10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
     
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 No. 0-28274
(SYKES LOGO)
Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Florida   56-1383460
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)
400 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (813) 274-1000
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for at least the past 90 days.
Yes þ       No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer: o   Accelerated filer: þ   Non-accelerated filer: o   Smaller reporting company: o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
   Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o       No þ
As of October 17, 2008, there were 41,255,428 outstanding shares of common stock.
 
 

 


 

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
INDEX
             
        Page  
        No.  
Part I. Financial Information        
   
 
       
Item 1.          
   
 
       
        3  
   
 
       
        4  
   
 
       
        5  
   
 
       
        6  
   
 
       
        8  
   
 
       
        31  
   
 
       
Item 2.       32  
   
 
       
Item 3.       44  
   
 
       
Item 4.       45  
   
 
       
Part II. Other Information        
   
 
       
Item 1.       46  
   
 
       
Item 2.       46  
   
 
       
Item 6.       47  
   
 
       
Signature     48  
 EX-10.1
 EX-10.2
 EX-10.3
 EX-10.4
 EX-10.5
 EX-10.6
 EX-10.7
 EX-10.8
 EX-10.9
 EX-15
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 – Financial Statements
Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
(in thousands, except per share data)   2008     2007  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 220,051     $ 177,682  
Receivables, net
    157,641       145,490  
Prepaid expenses
    10,235       10,905  
Other current assets
    14,678       19,828  
Short-term investments
          17,827  
 
           
 
               
Total current assets
    402,605       371,732  
 
               
Property and equipment, net
    78,909       78,574  
Goodwill, net
    25,326       22,468  
Intangibles, net
    5,481       6,646  
Deferred charges and other assets
    32,810       26,055  
 
           
 
  $ 545,131     $ 505,475  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 22,029     $ 21,588  
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
    48,024       46,245  
Income taxes payable
    9,492       4,592  
Deferred revenue
    32,219       31,822  
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities
    22,320       14,132  
 
           
 
               
Total current liabilities
    134,084       118,379  
 
               
Deferred grants
    9,493       10,329  
Long-term income tax liabilities
    5,126       6,269  
Other long-term liabilities
    7,942       5,177  
 
           
 
               
Total liabilities
    156,645       140,154  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and loss contingency (Note 15)
               
 
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; 41,268 and 45,537 shares issued
    413       455  
Additional paid-in capital
    157,022       184,184  
Retained earnings
    229,558       195,203  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    2,117       37,457  
Treasury stock at cost: 60 shares and 4,697 shares
    (624 )     (51,978 )
 
           
 
               
Total shareholders’ equity
    388,486       365,321  
 
           
 
  $ 545,131     $ 505,475  
 
           
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
(in thousands, except for per share data)   2008     2007     2008     2007  
Revenues
  $ 207,066     $ 176,122     $ 618,416     $ 512,407  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating expenses:
                               
Direct salaries and related costs
    130,509       110,774       395,197       327,109  
General and administrative
    57,304       50,463       171,083       149,369  
 
                       
Total operating expenses
    187,813       161,237       566,280       476,478  
 
                       
 
                               
Income from operations
    19,253       14,885       52,136       35,929  
 
                       
 
                               
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    1,274       1,614       4,354       4,408  
Interest (expense)
    (47 )     (230 )     (274 )     (538 )
Other income (expense)
    2,737       (233 )     7,001       (1,190 )
 
                       
Total other income (expense)
    3,964       1,151       11,081       2,680  
 
                       
 
                               
Income before provision for income taxes
    23,217       16,036       63,217       38,609  
Provision for income taxes
    3,725       3,780       10,286       8,217  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income
  $ 19,492     $ 12,256     $ 52,931     $ 30,392  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income per share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.48     $ 0.30     $ 1.30     $ 0.75  
 
                       
Diluted
  $ 0.47     $ 0.30     $ 1.29     $ 0.75  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average shares:
                               
Basic
    40,678       40,432       40,590       40,360  
 
                       
Diluted
    41,070       40,697       40,928       40,624  
 
                       
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007, Three Months Ended December 31, 2007 and
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

(Unaudited)
                                                         
                                Accumulated        
    Common Stock   Additional           Other        
    Shares           Paid-in   Retained   Comprehensive   Treasury    
(In thousands)   Issued   Amount   Capital   Earnings   Income (Loss)   Stock   Total
 
Balance at January 1, 2007
    45,254     $ 453     $ 179,021     $ 158,058     $ 5,869     $ (51,928 )   $ 291,473  
 
                                                       
Adjustment upon adoption of FIN 48
                      (2,714 )                 (2,714 )
Issuance of common stock
    67       1       450                         451  
Stock-based compensation expense
                3,301                         3,301  
Issuance of common stock and restricted stock under equity award plans
    195       1       26                   (26 )     1  
Issuance of common stock for business acquisition
    25             468                         468  
Comprehensive income
                      30,392       17,975             48,367  
 
                                                       
     
Balance at September 30, 2007
    45,541       455       183,266       185,736       23,844       (51,954 )     341,347  
 
                                                       
Issuance of common stock
    3             23                         23  
Stock-based compensation expense
                870                         870  
Issuance of common stock and restricted stock under equity award plans
    (7 )           25                   (24 )     1  
Comprehensive income
                      9,467       13,613             23,080  
     
Balance at December 31, 2007
    45,537       455       184,184       195,203       37,457       (51,978 )     365,321  
 
                                                       
Adjustment upon adoption of EITF 06-10
                      (482 )                 (482 )
Issuance of common stock
    105       1       1,173                         1,174  
Stock-based compensation expense
                3,554                         3,554  
Issuance of common stock and restricted stock under equity award plans
    233       3       93                   (132 )     (36 )
Excess tax benefit from stock- based compensation
                688                         688  
Retirement of treasury stock
    (4,644 )     (46 )     (33,346 )     (18,094 )           51,486        
Issuance of common stock for business acquisition
    37             676                         676  
Comprehensive income (loss)
                      52,931       (35,340 )           17,591  
 
                                                       
     
Balance at September 30, 2008
    41,268     $ 413     $ 157,022     $ 229,558     $ 2,117     $ (624 )   $ 388,486  
     
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(Unaudited)
                 
(in thousands)   2008     2007  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 52,931     $ 30,392  
Depreciation and amortization
    21,125       18,315  
Release of valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
    (6,121 )      
Unrealized foreign currency transaction gains, net
    (6,524 )      
Stock compensation expense
    3,554       3,301  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    (688 )      
Deferred income tax provision (benefit)
    219       (761 )
Reversals of termination costs associated with exit activities
          (60 )
Foreign exchange loss (gain) on liquidation of foreign entities
    3       (10 )
Bad debt expense
    939       137  
Unrealized loss (gain) on financial instruments, net
    1,108       (48 )
Amortization of discount on short-term investments
    (173 )      
Amortization of actuarial gains on pension
    (49 )      
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    (17,679 )     (12,241 )
Prepaid expenses
    (2,455 )     (3,552 )
Other current assets
    369       (3,381 )
Deferred charges and other assets
    (759 )     982  
Accounts payable
    1,789       508  
Income taxes receivable/payable
    1,600       710  
Accrued employee compensation and benefits
    3,984       2,644  
Other accrued expenses and current liabilities
    128       (598 )
Deferred revenue
    2,379       (2,001 )
Other long-term liabilities
    750       876  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    56,430       35,213  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (25,730 )     (22,761 )
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
    167       80  
Proceeds from release of restricted cash
    855       1,600  
Sale (purchase) of short-term investments
    17,535       (17,535 )
Purchase of long-term investments
    (997 )      
Investment in restricted cash
          (393 )
Cash paid for business acquisition
    (2,400 )     (1,600 )
Other
    (130 )     (130 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (10,700 )     (40,739 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of stock
    1,174       451  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
    688        
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    1,862       451  
 
           
 
               
Effects of exchange rates on cash
    (5,223)       13,521  
 
           

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
(continued)
                 
    2008     2007  
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    42,369       8,446  
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning
    177,682       158,580  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents – ending
  $ 220,051     $ 167,026  
 
           
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
 
Cash paid during period for interest
  $ 277     $ 184  
Cash paid during period for income taxes
  $ 13,702     $ 8,909  
 
               
Non-cash transactions:
               
Property and equipment additions included in accounts payable
  $ 2,562     $ 2,178  
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
(Unaudited)
Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and consolidated subsidiaries (“Sykes” or the “Company”) provides outsourced customer contact management solutions and services in the business process outsourcing arena to companies, primarily within the communications, technology/consumer, financial services, healthcare, and transportation and leisure industries. Sykes provides flexible, high quality outsourced customer contact management services (with an emphasis on inbound technical support and customer service), which includes customer assistance, healthcare and roadside assistance, technical support and product sales to its clients’ customers. Utilizing Sykes’ integrated onshore/offshore global delivery model, Sykes provides its services through multiple communications channels encompassing phone, e-mail, Web and chat. Sykes complements its outsourced customer contact management services with various enterprise support services in the United States that encompass services for a company’s internal support operations, from technical staffing services to outsourced corporate help desk services. In Europe, Sykes also provides fulfillment services including multilingual sales order processing via the Internet and phone, inventory control, product delivery and product returns handling. The Company has operations in two geographic regions entitled (1) the Americas, which includes the United States, Canada, Latin America, India and the Asia Pacific Rim, in which the client base is primarily companies in the United States that are using the Company’s services to support their customer management needs; and (2) EMEA, which includes Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future quarters or the year ending December 31, 2008. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Property and Equipment — The carrying value of property and equipment to be held and used is evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”. An asset is considered to be impaired when the sum of the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition does not exceed its carrying amount. The amount of the impairment loss, if any, is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value, which is generally determined based on appraisals or sales prices of comparable assets. Occasionally, the Company redeploys property and equipment from under-utilized centers to other locations to improve capacity utilization if it is determined that the related undiscounted future cash flows in the under-utilized centers would not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount of these assets. The Company determined that its property and equipment was not impaired as of September 30, 2008.
Short-Term Investments – Short-term investments are investments that are highly liquid, held to maturity according to the provisions of SFAS No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, and have terms greater than three months, but less than one year, at the time of acquisition. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had short-term investments of $17.8 million in commercial paper (none as of September 30, 2008) with a remaining maturity of less than one year. Short-term investments are carried at amortized cost which approximates fair value. Therefore, there were no significant unrecognized holding gains or losses at December 31, 2007 or September 30, 2008.
Goodwill The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets under SFAS No. 142 (SFAS 142), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but instead must be reviewed at least annually, and more frequently in the presence of certain circumstances, for impairment by applying a fair value based test. Fair value for goodwill is based on discounted

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Goodwill – (continued)
cash flows, market multiples and/or appraised values as appropriate. Under SFAS 142, the carrying value of assets is calculated at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows (the “reporting unit”). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test during the third quarter of 2008, which included the consideration of recent economic developments and determined that the carrying amount of goodwill was not impaired. The Company expects to receive future benefits from previously acquired goodwill over an indefinite period of time.
Intangible Assets — Intangible assets, primarily customer relationships, existing technologies and covenants not to compete, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or changes in circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate that impairment exists. Fair value for intangible assets is based on discounted cash flows, market multiples and/or appraised values as appropriate. The Company does not have intangible assets with indefinite lives.
Value Added Tax Receivables — Our Philippine operations are subject to Value Added Tax, or VAT, which is usually applied to all goods and services purchased throughout the Philippines. Upon validation and certification of the VAT receivables by the Philippine government, the VAT receivables are held for sale through third-party brokers. This process through collection typically takes three to five years. The VAT receivable is approximately $7.2 million and $8.3 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, net of a valuation allowance of $2.1 million and $2.7 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the VAT receivables, net of the valuation allowance, of $5.5 million and $6.4 million, respectively, is included in “Deferred Charges and Other Assets”, $1.7 million and $0.0 million, respectively, is included in “Other Current Assets” and $0.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, is included in “Receivables” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. We review our VAT receivable balance for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount might not be recoverable. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company determined that a portion of the VAT receivable balance was not recoverable and wrote down the balance by $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively. During the comparable 2007 periods, the Company wrote down the balance by $1.1 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation – The Company has three stock-based compensation plans: the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (for employees and certain non-employees), the 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (for non-employee directors), both approved by the shareholders, and the Deferred Compensation Plan (for certain eligible employees), which are discussed more fully in Note 13. Stock-based awards under these plans may consist of common stock, common stock units, stock options, cash-settled or stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. The Company issues common stock to satisfy stock option exercises or vesting of stock awards.
The Company recognizes in its income statement the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation issued to employees and directors. Compensation expense for equity-based awards is recognized over the requisite service period, usually the vesting period, while compensation expense for liability-based awards (those usually settled in cash rather than stock) is measured to fair-value at each balance sheet date until the award is settled.
Foreign Currency Translation - The assets and liabilities of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, whose functional currency is other than the U.S. Dollar, are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the reporting date, and income and expenses are translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the period. The net effect of translation gains and losses is not included in determining net income, but is included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)”, which is reflected as a separate component of shareholders’ equity until the sale or until the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the net investment in the foreign subsidiary. Foreign currency

