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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

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 1-15213

GRAPHIC

Braun Consulting, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  36-3702425
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

20 West Kinzie, Suite 1500
Chicago, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)

 

60610
(Zip Code)

(312) 984-7000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(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 ý No o

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No ý

        The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of July 31, 2004 was 17,169,487 shares.





PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

BRAUN CONSULTING, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
  Three Months
Ended June 30,

  Six Months
Ended June 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Revenue:                          
  Revenue before expense reimbursements   $ 6,958   $ 7,346   $ 16,187   $ 14,832  
  Expense reimbursements     634     884     1,361     1,678  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total revenue     7,592     8,230     17,548     16,510  
Costs and expenses:                          
  Project personnel and expenses     5,085     6,287     10,987     13,168  
  Reimbursable expenses     634     884     1,361     1,678  
  Selling and marketing expenses     868     921     1,583     1,810  
  General and administrative expenses     2,782     3,393     7,864     7,437  
  Stock compensation     160         160     1  
   
 
 
 
 
  Total costs and expenses     9,529     11,485     21,955     24,094  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating loss     (1,937 )   (3,255 )   (4,407 )   (7,584 )
Interest income     33     74     68     169  
   
 
 
 
 
Loss before provision for income taxes     (1,904 )   (3,181 )   (4,339 )   (7,415 )
Provision for income taxes     4     5     27     143  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net loss   $ (1,908 ) $ (3,186 ) $ (4,366 ) $ (7,558 )
   
 
 
 
 
Loss per share:                          
  Basic   $ (0.11 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.44 )
  Diluted   $ (0.11 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.44 )
Weighted average shares:                          
  Basic     17,163,487     17,082,522     17,145,587     17,303,937  
  Diluted     17,163,487     17,082,522     17,145,587     17,303,937  

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

2



BRAUN CONSULTING, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)

 
  June 30,
2004

  December 31,
2003

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,261   $ 4,588  
  Restricted cash     3,500     3,500  
  Marketable securities     6,875     7,575  
  Accounts receivable (net of allowances: $280 in 2004; $280 in 2003)     8,608     8,253  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     1,023     1,119  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     22,267     25,035  
Equipment, furniture and software—net     5,204     5,835  
Deferred tax asset (net of allowance: $22,428 in 2004; $21,000 in 2003)          
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 27,471   $ 30,870  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable   $ 1,036   $ 959  
  Accrued compensation     949     760  
  Accrued restructuring expenses     1,114     642  
  Unearned revenue     375     1,362  
  Other accrued liabilities     348     307  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     3,822     4,030  
   
 
 
Deferred rent     1,080     1,080  
Accrued restructuring expenses, net of current portion     2,181     1,251  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     7,083     6,361  
   
 
 
Stockholders' equity:              
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003; authorized 10,000,000 shares at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003; no shares issued at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003          
Common stock, $0.001 par value at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003; authorized 50,000,000 shares at June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003; issued and outstanding 17,169,487 shares at June 30, 2004 and 17,122,453 shares at December 31, 2003     17     17  
Additional paid-in capital     103,137     102,892  
Accumulated deficit     (82,766 )   (78,400 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     20,388     24,509  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 27,471   $ 30,870  
   
 
 

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

3



BRAUN CONSULTING, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
  Six Months
Ended June 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Net loss   $ (4,366 ) $ (7,558 )
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:              
    Compensation expense related to stock options     160     1  
    Deferred income taxes         72  
    Provision for losses on accounts receivable     69     100  
    Depreciation and amortization     791     1,155  
    Non-cash restructuring costs         452  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:              
      Accounts receivable     (424 )   323  
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets     96     75  
      Accounts payable     77     (486 )
      Accrued liabilities     230     50  
      Deferred rent         30  
      Accrued restructuring     1,402     (2,078 )
      Unearned revenue     (987 )   (1,163 )
   
 
 
