one single amount covering the whole engagement or several amounts for various phases or functions. From time to time, we earn incremental revenues, in addition to hourly or fixed fee billings, which are contingent on the attainment of certain contractual milestones or objectives. Such incremental revenues may cause unusual variations in quarterly revenues and operating results.
 
Our most significant expense is cost of services before reimbursable expenses, which generally relates to costs associated with generating revenues, and includes consultant compensation and benefits, sales and marketing expenses, and the direct costs of recruiting and training the consulting staff. Consultant compensation consists of salaries, incentive compensation, stock compensation and benefits. Our most significant overhead expenses are administrative compensation and benefits and office-related expenses. Administrative compensation includes payroll costs, incentive compensation, stock compensation and benefits for corporate management and administrative personnel, which are used to indirectly support client projects. Office-related expenses primarily consist of rent for our offices. Other administrative costs include marketing, technology, finance and human capital management.


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Service Offerings
 
We provide wide and varied service offerings to our broad client base. We consider the following to be our key professional services: dispute, investigative, financial, operational and business advisory services, risk management and regulatory advisory services, strategy, economic analysis and transaction advisory solutions.
 
Industry Sectors
 
We provide services to and focus on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change. Our service offerings are relevant to most industries and to the public sector. However, we have significant industry-specific knowledge and a large client base in the disputes, economics, construction, energy, financial services and healthcare industries.
 
Human Capital
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had 2,287 employees, which represented 2,231 full time equivalent (FTE) employees, which are total employees adjusted for part-time status. Such FTE employees were comprised of 1,666 consultants, 54 project employees and 511 administrative employees. Revenues are primarily generated from services performed by our consultants; therefore, success depends in large part on attracting, retaining and motivating talented, creative and experienced professionals at all levels. In connection with recruiting, we employ internal recruiters, retain executive search firms, and utilize personal and business contacts to recruit professionals with significant subject matter expertise and/or consulting experience. Consultants are drawn from the industries we serve, from accounting and other consulting organizations, and from top rated colleges and universities. We try to retain our consultants by offering competitive packages of base and incentive compensation, equity ownership, benefits and challenging careers.
 
Independent contractors supplement our consultants on certain engagements. We find that hiring independent contractors on a per-engagement basis from time to time allows us to adjust staffing in response to changes in demand for our services.
 
In addition to the employees and independent contractors discussed above, we have acquired and seek to acquire consulting businesses to add highly skilled professionals, to enhance our service offerings and to expand our geographical footprint. We believe that the strategy of selectively acquiring consulting businesses and consulting capabilities strengthens our platform, market share and overall operating results.
 
In connection with recruiting activities and business acquisitions, our policy is to obtain non-solicitation covenants from senior and some mid-level consultants. Most of these covenants have restrictions that extend 12 months beyond the termination of employment. We utilize these contractual agreements and other agreements to reduce the risk of attrition and to safeguard our existing clients, staff and projects.
 
We continually review and adjust, if needed, our consultants’ total compensation (to include salaries, annual cash incentive compensation, and other cash and equity incentives) to ensure that it is competitive within the industry, consistent with our performance, and provides us with the ability to achieve target profitability levels. Our compensation structure is reviewed and approved by the compensation committee of our board of directors.
 
Our bill rates to clients are tiered in accordance with the experience and levels of the consulting staff. We monitor and adjust those bill rates according to the supply and demand of the then-current market conditions for our service offerings and within the various industries we serve.
 
Competition
 
The market for consulting services is highly competitive, highly fragmented, and subject to rapid change. The market includes a large number of participants with a variety of skills and industry expertise, including general management and information technology consulting firms, as well as the global accounting firms, and other local, regional, national, and international consulting firms. Many of these companies are global in scope and have larger teams of personnel, financial, technical, and marketing resources than we do. However, we believe that our independence, experience, reputation, industry focus, and broad range of professional services enable us to compete effectively in the consulting marketplace.


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(d)  Other Matters
 
Concentration of Revenues
 
Revenues earned from our top 20 clients amounted to 20%, 21% and 24% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Revenues earned from our top 10 clients amounted to 14%, 14% and 15% of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No single client accounted for more than 5% of our total revenues for any of the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007. The mix of our largest clients may change from year to year. Some of our top clients, such as certain law firms, are representatives of a number of other clients and those clients may change from year to year.
 
Non-U.S. Operations
 
We have offices in Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. In addition, we have clients based in the United States that have international operations. The United Kingdom accounted for 11%, 12% and 10% of our revenue during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. No country, other than the United States and the United Kingdom, accounted for more than 10% of our total annual revenues in any of the three years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries, in the aggregate, represented approximately 16%, or $114.6 million, of our total revenues in 2009 compared to 17%, or $134.0 million, in 2008 and 14%, or $107.4 million, in 2007.
 
New York Stock Exchange Disclosures
 
The members of our board of directors and the committees of the board on which they serve as of February 19, 2010 are as follows:
 
                                 
                      Nominating
 
                      and
 
    Audit
    Compensation
    Executive
    Governance
 
    Committee     Committee     Committee     Committee  
 
Thomas A. Gildehaus
    x (1)     x                  
William M. Goodyear(2)
                    x          
Cynthia A. Glassman
                            x  
Stephan A. James
    x       x               x  
Peter B. Pond
    x                       x (1)
Samuel K. Skinner
            x (1)     x       x  
James R. Thompson
                    x (1)        
Michael L. Tipsord
    x       x                  
 
 
(1) Chairman
 
(2) Chairman of the board of directors
 
Our transfer agent and registrar is BNY Mellon Shareholder Services.
 
Our chief executive officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he is not aware of any violation of New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have filed with the SEC their respective certifications in Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K in response to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Available Information
 
Investors can obtain access to annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports on Form 8-K and corporate governance documents, including board committee charters, corporate governance guidelines and codes of business standards and ethics, and our transfer agent and registrar through our website free of charge (as soon as reasonably practicable after reports are filed with the SEC in the case of periodic reports) by going to www.navigantconsulting.com and searching under Investor Relations/SEC Filings. The materials are also available in print free of charge to any shareholder upon request. Requests should be submitted to: Navigant Consulting, Inc., 30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60606, Attention: Jennifer Moreno.


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Item 1A.   Risk Factors.
 
In addition to other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating us and our business. Such factors could have a significant impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.
 
Our results of operations could be adversely affected by disruptions in the marketplace caused by economic and political conditions.
 
Global economic and political conditions affect our clients’ businesses and the markets they serve. A severe and/or prolonged economic downturn or a negative or uncertain political climate could adversely affect our clients’ financial condition and the levels of business activity engaged in by our clients and the industries we serve. Clients could determine that discretionary projects are no longer viable or that new projects are not advisable. This may reduce demand for our services, depress pricing for our services or render certain services obsolete, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Changes in global economic conditions or the regulatory or legislative landscape could also shift demand to services for which we do not have competitive advantages, and this could negatively affect the amount of business that we are able to obtain. Although we have implemented cost management measures, if we are unable to appropriately manage costs or if we are unable to successfully anticipate changing economic and political conditions, we may be unable to effectively plan for and respond to those changes, and our business could be negatively affected. Additionally, significant economic turmoil or financial market disruptions could have a material adverse effect on us. Such events could also adversely impact the availability of financing to our clients and therefore adversely impact our ability to collect amounts due from such clients or cause them to terminate their contracts with us.
 
We cannot be assured that we will be able to raise capital or obtain debt financing to consummate future acquisitions or to meet required working capital needs or repay amounts owed under our long term credit arrangements.
 
We maintain a $500 million unsecured credit facility including a term loan agreement and a revolving line of credit agreement to assist in funding short-term and long-term cash requirements. This agreement which expires in 2012 contains certain covenants requiring, among other things, certain levels of interest and debt coverage. Poor performance could cause us to be in default of these covenants. While we were in compliance with the terms of the credit agreement as of December 31, 2009, there can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance in the future. In addition, the current credit facility may not be sufficient to meet the future needs of our business if a decline in financial performance occurs, nor can there be any assurance that we will be able to raise capital or obtain debt financing to affect future acquisitions or to otherwise meet our working capital needs. There can be no assurance that we will be able to repay or refinance our current credit facility as it comes due or refinance our current credit facility at comparable terms. Furthermore, financial institutions that are lenders under our credit facility may be adversely impacted by the economy and unable to meet their obligations under our credit facility.
 
Furthermore, if our clients’ financial condition were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments to us, our financial position and our financial results would be adversely impacted, which could result in all of the effects described above.
 
Our business could be impacted by competition and regulatory and legislative changes.
 
The market for consulting services is highly competitive, highly fragmented, and subject to rapid change. The market includes a large number of participants with a variety of skills and industry expertise, including general management and information technology consulting firms, as well as the global accounting firms, and other local, regional, national, and international consulting firms. Many of these companies are global in scope and have larger teams of personnel, financial, technical, and marketing resources than we do. Some may have lower overhead and other costs and can compete through lower cost service offerings. There is a risk that


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downward pressure on pricing may impact our profitability. Many of our clients are in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, energy, financial services and insurance. Regulatory and legislative changes in these industries could impact the market for our service offerings, including potentially rendering certain of our service offerings obsolete. In addition, regulatory and legislative changes could impact the competition for consulting services. These changes could either increase or decrease our competitive position.
 
Our business has low barriers to entry making it easy for professionals to start their own business or work independently. In addition, it is relatively easy for professionals to change employers. If we cannot compete effectively with or if the costs of competing, including the cost of retaining and hiring professionals becomes too expensive our revenue growth and profitability could be negatively impacted.
 
Our inability to hire and retain appropriate level of skilled professionals could have an adverse effect on the success of our business.
 
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to hire, retain, develop and motivate highly skilled professionals. Competition for these skilled professionals is intense and our inability to hire, retain and motivate adequate numbers of consultants, senior practitioners and executives could have a serious effect on our ability to meet client needs and to successfully run our business. The loss of a significant number of our employees could have a serious negative effect. In particular, we rely heavily on a group of senior executives and senior practitioners and retaining their services is important to our future success. If individuals leave and we cannot quickly find suitable candidates to replace these individuals or we cannot quickly hire individuals to support our growth it could impact our ability to manage our business. Further, usage restrictions on our equity and any significant volatility or sustained decline in the market price of our common stock could impair our ability to use equity-based compensation to attract, retain and motivate professionals. Compensation and retention related issues are a continuing challenge. Any failures in this regard could impact, among other factors, our revenues, growth and profitability.
 
Our profitability will suffer if we are not able to maintain current pricing and utilization rates.
 
Our revenue, and thereby our profitability, is largely based on the bill rates charged to clients and the number of hours our professionals work on client engagements, which we define as the “utilization” of our professionals. Accordingly, if we are not able to maintain the pricing for our services or an appropriate utilization rate for our professionals, revenues, project profit margins and our profitability will suffer. Bill rates and utilization rates are affected by a number of factors, including:
 
  •  Our ability to predict future demand for services and maintain the appropriate staffing without significant underutilized personnel;
 
  •  Our ability to transition employees from completed projects to new engagements;
 
  •  Our clients’ perceptions of our ability to add value through our services;
 
  •  Our competitors’ pricing of services;
 
  •  The market demand for our services;
 
  •  Our ability to manage our human capital resources and overhead costs, including real estate obligations;
 
  •  Our ability to manage significantly larger and more diverse workforces as we increase the number of our professionals and execute our growth strategies; and
 
  •  The economic, political and regulatory environment as noted above.
 
Our client engagements are generally short term in nature, less than one year, and may be terminated. Our inability to attract business from new or existing clients could have a material adverse effect on us. Our client engagements and revenues are frequently event-driven and therefore difficult to forecast.
 
We might not meet our current or future commitments if we do not continually secure new engagements.


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Many of the client engagement agreements can be terminated by our clients with little or no notice and without penalty. For example, in engagements related to litigation, if the litigation is settled, our engagement for those services usually is no longer necessary and is promptly terminated. Some of our work involves multiple engagements or stages. In those engagements, there is a risk that a client may choose not to retain us for additional stages of an engagement or that a client will cancel or delay additional planned engagements. Our engagements are usually relatively short term in comparison to our office-related expenses and other infrastructure commitments.
 
In the past, we have derived significant revenues from events as inherently unpredictable as the California energy crisis, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the subprime mortgage crisis and significant natural disasters including major hurricanes and earthquakes. Those events, in addition to being unpredictable, often have impacts that decline over time as clients adjust to and compensate for the challenges they face. These factors limit our ability to predict future revenues and professional staffing levels, which can impact our financial results.
 
Unsuccessful client engagements could result in damage to our professional reputation or legal liability which could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Our professional reputation and that of our consultants is critical to our ability to successfully compete for new client engagements and attract or retain professionals. Any factors that damage our professional reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
In addition, our engagements are subject to the risk of legal liability. Any public assertion or litigation alleging that our services were deficient or that we breached any of our obligations to a client could expose us to significant legal liabilities, could distract our management and could damage our reputation. We carry professional liability insurance, but our insurance may not cover every type of claim or liability that could potentially arise from our engagements. In addition, the limits of our insurance coverage may not be enough to cover a particular claim or a group of claims, and the costs of defense.
 
Some of the work that we do involves greater risk than ordinary consulting engagements.
 
We do work for clients that for financial, legal or other reasons may present higher than normal risks. While we attempt to identify and mitigate our exposure with respect to higher risk engagements and higher risk clients, these efforts may be ineffective and a professional error or omission in one or more of these higher-risk engagements could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. Examples of higher risk engagements include, but are not limited to:
 
  •  Interim management engagements, usually in hospitals and other healthcare providers;
 
  •  Corporate restructuring engagements, both inside and outside bankruptcy proceedings;
 
  •  Engagements where we deliver a fairness opinion;
 
  •  Engagements where we deliver project management services for large construction projects;
 
  •  Engagements where we deliver a compliance effectiveness opinion; and
 
  •  Engagements involving independent consultants’ reports in support of financings.
 
As we become larger, we increasingly encounter professional conflicts of interest.
 
As we become larger, the potential for conflicts of interest also increases. If we are unable to accept new engagements for any reason, including a conflict of interest, our consultants may become underutilized or discontented, which may adversely affect our future revenues and results of operations, as well as our ability to retain these consultants. In addition, although we have systems and procedures to identify potential conflicts prior to accepting each new engagement, those systems are not fool-proof and undetected conflicts may result in damage to our reputation and professional liability which may adversely impact our financial results.


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Our international operations create special risks.
 
We have physical offices in the United Kingdom, Canada and China and conduct business in several other countries. We expect to continue to expand globally and our international revenues may account for an increasing portion of our revenues in the future. Our international operations carry special financial, business and legal risks, including:
 
  •  Cultural and language differences;
 
  •  Employment laws and related factors that could result in lower utilization, higher staffing costs, and cyclical fluctuations of utilization and revenues;
 
  •  Currency fluctuations that adversely affect our financial position and operating results;
 
  •  Burdensome regulatory requirements and other barriers to conducting business;
 
  •  Managing the risks associated with engagements with foreign officials and governmental agencies, including the risks arising from the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act;
 
  •  Greater difficulties in managing and staffing foreign operations;
 
  •  Successful entry and execution in new markets;
 
  •  Restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; and
 
  •  Potentially adverse tax consequences, such as trapped foreign losses.
 
If we are not able to quickly adapt to our new markets, our business prospects and results of operations could be negatively impacted.
 
Our work with governmental clients has inherent risks related to the governmental contracting process.
 
We work for various United States and foreign governmental entities and agencies. These projects have risks that include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
  •  Government entities reserve the right to audit our contract costs, including allocated indirect costs, and conduct inquiries and investigations of our business practices with respect to government contracts. If the government finds that the costs are not reimbursable, then we will not be allowed to bill for them, or the cost must be refunded to the government if it has already been paid to us. Findings from an audit also may result in our being required to prospectively adjust previously agreed rates for work and affect future margins.
 
  •  If a government client discovers improper or illegal activities in the course of audits or investigations, we may become subject to various civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, which may include termination of contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspensions or debarment from doing business with other agencies of that government. The inherent limitations of internal controls may not prevent or detect all improper or illegal activities, regardless of the adequacy of such controls.
 
  •  Government contracts, and the proceedings surrounding them, are often subject to more extensive scrutiny and publicity than other commercial contracts. Negative publicity related to our government contracts, regardless of whether it is accurate, may further damage our business by affecting our ability to compete for new contracts.
 
The impact of any of the occurrences or conditions described above could affect not only our relationship with the particular government agency involved, but also other agencies of the same or other governmental entities. Depending on the size of the project or the magnitude of the potential costs, penalties or negative publicity involved, any of these occurrences or conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.


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We have invested in specialized systems, processes and intellectual capital for which we may fail to recover our investment or which may become obsolete.
 
We have developed specialized systems and processes that provide a competitive advantage in serving current clients and obtaining new clients. Additionally, many of our service offerings rely on technology or intellectual capital that is subject to rapid change. Our intellectual capital, in certain service offerings, may be rendered obsolete due to new governmental regulation.
 
Our information technology systems will require improvements as our business grows.
 
The increased scale and complexity of our businesses may require additional information management systems that we may not be able to implement in a cost effective and timely manner. The challenges of achieving and managing sustained growth may cause strain on our management team, management processes and information technology systems. If we are unsuccessful in meeting these challenges, this may impair our financial results, competitive position and ability to retain our professionals.
 
We may be exposed to potential risks if we are unable to achieve and maintain effective internal controls.
 
If we fail to achieve and maintain adequate internal controls over financial reporting or fail to implement necessary new or improved controls that provide reasonable assurance of the reliability of the financial reporting and preparation of our financial statements for external use, we may fail to meet our public reporting requirements on a timely basis, or be unable to adequately report on our business and the results of operations. This could have a material adverse effect on the market price of our stock. Nevertheless, even with adequate controls, we may not prevent or detect all misstatements or fraud. Also, controls that are currently adequate may in the future become inadequate because of changes in conditions. The degree of compliance with our policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Acquired businesses may not achieve expected results which could adversely affect our financial performance.
 
We have developed our business, in part, through the acquisition of complementary businesses. The substantial majority of the purchase price we pay for acquired businesses is related to goodwill and intangible assets. We may not be able to realize the value of those assets or otherwise realize anticipated synergies unless we are able to effectively integrate the businesses we acquire. We face multiple challenges in integrating acquired businesses and their personnel, including differences in corporate cultures and management styles, retention of personnel, conflict issues with clients, and the need to divert managerial resources that would otherwise be dedicated to our current businesses. Any failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses could cause the acquired businesses to fail to achieve expected results, which would in turn, adversely affect our financial performance, including possible impairment of the acquired assets. Additionally, the financing of acquisitions through cash, borrowings or common stock could also impair liquidity or cause significant stock dilution.
 
An impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Because we have historically acquired a significant number of companies, goodwill and other intangible assets have represented a material portion of our assets. We are required to perform an annual goodwill impairment test. We also are required to review long-lived assets, including identified intangible assets and goodwill for impairment whenever events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of one of our businesses, and other factors. If the fair market value of one of our businesses is less than its carrying amount, we could be required to record an impairment charge. The valuation of the businesses requires judgment in estimating future cash flows, discount rates and other factors. In making these judgments, we evaluate the financial health of our businesses, including such factors as market performance, changes in


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our client base and operating cash flows. The amount of any impairment could be significant and could have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results for the period in which the charge is taken.
 
We are subject to unpredictable risks of litigation.
 
Although we seek to avoid litigation whenever possible, from time to time we are party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business. Disputes may arise, for example, from client engagements, employment issues, regulatory actions, corporate acquisitions, real estate and other business transactions. The costs and outcome of those lawsuits or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and may be worse than we can foresee. This could have a material adverse effect on us.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments.
 
None.
 
Item 2.   Properties.
 
We have approximately 60 operating leases for office facilities, principally in the United States. Due to acquisitions and growth, we often times have more than one operating lease in the cities in which we have offices. Our office space needs in certain geographic areas may change as our business expands or contracts in those areas. We believe we will be able to adjust our property holdings as needed but we may incur office consolidation expenses associated with reductions in our office space. Following are our principal regional office locations:
 
     
United States:
 
Outside of the United States:
 
Atlanta, Georgia
  China — Hong Kong
Chicago, Illinois
  Canada — Toronto
Los Angeles, California
  United Kingdom — London
New York, New York
   
San Francisco, California
   
Washington D.C.
   
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings.
 
From time to time we are party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of those lawsuits or claims cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of those lawsuits or claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.


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Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
 
Not applicable.
 
Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
The following are our executive officers as of February 19, 2010:
 
             
Name
 
Office
 
Age
 
William M. Goodyear
  Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer     61  
Julie M. Howard
  President and Chief Operating Officer     47  
Thomas A. Nardi
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer     55  
Monica M. Weed
  Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary     49  
 
William M. Goodyear, 61, has served as our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since May 2000. He has served as a director since December 1999. Prior to December 1999, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of America, Illinois and was President of Bank of America’s Global Private Bank. From 1972 to 1999, Mr. Goodyear held a variety of assignments with Continental Bank, subsequently Bank of America, including corporate finance, corporate lending, trading and distribution. During this 28-year period, Mr. Goodyear was stationed in London for 5 years (1986 to 1991) to manage Continental Bank’s European and Asian Operations. He was Vice Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of Continental Bank prior to the 1994 merger between Continental Bank Corporation and BankAmerica Corporation. Mr. Goodyear received his Master’s degree in Business Administration, with Honors, from the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with Honors, from the University of Notre Dame.
 
