Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2008

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM              to            

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-21571


MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

DELAWARE
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
  13-3906555
(I.R.S. EMPLOYER
IDENTIFICATION NO.)

622 Third Avenue, New York, New York
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

 

10017
(ZIP CODE)

(212) 351-7000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

                Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

                Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

                Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý

                Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Class
  Outstanding as of
August 1, 2008

 
   

Common Stock

    119,216,275  

Class B Common Stock

    4,762,000  
   


Table of Contents

MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
   
  Page
No.
 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements:

       

 

Consolidated statements of operations

    3  

 

Consolidated balance sheets

    4  

 

Consolidated statements of cash flows

    5  

 

Notes to consolidated financial statements

    6  

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

    23  

Item 2.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    24  

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

    42  

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

    43  

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

    44  

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

    48  

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

    49  

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

    49  

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

    50  

Signatures

   
51
 

Exhibit 10.1

       

Exhibit 10.2

       

Exhibit 10.3

       

Exhibit 10.4

       

Exhibit 10.5

       

Exhibit 10.6

       

Exhibit 10.7

       

Exhibit 15.1

       

Exhibit 31.1

       

Exhibit 31.2

       

Exhibit 32.1

       

Exhibit 32.2

       

(All other items on this report are inapplicable)

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2008   2007   2008   2007  

Revenue

  $ 354,294   $ 323,985   $ 720,766   $ 645,815  
   

Salaries and related

    135,879     144,955     276,327     266,319  

Office and general

    75,358     62,619     149,257     130,623  

Marketing and promotion

    68,976     73,568     180,830     146,077  

Provision for legal settlements, net

    40,100     -     40,100     -  

Restructuring and other special charges

    2,732     -     9,659     -  
   

Total operating expenses

    323,045     281,142     656,173     543,019  
   

Operating income

    31,249     42,843     64,593     102,796  

Interest and other, net

    3,057     6,903     10,440     12,316  
   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity interests

    34,306     49,746     75,033     115,112  

Income taxes

    12,153     17,587     27,296     40,677  

Loss in equity interests, net

    (3,592 )   (2,966 )   (5,414 )   (4,386 )
   

Income from continuing operations

    18,561     29,193     42,323     70,049  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    12,269     (577 )   11,098     (1,951 )
   

Net income

  $ 30,830   $ 28,616   $ 53,421   $ 68,098  
   

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

                         

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.15   $ 0.22   $ 0.35   $ 0.54  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    0.10     -     0.09     (0.01 )
   

Basic earnings per share*

  $ 0.26   $ 0.22   $ 0.44   $ 0.52  
   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share:

                         

Income from continuing operations

  $ 0.15   $ 0.22   $ 0.35   $ 0.53  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    0.10     -     0.09     (0.01 )
   

Diluted earnings per share*

  $ 0.25   $ 0.21   $ 0.44   $ 0.51  
   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                         
 

Basic

    120,885     130,542     121,798     130,268  
 

Diluted

    121,541     133,121     122,552     133,324  

* - Earnings per share may not add in certain periods due to rounding.

See accompanying notes.

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MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
 

ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 365,454   $ 129,744  
 

Available-for-sale securities

    68,579     448,703  
 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,658 and $15,613

    410,427     499,854  
 

Prepaid and other

    121,093     106,664  
   
   

Total current assets

    965,553     1,184,965  
   
 

Available-for-sale securities, non-current

    99,330     -  
 

Goodwill

    690,161     615,334  
 

Property and equipment, net

    149,048     123,397  
 

Intangibles, net

    32,695     35,351  
 

Investment in unconsolidated affiliates

    44,446     50,871  
 

Other assets

    70,476     53,162  
 

Non-current assets of discontinued operations

    -     14,730  
   
   

Total assets

  $ 2,051,709   $ 2,077,810  
   

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

             

Current liabilities:

             
 

Accounts payable

  $ 45,538   $ 57,334  
 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    273,136     233,427  
 

Deferred revenue

    470,408     524,331  
 

Income taxes payable

    2,403     13,384  
 

Current portion of long-term debt

    142     184  
   
   

Total current liabilities

    791,627     828,660  
   
 

Non-current income taxes payable

    119,360     111,108  
 

Deferred income taxes

    15,952     14,878  
 

Other long-term liabilities

    1,371     2,156  
 

Long-term debt, less current portion

    126     231  
 

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations

    -     4,276  
   
   

Total liabilities

    928,436     961,309  
   

Commitments and contingencies

             

Stockholders' equity:

             
 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, authorized 800 shares; issued and outstanding: none

         
 

Common stock $.001 par value, authorized 1,500,000 shares; issued: 128,502 and 128,280 shares, respectively; outstanding: 115,956 and 119,013 shares, respectively

    129     128  
 

Class B common stock, $.001 par value, authorized 39,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 4,762 shares

    5     5  
 

Additional paid-in capital

    1,397,281     1,468,808  
 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

    143,264     118,387  
 

Accumulated deficit

    (417,406 )   (470,827 )
   
   

Total stockholders' equity

    1,123,273     1,116,501  
   
 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 2,051,709   $ 2,077,810  
   

See accompanying notes.

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MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

 
  Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
  2008   2007  

Cash flows provided by operating activities:

             
 

Net income

  $ 53,421   $ 68,098  
   

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

             
 

(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

    (11,098 )   1,951  
 

Depreciation and amortization

    25,793     20,017  
 

Provision for legal settlements, net

    40,100     -  
 

Provision for doubtful accounts

    6,771     5,113  
 

Non-cash compensation

    15,028     21,478  
 

Deferred income taxes

    (19,582 )   (5,505 )
 

Loss in equity interests and other

    7,499     3,814  
 

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of purchase transactions:

             
 

Accounts receivable

    82,660     20,366  
 

Prepaid and other

    19,098     (4,204 )
 

Deferred revenue

    (53,923 )   8,051  
 

Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other

    (13,597 )   (1,787 )
 

Net cash used for operating activities of discontinued operations

    (3,129 )   (5,232 )
   

Total adjustments

    95,620     64,062  
   

Net cash provided by operating activities

    149,041     132,160  
   
 

Cash flows provided by (used for) investing activities:

             
 

Capital expenditures

    (50,213 )   (36,964 )
 

Purchase of marketable securities

    (156,882 )   (682,586 )
 

Sales and maturities of marketable securities

    436,305     589,565  
 

Payments for acquisitions and intangible assets, net of cash acquired

    (61,567 )   (1,806 )
 

Cash funded to equity investee

    (5,000 )   (4,100 )
 

Dividends received from equity investee

    1,011     -  

Net cash used for investing activities of discontinued operations

    -     (250 )
   

Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities

    163,654     (136,141 )
   
 

Cash flows (used for) provided by financing activities:

             
 

Repurchase of common stock

    (86,327 )   (10,042 )
 

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans

    120     12,343  
 

Payments on debt obligations

    (147 )   -  
 

Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options

    1,046     53,401  

Payments on acquisition debt

    -     (21,862 )
   

Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities

    (85,308 )   33,840  
   

Effects of exchange rates on cash

    8,323     2,000  

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

    235,710     31,859  

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

    129,744     58,680  
   

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

  $ 365,454   $ 90,539  
   
 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

             
 

Cash paid for income taxes

  $ 24,952   $ 43,986  

Cash paid for interest

  $ 730   $ 796  
 

Non-cash financing and investing activities:

             
 

Liabilities created in connection with business combinations

  $ 449   $ 325  

See accompanying notes.

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MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

1.     DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Description of Business

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company" or "Monster Worldwide") has continuing operations that consist of three reportable segments: Careers – North America, Careers – International and Internet Advertising & Fees. Revenue in the Company's Careers segments are primarily earned from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Company's resume databases and other career-related services. Revenue in the Company's Internet Advertising & Fees segment is primarily earned from the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, "click-throughs" on text based links and leads provided to advertisers. The Company's Careers segments provide online services to customers in a variety of industries throughout North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, while Internet Advertising & Fees delivers online services primarily in North America.

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated interim financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

These statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for fair presentation of the information contained herein. These consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company adheres to the same accounting policies in preparation of interim financial statements. As permitted under generally accepted accounting principles, interim accounting for certain expenses, including income taxes are based on full year assumptions. Such amounts are expensed in full in the year incurred. For interim financial reporting purposes, income taxes are recorded based upon estimated annual income tax rates.

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("SFAS 157") for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities carried at fair value. This pronouncement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. On November 14, 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") agreed to a one-year deferral for the implementation of SFAS 157 for other non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company's adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities carried at fair value.

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2.     EARNINGS PER SHARE AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share does not include the effects of potentially dilutive stock options and non-vested stock and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, shares of non-vested stock and common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options for periods in which the options' exercise price is lower than the Company's average share price for the period.

A reconciliation of shares used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share and certain common stock equivalents for options and shares of non-vested stock excluded from the computation of earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect are as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
(thousands of shares)   2008   2007   2008   2007

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

  120,885   130,542   121,798   130,268

Effect of common stock equivalents – stock options and non-vested stock under employee compensation plans

  656   2,579   754   3,056
 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

  121,541   133,121   122,552   133,324
 

Weighted average anti-dilutive common stock equivalents

 
8,358
 
531
 
6,264
 
469
 

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("SFAS 123R"). Under the fair-value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, net of forfeitures. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair-value of stock option awards. The Company measures non-vested stock awards using the fair-market value of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. The Company awards stock options and non-vested stock to employees, directors and executive officers. In accordance with SFAS 123R, the Company has presented excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options as a financing activity in the consolidated statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits are realized benefits from tax deductions for exercised options in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to stock-based compensation costs for such options. As of June 30, 2008, the unrecognized compensation expense for stock options was $2,135 and is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.7 years and the unrecognized compensation expense for non-vested stock was approximately $120,647 to be recognized over a period of 3.8 years. These awards are being amortized over the vesting periods on a straight-line basis, net of forfeitures. The Company does not capitalize stock-based compensation costs.

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The Company recognized pre-tax compensation expense in the consolidated statement of operations related to stock-based compensation as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  
  2008   2007   2008   2007  

Non-vested stock, included in salaries and related

  $ 8,351   $ 17,069   $ 13,557   $ 21,245  

Non-vested stock, included in restructuring and other special charges

    -     -     1,162     -  

Stock options, included in salaries and related

    182     47     309     233  
   

Total

  $ 8,533   $ 17,116   $ 15,028   $ 21,478  
   

Share-based Payment Activity

The following table summarizes the Company's stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2008:

(thousands of shares)   Shares   Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Contractual
Term (in years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

    6,876   $ 29.13              

Granted

    138     27.77              

Exercised

    (54 )   19.47              

Forfeited/expired/cancelled

    (73 )   37.93              
                         

Outstanding at June 30, 2008

    6,887     29.17     4.6   $ 9,063  
                         

Options exercisable at June 30, 2008

    6,018   $ 28.76     4.2   $ 9,063  

During the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised was $421 and $47,493, respectively.

The following table summarizes the Company's non-vested stock activity for the six months ended June 30, 2008:

(thousands of shares)   Shares   Weighted Average Fair
Value at Grant Date
 

Non-vested at January 1, 2008

    1,671   $ 39.67  

Granted

    3,363     27.83  

Forfeited

    (417 )   36.22  

Vested

    (208 )   43.71  
         

Non-vested at June 30, 2008

    4,409   $ 30.85  
         

3.     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the second quarter of 2008, the Company decided to wind-down the operations of Tickle, an online property within the Internet Advertising & Fees segment, and have classified the historical results of Tickle as a component of discontinued operations. The Company's decision was based upon Tickle's non-core offerings, which no longer fit the Company's long-term strategic growth plans, and Tickle's lack of profitability. Tickle's discontinued operations for the first six months of 2008 included the write-down of $13,201 of long-lived assets, an income tax benefit of $29,355 and a net loss of $5,056 from its operations. The income tax benefit included $25,500 of current tax benefits for current period

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operating losses and tax losses incurred upon Tickle's discontinuance and $3,855 of deferred tax benefits for the reversal of deferred tax liabilities on long-term assets.

During the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company disposed of businesses that collectively comprised its former Advertising & Communications operating segment, in order to focus more resources to support the growth of the Monster franchise on a global basis. The Company incurred losses net of tax related to these disposals of $299 and $544 in the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007, respectively, which are included in discontinued operations, but did not incur these costs in the 2008 periods.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the revenue and costs related to the Company's discontinued and disposed businesses were segregated from continuing operations and reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations and are as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2008   2007   2008   2007  

Revenue

  $ 2,264   $ 7,164   $ 6,158   $ 14,362  

Loss before income taxes

    (16,323 )   (922 )   (18,257 )   (3,165 )

Income tax benefit

    (28,592 )   (345 )   (29,355 )   (1,214 )
   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

  $ 12,269   $ (577 ) $ 11,098   $ (1,951 )
   

4.     BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

The following table summarizes the Company's business combinations completed from January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008. Although the following acquired businesses were not considered to be significant subsidiaries, either individually or in the aggregate, they do affect the comparability of results from period to period. The acquisitions, acquisition dates and business segments are as follows:

Acquired Business   Acquisition Date   Business Segment

Affinity Labs Inc.

  January 4, 2008   Internet Advertising & Fees

Arbeidskamerater AS (Norway)

  January 10, 2007   Careers – International
 

On January 4, 2008, the Company's Internet Advertising & Fees segment purchased Affinity Labs Inc., a business that operates a portfolio of professional and vocational communities for people entering, advancing and networking in certain occupations including law enforcement, healthcare, education, government and technology. Consideration for the acquisition was $61,567 in cash, net of cash acquired. The Company recorded $60,021 of goodwill (on a preliminary basis), $1,251 of receivables, $500 of computer software, $183 of property and equipment, $61 of other assets and $449 of liabilities. The goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.