        Net cash flows used in operating activities     (2,952 )   (9,027 )
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Purchases of marketable securities         (1,625 )
  Sales of marketable securities     700     15,650  
  Purchases of equipment, furniture and software     (160 )   (59 )
   
 
 
        Net cash flows provided by investing activities     540     13,966  
Cash flows from financing activities:              
Exercise of stock options     30     7  
Employee stock purchase plan     55     27  
Treasury stock purchase and retirement         (1,346 )
   
 
 
        Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities     85     (1,312 )
   
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (2,327 )   3,627  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     4,588     1,803  
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 2,261   $ 5,430  
   
 
 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:              
  Income taxes paid   $ 27   $ 71  
   
 
 

See notes to unaudited financial statements.

4



BRAUN CONSULTING, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

1.     Basis of Presentation

        The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared from the records of Braun Consulting, Inc. (the "Company"), and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, presented herein, has been derived from the audited financial statements for the year then ended.

        Accounting policies followed by the Company are described in Note 2 to the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. In this Form 10-Q, "Braun Consulting," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Braun Consulting, Inc. and its subsidiaries and predecessors. Certain other information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, have been condensed or omitted for purposes of the interim financial statements. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements, including the notes thereto, for the year ended December 31, 2003.

        The results of operations for the periods presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

        Revenue Recognition:    The Company enters into various consulting arrangements that are billed either on a time-and-materials basis or on a fixed-price basis. The majority of these contracts are generally less than 120 days in duration and either require an up-front payment or are billed in bi-weekly installments ratably over the term of the contract. Termination of the contract by the customer would require the customer to pay the Company for hours incurred to date. Costs under the Company's contracts are expensed as incurred.

        The Company derives substantially all of its revenue from fees for consulting services. In all cases, revenue is recognized when earned and realizable. Revenue on time-and-materials contracts is recognized as the services are provided. The Company recognizes revenue on fixed-price projects based upon the ratio of hours worked to total estimated hours to complete the project. The cumulative impact of any revision in estimates of the percentage-of-completion is reflected in the period in which the revision becomes known. Losses on contracts, if any, are provided for in full in the period when first determined. The Company recognizes unearned revenue when client billing exceeds the amount of revenue recognized. In certain instances, client arrangements require that a project milestone must be reached and written acceptance received from the client prior to billing. In these cases, revenue is recognized when milestones are reached and written acceptance from the client is received. In cases where collectibility is not assured from the client, revenue recognition is deferred until cash collection occurs or is reasonably assured. We typically use cash-based revenue recognition for clients with one of the following characteristics: deteriorating or poor financial condition or limited financial resources.

        Revenue from sales of software is recognized on a gross basis upon delivery of the product and client acceptance, when all significant contractual obligations are satisfied and the collection of the resulting receivables is reasonably assured.

5



        Revenue before expense reimbursements includes revenue from consulting services and product sales. Those amounts have been combined in the presentation as product sales amounts were substantially less than 10% of revenue in each period presented.

        The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of accounts receivable that are estimated to be uncollectible. Such allowance is reviewed quarterly based upon the recovery experiences of the Company, management's estimate of future collection and a review of all accounts receivable. The balances owed by several clients could materially impact the financial statements if such balances are not collected. In prior years, the Company's collection experience has varied substantially from quarter to quarter and accordingly, has resulted in quarterly fluctuations of write-offs and bad debt expense.

2.     Equipment, Furniture and Software

        Equipment, furniture, and software are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $12,272 at June 30, 2004, and $11,481 at December 31, 2003.

3.     Loss Per Share

        Basic loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of stock options outstanding during the period. The Company is in a net loss position for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. Therefore, the common stock equivalents are not considered in loss per share-diluted, since their effect is anti-dilutive.

