Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) 
 ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20182019
or
 ¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ______________ to ______________
Commission File Number: 001-13718 
MDC Partners Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada 98-0364441
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
   
745 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York
 10151
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(646) 429-1800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Subordinate Voting Shares, no par valueMDCANASDAQ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   ý   No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes   ý No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated Filer  x¨
Accelerated filer  ¨x
Non-accelerated Filer  ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  ¨x
Emerging growth company ¨
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes   ¨ No   ý
The numbersnumber of common shares outstanding as of July 31, 2018 were 57,502,71719, 2019 was 71,943,994 Class A subordinate voting shares 3,755and 3,749 Class B multiple voting shares, and 95,000 Series 4 Convertible Preference Shares

shares.

MDC PARTNERS INC.
 
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
   
 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.    Financial Statements
MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue: 
  
     
  
    
Services$379,743
 $390,532
 $706,711
 $735,232
$362,130
 $379,743
 $690,921
 $706,711
Operating expenses:       
Operating Expenses:       
Cost of services sold253,390
 267,822
 496,420
 505,385
240,749
 253,390
 477,903
 496,420
Office and general expenses83,878
 85,563
 167,757
 173,403
87,276
 83,878
 154,394
 167,757
Depreciation and amortization11,703
 10,766
 24,078
 21,664
10,663
 11,703
 19,501
 24,078
Other asset impairment
 
 2,317
 

 
 
 2,317
348,971
 364,151
 690,572
 700,452
338,688
 348,971
 651,798
 690,572
Operating profit30,772
 26,381
 16,139
 34,780
Other Income (Expense):       
Operating income23,442
 30,772
 39,123
 16,139
Other Income (Expenses):       
Interest expense and finance charges, net(16,413) (16,859) (33,174) (32,942)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)2,932
 (6,549) 8,374
 (13,209)
Other, net(5,957) 6,596
 (12,176) 9,163
(746) 592
 (4,128) 1,033
Interest expense and finance charges(17,018) (15,688) (33,249) (32,456)
Interest income159
 178
 307
 405
(22,816) (8,914) (45,118) (22,888)(14,227) (22,816) (28,928) (45,118)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates7,956
 17,467
 (28,979) 11,892
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates9,215
 7,956
 10,195
 (28,979)
Income tax expense (benefit)1,977
 4,641
 (6,353) 8,610
2,088
 1,977
 2,835
 (6,353)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates5,979
 12,826
 (22,626) 3,282
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates7,127
 5,979
 7,360
 (22,626)
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates(28) 641
 58
 502
206
 (28) 289
 58
Net income (loss)5,951
 13,467
 (22,568) 3,784
7,333
 5,951
 7,649
 (22,568)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(2,545) (2,214) (3,442) (3,097)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest(3,043) (2,545) (3,472) (3,442)
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.3,406
 11,253
 (26,010) 687
4,290
 3,406
 4,177
 (26,010)
Accretion on and net income allocated to convertible preference shares(2,273) (3,293) (4,095) (2,417)(3,515) (2,273) (5,625) (4,095)
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders$1,133
 $7,960
 $(30,105) $(1,730)$775
 $1,133
 $(1,448) $(30,105)
       
Income (loss) per common share: 
  
    
Income (loss) Per Common Share: 
  
    
Basic 

 





 
  
    
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders$0.02
 $0.14
 $(0.53) $(0.03)$0.01
 $0.02
 $(0.02) $(0.53)
       
Diluted 
  
           
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders$0.02
 $0.14
 $(0.53) $(0.03)$0.01
 $0.02
 $(0.02) $(0.53)
       
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: 
  
     
  
    
Basic57,439,823
 55,332,497
 56,924,208
 53,480,144
71,915,832
 57,439,823
 66,118,749
 56,924,208
Diluted57,802,872
 55,622,194
 56,924,208
 53,480,144
72,024,689
 57,802,872
 66,118,749
 56,924,208
       
Stock-based compensation expense is included in the following line items above: 
  
     
  
    
Cost of services sold$4,047
 $3,737
 $7,394
 $7,248
$2,442
 $4,047
 $6,987
 $7,394
Office and general expenses1,556
 1,803
 3,246
 3,242
1,192
 1,556
 (381) 3,246
Total$5,603
 $5,540
 $10,640
 $10,490
$3,634
 $5,603
 $6,606
 $10,640
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(thousands of United States dollars)
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Comprehensive Income (Loss) 
  
       
    
Net income (loss)$5,951
 $13,467
 $(22,568) $3,784
$7,333
 $5,951
 $7,649
 $(22,568)
              
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable tax: 
  
     
  
    
Foreign currency translation adjustment(1,848) 550
 429
 618
(1,385) (1,848) (6,044) 429
Other comprehensive income (loss)(1,848) 550
 429
 618
(1,385) (1,848) (6,044) 429
Comprehensive income (loss) for the period4,103
 14,017
 (22,139) 4,402
5,948
 4,103
 1,605
 (22,139)
Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interests(1,641) (3,220) (1,436) (4,368)(3,081) (1,641) (3,861) (1,436)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$2,462
 $10,797
 $(23,575) $34
$2,867
 $2,462
 $(2,256) $(23,575)
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(thousands of United States dollars)
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
ASSETS 
  
 
  
Current assets: 
  
Current Assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$24,999
 $46,179
$27,304
 $30,873
Cash held in trusts47,916
 4,632
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,699 and $2,453424,202
 434,072
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,792 and $1,879434,512
 395,200
Expenditures billable to clients59,081
 31,146
40,605
 42,369
Assets held for sale
 78,913
Other current assets39,323
 26,742
44,815
 42,499
Total Current Assets595,521
 542,771
547,236
 589,854
Fixed assets, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $126,606 and $123,59991,015
 90,306
Fixed assets, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $141,167 and $128,54683,950
 88,189
Right of use assets - operating leases237,418
 
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates6,514
 6,307
6,761
 6,556
Goodwill857,140
 835,935
743,582
 740,955
Other intangible assets, net82,465
 70,605
Other intangible assets, net, less accumulated amortization of $168,748 and $161,86860,848
 67,765
Deferred tax assets125,307
 115,325
92,439
 92,741
Other assets30,635
 37,643
26,415
 25,513
Total Assets$1,788,597
 $1,698,892
$1,798,649
 $1,611,573
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS, AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT 
  
 
  
Current Liabilities: 
  
 
  
Accounts payable$207,983
 $244,527
$228,069
 $221,995
Trust liability47,916
 4,632
Accruals and other liabilities299,660
 327,812
253,868
 313,141
Liabilities held for sale
 35,967
Advance billings184,269
 148,133
168,142
 138,505
Current portion of long-term debt355
 313
Current portion of lease liabilities - operating leases46,338
 
Current portion of deferred acquisition consideration32,297
 50,213
35,439
 32,928
Total Current Liabilities772,480
 775,630
731,856
 742,536
Long-term debt, less current portion999,936
 882,806
Long-term debt914,092
 954,107
Long-term portion of deferred acquisition consideration51,410
 72,213
22,804
 50,767
Long-term lease liabilities - operating leases233,165
 
Other liabilities55,478
 54,110
19,503
 54,255
Deferred tax liabilities6,899
 6,760
6,571
 5,329
Total Liabilities1,886,203
 1,791,519
1,927,991
 1,806,994
   
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests (Note 10)55,730
 62,886
Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees (Note 12)

 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests42,635
 51,546
Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees (Note 13)   
Shareholders’ Deficit: 
  
   
Convertible preference shares (liquidation preference $105,447)90,123
 90,220
Common shares360,323
 352,432
Charges in excess of capital(314,499) (314,241)
Convertible preference shares, 145,000 authorized, issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and 95,000 at December 31, 2018152,746
 90,123
Common stock and other paid-in capital97,455
 58,579
Accumulated deficit(367,180) (340,000)(460,726) (464,903)
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)481
 (1,954)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (income)(1,713) 4,720
MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit(230,752) (213,543)(212,238) (311,481)
Noncontrolling interests77,416
 58,030
40,261
 64,514
Total Shareholders' Deficit(153,336) (155,513)(171,977) (246,967)
Total Liabilities, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Shareholders' Deficit$1,788,597
 $1,698,892
$1,798,649
 $1,611,573
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(thousands of United States dollars)

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities: 
  
Net income (loss)$(22,568) $3,784
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:

 

Stock-based compensation10,640
 10,490
Depreciation14,642
 11,558
Amortization of intangibles9,436
 10,106
Amortization of deferred finance charges1,605
 1,480
Other asset impairment2,317
 