In January 2007, the Company's Careers – International segment purchased Arbeidskamerater AS ("AAS"), a Norwegian online career sales company, founded in 2004 as a sales agent for Monster in Norway. The acquisition of AAS enabled Monster to expand within the growing Norwegian online career market. Consideration for the acquisition was $1,654, net of cash acquired, and the Company recorded $1,777 of goodwill. None of the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition is deductible for tax purposes.

Accrued Integration and Restructuring Costs

The Company has formulated integration and restructuring plans to eliminate redundant facilities, personnel and duplicate assets in connection with its business combinations. These costs were recognized as liabilities assumed in connection with the Company's business combinations. Accordingly,

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these costs are considered part of the purchase price of the business combinations and have been recorded as increases to goodwill.

Changes in the Company's approved restructuring plans or costs related to new restructuring initiatives may be recorded in goodwill for up to one year following the acquisition date and must be recorded in the Company's operating results thereafter. As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had accrued $4,596 and $5,193, respectively, for integration and restructuring obligations, mainly for future operating lease payments.

5.     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the methods of fair value as described in SFAS 157 to value its financial assets and liabilities. SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as considering counter-party credit risk in its assessment of fair value. Financial assets (cash equivalents and available-for-sale securities) carried at fair value as of June 30, 2008 are classified in one of the three categories as follows:

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  

Money market funds

  $ 210,265   $ -   $ -   $ 210,265  

Bank time deposits

    -     51,749     -     51,749  

Municipal bonds

    -     28,750     -     28,750  

Commercial paper

    -     80,590     -     80,590  

U.S. and foreign government obligations

    -     10,100           10,100  

Tax exempt auction rate bonds (Note 6)

    -     -     99,330     99,330  
   

Total

  $ 210,265   $ 171,189   $ 99,330   $ 480,784  
   

The Company did not have any liabilities that required it to use fair valuation as of June 30, 2008.

The changes in the fair value of the Level 3 tax exempt auction rate bonds financial assets are as follows:

  Three Months Ended
June 30, 2008
  Six Months ended
June 30, 2008
 

Balance beginning of period

  $ 102,716   $ 357,228  

Unrealized gain (loss) included in other comprehensive income

    314     (1,420 )

Net settlements

    (3,700 )   (256,478 )
   

Balance June 30, 2008

  $ 99,330   $ 99,330  
   

6.     INVESTMENTS

Marketable Securities

As of June 30, 2008, the Company held $100,750 (at par and cost value) of investments in auction rate securities. These securities are variable-rate debt instruments whose underlying agreements have contractual maturities of up to 35 years. The majority of these securities have been issued by state-related higher-education agencies and are collateralized by student loans guaranteed by the U.S.

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Department of Education. These auction rate securities are intended to provide liquidity via an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at predetermined calendar intervals, usually every 35 days, allowing investors to either roll over their holdings or gain immediate liquidity by selling such interests at par. Since mid-February 2008, liquidity issues in the global credit markets have resulted in the failure of auctions representing substantially all of the Company's auction rate securities, as the amount of securities submitted for sale in those auctions exceeded the amount of bids. The funds associated with failed auctions will not be accessible until a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outside of the auction process or the issuers redeem their bonds. The Company currently has the ability and intent to hold these auction rate securities until a recovery of the auction process, until maturity or until these investments can be otherwise liquidated at par. As a result of the persistent failed auctions, and the uncertainty of when these investments could be successfully liquidated at par, the Company has classified all of its investments in auction rate bonds as a component of available for sale marketable securities, non-current in its unaudited consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2008. Typically, when auctions are successful, the fair value of auction rate securities approximate par value due to the frequent interest rate resets.

While the Company continues to earn interest on its auction rate securities at the maximum contractual rate (which was a blended rate of 3.44% at June 30, 2008) and there has been no payment default with respect to such securities, these investments are not currently trading and therefore do not currently have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of these auction rate securities no longer approximates par value. The Company uses third party valuation and analysis, and this valuation considered, among other factors, i) the credit quality of the underlying collateral (typically student loans); ii) the financial strength of the counterparties (typically state related higher education agencies) and the guarantors (including the U.S. Department of Education); iii) an estimate of when the next successful auction date will occur; and iv) the formula applicable to each security which defines the interest rate paid to investors in the event of a failed auction, forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks specified in such formulas, a tax exempt discount margin for the cash flow discount and all applicable embedded options such as the put, call and sinking fund features.

The Company also used available data sources for market observables, which were primarily derived from third party research provided by or available from well-recognized research entities and sources. To the extent market observables were not available as of the valuation date, a statistical model was used to project the variables based on the historical data and in cases where historical data was not available comparable securities or a benchmark index was identified and used for estimation. When comparables were not available, industrial averages were used or standard assumptions based on industry practices were used.

Based on these valuations, the auction rate securities with the original par value and cost of $100,750 were written down to an estimated fair value of $99,330, resulting in an unrealized loss of $1,420. This loss is deemed to be a temporary impairment and has been reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity.

The instability in the credit markets may affect the Company's ability to liquidate these auction rate bonds in the short term. The Company believes that the failed auctions experienced to date are not a result of the deterioration of the underlying credit quality of the securities and the Company believes that it will ultimately recover all amounts invested in these securities. The Company will continue to evaluate the fair value of its investments in auction rate securities each reporting period for a potential other-than-temporary impairment.

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The Company's available-for-sale investments reported as current and non-current marketable securities as of June 30, 2008 are as follows:

  Cost   Gross unrealized
losses
  Gross unrealized
gains
  Estimated
fair value
 

Current

                         

Municipal bonds

  $ 28,700   $ -   $ 50   $ 28,750  

Bank time deposits

    22,009     -     -     22,009  

Commercial paper

    10,187     -     -     10,187  

Sovereign bonds

    7,633     -     -     7,633  
   

Total

  $ 68,529   $ -   $ 50   $ 68,579  
   

Non-current

                         

Tax-exempt auction rate bonds

  $ 100,750   $ 1,420   $ -   $ 99,330  
   

Total

  $ 100,750   $ 1,420   $ -   $ 99,330  
   

The estimated fair value of the Company's marketable securities as of December 31, 2007 approximated the gross amortized cost value. The Company believes that it did not have any unrealized losses as of December 31, 2007, as the Company sold or rolled over at par more than 95% of the securities held at December 31, 2007.

The Company reviews impairments associated with the above to determine the classification of the impairment as "temporary" or "other-than-temporary" in accordance with FASB Staff Position Nos. SFAS 115-1 and 124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments. A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders' equity. Such an unrealized loss does not reduce net income for the applicable accounting period because the loss is not viewed as other-than-temporary. As of June 30, 2008, the Company believes that all of the impairment of its auction rate securities investments is temporary. The factors evaluated to differentiate between temporary and other-than-temporary include the projected future cash flows, credit ratings actions, and assessment of the credit quality of the underlying collateral. While the recent auction failures may limit the Company's future ability to liquidate these investments, the Company does not believe the auction failures will materially impact its ability to fund its working capital needs, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions or other business requirements.

Equity Investments

The Company accounts for investments with non-controlling interests using the equity method of accounting, recording its owned percentage of the investment's net results of operations in loss in equity interests, net, in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. Such losses reduce the carrying value of the Company's investment and gains increase the carrying value of the Company's investment. Dividends paid by the equity investee reduce the carrying amount of the Company's investment.

In February 2005, the Company acquired a 40% interest in ChinaHR.com Holdings Ltd. ("ChinaHR") for consideration of $50,000 in cash. In March 2006, the Company increased its ownership interest in ChinaHR to 44.4% by acquiring an additional 4.4% interest from ChinaHR shareholders, for cash consideration of $19,936. ChinaHR is a leading recruitment website in China and provides online recruiting, campus recruiting and other human resource solutions. As a result of its investment, the Company has the right to occupy three of seven seats on ChinaHR's Board of Directors. The carrying value of the investment was $43,845 as of June 30, 2008 and was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as an investment in unconsolidated affiliates.

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In March 2006, the Company entered into a loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby the Company has agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $20,000. Interest on the loans will be assessed at the average one-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR rate plus 1% and shall be payable quarterly, in arrears. The credit facility provides that any advances shall be due and payable in full on the maturity date, which is the earliest of March 2011 or the consummation of an initial public offering of securities by ChinaHR. At December 31, 2007, the total amount outstanding under the credit facility was $20,000 and was recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet. On January 30, 2008, the Company entered into a separate loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby the Company has agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $5,000 immediately and up to an additional $2,000 upon the receipt of consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company advanced an additional $5,000 to ChinaHR bringing the total amount outstanding under the credit facilities to $25,000, which was recorded as a component of other assets on the consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2008.

The Company and the majority shareholders of ChinaHR are parties to a shareholders agreement that provides for various rights and obligations. The Company is currently considering its obligations under the shareholders agreement, is continuing its due diligence review and is in advanced negotiations regarding the purchase of the remaining interest in ChinaHR. The Company remains committed to consummating the transaction (which is estimated to occur sometime during the third quarter of 2008).

The Company has a 25% equity investment in Finland related to a business combination completed in 2001. The Company received a dividend of $1,011 in the second quarter of 2008 for this investment. The carrying value of the investment was $601 as of June 30, 2008 and was recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as a component of investment in unconsolidated affiliates.

Income and loss in equity interests, net for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are based upon unaudited financial information and are as follows by equity investment:

 
  Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,  
  2008   2007   2008   2007  

ChinaHR

  $ (3,843 ) $ (3,174 ) $ (6,000 ) $ (5,263 )

Finland

    251     208     586     877  
   

Loss in equity interests, net

  $ (3,592 ) $ (2,966 ) $ (5,414 ) $ (4,386 )
   

7.     RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER SPECIAL CHARGES

On July 30, 2007, the Company announced a strategic restructuring plan intended to position the Company for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment and advertising industry. The restructuring plan was originally designed to reduce the Company's workforce by approximately 800 associates. Subsequent to announcement of this plan, the Company made a strategic decision to in-source customer service and therefore the current reduction will be approximately 700 associates. Through June 30, 2008, the Company has notified or terminated approximately 440 associates and approximately 140 associates have voluntarily left the Company. Cumulative expense for the program since inception is $26,256. The Company anticipates that these initiatives will reduce the growth rate of operating expenses and provide funding for investments in new product development and innovation, enhanced technology, global advertising campaigns and selective sales force expansion.

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Restructuring and other special charges and related liability balances are as follows:

  December 31,
2007
  Expense   Cash
Payments
  Non-Cash
Utilization(1)
  June 30,
2008
 

Workforce reduction

  $ 6,226   $ 7,405   $ (8,404 ) $ (1,162 ) $ 4,065  

Fixed asset write-offs

    -     1,847     -     (1,847 )   -  

Consolidation of office facilities

    459     287     (174 )   -     572  

Other costs and professional fees

    505     120     (544 )   -     81  
   

Total

  $ 7,190   $ 9,659   $ (9,122 ) $ (3,009 ) $ 4,718  
   

(1) Non-cash utilization includes accelerated vesting of stock-based compensation and the write-off of fixed assets.

8.     PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 
     
  June 30, 2008   December 31, 2007  

Capitalized software costs

  $ 161,888   $ 135,935  

Furniture and equipment

    31,738     32,573  

Leasehold improvements

    29,369     27,272  

Computer and communications equipment

    152,069     137,633  
   

    375,064     333,413  

Less: accumulated depreciation

    226,016     210,016  
   

Property and equipment, net

  $ 149,048   $ 123,397  
   

Depreciation expense was $23,133 and $17,210 for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

9.     STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Common and Class B Common Stock

Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten votes on each matter that the holders of Common Stock are entitled to vote on and is convertible, at any time, at the option of the stockholder into one share of common stock. As of June 30, 2008, all Class B common stock is held by Andrew J. McKelvey, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer.

On January 22, 2008, the Company, the Special Litigation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company and Mr. McKelvey entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("Memorandum of Understanding"). The Memorandum of Understanding provides that, pursuant to a Settlement Agreement, Mr. McKelvey will agree, among other things, to convert (the "Conversion") all of the shares of Class B common stock of the Company held by him into shares of common stock of the Company (thereby terminating the supervoting rights of the shares of Class B common stock). Pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. McKelvey has agreed that, pending the completion of the Conversion, he shall be entitled to vote only one-tenth of the shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by him on all matters submitted to the holders of common stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent. With respect to the remaining nine-tenths of the shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by Mr. McKelvey, he has, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, given the Chief Executive Officer of the Company an irrevocable proxy to vote such shares on all matters submitted to the holders of common stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent in the same percentages as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of shares of common stock (other than Mr. McKelvey) on such matters. A hearing by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, with respect to final approval of the Company's derivative settlements,

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including the settlement with Mr. McKelvey, is scheduled for October 2, 2008. For more information, see Note 13.

Share Repurchase Plan and Share Withholdings

In November 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to $100,000 of shares of its common stock. The November 2005 share repurchase plan was utilized fully during 2007. In September 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to an additional $250,000 of shares of its common stock. In October 2007, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100,000 of shares of its common stock under the share repurchase plan. In January 2008, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100,000 of shares of its common stock under the share repurchase plan. All current repurchase plan authorizations expire on January 30, 2009. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company purchased 3,279,328 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $85,138. From inception through June 30, 2008, under the authorized repurchase plan, the Company repurchased 11,619,024 shares of its common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $381,888. The Company also withheld 47,999 shares valued at $1,189 during the first six months of 2008 to satisfy withholding obligations upon the vesting of employee stock awards.

