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Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

x

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

 

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 0-22081

 


 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Missouri

 

48-1056429

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

501 Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas

 

66105-1300

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

913-621-9500

(Registrant’s telephone number)

 

None

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes o  No o

 

Indicate by check mark 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  o

 

Accelerated filer  x

 

 

 

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 Act).    Yes o  No x

 

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

 

Class

 

Outstanding at April 22, 2011

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

 

35,404,505 shares

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2011

 

CONTENTS

 

 

Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

2

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income — Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)

2

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets — March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 Unaudited)

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income — Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)

4

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (Unaudited)

5

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 

6

 

 

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

21

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

30

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

30

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.      Legal Proceedings

31

 

 

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

31

 

 

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

32

 

 

Item 6.      Exhibits

33

 

 

Signatures

34

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

REVENUE:

 

 

 

 

 

Case management services

 

$

41,883

 

$

34,911

 

Case management bundled products and services

 

4,415

 

4,807

 

Document management services

 

7,915

 

9,393

 

Operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs

 

54,213

 

49,111

 

Operating revenue from reimbursed direct costs

 

5,409

 

6,260

 

Total Revenue

 

59,622

 

55,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSE:

 

 

 

 

 

Direct cost of services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

 

18,566

 

15,304

 

Direct cost of bundled products and services (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below)

 

831

 

910

 

Reimbursed direct costs

 

5,337

 

6,204

 

General and administrative

 

19,290

 

20,213

 

Depreciation and software and leasehold amortization

 

5,207

 

5,201

 

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets

 

3,766

 

1,820

 

Other operating expense

 

483

 

44

 

Total Operating Expense

 

53,480

 

49,696

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

 

6,142

 

5,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST EXPENSE (INCOME):

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

810

 

396

 

Interest income

 

(5

)

(9

)

Net Interest Expense

 

805

 

387

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

5,337

 

5,288

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

2,255

 

2,953

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

3,082

 

$

2,335

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER SHARE INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.06

 

Diluted

 

$

0.08

 

$

0.06

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

35,092

 

36,185

 

Diluted

 

36,487

 

41,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 

$

0.07

 

$

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands, except share data)

 

 

 

March 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4,350

 

$

5,439

 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,674 and $3,778, respectively

 

57,979

 

59,940

 

Prepaid expenses

 

5,010

 

5,581

 

Other current assets

 

4,709

 

5,637

 

Total Current Assets

 

$

72,048

 

$

76,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

41,795

 

41,258

 

Internally developed software costs, net

 

19,796

 

19,659

 

Goodwill

 

294,946

 

294,789

 

Other intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $62,162 and $58,339, respectively

 

39,820

 

43,580

 

Other

 

2,190

 

2,335

 

Total Long-term Assets, net

 

398,547

 

401,621

 

Total Assets

 

$

470,595

 

$

478,218

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

11,800

 

$

13,227

 

Accrued compensation

 

2,099

 

8,891

 

Deposits

 

2,950

 

2,553

 

Deferred revenue

 

1,089

 

1,422

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

6,887

 

4,611

 

Current maturities of long-term obligations

 

5,039

 

2,945

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

29,864

 

33,649

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

24,185

 

24,159

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

5,061

 

5,027

 

Long-term obligations (excluding current maturities)

 

90,730

 

86,860

 

Total Long-term Liabilities

 

119,976

 

116,046

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock - $1 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock - $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding — 39,493,852 and 39,063,327 shares

 

395

 

391

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

282,964

 

281,119

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(1,545

)

(1,971

)

Retained earnings

 

91,680

 

91,069

 

Treasury stock, at cost — 4,091,389 and 3,295,492 shares

 

(52,739

)

(42,085

)

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

320,755

 

328,523

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

470,595

 

$

478,218

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Treasury
Stock

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Treasury
Stock

 

AOCI (1)

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

 

39,063

 

(3,295

)

$

391

 

$

281,119

 

$

91,069

 

$

(42,085

)

$

(1,971

)

$

328,523

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

3,082

 

 

 

3,082

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

426

 

426

 

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

3,082

 

 

426

 

3,508

 

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

78

 

 

 

 

78

 

Common stock issued under share-based compensation plans

 

431

 

15

 

4

 

(70

)

 

204

 

 

138

 

Common stock repurchased under share-based compensation plans

 

 

(66

)

 

 

 

(900

)

 

(900

)

Share repurchases (Note 9)

 

 

(745

)

 

 

 

 

(9,958

)

 

(9,958

)

Dividends declared (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,471

)

 

 

(2,471

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

1,837

 

 

 

 

 

1,837

 

Balance at March 31, 2011

 

39,494

 

(4,091

)

$

395

 

$

282,964

 

$

91,680

 

$

(52,739

)

$

(1,545

)

$

320,755

 

 


(1)          AOCI Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

Common
Stock

 

Treasury
Stock

 

Common
Stock

 

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Treasury
Stock

 

AOCI (1)

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

 

36,238

 

(56

)

$

362

 

$

248,937

 

$

79,772

 

$

(858

)

$

(1,815

)

$

326,398

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

2,335

 

 

 

2,335

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(451

)

(451

)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

2,335

 

 

(451

)

1,884

 

Tax deficiency from share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

(24

)

 

 

 

(24

)

Common stock issued under share-based compensation plans

 

430

 

9

 

5

 

(72

)

 

149

 

 

82

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

1,636

 

 

 

 

1,636

 

Balance at March 31, 2010

 

36,668

 

(47

)

$

367

 

$

250,477

 

$

82,107

 

$

(709

)

$

(2,266

)

$

329,976

 

 


(1)          AOCI — Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4



Table of Contents

 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,082

 

$

2,335

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Expense (benefit) for deferred income taxes

 

2,028

 

(383

)

Depreciation and software amortization

 

5,207

 

5,201

 

Amortization of intangible assets

 

3,766

 

1,820

 

Benefit related to embedded option

 

 

(403

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

1,837

 

1,636

 

Provision for bad debts

 

257

 

413

 

Other, net

 

132

 

114

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts receivable

 

1,903

 

(8,133

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

650

 

(1,731

)

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

(7,566

)

4,324

 

Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation

 

(178

)

(11

)

Other

 

(365

)

(5

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

10,753

 

5,177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

(4,102

)

(1,093

)

Internally developed software costs

 

(1,703

)

(2,124

)

Other investing activities, net

 

41

 

6

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(5,764

)

(3,211

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from revolver

 

17,000

 

 

Payments on revolver

 

(11,000

)

 

Payments under long-term obligations

 

(302

)

(251

)

Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation

 

178

 

11

 

Common stock repurchases (Note 9)

 

(10,858

)

 

Cash dividends paid (Note 9)

 

(1,239

)

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under share-based compensation plans

 

138

 

82

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(6,083

)

(158

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

5

 

15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(1,089

)

1,823

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

5,439

 

48,986

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

4,350

 

$

50,809

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

5



Table of Contents

 

EPIQ SYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(UNAUDITED)

 

NOTE 1:  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and with the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q for interim financial statements. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include certain disclosures required for comprehensive annual financial statements.

 

The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments consist solely of normal recurring adjustments. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in the Epiq Systems, Inc. (“Epiq,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2011.

 

In preparing these financial statements, we have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

 

The results of operations for any quarter or a partial fiscal year period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for other periods or the entire year.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Epiq and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Nature of Operations

 

We are a provider of integrated technology solutions for the legal profession.  Our solutions streamline the administration of bankruptcy, litigation, financial transactions and regulatory compliance matters.  We offer innovative technology solutions for e-discovery, document review, legal notification, claims administration and controlled disbursement of funds.  Our clients include law firms, corporate legal departments, bankruptcy trustees, government agencies and other professional advisors who require innovative technology, responsive service and deep subject-matter expertise.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

We have agreements with clients pursuant to which we deliver various services each month.

 

Following is a description of significant sources of revenue:

 

·                  Fees contingent upon the month-to-month delivery of case management services defined by client contracts, such as claims processing, claims reconciliation, professional services, call center support, disbursement services, project management, collections and forensic services, document review services, and conversion of data into an organized, searchable electronic database. The amount we earn varies based primarily on the size and complexity of the engagement.

 

·                  Hosting fees based on the amount of data stored.

 

·                  Deposit-based fees, earned primarily based on a percentage of Chapter 7 total liquidated assets placed on deposit with a designated financial institution by our trustee clients, to whom we provide, at no charge, software licenses, limited hardware and hardware maintenance, and postcontract customer support services. The fees we earn are based

 

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on total liquidated assets placed on deposit by our trustee clients and may vary based on fluctuations in short-term interest rates.

 

·                  Legal noticing services to parties of interest in bankruptcy and class action matters, including direct notification, media campaign, and advertising management in which we coordinate notification through various media outlets, such as print, radio and television, to potential parties of interest for a particular client engagement.