Adjustment to deferred acquisition consideration(2,479) 15,792
Acquisition-related contingent consideration payment(23,894) (24,459)
Deferred income tax(9,494) 6,962
Gain on sale of assets(955) (63)
(Earnings) losses of non-consolidated affiliates(58) (502)
Other non-current assets and liabilities(1,114) (1,454)
Foreign exchange12,128
 (6,865)
Changes in working capital:   
Accounts receivable19,181
 (67,889)
Expenditures billable to clients(27,935) (9,223)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(12,732) 6,511
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities(60,015) 13,332
Advance billings29,582
 29,714
Net cash used in operating activities(61,713)
(726)
Cash flows used in investing activities:

 

Capital expenditures(9,689) (21,156)
Deposits
 (1,261)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(27,299) 
Other investments867
 (465)
Net cash used in investing activities(36,121)
(22,882)
Cash flows provided by financing activities: 
  
Repayments of revolving credit agreement(782,600) (791,609)
Proceeds from revolving credit agreement897,844
 763,846
Proceeds from issuance of convertible preference shares
 95,000
Convertible preference shares issuance costs
 (4,584)
Acquisition related payments(29,172) (40,662)
Repayment of long-term debt(141) (224)
Purchase of shares(493) (630)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(8,927) (3,840)
Payment of dividends(168) (169)
Net cash provided by financing activities76,343

17,128
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents311
 (1,094)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(21,180) (7,574)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period46,179
 27,921
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$24,999
 $20,347
    
Supplemental disclosures: 
  
Cash income taxes paid$2,626
 $3,423
Cash interest paid$31,414
 $31,566
Change in cash held in trusts$43,284
 $185
    
Non-cash transactions: 
  
Capital leases$701
 $545
Dividends payable$286
 $569
Acquisition related consideration settled through issuance of shares$7,030
 $28,727
 Six Months Ended June 30,

2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities: 
  
Net income (loss)$7,649
 $(22,568)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:   
Stock-based compensation6,606
 10,640
Depreciation12,621
 14,642
Amortization of intangibles6,880
 9,436
Amortization of deferred finance charges and debt discount1,663
 1,605
Other asset impairment
 2,317
Adjustment to deferred acquisition consideration(5,570) (2,479)
Deferred income taxes2,835
 (9,494)
Loss on sale of assets3,407
 (955)
Earnings of non-consolidated affiliates(289) (58)
Other and non-current assets and liabilities(4,139) (1,114)
Foreign exchange(7,363) 12,128
Changes in working capital:   
Accounts receivable(21,570) 19,181
Expenditures billable to clients1,763
 (27,935)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(3,345) (12,732)
Accounts payable, accruals and other current liabilities(66,343) (60,015)
Acquisition related payments(4,376) (23,894)
Advance billings29,334
 29,582
Net cash used in operating activities(40,237)
(61,713)
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Capital expenditures(7,923) (9,689)
Proceeds from sale of assets23,050
 
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired(5,130) (27,299)
Other investments(179) 867
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities9,818

(36,121)
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
Repayment of revolving credit facility(834,538) (782,600)
Proceeds from revolving credit facility793,940
 897,844
Proceeds from issuance of common and convertible preference shares, net of issuance costs98,620
 
Acquisition related payments(24,219) (29,172)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests(7,957) (8,927)
Payment of dividends(56) (168)
Purchase of shares(78) (493)
Other
 (141)
Net cash provided by financing activities25,712

76,343
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents, and cash held in trusts4
 311
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and cash held in trusts including cash classified within assets held for sale(4,703) (21,180)
Change in cash and cash equivalents held in trusts classified within held for sale(3,307) 
Change in cash and cash equivalents classified within assets held for sale4,441
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(3,569) (21,180)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period30,873
 46,179

 Six Months Ended June 30,

2019 2018
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$27,304
 $24,999
Supplemental disclosures: 
  
Cash income taxes paid$3,494
 $2,626
Cash interest paid$31,643
 $31,414
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

(thousands of United States dollars)dollars, except share amounts)
 Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares 
Additional
Paid-in Capital
 
Charges in
Excess of
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
MDC Partners Inc.
Shareholders’
Deficit
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 Total
Shareholders’
Deficit
         
 Shares Amount Shares Amount       
Balance at December 31, 201795,000
 $90,220
 56,375,131
 $352,432
 $
 $(314,241) $(340,000) $(1,954) $(213,543) $58,030
 $(155,513)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 (26,010) 
 (26,010) 
 (26,010)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,435
 2,435
 (2,006) 429
Expenses for convertible preference shares (Note 8)
 (97) 
 
 
 
 
 
 (97) 
 (97)
Issuance of restricted stock
 
 122,029
 1,354
 (1,354) 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares acquired and cancelled
 
 (54,693) (493) 
 
 
 
 (493) 
 (493)
Shares issued, acquisitions
 
 1,011,561
 7,030
 
 
 
 
 7,030
 
 7,030
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 4,324
 
 
 
 4,324
 
 4,324
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 (2,062) 
 
 
 (2,062)   (2,062)
Increase (decrease) from business acquisitions and step-up transactions
 
 
 
 (1,166) 
 
 
 (1,166) 27,357
 26,191
Changes in noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests from changes in ownership interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (5,965) (5,965)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 606 (Note 13)
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,170) 
 (1,170) 
 (1,170)
Transfer to charges in excess of capital
 
 
 
 258
 (258) 
 
 
   
Balance at June 30, 201895,000
 $90,123
 57,454,028
 $360,323
 $
 $(314,499) $(367,180) $481
 $(230,752) $77,416
 $(153,336)
 Three Months Ended
 June 30, 2019
 Convertible Preference Shares
Common Shares Common Stock and Other Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit
Noncontrolling Interests
Total Shareholder's Deficit
 
   


(in thousands, except share amounts)Shares Amount
Shares   


Balance at March 31, 2019145,000
 $152,117
 71,890,021
 $98,693
 $(465,016) $(290) $(214,496) $40,223
 $(174,273)
Net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 
 
 
 4,290
 
 4,290
 
 4,290
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (1,423) (1,423) 38
 (1,385)
Issuance of common and convertible preference shares
 629
 
 362
 
 
 991
 
 991
Issuance of restricted stock
 
 76,979
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares acquired and cancelled
 
 (19,257) (22) 
 
 (22) 
 (22)
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 1,800
 
 
 1,800
 
 1,800
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (3,190) 
 
 (3,190)   (3,190)
Business acquisitions and step-up transactions, net of tax
 
 
 (97) 
 
 (97) 
 (97)
Changes in ownership interest
 
 
 (91) 
 
 (91) 
 (91)
Balance at June 30, 2019145,000
 $152,746
 71,947,743
 $97,455
 $(460,726) $(1,713) $(212,238) $40,261
 $(171,977)

 Six Months Ended
 June 30, 2019
 Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares Common Stock and Other Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit Noncontrolling Interests Total Shareholder's Deficit
        
(in thousands, except share amounts)Shares Amount Shares      
Balance at December 31, 201895,000
 $90,123
 57,521,323
 $58,579
 $(464,903) $4,720
 $(311,481) $64,514
 $(246,967)
Net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 
 
 
 4,177
 
 4,177
 
 4,177
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (6,433) (6,433) 389
 (6,044)
Issuance of common and convertible preference shares50,000
 62,623
 14,285,714
 35,997
 
 
 98,620
 
 98,620
Issuance of restricted stock
 
 193,979
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares acquired and cancelled
 
 (53,273) (78) 
 
 (78) 
 (78)
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 509
 
 
 509
 
 509
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 2,729
 
 
 2,729
 
 2,729
Business acquisitions and step-up transactions, net of tax
 
 
 (97) 
 
 (97) 
 (97)
Changes in ownership interest
 
 
 (184) 
 
 (184) (24,642) (24,826)
Balance at June 30, 2019145,000
 $152,746
 71,947,743
 $97,455
 $(460,726) $(1,713) $(212,238) $40,261
 $(171,977)




 Three Months Ended
 June 30, 2018
 Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares Common Stock and Other Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit Noncontrolling Interests Total Shareholder's Deficit
       
(in thousands, except share amounts)Shares Amount Shares      
Balance at March 31, 201895,000
 $90,123
 56,436,067
 $38,412
 $(370,586) $1,425
 $(240,626) $50,964
 $(189,662)
Net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 
 
 
 3,406
 
 3,406
 
 3,406
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 1
 
 (944) (943) (905) (1,848)
Issuance of restricted stock
 
 12,585
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares acquired and cancelled
 
 (6,185) (39) 
 
 (39) 
 (39)
Shares issued, acquisitions
 
 1,011,561
 7,030
 
 
 7,030
 
 7,030
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 2,107
 
 
 2,107
 
 2,107
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (1,687) 
 
 (1,687) 
 (1,687)
Business acquisitions and step-up transactions, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 27,357
 27,357
Balance at June 30, 201895,000
 $90,123
 57,454,028
 $45,824
 $(367,180) $481
 $(230,752) $77,416
 $(153,336)

 Six Months Ended
 June 30, 2018
 Convertible Preference Shares Common Shares Common Stock and Other Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income MDC Partners Inc. Shareholders' Deficit Noncontrolling Interests Total Shareholder's Deficit
       
(in thousands, except share amounts)Shares Amount Shares      
Balance at December 31, 201795,000
 $90,220
 56,375,131
 $38,191
 $(340,000) $(1,954) $(213,543) $58,030
 $(155,513)
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.
 