10.   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company's comprehensive income is as follows:

 
  Three Months ended
June 30,
  Six Months ended
June 30,
 
  2008   2007   2008   2007  

Net income

  $ 30,830   $ 28,616   $ 53,421   $ 68,098  

Foreign currency translation adjustment and other

    (12,744 )   5,425     26,247     5,510  

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities

    178     (37 )   (1,370 )   (46 )
   

Comprehensive income

  $ 18,264   $ 34,004   $ 78,298   $ 73,562  
   

11.   SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC DATA

The Company conducts business in three reportable segments: Careers—North America; Careers—International; and Internet Advertising & Fees. Corporate operating expenses are not allocated to the Company's reportable segments. See Note 1 for a description of the Company's operating segments.

The following tables present the Company's operations by business segment and by geographic region:

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Revenue   2008   2007   2008   2007  

Careers – North America

  $ 164,280   $ 174,481   $ 347,818   $ 358,498  

Careers – International

    156,673     116,845     309,945     223,051  

Internet Advertising & Fees

    33,341     32,659     63,003     64,266  
   

Revenue

  $ 354,294   $ 323,985   $ 720,766   $ 645,815  
   

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  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Operating Income   2008   2007   2008   2007  

Careers – North America

  $ 58,409   $ 54,579   $ 98,110   $ 120,457  

Careers – International

    31,916     12,055     41,559     20,016  

Internet Advertising & Fees

    4,656     5,679     3,225     11,741  

Corporate expenses

    (63,732 )   (29,470 )   (78,301 )   (49,418 )
   

Operating income

  $ 31,249   $ 42,843   $ 64,593   $ 102,796  
   

 

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Depreciation and Amortization   2008   2007   2008   2007  

Careers – North America

  $ 5,806   $ 4,853   $ 10,950   $ 8,827  

Careers – International

    6,158     4,332     11,721     8,203  

Internet Advertising & Fees

    1,523     1,333     2,886     2,448  

Corporate expenses

    118     245     236     539  
   

Depreciation and amortization

  $ 13,605   $ 10,763   $ 25,793   $ 20,017  
   

 

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Restructuring and Other Special Charges  
  2008   2007   2008   2007  

Careers – North America

  $ 926   $ -   $ 3,956   $ -  

Careers – International

    1,400     -     4,516     -  

Internet Advertising & Fees

    338     -     1,119     -  

Corporate expenses

    68     -     68     -  
   

Restructuring and other special charges

  $ 2,732   $ -   $ 9,659   $ -  
   

 

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
Revenue by Geographic Region   2008   2007   2008   2007  

United States

  $ 190,115   $ 200,890   $ 396,260   $ 411,617  

Germany

    37,491     25,521     74,994     49,762  

Other foreign

    126,688     97,574     249,512     184,436  
   

Revenue

  $ 354,294   $ 323,985   $ 720,766   $ 645,815  
   

The following table reconciles each reportable segment's assets to total assets reported on the Company's consolidated balance sheets:

Total Assets by Segment   June 30, 2008   December 31, 2007  

Careers – North America

  $ 586,621   $ 673,353  

Careers – International

    764,232     721,679  

Internet Advertising & Fees

    195,606     136,851  

Corporate

    367,732     424,057  

Shared assets (a)

    137,518     107,140  

Discontinued operations

    -     14,730  
   

Total assets

  $ 2,051,709   $ 2,077,810  
   
(a)
Shared assets represent assets that provide economic benefit to all of the Company's operating segments. Shared assets are not allocated to operating segments for internal reporting or decision-making purposes.

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The following table reconciles long-lived assets by geographic region to the Company's consolidated balance sheets:

Long-lived Assets by Geographic Region (a)   June 30, 2008   December 31, 2007  

United States

  $ 625,020   $ 541,580  

International

    246,884     232,502  
   

Total long-lived assets

  $ 871,904   $ 774,082  
   
(a)
Long-lived assets are composed of goodwill, property and equipment and other intangible assets.

12.   INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of provisions for federal, state and foreign income taxes. The Company operates globally with operations in various locations outside the United States. Accordingly, the effective income tax rate is a composite rate reflecting the earnings in the various locations and the applicable rates.

The gross liability for uncertain tax positions, under FASB Interpretation No. 48 Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No.109 (inclusive of estimated accrued interest and penalties thereon), at June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 is recorded as non-current taxes payable of $119,360 and $111,108, respectively. Interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes are classified as a component of income tax expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

The Company is currently under examination in several domestic and international tax jurisdictions. Presently, no material adjustments have been proposed. At this point, it is not possible to provide an estimate of the amount, if any, of significant changes in unrecorded tax benefits that are reasonably possible to occur within the next twelve months.

13.   STOCK OPTION INVESTIGATIONS AND LITIGATION

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. Aside from the matters discussed below, the Company is not involved in any pending or threatened legal proceedings that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Stock Option Investigations and Related Litigation

The Company announced on June 12, 2006 that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors, assisted by outside counsel, was conducting an independent investigation to review the Company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting.

Investigations.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York ("USAO") and the SEC have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into its past stock option grants. In connection with these investigations, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. On February 15, 2007, the Company's former General Counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts relating to those historical stock option grants and the SEC instituted a civil action against him. On March 26, 2007, the SEC civil action was settled pursuant to a final judgment permanently enjoining the Company's former General Counsel from violating the federal securities laws and from acting as an officer or director of a public company. On January 23, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the

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former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the USAO. Pursuant to the deferred prosecution agreement, the USAO has agreed to defer prosecution of Mr. McKelvey for conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud for one year and not proceed with any prosecution of Mr. McKelvey if, after one year, he has complied with his obligations under the agreement. On January 23, 2008, the SEC commenced an action against Mr. McKelvey and, at the same time, announced a settlement with Mr. McKelvey, pursuant to which he will be permanently enjoined from violating the federal securities laws, will pay the SEC approximately $276 in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, and will be barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company. On April 30, 2008, James J. Treacy, who served as a senior executive of the Company from 1994 to 2002 and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors from 1998 to 2003, was indicted for securities fraud and conspiracy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. In addition, on April 30, 2008, the SEC commenced a civil action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Mr. Treacy and Anthony Bonica, the Company's former Controller, alleging multiple violations of the federal securities laws in connection with the Company's historical stock option grants.

ERISA Action (Taylor v. McKelvey et al., 06 CV 8322 (S.D.N.Y.)).

In October 2006, a putative class action litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a former Company employee against the Company and a number of its current and former officers and directors. On February 16, 2007, plaintiff served an amended class action complaint. The amended complaint was purportedly brought on behalf of all participants in the Company's 401(k) Plan (the "Plan"). On December 14, 2007, the Court granted the defendants' motions to dismiss. On February 15, 2008, plaintiff (joined by three new proposed class representatives) filed a second amended complaint ("SAC") against the Company, three of the individuals who had been defendants in the amended complaint, and three new defendants who are former employees of the Company. The SAC alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to Plan participants under Sections 404, 405, 409 and 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") by allowing Plan participants to purchase and to hold and maintain Company stock in their Plan accounts without disclosing to those Plan participants the historical stock option practices. The SAC seeks, among other relief, equitable restitution, attorney's fees and an order enjoining defendants from violations of ERISA. On July 8, 2008, the Court denied defendants' motions to dismiss the SAC. Discovery is now pending.

Derivative Actions (In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.) and Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System, et al. v. Paul Camara, et al., Index. No. 06 108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County)).

Derivative actions in connection with historical stock option practices have been commenced by shareholders purportedly on behalf of the Company in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company, naming the Company as a nominal defendant (the "Derivative Actions").

On October 20, 2006, the three federal court actions were consolidated by the Court and styled as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.)(NRB-DCF) (Consolidated Action). On or about December 20, 2006, plaintiffs in the consolidated federal actions filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Exchange Act for the period between January 1, 1997 and October 2006. The federal court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

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The three purported derivative actions that were filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County were also consolidated. The consolidated actions have been styled as Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System, et al. v. Paul Camara, et al., Index. No. 06-108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County) (previously captioned as In re Monster Worldwide Inc. Derivative Litigation.) On or about December 1, 2006, the plaintiffs in the consolidated state court actions filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related state law causes of action. The state court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

On November 21, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed a Special Litigation Committee of the Board (the "SLC") composed of independent and disinterested directors to investigate and take whatever actions it deems appropriate with respect to the claims made in the Derivative Actions.

On January 22, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the SLC and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the settlement of claims asserted on behalf of the Company against Mr. McKelvey in the Derivative Actions. The settlement provides that Mr. McKelvey will pay the Company $8,000 and convert the 4,762,000 shares of Class B common stock owned by him for a like number of ordinary shares of common stock. The Memorandum of Understanding calls for the execution of a Settlement Agreement to be subject to Court approval. Pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. McKelvey has agreed that, pending the completion of the conversion, he shall be entitled to vote only one-tenth of the shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by him on all matters submitted to the holders of common stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent. With respect to the remaining nine-tenths of the shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by Mr. McKelvey, he has, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, given the Chief Executive Officer of the Company an irrevocable proxy to vote such shares on all matters submitted to the holders of common stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent in the same percentages as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of shares of common stock (other than Mr. McKelvey) on such matters.

Prior to the settlement with Mr. McKelvey, the Company, with the approval of the SLC, entered into additional memoranda of understanding providing for the settlement of claims on behalf of the Company asserted against certain other officers and directors (current and former) of the Company in the Derivative Actions. On June 2, 2008, the formal settlement agreement resolving Monster Worldwide's claims, including those asserted in the Derivative Actions, against Mr. McKelvey and the others was presented for approval to both the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. On June 11, 2008, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York preliminarily approved the settlement agreement and conditionally dismissed the federal derivative action, subject to further consideration thereof at a settlement hearing to be held by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. Pursuant to the proposed settlement agreement, the Company will receive approximately $10,000 in cash from various individuals (inclusive of the $8,000 from Mr. McKelvey), the Class B common stock held by Mr. McKelvey will be converted into ordinary shares of common stock, certain outstanding stock options and restricted stock units will be cancelled and the exercise price of certain outstanding options will be increased. On July 28, 2008, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement and scheduled an October 2, 2008 hearing with respect to final approval thereof.

Securities Class Action (In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.)).

On or about March 15, 2007, a putative securities shareholder class action was filed by Middlesex County Retirement System against the Company and certain former employees in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York designated as In re Monster Worldwide Securities

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Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.) (JSR), seeking an indeterminate amount of damages on behalf of all persons or entities, other than defendants, who purchased or acquired the securities of the Company from May 6, 2005 until September 9, 2006. On July 9, 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the securities class action asserting claims against the Company, Andrew McKelvey and Myron Olesnyckyj, the Company's former General Counsel, based on an alleged violation of Section 10(b) the Exchange Act and against the individual defendants based on an alleged violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On July 14, 2008, the Court certified a class consisting of all of those who purchased or acquired securities of the Company from May 5, 2005 to June 9, 2006 other than the defendants, the officers and directors of the Company, members of the immediate families of any excluded person, the legal representatives, heirs, successors or assigns of an excluded person, any entity in which defendants have or had a controlling interest and any current of former Company employee who acquired the Company's securities through the exercise of options. On July 30, 2008, the lead plaintiff, the Company and the individual defendants entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the "Class Action Memorandum of Understanding") that memorializes the terms pursuant to which the parties intend, subject to Court approval, to settle the securities class action. The Class Action Memorandum of Understanding provides for a payment to the class by the defendants of $47,500 in full settlement of the claims asserted in the Securities Class Action. The Company's cost is anticipated to be approximately $25,000 (net of insurance and contribution from another defendant). The parties expect to enter into a formal settlement agreement in the near future and to thereafter seek court approval.

Dispute with Option Holders.

From July 25, 2006 to December 26, 2006, the Company suspended its Registration Statement on Form S-8, resulting in a prohibition on the exercise of stock options. The Company received correspondence from, or on behalf of, certain former employees who are grantees of certain vested stock options that were scheduled to expire or be forfeited unless exercised during this suspension period. Due to the suspension of the Company's S-8, these individuals were precluded from exercising such options prior to the expiration date of the options. The former employees informed the Company that they would seek to hold the Company liable for any financial damages suffered as a result of their inability to exercise the options during the suspension period. In December 2006, the Company's Board of Directors approved the payment of approximately $5,000 to compensate certain former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company requested a release of any liability. The Company has made payments to, and has received releases from, substantially all of such former employees.

Consequences Under the Internal Revenue Code.

The Company has notified the Internal Revenue Service of the stock option review and results thereof. Under Internal Revenue Code section 162(m) ("IRC 162(m)"), stock options that are in-the-money at the time of grant do not qualify as performance-based compensation. The Company is not entitled to a deduction for the compensation expense related to the exercise of those options held by officers who are covered by IRC 162(m).

In addition, certain stock options which were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A ("409A"). The provisions of 409A impose adverse consequences upon the individuals who receive such options including excise tax, additional interest charges and accelerated inclusion in income. In January 2007, the Board approved a tender offer plan to amend certain stock options granted to approximately 60 individuals who received stock options that are subject to 409A in order to correct the options such that they are no longer subject to this provision. The correction was made by increasing the exercise price to the same value used in connection with the financial statement

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restatement. In April 2007, the tender offer was finalized and for individuals who agreed to the modification, the Company compensated them for the increase in the exercise price by paying an amount equal to the difference in the exercise price for each option. In January 2008, the Company paid approximately $300 to these individuals.