        Potentially dilutive securities of 944,208 and 254,691, respectively, were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculations for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. Potentially dilutive securities of 853,513 and 156,735, respectively, were excluded from the diluted loss per share calculations for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

4.     Commitments and Contingencies

        Braun Consulting and Steven Braun, Thomas Duvall, and John Burke, as officers of Braun Consulting, are defendants in a lawsuit, Luciano Mor v. Braun Consulting, Inc.; Steven Braun; Thomas Duvall; John Burke; Adams, Harkness & Hill, Inc.; Credit Suisse First Boston Corp.; FleetBoston Robertson Stephenson, Inc.; J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.; Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.; Prudential Securities Incorporated; and Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc., Case No. 01 CV 10629, filed on November 26, 2001, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ("the Case"). Messrs. Duvall and Burke are former officers of Braun Consulting. The class action complaint in the Case alleges violations of federal securities laws in connection with the Company's initial public offering occurring in August 1999 based on alleged omissions in the Company's prospectus relating to compensation payable to, and the manner of distribution of the Company's initial public offering shares by, Braun Consulting's underwriters. The complaint does not allege any claims relating to any alleged misrepresentations or omissions with respect to the Company's business. The Case is among approximately 300 putative class actions against certain issuers, their officers and directors, and underwriters with respect to such issuers' initial public offerings, coordinated as In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, 21 MC 92 (SAS) (collectively, the "IPO Securities Litigation").

        Braun Consulting has entered into a Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement (the "Stipulation"), pursuant to a Memorandum of Understanding, along with most of the other defendant issuers in the IPO Securities Litigation, whereby such issuers and their officers and directors (including Braun Consulting and Messrs. Braun, Duvall and Burke) will be dismissed with prejudice from the IPO Securities Litigation, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Under the terms of the

6


Stipulation, neither Braun Consulting nor any of its formerly named individual defendants admit any basis for liability with respect to the claims in the Case. The Stipulation provides that insurers for Braun Consulting and the other defendant issuers participating in the settlement will guaranty that the plaintiffs will recover at least $1 billion to settle the IPO Securities Litigation, except that no such payment will occur until claims against the underwriters are resolved and such payment will be paid only if the recovery against the underwriters for such claims is less than $1 billion and then only to the extent of any shortfall. Under the terms of the Stipulation, neither Braun Consulting nor any of its named directors will pay any amount of the settlement. The Stipulation further provides that participating defendant issuers will assign certain claims they may have against the defendant underwriters in connection with the IPO Securities Litigation. The Stipulation is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, among others, approval of the court.

5.     Restructuring Charges

        Restructuring reserve activities during the six months ended June 30, 2004, were as follows:

 
  Balance at
December 31, 2003

  Expense
  Utilization
  Balance at
June 30, 2004

Facilities   $ 1,893   $ 1,939   $ (537 ) $ 3,295
Severance and benefits         195     (195 )  
   
 
 
 
Totals   $ 1,893   $ 2,134   $ (732 ) $ 3,295

        Restructuring charges of $1,939 for facilities represents consolidation of office space in Chicago that occurred during the first quarter of 2004. Restructuring charges of $195 for severance and benefits represents headcount reductions that occurred during the first quarter of 2004. Restructuring charges of $189 and $1,945 are included in the Statements of Operations in project personnel and expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively. All of the restructuring charges utilized during the six months ended June 30, 2004, were in cash.

        Facilities costs of $704 are expected to be paid during the remainder of 2004 with the remaining costs of $2,591 expected to be paid during 2005 through 2012, based on the required lease payments under the subject operating leases.

        Restructuring reserve activities during the six months ended June 30, 2003, were as follows:

 
  Balance at
December 31, 2002

  Expense
  Utilization
  Accrual Reversal
  Balance at
June 30, 2003

Facilities   $ 5,099   $ 164   $ (1,227 ) $ (291 ) $ 3,745
Severance and benefits     272         (247 )   (25 )  
   
 
 
 
 
Totals   $ 5,371   $ 164   $ (1,474 ) $ (316 ) $ 3,745
   
 
 
 
 

        Restructuring charges of $164 are included in the Statements of Operations in general and administrative expenses. All of the restructuring charges utilized during the six months ended June 30, 2003, were in cash. Estimated office closing expenses of $291 and benefits expenses of $25 that were accrued in prior quarters were reversed as a non-cash reduction of general and administrative expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2003.