 
 
 (26,010) 
 (26,010) 
 (26,010)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 2,435
 2,435
 (2,006) 429
Expenses for convertible preference shares
 (97) 
 
 
 
 (97) 
 (97)
Issuance of restricted stock
 
 122,029
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares acquired and cancelled
 
 (54,693) (493) 
 
 (493) 
 (493)
Shares issued, acquisitions
 
 1,011,561
 7,030
 
 
 7,030
 
 7,030
Stock-based compensation
 
 
 4,324
 
 
 4,324
 
 4,324
Changes in redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests
 
 
 (2,062) 
 
 (2,062) 
 (2,062)
Business acquisitions and step-up transactions, net of tax
 
 
 (1,166) 
 
 (1,166) 27,357
 26,191
Changes in ownership interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (5,965) (5,965)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASC 606
 
 
 
 (1,170) 
 (1,170) 
 (1,170)
Balance at June 30, 201895,000
 $90,123
 57,454,028
 $45,824
 $(367,180) $481
 $(230,752) $77,416
 $(153,336)

See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

MDC PARTNERS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(thousands of United States dollars, except per share amounts, unless otherwise stated)
1. Basis of Presentation
MDC Partners Inc. (the “Company” or “MDC”) has prepared the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to these rules.Recent Developments
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MDC Partners Inc. and(the “Company” or “MDC”), its domestic and international controlled subsidiaries that are not considered variable interest entities, and variable interest entities for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany balancesReferences herein to “Partner Firms” generally refer to the Company’s subsidiary agencies.
MDC Partners Inc. has prepared the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements included herein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and transactionspursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for reporting interim financial information on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, the financial statements have been eliminated in consolidation.
condensed and do not include certain information and disclosures pursuant to these rules. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires managementus to make judgments, assumptions and estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptionsthat affect the amounts reported amounts of assets and liabilities including goodwill, intangible assets, contingent deferred acquisition consideration, valuation allowances for receivables, deferred tax assets and the amounts of revenue and expenses reported during the period. These estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience, current conditions and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.disclosed. Actual results could differ from these estimates.estimates and assumptions. The consolidated results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 (“2018 Form 10-K”).
The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normally recurring accruals, which in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation, in all material respects, of the information contained therein. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of annual results.Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
References herein to “Partner Firms” generally referCertain reclassifications have been made to the Company’s subsidiary agencies.
In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows, which clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. The new pronouncement states that any cash payments made soon after the acquisition date of a businessprior year financial information to settle a contingent consideration liability are classified as cash outflows for investing activities. Cash payments which are not made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability are separated and classified as cash outflows for financing activities upconform to the amount of the contingent consideration liability recognized at the acquisition date and as cash outflows from operating activities for any excess. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2016-15 on January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis. As a result, $24,459 of an acquisition-related contingent consideration payment of $65,121, which was in excess of the liability initially recognized at the acquisition date, has been classified as a cash outflow within net cash provided by operating activitiescurrent year presentation.
Due to changes in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated statementcomposition of cash flowscertain business and the Company’s internal management and reporting structure during 2019, reportable segment results for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
These statements should be read in conjunction with2018 periods presented have been recast to reflect the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 Form 10-K”).
2. Revenue
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effectreclassification of the initial adoption being recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. As a result, comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”).certain businesses between segments. See Note 1312 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional details surrounding the Company’s adoption of ASC 606. The Company’s policy surrounding revenue under ASC 605 is described in Note 2 of Item 8 of the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K. The policies described herein refer to those in effect as of January 1, 2018.further information.
2. Revenue
The Company’s revenue recognition policies are established in accordance with the Revenue Recognition topics of ASC 606, and accordingly, revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to our clients, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
The MDC network provides an extensive range of services to our clients offering a variety of marketing and communication capabilities including strategy, creative and production for advertising campaigns across a variety of platforms (print, digital, social media, television broadcast), public relations services including strategy, editorial, crisis support or issues management, media training, influencer engagement and events management. We also provide media buying and planning across a range of platforms (out-of-home, paid search, social media, lead generation, programmatic, television broadcast), experiential marketing and application/website design and development.
The primary source of the Company’s revenue is from agency arrangements in the form of fees for services performed, commissions, and from performance incentives or bonuses, depending on the terms of the client contract. In all circumstances, revenue is only recognized when collection is reasonably assured. Certain of the Company’s contractual arrangements have more than one performance obligation. For such arrangements, revenue is allocated to each performance obligation based on its relative stand-alone selling price. Stand-alone selling prices are determined based on the prices charged to clients or using expected cost plus margin.
The determination of our performance obligations is specific to the services included within each contract. Based on a client’s requirements within the contract, and how these services are provided, multiple services could represent separate performance obligations or be combined and considered one performance obligation. Contracts that contain services that are not significantly integrated nor interdependent, nor that significantly modify or customize each other, are considered separate performance obligations. Typically, we consider media planning, media buying, creative (or strategy), production and experiential marketing services to be separate performance obligations if included in the same contract as each of these services can be provided on a stand-alone basis, and do not significantly modify or customize each other. Public relations services and application/website design and development are typically each considered one performance obligation as there is a significant integration of these services into a combined output.
We typically satisfy our performance obligations over time, as services are performed. Fees for services are typically recognized using input methods (direct labor hours, materials and third-party costs) that correspond with efforts incurred to date in relation to total estimated efforts to complete the contract. Point in time recognition primarily relates to certain commission-based contracts, which are recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligation.                                            

Revenue is recognized net of sales and other taxes due to be collected and remitted to governmental authorities. The Company’s contracts typically provide for termination by either party within 30 to 90 days. Although payment terms vary by client, they are typically within 30 to 60 days. In addition, the Company generally has the right to payment for all services provided through the end of the contract or termination date.
Although certain of our performance obligations are recognized at a point in time, we typically satisfy our performance obligations over time, as services are performed. Point in time recognition primarily relates to certain commission-based contracts, which are recognized upon the placement of advertisements in various media when the Company has no further performance obligation. Fees for services are typically recognized using input methods that correspond with efforts incurred to date in relation to total estimated efforts to complete the contract.
Within each contract, we identify whether the Company is principal or agent at the performance obligation level. In arrangements where the Company has substantive control over the service before transferring it to the client, and is primarily responsible for integrating the services into the final deliverables, we act as principal. In these arrangements, revenue is recorded at the gross amount billed. Accordingly, for these contracts the Company has included reimbursed expenses in revenue. In other arrangements where a third-party supplier, rather than the Company is primarily responsible for the integration of services into the final deliverables, and thus the Company is solely arranging for the third-party supplier to provide these services to our client, then we generally act as agent and record revenue equal to the net amount retained, when the fee or commission is earned. The role of MDC’s agencies under a production services agreement is to facilitate a client’s purchasing of production capabilities from a third-party production company in accordance with the client’s strategy and guidelines. The obligation of MDC’s agencies under media buying services is to negotiate and purchase advertising media from a third-party media vendor on behalf of a client to execute its media plan. We have determined thatdo not obtain control prior to transferring these services to our clients; therefore, we primarily act as agent for production and media buying services.
A small portion of the Company’s contractual arrangements with clients include performance incentive provisions, which allow the Company to earn additional revenues as a result of its performance relative to both quantitative and qualitative goals. Incentive compensation is primarily estimated using the most likely amount method and is included in revenue up to the amount that is not expected to result in a reversal of a significant amount of cumulative revenue recognized. We recognize revenue related to performance incentives as we satisfy the performance obligation to which the performance incentives are related.