General.

The Company may become subject to additional private or government actions. The expense of defending such litigation may be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations. The Company may also be obligated under the terms of its by-laws to advance litigation costs for directors and officers named in litigation relating to their roles at the Company.

Security Breach

In August 2007, the Company announced that certain of its servers had been the subject of attacks by malicious software and that, as a result, information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for job seekers with resumes posted on websites operated by the Company had been illegally downloaded. The Company does not generally collect social security numbers or financial data about its job seekers, such as bank account information or credit card accounts. The Company responded by conducting a comprehensive review of internal processes and procedures, enhancing its processes and procedures and notifying job seekers and employers of the attack and alerting job seekers about potential efforts to use that information to improperly obtain sensitive data from the job seekers in so called "phishing" emails. In October 2007, in connection with the attack, the Company was requested to provide information to the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") in connection with a non-public inquiry into certain information security practices of Monster. After the Company submitted such information to the FTC, the matter was resolved without further action required by the Company. The Company has also received inquiries from certain other governmental authorities (foreign and domestic) in connection with the attack. The Company has cooperated with these governmental authorities' inquiries and, if necessary, intends to continue to cooperate with such requests.

Litigation Relating to the Company's Discontinued Tickle Business

In July 2006, a putative class action entitled Ed Oshaben v. Tickle Inc., Emode.com, Inc. and Monster Worldwide, Inc. (Case No. CGC-06-454538) was filed against the Company and its Tickle Inc. subsidiary in California State Court. An amended complaint was subsequently filed. The amended complaint alleges that Tickle engaged in deceptive consumer practices and purports to be a class action representing all users who purchased a test report from Tickle and received "unauthorized charges." The amended complaint alleges various violations of the California consumer and unfair business practice statutes and seeks, among other things, unspecified restitution for the class, disgorgement of revenues, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and equitable relief. Discovery in this action is underway.

In May 2008, Fotomedia Technologies, LLC filed suit against the Company's Tickle business for allegedly infringing three patents by operating photo sharing services on a website operated by Tickle. The lawsuit—entitled Fotomedia Technologies, LLC v. Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc., et al. (Civil Action No. 2:08-cv-203)—is pending in the Eastern District of Texas and there are 23 other named defendants. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction and monetary relief. The Company took down the website accused of infringement for reasons unrelated to the lawsuit and intends to vigorously defend this matter.

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Patent Claim

In April 2008, the Company was served with an action entitled Pitchware, Inc. v. Monster Worldwide, Inc.; CareerBuilder LLC; Gannett Co., Inc.; The McClatchy Company; Microsoft Corporation; and Career Marketplace, Inc. (Case No. C08-01848), filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of California. The Complaint alleges that certain of the features that the respective Defendants offer their users violates plaintiff's patent. The Complaint seeks permanent injunctive and/or monetary relief. Based on the Company's initial review of the Complaint, the Company believes the claims against the Company set forth in the Complaint are without merit.

14.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On July 29, 2008, the Company's Careers – North America segment purchased Trovix, Inc., a business that provides career-related products and services that utilize advanced search technology focusing on key attributes such as skills, work history and education, that provide users with more meaningful search results. Consideration for the acquisition was approximately $72,500 in cash. The transaction will be accounted for in the third quarter of 2008 and the allocation of the purchase price to assets and liabilities acquired will be finalized in 2008. The Company does not anticipate the acquisition having a material impact on financial results in 2008. Any goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.

On July 30, 2008, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") relating to a proposed settlement of the shareholder securities class action pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York relating to the Company's historical stock option granting practices. In full settlement of the claims asserted in the shareholder securities class action, the MOU provides for a payment to the class of $47,500 of which approximately $25,100 is to be paid by the Company. The parties expect to enter into a formal Settlement Agreement in the near future and to thereafter seek Court approval. Accordingly, $25,100 has been recorded as a provision for legal settlements, net in the second quarter of 2008. Also recorded in the provision for legal settlements, net in the second quarter of 2008, was approximately $15,000 for estimated expenses relating to the other outstanding litigation in connection with Monster's historical stock option granting practices.

On July 28, 2008, the New York State Supreme Court gave preliminary approval to the settlement of the New York State Court and Federal Court derivative lawsuits, the terms of which were previously announced. A final hearing to approve the settlement will be held on October 2, 2008.

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
New York, New York

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (the "Company") as of June 30, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 and cash flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 included in the accompanying Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2008. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

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

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

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the consolidated balance sheet of Monster Worldwide, Inc. as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated February 11, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. As discussed in Note 3, the Company has classified the results of operations of Tickle Inc. as discontinued operations and accordingly the accompanying December 31, 2007 balance sheet reflects adjustments relating to this change. We have not audited the accompanying balance sheet.

/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

BDO Seidman, LLP
New York, New York
July 31, 2008

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ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Monster Worldwide, Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the "Company," "Monster Worldwide", "Monster," "we," "our" or "us") makes forward-looking statements in this report and in other reports and proxy statements that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). In addition, we make forward-looking statements in this report and in other reports and proxy statements that we file with the SEC. Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this report constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the Company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, risks associated with acquisitions or dispositions, competition, ongoing costs associated with the Company's historical stock option practices and related litigation, costs associated with our restructuring plan and security breach, and the other risks discussed in this report and our other filings made with the SEC.

There are many factors—many beyond our control—that could cause results to differ significantly from our expectations. Some of these factors are described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Overview

Monster Worldwide is the premier global online employment solution, bringing people together to improve their lives, with a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. We have been able to build on Monster's brand and create worldwide awareness by offering online recruiting solutions that we believe are redefining the way employers and job seekers connect. For the employer, our goal is to provide the most effective solutions and easiest to use technology to simplify the hiring process and deliver access to our community of job seekers. For job seekers, our purpose is to help improve their careers by providing work-related content, services and advice to enhance the consumer experience.

Our services and solutions include searchable job postings, a resume database and other career-related content. Users can search our job postings and post their resumes for free on each of our websites. Employers pay to post jobs, search the resume database and access other career-related services.

Our strategy has been to grow our business both organically and through strategic acquisitions and alliances where the perceived growth prospects fit our plan. We believe the growth opportunities internationally are particularly large and believe that we are positioned to benefit from our expanded reach and increased brand recognition around the world. Our Careers – International segment accounted for 43.0% of our consolidated revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase of 8.5% over the comparable 2007 period. We are also positioned to benefit from the continued secular shift towards online recruiting. Through a balanced mix of investment, strategic acquisitions and disciplined operating focus and execution, we believe we can take advantage of this online migration to significantly grow our Careers – International business over the next several years.

We also operate a network of websites within our Internet Advertising & Fees segment that connect companies to highly targeted audiences at critical stages in their life. Our goal is to offer compelling online services for the users through personalization, community features and enhanced content. We believe that there are significant opportunities to monetize this website traffic through lead generation, display advertising and other consumer related products. We believe that these properties are appealing to advertisers and other third parties as they deliver certain discrete demographics entirely online.

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Business Combinations

For the period January 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008, we completed two business combinations. Although the following acquired businesses were not considered to be significant subsidiaries, either individually or in the aggregate, they do affect the comparability of results from period to period.

Acquired Business
  Acquisition Date
  Business Segment
 

Affinity Labs Inc.

    January 4, 2008   Internet Advertising & Fees

Arbeidskamerater AS (Norway)

    January 10, 2007   Careers – International
 

Discontinued Operations

During the second quarter of 2008, we decided to wind-down the operations of Tickle, an online property within the Internet Advertising & Fees segment, and have classified the results of Tickle as a discontinued operation. Our decision was based upon Tickle's non-core offerings, which no longer fit our long-term strategic growth plans and Tickle's lack of profitability. Tickle's discontinued operations for the first six months of 2008 included the write-down of $13.2 million of long-lived assets, an income tax benefit of $29.4 million and a net loss of $5.1 million from its operations. The income tax benefit included $25.5 million of current tax benefits for current period operating losses and tax losses incurred upon Tickle's discontinuance and $3.9 million of deferred tax benefits for the reversal of deferred tax liabilities on long-term assets.

Also during the year ended December 31, 2006, we disposed of businesses that collectively comprised our former Advertising & Communications operating segment. These transactions were executed in order to focus more resources to support the growth of the Monster franchise on a global basis. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the revenue and costs related to our discontinued and disposed of businesses were segregated from continuing operations and reflected as discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of operations and are as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
(dollars in thousands)   2008   2007   2008   2007  

Revenue

  $ 2,264   $ 7,164   $ 6,158   $ 14,362  

Loss before income taxes

    (16,323 )   (922 )   (18,257 )   (3,165 )

Income tax benefit

    (28,592 )   (345 )   (29,355 )   (1,214 )
   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

  $ 12,269   $ (577 ) $ 11,098   $ (1,951 )
   

Restructuring Plan

In July 2007, we announced a strategic restructuring plan intended to position us for sustainable long-term growth in the rapidly evolving global online recruitment and advertising industry. The restructuring plan was originally designed to reduce the Company's workforce by approximately 800 associates while simultaneously re-investing in areas of strategic importance, such as innovation, product and technology. Subsequent to the announcement of this plan, the Company made a strategic decision to in-source customer service and therefore the current reduction will be approximately 700 associates. Through June 30, 2008, we have notified or terminated approximately 440 associates and approximately 140 associates have voluntarily left the Company. The restructuring plan arose out of a review of our organizational and cost structure by our executive management team. The restructuring is intended to realign the Company's cost structure to permit investment in key areas that will improve the customer experience, foster revenue growth and margin expansion and reduce operating expense growth rates from current levels. We have recorded charges and accruals in connection with these restructuring initiatives and prior business reorganization plans. These accruals include estimates

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pertaining to future lease obligations, employee separation costs and the settlements of contractual obligations resulting from our initiatives. Although we do not anticipate significant changes, actual costs may differ from these estimates.

Results of Operations

Consolidated operating results as a percentage of revenue for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2008
  2007
  2008
  2007
 

Revenue

    100.0%     100.0%     100.0%     100.0%  
   

Salaries and related

    38.4%     44.7%     38.3%     41.2%  

Office and general

    21.3%     19.3%     20.7%     20.2%  

Marketing and promotion

    19.5%     22.7%     25.1%     22.6%  

Provision for legal settlements, net

    11.3%     0.0%     5.6%     0.0%  

Restructuring and other special charges

    0.8%     0.0%     1.3%     0.0%  
   

Total operating expenses

    91.2%     86.8%     91.0%     84.1%  
   

Operating income

    8.8%     13.2%     9.0%     15.9%  

Interest and other, net

    0.9%     2.1%     1.4%     1.9%  
   

Income from continuing operations before income taxes and loss in equity interests

    9.7%     15.4%     10.4%     17.8%  

Income taxes

    (3.4)%     (5.4)%     (3.8)%     (6.3)%  

Loss in equity interests, net

    (1.0)%     (0.9)%     (0.8)%     (0.7)%  
   

Income from continuing operations

    5.2%     9.0%     5.9%     10.8%  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

    3.5%     (0.2)%     1.5%     (0.3)%  
   

Net income

    8.7%     8.8%     7.4%     10.5%  
   

The Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

Consolidated Revenue, Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Consolidated revenue, operating expenses and operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008
  % of
Revenue

  2007
  % of
Revenue

  Increase
(Decrease)

  % Increase
(Decrease)

 

Revenue

  $ 354,294     100.0%   $ 323,985     100.0%     30,309     9.4%  
   

Salaries and related

    135,879     38.4%     144,955     44.7%   $ (9,076 )   (6.3)%  

Office and general

    75,358     21.3%     62,619     19.3%     12,739     20.3%  

Marketing and promotion

    68,976     19.5%     73,568     22.7%     (4,592 )   (6.2)%  

Provision for legal settlements, net

    40,100     11.3%     -     0.0%     40,100     -  

Restructuring and other special charges

    2,732     0.8%     -     0.0%     2,732     -  
                                 

Operating expenses

    323,045     91.2%     281,142     86.8%     41,903     14.9%  
                                 

Operating income

  $ 31,249     8.8%   $ 42,843     13.2%   $ (11,594 )   (27.1)%  
                                 

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Our consolidated revenue grew 9.4% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2007. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $14.0 million to reported revenue, or approximately 4.3% of the overall growth. Careers - International experienced strong revenue growth throughout continental Europe and in the Asia Pacific region. Careers – North America revenue decreased 5.8%.

Our consolidated operating expenses grew 14.9% in the second quarter of 2008, primarily as a result of $40.1 million in provisions for legal settlements, net recorded in 2008 related to the proposed and anticipated settlement of the class action and related lawsuits. The other operating expenses grew 0.6% reflecting our continued commitment to reinvest in critical areas such as sales, technology, product innovation, brand support and infrastructure, as well as our efforts to contain expense growth. Included within the salaries and related expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 was approximately $12.8 million of accelerated stock-based compensation expense related to former executive officers. Although overall headcount is lower by approximately 1% from the second quarter of 2007, stock based compensation, excluding the $12.8 million of accelerated expense in 2007, increased to $8.5 million in 2008 from $4.4 million in 2007, as we are providing equity and incentive compensation opportunities to a broader set of associates, designed to reward increased productivity. The effects of the weakening U.S. dollar increased our consolidated operating expenses by approximately $10 million in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 period. Increases in office and general expenses were driven primarily by increased expense from depreciation and amortization of $2.8 million, other professional fees of $3.0 million that included work associated with current investment projects, and $4.3 million associated with running our new additional and existing facilities. Included in office and general expenses are $4.3 million and $5.3 million of professional fees and expenses related to the ongoing stock option investigation for 2008 and 2007, respectively. Marketing and promotion expenses decreased $4.6 million, or 6.2%, in 2008 compared to 2007 mainly as a result of the decision to shift more spending into the first quarter of 2008 to support the launch of the Monster re-branding efforts, an initiative that we believe will benefit future quarters and years.