 

·                  Reimbursement for costs incurred, primarily related to postage on mailing services.

 

·                  Monitoring and noticing fees earned based on monthly or on-demand requests for information provided through our AACER® software product.

 

Non-Software Arrangements

 

Services related to E-discovery and settlement administration are billed based on volume. For these contractual arrangements, we have identified each deliverable service element.  Based on our evaluation of each element, we have determined that each element delivered has standalone value to our customers because we or other vendors sell such services separately from any other services/deliverables.  We have also obtained objective and reliable evidence of the value of each element based either on the price we charge when we sell an element on a standalone basis, based on third-party evidence of fair value of such similar services, or an estimated selling price.  Lastly, our arrangements do not include general rights of return.  Accordingly, each of the service elements in our multiple element case and document management arrangements qualifies as a separate unit of accounting. We allocate revenue to the various units of accounting in our arrangements based on the fair value of each unit of accounting, which is generally consistent with the stated prices in our arrangements. As we have evidence of an arrangement, revenue for each separate unit of accounting is recognized each period.  Revenue is recognized as the services are rendered, our fee becomes fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  Payments received in advance of satisfaction of the related revenue recognition criteria are recognized as a customer deposit until all revenue recognition criteria have been satisfied.

 

Software Arrangements

 

For our Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee arrangements, we provide our trustee clients with a software license, hardware lease, hardware maintenance, and postcontract customer support services, all at no charge to the trustee.  The trustees place their liquidated estate deposits with a financial institution with which we have an arrangement.  We earn contingent monthly fees from the financial institutions based on the dollar level of average monthly deposits held by the trustees with that financial institution related to the software license, hardware lease, hardware maintenance, and postcontract customer support services. Since we have not established vendor specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of the software license, we do not recognize any revenue on delivery of the software.  The software element is deferred and included with the remaining undelivered elements, which are postcontract customer support services.  This revenue, when recognized, is included as a component of “Case management services” revenue.  Revenue related to postcontract customer support is entirely contingent on the placement of liquidated estate deposits by the trustee with the financial institution.  Accordingly, we recognize this contingent usage based revenue as the fee becomes fixed or determinable at the time actual usage occurs and collectibility is probable.  This occurs monthly as a result of the computation, billing and collection of monthly deposit fees contractually agreed to. At that time, we have also satisfied the other applicable revenue recognition criteria since we have persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, services have been rendered, the price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

We also provide our trustee clients with certain hardware, such as desktop computers, monitors, and printers; and hardware maintenance.  We retain ownership of all hardware provided and we account for this hardware as a lease.  As the hardware maintenance arrangement is an executory contract similar to an operating lease, we use guidance related to contingent rentals in operating lease arrangements for hardware maintenance as well as for the hardware lease.  Since the payments under all of our arrangements are contingent upon the level of trustee deposits and the delivery of upgrades and other services, and there remain important uncertainties regarding the amount of unreimbursable costs yet to be incurred by us, we account for the hardware lease as an operating lease.  Therefore, all lease payments, based on the estimated fair value of hardware provided, were accounted for as contingent rentals; which requires that we recognize rental income when the changes in the factor on which the contingent lease payment is based actually occur.  This occurs at the end of each period as we achieve our target when deposits are held at the financial institution as, at that time, evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the

 

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amount has become fixed and determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.  This revenue, which was less than ten percent of our total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, is included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of “Case management services” revenue.

 

Reimbursements

 

We have revenue related to the reimbursement of certain costs, primarily postage. Reimbursed postage and other reimbursable direct costs are recorded gross in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as “Operating revenue from reimbursed direct costs” and as “Reimbursed direct costs”, respectively.

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill consists of the excess of cost of acquired enterprises over the sum of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired less liabilities assumed. We assess goodwill for impairment on an annual basis at a reporting unit level. A reporting unit is a component of a segment that constitutes a business, for which discrete financial information is available, and for which the operating results are regularly reviewed by management. We have determined that our reporting units are bankruptcy trustee management, corporate restructuring, E-discovery, and settlement administration. Goodwill is assessed between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, a change in strategic direction, legal factors, operating performance indicators, a change in the competitive environment, the sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit, or future economic factors such as unfavorable changes in our stock price and market capitalization or unfavorable changes in the estimated future discounted cash flows of our reporting units. Our annual test is performed as of July 31 each year, and there have been no events since our last annual test to indicate that it is more likely than not that the recorded goodwill balance had become impaired.

 

Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. We considered both a market approach and an income approach in order to develop an estimate of the fair value of each reporting unit for purposes of our annual impairment test.  When evaluating the market approach, we determined that directly comparable publicly-traded companies did not exist, primarily due to the unique business model characteristics and projected growth of each reporting unit. Instead, we utilized a discounted projected future cash flow analysis (income approach) to determine the fair value of each reporting unit. Potential impairment is indicated when the carrying value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its estimated fair value. This analysis requires significant judgments, including estimation of future cash flows, which is dependent on internal forecasts, estimation of the long-term rate of growth for our business, estimation of the useful life over which cash flows will occur, and determination of our weighted average cost of capital. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and goodwill impairment for each reporting unit. In addition, financial and credit market volatility directly impacts our fair value measurement through our weighted average cost of capital, used to determine our discount rate, and through our stock price, used to determine our market capitalization. We may be required to recognize impairment of goodwill based on future economic factors such as unfavorable changes in our stock price and market capitalization or unfavorable changes in the estimated future discounted cash flows of our reporting units.

 

If we determine that the estimated fair value of any reporting unit is less than the reporting unit’s carrying value, then we proceed to the second step of the goodwill impairment analysis to measure the potential impairment charge. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the implied fair value. If goodwill on our condensed consolidated balance sheet becomes impaired during a future period, the resulting impairment charge could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Due to the current economic environment and the uncertainties regarding the impact that future economic impacts will have on our reporting units, there can be no assurances that our estimates and assumptions regarding the duration of the economic recession, or the period or strength of recovery, made for purposes of our annual goodwill impairment test, will prove to be accurate predictions of the future. If our assumptions regarding forecasted revenues or margins of certain of our reporting units are not achieved, we may be required to record goodwill impairment losses in future periods. It is not possible at this time to determine if any such future impairment loss would occur, and if it does occur, whether such charge would be material.

 

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Our recognized goodwill totaled $294.9 million as of March 31, 2011.  As of July 31, 2010, which is the date of our most recent impairment test, the fair value of each of our reporting units was substantially in excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit, except for the bankruptcy trustee management reporting unit, which had $74.9 million of goodwill allocated to it. The fair value of this reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 14%. The discount rate used in the income approach for the trustee management reporting unit, evaluated at July 31, 2010, was 12.3%. An increase to the discount rate of 1% would have lowered the fair value determined under the income approach for this reporting unit by approximately $12.0 million, or 12%, which, with all other variables remaining the same, would result in the fair value of this reporting unit exceeding its carrying value by 1%.  In connection with the acquisition of Jupiter eSources on October 1, 2010, as described in Note 11, we recognized $30.7 million of goodwill, which is allocated to the bankruptcy segment.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued new guidance to address differences in the ways entities have interpreted requirements for disclosures about pro forma revenue and earnings in a business combination.  This guidance states that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior year annual reporting period only.  This guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This guidance is effective for us for any business combinations whose acquisition date is after January 1, 2011.  This guidance impacts disclosures only, and has no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued new standards that amend the criteria for performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires performing Step 2 if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. We adopted this guidance as of the beginning of fiscal year 2011. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as we do not have any reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts as of our last impairment test.

 

In January 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires entities to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. In addition, the update requires entities to present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The disclosures related to Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements were effective for us in 2010. The update required new disclosures only, and had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows as we have not had any transfers out of Level 1. The disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements were effective for us in 2011. This update required new disclosures only, and had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued new standards for revenue recognition with multiple deliverables. These new standards require entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The amendments eliminate the residual method of revenue allocation and require revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method. These new standards were effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued new standards for the accounting for certain revenue arrangements that include software elements. These new standards amend the scope of pre-existing software revenue guidance by removing from the guidance non-software components of tangible products and certain software components of tangible products.  These new standards are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements as our software arrangements are not tangible products with software components.