6.     Income Taxes

        At June 30, 2004, Braun Consulting had approximately $51,629 of federal and $50,475 of state net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future taxable income, which expire from 2019 to 2022, respectively. Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, the amounts of and benefits from net operating loss carryforwards may be impaired or limited in certain circumstances. Events which cause limitations in

7



the amount of net operating losses that Braun Consulting may utilize in any one year include, but are not limited to, Braun Consulting's ability to generate profits.

        In 2002, a valuation allowance was recorded for the entire deferred net tax asset as a result of uncertainties regarding the realization of the net asset including: growing net operating losses in 2002; three years of increasing net losses; uncertainty associated with forecasting a recovery in IT spending; loss of a significant client, Pharmacia, during the third quarter of 2002, which represented 26% of the Company's 2002 revenue before expense reimbursements; and given the Company's current cost structure, the current revenue base is not expected to generate substantial taxable income in the near term. An additional $1,428 of valuation was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2004.

7.     Common Stock

        On February 4, 2003, the Board of Directors approved a third Stock Repurchase Program (the "Third Program"). Under the Third Program, the Company is authorized to purchase up to two million dollars of its shares over the 24 months beginning February 4, 2003. No shares were purchased during the six months ended June 30, 2004. As of June 30, 2004, the Company had purchased 940,700 shares of its common stock at an average price of $1.12 per share. The par value method of accounting was used for these share repurchases and all shares purchased were retired. The cost of the shares acquired was allocated to par value and additional paid-in-capital.

8.     Stock Option Compensation Plans

        As permitted by SFAS No. 123, and amended by SFAS 148, the Company continues to measure the plans' cost in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. Had compensation cost for the Company's plans been determined consistent with the fair value method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, as amended, the impact on the Company's loss and pro forma loss per share would have been as follows:

 
  Three Months
Ended
June 30,

  Six Months
Ended
June 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Net loss as reported   $ (1,908 ) $ (3,186 ) $ (4,366 ) $ (7,558 )
Add: Stock based employee compensation expense included in reported net loss, net of related tax effects     160         160     1  
Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards-net of related tax effects     (373 )   (595 )   (668 )   (1,182 )
   
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net loss   $ (2,121 ) $ (3,781 ) $ (4,874 ) $ (8,739 )
   
 
 
 
 
Loss per share—basic (Unaudited):                          
  As reported   $ (0.11 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.44 )
  Pro forma   $ (0.12 ) $ (0.22 ) $ (0.28 ) $ (0.51 )
Loss per share—diluted (Unaudited):                          
  As reported   $ (0.11 ) $ (0.19 ) $ (0.25 ) $ (0.44 )
  Pro forma   $ (0.12 ) $ (0.22 ) $ (0.28 ) $ (0.51 )

        The effects of applying SFAS No. 123 in this pro forma disclosure may not be indicative of effects on reported net income (loss) for future years. Common stock equivalents are not considered in loss per share-diluted, since their effect was anti-dilutive.

8


9.     Significant Clients

        For the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, our ten largest clients generated approximately 71% and 79% of revenue before expense reimbursements, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, our ten largest clients generated approximately 69% and 76% of revenue before expense reimbursements, respectively.

        For the three months ended June 30, 2004, there were two clients that accounted for 15% and 12% of revenue before expense reimbursements, respectively, as compared with two clients that each accounted for 18% of revenue before expense reimbursements for the three months ended June 30, 2003. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, there were three clients that accounted for 14%, 11% and 10% of revenue before expense reimbursements, respectively, as compared with three clients that accounted for 16%, 16% and 11% of revenue before expense reimbursements for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Loss of any significant client can seriously harm our business.