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Foreign Currency Translation – (continued)
transactional gains and losses are included in “Other income (expense)” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign Currency and Derivative Instruments — The Company accounts for financial derivative instruments utilizing SFAS No. 133 (SFAS 133), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended. The Company generally utilizes non-deliverable forward contracts expiring within one to 24 months to reduce its foreign currency exposure due to exchange rate fluctuations on forecasted cash flows denominated in non-functional foreign currencies. Upon proper qualification, these contracts are accounted for as cash-flow hedges, as defined by SFAS 133. These contracts are entered into to protect against the risk that the eventual cash flows resulting from such transactions will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. In using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in exchange rates, the Company exposes itself to counterparty credit risk.
All derivatives, including foreign currency forward contracts, are recognized in the balance sheet at fair value. On the date the derivative contract is entered into, the Company determines whether the derivative contract should be designated as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are highly effective and designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)”, until the forecasted underlying transactions occur. Any realized gains or losses resulting from the cash flow hedges are recognized together with the hedged transaction within “Revenues”. Cash flows from the derivative contracts are classified within “Cash flows from operating activities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Ineffectiveness is measured based on the change in fair value of the forward contracts and the fair value of the hypothetical derivatives with terms that match the critical terms of the risk being hedged. Hedge ineffectiveness is recognized within “Revenues”.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedging activities. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items on a prospective and retrospective basis. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge or if a forecasted hedge is no longer probable of occurring, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. At September 30, 2008, all hedges were determined to be highly effective.
The Company also periodically enters into forward contracts that are not designated as hedges. The purpose of these derivative instruments is to reduce the effects on its operating results and cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in currency exchange rates. The Company records changes in the fair value of these derivative instruments within “Revenues”. See Note 4 for further information on financial derivative instruments.
Fair Value Measurements - Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements” and SFAS No. 159 (SFAS 159), “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — including an amendment to FASB Statement No. 115”. SFAS 157, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.
SFAS 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company has not elected to use the fair value option permitted under SFAS 159 for any of its financial assets and financial liabilities that are not already recorded at fair value.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Fair Value Measurements – (continued)
A description of the Company’s policies regarding fair value measurement is summarized below.
Fair Value Hierarchy - SFAS 157 requires disclosure about how fair value is determined for assets and liabilities and establishes a hierarchy for which these assets and liabilities must be grouped, based on significant levels of observable or unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. These two types of inputs have created the following fair-value hierarchy:
  Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
  Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
 
  Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.
Determination of Fair Value - The Company generally uses quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access to determine fair value, and classifies such items in Level 1. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted market prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, and inputs other than quoted market prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.
If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed valuation techniques that use, where possible, current market-based or independently sourced market parameters, such as interest rates, currency rates, etc. Assets or liabilities valued using such internally generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input or value driver that is significant to the valuation. Thus, an item may be classified in Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable.
The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure fair value, including an indication of the level in the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.
Money Market and Open-end Mutual Funds — The Company uses quoted market prices in active markets to determine the fair value of money market and open-end mutual funds, which are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts — The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts over the counter and values such contracts using a discounted cash flows model. The key inputs include forward foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The item is classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Investments Held in Rabbi Trust — The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation plan structured as a rabbi trust for certain eligible employees. The investment assets of the rabbi trust are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares held in the trust, which are classified in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. For additional information about our deferred compensation plan, refer to Notes 5 and 13.
Guaranteed Investment Certificates — The Company’s guaranteed investment certificates have a variable interest rate linked to the prime rate and approximates fair value due to the automatic ability to reprice with changes in the market; such items are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Fair Value Measurements – (continued)
Value Added Tax Receivable- The value added tax “VAT” receivable is recorded at carrying value (net of valuation allowances), which approximates fair value. The Company recognizes a valuation allowance based on such factors as historical sales experience and current market demand. Such items are classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 provides guidance on the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures, and transition. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $2.7 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 2 – Fair Value for further information.
In March 2007, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 06-10 (EITF 06-10), “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” EITF 06-10 provides guidance on the employers’ recognition of assets, liabilities and related compensation costs for collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends into postretirement periods. The Company adopted the provisions of EITF 06-10 on January 1, 2008. As a result of the implementation of EITF 06-10, the Company recognized a $0.5 million liability for a postretirement benefit obligation related to a split dollar arrangement on behalf of its founder and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2008 balance of retained earnings. See Note 14 – Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefits for further information.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (SFAS 141R), “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 160 (SFAS 160), “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51”. SFAS 141R will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively for all business combinations entered into after the date of adoption. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the presentation and disclosure provisions of SFAS 160 on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (SFAS 161), “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, which amends SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, by requiring increased qualitative, quantitative, and credit-risk disclosures about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements – (continued)
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3 (FSP 142-3), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”.  FSP 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”.  This new guidance applies prospectively to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets in business combinations and asset acquisitions. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that FSP 142-3 will have on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162 (SFAS 162), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, which reorganizes the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) hierarchy. SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by providing a consistent framework for determining what accounting principles should be used in preparing U.S. GAAP financial statements. With the issuance of SFAS 162, the FASB concluded that the GAAP hierarchy should be directed toward the entity and not its auditor, and reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB as opposed to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. SFAS 162 will become effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Note 2 – Fair Value
The Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to the requirements of SFAS 157 consist of the following (in thousands):
                                         
            Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2008 Using:  
                    Quoted Prices in              
                    Active Markets     Significant Other     Significant  
                    For Identical     Observable     Unobservable  
            Balance at     Assets     Inputs     Inputs  
            September 30, 2008     (Level 1)     (Level 2)     (Level 3)  
 
Assets:
                                       
Money Market and Open–end Mutual Funds
    (1 )   $ 66,002     $ 66,002     $     $  
Investments Held in Rabbi Trust for the Deferred Compensation Plan
    (2 )     1,571       1,571              
Guaranteed Investment Certificates
    (3 )     995             995        
Value Added Tax Receivables
    (4 )     7,150                   7,150  
 
                               
Total Assets
          $ 75,718     $ 67,573     $ 995     $ 7,150  
 
                               
 
                                       
Liabilities:
                                       
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
    (5 )   $ 13,888     $     $ 13,888     $  
 
                             
Total Liabilities           $ 13,888     $     $ 13,888     $  
 
                               

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 2 – Fair Value – (continued)
 
(1)   Included $65.3 million in “Cash and cash equivalents” and $0.7 million in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
(2)   Included in “Other current assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
(3)   Included $0.1 million in “Cash and cash equivalents” and $0.9 million in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
(4)   Included $1.7 million in “Other Current Assets” and $5.5 million in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
(5)   Included $11.5 million in “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” and $2.4 million in “Other long-term liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the Company’s value added tax receivables measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008:
         
Description   Amount  
 
Balance, July 1, 2008
  $ 7,238  
Included in earnings1
    (121 )
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    33  
 
     
Balance, September 30, 2008
  $ 7,150  
 
     
 
       
Balance, January 1, 2008
  $ 8,247  
Included in earnings1
    (482 )
Purchases, issuances and settlements
    (615 )
 
     
Balance, September 30, 2008
  $ 7,150  
 
     
 
       
Unrealized Gains (Losses) Included in Earnings Above
       
For the three months ended September 30, 2008
  $  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008
  $  
 
1   Represents the bad debt expense included in “General and administrative” costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
At September 30, 2008, the Company also had assets that under certain conditions would be subject to measurement at fair value on a non-recurring basis, like those associated with acquired businesses, including goodwill and other intangible assets, and other long-lived assets. For these assets, measurement at fair value in periods subsequent to their initial recognition would be applicable if one or more of these assets was determined to be impaired; however, no impairment losses have occurred relative to any of these assets during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. When and if recognition of these assets at their fair value is necessary, such measurements would be determined utilizing Level 3 inputs.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 3 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table presents the Company’s purchased intangible assets (in thousands) as of September 30, 2008:
                                 
                            Weighted  
                            Average  
    Gross     Accumulated     Net     Amortization  
    Intangibles     Amortization     Intangibles     Period (years)  
Customer relationships
  $ 7,473     $ 2,573     $ 4,900       7  
Trade Name
    984       443       541       5  
Non-compete agreements
    691       691             2  
Other
    264       224       40       3  
 
                         
 
  $ 9,412     $ 3,931     $ 5,481       6  
 
                         
The following table presents the Company’s purchased intangible assets (in thousands) as of December 31, 2007:
                                 
                            Weighted  
                            Average  
    Gross     Accumulated     Net     Amortization  
    Intangibles     Amortization     Intangibles     Period (years)  
Customer relationships
  $ 7,589     $ 1,762     $ 5,827       8  
Trade Name
    979       293       686       5  
Non-compete agreements
    724       675       49       2  
Other
    270       186       84       3  
 
                         
 
  $ 9,562     $ 2,916     $ 6,646       7  
 
                         
Amortization expense, related to the purchased intangible assets resulting from acquisitions (other than goodwill), of $0.4 million and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, is included in “General and administrative” costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the comparable 2007 periods, the Company recognized amortization expense of $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
The Company’s estimated future amortization expense for the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):
         
Periods Ending December 31,   Amount
2008 (remaining three months)
  $ 385  
2009
  $ 1,515  
2010
  $ 1,488  
2011
  $ 1,390  
2012
  $ 703  
Changes in goodwill, within the America’s segment, consist of the following (in thousands):
         
    Amount  
Balance at December 31, 2006
  $ 20,422  
Contingent payment for Apex acquisition
    2,068  
Foreign currency translation
    (22 )
 
     
Balance at December 31, 2007
    22,468  
Contingent payment for Apex acquisition
    3,076  
Foreign currency translation
    (218 )
 
     
Balance at September 30, 2008
  $ 25,326  
 
     