Julie M. Howard, 47, has served as our President since February 2006 and has served as our Chief Operating Officer since 2003. From 2001 to 2003, Ms. Howard was our Vice President and Human Capital Officer. Prior to 2001, Ms. Howard held a variety of consulting and operational positions with several professional services firms. Ms. Howard is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. She has also completed several post-graduate courses within the Harvard Business School Executive Education program, focusing in Finance and Management.
 
Thomas A. Nardi, 55, has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since November 2008. Previously, Mr. Nardi served as President of Integrys Business Support, a wholly owned unit of Integrys Energy Group, a NYSE public utility and energy company. From 2001 to 2007 he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Peoples Energy. Prior to joining Peoples, Mr. Nardi spent 19 years at NICOR, one of the nation’s largest gas distribution utilities, where he held a variety of financial and strategic management roles including Corporate Controller and Treasurer. Mr. Nardi began his career in the audit practice of Arthur Andersen. Mr. Nardi received his degree in accounting from Western Illinois University and an MBA from University of Chicago.
 
Monica M. Weed, 49, has served as our Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since November 2008. Previously, Ms. Weed served as Associate General Counsel for Baxter Healthcare Corporation from March 2006 to October 2008. From March 2004 to March 2006, Ms. Weed served as Special Counsel, Rights Agent and Litigation Trustee to Information Resources, Inc. Litigation Contingent Payment Rights Trust, a publicly traded litigation trust. From 1991 through 2004, Ms. Weed served in a variety of legal roles, including Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, for Information Resources, Inc., an international market research provider to the consumer packaged goods industry. She started her legal career at the law firm of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal. Ms. Weed received her BA in Classics from Northwestern University, her JD from Northwestern University School of Law and her MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University.


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PART II
 
Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
 
Market Information
 
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NCI.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low closing sale prices per share.
 
                 
    High     Low  
 
2009
               
Fourth quarter
  $ 15.46     $ 12.51  
Third quarter
  $ 14.24     $ 11.90  
Second quarter
  $ 14.71     $ 11.66  
First quarter
  $ 15.44     $ 11.07  
2008
               
Fourth quarter
  $ 20.44     $ 13.14  
Third quarter
  $ 20.72     $ 15.90  
Second quarter
  $ 21.78     $ 17.87  
First quarter
  $ 19.61     $ 11.19  
 
Holders
 
As of February 19, 2010, there were approximately 315 holders of record of our shares of common stock.
 
Distributions
 
We have not paid dividends and we do not currently anticipate that we will pay any dividend. This policy is reviewed on a periodic basis by our board of directors.
 
As to all equity securities sold during the reporting period that were not registered, information required with respect to the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, including plans that have previously been approved by our stockholders and plans that have not previously been approved by our stockholders, will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.


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Shareholder Return Performance Graph
 
The following graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock against the New York Stock Exchange Market Index (the “NYSE Index”) and the peer groups described below. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2004 in each of our common stock, the NYSE Index and the peer groups. The graph also assumes that all dividends, if paid, were reinvested.
 
Note: The stock price performance shown below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.
 
Comparison of 5 Year Cumulative Total Return
Assumes Initial Investment of $100
December 2009
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
                                         
      Navigant
              New
      Old
 
      Consulting
      NYSE
      Peer
      Peer
 
Measurement Period     Inc.       Index       Group(a)(b)       Group(b)  
FYE 12/31/04
    $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00       $ 100.00  
FYE 12/31/05
      82.63         109.41         114.10         105.63  
FYE 12/31/06
      74.28         132.01         131.24         136.95  
FYE 12/31/07
      51.38         144.06         139.88         160.18  
FYE 12/31/08
      59.64         87.67         104.87         130.00  
FYE 12/31/09
      55.86         112.71         106.58         121.22  
                                         
 
 
Notes:
 
(a) The New Peer Group consists of the following companies: Advisory Board Co., Corporate Executive Board, CRA International Inc. (formerly known as Charles River Associates, Inc.), Duff and Phelps, Exponent, Inc., FTI Consulting, Inc., Gartner Group, Inc., Huron Consulting Group Inc., ICF International, Inc., LECG Corporation, Maximus, Inc., Resources Connection, Inc. and Tetra Tech, Inc. The Peer Group is weighted by market capitalization.
 
(b) The peer group in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (the Prior Year Peer Group) included Choice Point, Inc., Towers Watson and Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, Inc. During the year ended December 31, 2009 Choice Point was acquired and no longer is publicly traded, and has been removed from the New Peer Group. In addition, we removed Towers Watson


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and Diamond Managements & Technology Consultants from the New Peer Group because their business model and size are not comparable to our business model and size. We have added Duff and Phelps and Exponent to the New Peer Group because their business model and size are comparable to our business model and size.
 
Issuance of Unregistered Securities
 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued the following unregistered securities:
 
                         
        Number of
           
    Type of
  Shares in
  Exemption
      Assets
Date
 
Securities
 
Consideration(a)
 
Claimed(b)
 
Purchaser or “Recipient”
 
Purchased
 
January 24, 2009
  Common Stock     14,865     Section 4(2)   Tedd Avey & Associates Ltd.   (c)
March 16, 2009
  Common Stock     47,016     Section 4(2)   Chicago Partners, LLC   (d)
April 28, 2009
  Common Stock     440,849     Section 4(2)   Chicago Partners, LLC   (d)
May 15, 2009
  Common Stock     101,539     Section 4(2)   Casas, Benjamin & White, LLC   (d)
 
 
(a) Does not take into account additional cash or other consideration paid or payable by us as part of the transactions.
 
(b) The shares of common stock were issued without registration in private placements in reliance on the exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.
 
(c) Shares represent deferred payment consideration to purchase substantially all of the equity interests of the entity and, as such, these shares were issued to the owners of the entity.
 
(d) Shares represent deferred payment consideration to purchase substantially all of the assets of the recipient.
 
Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
 
We did not purchase any shares of our common stock during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2009. On February 23, 2009, the board of directors approved authority to purchase up to $100 million of shares of our common stock in open market or private transactions, until December 31, 2011. We currently have $100 million of availability under that authorization.


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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.
 
The following five year financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with the information set forth under “Item 7 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report. The amounts are shown in thousands, except for per share data.
 
                                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007     2006     2005  
 
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 636,748     $ 727,062     $ 681,238     $ 605,105     $ 508,874  
Reimbursements
    70,491       83,578       85,820       76,640       66,618  
                                         
Total revenues
    707,239       810,640       767,058       681,745       575,492  
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    416,545       444,035       421,032       349,103       299,180  
Reimbursable expenses
    70,491       83,578       85,820       76,640       66,618  
                                         
Total cost of services
    487,036       527,613       506,852       425,743       365,798  
General and administrative expenses
    129,048       155,378       141,430       127,579       100,452  
Depreciation expense
    17,600       17,302       16,179       13,400       10,213  
Amortization expense
    13,014       16,386       17,494       9,959       8,538  
Other operating costs:
                                       
Separation and severance costs
                7,288              
Office consolidation
    8,810       5,207       6,750              
Gain on sale of property
                (2,201 )            
Litigation charge
                      7,400       1,250  
                                         
Operating income
    51,731       88,754       73,266       97,664       89,241  
Interest expense
    15,076       20,146       15,438       4,915       3,976  
Interest income
    (1,211 )     (1,182 )     (667 )     (402 )     (290 )
Other income, net
    (182 )     (62 )     (43 )     (209 )     (403 )
                                         
Income before income taxes
    38,048       69,852       58,538       93,360       85,958  
Income tax expense
    16,101       29,795       25,142       40,386       36,102  
                                         
Net income
  $ 21,947     $ 40,057     $ 33,396     $ 52,974     $ 49,856  
                                         
Basic income per share
  $ 0.46     $ 0.86     $ 0.67     $ 1.00     $ 1.00  
Shares used in computing income per basic share
    48,184       46,601       49,511       52,990       50,011  
Diluted income per share
  $ 0.44     $ 0.83     $ 0.66     $ 0.97     $ 0.95  
Shares used in computing income per diluted share
    49,795       48,285       50,757       54,703       52,390  
 
                                         
    As of December 31,
    2009   2008   2007   2006   2005
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 49,144     $ 23,134     $ 11,656     $ 11,745     $ 14,871  
Working capital
  $ 114,744     $ 97,988     $ 102,040     $ 70,503     $ 41,640  
Total assets
  $ 820,245     $ 792,393     $ 778,697     $ 652,358     $ 542,863  
Non-current liabilities
  $ 268,019     $ 296,076     $ 309,425     $ 36,040     $ 20,148  
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 418,792     $ 365,758     $ 342,753     $ 486,576     $ 384,448  


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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Overview
 
We are an independent specialty consulting firm that combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise to enable companies to create and protect value in the face of complex and critical business risks and opportunities. Professional services include dispute, investigative, financial, operational and business advisory, risk management and regulatory advisory, strategy, economic analysis and transaction advisory solutions. We provide our services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. We focus on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations.
 
Our revenues, margins and profits have been and will likely continue to be impacted by a significant decline in the United States and world economy. Examples of other impacting events that may affect us both favorably and unfavorably are natural disasters, legislative and regulatory changes, capital market disruptions, reductions in discretionary consulting spending, crises in the energy, healthcare, financial services, insurance and other industries, and significant client specific events.
 
We derive our revenues from fees and reimbursable expenses for professional services. A majority of our revenues are generated under hourly or daily rates billed on a time and expense basis. Clients are typically invoiced on a monthly basis, with revenue recognized as the services are provided. There are also client engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services, often referred to as fixed fee billings. This may be one single amount covering the whole engagement or several amounts for various phases or functions. From time to time, we earn incremental revenues, in addition to hourly or fixed fee billings, which are contingent on the attainment of certain contractual milestones or objectives. Such incremental revenues may cause unusual variations in quarterly revenues and operating results.
 
Our most significant expense is cost of services before reimbursable expenses, which generally relates to costs associated with generating revenues, and includes consultant compensation and benefits, sales and marketing expenses, and the direct costs of recruiting and training the consulting staff. Consultant compensation consists of salaries, incentive compensation, stock compensation and benefits. Our most significant overhead expenses are administrative compensation and benefits and office-related expenses. Administrative compensation includes payroll costs, incentive compensation, stock compensation and benefits for corporate management and administrative personnel, which are used to indirectly support client projects. Office-related expenses primarily consist of rent for our offices. Other administrative costs include marketing, technology, finance and human capital management.
 
Human Capital Resources
 
Our human capital resources include consulting professionals and administrative and management personnel. As a result of both recruiting activities and business acquisitions, we have a diverse pool of consultants and administrative support staff with various skills and experience.
 
The average number of FTE consultants is adjusted for part-time status and takes into consideration hiring and attrition which occurred during the period.
 
In addition to our consultants and administrative personnel, we hire project employees on a short-term basis or seasonal basis. We believe the practice of hiring these employees provides greater flexibility in adjusting consulting and administrative personnel levels in response to changes in demand for our professional services. The short-term or seasonal hires supplement services on certain engagements or provide additional administrative support to our consultants.
 
In connection with recruiting activities and business acquisitions, our policy is to obtain non-solicitation covenants from senior and some mid-level consultants. Most of these covenants have restrictions that extend


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12 months beyond termination of employment. We utilize these contractual agreements and other agreements to reduce the risk of attrition and to safeguard our existing clients, staff and projects.
 
Acquisitions
 
2009 Acquisitions
 
On February 23, 2009, we acquired assets of Morse PLC’s Investment Management Consulting Business from Morse PLC located in the United Kingdom for $1.9 million in cash paid at closing. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $0.4 million in identifiable intangible assets and $1.6 million in goodwill, which included a deferred tax adjustment of $0.1 million. This acquisition consisted of 26 consulting professionals and has been included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
 
On December 31, 2009, we acquired the assets of Summit Blue Consulting, LLC for $13.0 million, which consisted of $11.0 million in cash paid at closing and two deferred cash payments of $1.0 million each, due on the first and second anniversaries of the closing. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $2.6 million in identifiable intangible assets and $10.4 million in goodwill. The purchase price paid in cash at closing was funded with cash from operations.
 
We acquired Summit Blue to expand and complement our energy practice with new service lines to our clients. Summit Blue specializes in resource planning, energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy consulting services for utilities, public agencies, and other clients. Summit Blue, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, had approximately 60 consultants at the time of acquisition and is included in our North American Business Consulting Services segment.
 
2008 Acquisitions
 
On May 1, 2008, we acquired the assets of Chicago Partners, LLC for $73.0 million, which consisted of $50.0 million in cash paid at closing and $23.0 million in our common stock (which was recorded at fair value for $21.0 million at closing). The common stock will be paid in four equal installments of $5.8 million, the first and second of which have been paid and the remaining two of which will be paid on each of the second and third year anniversaries of the closing. We acquired assets of $16.7 million, including $15.8 million in accounts receivable and assumed liabilities of $7.0 million. We paid $0.5 million in acquisition-related costs. We recorded $2.8 million of liabilities for obligations related to lease exit costs for office space assumed in the acquisition. The obligation recorded for real estate lease exit costs was based on foregone rent payments for the remainder of the lease term less assumed sublease income. As of December 31, 2009, we have secured a subtenant for a portion of the total office space assumed in the acquisition. As part of the original purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.3 million in identifiable intangible assets and $61.6 million in goodwill. The purchase price paid in cash at closing was funded under our credit facility.
 
Subsequent to the closing date, we may pay up to $27.0 million of additional purchase consideration based on the Chicago Partners’ business achieving certain post-closing performance targets during the periods from closing to December 31, 2008 and in calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011. If earned, the additional purchase consideration would be payable 75% in cash and 25% in our common stock. The additional purchase price payments, if any, will be payable in March of the year following the year in which such performance targets are attained. Any additional purchase price consideration payments will be recorded as goodwill when the contingencies regarding attainment of performance targets are resolved. As of December 31, 2008, we recorded a liability for additional purchase price payments of approximately $3.0 million associated with additional purchase consideration earned during 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we made an additional purchase price payment of $2.3 million based on 2008 performance and accordingly adjusted the $3.0 million accrual for earnout payments recorded at December 31, 2008 to $2.3 million at March 31, 2009, which also impacted goodwill. For 2009, Chicago Partners did not attain the required performance targets and therefore did not earn any additional purchase price consideration. As a result, as of December 31, 2009, there were no adjustments to goodwill and purchase price obligations related to 2009 earnout considerations.


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We acquired Chicago Partners to expand our product offerings to our clients. Chicago Partners provides economic and financial analyses of legal and business issues principally for law firms, corporations and government agencies. Chicago Partners had approximately 90 consultants at the time of acquisition. Chicago Partners is managed and resources are allocated based on its results and as such, operates under a fourth operating segment referred to as “Economic Consulting Services.”
 
On December 31, 2008, we acquired the assets of The Bard Group, LLC for $7.2 million, which consisted of $4.6 million in cash and $0.6 million of our common stock paid at closing and two deferred cash payments of $1.0 million each, due on the first and second anniversaries of closing. On December 31, 2009 we paid the first cash payment of $1.0 million. The common stock and deferred cash payments were recorded at fair value at closing for $0.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively. We acquired assets of $0.7 million and assumed liabilities of $0.7 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $1.6 million in identifiable intangible assets and $5.4 million in goodwill. Bard provided physician leadership and performance improvement services in the healthcare industry. We acquired Bard to enhance our healthcare practice in the area of providing integration strategy, service line development, and performance excellence. Bard was comprised of 25 consulting professionals located in Boston, Massachusetts at the time of acquisition and was included in North American Business Consulting Services segment.
 
2007 Acquisitions
 
On January 5, 2007, we acquired Abros Enterprise Limited for $11.9 million, which consisted of $9.9 million in cash, $1.0 million of our common stock paid at closing, and notes payable totaling $1.0 million (payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date). We acquired assets of $3.3 million, including $1.8 million in cash, and assumed liabilities of $1.4 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.0 million in identifiable intangible assets and $8.1 million in goodwill, which included $1.2 million of deferred income taxes. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. As part of the purchase agreement, we acquired an office lease agreement which we terminated. We recorded $0.2 million to goodwill and accrued liabilities for the additional acquisition-related costs to exit the lease of the acquired business. In addition, we paid $0.4 million related to adjustments to the net asset value acquired from Abros. Abros offered strategic planning, financial analysis and implementation advice for public sector infrastructure projects. We acquired Abros to strengthen our presence in the United Kingdom public sector markets. Abros was comprised of 15 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition and was included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
 
On June 8, 2007, we acquired Bluepress Limited, a holding company which conducted business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Augmentis PLC, for $16.2 million, which consisted of $15.3 million in cash paid at closing and $0.8 million of our common stock paid in July 2007. We acquired assets of $3.1 million and assumed liabilities of $7.0 million. In June 2007, as part of the purchase agreement, we received $4.0 million in cash as an adjustment to the purchase price consideration related to the assumption of debt at the closing date, which was paid off shortly thereafter. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $6.8 million in identifiable intangible assets and $11.8 million in goodwill, which included $2.0 million of deferred income taxes. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million in acquisition-related costs. Augmentis provided program management consulting services to support public sector infrastructure projects. We acquired Augmentis to strengthen our presence in the United Kingdom public sector markets. Augmentis was comprised of 24 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition and was included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
 
On June 19, 2007, we acquired the assets of AMDC Corporation for $16.6 million, which consisted of $13.0 million in cash and $1.6 million of our common stock paid at closing, and $2.0 million paid in cash on the first anniversary of the closing date. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.9 million in identifiable intangible assets and $12.2 million in goodwill. We assumed certain liabilities aggregating $1.1 million including deferred revenue and acquisition costs related to exiting an office lease acquired as part of the acquisition. AMDC provided strategy and implementation consulting services in relation to the development of hospital and healthcare facilities. We acquired AMDC to strengthen our healthcare business


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and leverage our construction consulting capabilities. AMDC was included in the North American Business Consulting Services segment and included 23 consulting professionals at the time of acquisition.
 
On July 30, 2007, we acquired Troika (UK) Limited for $43.9 million, which consisted of $30.8 million in cash paid at closing, $3.3 million of our common stock paid in September 2007, and notes payable totaling $9.8 million (payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date). We acquired assets of $10.3 million, including $3.4 million in cash, and assumed liabilities of $5.9 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $14.2 million in identifiable intangible assets and $30.7 million in goodwill, which included $4.0 million of deferred income taxes. We paid $1.0 million related to adjustments to the net asset value acquired from Troika. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. Troika provided consultancy services to the financial services and insurance industry covering operations performance improvement; product and distribution strategies; organization, people and change; and IT effectiveness and transaction support. Troika was included in the International Consulting Operations segment and included 42 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition.
 
We acquired other businesses during the year ended December 31, 2007 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $8.1 million. As part of the purchase price allocations for these acquisitions, we recorded $3.9 million in identifiable intangible assets and $4.9 million in goodwill, which included $1.5 million of deferred income taxes. These acquisitions included 25 consulting professionals, most of whom were located in Canada.
 
Accounting for Acquisitions
 
All of our business acquisitions described above have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and, accordingly, the results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the dates of the acquisition. As discussed in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the notes of the consolidated financial statements, we changed our method of accounting for business combinations as of January 1, 2009.


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Results of Operations
 
                                         
                      2009 over
    2008 over
 
                      2008
    2007
 
                      Increase
    Increase
 
(Amounts in thousands, except
  For the Year Ended December 31,     (Decrease)
    (Decrease)
 
per share data and metrics)
  2009     2008     2007     Percentage     Percentage  
 
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 636,748     $ 727,062     $ 681,238       (12.4 )     6.7  
Reimbursements
    70,491       83,578       85,820       (15.7 )     (2.6 )
                                         
Total revenues
    707,239       810,640       767,058       (12.8 )     5.7  
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    416,545       444,035       421,032       (6.2 )     5.5  
Reimbursable expenses
    70,491       83,578       85,820       (15.7 )     (2.6 )
                                         
Total cost of services
    487,036       527,613       506,852       (7.7 )     4.1  
General and administrative expenses
    129,048       155,378       141,430       (16.9 )     9.9  
Depreciation expense
    17,600       17,302       16,179       1.7       6.9  
Amortization expense
    13,014       16,386       17,494       (20.6 )     (6.3 )
Other operating costs:
                                       
Separation and severance costs
                7,288             (100.0 )
Office consolidation
    8,810       5,207       6,750       69.2       (22.9 )
Gain on sale of property
                (2,201 )           100.0  
                                         
Operating income
    51,731       88,754       73,266       (41.7 )     21.1  
Interest expense
    15,076       20,146       15,438       (25.2 )     30.5  
Interest income
    (1,211 )     (1,182 )     (667 )     2.5       77.2  
Other income, net
    (182 )     (62 )     (43 )     193.5       44.2  
                                         
Income before income tax expense
    38,048       69,852       58,538       (45.5 )     19.3  
Income tax expense
    16,101       29,795       25,142       (46.0 )     18.5  
                                         
Net income
  $ 21,947     $ 40,057     $ 33,396       (45.2 )     19.9  
                                         
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.46     $ 0.86     $ 0.67       (46.5 )     28.4  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.44     $ 0.83     $ 0.66       (47.0 )     25.8  
Key operating metrics:
                                       
Average FTE
                                       
—Billable
    1,797       1,926       1,962       (6.7 )     (1.8 )
—Non-billable
    539       563       532       (4.3 )     5.8  
Period End FTE
                                       
—Billable
    1,666       1,931       1,944       (13.7 )     (0.7 )
—Non-billable
    511       577       525       (11.4 )     9.9  
Bill Rate
  $ 254     $ 260     $ 236       (2.3 )     10.2  
Utilization
    75 %     79 %     77 %     (5.1 )     2.6  
 
Results for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the year ended December 31, 2008
 
Earnings Summary.  Net income for 2009 decreased 45.2% compared to 2008. Our revenue and net income were lower in 2009 compared to 2008 due to the impact of unprecedented economic conditions on discretionary consulting spend by our clients as well as significant disruption in the law firm channel which has led to delays, postponements and slower consultant spending in our dispute and investigative services segment.