10.   Recent Developments

        On July 12, 2004, the Company announced that it would retain the services of the investment bank of Robert W. Baird & Co. to assist the Company in examining its strategic alternatives. The alternatives may include acquisition, financing, strategic alliance or merger. The Company will evaluate the alternatives to determine what is in the best interest of its shareholders, customers and employees.

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

Overview

        The following section should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

        Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not strictly historical are "forward-looking" statements that involve risks or uncertainties, many of which are not under the control of the Company. The risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statement. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the nature of the market and demand for our service offerings, competition, overall general business and economic conditions, the nature of our clients and project engagements, loss of a significant client, attracting and retaining highly skilled employees, the ability of our clients to pay for our services, timely payment by clients for services rendered, our ability to effectively manage growth and client relationships, and our ability to maintain our NASDAQ National Market listing, as well as other risks identified in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report or to conform these statements to actual results or changes in its expectations.

        In this Form 10-Q, "Braun Consulting," the "Company," "we," "us" and "our" refer to Braun Consulting, Inc. and its subsidiaries and predecessors.

        Braun Consulting, Inc. is a professional services firm delivering customer-focused business solutions. Founded in 1993, Braun Consulting helps companies solve complex business problems through the delivery of integrated strategy and technology solutions ("Business Solutions"). Our Business Solutions span the functional disciplines of sales, marketing, customer and field service, manufacturing, finance, and information technology primarily across the following industry sectors: healthcare and pharmaceuticals; media and telecommunications; financial services; manufacturing and technology; retail and consumer packaged goods; and other sectors. We work with Fortune 1000 and middle market companies to develop business and information technology strategies, integrated marketing programs, organizational change plans and technology solutions. Business Solutions enable

9



organizations to realize value from their customer base, optimize the relationship between supply and customer demand, and ultimately, improve business performance.

        The Company enters into various consulting arrangements that are billed either on a time-and-materials basis or on a fixed-price basis. The majority of these contracts are generally less than 120 days in duration and either require an up-front payment or are billed in bi-weekly installments ratably over the term of the contract. Termination of the contract by the customer would require the customer to pay the Company for hours incurred to date. Costs under the Company's contracts are expensed as incurred.

        The Company's revenue before expense reimbursements derived from time and materials contracts was approximately 48% of revenue before expense reimbursements for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, as compared to 50% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003. Revenue before expense reimbursements derived from fixed-price contracts was approximately 52% of revenue before expense reimbursements for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, as compared to 50% for the quarter ended June 30, 2003. Revenue on fixed-price projects is based upon the ratio of hours worked to total estimated hours to complete the project. The cumulative impact of any revision in estimates of the percentage-of-completion is reflected in the period in which the revision becomes known. Losses on contracts, if any, are provided for in full in the period when first determined. The Company recognizes unearned revenue when client billing exceeds the amount of revenue recognized. In certain instances, client arrangements require that a project milestone must be reached and written acceptance received from the client prior to billing. In these cases, revenue is recognized when milestones are reached, written acceptance from the client is received and other contractual specifications have been achieved.

        The Company also recognizes a limited amount of revenue from product sales on a gross basis as a value-added reseller of software products. The Company currently resells software products primarily as an occasional accommodation to clients who prefer to retain a single-source provider. Product sales accounted for less than 1.0% of revenue before expense reimbursements for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003.

        During the first six months of 2004, market demand for the Company's consulting services continued to be soft. Revenue, excluding reimbursements of client expenses, increased from the prior year period by $1.4 million or 9.1%. Revenue, excluding reimbursements of client expenses, for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, decreased from the quarter ended March 31, 2004, by $2.3 million or 24.6%.