15


Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 3 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets — (continued)
In July 2008, the Company settled the contingency related to the holdback of a portion of the purchase price in the Apex transaction related to representations and warranties. This settlement resulted in a payout of $2.4 million in cash and $0.7 million in common stock from the escrow account and an increase in the recorded amount of goodwill of $3.1 million.
During the three months ended September 30, 2008, in accordance with SFAS 142, the Company evaluated the remaining useful lives of its intangible assets that are being amortized to determine whether a revision to the remaining period of amortization was appropriate. As a result of its evaluation, effective July 1, 2008, the Company changed the estimated useful life of the customer relationships acquired in the acquisition of Kelly, Luttmer & Associates, from 15 years to nine years. The remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over the revised remaining useful life. The effect of this change in the estimated remaining useful life was an increase in amortization expense of $0.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2008.
Note 4 – Forward Contracts
The Company had derivative assets and liabilities relating to outstanding forward contracts, designated as cash flow hedges, maturing within 15 months, consisting of Philippine peso contracts with a notional value of $140.6 million as of September 30, 2008. These derivative instruments are classified as “Other current assets” of $0.0 million and $8.4 million; “Other accrued expenses and current liabilities” of $11.5 million and $0.1 million; and “Other long–term liabilities” of $2.4 million and $0.0 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company had deferred tax assets (liabilities) of $4.7 million and $(2.7) million related to these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. A total of $(9.0) million and $5.0 million of deferred gains (losses), net of tax, on these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, were recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred loss expected to be reclassified to “Revenues” from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” during the next twelve months is $11.2 million. However this amount and other future reclassifications from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” will fluctuate with movements in the underlying market price of the forward contracts.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company recognized losses related to hedge ineffectiveness of $0.0 million and $0.5 million, respectively which were reclassified from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” to “Revenues”. In the comparable 2007 period, gains of $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively, were reclassified to “Revenues”. In addition, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recognized in “Revenues” losses of $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively, related to changes in the fair value of the forward contracts attributable to the difference in the spot and forward exchange rates, which was excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Net gains (losses) of $(1.6) million and $1.8 million from settled hedge contracts were reclassified from “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” to “Revenues” during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively. Net gains of $0.9 million and $1.6 million were reclassified in the comparable 2007 periods, respectively, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company settled forward contracts to purchase CAD 0.9 million at fixed prices of $0.9 million. Since these contracts were not designated as accounting hedges, they were accounted for on a mark-to-market basis, with realized and unrealized gains or losses recognized in the current period. As a result, the Company recognized losses of $0.1 million related to these contracts, which are included in “Revenues” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company recognized an immaterial loss in “Revenues” related to changes in the fair value of derivative instruments not designated as accounting hedges.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 5 – Investments Held in Rabbi Trust
The Company’s Investments Held in Rabbi Trust, classified as trading securities and included in “Other current assets” at fair value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consist of the following (in thousands):
                                 
    September 30, 2008   December 31, 2007
    Cost   Fair Value   Cost   Fair Value
Mutual funds
  $ 1,710     $ 1,571     $ 1,196     $ 1,405  
     Investments Held in Rabbi Trust were comprised of mutual funds, 76% of which are equity-based and 24% were debt-based at September 30, 2008. Investment income, included in “Other income (expense)” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 consists of the following (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Gross realized gains from sale of trading securities
  $     $     $ 1     $  
Gross realized losses from sale of trading securities
    (7 )     (2 )     (9 )     (2 )
Dividend and interest income
    5       4       18       12  
Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
    (209 )     4       (359 )     73  
 
                       
Net investment income (losses)
  $ (211 )   $ 6     $ (349 )    $ 83  
 
                       
Note 6 – Deferred Revenue
The components of deferred revenue consist of the following (in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2008     2007  
Future service
  $ 27,722     $ 28,571  
Estimated penalties and holdbacks
    4,497       3,251  
 
           
 
  $ 32,219     $ 31,822  
 
           
Note 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The Company presents data in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity in accordance with SFAS No. 130 (SFAS 130), “Reporting Comprehensive Income”. SFAS 130 establishes rules for the reporting of comprehensive income (loss) and its components.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 7 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – (continued)
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following (in thousands):
                                 
    Foreign   Unrealized   Unrealized Gain    
    Currency   Actuarial Gain   (Loss) on Cash    
    Translation   (Loss) Related to   Flow Hedging    
    Adjustment   Pension Liability   Instruments   Total
     
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ 6,913     $ (1,044 )   $     $ 5,869  
Pre tax amount
    23,195       4,166       13,821       41,182  
Tax provision
          (803 )     (2,693 )     (3,496 )
Reclassification to net income
    (13 )     43       (6,128 )     (6,098 )
Foreign currency translation
    197       (197 )            
     
Balance at December 31, 2007
    30,292       2,165       5,000       37,457  
Pre tax amount
    (21,389 )           (20,016 )     (41,405 )
Tax benefit
                7,480       7,480  
Reclassification to net income
    (13 )     (49 )     (1,353 )     (1,415 )
Foreign currency translation
    388       (265 )     (123 )      
     
Balance at September 30, 2008
  $ 9,278     $ 1,851     $ (9,012 )   $ 2,117  
     
Note 8 – Termination Costs Associated with Exit Activities
On November 3, 2005, the Company committed to a plan (the “Plan”) to reduce its workforce by approximately 200 people in one of its European customer contact management centers in Germany in response to the October 2005 contractual expiration of a technology client program, which generated annual revenues of approximately $12.0 million. The Company substantially completed the Plan by the end of the third quarter of 2007. Total charges related to the Plan were $1.4 million. These charges include approximately $1.2 million for severance and related costs and $0.2 million for other exit costs. Cash payments totaled $1.2 million. The Company ceased using certain property and equipment estimated at $0.2 million, and depreciated these assets over a shortened useful life, which approximated eight months. The Company reversed previously accrued termination costs of less than $0.1 million in “Direct salaries and related costs” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 due to a change in estimate. Cash payments related to termination costs made totaled $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Note 9 – Borrowings
The Company’s $50.0 million revolving credit facility with a group of lenders (the “Credit Facility”), which amount is subject to certain borrowing limitations, was executed on March 15, 2004 and amended on May 4, 2007. Pursuant to the amended terms of the Credit Facility, the amount of $50.0 million may be increased up to a maximum of $100.0 million with the prior written consent of the lenders. The Credit Facility includes a $10.0 million swingline subfacility, a $15.0 million letter of credit subfacility and a $40.0 million multi-currency subfacility, not to exceed a total of $50 million availability under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility, which includes certain financial covenants, may be used for general corporate purposes including acquisitions, share repurchases, working capital support, and letters of credit, subject to certain limitations. The Credit Facility, including the multi-currency subfacility, accrues interest, at the Company’s option, at (a) the Base Rate (defined as the higher of the lender’s prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%) plus an applicable margin up to 0.50%, or (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin up to 1.25%. Borrowings under the swingline subfacility accrue interest at the prime rate plus an applicable margin up to 0.50% and borrowings under the letter of credit subfacility accrue interest at the LIBOR plus an applicable margin up to

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 9 – Borrowings – (continued)
1.25%. In addition, a commitment fee of up to 0.25% is charged on the unused portion of the Credit Facility on a quarterly basis. The borrowings under the Credit Facility, which will terminate on March 14, 2010, are secured by a pledge of 65% of the stock of each of the Company’s active direct foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Facility prohibits the Company from incurring additional indebtedness, subject to certain specific exclusions. There were no borrowings during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, and no outstanding balances as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, with $50.0 million availability on the Credit Facility.
Note 10 – Income Taxes
The Company’s effective tax rate was 16.3% and 21.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate of 5.0% resulted from a shift in our mix of earnings and the effects of permanent differences, valuation allowances, foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes, foreign income tax rate differentials (including tax holiday jurisdictions) and recognition of income tax benefits of $1.3 million, including interest and penalties of $0.8 million, relating to transfer pricing as a result of a favorable tax audit determination in March, 2008.
The differences in the Company’s effective tax rate of 16.3% as compared to the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0% were primarily due to tax benefits resulting from additional income earned in certain tax holiday jurisdictions; recognition of income tax benefits relating to the transfer pricing mentioned above; accompanied by the effects of valuation allowances, permanent differences, losses in jurisdictions for which tax benefits can be recognized, foreign withholding and other taxes, accrued interest and penalties and foreign income tax rate differentials.
The Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets if, based on the weight of the available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdiction, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In September, 2008, the Company determined that its profitability and expectations of future profitability of certain foreign subsidiaries indicated that it was “more likely than not” that portions of the deferred tax assets would be realized. Accordingly, in the third quarter of 2008, the Company recognized an increase in its deferred tax assets of $6.1 million through a partial reversal of the valuation allowance. The reversal of the valuation allowance of $6.1 million reduced the provision for income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
During the three months ended September 30, 2008, the Company determined to distribute in the fourth quarter of 2008 approximately $60.0 million in earnings from its Philippine operations to its foreign parent in the Netherlands to take advantage of the expiring tax provisions of IRC section 954( c)( 6). These tax provisions permit continued tax deferral on such distributions that would otherwise be taxable immediately in the United States. While the distribution is not taxable in the United States, it is subject to a withholding tax of $6.1 million, which is included in the provision for income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. A provision for income taxes has not been provided on the remaining undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries because these earnings have been deemed to be permanently reinvested.
As of September 30, 2008, the Company had $4.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, a net decrease of $0.6 million from $5.4 million as of December 31, 2007. This decrease, which relates primarily to the recognition of tax benefits relating to transfer pricing mentioned above, had a favorable impact on the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.
If the Company recognized its remaining unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2008, approximately $4.5 million and related interest and penalties would favorably impact the effective tax rate. The Company believes it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits will decrease or be recognized in the next twelve months by

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 10 – Income Taxes – (continued)
up to $1.5 million due to transfer pricing and the classification of tax attributes related to intercompany accounts that will be resolved under audit or appeal in various tax jurisdictions.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. The Company had $2.4 million and $3.0 million accrued for interest and penalties as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively. Of the accrued interest and penalties at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively, relate to statutory penalties. The amount of interest and penalties recognized in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. In the comparable periods of 2007, the Company recognized interest and penalties of $0.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
The Company is currently under examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for certain tax years. An examination of the Company’s U.S. tax returns through July 31, 2002 was concluded with a “no change” result. The field work has been completed for tax years ended July 31, 2003, December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004 and the Company is not aware of any proposed changes for any year. The Company’s tax examinations in Germany have concluded for tax periods covering 1996-2003, with the exception of items under appeal from prior examination results by the German tax authorities for periods covering 1996 through 2000. Additionally, certain Canadian subsidiaries are under examination by Canadian tax authorities for the tax years covering 2002 through 2003 and a Philippine subsidiary is being audited by the Philippine tax authorities for tax years 2004 through 2007. The Company’s Scotland subsidiaries are under audit for the tax year 2005. The Indian tax authorities previously issued an assessment for the tax year ended March 31, 2004, which was reduced as a result of a favorable tax audit determination in March, 2008. This revised assessment is currently on appeal with the Indian tax authorities. In addition, the Company is currently under examination in India for tax years ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.
Note 11 – Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the respective periods and the further dilutive effect, if any, from stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, common stock units and shares held in a rabbi trust using the treasury stock method. For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008, the impact of outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock and stock appreciation rights of 0.1 million and 0.2 million, respectively, and 0.1 million and 0.1 million for the comparable 2007 periods were antidilutive and were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
The numbers of shares used in the earnings per share computations are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
 
Basic:
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    40,678       40,432       40,590       40,360  
Diluted:
                               
Dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, common stock units and shares held in a rabbi trust
    392       265       338       264  
 
                               
 
                               
Total weighted average diluted shares outstanding
    41,070       40,697       40,928       40,624  
 
                               
On August 5, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to three million shares of its outstanding common stock. A total of 1.6 million shares have been repurchased under this program since inception. The shares are purchased, from time to time, through open market purchases or in negotiated private

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 11 – Earnings Per Share – (continued)
transactions, and the purchases are based on factors, including but not limited to, the stock price and general market conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company made no purchases under the 2002 repurchase program.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company cancelled 4.6 million shares of its Treasury stock and recorded reductions of $0.1 million to “Common stock”, $33.3 million to “Additional paid-in capital”, $51.5 million to “Treasury stock” and $18.1 million to “Retained earnings”.
Note 12 – Segments and Geographic Information
The Company operates within two regions, the “Americas” and “EMEA” which represented 66.9% and 33.1%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008, and 66.9% and 33.1%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. In the comparable 2007 periods, the Americas and the EMEA region represented 68.5% and 31.5%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2007, and 67.9% and 32.1%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Each region
represents a reportable segment comprised of aggregated regional operating segments, which portray similar economic characteristics. The Company aligns its business into two segments to effectively manage the business and support the customer care needs of every client and to respond to the demands of the Company’s global customers.
The reportable segments consist of (1) the Americas, which includes the United States, Canada, Latin America, India and the Asia Pacific Rim, and provides outsourced customer contact management solutions (with an emphasis on technical support and customer service) and technical staffing and (2) EMEA, which includes Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and provides outsourced customer contact management solutions (with an emphasis on technical support and customer service) and fulfillment services. The sites within Latin America, India and the Asia Pacific Rim are included in the Americas region given the nature of the business and client profile, which is primarily made up of U.S. based companies that are using the Company’s services in these locations to support their customer contact management needs.
Information about the Company’s reportable segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the corresponding prior year period, is as follows (in thousands):
                                 