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Overall utilization was 5.1% lower in 2009 when compared to 2008 while the average bill rate declined 2.3% in 2009 compared to 2008. Average full time equivalent consultants totaled 1,797 for 2009, which was down by approximately 130 from 2008 as we adjusted our staffing to better align with market demand.
 
In 2009, both cost of services before reimbursable expenses and general and administrative expenses were significantly lower than the corresponding expense amounts in 2008, reflecting the impact of numerous cost reduction initiatives implemented throughout 2009. Net income was also negatively impacted by higher severance costs of $10.2 million in 2009 compared to $4.3 million in 2008 and office consolidation expense in both years of $8.8 million and $5.2 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Revenues before Reimbursements.  Our 2009 revenues before reimbursements decreased 12.4% compared to 2008. There was lower demand for our services due to a weaker economy and reduced spending on discretionary consulting services which resulted in lower billable hours and reduced consultant headcount. All industry sectors decreased over the prior year primarily due to the poor economic conditions except for the economics and energy markets. Our 2009 revenue reflects a full year of results from our economics business which we acquired in May 2008 and the energy markets have reflected solid demand for our clean energy consulting services. Overall consultant utilization rate was 75% for 2009 compared to 79% for 2008, reflecting the impact of lower demand. In addition, the stronger US dollar negatively impacted the revenues from our UK and Canadian operations by $13.7 million. Assuming our acquisitions during 2008 operated at historic run rates, those acquisitions would have partially offset the year over year decrease in revenues before reimbursement by approximately 3.0%.
 
Cost of Services before Reimbursable Expenses.  Cost of services before reimbursable expenses decreased 6.2% during 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease was a result of our cost-saving initiatives which included staffing reductions, managing salary adjustments and reducing discretionary costs primarily in response to lower demand. The staffing reductions reduced consultant compensation expense in 2009 compared to 2008, mainly due to wage savings and lower incentive compensation expense as a result of lower operating performance and profits. This decrease was partially offset by expense amortization relating to long-term incentive and retention agreements entered into during the second and third quarters of 2008, our acquisition of Chicago Partners in May 2008, and significantly higher severance charges incurred during 2009 as we aligned our resources to the decreased demand. Average full-time equivalent headcount decreased 12.5% for 2009, compared to 2008, after excluding the impact of acquisitions. Cost of services included severance expense of $9.5 million and $3.9 million for 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses decreased 16.9% to $129.0 million for 2009. The decrease in general and administrative expenses was the result of cost-saving initiatives which included lower discretionary spending and headcount reductions during 2009 which resulted in lower salary and incentive compensation expense. General and administrative expenses were approximately 20% and 21% of revenues before reimbursements for 2009 and 2008, respectively, reflecting the cost-saving initiatives discussed above. Bad debt expense decreased during 2009 by $5.2 million compared to 2008 and represented approximately 2.5% of revenues before reimbursement in both years, reflecting a higher allowance as a percentage of revenue before reimbursement compared to years prior due to the recent economic crisis and due to the aging of our accounts receivable. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical experience and management judgment and may change based on market conditions or specific client circumstances.
 
Other Operating Costs — Office Consolidation.  During 2009 and 2008 we recorded $8.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of office closure-related costs which consisted of adjustments to office closure obligations, the write down of leasehold improvements and accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements in offices to be abandoned in future periods. During 2007, we began a program to eliminate duplicate facilities and to consolidate and close certain offices. During 2009, office closure-related costs increased compared to 2008 primarily due to costs associated with the relocation of our New York office and a reduction in space of our Los Angeles office. The office closure-related costs were also negatively impacted by the adjustments to estimated future sublease income due to the poor commercial property sublease market in the United States.


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We continue to monitor our estimates for office closure obligations and related expected sublease income. Such estimates are subject to market conditions and may be adjusted in the future periods as necessary. The office closure obligations have been discounted to net present value. In the next twelve months we expect our cash expenditures to be $4.1 million relating to these obligations. In determining our reserves for office consolidation expenses at December 31, 2009, we estimated future sublease proceeds based on market conditions of $4.2 million on three properties for which we do not have a contracted subtenant.
 
Amortization Expense.  The decrease in amortization expense of $3.4 million for 2009 compared to 2008 was primarily due to the lapse of amortization for certain intangible assets as such assets’ useful lives came to term.
 
Interest Expense.  The decrease in 2009 of $5.0 million compared to 2008 related primarily to lower borrowing balances under our credit agreement combined with lower average borrowing rates in 2009. Our average borrowing rate under our credit agreement (including the impact of our interest rate swap agreements; see Note 11 — Comprehensive Income in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements) was 5.6% and 6.5% for 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Income Tax Expense.  The effective income tax rate for 2009 was 42.3% compared to 42.7% in 2008. Our effective income tax rate was attributable to the mix of income earned in various tax jurisdictions, including state and foreign jurisdictions, which have different income tax rates. The decrease in 2009 compared to 2008 resulted from benefits from the expiration of certain state and federal statutory periods related to certain income tax contingencies.
 
Results for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007
 
Earnings Summary.  Net income for 2008 increased 19.9% compared to 2007. Our revenue and net income were favorably impacted by a combination of our acquisitions (see acquisitions above), increased bill rates and increased utilization.
 
Overall utilization was 2.6% higher in 2008 compared to 2007 while the average bill rate increased 10.2% in 2008 compared to 2007. Average full time equivalent consultants totaled 1,926 for 2008, which was down by approximately 40 from 2007. The change in headcount was a result of realignment initiatives in the segments near the end of 2007 which was partially offset by headcount increases from acquisitions. Currency fluctuations adversely impacted revenue before reimbursements during 2008 when compared to 2007 by $7.1 million.
 
Our 2008 general and administrative expenses were higher compared to 2007, reflecting the impact of increased bad debt expense as a result of disruptions in the financial markets, including bankruptcies during 2008. During 2007, net income was negatively impacted by other operating costs of $7.3 million related to severance and separation costs associated with a restructuring and $6.8 million related to office consolidation expense.
 
Revenues before Reimbursements.  Our 2008 revenues before reimbursements increased 6.7% compared to 2007. The increase was due to a combination of acquisitions, increased bill rates and utilization, which was partially offset by the negative impact of a strengthened US dollar on the revenues of our UK and Canadian operations. Assuming recent acquisitions operated at historic run rates, substantially all of the year over year revenue increase would have been attributable to such acquisitions. Headcount decreased in 2008 compared to 2007, reflecting realignment initiatives in the segments which were partially offset by increased headcount from acquisitions. Overall, the consultant utilization rates were 79% for 2008 compared to 77% for 2007, primarily reflecting the impact of the lower headcount associated with the realignment initiatives in the segments near the end of 2007 and the addition of our Economic Consulting Services segment in 2008. The increase in bill rate of 10.2% in 2008 over 2007 was mainly due to an overall larger mix of revenues from higher bill rate services and efforts to increase general billing rates.
 
Cost of Services before Reimbursable Expenses.  Cost of services before reimbursable expenses increased 5.5% during 2008 compared to 2007. The increase was partially due to acquisitions, higher consultant incentive compensation due to improved operating performance and increased wages due to a higher mix of senior level consultants in 2008. In addition we entered into long-term incentive and retention agreements during the second and third quarters of 2008, the amortization of which was included in consultant compensation. Increased severance costs also contributed to the increase. Severance costs included in cost of


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sales for 2008 and 2007 were $3.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by lower share based compensation.
 
General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased 9.9% to $155.4 million for 2008. The increase in 2008 over 2007 was primarily the result of increased bad debt expense. The increase in bad debt expense during 2008 was attributable to the impact of disruptions in the financial markets, including bankruptcies. The increase in bad debt expense over prior periods reflected management’s view of the likelihood of collection of receivables due from certain of our financial industry clients, as well as the impact of the financial market disruptions on a broad range of clients. Excluding the impact of bad debt expense, general and administrative expenses increased $3.2 million, or 2.0%, during 2008 compared to 2007. The remaining increase was attributable to incremental overhead costs related to professional fees including legal and information technology costs, which was partially offset by slightly lower administrative wage and benefit costs. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues before reimbursements was 21% for 2008 and 2007
 
Other Operating Costs — Office Consolidation.  During 2008 and 2007 we recorded $5.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of office closure related costs which consisted of adjustments to office closure obligations, the write down of leasehold improvements and accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements in offices to be abandoned. During the third and fourth quarters of 2007, we began to eliminate duplicate facilities and consolidate and close certain offices.
 
Other Operating Costs — Separation and Severance Costs.  During 2007, we recorded $7.3 million in separation and severance costs in connection with a plan to restructure our operations as part of a cost savings initiative. The restructuring of our operations included involuntary professional consulting and administrative staff headcount reductions. We offered severance packages to approximately 160 consulting and administrative employees to reduce the capacity of our underperforming practices and to reduce the headcount of our administrative support staff.
 
Other Operating Costs — Gain on Sale of Property.  On September 28, 2007, we sold the property where our principal executive office was located for an aggregate gross purchase price of $4.5 million and recorded a $2.2 million gain on the sale of property.
 
Amortization Expense.  The decrease in amortization expense was primarily due to the lapse of amortization for certain intangible assets as such assets’ useful lives came to term.
 
Interest Expense.  The increase in 2008 over 2007 of 30.5% was related primarily to an increase in average borrowings for the year. As described in the liquidity section below, we used the proceeds of these borrowings to finance certain acquisitions made during 2008 and 2007 and to repurchase shares of our common stock in June 2007. Our average borrowing rate under our credit agreement (including the impact of our interest rate swap agreement) for 2008 and 2007 was 6.5% and 6.6%, respectively. During 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a bank for a notional value of $165.0 million through June 30, 2010. (See note 11 — Comprehensive Income in the notes to the consolidated financial statements).
 
Income Tax Expense.  The effective income tax rate for 2008 and 2007 was 42.7% and 43.0%, respectively.
 
Segment Results
 
We manage our business in four segments — North American Dispute and Investigative Services, North American Business Consulting Services, International Consulting Operations, and Economic Consulting Services. The Economic Consulting Services segment was added in 2008 in connection with our acquisition of the Chicago Partners business on May 1, 2008 (see Acquisitions above). These segments are generally defined by the nature of their services and by geography. The business is managed and resources are allocated on the basis of the four operating segments.
 
The following information includes segment revenues before reimbursement, segment total revenues and segment operating profit. Certain unallocated expense amounts related to specific reporting segments have


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been excluded from the segment operating profit to be consistent with the information used by management to evaluate segment performance (see Note 4 — Segment Information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements). Segment operating profit represents total revenue less cost of services excluding long-term compensation expense related to consulting personnel. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the results of segment operations that would have occurred had the segments been stand-alone businesses.
 
                                         
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
                2009 over
  2008 over
                2008
  2007
                Increase
  Increase
    For the Year Ended December 31,   (Decrease)
  (Decrease)
    2009   2008   2007   Percentage   Percentage
 
Revenues before reimbursements(in 000’s)
  $ 261,892     $ 306,850     $ 298,699       (14.7 )     2.7  
Total revenues(in 000’s)
    287,387       338,230       324,734       (15.0 )     4.2  
Segment operating profit(in 000’s)
    103,645       131,440       126,529       (21.1 )     3.9  
Segment operating profit margin
    39.6 %     42.8 %     42.4 %     (7.5 )     0.9  
Average FTE consultants
    704       775       790       (9.2 )     (1.9 )
Average utilization rates based on 1,850 hours
    73 %     77 %     77 %     (5.2 )     0.0  
Bill rate
  $ 284     $ 290     $ 277       (2.1 )     4.7  
 
Revenues before reimbursements for this segment decreased 14.7% during 2009 compared to 2008. The decline was mainly a result of a 5.2% decrease in utilization and a 9.2% decrease in headcount. Bill rates declined 2.1% during 2009 compared to 2008. Uncertainty in the legal, economic and regulatory environments continued to impact demand throughout 2009. The slower assignment award process, and delay in the start of sold engagements negatively impacted utilization and the resulting revenue. Additionally, throughout 2008 bill rates were negatively impacted by the economic and demand environment while higher usage of mid-level consultants lowered 2009 bill rate slightly. Segment operating profit decreased $27.8 million and segment operating profit margin declined 3.2 percentage points during 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased consultant utilization during 2009 compared to strong utilization periods in 2008. Profit margin was further impacted by higher wage and severance costs as a percentage of revenue in 2009 compared to 2008 as the segment adjusted staffing levels to reduced demand.
 
Revenues before reimbursements increased 2.7% for 2008 compared to 2007. The increase was mainly due to a 4.7% increase in bill rate partially offset by a 1.9% decrease in headcount. The bill rate increase was mainly a result of a higher mix of more senior consultants and efforts to increase billing rates. Utilization for the full year of 2008 was consistent with 2007 as strong demand during the first half of 2008 was offset by a slower second half of the year, primarily associated with disruptions in the financial markets. As a result of the disruptions in the financial markets in the second half of 2008, many projects were delayed or cancelled as client decision making slowed. Segment operating profit increased slightly consistent with the increased revenue during 2008 compared to 2007 and segment operating profit margin was generally consistent between 2008 and 2007, as utilization remained consistent and higher bill rate impacts were offset by higher compensation.
 
                                         
North American Business Consulting Services
                2009 over
  2008 over
                2008
  2007
                Increase
  Increase
    For the Year Ended December 31,   (Decrease)
  (Decrease)
    2009   2008   2007   Percentage   Percentage
 
Revenues before reimbursements(in 000’s)
  $ 263,263     $ 314,677     $ 327,511       (16.3 )     (3.9 )
Total revenues(in 000’s)
    291,607       355,991       379,152       (18.1 )     (6.1 )
Segment operating profit(in 000’s)
    94,950       127,065       123,764       (25.3 )     2.7  
Segment operating profit margin
    36.1 %     40.4 %     37.8 %     (10.6 )     6.9  
Average FTE consultants
    786       904       1,018       (13.1 )     (11.2 )
Average utilization rates based on 1,850 hours
    77 %     80 %     78 %     (3.8 )     2.6  
Bill rate
  $ 218     $ 224     $ 200       (2.7 )     12.0  


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Revenues before reimbursements for this segment decreased 16.3% during 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease was mainly a result of a decrease in headcount of 13.1% in response to the lower market demand. Revenues were also impacted by a decrease in bill rates of 2.7%. The segment had slower demand for its services as clients lowered their discretionary spending and deferred decisions related to strategic initiatives. Consulting services for the financial services market were down significantly due to the recent market disruptions. The healthcare markets also experienced declines in 2009 compared to 2008 due to cost pressure on providers resulting from the economic crisis. Additionally, consulting to other markets, such as the insurance industry, was negatively impacted by the financial market disruptions. As a result of these disruptions and our strategic initiatives in 2009, we redeployed some of our consulting resources. Partially offsetting these market declines, consulting services to the energy markets increased slightly during 2009 compared to 2008. Segment operating profit margin declined 4.3 percentage points in 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the decreased revenue and consultant utilization during 2009 compared to 2008. Profit margin was further impacted by higher severance costs of $4.3 million in 2009 compared to $1.8 million in 2008.
 
Revenues before reimbursements decreased 3.9% in 2008 compared to 2007. This was mainly due to an 11.2% decrease in headcount which was partially offset by a 12.0% increase in bill rate and 2.6% increase in utilization. The decrease in headcount reflects the realignment initiatives in the segment occurring in the third and fourth quarters of 2007, which contributed to the increase in utilization. The bill rate increase in 2008 compared to 2007 was due to rate increases and a higher mix of senior level consultants. This segment was further impacted by the 2008 disruptions in the financial markets, including decreased demand for our consulting services in the financial and insurance markets, as clients in these markets had limited discretionary consulting spending. Projects which are contingent on the attainment of certain performance objectives accounted for approximately 2% of the decrease in revenues. Segment operating profit margin increased in 2008 compared to 2007 due primarily to the increased utilization and realignment efforts completed during the third and fourth quarters of 2007.
 
                                         
International Consulting Services
                2009 over
  2008 over
                2008
  2007
                Increase
  Increase
    For the Year Ended December 31,   (Decrease)
  (Decrease)
    2009   2008   2007   Percentage   Percentage
 
Revenues before reimbursements(in 000’s)
  $ 60,107     $ 69,793     $ 55,028       (13.9 )     26.8  
Total revenues(in 000’s)
    72,820       79,526       63,172       (8.4 )     25.9  
Segment operating profit(in 000’s)
    14,463       23,251       22,160       (37.8 )     4.9  
Segment operating profit margin
    24.1 %     33.3 %     40.3 %     (27.6 )     (17.4 )
Average FTE consultants
    205       185       154       10.8       20.1  
Average utilization rates based on 1,850 hours
    67 %     72 %     75 %     (6.9 )     (4.0 )
Bill rate
  $ 237     $ 280     $ 267       (15.4 )     4.9  
 
Excluding the impact of unfavorable currency fluctuations, revenues before reimbursements for this segment increased slightly during 2009 compared to 2008. The increase was primarily due to increased demand for our services in the UK financial services markets and the first quarter acquisition of the assets of Morse PLC’s investment management consulting business. The results were negatively impacted in part by unfavorable currency fluctuations of $10.7 million due to the weakening UK pound against the US dollar in 2009 compared to 2008, resulting in an overall revenue before reimbursement decrease of 13.9%. Segment operating profit decreased $8.8 million and segment operating profit margin decreased 9.2 percentage points during 2009 compared to 2008. The decrease in segment operating profit was a result of the decreased revenue and higher severance expense of $3.2 million during 2009 compared to $0.6 million during 2008. Segment operating profit margins were negatively impacted in 2009 by the higher severance and lower consultant utilization. Lower utilization was partially associated with the integration of our first quarter acquisition of assets of Morse PLC’s investment management consulting business.


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Segment revenue before reimbursements increased significantly for 2008 compared to 2007. The increases were attributable mainly to acquisitions made during 2007, totaling investments of approximately $72.0 million. The acquisitions during this period were Abros in January 2007, Augmentis in June 2007, and Troika in July 2007. These acquisitions added approximately 81 employees to our headcount during 2008 and accounted for approximately two-thirds of the segment growth in 2008 compared to 2007. The remaining revenue growth was associated with increased headcount and bill rates. Additionally, the segment revenue increase in 2008 compared to 2007 was offset by an approximate $6.5 million decrease in revenue due to the weakening of the UK pound against the US dollar during 2008. The decrease in segment operating profit margin of 7.0 percentage points during 2008 compared to 2007 was due primarily to a change in project mix and lower profit margins on acquired businesses.
 
                                         
Economic Consulting Services
                2009 over
  2008 over
                2008
  2007
                Increase
  Increase
    For the Year Ended December 31,   (Decrease)
  (Decrease)
    2009   2008   2007   Percentage   Percentage
 
Revenues before reimbursements(in 000’s)
  $ 51,486     $ 35,742       n/a       44.0       n/a  
Total revenues(in 000’s)
    55,425       36,893       n/a       50.2       n/a  
Segment operating profit(in 000’s)
    18,173       14,121       n/a       28.7       n/a  
Segment operating profit margin
    35.3 %     39.5 %     n/a       (10.6 )     n/a  
Average FTE consultants
    102       62       n/a       64.5       n/a  
Average utilization rates based on 1,850 hours
    82 %     96 %     n/a       (14.6 )     n/a  
Bill rate
  $ 344     $ 332       n/a       3.6       n/a  
 
The Economic Consulting Services segment commenced operations with our acquisition of Chicago Partners on May 1, 2008. Segment revenue before reimbursement, total revenue, operating profit and FTE consultants increased as a result of the full year of segment financial results in 2009 compared to 2008. Utilization decreased in 2009 from exceptionally high levels in 2008 due, in part, to softness in the legal and regulatory environment in 2009. The decrease in segment operating margin of 4.2 percentage points during 2009 compared to the partial year in 2008 was primarily associated with the lower consultant utilization in 2009.
 