Our consolidated operating margin was 8.8% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to 13.2% in the second quarter of 2007. Operating income decreased $11.6 million or 27.1% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2007, primarily as a result of the $40.1 million provision for proposed and anticipated legal settlements, net. As a result of our restructuring and reinvestment programs, we believe we have made solid progress in improving the Company's operating platform to facilitate future growth. Increased revenue partially offset the effects of the higher costs on operating margin.

The following presentation of our segment results is prepared based on the criteria we use when evaluating the performance of our business units. For these purposes, management views certain non-cash expenses, such as depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles, amortization of stock-based compensation and non-cash restructuring and other special charges, as a separate component of operating profit. We believe that this presentation provides important indicators of our operating strength and is useful to investors when evaluating our operating performance.

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Careers – North America

The operating results of our Careers – North America segment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   % of
Revenue
  2007   % of
Revenue
  $ (Decrease)
Increase
  % (Decrease)
Increase
 

Revenue

  $ 164,280     100.0%   $ 174,481     100.0%   $ (10,201 )       (5.8)%  
                             

Selling, general and administrative

    96,644     58.8%     113,636     65.1%     (16,992 )   (15.0)%  

Depreciation and amortization (a)

    9,227     5.6%     6,266     3.6%     2,961       47.3%  
                             

Operating income

  $ 58,409     35.6%   $ 54,579     31.3%   $ 3,830         7.0%  
                                 
(a)
Includes $2,498 and $1,413 of amortization of stock-based compensation in 2008 and 2007, respectively; restructuring and other special charges in 2008 of $923 for non-cash write-offs.

Revenue in our Careers – North America segment decreased $10.2 million or 5.8% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to the prior year period. The weaker U.S. economy impacted overall hiring demand as customers became more deliberate with their recruiting decisions. Our business was impacted in the credit, financial services and housing sectors, reflecting the overall weakness in these industries, as well as associated industries, such as construction and manufacturing. Partially offsetting this was growth in our government and Canadian business.

Operating costs in our Careers – North America segment decreased primarily as the result of a 29% decrease in marketing and promotion expenditures caused by the decision to shift more spending into the first quarter of 2008 to support the global brand re-launch efforts to reposition the Monster brand in the global marketplace. In addition, salary and related expenses decreased by 9%, primarily the result of a 14% decrease in headcount resulting from restructuring, partially offset by an increase in stock-based compensation in 2008 of $1.1 million compared to 2007, as a result of a broader level of associates participating in our stock-based compensation plan. The portion of Careers – North America's costs for technology infrastructure increased by 12%, as we remain committed to investing in our product, new technology and other assets in order to sustain long-term profitability. Restructuring expenses were $0.9 million in the second quarter of 2008. We expect to continue our cost containment efforts in order to mitigate some of the effects of the weaker U.S. economy on revenue, while still investing in efforts to improve customer service and our technology infrastructure.

Our Careers – North America segment generated an operating margin of 35.6% in the second quarter of 2008, compared to 31.3% reported in the comparable 2007 period. Operating income in our Careers – North America segment increased $3.8 million or 7.0% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 period. The increase was primarily the result of the reduction in the operating costs items noted above; partially offset by the decrease in revenue and increases in depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expenses of $3.0 million.

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Careers – International

The operating results of our Careers – International segment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   % of
Revenue
  2007   % of
Revenue
  $ Increase
(Decrease)
  % Increase
(Decrease)
 

Revenue

  $ 156,673     100.0%   $ 116,845     100.0%   $ 39,828     34.1%  
                             

Selling, general and administrative (a)

    116,312     74.2%     99,483     85.1%     16,829     16.9%  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

    8,445     5.4%     5,307     4.5%     3,138     59.1%  
                             

Operating income

  $ 31,916     20.4%   $ 12,055     10.3%   $ 19,861     164.8%  
                                 

(a)Includes costs for restructuring and other special charges of $1,400 in 2008.

(b)Includes $2,287 and $975 of amortization of stock-based compensation in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Our Careers – International segment delivered revenue growth of 34.1% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. We experienced strong revenue growth throughout continental Europe with our Careers - International revenue accounting for 44.2% of consolidated revenue in 2008, compared to 36.1% in 2007. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $13.3 million to reported revenue, or approximately 11% of the growth. Our leading position in large geographic markets across Europe and the ongoing secular shift from print to online continued to drive revenue growth; however we did experience a slowdown in customer activity, particularly from U.S. based multi-national customers reflecting the uncertain economic environment. In the Asia/Pacific region we continued to experience strong revenue growth. We are beginning to see signs of economic slowdown in a majority of the regions where we operate.

Our Careers – International segment operating expenses increased primarily as a result of an 8% increase in technology infrastructure costs in the second quarter of 2008, as we remain committed to investing in our product, new technology and other technology assets in order to sustain long-term profitability. In addition, we incurred higher salary and related costs of 20% on essentially unchanged employee headcount, as a result of increased compensation and a broader level of associates participating in our stock-based compensation plan. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately 9% to the expense growth in 2008. Marketing costs were essentially unchanged in 2008 when compared to 2007.

Our Careers – International segment generated an operating margin of 20.4% in the second quarter of 2008, an increase from a 10.3% reported operating margin in the comparable 2007 period. Operating income in our Careers – International segment increased $19.9 million or 164.8% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 period. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in revenues of $39.8 million, partially offset by higher expenses. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $5 million to reported operating income, or 5.7%.

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Internet Advertising & Fees

During the second quarter of 2008, the Company decided to wind-down the operations of Tickle, an online property within the Internet Advertising & Fees segment, and have classified the results of Tickle as a discontinued operation. The operating results of our Internet Advertising & Fees segment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   % of
Revenue
  2007   % of
Revenue
  $ (Decrease)
Increase
  % (Decrease)
Increase
 

Revenue

  $ 33,341     100.0%   $ 32,659     100.0%   $ 682     2.1%  
                             

Selling, general and administrative (a)

    25,833     77.5%     25,221     77.2%     612     2.4%  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

    2,852     8.6%     1,759     5.4%     1,093     62.1%  
                             

Operating income

  $ 4,656     14.0%   $ 5,679     17.4%   $ (1,023 )   (18.0)%  
                                 
(a)
Includes costs for restructuring and other special charges of $338 in 2008.

(b)
Includes $1,329 and $426 of amortization of stock-based compensation in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Revenue at our Internet Advertising & Fees segment increased 2.1% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. The increase in revenue is primarily as a result of growth in sales from our Military.com website and our acquisition of Affinity Labs in January 2008, as part of our strategy to access the significant opportunities to expand our presence in online vertical communities. Our strategic decision in 2007 to remove interstitial advertisements and student loan advertising continued to negatively impact comparable results in the second quarter.

Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment operating expenses increased $1.7 million or 6.3% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 period. Marketing and promotion costs increased 58%, driven by $3.0 million of increased online media advertising, primarily from the acquisition of Affinity Labs in January of 2008. In addition, we incurred lower compensation expense of $0.9 million related to lower cash compensation expenses, partially offset by a broader level of associates participating in our stock-based compensation plan.

Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment generated an operating margin of 14.0% in the second quarter of 2008, a decrease from a 17.4% reported operating margin in the comparable 2007 period. Operating income in our Internet Advertising & Fees segment decreased $1.0 million or 18.0% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the 2007 period. The decrease was primarily the result of the increase in operating costs noted above; partially offset by the increase in revenue.

Loss in Equity Interests, net

We reported losses in equity interests of $3.6 million and $3.0 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The loss of $3.8 million for ChinaHR in second quarter of 2008 included higher bad debt expense. ChinaHR's 2007 second quarter loss was $3.2 million.

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Income Taxes

Income taxes for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   2007   $ Change   % Change  

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

  $ 34,306   $ 49,746   $ (15,440 )   (31.0)%  

Income taxes

    12,153     17,587     (5,434 )   (30.9)%  

Effective tax rate

    35.4 %   35.4 %            

Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due to the impact of state and local income taxes, tax exempt interest income, certain nondeductible expenses, foreign earnings taxed at different tax rates, valuation allowances and accrual of interest on accrued tax liabilities. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. In addition, our filed tax returns are subject to the examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

Discontinued operations for the second quarter 2008 were for the wind-down of Tickle and included the write-down of $13.1 million of long-lived assets, an income tax benefit of $28.6 million and a pre-tax loss of $3.2 million from its operations. The 2007 results of $0.6 million were for Tickle and the disposed of businesses that collectively comprised the former Advertising & Communications operating segment.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations decreased 31.8% in the second quarter of 2008 period, primarily as a result of lower operating income and lower non-operating income, partially offset by lower income taxes and a decrease in weighted average diluted shares. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased approximately 11.6 million shares, primarily as a result of the repurchase of 10.6 million shares of common stock since August 2007 and a lower average share price in 2008. Net income was 8.7% of total revenue in the second quarter of 2008, compared to 8.8% in the second quarter of 2007.

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The Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

Consolidated Revenue, Operating Expenses and Operating Income

Consolidated revenue, operating expenses and operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008
  % of
Revenue

  2007
  % of
Revenue

  Increase
(Decrease)

  % Increase
(Decrease)

 

Revenue

  $ 720,766     100.0%   $ 645,815     100.0%   $ 74,951     11.6%  
   

Salaries and related

    276,327     38.3%     266,319     41.2%     10,008     3.8%  

Office and general

    149,257     20.7%     130,623     20.2%     18,634     14.3%  

Marketing and promotion

    180,830     25.1%     146,077     22.6%     34,753     23.8%  

Provision for legal settlements, net

    40,100     5.6%     -     0.0%     40,100     -  

Restructuring and other special charges

    9,659     1.3%     -     0.0%     9,659     -  
                                 

Operating expenses

    656,173     91.0%     543,019     84.1%     113,154     20.8%  
                                 

Operating income

  $ 64,593     9.0%   $ 102,796     15.9%   $ (38,203 )   (37.2)%  
                                 

Our consolidated revenue grew 11.6% in the first six months of 2008 compared to 2007. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $26.9 million to reported revenue, or approximately 4.2% of the overall growth. Careers – International experienced strong revenue growth throughout continental Europe and in the Asia Pacific region. Careers – North America revenue decreased 3.0%.

Our consolidated operating expenses grew 20.8% in first six months of 2008, primarily as a result of 2008 expenses of $40.1 million in provision for legal settlements, net for the proposed settlement of the class action and related lawsuits, as well as increases in every major line item over the comparable 2007 period. Marketing and promotion expenses increased $34.8 million, or 23.8%, as a result of approximately $31.3 million of incremental marketing expenses associated with media placement and production costs for the global brand re-launch in January 2008. The Company made a strategic decision to reinvigorate and re-launch the Monster brand, on a global basis, an initiative that we believe will benefit future quarters and years. Included within the salaries and related expense for the six months ended June 30, 2007 was approximately $12.8 million of accelerated stock-based compensation expense related to former executive officers. Although overall headcount is down approximately 1% in 2008 from 2007, stock-based compensation was approximately $13.9 million for the first six months of 2008, compared to $8.7 million for the same period of 2007, excluding the $12.8 million of accelerated expense, as we are providing equity and incentive compensation opportunities to a broader section of our associates designed to reward increased productivity. The effects of the weakening U.S. dollar increased our consolidated operating expenses by approximately $20.7 million in the first six months of 2008 compared to the comparable 2007 period. Increases in office and general expenses primarily resulted from additional depreciation and amortization of $5.8 million, costs associated with annual regional sales conferences that launched our new brand strategy in the beginning of the year and $8.3 million of costs associated with running our new additional and existing facilities. Included in office and general expenses are professional fees and expenses related to the ongoing stock option investigation of $7.2 million and $15.2 million in the first six months of 2008 and 2007, respectively. Restructuring expense was $9.7 million in 2008 and as a result of our restructuring and reinvestment programs; we believe we have made solid progress in improving the Company's operating platform to facilitate future growth.

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Our consolidated operating margin was 9.0% in the first six months of 2008, compared to 15.9% in 2007. Operating income decreased $38.2 million in 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, primarily from inclusion in 2008 of $40.1 million for a provision for proposed and anticipated net legal settlements and $9.7 million of restructuring expense compared to the 2007 period.

Careers – North America

The operating results of our Careers – North America segment for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   % of
Revenue
  2007   % of
Revenue
  $ (Decrease)
Increase
  % (Decrease)
Increase
 

Revenue

  $ 347,818     100.0%   $ 358,498     100.0%   $ (10,680 )     (3.0)%  
                             

Selling, general and administrative (a)

    232,580     66.9%     226,503     63.2%     6,077         2.7%  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

    17,128     4.9%     11,538     3.2%     5,590       48.4%  
                             

Operating income

  $ 98,110     28.2%   $ 120,457     33.6%   $ (22,347 )   (18.6)%  
                                 
(a)
Includes restructuring and other special charges of $947 and security breach remediation of $224 in 2008.