                            Consolidated  
    Americas     EMEA     Other(1)     Total  
           
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008:
                               
Revenues
  $ 138,573     $ 68,493             $ 207,066  
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 5,609     $ 1,320             $ 6,929  
 
                               
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 22,237     $ 7,079     $ (10,063 )   $ 19,253  
Other income, net
                    3,964       3,964  
Provision for income taxes
                    (3,725 )     (3,725 )
 
                             
Net income
                          $ 19,492  
 
                             
 
                               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2007:
                               
Revenues
  $ 120,592     $ 55,530             $ 176,122  
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 5,178     $ 1,105             $ 6,283  
 
                               
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 19,369     $ 4,671     $ (9,155 )   $ 14,885  
Other income, net
                    1,151       1,151  
Provision for income taxes
                    (3,780 )     (3,780 )
 
                             
Net income
                          $ 12,256  
 
                             

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 12 – Segments and Geographic Information – (continued)
                                 
                            Consolidated  
    Americas     EMEA     Other(1)     Total  
     
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008:
                               
Revenues
  $ 413,469     $ 204,947             $ 618,416  
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 17,205     $ 3,920             $ 21,125  
 
                               
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 66,178     $ 15,764     $ (29,806 )   $ 52,136  
Other income, net
                    11,081       11,081  
Provision for income taxes
                    (10,286 )     (10,286 )
 
                             
Net income
                          $ 52,931  
 
                             
 
                               
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007:
                               
Revenues
  $ 347,797     $ 164,610             $ 512,407  
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 15,019     $ 3,296             $ 18,315  
 
                               
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 54,940     $ 9,731     $ (28,742 )   $ 35,929  
Other income, net
                    2,680       2,680  
Provision for income taxes
                    (8,217 )     (8,217 )
 
                             
Net income
                          $ 30,392  
 
                             
 
(1)   Other items (including corporate costs, other income and expense, and income taxes) are shown for purposes of reconciling to the Company’s consolidated totals as shown in the table above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Inter-segment revenues are not material to the Americas and EMEA segment results. The Company evaluates the performance of its geographic segments based on revenue and income (loss) from operations, and does not include segment assets or other income and expense items for management reporting purposes.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company had no clients that exceeded ten percent of consolidated revenues.
Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation
A detailed description of each of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans is provided below, including the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan. Stock-based compensation expense related to these plans, which is included in “General and administrative” costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, was $1.2 million and $3.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, and $0.9 million and $3.3 million for the comparable 2007 periods, respectively. The Company recognized income tax benefits of $0.5 million and $1.4 million in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, and $0.3 million and $1.3 million for the comparable 2007 periods, respectively. The Company recognized benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized tax benefits from the exercise of stock options in the amounts of $0.1 million and $0.7 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively (none in 2007). There were no capitalized stock-based compensation costs at September 30, 2008 or December 31, 2007.
2001 Equity Incentive Plan The Company’s 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which is shareholder-approved, permits the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards to certain employees of the Company, and certain non-employees who provide services to the Company, for up to 7.0 million shares of common stock, in order to encourage them to remain in the employment of or to diligently provide services to the Company and to increase their interest in the Company’s success.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Options Options are granted at fair market value on the date of the grant and generally vest over one to four years. All options granted under the Plan expire if not exercised by the tenth anniversary of their grant date. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses various assumptions. The fair value of the stock option awards is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond on the date the award is granted with a maturity equal to the expected term of the award. Exercises and forfeitures are estimated within the valuation model using employee termination and other historical data. The expected term of the stock option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under the Plan and represents the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding. No stock options were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.
The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                                 
                    Weighted        
                    Average        
            Weighted-     Remaining     Aggregate  
            Average     Contractual     Intrinsic  
    Shares     Exercise     Term     Value  
Stock Options   (000s)     Price     (in years)     (000s)  
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    484     $ 13.49                  
Granted
                           
Exercised
    (105 )     11.20                  
Forfeited or expired
    (21 )     20.07                  
 
                           
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
    358     $ 13.78       2.31     $ 3,018  
 
                       
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2008
    358     $ 13.78       2.31     $ 3,018  
 
                       
Exercisable at September 30, 2008
    358     $ 13.78       2.31     $ 3,018  
 
                       
Options exercised during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 had an intrinsic value of $0.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Options exercised in the comparable periods of 2007 had an intrinsic value of $0.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively. All options were fully vested as of December 31, 2006 and there is no unrecognized compensation cost as of September 30, 2008 related to these options granted under the Plan (the effect of estimated forfeitures is not material).
Cash received from stock options exercised under this Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, was $1.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively.
Stock Appreciation Rights The Company’s Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee (the “Committee”), approves awards of stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) for eligible participants. SARs represent the right to receive, without payment to the Company, a certain number of shares of common stock, as determined by the Committee, equal to the amount by which the fair market value of a share of common stock at the time of exercise exceeds the grant price.
The SARs are granted at fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant and vest one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, provided the participant is employed by the Company on such date. The SARs have a term of 10 years from the date of grant. In the event of a change in control, the SARs will vest on the date of the change in control, provided that the participant is employed by the Company on the date of the change in control.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation – (continued)
Stock Appreciation Rights – (continued)
The SARs are exercisable within three months after the death, disability, retirement or termination of the participant’s employment with the Company, if and to the extent the SARs were exercisable immediately prior to such termination. If the participant’s employment is terminated for cause, or the participant terminates his or her own employment with the Company, any portion of the SARs not yet exercised (whether or not vested) terminates immediately on the date of termination of employment.
The fair value of each SAR is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model that uses various assumptions. The fair value of the SARs is expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the yield curve of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury bond on the date the award is granted with a maturity equal to the expected term of the award. Exercises and forfeitures are estimated within the valuation model using employee termination and other historical data. The expected term of the SARs
granted represents the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding.
The following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of SARs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007:
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    September 30,
    2008   2007
Expected volatility
    47 %     53 %
Weighted-average volatility
    47 %     53 %
Expected dividends
           
Expected term (in years)
    4.0       3.9  
Risk-free rate
    3.1 %     4.5 %
The following table summarizes SARs activity under the Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                                 
                    Weighted        
            Weighted-     Average     Aggregate  
            Average     Remaining     Intrinsic  
    Shares     Exercise     Contractual     Value  
Stock Appreciation Rights   (000s)     Price     Term (in years)     (000s)  
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2008
    243     $                  
Granted
    133                        
Exercised
    (9 )                      
Forfeited or expired
                           
 
                           
Outstanding at September 30, 2008
    367     $       8.5     $ 1,897  
 
                       
Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2008
    367     $       8.5     $ 1,897  
 
                       
Exercisable at September 30, 2008
    112     $       7.5     $ 832  
 
                       
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the SARs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $7.20 and $7.72, respectively. The total intrinsic value of SARs exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $0.1 million (none in the comparable 2007 period).

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 — Stock-Based Compensation — (continued)
Stock Appreciation Rights - (continued)
The following table summarizes the status of nonvested SARs under the Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                 
            Weighted
            Average
    Shares   Grant-Date
Nonvested Stock Appreciation Rights   (In thousands)   Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2008
    202     $ 7.54  
Granted
    134     $ 7.20  
Vested
    (81 )   $ 7.50  
Forfeited
        $  
 
               
Nonvested at September 30, 2008
    255     $ 7.38  
 
               
As of September 30, 2008, there was $1.3 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested stock appreciation rights granted under the Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. SARs that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 had a fair value of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively as of the vesting date.
Restricted Shares - The Company’s Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Committee, approves awards of performance and employment-based restricted shares (“Restricted Shares”) for eligible participants. In some instances, where the issuance of Restricted Shares has adverse tax consequences to the recipient, the Board will instead issue restricted stock units (“RSUs”). The Restricted Shares are shares of the Company’s common stock (or in the case of RSUs, represent an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock) which are issued to the participant subject to (a) restrictions on transfer for a period of time and (b) forfeiture under certain conditions. The performance goals, including revenue growth and income from operations targets, provide a range of vesting possibilities from 0% to 100% and will be measured at the end of the performance period. If the performance conditions are met for the performance period, the shares will vest and all restrictions on the transfer of the Restricted Shares will lapse (or in the case of RSUs, an equivalent number of shares of the Company’s common stock will be issued to the recipient). The Company recognizes compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures based on the fair value (which approximates the current market price) of the Restricted Shares (and RSUs) on the date of grant ratably over the requisite service period based on the probability of achieving the performance goals.
Changes in the probability of achieving the performance goals from period to period will result in corresponding changes in compensation expense. The employment-based restricted shares vest one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, provided the participant is employed by the Company on such date.
In the event of a change in control (as defined in the Plan) prior to the date the Restricted Shares vest, all of the Restricted Shares will vest and the restrictions on transfer will lapse with respect to such vested shares on the date of the change in control, provided that participant is employed by the Company on the date of the change in control.
If the participant’s employment with the Company is terminated for any reason, either by the Company or participant, prior to the date on which the Restricted Shares have vested and the restrictions have lapsed with respect to such vested shares, any Restricted Shares remaining subject to the restrictions (together with any dividends paid thereon) will be forfeited, unless there has been a change in control prior to such date.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 — Stock-Based Compensation — (continued)
Restricted Shares - (continued)
The following table summarizes the status of nonvested Restricted Shares/Units under the Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                 
            Weighted
            Average
    Shares   Grant-Date
Nonvested Restricted Shares/Units   (In thousands)   Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2008
    438     $ 15.69  
Granted
    188     $ 17.86  
Vested
    (78 )   $ 14.73  
Forfeited
        $  
 
               
Nonvested at September 30, 2008
    548     $ 16.57  
 
               
As of September 30, 2008, based on the probability of achieving the performance goals, there was $5.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested Restricted Shares/Units granted under the Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The restricted shares that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 had a fair value of $0.2 million as of the vesting date (not material in the comparable 2007 period).
Other Awards - The Company’s Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Committee, approves awards of Common Stock Units (“CSUs”) for eligible participants. A CSU is a bookkeeping entry on the Company’s books that records the equivalent of one share of common stock. If the performance goals described under Restricted Shares in this Note 13 are met, performance-based CSUs will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. The Company recognizes compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, based on the fair value (which approximates the current market price) of the CSUs on the date of grant ratably over the requisite service period based on the probability of achieving the performance goals. Changes in the probability of achieving the performance goals from period to period will result in corresponding changes in compensation expense. The employment-based CSUs vest one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant, provided the participant is employed by the Company on such date. On the date each CSU vests, the participant will become entitled to receive a share of the Company’s common stock and the CSU will be canceled.
The following table summarizes CSUs activity under the Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                 
            Weighted
            Average
    Shares   Grant-Date
Nonvested Common Stock Units   (In thousands)   Fair Value
  | |
Nonvested at January 1, 2008
    58     $ 16.21  
Granted
    29     $ 17.87  
Vested
    (10 )   $ 15.03  
Forfeited
        $  
 