2010 Outlook
 
We enter 2010 with more confidence than we felt one year ago. However, we acknowledge that the economy and the markets we service remain under significant stress. We began to shift from defense to offense during the latter part of 2009 and expect those efforts to increasingly be reflected in our results as 2010 progresses. Additionally, the recent completion of our strategic refresh initiative resulted in our identification of disputes, economics, healthcare and energy as key areas for long term growth. Subsequently we have sharpened our investment focus in these areas. Potential revenue growth in these areas will be partially offset by the repositioning of certain non-strategic service lines within the organization and the impact of departures of certain practitioners in our North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment.


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Unaudited Quarterly Results
 
The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly financial information. The unaudited quarterly financial data has been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The data includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the information for the periods presented, when read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year or for any future quarter.
 
The amounts in the following table are in thousands, except for per share data:
 
                                                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    Dec. 31,
    Sep. 30,
    Jun. 30,
    Mar. 31,
    Dec. 31,
    Sep. 30,
    Jun. 30,
    Mar. 31,
 
    2009     2009     2009     2009     2008     2008     2008     2008  
 
Revenues:
                                                               
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 153,051     $ 159,153     $ 157,332     $ 167,212     $ 174,475     $ 178,908     $ 189,385     $ 184,294  
Reimbursements
    20,907       18,210       16,224       15,150       19,526       19,184       22,023       22,845  
                                                                 
Total revenues
    173,958       177,363       173,556       182,362       194,001       198,092       211,408       207,139  
Cost of services:
                                                               
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    103,766       100,545       101,967       110,267       107,027       110,083       113,852       113,073  
Reimbursable expenses
    20,907       18,210       16,224       15,150       19,526       19,184       22,023       22,845  
                                                                 
Total costs of services
    124,673       118,755       118,191       125,417       126,553       129,267       135,875       135,918  
General and administrative expenses
    28,142       32,500       33,513       34,893       34,877       41,417       41,071       38,013  
Depreciation expense
    4,288       4,352       4,320       4,640       4,426       4,330       4,381       4,165  
Amortization expense
    2,947       3,055       3,392       3,620       3,607       3,955       4,597       4,227  
Other operating costs:
                                                               
Office consolidation
    2,305       985       4,612       908       561       553       2,575       1,518  
                                                                 
Operating income
    11,603       17,716       9,528       12,884       23,977       18,570       22,909       23,298  
Interest expense
    3,485       3,671       3,952       3,968       4,756       5,170       5,618       4,602  
Interest income
    (303 )     (300 )     (312 )     (296 )     (305 )     (380 )     (225 )     (272 )
Other expense, net
    12       214       (87 )     (321 )     (92 )     93       (68 )     5  
                                                                 
Income before income tax expense
    8,409       14,131       5,975       9,533       19,618       13,687       17,584       18,963  
Income tax expense
    3,620       5,791       2,590       4,100       8,289       5,851       7,598       8,057  
                                                                 
Net income
  $ 4,789     $ 8,340     $ 3,385     $ 5,433     $ 11,329     $ 7,836     $ 9,986     $ 10,906  
                                                                 
Net income per diluted share(1)
  $ 0.10     $ 0.17     $ 0.07     $ 0.11     $ 0.23     $ 0.16     $ 0.21     $ 0.23  
                                                                 
Diluted shares
    50,018       49,954       49,756       49,449       49,145       48,895       48,257       46,838  
                                                                 
 
 
(1) The sum of quarterly net income per diluted share does not equal annual amounts in 2009 because of rounding and changes in the weighted average number of shares.
 
Operating results fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of a number of factors, including the significance of client engagements commenced and completed during a quarter, the number of business days in a quarter, employee hiring and utilization rates. The timing of revenues varies from quarter to quarter due to various factors, including the ability of clients to terminate engagements without penalty, attaining certain contractual objectives, the size and scope of assignments, and general economic conditions. Because a


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significant percentage of our expenses are relatively fixed, a variation in the number of client assignments, or the timing of the initiation or the completion of client assignments, can cause significant variations in operating results from quarter to quarter. Operating results are also impacted by the other operating costs. In addition, interest expense and interest income fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of balance changes in cash and debt.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We had $49.1 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2009 and $23.1 million at December 31, 2008. Our cash equivalents were primarily limited to ‘A’ rated securities, with maturity dates of 90 days or less. At December 31, 2009, we had total bank debt outstanding of $219.4 million under our credit agreement compared to $232.5 million at December 31, 2008. In January 2010, we used a portion of our cash to prepay $40.0 million of our term loan facility under our credit facility which will reduce future required quarterly payments on a pro rata basis. We calculate accounts receivable days sales outstanding or DSO by dividing the accounts receivable balance, net of reserves and deferred revenue credits, at the end of the quarter, by daily net revenues. Daily net revenues are calculated by taking quarterly net revenues divided by 90 days, approximately equal to the number of days in a quarter. Calculated as such, we had DSO of 78 days at December 31, 2009 compared to 73 days at December 31, 2008. The increase in DSO was attributable to slower client payments associated with specific client situations and overall economic conditions.
 
Operating Activities
 
For 2009, net cash provided by operating activities was $77.5 million, compared to $91.7 million and $91.8 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2009 compared to 2008 resulted primarily from lower net income partially offset by a decrease in investments in working capital. The decreased investment in working capital year over year was primarily related to incentive loans issued during the second and third quarters of 2008 (see discussion of unsecured forgivable loans in Note 9-Supplemental Balance Sheet Information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements).
 
Net cash provided by operating activities during 2008 compared to 2007 decreased slightly due to a higher investment in working capital, partially offset by increased net income. The increase in working capital was mainly associated with separation and severance payments and incentive loans made in 2008, which was partially offset by increased accounts receivable collections during 2008.
 
Investing Activities
 
Net cash used in investing activities in 2009 was $34.3 million, compared to $65.6 million and $93.4 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively. During 2008 we paid $50.0 million for the cash portion of the purchase price for Chicago Partners payable at closing compared to acquisitions totaling $12.9 million during 2009. In 2009 we spent $17.6 million in capital infrastructure, primarily related to leasehold improvements at a new office located in New York and software license agreements, compared to $7.4 million in 2008.
 
The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for 2008 compared to 2007 mainly relates to a decrease in acquisitions and lower investment in technology and leasehold improvements.
 
Financing Activities
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $16.9 million in 2009, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $13.3 million in 2008 and provided by financing activities of $1.3 million in 2007. Cash used in financing activities increased in 2009 mainly due to less proceeds from issuances of common stock primarily associated with reduced employee stock purchases. During 2008, we had net repayments of bank borrowings of $13.7 million associated primarily with lower cash needs for investing activities. During 2007, we had net cash proceeds from bank borrowings of $219.4 million which were used primarily to fund a $218.4 million purchase of shares of our stock. In June 2007, we completed our modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer and purchased 10.6 million shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $20.50 per share. We also recorded management and agent fees related to the tender offer as part of the costs of the purchase of our common stock.


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Debt, Commitments and Capital
 
As of December 31, 2009, we maintained a bank borrowing credit agreement consisting of a $275.0 million revolving line of credit which, subject to certain bank approvals, includes an option to increase to $375.0 million and a $225.0 million unsecured term loan facility. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are payable in May 2012. Our credit agreement provides for borrowings in multiple currencies including US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, UK Pound Sterling and Euro. As of December 31, 2009, we had aggregate borrowings of $219.4 million, compared to $232.5 million as of December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2009, all of our borrowings were under the term loan facility of our credit agreement. Based on our financial covenant restrictions under our credit facility as of December 31, 2009, a maximum of approximately $70.0 million would be available in additional borrowings on our line of credit. In January 2010, we used a portion of our cash to prepay $40.0 million of our term loan facility under our credit facility which will reduce future required quarterly payments on a pro rata basis. If this prepayment had happened on December 31, 2009 our availability to borrow on our line of credit would have been approximately $110 million.
 
At our option, borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility bear interest, in general, based on a variable rate equal to an applicable base rate or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary depending upon our consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of total funded debt to adjusted EBITDA) and whether the loan is made under the term loan facility or revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2009, the applicable margins on LIBOR loans under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were 1.25% and 1.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, the applicable margins for base rate loans under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were 0.25% and zero, respectively. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary between 0.50% to 1.75% depending upon our performance and financial condition. Our average borrowing rate under our credit agreement (including the impact of our interest rate swap agreements; see Note 11— Comprehensive Income in the notes to the consolidated financial statements) was 5.6% and 6.5% for 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Our credit agreement also includes certain financial covenants, including covenants that require that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.25:1 and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (the ratio of the sum of adjusted EBITDA and rental expense to the sum of cash interest expense and rental expense) of not less than 2.0:1. At December 31, 2009, under the definitions in the credit agreement, our consolidated leverage ratio was 2.5 and our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was 3.3. In addition to the financial covenants, our credit agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and is subject to customary exceptions. These covenants limit our ability to incur liens or other encumbrances or make investments, incur indebtedness, enter into mergers, consolidations and asset sales, pay dividends or other distributions, change the nature of our business and engage in transactions with affiliates. We were in compliance with the terms of our credit agreement as of December 31, 2009 and 2008; however there can be no assurances that we will remain in compliance in the future.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had total commitments of $367.6 million, which were comprised of $13.9 million in deferred business acquisition obligations, payable in cash and common stock, software license agreements of $1.0 million, debt of $219.4 million, and $133.3 million in lease commitments. As of December 31, 2009, we had no significant commitments for capital expenditures.
 
The following table shows the components of significant commitments as of December 31, 2009 and the scheduled years of payments due by period (shown in thousands):
 
                                         
Contractual Obligations
  Total     2010     2011 to 2012     2013 to 2014     Thereafter  
 
Deferred purchase price obligations
  $ 13,899     $ 7,588     $ 6,311     $     $  
Software license agreements
    984       480       504              
Term loan
    219,375       12,375       207,000              
Lease commitments
    133,294       24,818       43,541       30,916       34,019  
                                         
    $ 367,552     $ 45,261     $ 257,356     $ 30,916     $ 34,019  
                                         


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During 2007, we began to eliminate duplicate facilities, consolidate and close certain offices. Of the $133.3 million of lease commitments as of December 31, 2009, $23.2 million of the lease commitments related to offices we have abandoned or reduced excess space within, which have been subleased or are available for sublease. As of December 31, 2009, we have contractual subleases of $8.2 million, which is not reflected in the commitment table above. Such sublease income would offset the cash outlays. Additionally, we intend to secure subtenants for the properties available for sublease to offset the rent payments and will seek to exercise termination clauses, if any, to shorten the term of the lease commitments. Such sublease income, if any, would offset the cash outlays. The lease commitments for these offices extend through 2017.
 
As of January 1, 2007, we adopted new guidance on uncertain tax positions. We had approximately $2.2 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. During 2009, 2008 and 2007, we reduced our reserve for uncertain tax positions related to such unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $1.2 million, respectively, due to the settlement of tax positions with various tax authorities or by virtue of the statute of limitations expiring for the years with uncertain positions. As such, we had approximately $0.7 million of total gross unrecognized tax benefits which, if recognized, would affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. We do not expect to significantly increase or reduce our reserve for uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months.
 
We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, the future cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit agreement will provide adequate cash to fund anticipated short-term and long-term cash needs from normal operations. In the event we make significant cash expenditures in the future for major acquisitions or other non-operating activities, we might need additional debt or equity financing, as appropriate. Additionally, our credit agreement is with a syndicate of several banks. These banks could be negatively impacted by the recent disruptions in the financial markets.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenues as the related professional services are provided. In connection with recording revenues, estimates and assumptions are required in determining the expected conversion of the revenues to cash. We may provide multiple services under the terms of an arrangement and are required to assess whether one or more units of accounting are present. There are also client engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services. The recording of these fixed revenue amounts requires us to make an estimate of the total amount of work to be performed and revenues are then recognized as efforts are expended based on (i) objectively determinable output measures, (ii) input measures if output measures are not reliable or (iii) the straight-line method over the term of the arrangement. From time to time, we also earn incremental revenues. These incremental revenue amounts are generally contingent on a specific event and the incremental revenues are recognized when the contingencies are resolved. Any taxes assessed on revenues relating to services provided to our clients are recorded on a net basis.
 
Accounts Receivable Realization
 
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our review and assessment of our clients’ ability to make required payments, and the estimated realization, in cash, by us of


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amounts due from our clients. If our clients’ financial condition was to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances might be required.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Intangible assets consist of identifiable intangibles other than goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill include customer lists and relationships, employee non-compete agreements, employee training methodology and materials, backlog revenue and trade names. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are amortized based on the period of consumption, ranging up to nine years. Our long term assets are subject to changes in events or circumstances that could impact their carrying value.
 
We test goodwill annually for impairment. We also review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Our impairment testing and reviews may be impacted by, among other things, our expected operating performance, market valuation of comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating segments and competitive environment. A decline in the estimated fair value of our reporting units or other long term assets could result in impairment charges. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization during the periods presented.
 
We do not amortize goodwill. Goodwill is subject to an impairment test annually and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The impairment test is performed using a two step, fair-value based test. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and a comparable company analysis. The second step is performed only if the carrying value exceeds the fair value determined in step one. The impairment test is considered for each reporting unit as defined in the accounting standard for goodwill and other intangible assets which are the same as our reporting segments.
 
Our test for goodwill impairment is based on the estimated fair value of our reporting units. The estimated fair value of our reporting units is subject to, among other things, changes in our estimated business future growth rate, profit margin, long term outlook and weighted average cost of capital. Our International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units are most sensitive to those changes as the excess of their fair values over their asset carrying values is generally lower. Considerable management judgment is required to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as forecasted growth rates and cost of capital, are consistent with internal projections and operating plans. The achievement of such internal projections and operating plans will be impacted by the overall economic environment, among other factors.
 
We perform our annual test in the second quarter of each year. We determined the fair value of each reporting unit which required us to estimate future cash flows and termination value. The fair value estimate also depended on, among other things, our weighted average cost of capital and working capital requirements. Estimates can also be impacted by, among other things, expected performance, market valuation of comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating segments and competitive environment. There was no indication of impairment based on our analysis.
 
During our annual test of goodwill, we considered that each of the four reporting units has significant goodwill and intangible assets and that the excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value for all reporting units decreased relative to the prior year test. As of the date of our May 31, 2009 analysis, the excess of estimated fair value over net asset carrying value of the North American Business Consulting Services reporting unit and the North American Dispute and Investigative Services reporting unit was approximately 40% and 25% of the estimated fair value, respectively. The excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value of the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units were both approximately 20% of the estimated fair value and given the smaller size of these reporting units the relative dollars of the excess are substantially smaller than for the other two reporting units.


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Further, the estimated fair value of the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units may be more volatile due to the reporting units’ smaller size and higher expected earnings growth rates. Also, given the International Consulting Operations reporting unit’s international market, its fair market value may be more volatile. Additionally, the Economic Consulting Services reporting unit was recently acquired as one acquisition and its fair market value is dependent on the success of such acquisition. The key assumptions used in our May 31, 2009 analysis include profit margin improvement to be generally consistent with our past historical performance, revenue growth rates slightly ahead of the industry in the near term and discount rates determined based on market comparables for our peer group. Our fair market value estimates were made as of the date of our analysis and are subject to change.
 
We are required to consider whether or not the fair value of each of the reporting units could have fallen below its carrying value. We consider elements and other factors including, but not limited to, changes in the business climate in which we operate, attrition of key personnel, unanticipated competition, our market capitalization in excess of our book value, our recent operating performance, and our financial projections. As a result of this review, we are required to determine whether such an event or condition existed that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment test prior to our next annual test date. We continue to monitor these factors and we may perform additional impairment tests as appropriate in future periods. As of December 31, 2009, we believe there was no indication of impairment related to our goodwill balances.
 
We review our intangible asset values on a periodic basis. We review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable or upon the occurrence of any triggering event. Our intangible assets are subject to changes in estimated fair market values which are determined in part based on our operating performance and expectations for the future. As of December 31, 2009, there was no indication of impairment related to our intangible assets.
 
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our strategic position in several markets. As we review our portfolio of services, we may exit certain markets or reposition certain service offerings within our business. This evaluation may result in us redefining our operating segments and may impact a significant portion of one or more of our reporting units. If such actions occur, they may be considered triggering events that would result in us performing an interim impairment test of our goodwill and an impairment test of our intangible assets.
 
Share-Based Payments
 
We recognize the cost resulting from all share-based compensation arrangements, such as our stock option and restricted stock plans, in the financial statements based on their fair value. Management judgment is required in order to (i) estimate the fair value of certain share-based payments, (ii) determine expected attribution period and (iii) assess expected future forfeitures. We treat our employee stock purchase plan as compensatory and record the purchase discount from market price of stock purchases by employees as share-based compensation expense.
 
Income Taxes
 
We account for deferred income taxes utilizing an asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statements and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, as measured by current enacted tax rates. When appropriate, we evaluate the need for a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets. The evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance requires management judgment and could impact our effective tax rate.
 
We account for uncertainty in income taxes utilizing a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken. Measurement of tax positions requires management judgment related to the uncertainty in income taxes and could impact our effective tax rate.


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Other Operating Costs
 
We recorded expense and related liabilities associated with office closings and excess space reductions related to a plan to reduce office space as other operating costs. The expense consisted of rent obligations for the offices, net of expected sublease income, and the write down and accelerated depreciation of leasehold improvements reflecting the changes in the estimated useful lives of our abandoned offices. The expected sublease income is subject to market conditions and has been adjusted and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary. The office closure obligations have been discounted to net present value. The determination of the expense and related liabilities requires management judgment and could impact our future financial results.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
Effective July 2009 the financial accounting standards board issued a codification superseding all then-existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the codification became non-authoritative. The guidance is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. We have adopted this standard and as such have eliminated all reference to standards issued prior to the effective date and replaced them with the new codification references.
 
Recently Issued Standards
 
In September 2009, guidance was issued on revenue recognition which changes the criteria required to separate deliverables into separate units of accounting when they are sold in bundled arrangements. Previously entities were required to have vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value or other third-party evidence of fair value. The elimination of these requirements to separate deliverables into separate units of accounting will put more focus on a vendor’s assessment of whether delivered items in multiple element arrangements have standalone value. The update is effective for arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010; however, earlier adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this adoption will have on our statements of financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
 
Recently Adopted Standards
 
In August 2009, guidance was issued to clarify the fair value measurement of liabilities when a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available and identifies certain valuation techniques to use when measuring the fair value of such a liability. It also clarifies that no separate input is required relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our statements of financial position, results of operations or cash flow.
 
In May 2009, guidance was issued on accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. The guidance is effective for interim or annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009. In accordance with this guidance, we have evaluated subsequent events through the date of this filing. We do not believe there are any material subsequent events which would require further disclosure.
 
In April 2009, guidance was issued requiring disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments in interim as well as in annual financial statements. The amendment is effective for all reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. Note 16 — Fair Value of our notes to the consolidated financial statements provides additional required disclosure.
 
In April 2009, guidance was issued on how to determine the fair value of assets and liabilities in the current economic environment and reemphasized that the objective of a fair value measurement remains an exit price. If we were to conclude that there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity of the asset or liability in relation to normal market activities, quoted market values may not be representative of fair value and we may conclude that a change in valuation technique or the use of the multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15,


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2009. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
In April 2009, guidance was issued to require that assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination arising from contingencies be recognized at fair value if fair value can be reasonably estimated. On June 1, 2009, the effective date, we adopted this guidance and as such impacted our acquisitions after this date. See Note 3-Acquisitions of our notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 
In March 2008, guidance was issued requiring enhanced disclosure regarding an entity’s use of derivative instruments, how they are accounted for and their effect on the entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. We adopted the provisions of this amendment as of January 1, 2009.
 
In December 2007, guidance was issued which changes certain aspects for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. The guidance also sets forth the disclosures required to be made in the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As such, our adoption on January 1, 2009 will impact all our acquisitions on or after that date.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet arrangements, transactions, obligations or other relationships with unconsolidated entities that would be expected to have a material current or future impact on our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
 
Our primary exposure to market risks relates to changes in interest rates and foreign currencies. The interest rate risk is associated with borrowings under our credit agreement and our investment portfolio, classified as cash equivalents. The foreign currency risk is associated with our operations in foreign countries.
 
As of December 31, 2009, borrowings under our credit agreement bear interest, in general, based on a variable rate equal to an applicable base rate (equal to the higher of a reference prime rate or one half of one percent above the federal funds rate) or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. We are exposed to interest rate risk relating to the fluctuations in LIBOR. We use interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to fluctuations in LIBOR. Our $165.0 million notional amount interest rate swap effectively fixed our LIBOR base rate on $165.0 million of our debt at an interest rate of 5.3%. Based on borrowings under the credit agreement at December 31, 2009 and after giving effect to the impact of our interest rate swap agreement, our interest rate exposure is limited to $54.4 million of debt, and each quarter point change in market interest rates would result in approximately a $0.1 million change in annual interest expense. On June 30, 2010 our $165.0 million notional amount interest rate swap will mature. In December 2009, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements of equal amounts with four different banks for an aggregate notional value of $60.0 million. These agreements effectively fix $60.0 million of our LIBOR base rate indebtedness at an average rate of 1.83% beginning July 1, 2010. These agreements mature concurrent with the maturity of our credit facility in May 2012.
 