 

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NOTE 2:   GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the first three months of 2011 was as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

E-discovery

 

Bankruptcy

 

Settlement
Administration

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

$

79,826

 

$

182,116

 

$

32,847

 

$

294,789

 

Foreign currency translation

 

157

 

 

 

157

 

Balance as of March 31, 2011

 

$

79,983

 

$

182,116

 

$

32,847

 

$

294,946

 

 

Amortizing identifiable intangible assets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

March 31, 2011

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross Carrying
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer relationships

 

$

63,932

 

$

35,356

 

$

63,902

 

$

32,007

 

Trade names

 

745

 

745

 

745

 

745

 

Non-compete agreements

 

30,871

 

26,061

 

30,838

 

25,587

 

Non-amortizing intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names

 

6,434

 

 

6,434

 

 

 

 

$

101,982

 

$

62,162

 

$

101,919

 

$

58,339

 

 

Customer relationships and non-compete agreements carry a weighted average remaining life of six years and seven years, respectively. Aggregate amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets was $3.8 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table outlines the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets held at March 31, 2011:

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

Year Ending December 31,

 

 

 

2011 (excluding the three months ended March 31, 2011)

 

$

10,250

 

2012

 

10,398

 

2013

 

6,883

 

2014

 

3,361

 

2015

 

2,568

 

2016

 

16

 

 

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NOTE 3:   LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

 

The following is a summary of long-term obligations outstanding (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

March 31,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Senior revolving loan

 

$

73,000

 

$

67,000

 

Capital leases

 

6,914

 

7,055

 

Acquisition-related liabilities

 

15,855

 

15,750

 

Total long-term obligations, including current portion

 

95,769

 

89,805

 

Current maturities of long-term obligations

 

(5,039

)

(2,945

)

Long-term obligations

 

$

90,730

 

$

86,860

 

 

Credit Facilities

 

In the second quarter of 2010, we entered into an amended senior credit facility, with KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks as lenders. The credit facility, which continues to provide for a senior revolving loan, increased the aggregate amount of funds available from $100.0 million to $140.0 million, and extended the maturity date from July 2011 to June 2014. During the term of the credit facility, we have the right, subject to compliance with the covenants as set forth in the credit facility agreement, to increase the borrowings to a maximum of $200.0 million, an increase from the $175.0 million maximum in our previous facility.  The credit facility is secured by liens on our land and buildings and a significant portion of our furniture and equipment.

 

Borrowings under the senior revolving loan bear interest at various rates based on our leverage ratio with two rate options at the discretion of management as follows:  (1) for base rate advances, borrowings bear interest at prime rate plus 100 to 200 basis points; (2) for LIBOR rate advances, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR rate plus 225 to 325 basis points. At March 31, 2011, borrowings of $73.0 million under this facility had a weighted average interest rate of 2.60%. The average amount of borrowings under this facility in the first quarter of 2011 was $73.7 million, at a weighted average interest rate of 2.60%.  The maximum month-end amount outstanding during the first quarter of 2011 was $76.0 million. At March 31, 2011, the amount available for borrowings under the credit facility is reduced by the $73.0 million outstanding and $1.1 million in outstanding letters of credit.

 

The credit facility contains financial covenants related to earnings before interest, provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and other adjustments as defined in the agreement, and total debt.  In addition, the credit facility also contains financial covenants related to senior debt, fixed charges, and working capital.  As of March 31, 2011, significant financial covenants, all as defined in our credit facility agreement, include a leverage ratio not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00, a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.00, and a current ratio of not less than 1.50 to 1.00.  As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

 

On April 25, 2011, we entered into an amended senior credit facility, with KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks as lenders. See Note 12 for further detail.

 

Contingent Convertible Subordinated Notes

 

On or about June 11, 2010, prior to the maturity date, $27.2 million of contingent convertible subordinated notes (“convertible notes”) were converted into 2.3 million shares of common stock at a conversion price of $11.67. On June 15, 2010, the convertible notes matured, resulting in a cash payment of $22.8 million, plus accrued interest. The original $50.0 million of convertible notes were issued in June 2004 with a fixed 4% per annum interest rate and an original maturity of June 15, 2007.  The holders of the convertible notes had the right to extend the maturity date by up to three years.  In April 2007, the holders exercised this right and the maturity date of the convertible notes was extended to June 15, 2010.

 

The right to extend the maturity of the convertible notes was accounted for as an embedded option subject to bifurcation.  The embedded option was initially valued at $1.2 million and the convertible notes balance was reduced by the same amount.  In April 2007, the holders of the convertible notes exercised their right to extend and we performed a final valuation to estimate the fair value of the embedded option as of the approximate date of the extension.  The estimated fair value of the embedded

 

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option at that date, included as a component of the convertible notes, was approximately $4.8 million. The $4.8 million estimated fair value of the embedded option was fully amortized as a credit to “Interest expense” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income over the period to the extended maturity, which was June 15, 2010.

 

Upon conversion of $27.2 million of the notes, we recognized a nominal gain related to the remaining unamortized embedded option value associated with the converted notes in the year ended December 31, 2010.  The above changes related to the carrying value of the convertible notes, the estimated fair value of the embedded option, the amortization of the fair value of the embedded option, and recognition of nominal gain upon conversion did not affect our cash flow.

 

Capital Leases

 

We lease certain property and software under capital leases that expire during various years through 2014.

 

Acquisition-related Liabilities

 

We have made acquisitions for which a portion of the purchase price was deferred.  These deferred payments, which are either non-interest bearing or have a below market interest rate, have been discounted using an appropriate imputed interest rate.  As of both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the discounted value of the remaining note payments, for which the final payment is due in May 2011, was approximately $0.5 million, of which the entire amount was classified as “Current maturities of long-term obligations” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at both March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2010, in connection with the acquisition of Jupiter eSources LLC, we incurred a liability related to contingent consideration for an earn-out opportunity based on future revenue growth. The potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that we could be required to make under the earn-out opportunity is between $0 and $20.0 million over a four year period. We estimated the fair value of the contingent consideration using probability assessments of projected revenue over the earn-out period, and applied an appropriate discount rate based upon the weighted average cost of capital.  This fair value is based on significant inputs not observable in the market. We have recognized the fair value of $2.1 million and $5.1 million of the contingent consideration in “Current maturities of long-term obligations” and “Long-term obligations”, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at both March 31, 2011 and $7.2 million of the contingent consideration in “Long-term obligations” at December 31, 2010. Subsequent fair value changes, measured quarterly, up to the ultimate amount paid, will be recognized in earnings.

 

In connection with the acquisition of Jupiter eSources LLC, we withheld a portion of the purchase price for any claims for indemnification and purchase price adjustments.  This holdback has been discounted using an appropriate imputed interest rate and $8.2 million and $8.1 million is recorded in “Long-term obligations” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

NOTE 4:   NET INCOME PER SHARE

 

Basic net income per share is computed on the basis of weighted average outstanding common shares.  Diluted net income per share is computed on the basis of basic weighted average outstanding common shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options and convertible debt (if applicable), if dilutive. The numerator of the diluted net income per share calculation is increased by the amount of interest expense, net of tax, related to outstanding convertible debt (if applicable), and the allocation of net income and dividends declared to nonvested shares, if the net impact is dilutive.

 

We have determined that certain nonvested share awards (also referred to as restricted stock awards) issued by the company are participating securities because they have non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Accordingly, basic net income per share is calculated under the two-class method calculation. In determining the number of diluted shares outstanding, we are required to disclose the more dilutive earnings per share result between the treasury stock method calculation and the two-class method calculation as it relates to participating securities. For the three months ended March 31, 2011the treasury stock method was more dilutive, and for the three months ended March 31, 2010, the two-class method calculation was more dilutive.

 

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The computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2011

 

 

 

Net Income
(Numerator)

 

Weighted
Average
Common
Shares
Outstanding
(Denominator)

 

Per Share
Amount

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

3,082

 

 

 

 

 

Less: net income allocated to nonvested shares

 

(2

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income available to common stockholders

 

3,080

 

35,092

 

$

0.09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

1,288

 

 

 

Nonvested shares

 

2

 

107

 

 

 

Diluted net income available to common stockholders

 

$

3,082

 

36,487

 

$

0.08

 

 

The computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2010

 

 

 

Net Income
(Numerator)

 

Weighted
Average
Common
Shares
Outstanding
(Denominator)

 

Per Share
Amount

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Net income

 

$

2,335

 

 

 

 

 

Less: amounts allocated to nonvested shares (1)

 

(6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net income available to common stockholders

 

2,329

 

36,185

 

$

0.06

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

1,102

 

 

 

Convertible debt

 

298

 

4,283

 

 

 

Add-back: amounts allocated to nonvested shares(1)

 

6

 

 

 

 

Less: amounts re-allocated to nonvested shares

 

(6

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted net income available to common stockholders

 

$

2,627

 

41,570

 

$

0.06

 

 


(1)          Amounts allocated to holders of nonvested shares are calculated based upon a weighted average percentage of nonvested shares that are participating securities in relation to total shares outstanding.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, weighted-average outstanding stock options totaling approximately 2.0 million and 4.3 million were antidilutive, and therefore not included in the computation of diluted net income per share.