               
Nonvested at September 30, 2008
    77     $ 16.99  
 
               
As of September 30, 2008, there was $0.4 million of total unrecognized compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested CSUs granted under the Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.3 years. The fair values of the CSUs that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 were not material amounts as of the vesting dates.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 — Stock-Based Compensation — (continued)
Other Awards — (continued)
Until a CSU vests, the participant has none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the CSU or the common stock underlying the CSU. CSUs are not transferable.
2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan The Company’s 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (the “2004 Fee Plan”), which is shareholder-approved, replaced and superseded the 1996 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (the “1996 Fee Plan”) and was used in lieu of the 2004 Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Stock Option Plan”). The 2004 Fee Plan provides that all new non-employee Directors joining the Board receive an initial grant of CSUs on the date the new Director is appointed or elected, the number of which will be determined by dividing a dollar amount to be determined from time to time by the Board (currently set at $30,000) by an amount equal to 110% of the average closing prices of the Company’s common stock for the five trading days prior to the date the new Director is appointed or elected. Prior to March 2008, the initial grant of CSUs vest in three equal installments, one-third on the date of each of the following three annual shareholders’ meetings. A CSU is a bookkeeping entry on the Company’s books that records the equivalent of one share of common stock. On the date each CSU vests, the Director will become entitled to receive a share of the Company’s common stock and the CSU will be canceled. Until a CSU vests, the Director has none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to the CSU or the common stock underlying the CSU. CSUs are not transferable. The number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2004 Fee Plan cannot exceed 378 thousand.
Additionally, the 2004 Fee Plan, as amended in March 2008 and August 2008 (as described below), provides that each non-employee Director receives on the day after the annual shareholders’ meeting an annual retainer for service as a non-employee Director, the amount of which shall be determined from time to time by the Board (currently set at $70,000) to be paid in CSUs and in cash. The number of CSUs to be granted under the 2004 Fee Plan will be determined by dividing the amount of the annual retainer by an amount equal to 105% of the average of the closing prices for the Company’s common stock on the five trading days preceding the award date (the day after the annual meeting). Prior to March 2008, the annual grant of CSUs vest in two equal installments, one-half on the date of each of the following two annual shareholders’ meetings. There were grants of 18 thousand and 19 thousand CSUs issued under the 2004 Fee Plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
In August 2008, the Board adopted amendments to the 2004 Fee Plan to increase the annual retainer for service as a non-employee Director from $50,000 to $70,000, increase the portion of the annual retainer to be paid in cash from $12,500 to $32,500 and eliminate the requirement to pay 75% of the annual retainer in CSUs and 25% in cash. The Board also approved an increase in committee fees for services provided by non-employee Directors from a “per meeting” fee of $1,250 to an annual retainer of $10,000 for audit committee members and $7,500 for other committee members. In addition, the annual retainer for the chair of the audit committee increased from $10,000 to $20,000 and for the chairs of the other committees increased from $5,000 ($0 for the finance committee) to $12,500.
In March 2008, the Board adopted amendments to the 2004 Fee Plan which provided that CSUs will vest and compensation expense will be recognized in equal quarterly installments over the term of the grant, the requisite service period. Beginning with grants after March 2008, unvested and unearned CSUs will not automatically vest upon termination of a director’s service as a director, whether by reason of death, retirement, resignation, removal or failure to be reelected at the end of his or her term.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 — Stock-Based Compensation — (continued)
2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan — (continued)
The following table summarizes the status of the nonvested CSUs under the 2004 Fee Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                 
            Weighted
            Average
    Shares   Grant-Date
Nonvested Common Stock Units   (In thousands)   Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2008
    31     $ 17.69  
Granted
    18     $ 20.11  
Vested
    (27 )   $ 17.57  
Forfeited
        $  
 
               
Nonvested at September 30, 2008
    22     $ 19.73  
 
               
CSUs that vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 had a fair value of $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as of the vesting date.
Compensation expense for CSUs granted after the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, (SFAS 123R), "Share-Based Payment” on January 1, 2006 and before the 2004 Fee Plan amendment in March 2008 (as discussed above), is recognized immediately on the date of grant since these grants automatically vest upon termination of a Director’s service, whether by death, retirement, resignation, removal or failure to be reelected at the end of his or her term. However, compensation expense for CSUs granted before adoption of SFAS 123R is recognized over the requisite service period, or “nominal” vesting period of two to three years, in accordance with APB No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”. Compensation expense related to CSUs granted before adoption of SFAS 123R was $0.0 million and $0.1 million the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2007, respectively (none in the comparable 2008 period). As of September 30, 2008, there was no unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, which relates to nonvested CSUs granted under the 2004 Fee Plan before adoption of SFAS 123R. As of September 30, 2008, there was $0.3 million of total unrecognized compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested CSUs granted since March 2008 under the Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years.
Deferred Compensation Plan The Company’s non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”), which is not shareholder-approved, was adopted by the Board of Directors effective December 17, 1998 and amended on March 29, 2006 and May 23, 2006. It provides certain eligible employees the ability to defer any portion of their compensation until the participant’s retirement, termination, disability or death, or a change in control of the Company. Using the Company’s common stock, the Company matches 50% of the amounts deferred by certain senior management participants on a quarterly basis up to a total of $12,000 per year for the president and senior vice presidents and $7,500 per year for vice presidents (participants below the level of vice president are not eligible to receive matching contributions from the Company). Matching contributions and the associated earnings vest over a seven year service period. Deferred compensation amounts used to pay benefits, which are held in a rabbi trust, include investments in various mutual funds and shares of the Company’s common stock (see Note 5, Investments Held in Rabbi Trust). As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, liabilities of $1.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of the Deferred Compensation Plan were recorded in “Accrued employee compensation and benefits” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Additionally, the Company’s common stock match associated with the Deferred Compensation Plan, with a carrying value of approximately $0.6 million and $0.5 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, is included in “Treasury stock” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 13 — Stock-Based Compensation — (continued)
Deferred Compensation Plan — (continued)
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of common stock awarded during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $18.26 and $18.14, respectively.
The following table summarizes the status of the nonvested common stock issued under the Deferred Compensation Plan as of September 30, 2008, and changes during the nine months then ended:
                 
            Weighted
            Average
    Shares   Grant-Date
Nonvested Common Stock   (In thousands)   Fair Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2008
    5     $ 12.62  
Granted
    7     $ 18.26  
Vested
    (7 )   $ 16.77  
Forfeited
        $  
 
               
Nonvested at September 30, 2008
    5     $ 15.62  
 
               
As of September 30, 2008, there was $0.1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested common stock granted under the Deferred Compensation Plan. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 4.0 years. The total fair value of the common stock vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
Cash used to settle the Company’s obligation under the Deferred Compensation Plan was less than $0.1 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2007 (none in the comparable 2008 period).
Note 14 — Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefits
Pension Plan
The Company sponsors a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Pension Plan”) for its employees in the Philippines. The Pension Plan provides defined benefits based on years of service and final salary. All permanent employees meeting the minimum service requirement are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan. As of September 30, 2008, the Pension Plan is unfunded.
The following table provides information about net periodic benefit cost for the Pension Plan for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Service cost
  $ (90 )   $ 124     $ 114     $ 738  
Interest cost
    (36 )     76       45       223  
Recognized actuarial gain
    (15 )           (49 )      
 
                       
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ (141 )   $ 200     $ 110     $ 961  
 
                       

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

(Unaudited)
Note 14 — Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefits — (continued)
Post-Retirement Benefits
In 1996, the Company entered into a split dollar life insurance arrangement to benefit the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Under the terms of the arrangement, the Company retained a collateral interest in the policy to the extent of the premiums paid by the Company. Effective January 1, 2008, the Company recorded a $0.5 million liability for a post-retirement benefit obligation related to this arrangement, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2008 balance of retained earnings in accordance with EITF 06-10. The post-retirement benefit obligation of $0.1 million and $0.4 million was included in “Accrued Employee Compensation and benefits” and “Other long-term liabilities”, respectively, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2008.
Note 15 — Commitments and Loss Contingency
The Company has previously disclosed regulatory sanctions assessed against our Spanish subsidiary relating to the alleged inappropriate acquisition of personal information in connection with two outbound client contracts. In order to appeal these claims, the Company issued a bank guarantee of $0.9 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, $0.4 million of the bank guarantee was returned to the Company. The remaining balance of the bank guarantee of $0.5 million is included as restricted cash in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 ($0.9 million as of December 31, 2007). The Company has been and will continue to vigorously defend these matters. However, due to further progression of several of these claims within the Spanish court system, and based upon opinion of legal counsel regarding the likely outcome of several of the matters before the courts, the Company has accrued the amount of $1.3 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 under SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” because management believes that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated as to three of the subject claims. There are two other related claims, one of which is currently under appeal, and the other of which is in the early stages of investigation, but the Company has not accrued any amounts related to either of those claims because management does not currently believe a loss is probable, and it is not currently possible to reasonably estimate the amount of any loss related to those two claims.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company entered into two agreements with telecommunications service providers obligating us to purchase a minimum of $14.7 million over the next two years. Cash payments are expected to be made ratably over the next two years.
Note 16 -Related Party Transactions
In January 2008, the Company entered into a lease for a customer contact management center located in Kingstree, South Carolina. The landlord, Kingstree Office One, LLC, is an entity controlled by John Sykes, the Company’s founder, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a current major stockholder. The lease payments on the 20-year lease were negotiated at or below market rates, and the lease is cancellable at the option of the Company. There are significant penalties for early cancellation which decrease over time. The Company paid $0.1 million and $0.2 million to the landlord during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 under the terms of the Lease.
Additionally, during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2008 (none in the comparable 2007 period), the Company paid $0.1 million and $0.2 million for transitional real estate consulting services provided by David Reule, the Company’s former Senior Vice President of Real Estate who retired in December, 2007. Mr. Reuele is currently employed by JHS Equity, LLC, a company owned by John Sykes, the Company’s founder, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a current major stockholder. Accordingly, the payments for Mr. Reule’s services were made to JHS Equity, LLC to reimburse it for the time spent by Mr. Reule on the Company’s business.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated
400 north Ashley Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2008, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, of changes in shareholders’ equity for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 and the three- month period ended December 31, 2007, and of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 13, 2008, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2007 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
As discussed in Note 1 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes on January 1, 2007.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Tampa, Florida
November 5, 2008

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Item 2 — Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this report and the consolidated financial statements and notes in the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (“Sykes,” “our”, “we” or “us”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Our discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about Sykes, our beliefs, and assumptions made by us. In addition, we may make other written or oral statements, which constitute forward-looking statements, from time to time. Words such as “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “seek,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our future plans, objectives, or goals also are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this report. Our actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the timing of significant orders for our products and services, (ii) variations in the terms and the elements of services offered under our standardized contract including those for future bundled service offerings, (iii) changes in applicable accounting principles or interpretations of such principles, (iv) difficulties or delays in implementing our bundled service offerings, (v) failure to achieve sales, marketing and other objectives, (vi) construction delays of new or expansion of existing customer contact management centers, (vii) delays in our ability to develop new products and services and market acceptance of new products and services, (viii) rapid technological change, (ix) loss or addition of significant clients, (x) political and country-specific risks inherent in conducting business abroad, (xi) currency fluctuations, (xii) fluctuations in business conditions and the economy, (xiii) our ability to attract and retain key management personnel, (xiv) our ability to continue the growth of our support service revenues through additional technical and customer contact management centers, (xv) our ability to further penetrate into vertically integrated markets, (xvi) our ability to expand our global presence through strategic alliances and selective acquisitions, (xvii) our ability to continue to establish a competitive advantage through sophisticated technological capabilities, (xviii) the ultimate outcome of any lawsuits, (xix) our ability to recognize deferred revenue through delivery of products or satisfactory performance of services, (xx) our dependence on the trend toward outsourcing, (xxi) risk of interruption of technical and customer contact management center operations due to such factors as fire, earthquakes, inclement weather and other disasters, power failures, telecommunication failures, unauthorized intrusions, computer viruses and other emergencies, (xxii) the existence of substantial competition, (xxiii) the early termination of contracts by clients, (xxiv) the ability to obtain and maintain grants and other incentives (tax or otherwise) and (xxv) other risk factors which are identified in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including factors identified under the headings “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain data derived from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and certain of such data expressed as a percentage of revenues (in thousands, except percentage amounts):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Revenues
  $ 207,066     $ 176,122     $ 618,416     $ 512,407  
Percentage of revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
 
                               
Direct salaries and related costs
  $ 130,509     $ 110,774     $ 395,197     $ 327,109  
Percentage of revenues
    63.0 %     62.9 %     63.9 %     63.8 %
 