At December 31, 2009, our investments were primarily limited to ‘A’ rated securities, with maturity dates of 90 days or less. These financial instruments are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in value if interest rates rise. Because of the short periods to maturity of these instruments, an increase in interest rates would not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
 
We operate in foreign countries, which exposes us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. At December 31, 2009, we had net assets of approximately $103.7 million with a functional currency of the UK Pounds Sterling and $35.4 million with a functional currency of the Canadian Dollar related to our operations in the United Kingdom and Canada, respectively. At December 31, 2009, we


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had net assets denominated in the non-functional currency of approximately $16.3 million. As such, a ten percent change in the value of the local currency would result in a $1.6 million currency gain or loss in our results of operations. Subsequent to December 31, 2009 net assets denominated in non-functional currency were reduced to less than $1.0 million.
 
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
 
Our Consolidated Financial Statements are in this report as pages F-1 through F-38. An index to such information appears on page F-1.
 
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
 
None.
 
Item 9A.   Controls and Procedures.
 
(1)   Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time frames specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.
 
Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2009. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009.
 
(2)   Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on the framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, Internal Control — Integrated Framework. In the course of its evaluation, management concluded that we maintained effective control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.
 
KPMG LLP, the registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.
 
(3)   Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9B.   Other Information.
 
None.


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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Navigant Consulting, Inc.:
 
We have audited Navigant Consulting, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Navigant Consulting, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Navigant Consulting, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index, and our report dated February 19, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and accompanying schedule.
 
/s/  KPMG LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 2010


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PART III
 
Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
 
Information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, which proxy statement will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 11.   Executive Compensation.
 
Information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, which proxy statement will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
 
Information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, which proxy statement will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Information required with respect to the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans, including plans that have previously been approved by our stockholders and plans that have not previously been approved by our stockholders, will be set forth in our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
 
Information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, which proxy statement will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.
 
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
 
Information required in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference from our definitive proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders scheduled to be held on April 28, 2010, which proxy statement will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after December 31, 2009.


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PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a) The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule filed as part of this report are listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
(b) The exhibits filed as part of this report are listed below:
 
a.  Exhibits:
 
         
Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  2 .1   Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of April 18, 2008 among Navigant Consulting, Inc., Chicago Partners, L.L.C. and certain members of Chicago Partners, L.L.C. (Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, the schedules and exhibits to this agreement are omitted but will be provided supplementally to the Commission upon request.) (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 2008).
  3 .1   Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-9019) filed with the SEC on July 26, 1996.)
  3 .2   Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-40489) filed with the SEC on November 18, 1997.)
  3 .3   Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Form 8-A12B filed with the SEC on July 20, 1999.)
  3 .4   Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2005.)
  3 .5   Amended and Restated By laws of the Company as of July 25, 2007 (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 25, 2007.)
  10 .1†   Long-Term Incentive Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.)
  10 .2†   2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc., as amended (Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Notice and Proxy Statement dated March 28, 2007.)
  10 .3†   First Amendment of the Navigant Consulting, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended, effective as of April 22, 2008 (incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 24, 2008).
  10 .4†*   Second Amendment of the Navigant Consulting, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended, effective as of December 18, 2009.
  10 .5†   2001 Supplemental Equity Incentive Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-81680) filed with the SEC on January 30, 2002.)
  10 .6†   First Amendment of the Navigant Consulting, Inc. 2001 Supplemental Equity Incentive Plan Third, effective as of April 16, 2007 (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2007.)
  10 .7†   Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-53506) filed with the SEC on January 10, 2001.)
  10 .8†   Amendment No. 1 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.)
  10 .9†   Amendment No. 2 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998.)


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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  10 .10†   Amendment No. 3 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.)
  10 .11†   Amendment No. 4 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.)
  10 .12†   Amendment No. 5 Employee Stock Purchase Plan of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (Incorporated by reference from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.)
  10 .13†   Navigant Consulting, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective January 1, 2007 (Incorporated by reference from our Definitive Notice and Proxy Statement dated March 27, 2006.)
  10 .14†   First Amendment to the Navigant Consulting, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .15†*   Second Amendment to the Navigant Consulting, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, effective as of December 31, 2009.
  10 .16†   Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 9, 2007.)
  10 .17†   Form Non-Qualified Stock Option Award. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 9, 2007.)
  10 .18†   Navigant Consulting, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Fees Plan. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 9, 2007.)
  10 .19†   Amendment Number One to the Navigant Consulting, Inc. Directors’ Deferred Fees Plan. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .20†   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between William M. Goodyear and the Company, dated December 19, 2008. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .21†   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Julie M. Howard and the Company, dated December 19, 2008. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .22†   Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between David E. Wartner and the Company, dated December 19, 2008. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .23†   Employment Agreement dated as of November 10, 2008 between the Company and Thomas A. Nardi. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 2008.)
  10 .24†   First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Thomas A. Nardi and the Company, dated December 19, 2008. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .25†   Sign-On Incentive Recovery Agreement dated as of November 10, 2008 between the Company and Thomas A. Nardi. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 31, 2008.)
  10 .26†   Employment Agreement dated as of November 3, 2008 between the Company and Monica M. Weed. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 22, 2008.)
  10 .27†   First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Monica M. Weed and the Company, dated December 19, 2008. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 24, 2008.)
  10 .28†   Sign-On Incentive Recovery Agreement dated as of September 24, 2008 between the Company and Monica M. Weed. (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 22, 2008.)
  10 .29   Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among Navigant Consulting, Inc., the foreign borrowers identified therein, certain subsidiaries of Navigant Consulting, Inc. identified therein, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, LaSalle Bank National Association, as Syndication Agent and the other lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference from our Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 31, 2007).


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Exhibit
   
No.
 
Description
 
  21 .1*   Significant Subsidiaries of Navigant Consulting, Inc.
  23 .1*   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  31 .1*   Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  31 .2*   Certification of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
  32 .1*   Certification of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
 
 
* Indicates filed herewith.
 
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K.


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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
Navigant Consulting, Inc.
 
  By: 
/s/  WILLIAM M. GOODYEAR

William M. Goodyear
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
Date: February 19, 2010
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.
 
             
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
         
/s/  WILLIAM M. GOODYEAR

William M. Goodyear
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  THOMAS A. NARDI

Thomas A. Nardi
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  DAVID E. WARTNER

David E. Wartner
  Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  THOMAS A. GILDEHAUS

Thomas A. Gildehaus
  Director   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  CYNTHIA A. GLASSMAN

Cynthia A. Glassman
  Director   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  STEPHAN A. JAMES

Stephan A. James
  Director   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  PETER B. POND

Peter B. Pond
  Director   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  SAMUEL K. SKINNER

Samuel K. Skinner
  Director   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  GOVERNOR JAMES R. THOMPSON

Governor James R. Thompson
  Director   February 19, 2010
         
/s/  MICHAEL L. TIPSORD

Michael L. Tipsord
  Director   February 19, 2010


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
         
    Page
 
    F-2  
Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009:
       
    F-3  
    F-4  
    F-5  
    F-6  
    F-7  
    F-7  
    F-7  
    F-11  
    F-14  
    F-17  
    F-20  
    F-21  
    F-22  
    F-27  
    F-30  
    F-31  
    F-31  
    F-32  
    F-34  
    F-34  
    F-37  
    F-38  
    F-38  
    F-38  
Financial Statement Schedule —
       
    S-1  


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Table of Contents

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Navigant Consulting, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Navigant Consulting, Inc. (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule as listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Navigant Consulting, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 19, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
/s/  KPMG LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
February 19, 2010


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Table of Contents

NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 49,144     $ 23,134  
Accounts receivable, net
    163,608       170,464  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    16,374       13,455  
Deferred income tax assets
    19,052       21,494  
                 
Total current assets
    248,178       228,547  
Property and equipment, net
    42,975       45,151  
Intangible assets, net
    30,352       38,108  
Goodwill
    485,101       463,058  
Other assets
    13,639       17,529  
                 
Total assets
  $ 820,245     $ 792,393  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 8,203     $ 8,511  
Accrued liabilities
    8,664       10,086  
Accrued compensation-related costs
    69,751       72,701  
Income taxes payable
          1,371  
Notes payable
          4,173  
Term loan — current
    12,375       2,250  
Other current liabilities
    34,441       31,467  
                 
Total current liabilities
    133,434       130,559  
                 
Non-current liabilities:
               
Deferred income tax liabilities
    37,096       28,511  
Other non-current liabilities
    23,923       37,336  
Bank debt — non-current
          10,854  
Term loan — non-current
    207,000       219,375  
                 
Total non-current liabilities
    268,019       296,076  
                 
Total liabilities
    401,453       426,635  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $.001 par value per share; 150,000 shares authorized; 48,651 and 47,319 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008
    60       59  
Additional paid-in capital
    559,368       555,737  
Deferred stock issuance, net
          985  
Treasury stock
    (218,798 )     (231,071 )
Retained earnings
    91,186       69,239  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (13,024 )     (29,191 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    418,792       365,758  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 820,245     $ 792,393  
                 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
Revenues before reimbursements
  $ 636,748     $ 727,062     $ 681,238  
Reimbursements
    70,491       83,578       85,820  
                         
Total revenues
    707,239       810,640       767,058  
Cost of services before reimbursable expenses
    416,545       444,035       421,032  
Reimbursable expenses
    70,491       83,578       85,820  
                         
Total costs of services
    487,036       527,613       506,852  
General and administrative expenses
    129,048       155,378       141,430  
Depreciation expense
    17,600       17,302       16,179  
Amortization expense
    13,014       16,386       17,494  
Other operating costs:
                       
Separation and severance costs
                7,288  
Office consolidation
    8,810       5,207       6,750  
Gain on sale of property
                (2,201 )
                         
Operating income
    51,731       88,754       73,266  
Interest expense
    15,076       20,146       15,438  
Interest income
    (1,211 )     (1,182 )     (667 )
Other income, net
    (182 )     (62 )     (43 )
                         
Income before income tax expense
    38,048       69,852       58,538  
Income tax expense
    16,101       29,795       25,142  
                         
Net income
  $ 21,947     $ 40,057     $ 33,396  
                         
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.46     $ 0.86     $ 0.67  
Shares used in computing income per basic share
    48,184       46,601       49,511  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.44     $ 0.83     $ 0.66  
Shares used in computing income per diluted share
    49,795       48,285       50,757  
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
                                                                         
                Common
                      Accumulated
    Retained
    Total
 
    Common
    Treasury
    Stock
    Additional
    Deferred
    Treasury
    Other
    Earnings
    Stock
 
    Stock
    Stock
    Par
    Paid-In
    Stock
    Stock
    Comprehensive
    (Accumulated
    -holders’
 
    Shares     Shares     Value     Capital     Issuance     Cost     Income (Loss)     Deficit)     Equity  
                            (In thousands)                    
 
Balance at December 31, 2006
    56,409       (2,528 )   $ 56     $ 519,073     $ 7,150     $ (38,663 )   $ 3,174     $ (4,214 )   $ 486,576  
Comprehensive income
                                        2,924       33,396       36,320  
Issuances of common stock related to business combinations
          830             (1,472 )     (4,006 )     15,064                   9,586  
Other issuances of common stock
    702       16             7,861             245                   8,106  
Tax benefits (deficits) on stock options exercised and restricted stock vested
                      1,633                               1,633  
Issuances of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
    995             2       4,829       (6,103 )                       (1,272 )
Grants of restricted stock awards
                      221       5,546                         5,767  
Share-based compensation expense
                      14,725       260                         14,985  
Repurchases of common stock
          (10,624 )                       (218,948 )                 (218,948 )
                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2007
    58,106       (12,306 )   $ 58     $ 546,870     $ 2,847     $ (242,302 )   $ 6,098     $ 29,182     $ 342,753  
Comprehensive income (loss)
                                        (35,289 )     40,057       4,768  
Issuances of common stock related to business combinations
          558             (2,003 )     (1,853 )     10,989                   7,133  
Fair value adjustment of shares issued in acquisitions
                      (6,844 )                             (6,844 )
Other issuances of common stock
    548       12       1       6,407             242                   6,650  
Tax benefits (deficits) on stock options exercised and restricted stock vested
                      567                               567  
Issuances of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
    401                   (1,350 )                             (1,350 )
Share-based compensation expense
                      12,090       (9 )                       12,081  
                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2008
    59,055       (11,736 )   $ 59     $ 555,737     $ 985     $ (231,071 )   $ (29,191 )   $ 69,239     $ 365,758  
Comprehensive income
                                        16,167       21,947       38,114  
Issuances of common stock related to business combinations
          596       1       (3,921 )     (985 )     11,899                   6,994  
Other issuances of common stock
    315       20             2,799             374                   3,173  
Tax benefits (deficits) on stock options exercised and restricted stock vested
                      (1,314 )                             (1,314 )
Issuances of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
    401                   (1,411 )                             (1,411 )
Share-based compensation expense
                      7,478                               7,478  
                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 2009
    59,771       (11,120 )   $ 60     $ 559,368     $     $ (218,798 )   $ (13,024 )   $ 91,186     $ 418,792  
                                                                         
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
          (In thousands)        
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 21,947     $ 40,057     $ 33,396  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, net of acquisitions:
                       
Depreciation expense
    17,600       17,302       16,179  
Depreciation expense-office consolidation
    1,285       2,534        
Amortization expense
    13,014       16,386       17,494  
Share-based compensation expense
    7,478       11,839       15,410  
Accretion of interest expense
    887       996       794  
Deferred income taxes
    6,366       (4,461 )     (982 )
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable
    15,053       20,292       9,518  
Gain on sale of property, net
                (2,201 )
Other, net
                934  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (4,631 )     4,280       (19,627 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    1,088       (12,708 )     (3,139 )
Accounts payable
    (344 )     1,442       (5,620 )
Accrued liabilities
    (989 )     (159 )     3,004  
Accrued compensation-related costs
    (3,305 )     5,268       15,375  
Income taxes payable
    1,063       (2,621 )     (2,395 )
Other current liabilities
    979       (8,744 )     13,703  
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    77,491       91,703       91,843  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Purchases of property and equipment
    (17,641 )     (7,398 )     (24,080 )
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (12,875 )     (54,222 )     (65,250 )
Payments of acquisition liabilities
    (3,821 )     (3,154 )     (4,518 )
Proceeds from sale of property
                4,088  
Other, net
    28       (865 )     (3,682 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (34,309 )     (65,639 )     (93,442 )
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Issuances of common stock
    3,173       6,650       7,512  
Payments of notes payable
    (4,482 )     (5,976 )     (6,978 )
Repayments to banks, net of borrowings
    (12,313 )     (11,456 )     (2,105 )
Payments of bank borrowings assumed from business acquisitions
                (2,420 )
Term loan proceeds
                225,000  
Payments of term loan installments
    (2,250 )     (2,250 )     (1,125 )
Repurchases of common stock
                (218,429 )
Other, net
    (1,009 )     (283 )     (179 )
                         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (16,881 )     (13,315 )     1,276  
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
    (291 )     (1,271 )     234  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    26,010       11,478       (89 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
    23,134       11,656       11,745  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year
  $ 49,144     $ 23,134     $ 11,656  
                         
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.   DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
We are an independent specialty consulting firm that combines deep industry knowledge with technical expertise to enable companies to create and protect value in the face of complex and critical business risks and opportunities. Professional services include dispute, investigative, financial, and operational and business advisory, risk management and regulatory advisory, strategy, economic analysis and transaction advisory solutions. We provide our services to government agencies, legal counsel and large companies facing the challenges of uncertainty, risk, distress and significant change. We focus on industries undergoing substantial regulatory or structural change and on the issues driving these transformations.
 
We are headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and have offices in various cities within the United States, as well as offices in Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. Our non-U.S. subsidiaries, in the aggregate, represented approximately 16 percent of our total revenues in 2009, approximately 17 percent in 2008, and approximately 14 percent in 2007.
 
2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may affect future results of operations and cash flows.
 
Reclassifications
 
Certain amounts in prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation including the reclassification of the effect of exchange rate changes on cash of $234,000 to a separate line on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
Cash equivalents are comprised of liquid instruments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
We consider the recorded value of our financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank borrowings, and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2009 and 2008 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities. As noted below, we maintain interest rate derivatives which are recorded at fair value.
 
Accounts Receivable Realization
 
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from our review and assessment of our clients’ ability to make required payments, and the estimated realization, in cash, by us of amounts due from our clients. If our clients’ financial condition were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payment, additional allowances might be required.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and three to seven years for software. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the shorter of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the asset which is up to twelve years.
 
Operating Leases
 
We lease office space under operating leases. Some of the lease agreements contain one or more of the following provisions or clauses: tenant allowances, rent holidays, lease premiums, and rent escalation clauses. For the purpose of recognizing these provisions on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, we use the date of initial possession to begin amortization, which is generally when we enter the space and begin to make improvements in preparation of intended use.
 
For tenant allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions to rent expense. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease term or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, we record minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price of acquired companies and the related fair value of the net assets acquired, which is accounted for by the purchase method of accounting. Intangible assets consist of identifiable intangibles other than goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets other than goodwill include customer lists and relationships, employee non-compete agreements, employee training methodology and materials, backlog revenue and trade names. Intangible assets, other than goodwill, are amortized based on the period of consumption, ranging up to nine years. Our long term assets are subject to changes in events or circumstances that could impact their carrying value.
 
We test goodwill annually for impairment. We also review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Our impairment testing and reviews may be impacted by, among other things, our expected operating performance, market valuation of comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating segments and competitive environment. A decline in the estimated fair value of our reporting units or other long term assets could result in impairment charges. We did not recognize any impairment charges for goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or identifiable intangible assets subject to amortization during the periods presented.
 
We do not amortize goodwill. Goodwill is subject to an impairment test annually and more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. The impairment test is performed using a two step, fair-value based test. The first step compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. The fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and a comparable company analysis. The second step is performed only if the carrying value exceeds the fair value determined in step one. The impairment test is considered for each reporting unit as defined in the accounting standard for goodwill and other intangible assets which are the same as our reporting segments.
 
Our test for goodwill impairment is based on the estimated fair value of our reporting units. The estimated fair value of our reporting units is subject to, among other things, changes in our estimated business future growth rate, profit margin, long term outlook and weighted average cost of capital. Our International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units are most sensitive to those changes as the excess of their fair values over their asset carrying values is generally lower. Considerable management judgment is required to estimate future cash flows. Assumptions used in our impairment evaluations, such as


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Table of Contents

 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
forecasted growth rates and cost of capital, are consistent with internal projections and operating plans. The achievement of such internal projections and operating plans will be impacted by the overall economic environment, among other factors.
 
We perform our annual test in the second quarter of each year. We determined the fair value of each reporting unit which required us to estimate future cash flows and termination value. The fair value estimate also depended on, among other things, our weighted average cost of capital and working capital requirements. Estimates can also be impacted by, among other things, expected performance, market valuation of comparable companies, ability to retain key personnel, changes in operating segments and competitive environment. There was no indication of impairment based on our analysis.
 
During our annual test of goodwill, we considered that each of the four reporting units has significant goodwill and intangible assets and that the excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value for all reporting units decreased relative to the prior year test. As of the date of our May 31, 2009 analysis, the excess of estimated fair value over net asset carrying value of the North American Business Consulting Services reporting unit and the North American Dispute and Investigative Services reporting unit was approximately 40% and 25% of the estimated fair value, respectively. The excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value of the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units were both approximately 20% of the estimated fair value and given the smaller size of these reporting units the relative dollars of the excess are substantially smaller than for the other two reporting units. Further, the estimated fair value of the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units may be more volatile due to the reporting units’ smaller size and higher expected earnings growth rates. Also, given the International Consulting Operations reporting unit’s international market, its fair market value may be more volatile. Additionally, the Economic Consulting Services reporting unit was recently acquired as one acquisition and its fair market value is dependent on the success of such acquisition. The key assumptions used in our May 31, 2009 analysis include profit margin improvement to be generally consistent with our past historical performance, revenue growth rates slightly ahead of the industry in the near term and discount rates determined based on market comparables for our peer group. Our fair market value estimates were made as of the date of our analysis and are subject to change.
 
We are required to consider whether or not the fair value of each of the reporting units could have fallen below its carrying value. We consider elements and other factors including, but not limited to, changes in the business climate in which we operate, attrition of key personnel, unanticipated competition, our market capitalization in excess of our book value, our recent operating performance, and our financial projections. As a result of this review, we are required to determine whether such an event or condition existed that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment test prior to our next annual test date. We continue to monitor these factors and we may perform additional impairment tests as appropriate in future periods. As of December 31, 2009, we believe there was no indication of impairment related to our goodwill balances.
 
We review our intangible asset values on a periodic basis. We review long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable or upon the occurrence of any triggering event. Our intangible assets are subject to changes in estimated fair market values which are determined in part based on our operating performance and expectations for the future. As of December 31, 2009, there was no indication of impairment related to our intangible assets.
 