        Existing clients accounted for approximately 75% and 56% of revenue, before expense reimbursements, for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively, and approximately 62% and 54% for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2003, respectively. The Company manages client development efforts through specific account management efforts.

        The Company's most significant expense is project personnel and expenses, which consist primarily of project personnel salaries and benefits, and non-reimbursed direct expenses incurred to complete projects. The Company continues to manage employee expenses by calculating a variable portion of employee compensation payable upon the achievement of measurable performance goals.

        The Company's project personnel and expenses as a percentage of revenue is related to consultant utilization. The Company manages utilization by monitoring project requirements and timetables. The number of consultants assigned to a project varies according to the size, complexity, duration and demands of the project. Project completions and scheduling delays may result in periods when consultants are not fully utilized. An unanticipated termination or delay of a significant project could also cause us to experience lower consultant utilization, resulting in a higher than expected number of unassigned consultants. In addition, the Company does not fully utilize consulting personnel on billable

10



projects during the initial months of their employment. During that time they undergo training and become integrated into the Company's operations.

        Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of: salaries, employee benefits, travel costs of selling and marketing personnel and promotional costs. General and administrative expenses consist primarily of: costs associated with executive management, finance and administrative groups, including personnel devoted to recruiting, employee retention and training; occupancy costs including depreciation, amortization and office equipment leases; travel; and all other branch and corporate costs.

Management's Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. For example, significant estimates and assumptions have been made with regard to the revenue recognition under fixed-price contracts, deferred taxes, and estimated costs associated with restructuring charges. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected statements of operations data as a percentage of total revenue:

 
  Three Months Ended
June 30,

  Six Months Ended
June 30,

 
 
  2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
 
Revenue:                  
  Revenue before expense reimbursements   91.6 % 89.3 % 92.2 % 89.8 %
  Expense reimbursements   8.4   10.7   7.8   10.2  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total revenue   100.0   100.0   100.0   100.0  
Costs and expenses:                  
  Project personnel and expenses   67.0   76.4   62.6   79.7  
  Reimbursable expenses   8.4   10.7   7.8   10.2  
  Selling and marketing expenses   11.4   11.2   9.0   11.0  
  General and administrative expenses   36.6   41.2   44.8   45.0  
  Stock compensation   2.1   0.0   0.9   0.0  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total costs and expenses   125.5   139.6   125.1   145.9  
   
 
 
 
 
Operating loss   (25.5 ) (39.6 ) (25.1 ) (45.9 )
Interest income   0.5   1.0   0.4   1.0  
   
 
 
 
 
Loss before provision for income taxes   (25.0 ) (38.6 ) (24.7 ) (44.9 )
Provision for income taxes   0.1   0.1   0.2   0.9  
   
 
 
 
 
  Net Loss   (25.1 )% (38.7 )% (24.9 )% (45.8 )%
   
 
 
 
 

        Revenue.    Revenue before reimbursements decreased 5.3% to $7.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from $7.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease was due primarily to project delays at several new and existing clients. Revenue before expense reimbursements increased 9.1% to $16.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from $14.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The increase in revenue before expense reimbursements was due primarily to an increase in average hourly billing rates to $151 for the six

11



months ended June 30, 2004, from $136 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, and an increase in billable utilization to 66% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from 65% for the six months ended June 30, 2003, partially offset by a reduction in revenue from the sale of third party software ($84,000). Continued uncertainty around IT spending and an economic recovery inhibit the Company's ability to forecast demand for our products and services and the impact on revenue. The Company had 136 project personnel at June 30, 2004, as compared to 186 project personnel at June 30, 2003. The Company continues to sell some software products as an occasional accommodation to clients. Such sales represented less than 1.0% of revenue before expense reimbursements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. Reimbursements, including travel and out-of-pocket expenses, are included in revenue, and equivalent amounts of reimbursable expenses are included in costs and expenses.