                               
General and administrative expenses
  $ 57,304     $ 50,463     $ 171,083     $ 149,369  
Percentage of revenues
    27.7 %     28.6 %     27.7 %     29.2 %
 
                               
Income from operations
  $ 19,253     $ 14,885     $ 52,136     $ 35,929  
Percentage of revenues
    9.3 %     8.5 %     8.4 %     7.0 %
The following table summarizes our revenues, for the periods indicated, by geographic region (in thousands):
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Americas
  $ 138,573       66.9 %   $ 120,592       68.5 %   $ 413,469       66.9 %   $ 347,797       67.9 %
EMEA
    68,493       33.1 %     55,530       31.5 %     204,947       33.1 %     164,610       32.1 %
 
                               
Consolidated
  $ 207,066       100.0 %   $ 176,122       100.0 %   $ 618,416       100.0 %   $ 512,407       100.0 %
 
                               
The following table summarizes the amounts and percentage of revenue for direct salaries and related costs and general and administrative costs for the periods indicated, by geographic region (in thousands):
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2008     2007     2008     2007  
Direct salaries and related costs:
                                                               
Americas
  $ 85,311       61.6 %   $ 73,628       61.1 %   $ 255,300       61.7 %   $ 214,233       61.6 %
EMEA
    45,198       66.0 %     37,146       66.9 %     139,897       68.3 %     112,876       68.6 %
 
                                                       
Consolidated
  $ 130,509             $ 110,774             $ 395,197             $ 327,109          
 
                                                       
 
                                                               
General and administrative:
                                                               
Americas
  $ 31,025       22.4 %   $ 27,597       22.9 %   $ 91,991       22.2 %   $ 78,658       22.6 %
EMEA
    16,216       23.7 %     13,714       24.7 %     49,286       24.0 %     42,003       25.5 %
Corporate
    10,063               9,155               29,806               28,742          
 
                                                       
Consolidated
  $ 57,304             $ 50,466             $ 171,083             $ 149,403          
 
                                                       

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we recognized consolidated revenues of $207.1 million, an increase of $31.0 million, or 17.6%, from $176.1 million of consolidated revenues for the comparable 2007 period.
On a geographic segmentation basis, revenues from the Americas region, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, India and the Asia Pacific Rim, represented 66.9%, or $138.6 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 68.5%, or $120.6 million, for the comparable 2007 period. Revenues from the EMEA region, including Europe, the Middle East and Africa, represented 33.1%, or $68.5 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 31.5%, or $55.5 million, for the comparable 2007 period.
The increase in the Americas revenue of $18.0 million, or 14.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, reflects a broad-based growth in client demand, including new and existing client relationships, partially offset by certain program expirations. New client relationships represented 42.0% of the increase in the Americas revenue over the comparable 2007 period, while 58.0% of the increase in the Americas revenue came from existing clients. Revenues from our offshore operations represented 62.0% of Americas revenues on 18,200 seats for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 61.0% on 17,000 seats for the comparable 2007 period. The trend of generating more of our revenues in our offshore operations is likely to continue in 2008. While operating margins generated offshore are generally comparable to those in the United States, our ability to maintain these offshore operating margins longer term is difficult to predict due to potential increased competition for the available workforce, the trend of higher occupancy costs and costs of functional currency fluctuations in offshore markets. These factors are weighed by management in its focus to re-price or replace certain sub-profitable target client programs. Americas revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 included a $1.6 million net loss on foreign currency hedges compared to a gain of $1.7 million in 2007. Excluding these gains and losses, the Americas revenue increased $21.3 million compared with the same period last year.
The increase in EMEA revenues of $13.0 million, or 23.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, reflects a broad-based growth in client demand, including new and existing client relationships, partially offset by certain program expirations. New client relationships represented 1.9% of the increase in EMEA revenue over the comparable 2007 period, while 98.1% of the increase was generated by existing clients. EMEA revenues for the third quarter of 2008 experienced a $3.5 million increase as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same period in 2007. Excluding this foreign currency impact, EMEA revenues increased $9.5 million, or 17.0%, compared with the same period last year.
Direct Salaries and Related Costs
Direct salaries and related costs increased $19.7 million, or 17.8%, to $130.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from $110.8 million in the comparable 2007 period.
On a reporting segment basis, direct salaries and related costs from the Americas segment increased $11.7 million or 15.9% to $85.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $73.6 million for the comparable 2007 period. Direct salaries and related costs from the EMEA segment increased $8.1 million or 21.7% to $45.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $37.1 million in the comparable 2007 period. While changes in foreign currency exchange rates positively impacted revenues in EMEA, they negatively impacted direct salaries and related costs in 2008 compared to 2007 by increasing these costs by approximately $2.4 million.
In the Americas segment, as a percentage of revenues, direct salaries and related costs increased to 61.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 61.1% in the comparable 2007 period. This increase of 0.5%, as a percentage of revenues, was primarily attributable to higher compensation costs of 2.0%, partially offset by lower auto tow claim costs of 0.6%, lower telephone costs of 0.5%, lower billable supply costs of 0.2% and lower other costs of 0.2%.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
In the EMEA segment, as a percentage of revenues, direct salaries and related costs decreased to 66.0% in 2008 from 66.9% in 2007. This decrease of 0.9% was primarily attributable to lower telephone costs of 0.7%, lower compensation costs of 0.4%, lower fulfillment material costs of 0.2% and lower other costs of 0.3%, partially offset by higher recruiting costs of 0.6% and higher travel costs of 0.1%.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses increased $6.9 million, or 13.5%, to $57.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, from $50.4 million in the comparable 2007 period.
On a reporting segment basis, general and administrative expenses from the Americas segment increased $3.4 million or 12.4% to $31.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $27.6 million for the comparable 2007 period. General and administrative expenses from the EMEA segment increased $2.5 million or 18.2% to $16.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $13.7 million in the comparable 2007 period. While changes in foreign currency exchange rates positively impacted revenues in EMEA, they negatively impacted general and administrative expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the comparable 2007 period by increasing these costs by approximately $0.6 million. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $0.9 million or 9.9% to $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from $9.2 million. This increase of $0.9 million was primarily attributable to higher compensation costs of $0.7 million, higher travel and meeting costs of $0.3 million, higher board of directors fees of $0.2 million and higher charitable contributions of $0.2 million, partially offset by lower bad debt expense of $0.3 million and lower professional fees of $0.2 million.
In the Americas segment, as a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 22.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 22.9% in the comparable 2007 period. This decrease of 0.5% was primarily attributable to lower facilities costs of 0.5%, lower depreciation expense of 0.3% and lower other costs of 0.2%, partially offset by higher compensation costs of 0.5%.
In the EMEA segment, as a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 23.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 from 24.7% in the comparable 2007 period. This decrease of 1.0% was primarily attributable to lower compensation costs of 0.4%, lower facilities costs of 0.4%, lower recruiting costs of 0.2%, lower depreciation expense of 0.2%, lower telephone costs of 0.1%, lower professional fees of 0.1% and lower other costs of 0.2%, partially offset by higher travel costs of 0.4% and higher bad debt expense of 0.2%.
Interest Income
Interest income was $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $1.6 million for the comparable 2007 period reflecting lower average rates of interest earned on invested cash balances.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $0.2 million for the comparable 2007 period reflecting lower average levels of outstanding short-term debt.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income, net, was $2.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 compared to other expense, net, of $0.2 million for the comparable 2007 period. The net increase in other income of $2.9 million was primarily attributable to an increase in realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains, net of losses arising from the revaluation of nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities. Other income (expense) excludes the cumulative translation effects and unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives that are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in shareholders’ equity in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes of $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was based upon pre-tax book income of $23.2 million, compared to a provision of $3.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 based upon pre-tax book income of $16.0 million. The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was 16.0% compared to an effective tax rate of 23.6% for the comparable 2007 period. This decrease in the effective tax rate of 7.6%, was due to permanent differences and losses in jurisdictions for which tax benefits can be recognized, additional income earned in tax holiday jurisdictions accompanied by a shift in the mix of earnings within tax jurisdictions and the effects of valuation allowances, foreign withholding and other taxes, accrued interest and penalties and foreign income tax rate differentials.
Net Income
As a result of the foregoing, we reported income from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 of $19.3 million, compared to $14.9 million in the comparable 2007 period. This $4.4 million increase was principally attributable to a $31.0 million increase in revenues partially offset by a $19.7 million increase in direct salaries and related costs and a $6.9 million increase in general and administrative expenses. The $4.4 million increase in income from operations, a $2.9 million increase in other income, net, a $0.1 million decrease in interest expense, and a $0.1 million lower tax provision offset by a $0.3 million decrease in interest income, resulted in net income of $19.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of $7.2 million compared to the same period in 2007.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Revenues
For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recognized consolidated revenues of $618.4 million, an increase of $106.0 million, or 20.7%, from $512.4 million of consolidated revenues for the comparable 2007 period.
On a geographic segmentation basis, revenues from the Americas region, including the United States, Canada, Latin America, India and the Asia Pacific Rim, represented 66.9%, or $413.5 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 67.9%, or $347.8 million, for the comparable 2007 period. Revenues from the EMEA region, including Europe, the Middle East and Africa, represented 33.1%, or $204.9 million, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 32.1%, or $164.6 million, for the comparable 2007 period.
The increase in the Americas revenue of $65.7 million, or 18.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, reflects a broad-based growth in client demand, including new and existing client relationships, partially offset by certain program expirations. New client relationships represented 32.1% of the increase in the Americas revenue over the comparable 2007 period, while 67.9% of the Americas increase in revenues came from existing clients. Revenues from our offshore operations represented 61.4% of Americas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to 60.0% for the comparable 2007 period. The trend of generating more of our revenues in our offshore operations is likely to continue in 2008. While operating margins generated offshore are generally comparable to those in the United States, our ability to maintain these offshore operating margins longer term is difficult to predict due to potential increased competition for the available workforce, the trend of higher occupancy costs and costs of functional currency fluctuations in offshore markets. These factors are weighed by management in its focus to re-price or replace certain sub-profitable target client programs. Americas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 included a $1.4 million net gain on foreign currency hedges compared to a $1.7 million gain in 2007. Excluding this gain, the Americas revenue increased $66.0 million compared with the same period last year.
The increase in EMEA revenues of $40.3 million, or 24.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, reflects a broad-based growth in client demand, including new and existing client relationships, partially offset by certain program expirations. New client relationships represented 3.9% of the