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our strategic position in several markets. As we review our portfolio of services, we may exit certain markets or reposition certain service offerings within our business. This evaluation may result in us redefining our operating segments and may impact a significant portion of one or more of our reporting units. If such actions occur, they may be considered triggering events that would result in us performing an interim impairment test of our goodwill and an impairment test of our intangible assets.


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Table of Contents

 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenues as the related professional services are provided. In connection with recording revenues, estimates and assumptions are required in determining the expected conversion of the revenues to cash. We may provide multiple services under the terms of an arrangement and are required to assess whether one or more units of accounting are present. Usually we account for the fees as one unit of accounting as we do not have fair value evidence for individual tasks or milestones. There are also client engagements where we are paid a fixed amount for our services. The recording of these fixed revenue amounts requires us to make an estimate of the total amount of work to be performed and revenues are then recognized as efforts are expended based on (i) objectively determinable output measures, (ii) input measures if output measures are not reliable, or (iii) the straight-line method over the term of the arrangement. From time to time, we also earn incremental revenues. These incremental revenue amounts are generally contingent on a specific event, and the incremental revenues are recognized when the contingencies are resolved. Any taxes assessed on revenues relating to services provided to our clients are recorded on a net basis.
 
Legal
 
We record legal expenses as incurred. Potential exposures related to unfavorable outcomes of legal matters are accrued for when they become probable and reasonably estimable.
 
Share-Based Payments
 
The cost resulting from all share-based compensation arrangements, such as our stock option and restricted stock plans, are recognized in the financial statements based on their grant date fair value.
 
Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity
 
In connection with certain acquisitions, we are contractually obligated to issue a fixed dollar amount of shares of our common stock. The number of shares to be issued is based on the trading price of our common stock at the time of issuance. We recorded such obligations as current and non-current liabilities based on the due dates of the obligations.
 
Income Taxes
 
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We record interest and penalties as a component of our income tax provision. Such amounts were not material during 2009, 2008 or 2007.
 
Treasury Stock
 
Treasury stock transactions are recorded at cost.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The balance sheets of our foreign subsidiaries are translated into United States dollars using the period-end exchange rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using the average exchange rates for each period. The resulting translation gains or losses are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated


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Table of Contents

 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
other comprehensive income. Gains and losses resulting from foreign exchange transactions are recorded in the consolidated statements of income. Such amounts were not significant during 2009, 2008 or 2007.
 
Interest Rate Derivatives
 
We maintain interest rate swaps that are designated as cash flow hedges to manage the market risk from changes in interest rates on a portion of our variable rate term loans. We recognize derivative instruments which are cash flow hedges as assets or liabilities at fair value, with the related gain or loss reflected within stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Such instruments are recorded at fair value, and at December 31, 2009, the net fair value approximated a liability of $3.9 million which was included in other current liabilities. Changes in fair value, as calculated are recorded in other comprehensive income (see Note 11 — Comprehensive Income) only to the extent of effectiveness. Any ineffectiveness on the instruments would be recognized in the consolidated statements of income. The differentials to be received or paid under the instruments are recognized in income over the life of the contract as adjustments to interest expense. During 2009, we recorded no gain or loss due to ineffectiveness and recorded $7.4 million in interest expense associated with differentials paid under the instrument. Based on the net fair value of our interest rate swaps at December 31, 2009, we expect to record expense of approximately $4.0 million related to these instruments in 2010.
 
Accounting for Acquisitions
 
In December 2007, guidance was issued which changes certain aspects for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase. The guidance also sets forth the disclosures required to be made in the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This guidance applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As such, our adoption on January 1, 2009 will impact all our acquisitions on or after that date.
 
Comprehensive Income
 
Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized net loss on the interest rate derivatives. It is presented in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity.
 
3.   ACQUISITIONS
 
2009 Acquisitions
 
On February 23, 2009, we acquired assets of Morse PLC’s Investment Management Consulting Business from Morse PLC located in the United Kingdom for $1.9 million in cash paid at closing. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $0.4 million in identifiable intangible assets and $1.6 million in goodwill, which included a deferred tax adjustment of $0.1 million. This acquisition consisted of 26 consulting professionals and has been included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
 
On December 31, 2009, we acquired the assets of Summit Blue Consulting, LLC for $13.0 million, which consisted of $11.0 million in cash paid at closing and two deferred cash payments of $1.0 million each, due on the first and second anniversaries of the closing. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $2.6 million in identifiable intangible assets and $10.4 million in goodwill. The purchase price paid in cash at closing was funded with cash from operations.
 
We acquired Summit Blue to expand and complement our energy practice with new service lines to our clients. Summit Blue specializes in resource planning, energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable


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Table of Contents

 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
energy consulting services for utilities, public agencies, and other clients. Summit Blue, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, had approximately 60 consultants at the time of acquisition and is included in our North American Business Consulting Services segment.
 
2008 Acquisitions
 
On May 1, 2008, we acquired the assets of Chicago Partners, LLC for $73.0 million, which consisted of $50.0 million in cash paid at closing and $23.0 million in our common stock (which was recorded at fair value for $21.0 million at closing). The common stock will be paid in four equal installments of $5.8 million, the first and second of which have been paid and the remaining two of which will be paid on each of the second and third year anniversaries of the closing. We acquired assets of $16.7 million, including $15.8 million in accounts receivable and assumed liabilities of $7.0 million. We paid $0.5 million in acquisition-related costs. We recorded $2.8 million of liabilities for obligations related to lease exit costs for office space assumed in the acquisition. The obligation recorded for real estate lease exit costs was based on foregone rent payments for the remainder of the lease term less assumed sublease income. As of December 31, 2009, we have secured a subtenant for a portion of the total office space assumed in the acquisition. As part of the original purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.3 million in identifiable intangible assets and $61.6 million in goodwill. The purchase price paid in cash at closing was funded under our credit facility.
 
Subsequent to the closing date, we may pay up to $27.0 million of additional purchase consideration based on the Chicago Partners’ business achieving certain post-closing performance targets during the periods from closing to December 31, 2008 and in calendar years 2009, 2010 and 2011. If earned, the additional purchase consideration would be payable 75% in cash and 25% in our common stock. The additional purchase price payments, if any, will be payable in March of the year following the year in which such performance targets are attained. Any additional purchase price consideration payments will be recorded as goodwill when the contingencies regarding attainment of performance targets are resolved. As of December 31, 2008, we recorded a liability for additional purchase price payments of approximately $3.0 million associated with additional purchase consideration earned during 2008. During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we made an additional purchase price payment of $2.3 million based on 2008 performance and accordingly adjusted the $3.0 million accrual for earnout payments recorded at December 31, 2008 to $2.3 million at March 31, 2009, which also impacted goodwill. For 2009, Chicago Partners did not attain the required performance targets and therefore did not earn any additional purchase price consideration. As a result, as of December 31, 2009, there were no adjustments to goodwill and purchase price obligations related to 2009 earnout considerations.
 
We acquired Chicago Partners to expand our product offerings to our clients. Chicago Partners provides economic and financial analyses of legal and business issues principally for law firms, corporations and government agencies. Chicago Partners had approximately 90 consultants at the time of acquisition. Chicago Partners is managed and resources are allocated based on its results and as such, operates under a fourth operating segment referred to as “Economic Consulting Services.”
 
On December 31, 2008, we acquired the assets of The Bard Group, LLC for $7.2 million, which consisted of $4.6 million in cash and $0.6 million of our common stock paid at closing and two deferred cash payments of $1.0 million each, due on the first and second anniversaries of closing. On December 31, 2009 we paid the first cash payment of $1.0 million. The common stock and deferred cash payments were recorded at fair value at closing for $0.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively. We acquired assets of $0.7 million and assumed liabilities of $0.7 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $1.6 million in identifiable intangible assets and $5.4 million in goodwill. Bard provided physician leadership and performance improvement services in the healthcare industry. We acquired Bard to enhance our healthcare practice in the area of providing integration strategy, service line development, and performance excellence. Bard was


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
comprised of 25 consulting professionals located in Boston, Massachusetts at the time of acquisition and was included in North American Business Consulting Services segment.
 
2007 Acquisitions
 
On January 5, 2007, we acquired Abros Enterprise Limited for $11.9 million, which consisted of $9.9 million in cash, $1.0 million of our common stock paid at closing, and notes payable totaling $1.0 million (payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date). We acquired assets of $3.3 million, including $1.8 million in cash, and assumed liabilities of $1.4 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.0 million in identifiable intangible assets and $8.1 million in goodwill, which included $1.2 million of deferred income taxes. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. As part of the purchase agreement, we acquired an office lease agreement which we terminated. We recorded $0.2 million to goodwill and accrued liabilities for the additional acquisition-related costs to exit the lease of the acquired business. In addition, we paid $0.4 million related to adjustments to the net asset value acquired from Abros. Abros offered strategic planning, financial analysis and implementation advice for public sector infrastructure projects. We acquired Abros to strengthen our presence in the United Kingdom public sector markets. Abros was comprised of 15 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition and was included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
 
On June 8, 2007, we acquired Bluepress Limited, a holding company which conducted business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Augmentis PLC, for $16.2 million, which consisted of $15.3 million in cash paid at closing and $0.8 million of our common stock paid in July 2007. We acquired assets of $3.1 million and assumed liabilities of $7.0 million. In June 2007, as part of the purchase agreement, we received $4.0 million in cash as an adjustment to the purchase price consideration related to the assumption of debt at the closing date, which was paid off shortly thereafter. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $6.8 million in identifiable intangible assets and $11.8 million in goodwill, which included $2.0 million of deferred income taxes. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million in acquisition-related costs. Augmentis provided program management consulting services to support public sector infrastructure projects. We acquired Augmentis to strengthen our presence in the United Kingdom public sector markets. Augmentis was comprised of 24 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition and was included in the International Consulting Operations segment.
 
On June 19, 2007, we acquired the assets of AMDC Corporation for $16.6 million, which consisted of $13.0 million in cash and $1.6 million of our common stock paid at closing, and $2.0 million paid in cash on the first anniversary of the closing date. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $4.9 million in identifiable intangible assets and $12.2 million in goodwill. We assumed certain liabilities aggregating $1.1 million including deferred revenue and acquisition costs related to exiting an office lease acquired as part of the acquisition. AMDC provided strategy and implementation consulting services in relation to the development of hospital and healthcare facilities. We acquired AMDC to strengthen our healthcare business and leverage our construction consulting capabilities. AMDC was included in the North American Business Consulting Services segment and included 23 consulting professionals at the time of acquisition.
 
On July 30, 2007, we acquired Troika (UK) Limited for $43.9 million, which consisted of $30.8 million in cash paid at closing, $3.3 million of our common stock paid in September 2007, and notes payable totaling $9.8 million (payable in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of the closing date). We acquired assets of $10.3 million, including $3.4 million in cash, and assumed liabilities of $5.9 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, we recorded $14.2 million in identifiable intangible assets and $30.7 million in goodwill, which included $4.0 million of deferred income taxes. We paid $1.0 million related to adjustments to the net asset value acquired from Troika. Additionally, we paid $0.4 million of acquisition-related costs. Troika provided consultancy services to the financial services and insurance industry covering


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
operations performance improvement; product and distribution strategies; organization, people and change; and IT effectiveness and transaction support. Troika was included in the International Consulting Operations segment and included 42 consulting professionals located in the United Kingdom at the time of acquisition.
 
We acquired other businesses during the year ended December 31, 2007 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $8.1 million. As part of the purchase price allocations for these acquisitions, we recorded $3.9 million in identifiable intangible assets and $4.9 million in goodwill, which included $1.5 million of deferred income taxes. These acquisitions included 25 consulting professionals, most of whom were located in Canada.
 
Accounting for Acquisitions
 
All of our business acquisitions described above have been accounted for by the purchase method of accounting for business combinations and, accordingly, the results of operations have been included in our consolidated financial statements since the dates of the acquisition. As discussed in Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies we changed our method of accounting for business combinations as of January 1, 2009.
 
Pro Forma Information
 
The following table summarizes certain supplemental unaudited pro forma financial information which was prepared as if the 2008 and 2009 acquisitions noted above had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. The unaudited pro forma financial information was prepared for comparative purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made at that time or of results which may occur in the future.
 
                 
    For the Year Ended December 31,
    2009   2008
 
Total revenues
  $ 722,250     $ 858,532  
Net income
  $ 22,443     $ 44,523  
Basic net income per share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.93  
Diluted net income per share
  $ 0.45     $ 0.90  
 
4.   SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
We manage our business in four segments — North American Dispute and Investigative Services, North American Business Consulting Services, International Consulting Operations, and Economic Consulting Services. The Economic Consulting Services segment was added in 2008 in connection with our acquisition of the Chicago Partners business on May 1, 2008 (see Note 3 — Acquisitions). These segments are generally defined by the nature of their services and by geography. The business is managed and resources are allocated on the basis of the four operating segments.
 
The North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment provides a wide range of services to clients facing the challenges of disputes, litigation, forensic investigation, discovery, and regulatory compliance. The clients of this segment are principally law firms, corporate general counsel, and corporate boards.
 
The North American Business Consulting Services segment provides strategic, operational, financial, regulatory and technical management consulting services to clients. Services are sold principally through vertical industry practices such as energy, healthcare, financial and insurance. The clients are principally “C” suite and corporate management, government entities, and law firms.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The International Consulting Operations segment provides a mix of dispute and business consulting services to clients predominately outside North America.
 
The Economic Consulting Services segment provides economic and financial analyses of complex legal and business issues principally for law firms, corporations and government agencies. Expertise includes areas such as antitrust, corporate finance and governance, bankruptcy, intellectual property, investment banking, labor market discrimination and compensation, corporate valuation, and securities litigation.
 
We have identified the above four operating segments as reportable segments.
 
Information on the segment operations have been summarized as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Revenue before reimbursements:
                       
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 261,892     $ 306,850     $ 298,699  
North American Business Consulting Services
    263,263       314,677       327,511  
International Consulting Operations
    60,107       69,793       55,028  
Economic Consulting Services
    51,486       35,742        
                         
Total revenue before reimbursements
  $ 636,748     $ 727,062     $ 681,238  
                         
Total revenues:
                       
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 287,387     $ 338,230     $ 324,734  
North American Business Consulting Services
    291,607       355,991       379,152  
International Consulting Operations
    72,820       79,526       63,172  
Economic Consulting Services
    55,425       36,893        
                         
Total revenues
  $ 707,239     $ 810,640     $ 767,058  
                         
Segment operating profit:
                       
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 103,645     $ 131,440     $ 126,529  
North American Business Consulting Services
    94,950       127,065       123,764  
International Consulting Operations
    14,463       23,251       22,160  
Economic Consulting Services
    18,173       14,121        
                         
Total combined segment operating profit
    231,231       295,877       272,453  
                         
Segment reconciliation to income before income tax expense:
                       
Unallocated:
                       
General and administrative expenses
    129,048       155,378       141,430  
Depreciation expense
    17,600       17,302       16,179  
Amortization expense
    13,014       16,386       17,494  
Long term compensation expense related to consulting personnel (including share based compensation)
    11,028       12,850       12,247  
Other operating expenses
    8,810       5,207       11,837  
                         
Operating Income
    51,731       88,754       73,266  
Other expense, net
    13,683       18,902       14,728  
                         
Total unallocated expenses, net
    193,183       226,025       213,915  
                         
Income before income tax expense
  $ 38,048     $ 69,852     $ 58,538  
                         


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Long term compensation expense related to consulting personnel includes share based compensation expense and compensation expense attributed to forgivable loans (see Note 9 — Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet Information).
 
We recorded other operating costs of $8.8 million, $5.2 million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which were not allocated to segment operating costs (see Note 13 — Other Operating Costs for a description of such costs).
 
The information presented does not necessarily reflect the results of segment operations that would have occurred had the segments been stand-alone businesses. Certain unallocated expense amounts, related to specific reporting segments, have been excluded from the segment operating profit to be consistent with the information used by management to evaluate segment performance. We record accounts receivable, and goodwill and intangible assets, net on a segment basis. Other balance sheet amounts are not maintained on a segment basis.
 
Total assets by segment were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
North American Dispute and Investigative Services
  $ 294,439     $ 287,225  
North American Business Consulting Services
    232,892       236,419  
International Consulting Operations
    73,197       73,897  
Economic Consulting Services
    78,533       74,089  
Unallocated assets
    141,184       120,763  
                 
Total assets
  $ 820,245     $ 792,393  
                 
 
Geographic data
 
Total revenue and assets by geographic region were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Total revenue:
                       
United States
  $ 592,663     $ 676,610     $ 658,325  
United Kingdom
    80,021       93,567       79,831  
All other
    34,555       40,463       28,902  
                         
Total
  $ 707,239     $ 810,640     $ 767,058  
                         
 
                 
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2009     2008  
 
Total assets:
               
United States
  $ 658,398     $ 639,048  
United Kingdom
    119,996       110,966  
All other
    41,851       42,379  
                 
Total
  $ 820,245     $ 792,393  
                 


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
5.   GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET
 
As of December 31, goodwill and other intangible assets consisted of (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Goodwill
  $ 490,526     $ 468,483  
Less — accumulated amortization
    (5,425 )     (5,425 )
                 
Goodwill, net
    485,101       463,058  
Intangible assets:
               
Customer lists and relationships
    63,697       58,834  
Non-compete agreements
    19,701       18,878  
Other
    19,589       17,470  
                 
Intangible assets, at cost
    102,987       95,182  
Less: accumulated amortization
    (72,635 )     (57,074 )
                 
Intangible assets, net
    30,352       38,108  
                 
Goodwill and intangible assets, net
  $ 515,453     $ 501,166  
                 
 
We are required to perform an annual goodwill impairment test and more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Our annual test is completed in the second quarter of each year. During the second quarter of 2009, we completed an annual impairment test of our goodwill balances as of May 31, 2009. There was no indication of impairment based on our analysis.
 
During our annual test of goodwill, we considered that each of the four reporting units has significant goodwill and intangible assets and that the excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value for all reporting units decreased relative to the prior year test. As of the date of our May 31, 2009 analysis, the excess of estimated fair value over net asset carrying value of the North American Business Consulting Services reporting unit and the North American Dispute and Investigative Services reporting unit was approximately 40% and 25% of the estimated fair value, respectively. The excess of estimated fair value over the net asset carrying value of the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units were both approximately 20% of the estimated fair value and given the smaller size of these reporting units the relative dollars of the excess are substantially smaller than for the other two reporting units. Further, the estimated fair value of the International Consulting Operations and Economic Consulting Services reporting units may be more volatile due to the reporting units’ smaller size and higher expected earnings growth rates. Also, given the International Consulting Operations reporting unit’s international market, its fair market value may be more volatile. Additionally, the Economic Consulting Services reporting unit was recently acquired as one acquisition and its fair market value is dependent on the success of such acquisition. The key assumptions used in our May 31, 2009 analysis include profit margin improvement to be generally consistent with our historical performance, revenue growth rates slightly ahead of the industry in the near term and discount rates determined based on market comparables for our peer group. Our fair market value estimates were made as of the date of our analysis and are subject to change.
 
We are required to consider whether or not the fair value of each of the reporting units could have fallen below its carrying value. We consider elements and other factors including, but not limited to, changes in the business climate in which we operate, attrition of key personnel, unanticipated competition, our market capitalization in excess of our book value, our recent operating performance, and our financial projections. As a result of this review we are required to determine whether such an event or condition existed that would require us to perform an interim goodwill impairment test prior to our next annual test date. We continue to monitor these factors and we may perform additional impairment tests as appropriate in future periods.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
We review our intangible asset values on a periodic basis. We had $30.4 million in intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2009. Of the $30.4 million balance, $22.6 million related to customer lists and relationships, $3.4 million related to non-compete agreements and $4.4 million related to other intangible assets. As of December 31, 2009, the weighted average remaining life for customer lists and relationships, non-compete agreements and other intangible assets was 4.3 years, 2.2 years and 3.6 years, respectively. We have reviewed the estimated period of consumption for our intangible assets. As of December 31, 2009, there was no indication of impairment related to our intangible assets. Our intangible assets have estimated useful lives which range up to nine years. We will amortize the remaining net book values of intangible assets over their remaining useful lives.
 
On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our strategic position in several markets. As we review our portfolio of services, we may exit certain markets or reposition certain service offerings within our business. This evaluation may result in us redefining our operating segments and may impact a significant portion of one or more of our reporting units. If such actions occur, they may be considered triggering events that would result in us performing an interim impairment test of our goodwill and an impairment test of our intangible assets.
 
On January 1, 2009, we adopted a new accounting standard which emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Various valuation techniques are outlined in the standard, such as the market approach (comparable market prices), the income approach (present value of future income or cash flow), and the cost approach (cost to replace the service capacity of an asset or replacement cost). The adoption of this new accounting standard did not have a material impact on our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009.
 