 

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NOTE 5:

 

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Share-based compensation is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  The following table presents total share-based compensation expense, which is a non-cash charge, included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2011

 

March 31,
 2010

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Direct costs of services

 

$

96

 

$

104

 

General and administrative

 

1,741

 

1,532

 

Pre-tax share-based compensation expense

 

1,837

 

1,636

 

Income tax benefit

 

(796

)

(504

)

Total share-based compensation expense, net of tax

 

$

1,041

 

$

1,132

 

 

The 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2004 Plan”), limits the combined grant of options to acquire shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, and restricted stock awards under the 2004 Plan to 7,500,000 shares.  Any grant under the 2004 Plan that expires or terminates unexercised, becomes unexercisable, or is forfeited will generally be available for future grants. At March 31, 2011, there were approximately 630,000 shares of common stock available for future equity-related grants under the 2004 Plan.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we granted 430,000 nonvested share awards at a weighted-average grant date price of $13.39 per share.  These awards vest 12 months after the date of grant upon achievement of a performance condition for the calendar year ending December 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2010 we have assessed the likelihood that the performance condition will be met and have recorded the related expense based on the estimated outcome. We also granted 70,000 stock options with a weighted-average exercise price of $13.39 per share, which vest 20% per year over five years.

 

We settle stock option exercises and nonvested share awards with newly issued common shares or treasury stock.

 

The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following table presents the weighted-average assumptions used and the weighted-average fair value per option granted.

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

Expected life of stock option (years)

 

6.6

 

6.5

 

Expected volatility

 

34

%

37

%

Risk-free interest rate

 

3.0

%

2.9

%

Dividend yield

 

1.1

%

 

Weighted average grant-date fair value

 

$

4.70

 

$

4.93

 

 

As of March 31, 2011 there was $9.5 million of unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested share-based awards, which will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years.

 

NOTE 6:

 

SEGMENT REPORTING

 

We have three reporting segments: E-discovery, bankruptcy, and settlement administration.  Our E-discovery business provides collections and forensics, processing, search and review, and document review services to companies and the litigation departments of law firms.  Produced documents are made available primarily through a hosted environment, and our DocuMatrix™ software allows for efficient attorney review and data requests.  Our bankruptcy business provides solutions that address the needs of trustees to administer bankruptcy proceedings and of debtor corporations that file a plan of reorganization.  Our settlement administration business provides managed services including legal notification, claims administration, project administration and controlled disbursement.

 

The segment performance measure is based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, other operating expense, and share-based compensation expense.  In management’s evaluation of performance, certain costs, such as compensation for administrative staff and executive management, are not allocated by segment and, accordingly, the following reporting segment results do not include such unallocated costs.

 

Assets reported within a segment are those assets that can be identified to a segment and primarily consist of trade receivables, property, equipment and leasehold improvements, software, identifiable intangible assets and goodwill.  Cash,

 

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tax-related assets, and certain prepaid assets and other assets are not allocated to our segments.  Although we can and do identify long-lived assets such as property, equipment and leasehold improvements, software, and identifiable intangible assets to reporting segments, we do not allocate the related depreciation and amortization to the segment as management evaluates segment performance exclusive of these non-cash charges.

 

Following is a summary of segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The intersegment revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2011 related primarily to call center and printing services performed by the settlement administration segment for the bankruptcy segment.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

 

 

 

E-discovery

 

Bankruptcy

 

Settlement
Administration

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs

 

$

20,971

 

$

22,774

 

$

10,468

 

$

 

$

54,213

 

Intersegment revenue

 

5

 

 

536

 

(541

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs

 

20,976

 

22,774

 

11,004

 

(541

)

54,213

 

Operating revenue from reimbursed direct costs

 

80

 

987

 

4,342

 

 

5,409

 

Total revenue

 

21,056

 

23,761

 

15,346

 

(541

)

59,622

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs, general and administrative costs

 

11,225

 

11,262

 

14,038

 

(541

)

35,984

 

Segment performance measure

 

$

9,831

 

$

12,499

 

$

1,308

 

$

 

$

23,638

 

 

Following is a summary of segment information for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The intersegment revenues in the three months ended March 31, 2010 related primarily to call center services performed by the settlement administration segment for the bankruptcy segment.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

 

 

 

E-discovery

 

Bankruptcy

 

Settlement
Administration

 

Eliminations

 

Total

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs

 

$

16,796

 

$

24,577

 

$

7,738

 

$

 

$

49,111

 

Intersegment revenue

 

2

 

 

397

 

(399

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs

 

16,798

 

24,577

 

8,135

 

(399

)

49,111

 

Operating revenue from reimbursed direct costs

 

28

 

2,367

 

3,865

 

 

6,260

 

Total revenue

 

16,826

 

26,944

 

12,000

 

(399

)

55,371

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct costs, general and administrative costs

 

9,888

 

13,265

 

11,087

 

(399

)

33,841

 

Segment performance measure

 

$

6,938

 

$

13,679

 

$

913

 

$

 

$

21,530

 

 

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Following is a reconciliation of our segment performance measure to income before income taxes.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Segment performance measure

 

$

23,638

 

$

21,530

 

Corporate and unallocated expenses

 

(6,203

)

(7,154

)

Share-based compensation expense

 

(1,837

)

(1,636

)

Depreciation and software and leasehold amortization

 

(5,207

)

(5,201

)

Amortization of intangible assets

 

(3,766

)

(1,820

)

Other operating expense

 

(483

)

(44

)

Interest expense, net

 

(805

)

(387

)

Income before income taxes

 

$

5,337

 

$

5,288

 

 

Following are total assets by segment.

 

 

 

March 31,
 2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Assets

 

 

 

E-discovery

 

$

144,998

 

$

145,246

 

Bankruptcy

 

253,981

 

260,458

 

Settlement Administration

 

54,725

 

53,830

 

Corporate and unallocated

 

16,891

 

18,684

 

Total consolidated assets

 

$

470,595

 

$

478,218

 

 

NOTE 7:

 

FAIR VALUES OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

Accounting standards establish a three-level fair value hierarchy based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price assets or liabilities. The hierarchy requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are listed below.

 

Level 1 — Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2 — Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1, such as quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets in inactive markets.

 

Level 3 — Unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions and best estimate of what inputs market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The carrying value and estimated fair value of our cash equivalents, which consist of short-term money market funds, are classified as Level 1.  Our Level 3 liability is valued using unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the contingent consideration.

 

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As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, our assets and liabilities that are measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Fair Value Measurements

 

Items Measured at Fair Value on a

 

Carrying

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

 

Recurring Basis

 

Value

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

March 31, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

54

 

$

54

 

$

 

$

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration (1)

 

$

7,166

 

$

 

$

 

$

7,166

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market funds

 

$

54

 

$

54

 

$

 

$

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent consideration (1)

 

$

7,166

 

$

 

$

 

$

7,166

 

 


(1)          The contingent consideration represents the estimated fair value of the additional potential earn-out opportunity payable in connection with our acquisition of Jupiter eSources LLC that is contingent upon future revenue growth. We estimated the fair value using projected revenue over the earn-out period, and applied a discount rate to the projected earn-out payments that approximated the weighted average cost of capital.

 

As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the carrying value of our trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, certain other liabilities, deferred acquisition price payments, contingent consideration, and capital leases approximated fair value. The amount outstanding under our credit facility at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $73.0 million and $67.0 million, respectively, which approximated fair value due to the borrowing rates currently available to the company for debt with similar terms.

 

NOTE 8:

 

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Supplemental cash flow information is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Three months ended
March 31,

 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

634

 

$

703

 

Income taxes paid, net

 

795

 

2,774

 

Non-cash investing and financing transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements accrued in accounts payable and other long-term liabilities

 

2,110

 

2,469

 

Capitalized lease obligations incurred

 

196

 

 

Dividends declared but not yet paid

 

1,232

 

 

 

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NOTE 9:

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Share Repurchase

 

On October 26, 2010, we announced that our board of directors authorized $35.0 million for share repurchases (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Repurchases may be made pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program from time to time at prevailing market prices in the open market or in privately negotiated purchases, or both. The company may utilize one or more plans with its brokers or banks for pre-authorized purchases within defined limits pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to effect all or a portion of the repurchases. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we purchased 745,414 shares of common stock for approximately $10.0 million, at an average cost of $13.37 per share.

 

We also have a policy that requires shares to be repurchased by the company to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards.

 

Dividend

 

On January 17, 2011, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.035 per outstanding share of common stock, which was paid on February 17, 2011 to shareholders of record on January 27, 2011.  On February 23, 2011, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.035 per outstanding share of common stock, payable on May 19, 2011 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 28, 2011.  Dividends payable of approximately $1.2 million is included as a component of “Other accrued liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2011.

 

NOTE 10:

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

Purported Derivative Shareholder Complaint

 

On July 29, 2008, the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund filed a putative shareholder derivative action on behalf of Epiq Systems, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas (the “Court”) (Civil Action No. 08-CV-2344 CM/JPO), alleging, among other things, improper conduct by each of our current directors and certain current and former executive officers and directors regarding stock option grants. The company has stated consistently that the claims made in the action are meritless.