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
increase in EMEA revenue over the comparable 2007 period, while 96.1% of the increase in revenues was generated from existing clients. EMEA revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 experienced a $16.9 million increase as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the same period in 2007. Excluding this foreign currency impact, EMEA revenues increased $23.4 million, or 16.9%, compared with the same period last year.
Direct Salaries and Related Costs
Direct salaries and related costs increased $68.1 million, or 20.8%, to $395.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, from $327.1 million in the comparable 2007 period.
On a reporting segment basis, direct salaries and related costs from the Americas segment increased $41.1 million, or 19.2%, to $255.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $214.2 million for the comparable 2007 period. Direct salaries and related costs from the EMEA segment increased $27.0 million, or 23.9%, to $139.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $112.9 million in the comparable 2007 period. While changes in foreign currency exchange rates positively impacted revenues in EMEA, they negatively impacted direct salaries and related costs in 2008 compared to 2007 by increasing these costs by approximately $11.9 million.
In the Americas segment, as a percentage of revenues, direct salaries and related costs increased to 61.7% from 61.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the 2007 period. This increase of 0.1% was primarily attributable to higher compensation costs of 1.0%, partially offset by lower auto tow claim costs of 0.3%, lower telephone costs of 0.3%, lower billable supply costs of 0.1% and lower other costs of 0.2%.
In the EMEA segment, as a percentage of revenues, direct salaries and related costs decreased to 68.3% from 68.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the 2007 period. This decrease of 0.3% was primarily attributable to lower fulfillment material costs of 1.6%, lower telephone costs of 0.5%, lower billable supply costs of 0.2%, lower postage costs of 0.2%, lower travel costs of 0.1% and lower other costs of 0.3%, partially offset by higher compensation costs of 2.0% due primarily to wage increases and higher recruiting costs of 0.6%.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses increased $21.7 million, or 14.5%, to $171.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, from $149.4 million in the comparable 2007 period.
On a reporting segment basis, general and administrative expenses from the Americas segment increased $13.3 million, or 17.0%, to $92.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $78.7 million for the comparable 2007 period. General and administrative expenses from the EMEA segment increased $7.3 million, or 17.3%, to $49.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $42.0 million in the comparable 2007 period. While changes in foreign currency exchange rates positively impacted revenues in EMEA, they negatively impacted general and administrative expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to the comparable 2007 period by increasing these costs approximately $3.4 million. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million or 3.7 % to $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $28.7 million in the comparable 2007 period. This increase of $1.1 million was primarily attributable to higher bad debt expense of $1.0 million, higher travel and meeting costs of $0.6 million, higher compensation costs of $0.3, higher depreciation expense of $0.3 million, higher charitable contributions of $0.2 million, higher dues and subscriptions of $0.2 million and higher insurance costs of $0.1 million, partially offset by lower professional fees of $1.6 million.
In the Americas segment, as a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 22.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 22.6% in the comparable 2007 period. This decrease of 0.4% was primarily attributable to lower facilities costs of 0.3%, lower depreciation expense of 0.2%, lower telephone costs of 0.1%, lower legal and professional fees of 0.1%, lower travel costs of 0.1%, lower insurance costs of 0.1% and lower other costs of 0.1%, partially offset by higher compensation costs of 0.6%.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
In the EMEA segment, as a percentage of revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 24.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 25.5% in the comparable 2007 period. This decrease of 1.5% was primarily attributable to lower bad debt expense of 0.4%, lower compensation costs of 0.3%, lower facilities costs of 0.3%, lower recruiting costs of 0.2%, lower depreciation expense of 0.1%, lower telephone costs of 0.1% and lower other costs of 0.1%.
Interest Income
Interest income was $4.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $4.4 million for the comparable 2007 period reflecting higher average balances of interest bearing investments in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments partially offset by lower average rates.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $0.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $0.5 million for the comparable 2007 period reflecting lower average levels of outstanding short-term debt.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income, net, was $7.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to other expense, net, of $1.2 million for the comparable 2007 period. The net increase in other income of $8.2 million was primarily attributable to an increase of $8.5 million in realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gains, net of losses arising from the revaluation of nonfunctional currency assets and liabilities and a $0.1 million decrease in the loss on forward points valuation on foreign currency hedges, partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in unrealized losses, net of gains on marketable securities held in a Rabbi Trust. Other income (expense) excludes the cumulative translation effects and unrealized gains (losses) on financial derivatives that are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in shareholders’ equity in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes of $10.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was based upon pre-tax book income of $63.2 million, compared to $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 based upon pre-tax book income of $38.6 million. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 16.3% compared to an effective tax rate of 21.3% for the comparable 2007 period. The decrease in the effective tax rate of 5.0% resulted from a shift in our mix of earnings and the effects of permanent differences, valuation allowances, foreign withholding taxes, state income taxes, foreign income tax rate differentials (including tax holiday jurisdictions) and recognition of income tax benefits of $1.3 million, including interest and penalties of $0.8 million, relating to transfer pricing as a result of a favorable tax audit determination in March, 2008.
Net Income
As a result of the foregoing, we reported income from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 of $52.1 million, compared to $35.9 million in the comparable 2007 period. This $16.2 million increase was principally attributable to a $106.0 million increase in revenues partially offset by a $68.1 million increase in direct salaries and related costs and a $21.7 million increase in general and administrative expenses. The $16.2 million increase in income from operations, a $8.2 million increase in other income, net, and a $0.2 million decrease in interest expense, offset by a $2.1 million higher tax provision, resulted in net income of $52.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, an increase of $22.5 million compared to the same period in 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are generally cash flows generated by operating activities and from available borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We utilize these capital resources to make capital expenditures associated primarily with our customer contact management services, invest in technology applications and tools to

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
further develop our service offerings and for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including repurchase of our common stock in the open market and to fund possible acquisitions. In future periods, we intend similar uses of these funds.
On August 5, 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to three million shares of our outstanding common stock. A total of 1.6 million shares have been repurchased under this program since inception. The shares are purchased, from time to time, through open market purchases or in negotiated private transactions, and the purchases are based on factors, including but not limited to, the stock price and general market conditions. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we did not repurchase common shares under the 2002 repurchase program.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we generated $56.4 million in cash from operating activities, $17.5 million from the sale of short-term investments, received $1.2 million in cash from issuance of stock, $0.9 million from the release of restricted cash, $0.7 million from excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation and $0.1 million from the sale of property and equipment. Further, we used $25.7 million for capital expenditures, $2.4 million related to the purchase of Apex, purchased $1.0 million in long-term investments and restricted cash and used $0.1 million in other investing activities resulting in a $42.4 million increase in available cash (including the unfavorable effects of international currency exchange rates on cash of $5.2 million).
Net cash flows provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $56.4 million, compared to $35.2 million for the comparable 2007 period. The $21.2 million increase in net cash flows from operating activities was due to a $22.5 million increase in net income and a net increase of $6.2 million in cash flows from assets and liabilities partially offset by a $7.5 million decrease in non-cash reconciling items such as unrealized foreign currency transaction gains, net of losses and a change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. The $6.2 million net change in cash flows from assets and liabilities was principally a result of a $4.4 million increase in deferred revenue, a $3.1 million decrease in other assets, a $3.2 million increase in other liabilities and a $0.9 million increase in income taxes payable, partially offset by a $5.4 million increase in receivables.
Capital expenditures, which are generally funded by cash generated from operating activities, available cash balances and borrowings available under our credit facility, were $25.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to $22.8 million for the comparable 2007 period, an increase of $2.9 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, approximately 34% of the capital expenditures were the result of investing in new and existing customer contact management centers, primarily offshore, and 66% was expended primarily for maintenance and technology systems infrastructure. In 2008, we anticipate capital expenditures in the range of $33.0 million to $35.0 million.
An available source of future cash flows from financing activities is from borrowings under our $50.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”), which amount is subject to certain borrowing limitations. Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility which was executed on March 15, 2004 and amended on May 4, 2007, the amount of $50.0 million may be increased up to a maximum of $100.0 million with the prior written consent of the lenders. The Credit Facility includes a $10.0 million swingline subfacility, a $15.0 million letter of credit subfacility and a $40.0 million multi-currency subfacility, not to exceed a total of $50 million availability under the Credit Facility.
The Company is not currently aware of any inability of our lenders to provide access to the full commitment of funds that exist under the Credit Facility, if necessary, However, due to recent economic conditions and deteriorating business climate facing financial institutions, there can be no assurance that such facility will be available to the Company, even though it is a binding commitment.
The Credit Facility, which includes certain financial covenants, may be used for general corporate purposes including acquisitions, share repurchases, working capital support, and letters of credit, subject to certain limitations. The Credit Facility, including the multi-currency subfacility, accrues interest, at our option, at (a) the Base Rate (defined as the higher of the lender’s prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus 0.50%) plus an applicable margin up to 0.50%, or (b) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin up to 1.25%. Borrowings under the swingline subfacility accrue interest at the prime rate plus an applicable margin up to 0.50% and

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
borrowings under the letter of credit subfacility accrue interest at the LIBOR plus an applicable margin up to 1.25%. In addition, a commitment fee of up to 0.25% is charged on the unused portion of the Credit Facility on a quarterly basis. The borrowings under the Credit Facility, which will terminate on March 14, 2010, are secured by a pledge of 65% of the stock of each of our active direct foreign subsidiaries. The Credit Facility prohibits us from incurring additional indebtedness, subject to certain specific exclusions. There were no borrowings in the first nine months of 2008 and no outstanding balances as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, with $50.0 million availability on the Credit Facility. At September 30, 2008, we were in compliance with all loan requirements of the Credit Facility.
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements". Adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. At September 30, 2008, the aggregate amount of assets requiring fair value measurement (no liabilities) included in Level 3 represented approximately 1% of the aggregate amount of consolidated assets and liabilities. Of the aggregate amount of total assets and liabilities requiring fair value measurement, approximately 8% are included in Level 3. The amount we report in Level 3 in future periods will be directly affected by market conditions. There were no material changes made to the valuation techniques and methodologies used to measure fair value during the nine months ended September 30, 2008. See Note 1 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to the adoption of SFAS 157 and Item 3 “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for further information regarding foreign currency risk.
At September 30, 2008, we had $220.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately 92% or $202.7 million, was held in international operations and may be subject to additional taxes if repatriated to the United States.
We believe that our current cash levels, accessible funds under our credit facility and cash flows from future operations will be adequate to meet anticipated working capital needs, future debt repayment requirements (if any), continued expansion objectives, funding of potential acquisitions, anticipated levels of capital expenditures and contractual obligations for the foreseeable future and any stock repurchases.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other
At September 30, 2008, we did not have any material commercial commitments, including guarantees or standby repurchase obligations, with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, including entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities or variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes.
From time to time, during the normal course of business, we may make certain indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which we may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include, but are not limited to: (i) indemnities to clients, vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on negligence or willful misconduct and (ii) indemnities involving breach of contract, the accuracy of representations and warranties, or other liabilities assumed by us in certain contracts. In addition, we have agreements whereby we will indemnify certain officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at our request in such capacity. The indemnification period covers all pertinent events and occurrences during the officer’s or director’s lifetime. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, we have director and officer insurance coverage that limits our exposure and enables us to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. We believe the applicable insurance coverage is generally adequate to cover any estimated potential liability under these indemnification agreements. The majority of these indemnities, commitments and guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential for future payments we could be obligated to make. We have not recorded any liability for these indemnities, commitments and other guarantees in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we have some client contracts that do not contain contractual provisions for the limitation of liability, and other client contracts that contain agreed upon exceptions to limitation of liability. We have not recorded any liability in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets with respect to any client contracts under which we have or may have unlimited liability.

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Table of Contents

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2008, we had $4.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, a net decrease of $0.6 million from $5.4 million as of December 31, 2007. The unrecognized tax benefits are classified as “Long-term income tax liabilities” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The decrease relates primarily to the recognition of tax benefits of $1.3 million, including $0.8 million of interest and penalties, relating to transfer pricing as a result of a favorable tax audit determination in March, 2008. As of September 30, 2008, the expected cash payments related to the $4.8 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits is $1.5 million in less than one year, $0.3 million in one to three years, none in three to five years and $3.0 million after five years. We believe it is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease or be recognized in the next twelve months by up to $1.5 million due to transfer pricing and the classification of tax attributes related to intercompany accounts that will be resolved under audit or appeal in various tax jurisdictions. For a presentation of contractual obligations as of December 31, 2007, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed with the SEC.
During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we entered into two agreements with telecommunications service providers obligating us to purchase a minimum of $14.7 million over the next two years. We expect cash payments to be made ratably over the next two years.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires estimations and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe the following accounting policies are the most critical since these policies require significant judgment or involve complex estimations that are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results:
Recognition of Revenue
We recognize revenue pursuant to applicable accounting standards, including SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 101 (SAB 101), “Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements,” SAB 104, “Revenue Recognition” and the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 00-21, (EITF 00-21) “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables.” SAB 101, as amended, and SAB 104 summarize certain of the SEC staff’s views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to revenue recognition in financial statements and provide guidance on revenue recognition issues in the absence of authoritative literature addressing a specific arrangement or a specific industry. EITF 00-21 provides further guidance on how to account for multiple element contracts.
We primarily recognize revenues from services as the services are performed, which is based on either a per minute, per call or per transaction basis, under a fully executed contractual agreement and record reductions to revenue for contractual penalties and holdbacks for failure to meet specified minimum service levels and other performance based contingencies. Revenue recognition is limited to the amount that is not contingent upon delivery of any future product or service or meeting other specified performance conditions.
Product sales, accounted for within our fulfillment services, are recognized upon shipment to the customer and satisfaction of all obligations.
Revenue from contracts with multiple-deliverables is allocated to separate units of accounting based on their relative fair value, if the deliverables in the contract(s) meet the criteria for such treatment. Certain fulfillment services contracts contain multiple-deliverables. Additionally, we have a contract that contains multiple-deliverables for