Disaggregated Revenue Data
The Company provides a broad range of services to a large base of clients across the full spectrum of industry verticals on a global basis. The primary source of revenue is from agency arrangements in the form of fees for services performed, commissions, and from performance incentives or bonuses. Certain clients may engage with the Company in various geographic locations, across multiple disciplines, and through multiple Partner Firms. Representation of a client rarely means that MDC handles marketing communications for all brands or product lines of the client in every geographical location. The Company’s Partner firms often cooperate with one another through referrals and the sharing of both services and expertise, which enables MDC to service clients’ varied marketing needs by crafting custom integrated solutions. Additionally, the Company maintains separate, independent operating companies to enable it to effectively manage potential conflicts of interest by representing competing clients across the MDC network.
The following table presents revenue disaggregated by client industry vertical for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017, and the impact of adoption of ASC 606:2018:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
IndustryReportable Segment As reported Adjustment to exclude impact of Adoption of ASC 606 Adjusted  Reportable Segment 2019 2018 2019 2018
Food & BeverageAll $84,464
 $(940) $83,524
 $79,299
All $73,305
 $84,464
 $139,969
 $147,932
RetailAll 38,396
 1,343
 39,739
 46,357
All 39,894
 38,396
 72,350
 76,411
Consumer ProductsAll 41,367
 (1,048) 40,319
 40,668
All 45,296
 41,367
 78,232
 77,973
CommunicationsAll 43,097
 5,699
 48,796
 55,740
All 47,793
 43,097
 87,490
 81,454
AutomotiveAll 25,294
 1,856
 27,150
 33,806
All 18,541
 25,294
 36,732
 45,788
TechnologyAll 23,540
 (141) 23,399
 26,324
All 28,876
 23,540
 54,279
 45,080
HealthcareAll 35,426
 (612) 34,814
 32,271
All 25,954
 35,426
 49,161
 68,002
FinancialsAll 30,207
 710
 30,917
 26,808
All 27,868
 30,207
 52,795
 52,702
Transportation and Travel/LodgingAll 18,776
 42
 18,818
 13,665
All 27,050
 18,776
 44,085
 33,664
OtherAll 39,176
 2,819
 41,995
 35,594
All 27,553
 39,176
 75,828
 77,705
 $379,743
 $9,728
 $389,471
 $390,532
 $362,130
 $379,743
 $690,921
 $706,711


 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017
IndustryReportable Segment As reported Adjustment to exclude impact of Adoption of ASC 606 Adjusted  
Food & BeverageAll $147,932
 $5,866
 $153,798
 $140,590
RetailAll 76,411
 1,772
 78,183
 91,791
Consumer ProductsAll 77,973
 (774) 77,199
 75,729
CommunicationsAll 81,454
 12,182
 93,636
 104,055
AutomotiveAll 45,788
 6,074
 51,862
 66,285
TechnologyAll 45,080
 (310) 44,770
 46,872
HealthcareAll 68,002
 519
 68,521
 61,199
FinancialsAll 52,702
 911
 53,613
 47,146
Transportation and Travel/LodgingAll 33,664
 776
 34,440
 27,775
OtherAll 77,705
 3,988
 81,693
 73,790
   $706,711
 $31,004
 $737,715
 $735,232

MDC has historically largely focused where the Company was founded in North America, the largest market for its services in the world. In recent years the Company has expanded its global footprint to support clients looking for help to grow their businesses in new markets. Today, MDC’s Partner Firms are located in the United States, Canada, and an additional thirteentwelve countries around the world. In the past, some clients have responded to weakening economic conditions with reductions to their marketing budgets, which included discretionary components that are easier to reduce in the short term than other operating expenses.

The following table presents revenue disaggregated by geography:
 Three Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017
Geographic LocationReportable Segment As reported Adjustment to exclude impact of Adoption of ASC 606 Adjusted  
United StatesAll $295,268
 $6,023
 $301,291
 $304,463
CanadaAll 33,086
 (3,591) 29,495
 30,583
OtherAll 51,389
 7,296
 58,685
 55,486
   $379,743
 $9,728
 $389,471
 $390,532

geography for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
Geographic LocationReportable Segment As reported Adjustment to exclude impact of Adoption of ASC 606 Adjusted  Reportable Segment 2019 2018 2019 2018
United StatesAll $551,792
 $15,041
 $566,833
 $579,145
All $284,659
 $295,268
 $547,676
 $551,792
CanadaAll 59,465
 (2,638) 56,827
 57,053
All, excluding Media Services 24,564
 33,086
 46,942
 59,465
OtherAll 95,454
 18,601
 114,055
 99,034
All, excluding Media Services and Domestic Creative Agencies 52,907
 51,389
 96,303
 95,454
 $706,711
 $31,004
 $737,715
 $735,232
 $362,130
 $379,743
 $690,921
 $706,711


For more detailed information about the Company’s reportable segments, see Note 11.

Contract assets and liabilities
Contract assets consist of fees and reimbursable outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients when providing advertising, marketing and corporate communications services that have not yet been invoiced to clients. Unbilled service fees were $78,293$92,317 and $54,177$64,362 at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, and are included as a component of accounts receivable on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Outside vendor costs incurred on behalf of clients which have yet to be invoiced were $59,081$40,605 and $31,146$42,369 at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, and are included on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheetsUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as expenditures billable to clients. Such amounts are invoiced to clients at various times over the course of the production process.providing services.
Contract liabilities consist of fees billed to clients in excess of fees recognized as revenue and are classified as advance billings on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Advance billings at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 were $184,269$168,142 and $148,133,$138,505, respectively. The increase in the advance billings balance of $36,136$29,637 for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 is primarily driven by cash payments received or due in advance of satisfying our performance obligations, offset by $58,888$101,431 of revenues recognized that were included in the advance billings balances as of December 31, 2017.2018 and reductions due to the incurrence of third-party costs.
Changes in the contract asset and liability balances during the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018 were not materially impacted by write offs,write-offs, impairment losses or any other factors.
Practical expedients
In adopting ASC 606, the Company applied the practical expedient to not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less. Amounts related to those performance obligations with expected durations of more than one year are immaterial.

3. Income (Loss) Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share:
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018
2017 2018 2017
Numerator 
 
    
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$3,406
 $11,253
 $(26,010) $687
Accretion on convertible preference shares(2,068)
(1,910) (4,095) (2,417)
Net income allocated to convertible preference shares(205) (1,383) 
 
Numerator for basic income (loss) per common share - Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders1,133

7,960
 (30,105) (1,730)
Adjustment to net income allocated to convertible preference shares1
 6
 
 
Numerator for diluted income (loss) per common share- Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders$1,134

$7,966
 $(30,105) $(1,730)
Denominator



    
Denominator for basic income (loss) per common share - weighted average common shares57,439,823

55,332,497
 56,924,208
 53,480,144
Impact of stock options and non-vested stock under employee stock incentive plans363,049
 289,697
 
 
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per common share - adjusted weighted shares and assumed conversions57,802,872

55,622,194
 56,924,208
 53,480,144
Basic income (loss) per common share$0.02

$0.14
 $(0.53) $(0.03)
Diluted income (loss) per common share$0.02
 $0.14

$(0.53) $(0.03)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019
2018 2019 2018
Numerator: 

 
    
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$4,290
 $3,406
 $4,177
 $(26,010)
Accretion on convertible preference shares(3,242)
(2,068) (5,625) (4,095)
Net income allocated to convertible preference shares(273) (205) 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders$775

$1,133
 $(1,448) $(30,105)
        
Adjustment to net income allocated to convertible preference shares
 1
 
 
Numerator for dilutive income (loss) per common share:       
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders$775

$1,134
 $(1,448) $(30,105)
Denominator:       
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding71,915,832

57,439,823
 66,118,749
 56,924,208
Effect of dilutive securities:       
Impact of stock options and non-vested stock under employee stock incentive plans108,857
 363,049
 
 
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding72,024,689

57,802,872
 66,118,749
 56,924,208
Basic$0.01

$0.02
 $(0.02) $(0.53)
Diluted$0.01
 $0.02
 $(0.02) $(0.53)
Anti-dilutive stock awards 2,662,666 327,500 327,5004,406,206 1,594,761 1,233,585

Restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards of 1,308,781242,338 and 1,443,9211,308,781 for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, which are contingent upon the Company meeting a cumulative three year earnings target (2018, 2019 and 2020) andcontingent upon continued employment, are excluded from the computation of diluted income per common share as the contingency wascontingencies were not satisfied at June 30, 2019 and 2018, or 2017.respectively. In addition, there were 145,000 and 95,000 shares of Preference Shares outstanding which were convertible into 10,544,70825,621,189 and 9,741,68010,544,708 Class A common shares at June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. These Preference Shares were anti-dilutive for each period presented in the table above and are therefore excluded from the diluted income (loss) per common share calculation.