 

Also as previously reported, on April 27, 2010, on the determination of the company’s Board of Directors, the company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with plaintiff and defendants relating to the settlement of this litigation and mutual release of claims, and the company and its insurance carrier agreed to pay plaintiff’s counsel’s fees and expenses, which totaled $3.5 million. On June 22, 2010, the Court entered an order which, among other things, preliminarily approved the Settlement Agreement and scheduled a final hearing.  On August 25, 2010, the Court entered a final order, dated August 24, 2010, finally approving the Settlement and dismissing with prejudice the lawsuit and all claims contained therein (the “Final Order”). During the third quarter of 2010 the settlement amount, which had been fully accrued for in prior periods, was paid by the company and the insurance company. On or about September 24, 2010, the Final Order became final and non-appealable because no appeal was filed prior to such date.

 

NOTE 11:

 

ACQUISITION

 

Jupiter eSources LLC

 

On October 1, 2010, we completed the acquisition of Jupiter eSources LLC, which includes the proprietary software product, AACER® (Automated Access to Court Electronic Records), that assists creditors including banks, mortgage processors, and their administrative services professionals to streamline processing of their portfolios of loans in bankruptcy cases. The AACER® product electronically monitors developments in all U.S. bankruptcy courts and applies sophisticated algorithms to classify docket filings automatically in each case to facilitate the management of large bankruptcy claims operations. By implementing the AACER® solution, clients achieve greater accuracy in faster timeframes, with a significant cost savings compared to manual attorney review of each case in the portfolio.

 

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The purchase price of Jupiter was comprised of the following:

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Cash paid at closing

 

$

51,600

 

Fair value of holdback

 

8,090

 

Working capital adjustment

 

539

 

Fair value of contingent consideration

 

7,166

 

Total preliminary purchase price

 

$

67,395

 

 

In connection with this acquisition, we withheld a portion of the purchase price for any claims for indemnification and purchase price adjustments.  This holdback has been discounted using an appropriate imputed interest rate; and $8.2 million and $8.1 million is recorded in “Long-term obligations” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

As a result of an earn-out opportunity based on future revenue growth that is part of this acquisition, we also have contingent consideration. The potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that we could be required to make under the earn-out opportunity is between $0 and $20.0 million over a four year period.  We have recognized the fair value of $2.1 million and $5.1 million of the contingent consideration in “Current maturities of long-term obligations” and “Long-term obligations”, respectively, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at both March 31, 2011 and $7.2 million of the contingent consideration in “Long-term obligations” at December 31, 2010. The fair value of the contingent consideration was determined by a present value calculation of the potential payouts based on projected revenue. Subsequent changes in fair value, which are measured quarterly, up to the ultimate amount paid, will be recognized in earnings.  No changes in the fair value of this liability were recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

The transaction was funded from our credit facility. Transaction related costs, which were expensed during the period in which they were incurred, are reflected in “Other operating expense” in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and totaled $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 for this acquisition.

 

Total purchase consideration has been allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets and to liabilities assumed based on their respective fair values on the acquisition date. The measurement period for purchase price allocations ends as soon as information on the facts and circumstances becomes available, but does not exceed 12 months. If new information is obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized for assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we will retrospectively adjust the amounts recognized as of the acquisition date.  The preliminary purchase price allocations are summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

(in thousands)

 

Tangible assets and liabilities

 

 

 

Current assets, including cash acquired

 

$

1,733

 

Non-current assets

 

37

 

Current liabilities

 

(1,191

)

Intangible assets

 

33,258

 

Software

 

2,880

 

Goodwill

 

30,678

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

67,395

 

 

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Based on the preliminary results of an independent valuation, we have allocated approximately $33.3 million of the purchase price to acquired intangible assets, and $2.9 million of the purchase price to software. The following table summarizes the major classes of acquired intangible assets and software, as well as the respective weighted-average amortization periods:

 

Identifiable Intangible Assets

 

Amount
(in thousands)

 

Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
(Years)

 

Trade name

 

$

6,434

 

Indefinite

 

Non-compete agreements

 

2,955

 

5.0

 

Customer relationships

 

23,869

 

5.0

 

Total identifiable intangible assets

 

$

33,258

 

 

 

 

Software

 

Amount
(in thousands)

 

Weighted
Average
Amortization
Period
(Years)

 

AACER® software application

 

$

2,880

 

5.0

 

 

The amounts shown above may change in the near term as management continues to assess the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities and evaluate the income tax implications of this acquisition.

 

The excess of purchase consideration over net assets assumed was recorded as goodwill, which represents the strategic value we placed on the AACER® product.  We have allocated goodwill of $30.7 million related to this acquisition to our bankruptcy segment, which is deductible for tax purposes. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the operating results of Jupiter from the date of acquisition.

 

Pro forma information related to this acquisition is not presented because the impact of the acquisition on our consolidated results of operations was not considered to be significant.

 

NOTE 12:

 

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Acquisition of Encore Discovery Solutions

 

On April 4, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Encore Discovery Solutions (“Encore”) for $100.0 million cash, $10.0 million of which was placed in escrow as security for potential indemnification claims. Encore provides market-proven products and services for electronic evidence processing, document review platforms, and professional services for project management, data collection and forensic consulting. With this transaction, we further strengthen our worldwide e-discovery franchise providing corporate legal departments and law firms with a broad range of capabilities to manage electronic information for discovery, investigations, compliance and related legal matters.  The transaction was funded from our credit facility.  We are evaluating the purchase price allocation to the fair value of assets acquired, and the liabilities assumed.

 

Credit Facility

 

On April 25, 2011, we entered into an amended senior credit facility, with KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks as lenders.  The amendment to the credit facility, which continues to provide for a senior revolving loan, increased the aggregate amount of funds available from $140.0 million to $325.0 million, and extended the maturity date from June 2014 to December 2015. During the term of the credit facility, we have the right, subject to compliance with the covenants as set forth in the credit facility agreement, to increase the borrowings to a maximum of $375.0 million, an increase from the $200.0 million maximum in our previous facility.  The credit facility is secured by liens on our land and buildings and a significant portion of our furniture and equipment.

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

In this report, in other filings with the SEC and in press releases and other public statements by our officers throughout the year, Epiq Systems, Inc. makes or will make statements that plan for or anticipate the future.  These forward-looking statements include , but are not limited to any projection or expectation of earnings, revenue or other financial items; the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; factors that may affect our operating results; new products or services; the demand for our products and services; our ability to consummate acquisitions and successfully integrate them into our operations; future capital expenditures; effects of current or future economic conditions or performance; industry trends and other matters that do not relate strictly to historical facts or statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations.  In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we make statements that plan for or anticipate the future.  Many of these statements are found in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of this report.

 

Forward-looking statements may be identified by words or phrases such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “may,” “estimated,” “goal,” “objective” “seeks,” and “potential” and variations of these words and similar expressions or negatives of these words.  Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), provide a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements.  Because forward-looking statements involve future risks and uncertainties, listed below are a variety of factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements.  These factors include (1) any material changes in our total number of client engagements and the volume associated with each engagement, (2) any material changes in our client’s deposit portfolio or the services required or selected by our clients in engagements, (3) material changes in the number of bankruptcy filings, class action filings or mass tort actions each year,  or changes in government legislation or court rules affecting these filings, (4) overall strength and stability of general economic conditions, both in the United States and in the global markets, (5) significant changes in the competitive environment, (6) risks associated with handling of confidential data and compliance with information privacy laws, (7) changes in or the effects of pricing structures and arrangements, (8) risks associated with the integration of acquisitions into our existing business operations, (9) risks associated with indebtedness, (10) risks associated with foreign currency fluctuations, (11) risks associated with developing and providing software and internet-based technology solutions to our clients, (12) risks associated with interruptions or delays in services at data centers, (13) risks of errors or failures of software or services, (14) risks associated with our international operations, (15) risks of litigation against us, and (16) other risks detailed from time to time in our SEC filings, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. In addition, there may be other factors not included in our SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

 

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

Overview

 

We are a provider of integrated technology solutions for the legal profession.  Our solutions streamline the administration of bankruptcy, litigation, financial transactions and regulatory compliance matters.  We offer innovative technology solutions for e-discovery, document review, legal notification, claims administration and controlled disbursement of funds.  Our clients include law firms, corporate legal departments, bankruptcy trustees, government agencies and other professional advisors who require innovative technology, responsive service and deep subject-matter expertise.

 

We have three reporting segments: E-discovery, bankruptcy, and settlement administration.

 

E-discovery

 

Our E-discovery segment provides collections and forensics, processing, search and review, and document review services to companies and the litigation departments of law firms.  Our eDataMatrix® software analyzes, filters, deduplicates and produces documents for review.  Produced documents are made available primarily through a hosted environment, and our DocuMatrix™ software allows for efficient attorney review and data requests. Our customers are typically large corporations that use our products and services cooperatively with their legal counsel to manage the e-discovery process for litigation and regulatory matters.