        Project Personnel and Expenses.    Project personnel and expenses decreased 19.1% to $5.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from $6.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and decreased 16.6% to $11.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

        The decrease in project personnel and expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to a decrease in compensation costs as a result of reductions in headcount ($1.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively) and a decrease in non-billable client expenses ($220,000 and $450,000, respectively), partially offset by an increase in subcontractor fees ($150,000 and $161,000, respectively).

        The Company had 136 project personnel at June 30, 2004, as compared to 186 project personnel at June 30, 2003. Project personnel and expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue before expense reimbursements to 70.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from 85.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and decreased to 65.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from 88.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

        Selling and Marketing Expenses.    Selling and marketing expenses decreased 5.8% to $868,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from $921,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and decreased 12.5% to $1.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from $1.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

        The decrease for the three months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to a decrease in compensation costs ($79,000), partially offset by an increase in business development costs ($26,000). The decrease for the six months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to a decrease in compensation costs ($126,000) and a decrease in business development costs ($101,000).

        The Company had 10 selling and marketing personnel at June 30, 2004 and 2003. Selling and marketing expenses, as a percentage of revenue before expense reimbursements, was 12.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, and decreased to 9.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from 12.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

        General and Administrative Expenses.    General and administrative expenses decreased 18.0% to $2.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from $3.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and increased 5.7% to $7.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from $7.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

        The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to a decrease in personnel compensation costs from cost reduction initiatives ($299,000), a decrease in depreciation expense due to fixed assets taken out of service in 2003 ($167,000), a decrease in rent expense and other operating costs from office consolidations in Boston and Chicago ($245,000), partially offset by an increase in recruiting costs ($75,000).

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        The increase in general and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2004, was due primarily to an increase in restructuring charges related to office consolidations ($1.9 million), headcount reductions ($195,000) and an increase in recruiting costs ($74,000). The increases were partially offset by decreases in personnel compensation costs from cost reduction initiatives ($720,000), a decrease in depreciation expense due to fixed assets taken out of service in 2003 ($365,000), and a decrease in rent expense and other operating costs due to office closings and consolidations ($682,000) (the Company reduced office space in Boston, Massachusetts during 2003, and in Chicago, Illinois in 2004).

        The Company had 29 general and administrative personnel at June 30, 2004, compared to 43 at June 30, 2003. General and administrative costs decreased as a percentage of revenue before reimbursements to 40.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from 46.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and decreased to 48.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from 50.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

        Interest Income.    Interest income decreased to $33,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, from $74,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and decreased to $68,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, from $169,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease was due primarily to the use of cash and marketable securities to fund operations.

        Provision for Income Taxes.    For the three months ended June 30, 2004, there was a current tax expense of $4,000 as compared to an expense of $5,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, and an expense of $27,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, as compared to an expense of $143,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The tax expense relates to revenue based state taxes not impacted by the Company's net operating losses. In 2002, the Company recorded a valuation allowance for the entire deferred income tax asset balance of $15.7 million due to uncertainties regarding the realization of the asset, including: growing net operating losses in 2002; three years of increasing net losses; uncertainty associated with forecasting a recovery in IT spending; loss of a significant client, Pharmacia, during the third quarter of 2002 that represented 26% of the Company's 2002 revenue before expense reimbursements; and given the Company's current cost structure, the current revenue base is not expected to generate substantial taxable income in the near term. The Company recorded an additional $669,000 increase in the valuation allowance for all deferred income tax assets due to operating losses incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2004 and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

        Net Loss.    Net loss decreased to $1.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2004, as compared to the net loss of $3.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2003. The decrease was due primarily to a reduction in total costs and expenses. Net loss decreased to $4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 as compared $7.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2003. The decrease was due primarily to a reduction in total costs and expenses and a slight increase in revenue.