(b)
Includes $3,169 and $2,711 of amortization of stock-based compensation in 2008 and 2007, respectively; restructuring and other special charges in 2008 of $1,162 for non-cash stock-based compensation and $1,847 for non-cash write-offs.

Revenue in our Careers – North America segment decreased $10.7 million or 3.0% in the first six months of 2008, compared to the prior year period. The weaker U.S. economy impacted overall hiring demand as customers became more deliberate with their recruiting decisions. In addition, our business was impacted in the credit, financial services and housing sectors, reflecting the overall weakness in these industries, as well as associated industries such as construction and manufacturing. Partially offsetting this was growth in our government and Canadian business.

Operating costs in our Careers – North America segment increased primarily as the result of a 10% increase in marketing and promotion expenditures related to our global brand re-launch in January 2008. The brand re-launch was part of our decision to reposition the Monster brand in the global marketplace with an aggressive and integrated marketing and promotion program. As a result of the brand re-launch, we incurred approximately $17.8 million of incremental marketing cost for the North American business. Restructuring expenses were $4.0 million in the first six months of 2008. Technology infrastructure costs increased by 18%, as we remain committed to investing in our product, new technology and other assets in order to sustain long-term profitability. Salary and related expenses decreased by 12%, resulting from the impacts of the restructuring program, which have driven a 14% decrease in headcount compared to the prior year period. The decrease in salary and related expense was partially offset by an increase of $0.7 million in stock-based compensation, consistent with a broader associate segment receiving equity and incentive compensation opportunities.

Our Careers – North America segment generated an operating margin of 28.2% in the first six months of 2008, compared to 33.6% reported in the comparable 2007 period. Operating income in our Careers – North America segment decreased $22.3 million or 18.6% in the first six months of 2008 compared to the comparable 2007 period. The decrease was the result of the decrease in revenue and increase in operating costs.

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Careers – International

The operating results of our Careers – International segment for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   % of
Revenue
  2007   % of
Revenue
  $ (Decrease)
Increase
  % (Decrease)
Increase
 

Revenue

  $ 309,945     100.0%   $ 223,051     100.0%   $ 86,894     39.0%  
                             

Selling, general and administrative (a)

    252,922     81.6%     193,095     86.6%     59,827     31.0%  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

    15,464     5.0%     9,940     4.5%     5,524     55.6%  
                             

Operating income

  $ 41,559     13.4%   $ 20,016     9.0%   $ 21,543     107.6%  
                                 
(a)
Includes costs for restructuring and other special charges of $4,516 and security breach remediation of $186 in 2008.

(b)
Includes $3,743 and $1,737 of amortization of stock-based compensation in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Our Careers – International segment delivered revenue growth of 39.0% in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007. We experienced strong revenue growth throughout continental Europe with our Careers—International revenue accounting for 43.0% of consolidated revenue in 2008, compared to 34.5% in 2007. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $25 million to reported revenue, or approximately 11% of the growth. Our leading position in large geographic markets across Europe and the ongoing secular shift from print to online continued to drive revenue growth; however toward the end of the six months we did experience a slowdown in customer activity, particularly from U.S. based multi-national customers reflecting the uncertain economic environment. In the Asia/Pacific region we continued to experience strong revenue growth. We are beginning to see signs of economic slowdown in a majority of the regions where we operate.

Our Careers – International segment operating expenses increased in the first six months of 2008, compared to the 2007 period, primarily as a result of a 14% increase in marketing and promotion expenditures, which included approximately $13 million of incremental marketing costs related to the global brand re-launch in the first quarter of 2008. Technology infrastructure costs increased in 2008 by 23%, as we remain committed to investing in our product, new technology and other technology assets in order to sustain long-term profitability. In addition, we incurred higher salary and related costs, primarily due to increased compensation and a broader level of associates participating in our equity compensation plan. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $21 million to operating expense in the first six months of 2008, compared to the 2007 period.

Our Careers – International segment generated an operating margin of 13.4% in the first six months of 2008, an increase from a 9.0% reported operating margin in the comparable 2007 period. Operating income in our Careers – International segment increased $21.5 million or 107.6% in the first six months of 2008 compared to the comparable 2007 period. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in revenues of $86.9 million, offset by higher expenses. The effect of the weakening U.S. dollar contributed approximately $4 million to reported operating income, or 5.7%.

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Internet Advertising & Fees

The operating results of our Internet Advertising & Fees segment for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   % of
Revenue
  2007   % of
Revenue
  $ (Decrease)
Increase
  % (Decrease)
Increase
 

Revenue

  $ 63,003     100.0%   $ 64,266     100.0%   $ (1,263 )     (2.0)%  
                             

Selling, general and administrative (a)

    54,703     86.8%     49,358     76.8%     5,345       10.8%  

Depreciation and amortization (b)

    5,075     8.1%     3,167         4.9%     1,908       60.2%  
                             

Operating income

  $ 3,225     5.1%   $ 11,741     18.3   $ (8,516 )   (72.5)%  
                                 

(a)Includes costs for restructuring and other special charges of $1,119 and security breach remediation of $41 in 2008.

(b)Includes $2,189 and $719 of amortization of stock-based compensation in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Revenue at our Internet Advertising & Fees segment decreased 2.0% in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007. Our strategic decision in 2007 to remove interstitial advertisements and student loan advertising continued to negatively impact comparable results. We also experienced lower demand from financial services customers. We acquired Affinity Labs in January 2008, as part of our strategy to access the significant opportunities to expand our presence in online vertical communities.

Operating costs at our Internet Advertising & Fees segment increased $7.3 million, or 13.8% in the first six months of 2008 compared to the first six months of 2007. Marketing and promotion costs increased $8.2 million, primarily from the acquisition of Affinity Labs and additional online advertising expenses and $0.7 million in incremental costs for the global brand re-launch. Stock-based compensation increased $1.5 million due to a broader level of associates participating in our equity compensation plan.

Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment generated an operating margin of 5.1% in the first six months of 2008, a decrease from 18.3% reported operating margin in the comparable 2007 period. Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment posted operating income of $3.2 million in the first six months of 2008, a decline from operating income of $11.7 million in the first six months of 2007, as a result of increased costs and lower revenues.

Loss in Equity Interests, Net

We reported losses in equity interests of $5.4 million and $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The loss of $6.0 million for ChinaHR in the first six months of 2008 included an increase in bad debt expense, which caused the loss to be higher than the comparable 2007 period.

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Income Taxes

Income taxes for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

(dollars in thousands)
  2008   2007   $ Change   % Change  

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

  $ 75,033   $ 115,112   $ (40,079 )   (34.8 )%

Income taxes

    27,296     40,677     (13,381 )   (32.9 )%

Effective tax rate

    36.4 %   35.3 %            

Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate due to the impact of state and local income taxes, tax exempt interest income, certain nondeductible expenses, foreign earnings taxed at different tax rates, valuation allowances and accrual of interest on accrued tax liabilities. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws or interpretations thereof. In addition, our filed tax returns are subject to the examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax

Discontinued operations for the first six months of 2008 were for the wind-down of Tickle and included the write-down of $13.1 million of long-lived assets, an income tax benefit of $29.4 million and a net pre-tax loss of $5.2 million from its operations. The 2007 results of $2.0 million were primarily for Tickle operations of $1.4 million and the disposed of businesses that collectively comprised the former Advertising & Communications operating segment.

Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations decreased 34.0% in the 2008 period, primarily as a result of lower operating income, as a result of the inclusion of $40.1 million in a provision for proposed and anticipated net legal settlements, partially offset by a lower tax provision and lower diluted average shares outstanding. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding decreased approximately 10.8 million shares, primarily as a result of the repurchase of 10.6 million shares of common stock since August 2007 and a lower average share price. Net income was 7.4% of total revenue in the first six months of 2008, compared to 10.5% in the first six months of 2007.

Financial Condition

The following tables detail our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and cash flow components:

 
   
   
  Change  
 
  June 30,
2008
  December 31,
2007
 
(dollars in thousands)
  $   %  

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 365,454   $ 129,744   $ 235,710     181.7%  

Marketable securities (current and non-current)

    167,909     448,703     (280,794 )   (62.6)%  
                     

Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities

  $ 533,363   $ 578,447   $ (45,084 )   (7.8)%  
                     

Percentage of total assets

    26.0%     27.8%              
                       

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Consolidated cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:

 
   
   
  Change  
(dollars in thousands)
  2008   2007   $   %  

Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

  $ 152,170   $ 137,392   $ 14,778         10.8%  

Cash provided by (used for) investing activities of continuing operations

    163,654     (135,891 )   299,545       220.4%  

Cash (used for) provided by financing activities of continuing operations

    (85,308 )   33,840     (119,148 )   (352.1)%  

Cash used in discontinued operations

    (3,129 )   (5,482 )   2,353         42.9%  

Effect of exchange rates on cash

    8,323     2,000     6,323       316.2%  

Our principal capital requirements have been to fund (i) working capital, (ii) marketing and development of our Monster network, (iii) acquisitions, (iv) capital expenditures and (v) share repurchases. We and the majority shareholders of ChinaHR are parties to a shareholders agreement that provides for various rights and obligations. We are currently considering our obligations under the shareholders agreement, are continuing our due diligence review and are in advanced negotiations regarding the purchase of the remaining interest in ChinaHR. We remain committed to consummating the transaction (which is estimated to occur sometime during the third quarter of 2008). On January 30, 2008, we entered into a loan agreement with ChinaHR, whereby we agreed to advance ChinaHR up to an aggregate of $5.0 million immediately and up to an additional $2.0 million upon the receipt of consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2007 for ChinaHR. Through June 30, 2008, we have advanced ChinaHR $5.0 million. These loan agreements are in addition to the $20.0 million in advances made to ChinaHR in 2006 and 2007. We may purchase shares of our common stock from time to time, pursuant to the share repurchase program, as conditions warrant.

Historically, we have relied on funds provided by operating activities, equity offerings, short and long-term borrowings and seller-financed notes to meet our liquidity needs. We invest our excess cash predominantly in money market funds, commercial paper that matures within three months of its origination date and in marketable securities, which are usually highly liquid and are of high-quality investment grade with the intent to make such funds readily available for operating and strategic long-term investment purposes.

As of June 30, 2008, the Company held $100.7 million (at par and cost value) of investments in auction rate securities. These securities are variable-rate debt instruments whose underlying agreements have contractual maturities of up to 35 years. The majority of these securities have been issued by state related higher education agencies and are collateralized by student loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. Based on a third party valuation and an analysis of other-than-temporary impairment factors, our auction rate securities were written down to an estimated fair value of $99.3 million, resulting in an unrealized loss of $1.4 million. This loss is deemed to be a temporary impairment and has been reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of shareholders' equity. See information regarding the valuation of auction rate securities on page 42, Item 3 Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, revolving credit facility and cash we anticipate generating from operating activities will provide us with sufficient liquidity to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, meet our investment requirements and commitments and fund our share repurchase activities through at least the next twelve months. Our cash generated from operating activities is subject to fluctuations in the global economy and unemployment rates.

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During the first six months of 2008, we recorded $7.2 million of professional fees as a direct result of the investigation into our historical stock option grant practices and related accounting. These costs were recorded as a component of office and general expenses and primarily relate to professional services for legal fees. We expect to continue to incur significant professional fees related to the ongoing stock option investigation. While we cannot quantify or estimate the timing of these costs throughout 2008 and into the future, they primarily relate to legal fees paid on behalf of current and former employees, fees paid in defense of shareholder litigation and potential fines or settlements.

We paid approximately $25.0 million for income taxes during the first six months of 2008, for our 2008 and a portion of our 2007 income tax liability. In 2008, we expect to continue to pay U.S. domestic income tax on a quarterly basis and continue to utilize tax losses in many foreign tax jurisdictions to substantially reduce our cash tax liability. We have utilized all of our U.S. Federal tax loss carry-forwards, with the exception of certain acquired losses whose utilization is subject to an annual limitation.

As of June 30, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents and total marketable securities of $533.4 million, compared to $578.4 million as of December 31, 2007. Our decrease in cash and total marketable securities of $45.0 million in the first six months of 2008, primarily results from our repurchase of 3.3 million shares of our common stock for $85.1 million, our acquisition of Affinity Labs Inc. for $61.6 million, net of cash acquired, and $50.2 million of capital expenditures. Cash flows from operating activities of $149.0 million partially offset these items.

Cash provided by operating activities was $149.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008, an increase from $132.2 million in the first six months of 2007. The increases in accounts receivable of $62.3 million in 2008 when compared to 2007 were partially offset by decreases in deferred revenue of $62.0 million, accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $10.8 million and a decrease in net income of $14.7 million, primarily from the net after tax effect of the provision for legal settlements, net. Payments related to the restructuring were $9.1 million in 2008.

We generated $163.7 million of cash for investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008, primarily from net sales of marketable securities of $279.4 million, as we invested in shorter term securities with higher liquidity for the continued share repurchase program, other operating requirements, the Affinity Labs acquisition and capital expenditures. We used cash in 2008 to acquire Affinity Labs, Inc. for $61.6 million, net of cash acquired, and invested in capital expenditures of $50.2 million, as we expanded our infrastructure and systems in North America and Europe. Additionally, we funded $5.0 million to ChinaHR pursuant to the agreement with them.

We used cash for financing activities in the six months ended June 30, 2008 of $85.3 million, primarily to repurchase 3.3 million shares of our common stock for $85.1 million under the share repurchase program and used an additional $1.2 million for other share repurchases.