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
customer contact management services and fulfillment services. Separation criteria include whether a delivered item has value to the customer on a standalone basis, whether there is objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered items and, if the arrangement includes a general right of return related to a delivered item, whether delivery of the undelivered item is considered probable and in our control. Fair value is the price of a deliverable when it is regularly sold on a standalone basis, which generally consists of vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value. If there is no evidence of the fair value for a delivered product or service, revenue is allocated first to the fair value of the undelivered product or service and then the residual revenue is allocated to the delivered product or service. If there is no evidence of the fair value for an undelivered product or service, the contract(s) is accounted for as a single unit of accounting, resulting in delay of revenue recognition for the delivered product or service until the undelivered product or service portion of the contract is complete. We recognize revenue for delivered elements only when the fair values of undelivered elements are known, uncertainties regarding client acceptance are resolved, and there are no client-negotiated refund or return rights affecting the revenue recognized for delivered elements. Once we determine the allocation of revenue between deliverable elements, there are no further changes in the revenue allocation. If the separation criteria are met, revenue from these services is recognized as the services are performed under a fully executed contractual agreement. If the separation criteria are not met because there is insufficient evidence to determine fair value of one of the deliverables, all of the services are accounted for as a single combined unit of accounting. For these deliverables with insufficient evidence to determine fair value, revenue is recognized on the proportional performance method using the straight-line basis over the contract period, or the actual number of operational seats used to serve the client, as appropriate.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts of $3.1 million as of September 30, 2008, or 2.0% of accounts receivables, for estimated losses arising from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Our estimate is based on factors surrounding the credit risk of certain clients, historical collection experience and a review of the current status of trade accounts receivable. It is reasonably possible that our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts will change if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in a reduced ability to make payments.
Income Taxes
We reduce deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available evidence, both positive and negative, for each respective tax jurisdiction, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized. The valuation allowance for a particular tax jurisdiction is allocated between current and noncurrent deferred tax assets for that jurisdiction on a pro rata basis. Available evidence which is considered in determining the amount of valuation allowance required includes, but is not limited to, our estimate of future taxable income and any applicable tax-planning strategies. At December 31, 2007, management determined that a valuation allowance of $34.0 million was necessary to reduce U.S. deferred tax assets by $10.4 million and foreign deferred tax assets by $23.6 million, where it was more likely than not that some portion or all of such deferred tax assets will not be realized. The recoverability of the remaining net deferred tax asset of $13.5 million at December 31, 2007 is dependent upon future profitability within each tax jurisdiction. In September, 2008, the Company determined that its profitability and expectations of future profitability of certain foreign subsidiaries indicated that it was “more likely than not” that portions of the deferred tax assets would be realized. Accordingly, in the third quarter of 2008, the Company recognized an increase in its deferred tax assets of $6.1 million through a partial reversal of the valuation allowance. The reversal of the valuation allowance of $6.1 million reduced the provision for income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.
We evaluate tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in our tax returns, and record a liability for uncertain tax positions in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB No. 109.” The calculation of our tax liabilities involves dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulations. FIN 48 contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions accounted for in accordance with SFAS 109. First, tax positions are recognized if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. Second, the tax position is

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. We reevaluate these uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis. This evaluation is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues under audit, and new audit activity. Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We review long-lived assets, which had a carrying value of $111.8 million as of September 30, 2008, including goodwill, intangibles and property and equipment, and investment in SHPS, Incorporated, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable and at least annually for impairment testing of goodwill. An asset is considered to be impaired when the carrying amount exceeds the fair value. Upon determination that the carrying value of the asset is impaired, we would record an impairment charge or loss to reduce the asset to its fair value. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of the underlying investment could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investment and, therefore, might require an impairment charge in the future.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109 (SFAS 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 provides guidance on the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures, and transition. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recognized a $2.7 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157 (SFAS 157), “Fair Value Measurements”, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 2 — Fair Value in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
In March 2007, the EITF reached a consensus on Issue No. 06-10 (EITF 06-10), “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” EITF 06-10 provides guidance on the employers’ recognition of assets, liabilities and related compensation costs for collateral assignment split-dollar life insurance arrangements that provide a benefit to an employee that extends into postretirement periods. We adopted the provisions of EITF 06-10 on January 1, 2008. As a result of the implementation of EITF 06-10, we recognized a $0.5 million liability for a postretirement benefit obligation related to a split dollar arrangement on behalf of our founder and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2008 balance of retained earnings. See Note 14 — Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefits in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007) (SFAS 141R), “Business Combinations” and SFAS No. 160 (SFAS 160), “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51". SFAS 141R will change how business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS 160 will change the accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of shareholders’ equity. SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and should be applied prospectively for all business combinations entered into after the date of adoption. However, the presentation and disclosure requirements of SFAS 160 will be applied

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
retrospectively for all periods presented. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting the presentation and disclosure provisions of SFAS 160 on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161 (SFAS 161), “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which amends SFAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, by requiring increased qualitative, quantitative, and credit-risk disclosures about an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities. SFAS 161 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) No. 142-3 (FSP 142-3), “Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets”. FSP 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized intangible assets under FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. This new guidance applies prospectively to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other assets in business combinations and asset acquisitions. FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the impact that FSP 142-3 will have on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, (SFAS 162), “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, which reorganizes the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) hierarchy. SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by providing a consistent framework for determining what accounting principles should be used in preparing U.S. GAAP financial statements. With the issuance of SFAS 162, the FASB concluded that the GAAP hierarchy should be directed toward the entity and not its auditor, and reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB as opposed to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. SFAS 162 will become effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” and is not expected to have any impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 3 — Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Foreign Currency Risk
Our earnings and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in non-U.S. currency exchange rates. We are exposed to non-U.S. exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in consolidation. As exchange rates vary, those results, when translated, may vary from expectations and adversely impact overall expected profitability. The cumulative translation effects for subsidiaries using functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” in shareholders’ equity. Movements in non-U.S. currency exchange rates may positively or negatively affect our competitive position, as exchange rate changes may affect business practices and/or pricing strategies of non-U.S. based competitors. Periodically, we use foreign currency contracts to hedge intercompany receivables and payables, and transactions initiated in the United States that are denominated in foreign currency.
We serve a number of U.S.-based clients using customer contact management center capacity in the Philippines which is within our Americas segment. Although the contracts with these clients are typically priced in U.S. dollars, a substantial portion of the costs incurred to render services under these contracts are denominated in Philippine pesos (PHP), which represent a foreign exchange exposure.
In order to hedge approximately 66% of our exposure related to the anticipated cash flow requirements denominated in PHP, we had outstanding forward contracts as of September 30, 2008 with counterparties to acquire a total of PHP 6.1 billion through December 2009 at fixed prices of $140.6 million U.S. dollars. The fair value of these derivative instruments as of September 30, 2008 is presented in Note 4 of the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. If the U.S. dollar/PHP exchange rate were to adversely change by 10% from current period-end levels, we would incur a $21.3 million loss on our underlying exposures. However, this loss

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
would be partially offset by a corresponding gain of $14.1 million in the underlying exposures of the derivative instruments.
We evaluate the credit quality of potential counterparties to derivative transactions and only enter into contracts with those considered to have minimal credit risk. We periodically monitor changes to counterparty credit quality giving consideration to the impact of the global credit crisis as well as our concentration of credit exposure to individual counterparties. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to interest rate risk results from variable debt outstanding under our $50.0 million revolving credit facility. During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we had no debt outstanding under this credit facility; therefore, a one-point increase in the weighted average interest rate, which generally equals the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin, would not have had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
We have not historically used derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in interest rates.
Fluctuations in Quarterly Results
For the year ended December 31, 2007, quarterly revenues as a percentage of total consolidated annual revenues were approximately 24%, 24%, 25% and 27%, respectively, for each of the respective quarters of the year. We have experienced and anticipate that in the future we will continue to experience variations in quarterly revenues. The variations are due to the timing of new contracts and renewal of existing contracts, the timing and frequency of client spending for customer contact management services, non-U.S. currency fluctuations, and the seasonal pattern of customer contact management support and fulfillment services.
Item 4 — Controls and Procedures
As of September 30, 2008, under the direction of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a — 15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We concluded that, as of September 30, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
There were no significant changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Part II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1 — Legal Proceedings
We have previously disclosed regulatory sanctions assessed against our Spanish subsidiary relating to the alleged inappropriate acquisition of personal information in connection with two outbound client contracts. In order to appeal these claims, we issued a bank guarantee of $0.9 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, $0.4 million of the bank guarantee was returned to the Company. The remaining balance of the bank guarantee of $0.5 million is included as restricted cash in “Deferred charges and other assets” in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2008 ($0.9 million as of December 31, 2007). We have been and will continue to vigorously defend these matters. However, due to further progression of several of these claims within the Spanish court system, and based upon opinion of legal counsel regarding the likely outcome of several of the matters before the courts, we have accrued the amount of $1.3 million as of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 under SFAS No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” because we now believe that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated as to three of the subject claims. There are two other related claims, one of which is currently under appeal, and the other of which is in the early stages of investigation, but we have not accrued any amounts related to either of those claims because we do not currently believe a loss is probable, and it is not currently possible to reasonably estimate the amount of any loss related to those two claims.
From time to time, we are involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. With respect to these matters, we believe that we have adequate legal defenses and/or provided adequate accruals for related costs such that the ultimate outcome will not have a material adverse effect on our future financial position or results of operations.
Item 2 -Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Below is a summary of stock repurchases for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (in thousands, except average price per share). See Note 11, Earnings Per Share, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our stock repurchase program.
                                 
                            Maximum
                    Total Number of   Number Of
                    Shares Purchased   Shares That May
            Average   as Part of   Yet Be
    Total Number   Price   Publicly   Purchased
    of Shares   Paid Per   Announced Plans   Under Plans or
Period   Purchased (1)   Share   or Programs   Programs
July 1, 2008 - July 31, 2008
                1,644       1,356  
August 1, 2008 - August 31, 2008
                1,644       1,356  
September 1, 2008 - September 30, 2008
                1,644       1,356  
 
(1)   All shares purchased as part of a repurchase plan publicly announced on August 5, 2002. Total number of shares approved for repurchase under the plan was 3 million with no expiration date.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
Item 6 — Exhibits
The following documents are filed as an exhibit to this Report:
         
  10.1     Second Amended and Restated 2004 Nonemployee Director Fee Plan
         
  10.2     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and W. Michael Kipphut dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.3     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and James Hobby, Jr. dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.4     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Jenna R. Nelson dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.5     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Daniel L. Hernandez dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.6     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and David L. Pearson dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.7     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Lance R. Zingale dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.8     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and James T. Holder dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  10.9     Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and William N. Rocktoff dated as of September 29, 2008
         
  15     Awareness letter.
         
  31.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
         
  31.2     Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
         
  32.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
         
  32.2     Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

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Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2008
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: November 5, 2008  By:   /s/ W. Michael Kipphut    
    W. Michael Kipphut   
    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 
 
 

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EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit    
Number    
10.1   Second Amended and Restated 2004 Nonemployee Director Fee Plan
     
10.2   Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and W. Michael Kipphut dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.3   Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and James Hobby, Jr. dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.4   Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Jenna R. Nelson dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.5   Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Daniel L. Hernandez dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.6   Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and David L. Pearson dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.7
  Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and Lance R. Zingale dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.8
  Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and James T. Holder dated as of September 29, 2008
     
10.9
  Amended Exhibit “A” to Employment Agreement Between Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated and William N. Rocktoff dated as of September 29, 2008
     
15
  Awareness letter.
     
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
     
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
     
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.
     
32.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.