        Liquidity and Capital Resources.    As of June 30, 2004, the Company maintains a line of credit with LaSalle Bank, N.A. ("LaSalle"), providing for borrowings of up to $3.5 million. The Company's line of credit bears interest at LaSalle's prime rate and expires on October 31, 2004. The Company's line of credit is secured with $3.5 million in restricted cash held in escrow by LaSalle. The restricted cash is invested at the Company's direction. There is no restriction on the interest earned on the restricted cash. The Company expects to renew this line of credit upon its expiration. As of June 30, 2004, there were no borrowings outstanding under the $3.5 million line of credit. As of June 30, 2004, there were three letters of credit totaling $580,500 for office leases and equipment issued on the line of credit.

        Capital expenditures of approximately $160,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, and approximately $59,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, were primarily used for computers and

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office equipment. The Company estimates capital expenditures for 2004 will be less than $500,000. Additionally, the Company may continue to purchase shares under the Company's Stock Repurchase Program.

        Inflation did not have a material impact on Braun Consulting's revenue or loss from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003.

        As of June 30, 2004, the Company had cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities of approximately $12.6 million. Based on the Company's current business plan, the Company believes that its existing cash position along with cash provided from operations and borrowings available under its credit facility will be sufficient to meet working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. To the extent future revenue is inadequate or recoverability of its receivables may be impaired to support costs and expenditures, the Company's liquidity may be materially and adversely affected.

        The Company maintains three letters of credit against the line of credit for office equipment and office leases in Chicago, New York and Boston at June 30, 2004, as follows:

 
  Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
  Total Amounts
Committed

  Less Than
1 Year

  1-3 Years
Letter of credit—New York office   $ 203,500   $ 50,875   $
Letter of credit—Boston office     265,000     40,000    
Letter of credit—Office equipment     90,000     37,000     57,000
   
 
 
Total   $ 558,500   $ 127,875   $ 57,000
   
 
 

        The terms of the leases allow the lessor to draw on the line of credit should the Company be in default of the lease payment terms.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

        The Company's investments in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities of approximately $12.6 million at June 30, 2004, primarily consist of investment grade debt securities of varying short-term maturities (28-30 days) issued by various organizations. The Company does not invest in complex derivatives. Based on the nature of these investments, the cost of the securities equals the fair market value of the securities at June 30, 2004. If interest rates on investments were to decrease immediately and uniformly by 10% from levels at June 30, 2004, from approximately 1.18% to 1.06%, pre-tax net loss in the next six months would increase by $7,600, which is equal to the product of the 10% decrease in the interest rate multiplied by the approximately $12.6 million of short-term investments in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and marketable securities as of June 30, 2004.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

        The term "disclosure controls and procedures" is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"). These rules refer to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. As required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the

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effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2004 (the "Evaluation Date"), and they have concluded that, based on that evaluation, as of the Evaluation Date, such controls and procedures were effective at ensuring that required information will be disclosed on a timely basis in our reports filed under the Exchange Act.

        We maintain a system of internal accounting controls that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records accurately reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are followed. Based on the evaluation described above, there have been no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the last quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2.    Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

        None.

Item 5.    Other Information.

        None.

Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.


Exhibit
Number

   
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer—Section 302 Certification
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer—Section 302 Certification
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer—Section 906 Certification
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer—Section 906 Certification

        Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 5, 2004, and filed May 5, 2004 (furnishing, under Item 12, Braun Consulting, Inc.'s press release reporting financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2004).

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chicago, and State of Illinois, on the 13th day of August, 2004.

    BRAUN CONSULTING, INC.
(REGISTRANT)

 

 

/S/  STEVEN J. BRAUN
      
Steven J. Braun
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

 

/s/  
THOMAS A. SCHULER      
Thomas A. Schuler
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

/s/  
STEVEN J. MERRIMAN      
Steven J. Merriman
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

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QuickLinks

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
BALANCE SHEETS
STATEMNTS OF CASH FLOWS
BRAUN CONSULTING, INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (In thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
SIGNATURES