 

The substantial amount of electronic documents and other data used by businesses has changed the dynamics of how attorneys support discovery in complex litigation matters. Due to the complexity of cases, the volume of data that are maintained electronically, and the volume of documents that are produced in all types of litigation, law firms have become increasingly reliant on electronic evidence management systems to organize and manage the litigation discovery process.

 

Following is a description of the significant sources of revenue in our E-discovery business.

 

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·                  Consulting, forensics and collection service fees based on the number of hours services are provided.

 

·                  Fees related to the conversion of data into an organized, searchable electronic database. The amount earned varies primarily on the number of documents.

 

·                  Hosting fees based on the amount of data stored.

 

·                  Document review fees based on the number of hours spent reviewing documents, the number of pages reviewed, or the amount of data reviewed.

 

In 2009 we opened new offices in Brussels and Hong Kong, established global reach for our offices and data centers in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and expanded our offerings to include data forensics and collections services, as well as document review services. In 2009 we also launched IQ Review™, a revolutionary combination of new intelligent technology and expert services which incorporates new prioritization technology into DocuMatrix™, our flagship document management platform. Increased case activity levels and an uptake of new service offerings launched in 2009 contributed to revenue growth in 2010, which is expected to continue into 2011.

 

On April 4, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Encore Discovery Solutions (“Encore”) for $100.0 million cash, $10.0 million of which was placed in escrow as security for potential indemnification claims. Encore provides market-proven products and services for electronic evidence processing, document review platforms, and professional services for project management, data collection and forensic consulting. With this transaction, we further strengthen our worldwide e-discovery franchise providing corporate legal departments and law firms with a broad range of capabilities to manage electronic information for discovery, investigations, compliance and related legal matters.

 

Bankruptcy

 

Bankruptcy is an integral part of the United States’ economy.  As reported by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, there were approximately 1.59 million and 1.47 million new bankruptcy filings, respectively. Bankruptcy filings for the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010 increased 8% versus the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2009.  During this period, Chapter 7 filings increased 8%, Chapter 11 filings fell 10%, and Chapter 13 filings increased 8%.

 

Our bankruptcy business provides solutions that address the needs of Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustees to administer bankruptcy proceedings and of debtor corporations that file a plan of reorganization.

 

·                  Chapter 7 is a liquidation bankruptcy for individuals or businesses that, as measured by the number of new cases filed in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, accounted for approximately 71% of all bankruptcy filings.  In a Chapter 7 case, the debtor’s assets are liquidated and the resulting cash proceeds are used by the Chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee to pay creditors.  Chapter 7 cases typically last several years.

 

·                  Chapter 11 is a reorganization model of bankruptcy for corporations that, as measured by the number of new cases filed in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, accounted for approximately 1% of all bankruptcy filings.  Chapter 11 generally allows a company, often referred to as the debtor-in-possession, to continue operating under a plan of reorganization to restructure its business and to modify payment terms of both secured and unsecured obligations.  Chapter 11 cases generally last several years.

 

·                  Chapter 13 is a reorganization model of bankruptcy for individuals that, as measured by the number of new cases filed in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2010, accounted for approximately 28% of all bankruptcy filings.  In a Chapter 13 case, debtors make periodic cash payments into a reorganization plan and a Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee uses these cash payments to make monthly distributions to creditors.  Chapter 13 cases typically last between three and five years.

 

The application of Chapter 7 bankruptcy regulations has the practical effect of discouraging trustee customers from incurring direct administrative costs for computer system expenses.  As a result, we provide our Chapter 7 products and services to our trustee customers at no direct charge, and they maintain deposit accounts for bankruptcy cases under their administration at a

 

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designated banking institution.  We have arrangements with various banks under which we provide the bankruptcy trustee case management software and related services, and the bank provides the bankruptcy trustee with deposit-related banking services.

 

Chapter 11 bankruptcy engagements are generally long-term, multi-year assignments that provide revenue visibility into future periods. For the Chapter 7 trustee services component of the bankruptcy segment, the increase in filings is expected to translate into growth in client deposit balances related to asset liquidations. Our trustee services deposit portfolio exceeded $2.0 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2011, while pricing continued at floor pricing levels under our agreements due to the low short-term interest rate environment.

 

The key participants in a bankruptcy proceeding include the debtor-in-possession, the debtor’s legal counsel, the creditors, the creditors’ legal counsel, and the bankruptcy judge.  Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases also include a professional bankruptcy trustee, who is responsible for administering the bankruptcy case. The end-user customers of our Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 bankruptcy businesses are debtor corporations that file a plan of reorganization and professional bankruptcy trustees.  The Executive Office for United States Trustees, a division of the U.S. Department of Justice, appoints all bankruptcy trustees.  A United States Trustee is appointed in most federal court districts and generally has responsibility for overseeing the integrity of the bankruptcy system.  The bankruptcy trustee’s primary responsibilities include liquidating the debtor’s assets or collecting funds from the debtor, distributing the collected funds to creditors pursuant to the orders of the bankruptcy court and preparing regular status reports for the Executive Office for United States Trustees and for the bankruptcy court.  Trustees manage an entire caseload of bankruptcy cases simultaneously.

 

On October 1, 2010, we completed the acquisition of Jupiter eSources LLC. The purchase price was comprised of $60.0 million of cash, $8.4 million of which was withheld for any claims for indemnification, and purchase price adjustments. In addition, there is contingent consideration related to an earn-out opportunity based on future revenue growth. The potential undiscounted amount of all future payments that we could be required to make under the earn-out opportunity is between $0 and $20.0 million over a four year period. The transaction was funded from our credit facility. See Note 11 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

 

Through this purchase, we acquired a proprietary software product, AACER® (Automated Access to Court Electronic Records), that assists creditors including banks, mortgage processors, and their administrative services professionals to streamline processing of their portfolios of loans in bankruptcy cases. The AACER® product electronically monitors developments in all U.S. bankruptcy courts and applies sophisticated algorithms to classify docket filings automatically in each case to facilitate the management of large bankruptcy claims operations. By implementing the AACER® solution, clients achieve greater accuracy in faster timeframes, with a significant cost savings compared to manual attorney review of each case in the portfolio.

 

Following is a description of the significant sources of revenue in our bankruptcy business.

 

·                  Data hosting fees and volume-based fees.

 

·                  Case management professional service fees and other support service fees related to the administration of cases, including data conversion, claims processing, claims reconciliation, professional services, and disbursement services.

 

·                  Deposit-based fees, earned primarily on a percentage of Chapter 7 total liquidated assets placed on deposit with a designated financial institution by our trustee clients, to whom we provide, at no charge, software licenses, limited hardware and hardware maintenance, and postcontract customer support services.  The fees we earn based on total liquidated assets placed on deposit by our trustee clients may vary based on fluctuations in short-term interest rates.

 

·                  Legal noticing services to parties of interest in bankruptcy matters, including direct notification and media campaign and advertising management in which we coordinate notification, primarily through print media outlets, to potential parties of interest for a particular client engagement.

 

·                  Reimbursement for costs incurred, primarily related to postage on mailing services.

 

·                  Monitoring and noticing fees earned based on monthly or on-demand requests for information provided through our AACER® software product.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Settlement Administration

 

Our settlement administration segment provides managed services, including legal notification, claims administration, project administration and controlled disbursement.

 

The customers of our settlement administration segment are companies that require the administration of a settlement, resolution of a class action matter, or administration of a project. We sell our services directly to these customers and other interested parties, including legal counsel, which often provide access to these customers.

 

Following is a description of the significant sources of revenue in our settlement administration business.

 

·                  Fees contingent upon the month-to-month delivery of case management services such as claims processing, claims reconciliation, project management, professional services, call center support, website development and administration, and controlled disbursements. The amount we earn varies primarily on the size and complexity of the engagement.

 

·                  Legal noticing services to parties of interest in class action matters; including media campaign and advertising management, in which we coordinate notification through various media outlets, such as print, radio and television, to potential parties of interest for a particular client engagement.

 

·                  Reimbursement for costs incurred related to postage on mailing services.

 

Key participants in this marketplace include law firms that specialize in representing class action and mass tort plaintiffs and other law firms that specialize in representing defendants. Class action and mass tort refers to litigation in which class representatives bring a lawsuit against a defendant company or other persons on behalf of a large group of similarly affected persons.  Mass tort refers to class action cases that are particularly large or prominent. Class action and mass tort litigation is often complex and the cases, including administration of any settlement, may last several years.

 

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 Compared with the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

 

Consolidated Results

 

Revenue

 

Total revenue was $59.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $4.3 million, or 8%, as compared to the prior year. A portion of our total revenue consists of reimbursement for direct costs we incur, such as postage related to document management services.  We reflect the operating revenue from these reimbursed direct costs as a separate line item on our accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.  Revenue originating from reimbursed direct costs was $5.4 million, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 14%, from the prior year. Although operating revenue from reimbursed direct costs may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter, these fluctuations have a minimal effect on our income from operations as we realize little or no margin from this revenue.