4. Acquisitions and Dispositions
Valuations2019 Acquisition
Effective April 1, 2019, the Company acquired the 35% ownership interest of acquired companies are based on a number of factors, including specialized know-how, reputation, competitive position and service offerings. The Company’s acquisition strategy has been focused on acquiring the expertise ofHPR Partners LLC (Hunter) it did not own for an assembled workforce in order to continue to build upon the core capabilities of its various strategic business platforms to better serve the Company’s clients. The Company’s strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed businesses with strong reputations in the industry. The Company’s model of “Perpetual Partnership” often involves acquiring a majority interest rather than a 100% interest and leaving management owners with a significant financial interest in the performance of the acquired entity for a minimum period of time, typically not less than five years. The Company’s acquisition model in this scenario typically provides for (i) an initial payment at the time of closing, (ii) additional contingentaggregate purchase price obligations based on the future performance of the acquired entity,$9,585, comprised of a closing cash payment of $3,890 and (iii) an option by the Company to purchase (and in some instances a requirement to so purchase) the remaining interest of the acquired entity under a predetermined formula. The Company expenses acquisition related costs as incurred. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, $335 and $711, respectively, and $242 and $476 respectively, of acquisition related costs were charged to operations.
Contingent purchase price obligations. The Company’s contingent purchase price obligations are generally payable within a five-year period following the acquisition date, and are based on (i) the achievement of specific thresholds of future earnings, and (ii) in certain cases, the growth rate of those earnings. Contingent purchase price obligations are recorded asadditional deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheetpayments with an estimated present value at the acquisition date of $5,695. The deferred payments are based on the financial results of the underlying business from 2018 to 2020 with final payment due in 2021. As of the acquisition date, the fair value and adjusted at each reporting period through operating income or net interest expense, depending on the nature of the arrangement. Foradditional interest acquired was $20,178. The fair value was measured using a discounted cash flow model.
As a result of the threetransaction, the Company reduced redeemable noncontrolling interests by $9,488. The difference between the purchase price and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, $5,065 and $2,480the noncontrolling interest of income, respectively, and $4,306 and $15,737 of expense, respectively, related to changes in such estimated values and$97 was recorded in results of operations. On occasion, the Company may initiate a renegotiation of previously acquired ownership interestscommon stock and any resulting changeother paid-in capital in the estimated amount of consideration to be paid is adjusted in the reporting period through operating income or net interest expense, depending on the nature of the arrangement.
See Note 9 and 12 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included here in for additional information on deferred acquisition consideration.Balance Sheet.
Options to purchase. When acquiring less than 100% ownership,2019 Disposition
On March 8, 2019, the Company may enter into agreementsconsummated the sale of Kingsdale, an operating segment with operations in Toronto and New York City that giveprovides shareholder advisory services. As consideration for the sale, the Company an option to purchase, or requirewas paid cash plus the Company to purchase, the incremental ownership interests underassumption of certain circumstances. Where the option to purchase the incremental ownership is within the Company’s control, the amounts are recorded as noncontrolling interestsliabilities totaling approximately $50 million in the equity sectionaggregate. The sale resulted in a loss of the Company’s balance sheet. Where the incremental purchase may be required of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interestsapproximately $3 million, which is included in mezzanine equity at their estimated acquisition date redemption value and adjusted at each reporting period for changes to their estimated redemption value through additional paid-in capital (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. On occasion, the Company may initiate a renegotiation to acquire an incremental ownership interest and the amount of consideration paid may differ materially from the balance sheet amounts. See Note 12 of the Notes toOther, net within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included hereinStatement of Operations.


Assets and Liabilities Held for additional information on redeemable noncontrolling interests.Sale - Change in Plan to Sell
Employment conditions. From timeIn the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company initiated a process to time, specifically whensell its ownership interest in a foreign office within the projected successGlobal Integrated Agencies reportable segment. The assets and liabilities of an acquisition is deemedthe entity were classified as Assets and Liabilities held for sale, at their fair value less cost to be dependent on retentionsell, within the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of specific personnel, such acquisition may include deferred payments that are contingent upon employment termsDecember 31, 2018. In the second quarter of 2019, following the appointment of Mark Penn as wellChief Executive Officer, management changed its strategy and plan to sell the foreign office. In connection with management’s decision, the amounts classified within assets and liabilities held for sale were reclassified into the respective line items within the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as financial performance. The Company accounts for those payments through operating income as stock-based compensation over the required retention period. For the three and six months endedof June 30, 2018 and 2017, stock-based compensation included $3,486 and $2,460, respectively, and $6,315 and $5,728, respectively, of expense relating to those payments.2019.
Distributions to noncontrolling shareholders. If noncontrolling shareholders have the right to receive distributions based on the profitability2018 Acquisitions
On September 7, 2018, a subsidiary of an acquired entity, the amount is recorded as income attributable to noncontrolling interests.  However, there are circumstances when the Company acquirespurchased 100% interests of OneChocolate Communications Limited and OneChocolate Communications LLC, PR (“OneChocolate”) a majority interestdigital marketing consultancy headquartered in London, UK, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,231, working capital of $966 and additional deferred acquisition payments with an estimated present value of $2,146. OneChocolate’s results are reflected in the selling shareholders waive their right to receive distributions with respect to their retained interest for a period of time, typically not less than five years.  Under this model,Allison & Partners operating segment which is included in the right to receive such distributions typically begins concurrently with the purchase option period and, therefore, if such option is exercised at the first available date,Specialist Communications reportable segment which had an immaterial impact on our results.
On July 1, 2018, the Company may not record any noncontrolling interest overacquired the entire period from the initialremaining 14.87% and 3% of membership interests of Doner Partners, LLC and Source Marketing LLC, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of $7,618, comprised of a closing cash payment of $3,279 and additional deferred acquisition date throughpayments with an estimated present value of $4,305 as of December 31, 2018. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of the remaining interests.
2018 Acquisitionsadditional interests acquired was $16,361 for Doner Partners LLC. The fair values were measured using a discounted cash flow model. As a result of the transaction, the Company reduced noncontrolling interest by $11,946 and redeemable noncontrolling interest by $933.
On April 2, 2018, the Company purchased 51% of the membership interests of Instrument LLC (“Instrument”), a digital creative agency based in Portland, Oregon, for an aggregate estimated purchase price of $35,591. The acquisition is expected to facilitate the Company’s growth and help to build its portfolio of modern, innovative and digital-first agencies. The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of $28,561 and the issuance of 1,011,561 shares of the Company’s Class A subordinate voting stock with an acquisition date fair value of $7,030. The Company issued these shares in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act.

The preliminary purchase price allocation for Instrument resulted in tangible assets of $10,304, identifiable intangibles of $23,130, consisting primarily of customer lists and a trade name, and goodwill of $29,514.$32,776. In addition, the Company has recorded $27,357 as the fair value of noncontrolling interests, which was derived from the Company’s purchase price less a discount related to the noncontrolling parties’ lack of control. The identified assets have a weighted average useful life of approximately six years and will be amortized in a manner represented by the pattern in which the economic benefits of such assets are expected to be realized. The goodwill is tax deductible. Instruments’ results are included in the All Other category from a segment reporting perspective. The Company has a controlling financial interest in Instrument through its majority voting interest, and as such, has aggregated the acquired Partner Firm'sFirm’s financial data into the Company's consolidated financial statements.TheCompany’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The operating results of Instrument in the current and prior year areis not material.
Effective January 1, 2018, the Company acquired the remaining 24.5% ownership interest of Allison & Partners LLC for an aggregate purchase price of $10,023, comprised of a closing cash payment of $300 and additional deferred acquisition payments with an estimated present value at the acquisition date of $9,723. The deferred payments are based on the future financial results of the underlying business from 2017 to 2020 with final payments due in 2021. As of the acquisition date, the fair value of the additional interest acquired was $20,096. The fair value was measured using a discounted cash flow model. As a result of the transaction, the Company reduced redeemable noncontrolling interests by $8,857. The difference between the purchase price and the noncontrolling interest of $1,166 was recorded in additional paid-in capital.
2017 Acquisitions
In 2017,
5. Deferred Acquisition Consideration
Deferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet consists of deferred obligations related to contingent and fixed purchase price payments, and to a lesser extent, contingent and fixed retention payments tied to continued employment of specific personnel. Contingent deferred acquisition consideration is recorded at the acquisition date fair value and adjusted at each reporting period through operating income, for contingent purchase price payments, or net interest expense, for fixed purchase price payments. The Company accounts for retention payments through operating income as stock-based compensation over the required retention period.