In 2005, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing us to purchase up to $100 million of shares of our common stock. The November 2005 share repurchase plan was utilized fully during 2007. In 2007, the Board approved share repurchase plans authorizing us to purchase up to an additional $350 million of shares of our common stock. On January 30, 2008, the Board authorized us to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of our common stock under the share repurchase plan. As of June 30, 2008, we have authorization to purchase up to an additional $168.1 million shares of our common stock and all current repurchase plan authorizations expire on January 30, 2009.

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Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"). In connection with the preparation of our financial statements, we are required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and the related disclosures. We base our assumptions, estimates and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors that management believes to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, included in "Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data", of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management believes that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, and they require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, resulting from the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Management has reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

Careers (North America and International).    Our Careers segments predominately earn revenue from the placement of job postings on the websites within the Monster network, access to the Monster network's online resume database and other career-related services. We recognize revenue at the time that job postings are displayed on the Monster network websites, based upon customer usage patterns. Revenue earned from subscriptions to the Monster network's resume database is recognized over the length of the underlying subscriptions, typically from two weeks to twelve months. Revenue associated with multiple element contracts is allocated based on the relative fair value of the services included in the contract. Unearned revenues are reported on the balance sheet as deferred revenue. Accounts receivable are reviewed for those that may potentially be uncollectible and any account balances that are determined to be uncollectible are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Internet Advertising & Fees.    Our Internet Advertising & Fees segment primarily earns revenue from the display of advertisements on the Monster network of websites, "click-throughs" on text based links and leads provided to advertisers. We recognize revenue for online advertising as "impressions" are delivered. An impression is delivered when an advertisement appears in pages viewed by our users. We recognize revenue from the display of click-throughs on text based links as click-throughs occur. A click-through occurs when a user clicks on an advertiser's listing. Revenue from lead generation is recognized as leads are delivered to advertisers. Unearned revenues are reported on the balance sheet as deferred revenue. Accounts receivable are reviewed for those that may potentially be uncollectible and any account balances that are determined to be uncollectible are included in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company reviews impairments associated with its investment in marketable securities to determine the classification of the impairment as "temporary" or "other-than-temporary" in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Staff Position Nos. SFAS 115-1 and 124-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments. A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in the other comprehensive income

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component of stockholders' equity. Such an unrealized loss does not reduce net income for the applicable accounting period because the loss is viewed as temporary. In connection with the reviews for impairment, the Company is required to make assumptions and estimates about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of its investments based upon its assumptions, estimates and judgments in light of historical experience, current trends and other factors that the Company's management believes to be relevant. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material.

Asset Impairment

Business Combinations, Goodwill and Intangible Assets.    The purchase method of accounting requires that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their fair values on the date of a business acquisition. Our consolidated financial statements and results of operations reflect an acquired business from the completion date of an acquisition. The costs to acquire a business, including transaction, integration and restructuring costs, are allocated to the fair value of net assets acquired upon acquisition. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

The judgments that we make in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as well as asset lives, can materially impact net income in periods following a business combination. We generally use either the income, cost or market approach to aid in our conclusions of such fair values and asset lives. The income approach presumes that the value of an asset can be estimated by the net economic benefit to be received over the life of the asset, discounted to present value. The cost approach presumes that an investor would pay no more for an asset than its replacement or reproduction cost. The market approach estimates value based on what other participants in the market have paid for reasonably similar assets. Although each valuation approach is considered in valuing the assets acquired, the approach ultimately selected is based on the characteristics of the asset and the availability of information.

We evaluate our goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. The determination of whether or not goodwill has become impaired involves a significant level of judgment in the assumptions underlying the approach used to determine the value of our reporting units. Changes in our strategy and/or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require reductions to recorded amounts of intangible assets.

Long-lived assets.    We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Determining whether an impairment has occurred typically requires various estimates and assumptions, including determining which cash flows are directly related to the potentially impaired asset, the useful life over which cash flows will occur, their amount and the asset's residual value, if any. In turn, measurement of an impairment loss requires a determination of fair value, which is based on the best information available. We use internal discounted cash flows estimates, quoted market prices when available and independent appraisals, as appropriate, to determine fair value. We derive the required cash flow estimates from our historical experience and our internal business plans and apply an appropriate discount rate.

Income Taxes

We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes as set forth in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the

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basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for valuation allowances we consider projected future taxable income and the availability of tax planning strategies. If in the future we determine that we would not be able to realize our recorded deferred tax assets, an increase in the valuation allowance would be recorded, decreasing earnings in the period in which such determination is made.

We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon our evaluation of the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where there is a greater than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit that may potentially be realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where there is a less than 50% likelihood that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.

Stock-Based Compensation

As of January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The fair value of restricted stock and restricted stock units is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of our common stock on the date of grant. Such value is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period, net of forfeitures. The estimation of stock awards that will ultimately vest requires judgment, and to the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. Actual results and future estimates may differ from our current estimates.

Equity Investments

Gains and losses in equity interests for the periods presented, resulting from our equity method investments in ChinaHR and a business in Finland, are based on unaudited financial information of those businesses. Although we do not anticipate material differences, audited results may differ.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, ("SFAS 157") for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities carried at fair value. This pronouncement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. On November 14, 2007, the FASB agreed to a one-year deferral for the implementation of SFAS 157 for other non-financial assets and liabilities. The Company's adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements for financial assets and liabilities and any other assets and liabilities carried at fair value.

On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), Business Combinations ("SFAS 141R"). SFAS 141R replaces SFAS 141, Business Combinations and applies to all transactions or other events in which an entity obtains control of one or more businesses. SFAS 141R requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all (and only) the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction; establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed; and requires the acquirer to disclose additional information needed to evaluate and understand the nature and financial effect of the business combination. SFAS 141R is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied

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before that date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 141R will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

On December 4, 2007, the FASB also issued SFAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements ("SFAS 160"). SFAS 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (or minority interests) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary by requiring all noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries be reported in the same way, as equity in the consolidated financial statements and eliminates the diversity in accounting for transactions between an entity and noncontrolling interests by requiring they be treated as equity transactions. SFAS 160 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, that the adoption of SFAS 160 will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

On March 19, 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of SFAS No. 133" ("SFAS 161"). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities and is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the additional disclosures required by SFAS 161.

ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risks include fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rate variability.

We limit our credit risk by investing primarily in AAA/Aaa rated securities as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's rating services and restricting amounts that can be invested with any single issuer.

As of June 30, 2008, our investments included $100.7 million of auction-rate securities that are collateralized by debt obligations supported by student loans, of which approximately 91% of the underlying student loans are substantially guaranteed by the U.S. government. There is no assurance that successful auctions on the remaining auction-rate securities in our investment portfolio will continue to succeed. As of June 30, 2008, unrealized losses on these investments were $1.4 million. As of June 30, 2008, all other unrealized gains, net, on marketable securities were less than $0.1 million.

The instability in the credit markets may affect our ability to liquidate these auction rate securities in the short term. The Company believes that the failed auctions experienced to date are not a result of the deterioration of the underlying credit quality of the securities and the company continues to believe that it will ultimately recover all amounts invested in these securities. In addition, we believe that any potential future unrealized gain or loss associated with these auction rate securities will be temporary and will be recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated statement of financial position. The Company will continue to evaluate the fair value of its investments in auction rate securities each reporting period for a potential other-than-temporary impairment. If such losses become permanent, an impairment charge would be recorded to our consolidated statement of operations. In addition, if such loses become permanent in the future and if the Company's liquidity is insufficient at that time, such loses could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The Company uses third party valuation and analysis to estimate the fair value of its auction rate securities and this valuation considered, among other factors, i) the credit quality of the underlying collateral (typically student loans); ii) the financial strength of the counterparties (typically state related higher education agencies) and the guarantors (including the U.S. Department of Education); iii) an estimate of when the next successful auction date will occur; and iv) the formula applicable to each security which defines the interest rate paid to investors in the event of a failed auction, forward projections of the interest rate benchmarks specified in such formulas, a tax exempt discount margin

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for the cash flow discount and all applicable embedded options such as the put, call and sinking fund features.

The Company also used available data sources for market observables, which were primarily derived from third-party research provided by or available from well-recognized research entities and sources. To the extent market observables were not available as of the valuation date, a statistical model was used to project the variables based on the historical data and in cases where historical data was not available comparable securities or a benchmark index was identified and used for estimation. When comparables were not available, industrial averages were used or standard assumptions based on industry practices were used.

We have a presence in approximately 40 countries around the world. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, approximately 45.0% of our revenue was earned outside the United States and collected in local currency and related operating expenses were also paid in such corresponding local currency. Accordingly, we will be subject to risk for exchange rate fluctuations between such local currencies and the U.S. dollar.

The financial statements of our non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using current rates of exchange, with gains or losses included in the cumulative translation adjustment account, a component of stockholders' equity. During the six months ended June 30, 2008, our cumulative translation adjustment account increased $26.2 million, primarily attributable to the weakening of the U.S. dollar against the Euro and Swedish Krona, partially offset by the U.S. dollar strengthening against the Korean Won.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Monster Worldwide maintains "disclosure controls and procedures," as such term is defined under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, Monster Worldwide's management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and Monster Worldwide's management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Monster Worldwide has carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of Monster Worldwide's management, including Monster Worldwide's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Monster Worldwide's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon their evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Monster Worldwide's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that material information relating to Monster Worldwide is made known to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others within Monster Worldwide during the period in which this report was being prepared.

There have been no significant changes in Monster Worldwide's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. Aside from the matters discussed below, the Company is not involved in any pending or threatened legal proceedings that it believes could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Stock Option Investigations and Related Litigation

The Company announced on June 12, 2006 that a committee of independent directors of the Board of Directors, assisted by outside counsel, was conducting an independent investigation to review the Company's historical stock option grant practices and related accounting.

Investigations.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York ("USAO") and the SEC have informed the Company that each is conducting an investigation into its past stock option grants. In connection with these investigations, the Company has received a grand jury subpoena from the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and requests for the voluntary production of documents from the SEC. The Company is fully cooperating with the USAO and the SEC. On February 15, 2007, the Company's former General Counsel pleaded guilty to two felony counts relating to those historical stock option grants and the SEC instituted a civil action against him. On March 26, 2007, the SEC civil action was settled pursuant to a final judgment permanently enjoining our former General Counsel from violating the federal securities laws and from acting as an officer or director of a public company. On January 23, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the USAO. Pursuant to the deferred prosecution agreement, the USAO has agreed to defer prosecution of Mr. McKelvey for conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud for one year and not proceed with any prosecution of Mr. McKelvey if, after one year, he has complied with his obligations under the agreement. On January 23, 2008, the SEC commenced an action against Mr. McKelvey and, at the same time, announced a settlement with Mr. McKelvey, pursuant to which he will be permanently enjoined from violating the federal securities laws, will pay the SEC $275,990 in disgorgement and prejudgment interest, and will be barred from serving as an officer or director of a public company. On April 30, 2008, James J. Treacy, who served as a senior executive of the Company from 1994 to 2002 and as a member of the Company's Board of Directors from 1998 to 2003, was indicted for securities fraud and conspiracy in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. In addition, on April 30, 2008, the SEC commenced a civil action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Mr. Treacy and Anthony Bonica, the Company's former Controller, alleging multiple violations of the federal securities laws in connection with the Company's historical stock option grants.

ERISA Action (Taylor v. McKelvey et al., 06 CV 8322 (S.D.N.Y.)).

In October 2006, a putative class action litigation was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York by a former Company employee against the Company and a number of its current and former officers and directors. On February 16, 2007, plaintiff served an amended class action complaint. The amended complaint was purportedly brought on behalf of all participants in the Company's 401(k) Plan (the "Plan"). On December 14, 2007, the Court granted the defendants' motions to dismiss. On February 15, 2008, plaintiff (joined by three new proposed class representatives) filed a second amended complaint ("SAC") against the Company, three of the individuals who had been defendants in the amended complaint, and three new defendants who are former employees of the Company. The SAC alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary obligations to Plan participants under Sections 404, 405, 409 and 502 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act

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("ERISA") by allowing Plan participants to purchase and to hold and maintain Company stock in their Plan accounts without disclosing to those Plan participants the historical stock option practices. The SAC seeks, among other relief, equitable restitution, attorney's fees and an order enjoining defendants from violations of ERISA. On July 8, 2008, the Court denied defendants' motions to dismiss the SAC. Discovery is now pending.

Derivative Actions (In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.) and Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System, et al. v. Paul Camara, et al., Index. No. 06 108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County)).

Derivative actions in connection with historical stock option practices have been commenced by shareholders purportedly on behalf of the Company in both the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against a number of current and former officers and directors of the Company, naming the Company as a nominal defendant (the "Derivative Actions").

On October 20, 2006, the three federal court actions were consolidated by the Court and styled as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Stock Option Derivative Litigation, Master Docket 1:06:cv 04622 (S.D.N.Y.)(NRB-DCF) (Consolidated Action). On or about December 20, 2006, plaintiffs in the consolidated federal actions filed a consolidated amended complaint. The consolidated amended complaint asserts claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, unjust enrichment, and violations of Sections 10(b) and 14(a) of the Exchange Act for the period between January 1, 1997 and October 2006. The federal court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

The three purported derivative actions that were filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County were also consolidated. The consolidated actions have been styled as Louisiana Municipal Police Employees' Retirement System, et al. v. Paul Camara, et al., Index. No. 06-108700 (Supreme, N.Y. County) (previously captioned as In re Monster Worldwide, Inc. Derivative Litigation). On or about December 1, 2006, the plaintiffs in the consolidated state court actions filed a consolidated amended complaint asserting claims for breach of fiduciary duty and related state law causes of action. The state court plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an indeterminate amount of damages from the individual defendants.