 

Operating revenue exclusive of revenue originating from reimbursed direct costs was $54.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $5.1 million, or 10%, as compared to the prior year. This increase was driven by a $4.2 million increase in the E-discovery segment, and a $2.7 million increase in the settlement administration segment; partially offset by a $1.8 million decrease in the bankruptcy segment. Changes by segment are discussed below.

 

Operating Expense

 

The direct cost of services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, was $18.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $3.3 million, or 21%, as compared to the prior year. This increase was primarily the result of a $1.0 million increase in compensation related expense, a $1.0 million increase in legal noticing costs, and a $1.0 million increase in expense related to our newly acquired AACER® product.  Changes by segment are discussed below.

 

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The direct cost of bundled products and services, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, was $0.8 million, a decrease of $0.1 million, or 9%, as compared to the prior year. Changes by segment are discussed below.

 

Reimbursed direct costs decreased $0.9 million, or 14%, to $5.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to the prior year.  This decrease corresponds to the decrease in operating revenue from reimbursed direct costs.  Changes by segment are discussed below.

 

General and administrative costs decreased $0.9 million, or 5%, to $19.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This decrease was due primarily to prior year expense of $1.6 million related to a provision for litigation, and a $0.4 million decrease in compensation-related expense, partially offset by increases in lease expense of $0.4 million, maintenance expense of $0.3 million, share-based compensation expense of $0.2 million and travel and entertainment expense of $0.2 million. Changes by segment are discussed below.

 

Depreciation and software and leasehold amortization costs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $5.2 million, which was flat compared to the prior year.

 

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $3.8 million, an increase of $1.9 million, or 107%, compared to the prior year. This increase was due to the current year amortization of intangible assets resulting from the acquisition of Jupiter eSources in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

We recognized interest expense of approximately $0.8 million for three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $0.4 million, or 105%, compared to the prior year.  This increase was due to interest expense resulting from borrowings on our senior revolving loan.

 

Income Taxes

 

Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 42.3% compared to 55.9% in the prior year. The reduced tax rate is a result of a reduction in 2011 accrued interest expense on prior year uncertain tax positions due to settling the New York State income tax audit, the issuance of deductible, performance - based equity incentive compensation, a greater proportion of income being generated in lower tax foreign jurisdictions, and the renewal of the federal research credit in December 2010.  Also, during the first quarter 2010, we recorded additional Oregon State income taxes related to a tax rate increase enacted during 2010 and made retroactive to January 1, 2009.  The reduced 2011 first quarter tax rate is not a result of recording non- routine tax benefits during the current period.

 

We have significant operations in New York City, and as a result, our state and local tax rates are higher than the tax rates assessed by other jurisdictions where we operate.

 

Net Income

 

Our net income was $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $2.3 million for the prior year, an increase of $0.8 million, or 32%. The increase from the prior year was primarily driven by growth in our E-discovery segment and settlement administration segment; partially offset by a decline in our bankruptcy segment, and an increase in amortization expense related to intangible assets which resulted from the acquisition of Jupiter eSources.

 

Results of Operations by Segment

 

The following segment discussion is presented on a basis consistent with our segment disclosure contained in Note 6 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

E-discovery Segment

 

E-discovery operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $21.0 million, an increase of $4.2 million, or 25%, compared to the prior year.  The change from the prior year is primarily related to higher case activity levels both domestically and internationally.

 

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E-discovery direct and administrative costs, including reimbursed direct costs, were $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $1.3 million, or 14%, compared to the prior year.  This change was the result of a net increase in direct and administrative costs which support the growth of the business.

 

Bankruptcy Segment

 

Bankruptcy operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was $22.8 million, a decrease of $1.8 million, or 7%, compared to the prior year. This decrease was primarily attributable to a lower level of new Chapter 11 filings, and more cases in the latter stages of bankruptcy; partially offset by an increase in revenue related to our newly acquired AACER® product.

 

Bankruptcy direct and administrative costs, including reimbursed direct costs, decreased $2.0 million, or 15%, to $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, compared to the prior year. The change in these costs was the result of a $1.3 million decrease in reimbursed direct costs, a $0.8 million decrease in outside services, a $0.7 million decrease in compensation related expense, and a $0.3 million decrease in legal notification costs associated with the decline in Chapter 11 printing and notification revenues, and an increase in expense related to the Jupiter acquisition.

 

Settlement Administration Segment

 

Settlement administration operating revenue before reimbursed direct costs was $10.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2011, an increase of $2.7 million, or 35%, compared to the prior year, primarily due to an increase in document management services, resulting from larger mailings for certain cases, and a large advertising campaign.

 

Settlement administration direct and administrative costs, including reimbursed direct costs, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $14.0 million, an increase of $3.0 million, or 27%, compared to the prior year, primarily in support of the increase in document management services revenue.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, our operating activities provided net cash of $10.8 million. Contributing to net cash provided by operating activities were net income of $3.1 million and non-cash expenses, such as depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation expense, of $13.2 million. These items were partially offset by a $5.5 million net use of cash resulting from changes in operating assets and liabilities. The most significant changes in operating assets and liabilities were a $7.6 million decrease in accounts payable, and a $1.9 million decrease in trade accounts receivable.  Trade accounts receivable will fluctuate from period to period depending on the timing of sales and collections. Accounts payable will fluctuate from period to period depending on timing of purchases and payments.

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we used cash of $4.1 million for the purchase of property and equipment, including computer hardware and purchased software licenses primarily for our E-discovery business and purchased computer hardware primarily for our corporate network infrastructure and bankruptcy business. Enhancements to our existing software and the development of new software is essential to our continued growth, and, during the three months ended March 31, 2011, we used cash of $1.7 million to fund internal costs related to the development of software for which technological feasibility had been established. We believe that cash generated from operations will be adequate to fund our anticipated property, equipment, and software spending over the next year.

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we borrowed $17.0 million under our senior revolving loan, and had net proceeds from stock issued in connection with the exercise of employee stock options of $0.1 million.  This cash provided by financing activities was offset by the use of cash of $11.0 million for payments on our senior revolving loan, $10.0 million for the purchase of shares under our Share Repurchase Program (as discussed below), and $0.9 million for the purchase of shares

 

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required to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards.  We also used cash of $0.3 million for the payment of long-term obligations, including capital lease payments, and $1.2 million for dividends paid on our common shares. We also recognized a portion of the tax benefit related to the exercise of stock options as a financing source of cash.

 

Recent financing activities

 

Contingent Convertible Subordinated Notes:  On or about June 11, 2010, prior to the maturity date, $27.2 million of convertible notes were converted into 2.3 million shares of common stock at a conversion price of $11.67. On June 15, 2010, the remaining convertible notes matured, resulting in a cash payment of $22.8 million, plus accrued interest. The original $50.0 million of convertible notes were issued in June 2004 with a fixed 4% per annum interest rate and an original maturity of June 15, 2007.  The holders of the convertible notes had the right to extend the maturity date by up to three years.  In April 2007, the holders exercised this right and the maturity date of the convertible notes was extended to June 15, 2010.

 

Revolving Credit Agreement:  In the second quarter of 2010, we entered into an amended senior credit facility, with KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks as lenders. The amendment to the credit facility, which continues to provide for a senior revolving loan, increased the aggregate amount of funds available from $100.0 million to $140.0 million, and extended the maturity date from July 2011 to June 2014. During the term of the credit facility, we have the right, subject to compliance with the covenants as set forth in the credit facility agreement, to increase the borrowings to a maximum of $200.0 million, an increase from the $175.0 million maximum in our previous facility.  The credit facility is secured by liens on our land and buildings and a significant portion of our furniture and equipment.

 

Borrowings under the senior revolving loan bear interest at various rates based on our leverage ratio with two rate options at the discretion of management as follows:  (1) for base rate advances, borrowings bear interest at prime rate plus 100 to 200 basis points; (2) for LIBOR rate advances, borrowings bear interest at LIBOR rate plus 225 to 325 basis points. At March 31, 2011, borrowings of $73.0 million under this facility had a weighted average interest rate of 2.60%. The average amount of borrowings under this facility in 2011 was $73.7 million, at a weighted average interest rate of 2.60%.  The maximum month-end amount outstanding during 2011 was $76.0 million. At March 31, 2011, the amount available for borrowings under the credit facility is reduced by the $73.0 million outstanding and $1.1 million in outstanding letters of credit.

 

The credit facility contains financial covenants related to earnings before interest, provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization, and other adjustments as defined in the agreement, and total debt.  In addition, the credit facility also contains financial covenants related to senior debt, fixed charges, and working capital.  As of March 31, 2011, significant financial covenants, all as defined in our credit facility agreement, include a leverage ratio not to exceed 3.00 to 1.00, and a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.25 to 1.00.  As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all financial covenants.