We use various methods to determine fair value, including market, income, and cost approaches. With these approaches, we adopt certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. Inputs to valuation can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or unobservable. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
 
The fair value measurements used for our goodwill impairment testing use significant unobservable inputs which reflect our own assumptions about the inputs that market participants would use in measuring fair value including risk considerations.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The changes in carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets (shown in thousands) are as follows:
 
                 
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
Balance as of the beginning of the period — Goodwill, net
  $ 463,058     $ 430,768  
Goodwill acquired during the period
    12,061       69,801  
Adjustments to goodwill
          (6,905 )
Foreign currency translation — goodwill, net
    9,982       (30,606 )
                 
Balance as of the end of the period — Goodwill, net
  $ 485,101     $ 463,058  
                 
Balance as of the beginning of the period — Intangible assets, net
  $ 38,108     $ 57,755  
Intangible assets acquired during the period
    2,861       5,894  
Adjustments to intangible assets
    (270 )      
Foreign currency translation — intangible assets, net
    2,667       (9,155 )
Less — amortization expense
    (13,014 )     (16,386 )
                 
Balance as of the end of the period — Intangible assets, net
  $ 30,352     $ 38,108  
                 
 
For the businesses acquired during the year ended December 31, 2009, we have allocated the purchase prices, including amounts assigned to goodwill and intangible assets, and made estimates of their related useful lives. The amounts assigned to intangible assets for the businesses acquired include non-compete agreements, client lists and relationships, backlog revenue, and trade names.
 
During the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we recorded a reduction to goodwill and a related reduction to paid-in-capital of $6.8 million to reflect a discount for lack of marketability on common stock with transfer restrictions issued in connection with acquisition purchase agreements. The fair value of the discount for lack of marketability was determined using a protective put approach that considered entity-specific assumptions, including the duration of the transfer restriction periods for the share issuances and applicable volatility of our common stock for those periods. In addition, we recorded a reduction to goodwill and a related reduction to deferred income taxes of $0.5 million to reflect the tax impact of such adjustments. Also, we recorded $0.4 million of goodwill related to purchase price adjustments related to certain 2007 acquisitions.
 
As of December 31, 2009, goodwill and intangible assets, net of amortization, was $219.3 million for our North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment, $179.8 million for our North American Business Consulting Services segment, $58.0 million for our International Consulting Operations segment and $58.4 million for our Economics Consulting Operations segment. As of December 31, 2008, goodwill and intangible assets, net of amortization, was $214.4 million for our North American Dispute and Investigative Services segment, $171.4 million for our North American Business Consulting Services segment, $55.9 million for our International Consulting Operations segment and $59.5 million for our Economics Consulting Operations segment.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Total amortization expense for 2009 was $13.0 million, compared with $16.4 million and $17.5 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively. Below is the estimated annual aggregate amortization expense to be recorded in future years related to intangible assets at December 31, 2009 (shown in thousands):
 
         
Year Ending December 31,
  Amount  
 
2010
  $ 10,066  
2011
    7,601  
2012
    5,178  
2013
    4,060  
2014
    2,537  
Thereafter
    910  
         
Total
  $ 30,352  
         
 
6.   NET INCOME PER SHARE (EPS)
 
Basic net income per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the number of basic shares. Basic shares are the total of the common stock outstanding and the equivalent shares from obligations presumed payable in common stock, both weighted for the average days outstanding for the period. Basic shares exclude the dilutive effect of common stock that could potentially be issued due to the exercise of stock options, vesting of restricted shares, or satisfaction of necessary conditions for contingently issuable shares. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the number of diluted shares, which are the total of the basic shares outstanding and all potentially issuable shares, based on the weighted average days outstanding for the period.
 
The components of basic and diluted shares (shown in thousands and based on the weighted average days outstanding for the periods) are as follows:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Common shares outstanding
    48,173       46,522       49,236  
Business combination obligations payable in a fixed number of shares
    11       79       275  
                         
Basic shares
    48,184       46,601       49,511  
Employee stock options
    350       446       577  
Restricted shares and stock units
    194       375       439  
Business combination obligations payable in a fixed dollar amount of shares
    1,029       846       132  
Contingently issuable shares
    38       17       98  
                         
Diluted shares
    49,795       48,285       50,757  
                         
 
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we had outstanding stock options of approximately 333,000, 394,000 and 402,000, respectively, which were excluded from the computation of diluted shares. These were excluded from the diluted share computation because they had exercise prices greater than the average market price and the impact of including these options in the diluted share calculation would have been antidilutive.
 
In connection with certain business acquisitions, we are obligated to issue a certain number of shares of our common stock. Obligations to issue a fixed number of shares are included in the basic earnings per share


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
calculation. Obligations to issue a fixed dollar amount of shares where the number of shares is based on the trading price of our shares at the time of issuance are included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.
 
We use the treasury stock method to calculate the dilutive effect of our common stock equivalents should they vest. The exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted shares and restricted stock unit shares triggers excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies that reduce or increase the dilutive effect of such shares being issued. The excess tax benefits or deficiencies are based on the difference between the market price of our common stock on the date the equity award is exercised or vested and the cumulative compensation cost of the stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units. These excess tax benefits are recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and, as a component of financing cash flows in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
7.   STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
For the year ended December 31, 2009
 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 596,000 shares of our common stock in connection with deferred purchase price obligations relating to prior year acquisitions.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2008
 
As part of the acquisitions consummated during 2008, we issued 384,000 shares of our common stock valued at $6.2 million, in aggregate. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we issued 174,000 shares of our common stock in connection with deferred purchase price obligations relating to prior year acquisitions.
 
For the year ended December 31, 2007
 
In June 2007, we completed our modified “Dutch Auction” tender offer and purchased 10.6 million shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $20.50 per share. Additionally, we recorded management and agent fees related to the tender offer as part of the costs of the purchase of our common stock. We account for treasury stock transactions using the cost method.
 
As part of the annual bonus incentive compensation for 2006, we granted approximately 310,000 shares of restricted stock, in lieu of cash bonus, to our employees during the first quarter 2007. These shares, which had an aggregate value of $5.7 million based on the market value of our common stock price at the grant date, vested six months from the grant date.
 
As part of the acquisitions consummated during 2007, we issued 500,000 shares of our common stock valued at $7.8 million, in aggregate. During the year ended December 31, 2007, we issued 330,000 shares of our common stock in connection with deferred purchase price obligations relating to prior year acquisitions.
 
Stockholder Rights Plan
 
On December 15, 2009, the stockholder rights plan adopted by our board of directors on December 15, 1999 expired and we did not extend or adopt a new rights plan.
 
Other Information
 
We did not have any preferred stock transactions during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 or 2007.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
8.   SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE
 
Summary
 
On June 30, 1996, we adopted a long-term incentive plan that provides for common stock, common stock-based and other performance incentives to our employees, consultants, directors, advisors and independent contractors. On May 4, 2005, our shareholders approved, at the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders, an additional long-term incentive plan. The long-term incentive plan adopted in 2005 provided for an additional 5.25 million shares of our common stock available to be issued under the plan. In November 2001, we adopted a supplemental equity incentive plan to retain and recruit certain middle and senior-level employees and to optimize shareholder value. Our supplemental equity incentive plan only provides for the grant of nonqualified stock options. The supplemental equity incentive plan did not require shareholder approval; therefore, it was not voted on or approved by our stockholders.
 
The purposes of the plans are to (1) align the interests of our shareholders and recipients of awards under the plan, (2) attract and retain officers, other employees, non-employee directors, consultants, independent contractors and agents, and (3) motivate such persons to act in the long-term best interests of our shareholders. The incentives offered by us under the plans are an important component of the compensation for the recipients.
 
Share-based Compensation Plans
 
The share-based compensation plans use restricted stock, stock options, and an employee stock purchase plan to provide incentives to our employees.
 
Restricted Stock Outstanding
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had 1.4 million restricted stock and equivalent units outstanding at a weighted average measurement price of $17.25 per share. The measurement price is the market price of our common stock at the date of grant of the restricted stock awards and equivalent units. The restricted stock and equivalent units were granted out of our long-term incentive plan.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we issued 2.0 million shares of restricted stock related to annual bonus incentive compensation, performance incentive initiatives, and recruiting efforts. During the first quarter 2007, as part of the annual bonus incentive compensation, we granted approximately 310,000 shares of restricted stock, in lieu of cash bonus, to our employees. We also granted approximately 110,000 shares of restricted stock to our employees as a match for the annual bonus received in shares of restricted stock in lieu of cash. These shares vested in three equal installments over 18 months from the grant dates.
 
On March 13, 2007 and April 30, 2007, we issued a total of 1.2 million shares of restricted stock, with an aggregate market value of $22.6 million based on the market value of our common stock price at the grant date, to key senior consultants and senior management as part of a key leader incentive program. The restricted stock awards will vest seven years from the grant date, with the opportunity for accelerated vesting over five years based upon the achievement of certain targets related to our consolidated operating performance. The compensation associated with these awards is being recognized over the probable period in which the restricted stock awards will vest. We review the likelihood of required performance achievements on a periodic basis and adjust compensation expense on a prospective basis to reflect any changes in estimates to properly reflect compensation expense over the remaining balance of the service or performance period. During the fourth quarter of 2008, based on operating performance, we changed our estimate and lengthened the amount of time expected for performance achievement of 20% of the awards outstanding. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved a 20% accelerated vest to occur in March 2009. As such, compensation expense was adjusted prospectively to reflect these changes. For the 2009 performance period, which began in January of 2009, we are recognizing share-based


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
compensation expense for another 20% of the outstanding award over the remaining five year period of the seven year service period. Compensation expense for the remaining 40% restricted stock awards outstanding will commence once the explicit performance period begins or the intrinsic service period starts. As of December 31, 2009, approximately 0.7 million of these restricted stock awards remain outstanding and 0.2 million shares have vested.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2009, our compensation committee of the board of directors approved a new long-term incentive performance program. The program provides for grants of restricted stock awards and/or cash, based on individual employee elections, to key senior practitioners and senior management, excluding named executive officers, for achievement of certain targets related to our consolidated operating performance. These awards, if any, will be based on our annual operating performance and will be granted in March of the following year. Any awards made pursuant to this program will have a three year cliff vesting schedule from the grant date. Compensation expense related to this program for the year ended December 31, 2009 was not material.
 
Except for the awards issued in connection with the key leader incentive program, the remaining awards outstanding at December 31, 2009 vest over four years, generally in 25 percent annual installments from the grant date.
 
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity:
 
                                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
          Weighted
          Weighted
          Weighted
 
    Number
    Average
    Number
    Average
    Number
    Average
 
    of Shares
    Measurement
    of Shares
    Measurement
    of Shares
    Measurement
 
    (000s)     Date Price     (000s)     Date Price     (000s)     Date Price  
 
Restricted stock and equivalents outstanding at beginning of year
    1,678     $ 19.00       2,264     $ 19.45       1,963     $ 19.07  
Granted
    327       12.68       172       17.72       1,986       18.71  
Vested
    (511 )     20.19       (479 )     20.02       (1,054 )     17.50  
Forfeited
    (138 )     19.13       (279 )     19.43       (631 )     19.20  
                                                 
Restricted stock and equivalents outstanding at end of year
    1,356     $ 17.25       1,678     $ 19.00       2,264     $ 19.45  
                                                 
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had $14.9 million of total compensation costs related to the outstanding or unvested restricted stock that have not been recognized as share-based compensation expense. The compensation costs will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting periods. The weighted-average remaining vesting period is approximately three years.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes information regarding restricted stock outstanding:
 
                                 
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
          Weighted
          Weighted
 
    Outstanding
    Average
    Outstanding
    Average
 
    Shares
    Measurement
    Shares
    Measurement
 
Range of Measurement Date Prices
  (000s)     Date Price     (000s)     Date Price  
 
$0.00 — $17.99
    416     $ 13.37       135     $ 16.05  
$18.00 — $18.99
    560       18.56       820       18.56  
$19.00 — $20.99
    374       19.52       641       19.56  
$21.00 — $24.99
    6       21.36       45       22.26  
$25.00 and above
                37       25.97  
                                 
Total
    1,356     $ 17.25       1,678     $ 19.00  
                                 
 
The median measurement price of outstanding restricted shares as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $19.76 and $19.57, respectively.
 
Stock Options Outstanding
 
As of December 31, 2009, we had 1.4 million stock options outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $9.33 per share. As of December 31, 2009, 1.1 million stock options were exercisable at a weighted average exercise price of $8.08 per share. As of December 31, 2009, the intrinsic value of the stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable was $9.5 million and $8.7 million, respectively, based on a market price of $14.86 for our common stock at December 31, 2009.
 
The following table summarizes stock options:
 
                                                 
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
          Weighted
          Weighted
          Weighted
 
    Number
    Average
    Number
    Average
    Number
    Average
 
    of Shares
    Exercise
    of Shares
    Exercise
    of Shares
    Exercise
 
    (000s)     Price     (000s)     Price     (000s)     Price  
 
Options outstanding at beginning of year
    1,329     $ 9.24       1,679     $ 10.10       1,917     $ 9.13  
Granted
    267       12.07       10       16.68       109       18.86  
Exercised
    (111 )     4.55       (221 )     5.33       (310 )     6.02  
Forfeited or exchanged
    (75 )     24.40       (139 )     26.39       (37 )     21.32  
                                                 
Options outstanding at end of year
    1,410     $ 9.33       1,329     $ 9.24       1,679     $ 10.10  
                                                 
Options exercisable at end of year
    1,079     $ 8.08       1,212     $ 8.23       1,492     $ 8.87  
                                                 


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table summarizes information regarding stock options outstanding:
 
                                                 
    December 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
          Weighted
    Remaining
          Weighted
    Remaining
 
    Outstanding
    Average
    Exercise
    Outstanding
    Average
    Exercise
 
    Shares
    Exercise
    Period
    Shares
    Exercise
    Period
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  (000s)     Price     (Years)     (000s)     Price     (Years)  
 
$0.00 to $3.74
    161     $ 3.68       1.6       183     $ 3.68       2.6  
$3.75 to $4.99
    401       3.93       0.7       482       3.94       1.7  
$5.00 to $9.99
    288       6.08       2.6       292       6.09       3.7  
$10.00 to $19.99
    472       15.03       4.3       217       18.53       4.0  
$20.00 and above
    88       24.30       1.6       155       25.22       1.8  
                                                 
Total
    1,410     $ 9.33       2.5       1,329     $ 9.24       2.6  
                                                 
 
The following table summarizes information regarding stock options exercisable as of December 31, 2009:
 
                         
          Weighted
    Remaining
 
    Outstanding
    Average
    Exercise
 
    Shares
    Exercise
    Period
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  (000s)     Price     (Years)  
 
$0.00 to $3.74
    161     $ 3.68       1.6  
$3.75 to $4.99
    401       3.93       0.7  
$5.00 to $9.99
    288       6.08       2.6  
$10.00 to $19.99
    141       18.84       3.1  
$20.00 and above
    88       24.30       1.6  
                         
Total
    1,079     $ 8.08       1.7  
                         
 
The following table summarizes the information regarding stock options outstanding by each plan as of December 31, 2009:
 
                         
                Shares
 
                Remaining
 
          Weighted
    Available
 
    Outstanding
    Average
    for Future
 
    Shares
    Exercise
    Issuances
 
Plan Category
  (000s)     Price     (000s)  
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan
    1,323     $ 9.07       3,185  
Supplemental Equity Incentive Plan
    87       13.34       224  
                         
Total
    1,410     $ 9.33       3,409  
                         
 
Shares issued from our long-term incentive plan are new shares, and shares issued from our supplemental equity incentive plan are issued from treasury.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Stock Options Grants
 
The fair value of each option grant is estimated as of the grant date using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The weighted average fair value of options granted and the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model were as follows:
 
                         
    2009   2008   2007
 
Fair value of options granted
  $ 5.97     $ 8.69     $ 10.00  
Expected volatility
    60 %     60 %     61 %
Risk free interest rate
    2.1 %     2.9 %     4.7 %
Forfeiture rate
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Dividend yield
    0 %     0 %     0 %
Contractual or expected lives (years)
    4.5       4.5       4.5  
 
We estimated a zero forfeiture rate for these stock option grants as the awards have short vesting terms or have a low probability of forfeiture based on recipient.
 
Share-based Compensation Expense
 
Share-based compensation expense is recorded for restricted stock awards and certain stock options on a straight-line basis over the vesting term based on the fair value at grant date. The agreements for certain restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2009 contain provisions that allow for an acceleration of vesting if we achieve a certain level of financial performance. Accordingly, we may accelerate the unamortized compensation expense related to those awards and, therefore, we may experience variations in share-based compensation expense from period to period.
 
Total share-based compensation expense consisted of the following (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,
    2009   2008   2007
 
Amortization of restricted stock awards
  $ 6,378     $ 10,372     $ 13,244  
Amortization of stock option awards
    734       697       860  
Fair value adjustment for variable stock option accounting awards
    (16 )     62       (130 )
Discount given on employee stock purchase transactions through our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    382       950       1,011  
Other share-based compensation expense
          (242 )     425  
                         
Total share-based compensation expense
  $ 7,478     $ 11,839     $ 15,410  
                         
 
We estimate the number of restricted stock awards granted that would not vest due to employee forfeiture and accordingly record a reduction of compensation expense for these awards over the amortization period. We review our estimates of allowance for forfeiture on a periodic basis. During the fourth quarter 2007, we changed our estimate of expected forfeiture from 5 percent to 8 percent and accordingly recorded a cumulative credit adjustment of $1.2 million to share-based compensation expense. The forfeiture rate did not change materially in 2008 or 2009.
 
Share-based compensation expense attributable to consultants was included in cost of services before reimbursable expenses. Share-based compensation expense attributable to corporate management and support personnel was included in general and administrative expenses.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The following table shows the amounts attributable to each category:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Cost of services
  $ 5,083     $ 9,087     $ 12,247  
General and administrative expenses
    2,395       2,752       3,163  
                         
Total share-based compensation expense
  $ 7,478     $ 11,839     $ 15,410  
                         
 
Income tax benefits recorded in the accompanying statements of income related to share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 was $3.2 million, $5.0 million, and $6.6 million, respectively, using our effective income tax rate of 43 percent.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we received $3.2 million, $6.6 million, and $8.3 million of cash from employee stock option exercises and employee stock purchases. Additionally, during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we generated excess tax benefits of $0.1 million, $1.1 million, and $2.4 million, respectively, related to employee stock option exercises transactions.
 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
During 1996, we implemented an employee stock purchase plan, which was subsequently replaced at our annual stockholders meeting on May 3, 2006. At that meeting, our stockholders approved a new employee stock purchase plan that became effective on January 1, 2007. The employee stock purchase plan permits employees to purchase shares of our common stock each quarter at 85 percent of the market value. Effective April 1, 2009, we changed the purchase price of our common stock under the plan to be 90 percent of the market value. The market value of shares purchased for this purpose is determined to be the closing market price on the last day of each calendar quarter. The plan is considered compensatory and, as such, the purchase discount from market price purchased by employees is recorded as compensation expense. During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we recorded $0.4 million, $1.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, related to the discount given on employee stock purchases through our employee stock purchase plan. During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we issued 223,000, 340,000 and 410,000 shares, respectively, of our common stock related to this plan.
 
The maximum number of shares of our common stock remaining as of December 31, 2009 that can be issued under the employee stock purchase plan is 1.5 million shares, subject to certain adjustments. The employee stock purchase plan will expire on the date that all of the shares available under it are issued to employees.
 
9.   SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
 
Accounts Receivable
 
The components of accounts receivable as of December 31 were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Billed amounts
  $ 138,114     $ 142,503  
Engagements in process
    45,291       49,319  
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
    (19,797 )     (21,358 )
                 
    $ 163,608     $ 170,464  
                 
 
Receivables attributable to engagements in process represent balances for services that have been performed and earned but have not been billed to the client. Billings are generally done on a monthly basis for


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the prior month’s services. Our allowance for doubtful accounts receivable is based on historical experience and management judgment and may change based on market conditions or specific client circumstances.
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
The components of prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31 were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Notes receivable — current
  $ 4,845     $ 4,595  
Income taxes receivable
    3,174        
Other prepaid expenses and other current assets
    8,355       8,860  
                 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  $ 16,374     $ 13,455  
                 
 
Other assets
 
The components of other assets as of December 31 were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Notes receivable — non-current
  $ 10,131     $ 13,905  
Prepaid expenses and other non-current assets
    3,508       3,624  
                 
Other assets
  $ 13,639     $ 17,529  
                 
 
Notes receivable represent unsecured forgivable loans with terms of four to five years with an original principal amount aggregating $22.8 million to certain senior consultants. Beginning in 2007, the loans were issued to retain and motivate highly-skilled professionals. The principal amount and accrued interest is expected to be forgiven by us over the term of the loans, so long as the professionals continue employment and comply with certain contractual requirements. Certain events such as death or disability, termination by us for cause or voluntarily by the employee will result in earlier repayment of any unforgiven loan amounts. The expense associated with the forgiveness of the principal amount of the loan is recorded as compensation expense over the service period, which is consistent with the term of the loans. The accrued interest is calculated based on the loan’s effective interest rate (approximately 5.3% per year) and is recorded as interest income. The forgiveness of such accrued interest is recorded as compensation expense, which aggregated $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2009, $3.2 million, in aggregate, of the principal amount of the loans were forgiven as the services and contractual requirements had been performed up to the due dates of the principal amounts payable.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment as of December 31 consisted of (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  $ 54,169     $ 49,668  
Software
    27,308       24,056  
Leasehold improvements
    39,587       40,159  
                 
Property and equipment, at cost
    121,064       113,883  
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (78,089 )     (68,732 )
                 
Property and equipment, net
  $ 42,975     $ 45,151  
                 


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, we recorded depreciation expense of $17.6 million, $17.3 million and $16.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, we had a $5.0 million construction in progress balance within our property and equipment accounts which was primarily related to internally used software. Depreciation for items in the construction in progress balance will commence when assets are ready for use.
 