The following table presents changes in contingent deferred acquisition consideration, which is measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, and a reconciliation to the amounts reported on the balance sheets as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
 June 30, December 31,
 2019 2018
Beginning Balance of contingent payments$82,598
 $119,086
Payments(24,492) (54,947)
Redemption value adjustments (1)
(6,100) 3,512
Additions - acquisitions and step up transactions5,695
 14,943
Other
 4
Ending Balance of contingent payments$57,701
 $82,598
Fixed payments542
 1,097
 $58,243
 $83,695
(1) Redemption value adjustments are fair value changes from the Company’s initial estimates of deferred acquisition payments and stock-based compensation charges relating to acquisition payments that are tied to continued employment. Redemption value adjustments are recorded within cost of services sold and office and general expenses on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The following table presents the impact to the Company’s statement of operations due to the redemption value adjustments for the contingent deferred acquisition consideration:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Income (loss) attributable to fair value adjustments$2,073
 $(5,065) $(5,570) $(2,479)
Stock-based compensation(1,339) 2,321
 (530) 4,682
Redemption value adjustments$734
 $(2,744) $(6,100) $2,203

6. Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company entered into various non-material transactions in connection with certain of its majority-owned entities.adopted FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). As a result, comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under FASB ASC Topic 840, Leases. See Note 14 of the foregoing,Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information regarding the Company’s adoption of ASC 842. The policies described herein refer to those in effect as of January 1, 2019.
The Company leases office space in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Australia. This space is primarily used for office and administrative purposes by the Company’s employees in performing professional services. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2019 through 2032. Finance leases are considered to be immaterial to the Company.
The Company’s leasing policies are established in accordance with ASC 842, and accordingly, the Company made total cash closing paymentsrecognizes on the balance sheet at the time of $3,352, increased fixed deferred considerationlease commencement a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, by $7,208, reduced redeemable noncontrolling interests by $269, reduced noncontrolling interests by $11,947, and increased additional paid-in capital by $2,652. In addition, a stock-based compensation charge of $997 has been recognized representinginitially measured at the consideration paid in excess of the fairpresent value of the interest acquired.
Noncontrolling Interests
Changeslease payments. Right-of-use lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. All right-of-use assets are reviewed for impairment. As the Company’s implicit rate in its leases is not readily determinable, in determining the present value of lease payments, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date. Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability are comprised of noncancelable lease payments, payments based upon an index or rate, payments for optional renewal periods where it is reasonably certain the renewal period will be exercised, and payments for early termination options unless it is reasonably certain the lease will not be terminated early.
Lease costs are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the term of the related lease or the estimated useful life of the asset. 
Some of the Company’s ownership interestsleases contain variable lease payments, including payments based upon an index or rate. Variable lease payments based upon an index or rate are initially measured using the index or rate in effect at the lease commencement date and are included within the lease liabilities. Lease liabilities are not remeasured as a result of changes in the index or rate, rather changes in these types of payments are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. In addition, some of our less than 100% owned subsidiaries duringleases contain variable payments for utilities, insurance, real estate tax, repairs and maintenance, and other variable operating expenses. Such amounts are not included in the measurement of the lease liability and are recognized in the period when the facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based upon occur.
The Company’s leases include options to extend or renew the lease through 2040. The renewal and extension options are not included in the lease term as the Company is not reasonably certain that it will exercise its option.
From time to time, the Company enters into sublease arrangements both with unrelated third-parties and with our partner agencies. These leases are classified as operating leases and expire between years 2019 through 2023. Sublease income is recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Currently, the Company subleases office space in North America, Europe and Asia.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company has entered into an operating lease for which the commencement date has not yet occurred as this leased space is in the process of being prepared by the landlord for occupancy. Accordingly, this lease represents an obligation of the Company that is not on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019. The aggregate future liability related to the lease is approximately $6 million.
The discount rate used for leases accounted for under ASC 842 is the Company’s collateralized credit adjusted borrowing rate.

The following table presents lease costs and other quantitative information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:2019:
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and
Transfers (to) from the Noncontrolling Interests
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$3,406
 $11,253
 $(26,010) $687
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:       
Decrease in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of equity interests in excess of Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests and Noncontrolling Interests
 (11,947) (1,166) (11,947)
Net transfers from noncontrolling interests$
 $(11,947) $(1,166) $(11,947)
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests$3,406
 $(694) $(27,176) $(11,260)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2019
Lease Cost:   
Operating lease cost$17,473
 $33,914
Variable lease cost4,361
 9,325
Sublease rental income(2,590) (4,189)
Total lease cost$19,244
 $39,050
Additional information:   
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases
 
Operating cash flows$19,523
 $35,175
    
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$2,195
 $259,013
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) - Operating leases7.0
 7.0
Weighted average discount rate - Operating leases8.6
 8.6

5. Accounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities
At June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, accruals and other liabilities included accrued media of $191,152 and $207,482, respectively; and included amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders for their share of profits.

Changes in amounts due to noncontrolling interest holdersOperating lease expense is included in accruedoffice and other liabilitiesgeneral expenses in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. Lease expense for leases with a term of 12 months or less is immaterial to the Company. Rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2017three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were as follows:was $15,981 and $33,541, respectively, offset by $926 and $1,640, respectively in sublease rental income.
The following table presents minimum future rental payments under the Company’s leases at June 30, 2019 and their reconciliation to the corresponding lease liabilities:

 Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance, December 31, 2016$4,154
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests15,375
Distributions made(8,865)
Other (1)
366
Balance, December 31, 2017$11,030
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests3,442
Distributions made(8,927)
Other (1)
(716)
Balance, June 30, 2018$4,829
 Maturity Analysis
Remaining 2019$33,776
202066,425
202156,428
202245,942
202342,113
Thereafter133,823
Total378,507
Less: Present value discount(99,004)
Lease liability$279,503
(1)Other consists primarily

7. Debt
As of business acquisitions, sale of a business, step-up transactions, and cumulative translation adjustments.
At June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017, accounts payable included $28,961 and $41,989 of outstanding checks, respectively.
6. Debt
The2018, the Company’s indebtedness was comprised as follows:

June 30,
2018

December 31, 2017June 30, 2019
December 31, 2018
Revolving credit agreement$115,244
 $
$27,545
 $68,143
6.50% Notes due 2024900,000
 900,000
900,000
 900,000
Debt issuance costs(15,654) (17,587)(13,453) (14,036)
999,590
 882,413
$914,092
 $954,107
Obligations under capital leases701
 706
1,000,291
 883,119
Less: Current portion of long-term debt355
 313
$999,936
 $882,806
6.50% Notes
On March 23, 2016, MDC entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) among MDC, its existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, are co-borrowers under, or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to the issuance by MDC of $900,000 aggregate principal amount of the 6.50% Notes.senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “6.50% Notes”) . The 6.50% Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the Securities Act of 1933. The 6.50% Notes bear interest, at a rate of 6.50% per annum, accruing from March 23, 2016. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1, at a rate of each year, beginning November 1, 2016.6.50% per annum. The 6.50% Notes mature on May 1, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.50% Notes equal to approximately $880,000. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of its existing 6.75% Notes, together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge for the loss on redemption of such notes of $33,298, including write offs of unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including funding of deferred acquisition consideration.
The 6.50% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement. The 6.50% Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of MDC and rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of payment to MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively subordinated to all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of MDC’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.

MDC may, at its option, redeem the 6.50% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after May 1, 2019, (i) at a redemption price of 104.875%varying prices based on the timing of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2019, (ii) at a redemption price of 103.250% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2020, (iii) at a redemption price of 101.625% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2021, and (iv) at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on May 1, 2022 and thereafter.
Prior to May 1, 2019, MDC may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. MDC may also redeem, at its option, prior to May 1, 2019, up to 35% of the 6.50% Notes with the proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.50% of the principal amount thereof.
If MDC experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 6.50% Notes may require MDC to repurchase any 6.50% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if MDC sells assets under certain circumstances, it must apply the proceeds from such sale and offer to repurchase the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.redemption.
The Indenture includes covenants that among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from MDC’s restricted subsidiaries; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 6.50% Notes are also subject to customary events of default, including a cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provision. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2018.2019.
Interest expense primarily consists of the cost of borrowing on the Company’s currently outstanding 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “6.50% Notes”) and the Company’s $325,000 seniorCredit Agreement
The Company is party to a $250,000 secured revolving credit agreementfacility due 2021 (the “Credit Agreement“).May 3, 2021. The Company usesamounts outstanding under the effective interest method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the 6.50% Notes. The Company uses the straight-line method to amortize the deferred financing costs on the Credit Agreement. For the three and six months endedrevolving credit facility as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are presented in the table above and 2017, interest expense included $14 and $26, respectively, and $25 and $54, respectively, relating to present value adjustments for fixed deferred acquisition consideration payments.
RevolvingCredit Agreementadditional details are provided below.
On March 20, 2013, MDC,12, 2019 (the “Amendment Effective Date”), the Company, Maxxcom Inc. (a subsidiary of MDC)the Company) (“Maxxcom”) and each of their subsidiaries party thereto entered into an amended and restated, $225,000Amendment to the existing senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2018 (thefacility, dated as of May 3, 2016 (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with, among the Company, Maxxcom, each of their subsidiaries party thereto, Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent (“Wells Fargo”) and the lenders from time to time party thereto. Advances under the Credit Agreement are to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this section and not otherwise defined have
The Amendment provides financial covenant relief by increasing the meanings set forth intotal leverage ratio applicable on each testing date after the Amendment Effective Date through the period ending December 31, 2020 from 5.5:1.0 to 6.25:1.0. The total leverage ratio applicable on each testing date after December 31, 2020 will revert to 5.5:1.0.
In connection with the Amendment, the Company reduced the aggregate maximum amount of revolving commitments provided by the lenders under the Credit Agreement.
Effective October 23, 2014, MDC and its subsidiaries entered into an amendmentAgreement to its Credit Agreement. The amendment: (i) expanded the commitments under the facility by $100,000,$250 million from $225,000 to $325,000; (ii) extended the date by an additional eighteen months to September 30, 2019; (iii) reduced the base borrowing interest rate by 25 basis points (the applicable margin for borrowing is 1.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans); and (iv) modified certain covenants to provide the Company with increased flexibility to fund its continued growth and other general corporate purposes.
Effective May 3, 2016, MDC and its subsidiaries entered into an additional amendment to its Credit Agreement. The amendment: (i) extends the date by an additional nineteen months to May 3, 2021; (ii) reduces the base borrowing interest rate by 25 basis points; (iii) provides the Company the ability to borrow in foreign currencies; and (iv) certain other modifications to provide additional flexibility in operating the Company’s business.$325 million.
Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) LIBOR Rate Loans bear interest at the LIBOR Rate and (ii) Base Rate Loans bear interest at the Base Rate, plus (b) an applicable margin. The initial applicable margin for borrowing is 1.50%0.75% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75%1.50% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, MDC is required to pay an unused revolver fee to lenders under the Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.
The Credit Agreement, which includes financial and non-financial covenants, is guaranteed by substantially all of MDC’s present and future subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries and subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s abilityexceptions and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; impose limitations on dividends or other amounts from MDC’s subsidiaries; incur certain liens, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially allcollateralized by a portion of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Credit Agreement also contains financial

covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum earnings level (each as more fully described in the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default.
outstanding receivable balance. The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of its Credit Agreement, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with the covenants over the next twelve months. At June 30, 2018, there were $115,244 borrowings under the Credit Agreement.
At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had issued $5,248 of undrawn outstanding letters of credit.credit of $4,744 and $4,701, respectively.

7.
8. Share Capital
The Company’s issuedauthorized and outstanding share capital of the Company is as follows:
Series 46 Convertible Preference Shares
On March 14, 2019 (the “Series 6 Issue Date”), the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with Stagwell Agency Holdings LLC (“Stagwell Holdings”), an affiliate of Stagwell Group LLC (“Stagwell”), pursuant to which Stagwell Holdings agreed to purchase, (i) 14,285,714 newly authorized Class A totalshares (the “Stagwell Class A Shares”) for an aggregate contractual purchase price of 95,000, non-voting$50,000 and (ii) 50,000 newly authorized Series 6 convertible preference shares all(“Series 6 Preference Shares”) for an aggregate contractual purchase price of $50 million. The Company received proceeds of approximately $98,620, net of fees and estimated expenses, which were issuedprimarily used to pay down existing debt under the Company’s credit facility and outstandingfor general corporate purposes. The proceeds allocated to the Stagwell Class A Shares were $35,997 and to Series 6 Preference Shares were $62,623 based on their relative fair value calculated by utilizing a Monte Carlo Simulation model. In connection with the closing of the transaction, the Company increased the size of its Board and appointed one nominee designated by the Purchaser. Except as required by law, the Series 6 Preference Shares do not have voting rights and are not redeemable at the option of the Purchaser.
The holders of the Series 6 Preference Shares have the right to convert their Series 6 Preference Shares in whole at any time and from time to time, and in part at any time and from time to time, into a number of Class A Shares equal to the then-applicable liquidation preference divided by the applicable conversion price at such time (the “Conversion Price”). The initial liquidation per share preference of each Series 6 Preference Share is $1,000. The initial Conversion Price is $5.00 per Series 6 Preference Share, subject to customary adjustments for share splits and combinations, dividends, recapitalizations and other matters, including weighted average anti-dilution protection for certain issuances of equity or equity-linked securities.
The Series 6 Preference Shares’ liquidation preference accretes at 8.0% per annum, compounded quarterly until the five-year anniversary of the Series 6 Issue Date. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Series 6 Preference Shares accreted at a monthly rate of $6.69, for total accretion of $1,193, bringing the aggregate liquidation preference to $51,193 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.2019. The accretion is considered in the calculation of net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders. See Note 83 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information.information regarding the Series 6 Preference Shares.
Holders of the Series 6 Preference Shares are entitled to dividends in an amount equal to any dividends that would otherwise have been payable on the Class A Shares issued upon conversion of the Series 6 Preference Shares. The Series 6 Preference Shares are convertible at the Company’s option (i) on and after the two-year anniversary of the Series 6 Issue Date, if the closing trading price of the Class A Shares over a specified period prior to conversion is at least 125% of the Conversion Price or (ii) after the fifth anniversary of the Issue Date, if the closing trading price of the Class A Shares over a specified period prior to conversion is at least equal to the Conversion Price.
Following certain change in control transactions of the Company in which holders of Series 6 Preference Shares are not entitled to receive cash or qualifying listed securities with a value at least equal to the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (i) holders will be entitled to cash dividends on the liquidation preference at an increasing rate (beginning at 7%), and (ii) the Company will have a right to redeem the Series 6 Preference Shares for cash at the greater of their liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends or their as-converted value.

Effective March 18, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) appointed Mark Penn as the Chief Executive Officer and as a director of the Board. Mr. Penn is manager of Stagwell. Effective April 18, 2019, Mr. Penn was also appointed as Chairman of the Board.

Series 4 Convertible Preference Shares
On March 7, 2017 (the “Series 4 Issue Date”), the Company issued 95,000 newly created Preference Shares (“Series 4 Preference Shares”) to affiliates of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (collectively, the “Purchaser”) pursuant to a $95,000 private placement. The Company received proceeds of approximately $90,123, net of fees and estimated expenses, which were primarily used to pay down existing debt under the Company’s credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the closing of the transaction, the Company increased the size of its Board and appointed one nominee designated by the Purchaser. Except as required by law, the Series 4 Preference Shares do not have voting rights and are not redeemable at the option of the Purchaser.
Subsequent to the ninetieth day following the Series 4 Issue Date, the holders of the Series 4 Preference Shares have the right to convert their Series 4 Preference Shares in whole at any time and from time to time and in part at any time and from time to time into a number of Class A Shares equal to the then-applicable liquidation preference divided by the applicable conversion