On November 21, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company appointed a Special Litigation Committee of the Board (the "SLC") composed of independent and disinterested directors to investigate and take whatever actions it deems appropriate with respect to the claims made in the Derivative Actions.

On January 22, 2008, Andrew J. McKelvey, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the SLC and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding providing for the settlement of claims asserted on behalf of the Company against Mr. McKelvey in the Derivative Actions. The settlement provides that Mr. McKelvey will pay the Company $8 million and convert the 4,762,000 shares of Class B common stock owned by him for a like number of ordinary shares of common stock. The Memorandum of Understanding calls for the execution of a Settlement Agreement to be subject to Court approval. Pursuant to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, Mr. McKelvey has agreed that, pending the completion of the conversion, he shall be entitled to vote only one-tenth of the shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by him on all matters submitted to the holders of common stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent. With respect to the remaining nine-tenths of the shares of Class B common stock beneficially owned by Mr. McKelvey, he has, pursuant to the Memorandum of Understanding, given the Chief Executive Officer of the Company an irrevocable proxy to vote such shares on all matters submitted to the holders of common stock for their vote, approval, waiver or consent in the same percentages as the aggregate votes cast by the holders of shares of common stock (other than Mr. McKelvey) on such matters.

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Prior to the settlement with Mr. McKelvey, the Company, with the approval of the SLC, entered into additional memoranda of understanding providing for the settlement of claims on behalf of the Company asserted against certain other officers and directors (current and former) of the Company in the Derivative Actions. On June 2, 2008, the formal settlement agreement resolving Monster Worldwide's claims, including those asserted in the Derivative Actions, against Mr. McKelvey and the others was presented for approval to both the Supreme Court of the State of New York and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. With respect to the consolidated federal derivative actions, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has preliminarily approved the settlement agreement and conditionally dismissed the federal derivative action, subject to further consideration thereof at a settlement hearing to be held by the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. Pursuant to the proposed settlement agreement, the Company will receive approximately $10 million in cash from various individuals (inclusive of the $8 million from Mr. McKelvey), the Class B common stock held by Mr. McKelvey will be converted into ordinary shares of common stock, certain outstanding stock options and restricted stock units will be cancelled and the exercise price of certain outstanding options will be increased. On July 28, 2008, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement and scheduled an October 2, 2008 hearing with respect to final approval thereof.

Securities Class Action (In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.)).

On or about March 15, 2007, a putative securities shareholder class action was filed by Middlesex County Retirement System against the Company and certain former employees in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York designated as In re Monster Worldwide Securities Litigation, 07 Civ. 2237 (S.D.N.Y.) (JSR), seeking an indeterminate amount of damages on behalf of all persons or entities, other than defendants, who purchased or acquired the securities of the Company from May 6, 2005 until September 9, 2006. On July 9, 2007, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in the securities class action asserting claims against the Company, Andrew McKelvey and Myron Olesnyckyj, the Company's former General Counsel, based on an alleged violation of Section 10(b) the Exchange Act and against the individual defendants based on an alleged violation of Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act. On July 14, 2008, the Court certified a class consisting of all of those who purchased or acquired securities of the Company from May 5, 2005 to June 9, 2006 other than the defendants, the officers and directors of the Company, members of the immediate families of any excluded person, the legal representatives, heirs, successors or assigns of an excluded person, any entity in which defendants have or had a controlling interest and any current of former Company employee who acquired the Company's securities through the exercise of options. On July 30, 2008, the lead plaintiff, the Company and the individual defendants entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that memorializes the terms pursuant to which the parties intend, subject to Court approval, to settle the securities class action. The Class Action Memorandum of Understanding provides for a payment to the class by the defendants of $47.5 million in full settlement of the claims asserted in the securities class action. The Company's cost is anticipated to be approximately $25 million (net of insurance and contribution from another defendant). The parties expect to enter into a formal settlement agreement in the near future and to thereafter seek court approval.

Dispute with Option Holders.

From July 25, 2006 to December 26, 2006, the Company suspended its Registration Statement on Form S-8, resulting in a prohibition on the exercise of stock options. The Company received correspondence from, or on behalf of, certain former employees who are grantees of certain vested stock options that were scheduled to expire or be forfeited unless exercised during this suspension period. Due to the suspension of the Company's S-8, these individuals were precluded from exercising such options prior to the expiration date of the options. The former employees informed the Company that they would seek to hold the Company liable for any financial damages suffered as a result of their inability to exercise the options during the suspension period. In December 2006, the Company's Board

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of Directors approved the payment of approximately $5.0 million to compensate certain former employees for the value of stock options that expired during the period that the Company's equity compensation plans were suspended. In exchange for payment, the Company requested a release of any liability. The Company has made payments to, and has received releases from, substantially all of such former employees.

Consequences Under the Internal Revenue Code.

We have notified the Internal Revenue Service of the stock option review and results thereof. Under Internal Revenue Code section 162(m) ("IRC 162(m)"), stock options that are in-the-money at the time of grant do not qualify as performance-based compensation. We are not entitled to a deduction for the compensation expense related to the exercise of those options held by officers who are covered by IRC 162(m).

In addition, certain stock options which were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) are subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A ("409A"). The provisions of 409A impose adverse consequences upon the individuals who receive such options including excise tax, additional interest charges and accelerated inclusion in income. In January 2007, the Board approved a tender offer plan to amend certain stock options granted to approximately 60 individuals who received stock options that are subject to 409A in order to correct the options such that they are no longer subject to this provision. The correction was made by increasing the exercise price to the same value used in connection with the financial statement restatement. In April 2007, the tender offer was finalized and for individuals who agreed to the modification, the Company compensated them for the increase in the exercise price by paying an amount equal to the difference in the exercise price for each option. In January 2008, we paid approximately $300,000 to these individuals.

General.

We may become subject to additional private or government actions. The expense of defending such litigation may be significant. In addition, an unfavorable outcome in such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The Company may also be obligated under the terms of its by-laws to advance litigation costs for directors and officers named in litigation relating to their roles at the Company.

Security Breach

In August 2007, the Company announced that certain of its servers had been the subject of attacks by malicious software and that, as a result, information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for job seekers with resumes posted on websites operated by the Company had been illegally downloaded. The Company does not generally collect social security numbers or financial data about its job seekers, such as bank account information or credit card accounts. The Company responded by conducting a comprehensive review of internal processes and procedures, enhancing its processes and procedures and notifying job seekers and employers of the attack and alerting job seekers about potential efforts to use that information to improperly obtain sensitive data from the job seekers in so called "phishing" emails. In October 2007, in connection with the attack, the Company was requested to provide information to the staff of the Federal Trade Commission (the "FTC") in connection with a non-public inquiry into certain information security practices of Monster. After the Company submitted such information to the FTC, the matter was resolved without further action required by the Company. The Company has also received inquiries from certain other governmental authorities (foreign and domestic) in connection with the attack. The Company has cooperated with these governmental authorities' inquiries and, if necessary, intends to continue to cooperate with such requests.

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Litigation Relating to the Company's Discontinued Tickle Business

In July 2006, a putative class action entitled Ed Oshaben v. Tickle Inc., Emode.com, Inc. and Monster Worldwide, Inc. (Case No. CGC-06-454538) was filed against the Company and its Tickle Inc. subsidiary in California State Court. An amended complaint was subsequently filed. The amended complaint alleges that Tickle engaged in deceptive consumer practices and purports to be a class action representing all users who purchased a test report from Tickle and received "unauthorized charges." The amended complaint alleges various violations of the California consumer and unfair business practice statutes and seeks, among other things, unspecified restitution for the class, disgorgement of revenues, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys' fees and equitable relief. Discovery in this action is underway.

In May 2008, Fotomedia Technologies, LLC filed suit against the Company's Tickle business for allegedly infringing three patents by operating photo sharing services on a website operated by Tickle. The lawsuit—entitled Fotomedia Technologies, LLC v. Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc., et al. (Civil Action No. 2:08-cv-203)—is pending in the Eastern District of Texas and there are 23 other named defendants. The plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction and monetary relief. The Company took down the website accused of infringement for reasons unrelated to the lawsuit and intends to vigorously defend this matter.

Class B Common Stock

On September 25, 2007, Andrew J. McKelvey, the Company's former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, entered into a prepaid variable forward contract with an unaffiliated third party buyer, pursuant to which he pledged 4,762,000 shares of Class B common stock to secure his obligations under the contract. Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to ten (10) votes. The Company's charter provides that the shares of Class B common stock immediately convert into common stock (entitled to only one vote per share) if the holder sells or assigns his beneficial ownership in the Class B common stock. The Company was in the process of determining whether, if as a result of the prepaid variable forward contract and the associated pledge, the shares of Class B common stock held by Mr. McKelvey have converted to ordinary shares of common stock. Because of the settlement with Mr. McKelvey described above, this determination would likely be rendered moot. Accordingly, the Company will only make such a determination if the settlement becomes inoperative and, pending such a determination, has treated the shares of Class B common stock as being outstanding in this Form 10-Q. Such treatment is without prejudice.

Patent Claim

In April 2008, the Company was served with an action entitled Pitchware, Inc. v. Monster Worldwide, Inc., CareerBuilder LLC, Gannett Co., Inc.; The McClatchy Company; Microsoft Corporation; and Career Marketplace, Inc. (Case No. C08-01848), filed in the United States District Court, Northern District of California. The Complaint alleges that certain of the features that the respective Defendants offer their users violates plaintiff's patent. The Complaint seeks permanent injunctive and/or monetary relief. Based upon the Company's initial review of the Complaint, the Company believes the claims against the Company set forth in the Complaint are without merit.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial position and results of operations. There are no material changes from the risk factors set forth in Part I, "Item 1A., Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

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ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The Company has a stock repurchase plan in place that allows it to purchase securities on the open market or otherwise from time to time as conditions warrant. A summary of the Company's repurchase activity for the three months ended June 30, 2008 is as follows:

Period
  Total number
of shares
repurchased

  Average
Price
Paid Per
Share

  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

  Maximum Dollar
Value of Shares
That
May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the
Plans or
Programs(a)

 
   

As of March 31, 2008

                    $ 174,358,045  

April 1 – April 30

        N/A         174,358,045  

May 1 – May 31

        N/A         174,358,045  

June 1 – June 30

    277,500   $ 22.51     277,500     168,111,786  
                       

Total

    277,500   $ 22.51     277,500   $ 168,111,786  
                       
(a)
On November 10, 2005, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to purchase up to $100 million of shares of its common stock. The November 2005 share repurchase plan was utilized fully during 2007. On September 4, 2007, the Board approved a share repurchase plan, authorizing the Company to purchase up to an additional $250 million of shares of its common stock. On October 23, 2007, the Board authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of its common stock under the share repurchase plan. On January 30, 2008, the Board authorized the Company to purchase an additional $100 million of shares of its common stock under the share repurchase plan. All current repurchase plan authorizations expire on January 30, 2009.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.


 
  FOR
  WITHHELD
 

Salvatore Iannuzzi

    133,485,194     14,424,705  

Robert J. Chrenc

    129,429,974     18,479,925  

John Gaulding

    133,031,742     14,878,157  

Edmund P. Giambastiani, Jr.

    144,030,285     3,879,614  

Ronald J. Kramer

    131,094,856     16,815,043  

David A. Stein

    129,520,330     18,389,569  

Timothy T. Yates

    130,704,257     17,205,642  

FOR

    108,831,234  

AGAINST

    31,570,159  

ABSTENTIONS

    1,480,688  

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FOR

    136,368,352  

AGAINST

    10,029,396  

ABSTENTIONS

    1,362,151  

FOR

    145,940,292  

AGAINST

    545,860  

ABSTENTIONS

    1,423,747  

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS.

The following exhibits are filed as a part of this report:

  10.1   Employment Agreement, dated as of May 15, 2008, by and between Monster Worldwide, Inc. and James M. Langrock. (1)
  10.2   Monster Worldwide, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan. (2)
  10.3   Monster Worldwide, Inc. Executive Incentive Plan. (3)
  10.4   Form of Monster Worldwide, Inc. Restricted Stock Agreement. (4)
  10.5   Form of Monster Worldwide, Inc. Restricted Stock Unit Agreement. (5)
  10.6   Form of Monster Worldwide, Inc. Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Agreement for initial grants of restricted stock. (6)
  10.7   Form of Monster Worldwide, Inc. Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Agreement for annual grants of restricted stock. (7)
  15.1   Letter from BDO Seidman, LLP regarding unaudited interim financial information.
  31.1   Certification by Salvatore Iannuzzi pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  31.2   Certification by Timothy T. Yates pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.1   Certification by Salvatore Iannuzzi pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2   Certification by Timothy T. Yates pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 15, 2008.

(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-151430) filed June 5, 2008.

(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2008.

(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2008.

(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2008.

(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2008.

(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2008.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

MONSTER WORLDWIDE, INC.
(Registrant)

Dated: August 5, 2008

 

By:

 

/s/ SALVATORE IANNUZZI


Salvatore Iannuzzi
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

Dated: August 5, 2008

 

By:

 

/s/ TIMOTHY T. YATES


Timothy T. Yates
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)

Dated: August 5, 2008

 

By:

 

/s/ JAMES M. LANGROCK


James M. Langrock
Chief Accounting Officer and Senior Vice President, Finance
(principal accounting officer)

51