Other Current Liabilities
 
The components of other current liabilities as of December 31 were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Deferred business acquisition obligations
  $ 7,588     $ 10,899  
Deferred revenue
    13,039       13,685  
Deferred rent
    1,401       2,470  
Commitments on abandoned real estate (see Note 13)
    4,141       1,112  
Interest rate swap liability (see Note 11)
    4,116        
Other liabilities
    4,156       3,301  
                 
    $ 34,441     $ 31,467  
                 
 
The deferred business acquisition obligations of $7.6 million at December 31, 2009 consisted of cash obligations and fixed monetary obligations payable in shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2009, we were obligated to issue shares of common stock amounting to $5.6 million. The number of shares to be issued is based on the trading price of our common stock for a period of time prior to the issuance dates. The deferred business acquisition obligations of $10.9 million at December 31, 2008 consisted of cash obligations and fixed monetary obligations payable in shares of our common stock. The liability for deferred business acquisition obligations has been discounted to net present value.
 
The current portion of deferred rent relates to rent allowances and incentives on lease arrangements for our office facilities that expire at various dates through 2017. The expected sublease income is subject to market conditions and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary.
 
Deferred revenue represents advance billings to our clients, for services that have not been performed and earned.
 
Other Non-Current Liabilities
 
The components of other non-current liabilities as of December 31 were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Deferred business acquisition obligations
  $ 6,311     $ 11,277  
Deferred rent — long-term
    9,740       9,995  
Commitments on abandoned real estate (see Note 13)
    4,660       2,884  
Interest rate swap liability (asset) (see Note 11)
    (168 )     9,585  
Other non-current liabilities
    3,380       3,595  
                 
    $ 23,923     $ 37,336  
                 
 
The deferred business acquisition obligations of $6.3 million and $11.3 million at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, consisted of cash obligations and fixed monetary obligations payable in shares of our common stock. As of December 31, 2009, we were obligated to issue shares of common stock amounting to $5.3 million. The number of shares to be issued is based on the trading price of our common


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
stock for a period of time prior to the issuance dates. The liability for deferred business acquisition obligations has been discounted to net present value.
 
The long-term portion of deferred rent is primarily rent allowances and incentives related to leasehold improvements on lease arrangements for our office facilities that expire at various dates through 2020.
 
Notes Payable — Current and Non-Current
 
Current notes payable as of December 31 were as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    2009     2008  
 
Note related to the Abros acquisition
  $   —     $ 362  
Note related to the Troika acquisition
          3,811  
                 
Total current notes payable
  $     $ 4,173  
                 
 
10.   SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
2009 Non-Cash Transactions
 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, as part of the purchase price agreements for acquired businesses during the year, we entered into commitments totaling $2.0 million of deferred cash payments. In addition, as part of the purchase price agreements for acquired businesses during the previous years, we issued $7.0 million of our common stock, which were recorded in current liabilities.
 
2008 Non-Cash Transactions
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008, as part of the purchase price agreements for acquired businesses during the year, we entered into commitments totaling $1.9 million of deferred cash payments and $21.0 million of deferred stock issuances. We also entered into software license commitments for $2.5 million related to a future enterprise resource planning system.
 
2007 Non-Cash Transactions
 
During the year ended December 31, 2007, as part of the purchase price agreements for acquired businesses during the year, we entered into commitments totaling $3.1 million of deferred cash payments, $1.0 million of deferred stock issuances and $10.8 million of notes payable.
 
Other Information
 
Total interest paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $13.9 million, $19.7 million and $14.0 million, respectively. Total income taxes paid during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $11.3 million, $32.9 million, and $27.3 million, respectively.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
11.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
Comprehensive income, which consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gain or loss on our interest rate swap agreement, was as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Net income
  $ 21,947     $ 40,057     $ 33,396  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    13,088       (33,321 )     6,391  
Unrealized net gain (loss) on interest rate derivative, net of income taxes
    3,079       (1,968 )     (3,467 )
                         
Comprehensive income
  $ 38,114     $ 4,768     $ 36,320  
                         
 
On July 2, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a bank for a notional value of $165.0 million through June 30, 2010. This agreement effectively fixed our LIBOR base rate for $165.0 million of our indebtedness at a rate of 5.30% during this period. In December 2009, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements of equal amounts with four different banks for an aggregate notional value of $60.0 million. These agreements effectively fix $60.0 million of our LIBOR base rate of our indebtedness at an average rate of 1.83% beginning July 1, 2010. These agreements mature concurrent with the maturity of our credit facility in May 2012.
 
We expect the interest rate derivatives to be highly effective against changes in cash flows related to changes in interest rates and have recorded the derivative as a hedge. As a result, gains or losses related to fluctuations in fair value of the interest rate derivative are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into interest expense as the variable interest expense on our indebtedness is recorded. There was no ineffectiveness related to our hedges for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.
 
As of December 31, 2009, we have a $3.9 million net liability related to the interest rate derivatives. During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded a $3.1 million unrealized gain related to our derivatives, which is net of income taxes of $2.6 million, to accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2009, accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of foreign currency translation loss of $10.7 million and unrealized net loss on interest rate derivatives of $2.3 million. As of December 31, 2008, accumulated comprehensive income is comprised of foreign currency translation loss of $23.8 million and unrealized net loss on interest rate derivative of $5.4 million.
 
12.   CURRENT AND LONG TERM BANK DEBT
 
As of December 31, 2009, we maintained a bank borrowing credit agreement consisting of a $275.0 million revolving line of credit which, subject to certain bank approvals, includes an option to increase to $375.0 million and a $225.0 million unsecured term loan facility. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility are payable in May 2012. Our credit agreement provides for borrowings in multiple currencies including US Dollars, Canadian Dollars, UK Pound Sterling and Euro. As of December 31, 2009, we had aggregate borrowings of $219.4 million, compared to $232.5 million as of December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2009, all of our borrowings were under the term loan facility of our credit agreement. Based on our financial covenant restrictions under our credit facility as of December 31, 2009, a maximum of approximately $70.0 million would be available in additional borrowings on our line of credit. In January 2010, we used a portion of our cash to prepay $40.0 million of our term loan facility under our credit facility which will reduce future required quarterly payments on a pro rata basis. If this prepayment had happened on December 31, 2009 our availability to borrow on our line of credit would have been approximately $110 million.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
At our option borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the term loan facility bear interest, in general, based on a variable rate equal to an applicable base rate or LIBOR, in each case plus an applicable margin. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary depending upon our consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of total funded debt to adjusted EBITDA) and whether the loan is made under the term loan facility or revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2009, the applicable margins on LIBOR loans under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were 1.25% and 1.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2009, the applicable margins for base rate loans under the term loan facility and revolving credit facility were 0.25% and zero, respectively. For LIBOR loans, the applicable margin will vary between 0.50% to 1.75% depending upon our performance and financial condition. Our average borrowing rate under our credit agreement (including the impact of our interest rate swap agreement — see Note 11 — Comprehensive Income) was 5.6% and 6.5% for 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
Our credit agreement also includes certain financial covenants, including covenants that require that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not greater than 3.25:1 and a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (the ratio of the sum of adjusted EBITDA and rental expense to the sum of cash interest expense and rental expense) of not less than 2.0:1. At December 31, 2009, under the definitions in the credit agreement, our consolidated leverage ratio was 2.5 and our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio was 3.3. In addition to the financial covenants, our credit agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and is subject to customary exceptions. These covenants limit our ability to incur liens or other encumbrances or make investments, incur indebtedness, enter into mergers, consolidations and asset sales, pay dividends or other distributions, change the nature of our business and engage in transactions with affiliates. We were in compliance with the terms of our credit agreement as of December 31, 2009 and 2008; however there can be no assurances that we will remain in compliance in the future.
 
The table below lists the maturities of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2009 (in thousands):
 
         
    Amount  
 
2010
  $ 12,375  
2011
    22,500  
2012, through May 31
    184,500  
         
Total
  $ 219,375  
         
 
13.   OTHER OPERATING COSTS
 
Other operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 consisted of the following (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Separation costs and severance
  $     $     $ 7,288  
Office consolidation:
                       
Adjustments to office closures obligations, discounted and net of expected sublease income
    7,525       2,173       3,346  
Write down of leasehold improvements
          500       3,404  
Accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements due to expected office closures
    1,285       2,534        
Gain on sale of property
                (2,201 )
                         
Other operating costs
  $ 8,810     $ 5,207     $ 11,837  
                         


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Separation costs and severance:
 
During 2007, we recorded $7.3 million in separation and severance costs in connection with a plan to restructure our operations as part of a cost savings initiative. The restructuring of our operations included involuntary professional consulting and administrative staff headcount reductions. We offered severance packages to approximately 160 consulting and administrative employees to reduce the capacity of our underperforming practices and to reduce the headcount of our administrative support staff.
 
Office consolidation:
 
During the third and fourth quarters of 2007, we began a program to eliminate duplicate facilities and consolidate and close certain offices. During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007 we recorded $8.8 million, $5.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively, of expense associated with the office closings, market adjustments to related sublease income and excess space reductions. The costs consisted of adjustments to office closure obligations, the write down of leasehold improvements and accelerated depreciation on leasehold improvements in offices to be abandoned. During 2009, office consolidation related costs primarily related to costs associated with the relocation of our New York office and reduction in space of our Los Angeles office. In determining our reserves for office consolidation expenses at December 31, 2009, we estimated future sublease proceeds based on market conditions of $4.2 million on three properties for which we do not have a contracted subtenant.
 
We continue to monitor our estimates for office closure obligations and related expected sublease income. Such estimates are subject to market conditions and have been adjusted and may be adjusted in future periods as necessary. During 2009, as a result of an assessment of our real estate needs subsequent to the acquisition of Chicago Partners, we decided to reoccupy a portion of certain property in Chicago, Illinois that had previously been abandoned. The net impact of this change in estimate did not have a material impact on the financial statements. Of the $8.8 million liability recorded at December 31, 2009, we expect to pay $4.1 million in cash relating to these obligations during the next twelve months. The office closure obligations have been discounted to net present value.
 
Gain on sale of property:
 
On September 28, 2007, we sold the property where our principal executive office was located for an aggregate gross purchase price of $4.5 million and recorded a $2.2 million gain on the sale of property.
 
Balance Sheet:
 
As of December 31, 2009 we have recorded $8.8 million in current and non-current liabilities related to office consolidations in the consolidated balance sheets. The activity for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2009 is as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                 
    Office
       
    Space
    Workforce
 
    Reductions     Reductions  
 
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 5,212     $ 1,199  
Charges to operations during the year ended December 31, 2008
    2,673        
Utilized during the year ended December 31, 2008
    (3,889 )     (1,199 )
                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 3,996     $  
                 
Charges to operations during the year ended December 31, 2009
    7,525        
Utilized during the year ended December 31, 2009
    (2,720 )      
                 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 8,801     $  
                 


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
14.   LEASE COMMITMENTS
 
We lease office facilities under operating lease arrangements that expire at various dates through 2020. We lease office facilities under non-cancelable operating leases that include fixed or minimum payments plus, in some cases, scheduled base rent increases over the terms of the leases and additional rents based on the Consumer Price Index. Certain leases provide for monthly payments of real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses applicable to the property. Some of our leases contain renewal provisions.
 
Future minimum annual lease payments for the years subsequent to December 31, 2009 and in the aggregate are as follows (shown in thousands):
 
         
Year Ending December 31,
  Amount  
 
2010
  $ 24,818  
2011
    23,900  
2012
    19,641  
2013
    16,490  
2014
    14,426  
Thereafter
    34,019  
         
    $ 133,294  
         
 
During 2007, we began a program to eliminate duplicate facilities, consolidate and close certain offices. Of the $133.3 million lease commitments as of December 31, 2009, $23.2 million of the lease commitments relate to offices we have abandoned or reduced excess space within, which have been subleased or are available for sublease. As of December 31, 2009, we have contractual subleases of $8.2 million, which is not reflected in the commitment table above. Such sublease income would offset the cash outlays. Additionally, we intend to secure subtenants for the properties available for sublease to offset the rent payments and will seek to exercise termination clauses, if any, to shorten the term of the lease commitments. Such sublease income, if any, would offset the cash outlays. The lease commitments for these offices extend through 2017.
 
Rent expense for operating leases was $27.6 million, $25.6 million and $25.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
15.   INCOME TAXES
 
The sources of income before income taxes are as follows (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    For the Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
United States
  $ 39,860     $ 66,509     $ 63,420  
Other
    (1,812 )     3,343       (4,882 )
                         
Total income before income tax expense
  $ 38,048     $ 69,852     $ 58,538  
                         


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following (shown in thousands):
 
                         
    For The Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Federal:
                       
Current
  $ 6,366     $ 23,548     $ 19,122  
Deferred
    6,614       (1,093 )     1,930  
                         
Total
    12,980       22,455       21,052  
                         
State:
                       
Current
    1,382       6,002       4,946  
Deferred
    1,688       (279 )     493  
                         
Total
    3,070       5,723       5,439  
                         
Foreign:
                       
Current
    1,987       4,706       2,056  
Deferred
    (1,936 )     (3,089 )     (3,405 )
                         
Total
    51       1,617       (1,349 )
                         
Total federal, state and foreign income tax expense
  $ 16,101     $ 29,795     $ 25,142  
                         
 
Income tax expense differs from the amounts estimated by applying the statutory income tax rates to income before income taxes as follows:
 
                         
    For the Year Ended December 31,  
    2009     2008     2007  
 
Federal tax expense at the statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
State tax expense at the statutory rate, net of federal tax benefits
    5.8       5.3       6.0  
Foreign taxes
    0.6       0.8       0.5  
Effect of non-deductible meals and entertainment expense
    1.3       1.2       1.3  
Effect of enacted tax rate changes
                (1.3 )
Effect of other transactions, net
    (0.4 )     0.4       1.5  
                         
      42.3 %     42.7 %     43.0 %
                         
 
During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded adjustments of $1.3 million to increase income taxes payable related to net tax deficits associated with the vests of restricted stock, exercises of nonqualified stock options, and disqualifying disposition of incentive stock options. During the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we recorded adjustments of $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, to reduce income taxes payable related to excess tax benefits associated with vests of restricted stock, exercises of nonqualified stock options, and disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options. Such income taxes payable adjustments were reflected in additional paid — in-capital for each year.


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences between years in the recognition of certain expense items for income tax and financial reporting purposes. The source and income tax effects of these differences (shown in thousands) are as follows:
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2009     2008  
 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) attributable to:
               
Allowance for uncollectible receivables
  $ 7,879     $ 8,558  
Deferred revenue
    3,626       3,330  
Accrued compensation
    3,734       2,468  
Accrued office consolidation costs
    2,754       2,683  
Interest rate derivatives
    1,706       4,150  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,412       1,850  
Share-based compensation
    3,415       4,977  
Forgivable loans
    1,989       1,318  
Tax credits and capital loss carry forward
          396  
Other
    1,192       1,028  
                 
Deferred tax assets
    27,707       30,758  
                 
Acquisition costs — domestic acquisitions
    (38,166 )     (29,907 )
Acquisition costs — foreign acquisitions
    (6,591 )     (7,427 )
Prepaid expenses
    (994 )      
Change in accounting method
          (441 )
                 
Deferred tax liabilities
    (45,751 )     (37,775 )
                 
Net deferred tax liabilities
  $ (18,044 )   $ (7,017 )
                 
 
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had a valuation allowance of $1.0 million and $0.8 million related to certain foreign operating loss carry forwards. We have not recorded a valuation allowance against any of our other deferred tax assets, because we believe it is more likely than not that such deferred tax assets are recoverable from future results of operations.
 
We do not provide for U.S. federal income and foreign withholding taxes on the portion of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently reinvested. The cumulative amount of such undistributed earnings totaled approximately $28.8 million as of December 31, 2009. These earnings would become taxable in the United States upon the sale or liquidation of these foreign subsidiaries or upon the remittance of dividends. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of the deferred tax liability on such earnings.
 
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
         
    Amount  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance at January 1, 2009
  $ 818  
Reductions based on tax positions of prior years
    (565 )
Settlements
    459  
         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 712  
         


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Included in the balance at December 31, 2009 were $0.2 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not affect the annual effective tax rate, but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period. We recognized interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties in income tax expense which were not material in 2009, 2008 and 2007.
 
Included in the balance at December 31, 2009 were $0.5 million of tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is uncertain and so we did not recognize any income tax benefit for financial accounting purposes. We believe that only a specific resolution of the matters with the taxing authorities or the expiration of the statute of limitations would provide sufficient evidence for management to conclude that the deductibility is more likely than not sustainable.
 
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company has substantially concluded all U.S. federal income tax matters for years through 2005. Substantially all material state and local and foreign income tax matters have been concluded for years through 2005. U.S. federal income tax returns for 2006 through 2008 are currently open for examination. As of December 31, 2009 there was an examination of the 2007 federal tax returns by the IRS.
 
16.   FAIR VALUE
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a statement which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The implementation during the first quarter of 2008 did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. We deferred the adoption of this statement with respect to non-financial assets until January 1, 2009 which include goodwill, and intangible assets with indefinite lives. This implementation did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The inputs used to measure fair value are classified into the following hierarchy:
 
Level 1  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
 
Level 2  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, or unadjusted quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability
 
Level 3  Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability
 
We endeavor to utilize the best available information in measuring fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our interest rate swaps (see Note 11 — Comprehensive Income) are valued using counterparty quotations in over-the-counter markets. In addition, we incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk. The credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourselves and our counterparties. However, as of December 31, 2009, we have assessed the significance of the impact on the overall valuation and believe that these adjustments are not significant. As such, our derivative instruments are classified within level 2.
 
Additionally, the value of our bank borrowing credit agreement (see Note 12 — Current and Long Term Bank Debt) was estimated to be 4% below its carrying value based on unobservable Level 3 inputs such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourselves and our counterparties. We consider the recorded value of our other financial assets and liabilities, which consist primarily of cash


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NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, to approximate the fair value of the respective assets and liabilities at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 based upon the short-term nature of the assets and liabilities.
 
As of December 31, 2009 and 2008 our interest rate swaps were the only financial instruments carried at fair value on our financial statements. The following table summarizes the liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2009 and 2008 (shown in thousands):
 
                                 
    Quoted Prices in
           
    Active Markets for
  Significant Other
  Significant
   
    Identical Assets
  Observable Inputs
  Unobservable Inputs
   
    (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3)   Total
 
As of December 31, 2009
                               
Interest rate swaps, net (recorded in other liabilities)
        $ 3,948           $ 3,948  
As of December 31, 2008
                               
Interest rate swap (recorded in other liabilities)
        $ 9,585           $ 9,585  
 
17.   EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
We have a 401k plan and match an amount equal to 100 percent of the employee’s current contributions, up to a maximum of 3 percent of the employee’s total eligible compensation and limited to $5,100 per participant per year. We, as sponsor of the plan, use independent third parties to provide administrative services to the plan. We have the right to terminate the plans at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2009 we suspended the 401k plan match as part of our cost saving initiatives. We may reinstate the plan match during 2010. Our contributions were $3.2 million, $6.0 million and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
We have other retirement plans for our foreign subsidiaries’ participants. During the year ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, we recorded expense of $3.8 million, $4.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, for retirement savings related plans.
 
18.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
We lease office space from Equity Office Properties. William M. Goodyear was a trustee on the board of trustees at Equity Office Properties. Mr. Goodyear resigned as a trustee of Equity Office Properties during February 2007. During the year ended December 31, 2007 we paid $2.8 million to Equity Office Properties in connection with such space. These leases were executed at market terms.
 
19.   LITIGATION AND SETTLEMENTS
 
From time to time, we are party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of those lawsuits or claims cannot be predicted with certainty we do not believe that any of those lawsuits or claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.


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Table of Contents

SCHEDULE II
 
NAVIGANT CONSULTING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
 
                                 
    Balance at
          Balance at
    Beginning of
  Charged to
      End of
Description
  Year   Expenses   Deductions(1)   Year
        (In thousands)    
 
Year ended December 31, 2009
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 21,358     $ 15,053     $ (16,614 )   $ 19,797  
Year ended December 31, 2008
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 12,674     $ 20,292     $ (11,608 )   $ 21,358  
Year ended December 31, 2007
                               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
  $ 11,970     $ 9,518     $ (8,814 )   $ 12,674  
 
 
(1) Represents write-offs.
 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.


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