 

Other restrictive covenants contained in our credit facility include limitations on incurring additional indebtedness and completing acquisitions. We generally cannot incur indebtedness outside the credit facility, with the exception of capital leases, with a limit of $15.0 million, and subordinated debt, with a limit of $100.0 million of aggregate subordinated debt. Generally, for acquisitions we must be able to demonstrate that, on a pro forma basis, we would be in compliance with our covenants during the four quarters prior to the acquisition, and bank permission must be obtained for acquisitions in which cash consideration exceeds $80.0 million or total consideration exceeds $125.0 million.

 

On April 4, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Encore for $100.0 million cash, which was funded from our credit facility.  See Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

 

On April 25, 2011, we entered into an amended senior credit facility, with KeyBank National Association as administrative agent, and a syndicate of banks as lenders. See Note 12 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.

 

Share Repurchase Program:  On October 26, 2010, we announced that our board of directors authorized $35.0 million for share repurchases (the “Share Repurchase Program”). Repurchases may be made pursuant to the Share Repurchase Program from time to time at prevailing market prices in the open market or in privately negotiated purchases, or both. The company may utilize one or more plans with its brokers or banks for pre-authorized purchases within defined limits pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act of 1934 to effect all or a portion of the repurchases. During the three months ended March

 

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31, 2011, we purchased 745,414 shares of common stock for approximately $10.0 million, at an average cost of $13.37 per share.

 

We also have a policy that requires shares to be repurchased by the company to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards.

 

Dividend:  On January 17, 2011, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.035 per outstanding share of common stock, which was paid on February 17, 2011 to shareholders of record on January 27, 2011.  On February 23, 2011, our board of directors declared a cash dividend of $0.035 per outstanding share of common stock, payable on May 19, 2011 to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 28, 2011.  Dividends payable of approximately $1.2 million is included as a component of “Other accrued liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2011.

 

We believe that funds generated from operations, plus our existing cash resources and amounts available under our credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our currently anticipated working capital requirements, internal software development expenditures, property, equipment and third party software expenditures, deferred acquisition price agreements, capital leases, interest payments due on our outstanding borrowings, and other contractual obligations.

 

In addition, we believe we could fund any future acquisitions, dividend payments, or common stock repurchases with our internally available cash, cash generated from operations, our existing available debt capacity, or from the issuance of additional securities.

 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We generally do not utilize off-balance sheet arrangements in our operations; however, we enter into operating leases in the normal course of business.  Our operating lease obligations are disclosed below under “Contractual Obligations”.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

There have been no significant developments with respect to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2010.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 that was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2011, we disclose accounting policies, referred to as critical accounting policies, that require management to use significant judgment or that require significant estimates.  Management regularly reviews the selection and application of our critical accounting policies.  There have been no updates to the critical accounting policies contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued new guidance to address differences in the ways entities have interpreted requirements for disclosures about pro forma revenue and earnings in a business combination.  This guidance states that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior year annual reporting period only.  This guidance also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This guidance is effective for us for any business combinations whose acquisition date is after January 1, 2011.  This guidance impacts disclosures only, and has no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In December 2010, the FASB issued new standards that amend the criteria for performing Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires performing Step 2 if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. We adopted this guidance as of the beginning of fiscal year 2011. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements as we do not have any reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts as of our last impairment test.

 

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In January 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance that requires entities to disclose separately the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and describe the reasons for the transfers. In addition, the update requires entities to present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the reconciliation for fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The disclosures related to Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements are effective for us in 2010. The update required new disclosures only, and had no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows as we have not had any transfers out of Level 1. The disclosures related to Level 3 fair value measurements were effective for us in 2011. This update also only requires new disclosures, and will have no impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued new standards for revenue recognition with multiple deliverables. These new standards require entities to allocate revenue in an arrangement using estimated selling prices of the delivered goods and services based on a selling price hierarchy. The amendments eliminate the residual method of revenue allocation and require revenue to be allocated using the relative selling price method. These new standards are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued new standards for the accounting for certain revenue arrangements that include software elements. These new standards amend the scope of pre-existing software revenue guidance by removing from the guidance non-software components of tangible products and certain software components of tangible products.  These new standards are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as our software arrangements are not tangible products with software components.

 

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Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The principal market risks to which we are exposed include interest rates under our senior revolving credit facility, foreign exchange rates giving rise to translation, and fluctuations in short-term interest rates on a portion of our bankruptcy trustee revenue.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Interest on our senior revolving credit facility is generally based on a spread, not to exceed 325 basis points over the LIBOR rate. As of March 31, 2011, we had borrowed $73.0 million under the senior revolving loan.

 

We performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical 100 basis point movement in interest rates applied to the average daily borrowings of the senior revolving loan. As of March 31, 2011, the analysis indicated that such a movement would not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In our Chapter 7 bankruptcy business we earn deposit-based fees.  These fees are earned primarily on a percentage of Chapter 7 total liquidated assets placed on deposit with a designated financial institution by our trustee clients.  The fees we earn based on total liquidated assets placed on deposit by our trustee clients may vary based on fluctuations in short-term interest rates.

 

We currently do not hold any interest rate floor options or other derivatives.

 

Foreign Currency Risk

 

We have operations outside of the United States, therefore, a portion of our revenues and expenses are incurred in a currency other than U.S. dollars. We do not utilize hedge instruments to manage the exposures associated with fluctuating currency exchange rates.  Our operating results are exposed to changes in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the functional currency of the countries where we have operations. When the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the dollar value of revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies increases. When the U.S. dollar strengthens, the opposite situation occurs.

 

Item 4.                                   Controls and Procedures

 

An evaluation was carried out by the Epiq Systems, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).  Based on this evaluation, our management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.  Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION.

 

Item 1.                                   Legal Proceedings

 

Purported Derivative Shareholder Complaint

 

On July 29, 2008, the Alaska Electrical Pension Fund filed a putative shareholder derivative action on behalf of Epiq Systems, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas (the “Court”) (Civil Action No. 08-CV-2344 CM/JPO), alleging, among other things, improper conduct by each of our current directors and certain current and former executive officers and directors regarding stock option grants. The company has stated consistently that the claims made in the action are meritless.

 

Also as previously reported, on April 27, 2010, on the determination of the company’s Board of Directors, the company entered into a Stipulation of Settlement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with plaintiff and defendants relating to the settlement of this litigation and mutual release of claims, and the company and its insurance carrier agreed to pay plaintiff’s counsel’s fees and expenses, which totaled $3.5 million. On June 22, 2010, the Court entered an order which, among other things, preliminarily approved the Settlement Agreement and scheduled a final hearing.  On August 25, 2010, the Court entered a final order, dated August 24, 2010, finally approving the Settlement and dismissing with prejudice the lawsuit and all claims contained therein (the “Final Order”). During the third quarter of 2010 the settlement amount, which had been fully accrued for in prior periods, was paid by the company and the insurance company. On or about September 24, 2010, the Final Order became final and non-appealable because no appeal was filed prior to such date.

 

Item 1A.                          Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in our Risk Factors from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 that was filed with the SEC on February 25, 2011.

 

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

 

The following table presents the total number of shares purchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2011, the average price paid per share, the number of shares that were purchased as part of a publicly announced repurchase program, and the maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares that may yet be purchased under a share repurchase program.

 

We have a share repurchase program that authorizes us to purchase shares of common stock in order to increase shareholder value. We also have a policy that requires shares to be repurchased by the company to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards.

 

Period

 

Total Number of
Shares Purchased

 

Average Price Paid per
Share(2)

 

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

 

Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs(1)(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1 – January 31

 

430,017

 

$

13.3494

 

430,017

 

$

16,357,000

 

February 1 – February 28

 

381,687

(3)

$

13.4858

 

315,397

 

$

12,137,000

 

March 1 – March 31

 

 

 

 

$

12,137,000

 

Total Activity for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2011

 

811,704

 

$

13.4176

 

745,414

 

$

12,137,000

 

 


(1)

On October 26, 2010, we announced that our board of directors authorized $35.0 million for share repurchases. This program has no stated expiration date.

 

 

(2)

Includes brokerage commissions paid by the company.

 

 

(3)  Includes 66,290 shares that were repurchased by the company at an average price of $13.57 per share to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock awards in February 2011.

 

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Item 6.           Exhibits

 

12.1

 

Computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer of the Company under Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certifications of Chief Financial Officer of the Company under Rule 13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certifications of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

Epiq Systems, Inc.

 

 

Date:

May 2, 2011

/s/ Tom W. Olofson

 

Tom W. Olofson

 

Chairman of the Board

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

Director

 

(Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

Date:

May 2, 2011

/s/ Elizabeth M. Braham

 

Elizabeth M. Braham

 

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 

(Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)

 

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