price at such time (the “Conversion Price”). The initial liquidation per share preference of each Series 4 Preference Share is $1,000. The Conversion Price of a Series 4 Preference Share is subject to customary adjustments for share splits and combinations, dividends, recapitalizations and other matters, including weighted average anti-dilution protection for certain issuances of equity or equity-linked securities. In connection with the anti-dilution protection provision triggered by the issuance of equity securities to Stagwell, the Conversion Price per Series 4 Preference Share was reduced to $7.42 from the initial Conversion Price of $10.00.
The Series 4 Preference Shares’ liquidation preference accretes at 8.0% per annum, compounded quarterly until the five-year anniversary of the Series 4 Issue Date. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Series 4 Preference Shares accreted at a monthly rate of approximately $7.85 per Series 4 Preference Share, for total accretion of $4,432, bringing the aggregate liquidation preference to $114,139 as of June 30, 2019. The accretion is considered in the calculation of net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders. See Note 3 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information regarding the Series 4 Preference Shares.
Holders of the Series 4 Preference Shares are entitled to dividends in an amount equal to any dividends that would otherwise have been payable on the Class A Shares issued upon conversion of the Series 4 Preference Shares. The Series 4 Preference Shares are convertible at the Company’s option (i) on and after the two-year anniversary of the Issue Date, if the closing trading price of the Class A Shares over a specified period prior to conversion is at least 125% of the Conversion Price or (ii) after the fifth anniversary of the Series 4 Issue Date, if the closing trading price of the Class A Shares over a specified period prior to conversion is at least equal to the Conversion Price.
Following certain change in control transactions of the Company in which holders of Series 4 Preference Shares are not entitled to receive cash or qualifying listed securities with a value at least equal to the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (i) holders will be entitled to cash dividends on the liquidation preference at an increasing rate (beginning at 7%), and (ii) the Company will have a right to redeem the Series 4 Preference Shares for cash at the greater of their liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends or their as-converted value.
Class A Common Shares (“Class A Shares”)
An unlimited number of subordinate voting shares, carrying one vote each, entitled to dividends equal to or greater than Class B Shares, convertible at the option of the holder into one Class B Share for each Class A Share after the occurrence of certain events related to an offer to purchase all Class B shares. There were 57,450,27371,943,994 (including the Class A Shares issued to Stagwell) and 56,371,37657,517,568 Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively.
 On June 6, 2018, the Company’s shareholders approved additional authorized Class A Shares of 1,250,000 to be added to the Company’s 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, for a total of 2,750,000 authorized Class A Shares under the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan.
Class B Common Shares (“Class B Shares”)
An unlimited number of voting shares, carrying 20twenty votes each, convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one Class A share for each Class B share. There were 3,749 and 3,755 Class B Shares issued and outstanding as of June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018, respectively.
8. Convertible Preference Shares
On March 7, 2017 (the “Issue Date”),9. Noncontrolling and Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company issued 95,000 newly created Preference Sharesmay enter into agreements that give the Company an option to affiliates of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (collectively,purchase, or require the “Purchaser”) pursuantCompany to a $95,000 private placement. The Company received proceeds of approximately $90,123, net of fees and estimated expenses, which were primarily usedpurchase, the incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances. Where the option to pay down existing debt underpurchase the incremental ownership is within the Company’s credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In connection withcontrol, the closingamounts are recorded as noncontrolling interests in the equity section of the transaction, effective March 7, 2017,Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Where the incremental purchase may be required of the Company, increased the sizeamounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity at their estimated acquisition date redemption value and adjusted at each reporting period for changes to their estimated redemption value through additional paid-in capital (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. On occasion, the Company may initiate a renegotiation to acquire an incremental ownership interest and the amount of its Board of Directors (the “Board”)consideration paid may differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Noncontrolling Interests
Changes in amounts due to seven members and appointed one nominee designated by the Purchaser. Except as required by law, the Preference Shares do not have voting rights, and are not redeemable at the option of the Purchaser.
Thenoncontrolling interest holders of the Preference Shares have the right to convert their Preference Sharesincluded in whole at any time and from time to time, and in part at any time and from time to time after the ninetieth day following the original issuance date of the Preference Shares, into a number of Class A Shares equal to the then-applicable liquidation preference divided by the applicable conversion price at such time (the “Conversion Price”). The initial liquidation per share preference of each Preference Share is $1,000. The initial Conversion Price will be $10.00 per Preference Share, subject to customary adjustments for share splits and combinations, dividends, recapitalizationsaccruals and other matters, including weighted average anti-dilution protectionliabilities on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for certain issuances of equity or equity-linked securities.
The Preference Shares’ liquidation preference accretes at 8.0% per annum, compounded quarterly until the five-year anniversary of the Issue Date. During theyear ended December 31, 2018 and six months ended June 30, 2019 were as follows:
 Noncontrolling
Interests
Balance, December 31, 2017$11,030
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests11,785
Distributions made(13,419)
Other (1)
(118)
Balance, December 31, 2018$9,278
Income attributable to noncontrolling interests3,472
Distributions made(7,957)
Other (1)
25
Balance, June 30, 2019$4,818
(1)Other consists of cumulative translation adjustments.
Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in our less than 100% owned subsidiaries during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$4,290
 $3,406
 $4,177
 $(26,010)
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:       
Decrease in MDC Partners Inc. paid-in capital for purchase of equity interests in excess of redeemable noncontrolling interests and noncontrolling interests(97) 
 (97) (1,166)
Net transfers from noncontrolling interests$(97) $
 $(97) $(1,166)
Change from net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. and transfers to noncontrolling interests$4,193
 $3,406
 $4,080
 $(27,176)
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The following table presents changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests:
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018
Beginning Balance$51,546
 $62,886
Redemptions(9,486) (11,943)
Granted
 
Changes in redemption value421
 1,067
Currency translation adjustments154
 (464)
Ending Balance$42,635
 $51,546
The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to exercise any such option right is subject to the Preference Shares accretedsatisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise and specific employment termination conditions. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during 2019 to 2024. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a monthly rateportion of approximately $7.25 per Preference Share, for total accretionthese rights.
The redeemable noncontrolling interest of $4,095, bringing the aggregate liquidation preference to $105,447$42,635 as of June 30, 2018. The accretion is considered2019, consists of $19,158 assuming that the subsidiaries perform over the relevant future periods at their discounted cash flows earnings level and such rights are exercised, $19,926 upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death and $3,551 representing the initial redemption

value (required floor) recorded for certain acquisitions in excess of the amount the Company would have to pay should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests for such subsidiaries.
These adjustments will not impact the calculation of net incomeearnings (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders. See Note 3 ofper share if the Notes toredemption values are less than the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information.
Holders ofestimated fair values. For the Preference Shares are entitled to dividends in an amount equal to any dividends that would otherwise have been payablethree months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, there was no related impact on the Class A Shares issued upon conversion of the Preference Shares. The Preference Shares are convertible at the Company’s option (i) on and after the two-year anniversary of the Issue Date, if the closing trading price of the Class A Shares over a specified period prior to conversion is at least 125% of the Conversion Price or (ii) after the fifth anniversary of the Issue Date, if the closing trading price of the Class A Shares over a specified period prior to conversion is at least equal to the Conversion Price.

Following certain change in control transactions of the Company in which holders of Preference Shares are not entitled to receive cash or qualifying listed securities with a value at least equal to the liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends, (i) holders will be entitled to cash dividends on the liquidation preference at an increasing rate (beginning at 7%), and (ii) the Company will have a right to redeem the Preference Shares for cash at the greater of their liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends or their as-converted value.loss per share calculation.  
9.
10. Fair Value Measurements
Authoritative guidance for fair value establishes a framework for measuring fair value. A fair value measurement assumes a transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
In order to increase consistency and comparability indetermining fair value, measurements, the guidance establishes aCompany utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. The hierarchy for observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels which are described below: 
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs.
Level 2 - Observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs.
In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.
Financial Liabilities that are not Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents certain information for our financial liability that is not measured at fair value on a non-recurringrecurring basis at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:
June 30, 2018
December 31, 2017June 30, 2019
December 31, 2018
Carrying
Amount

Fair Value
Carrying
Amount

Fair ValueCarrying
Amount

Fair Value
Carrying
Amount

Fair Value
Liabilities: 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 
6.50% Senior Notes due 2024$900,000
 $787,500
 $900,000
 $904,500
$900,000
 $823,500
 $900,000
 $834,750
Our long-term debt includes fixed rate debt. The fair value of this instrument is based on quoted market prices.prices in markets that are not active. Therefore, this debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
Financial Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents changes inContingent deferred acquisition consideration which is measured at fair value on a recurring basis, at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 June 30,
December 31,
 2018
2017
Beginning balance of contingent payments$119,086

$224,754
Payments (1)
(48,586)
(110,234)
Additions (2)
9,723


Redemption value adjustments (3)
2,203

3,273
Foreign translation adjustment(62)
1,293
Ending balance of contingent payments$82,364

$119,086
(1)For the year ended December 31, 2017, payments include $28,727 of deferred acquisition consideration settled through the issuance of 3,353,939 MDC Class A subordinate voting shares, respectively, in lieu of cash.
(2)Additions are the initial estimated deferred acquisition payments of new acquisitions and step-up transactions completed within that fiscal period. See Note 4.
(3)Redemption value adjustments are fair value changes from the Company’s initial estimates of deferred acquisition payments, including the accretion of present value and stock-based compensation charges relating to acquisition payments

that are tied to continued employment.
In addition to the above amounts, there are fixed payments of $1,343 and $3,340 for total deferred acquisition consideration of $83,707 and $122,426, which reconciles to the consolidated balance sheets at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Effective January 1, 2018, as a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-15, the Company includes payments of deferred acquisition consideration relating to the liability initially recognized at the acquisition date in financing activities, and any changes as an operating activities in the Company’s consolidated statement of cash flows. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information.
Level 3 payments relate to payments made for deferred acquisition consideration. Level 3 grants relate to contingent purchase price obligations related to acquisitions and are recorded on the balance sheet at the acquisition date fair value.value and adjusted at each reporting period. The estimated liability is determined in accordance with various contractual valuation formulas that may be dependent onupon future events, such as the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during the contractual period and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate as of the date of payment. Level 3 redemption value adjustments relatepayment (Level 3). See Note 5 of the Notes to the remeasurement and change in these various contractual valuation formulas as well as adjustments of present value.Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information regarding contingent deferred acquisition consideration.
At June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, the carrying amount of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximated fair value because of their short-term maturity. The Company does not disclose the fair value for equity method investments or investments held at cost as it is not practical to estimate fair value since there is no readily available market data.
Non-financial Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
OnCertain non-financial assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, the Company usesprimarily goodwill and intangible assets (a Level 3 fair value measures when analyzing assetassessment). Accordingly, these assets are not measured and adjusted to fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to periodic evaluations for potential impairment. Long-lived assets and certain identifiableThe Company did not recognize an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined such indicators are present and the review indicates that the assets will not be fully recoverable, based on undiscounted estimated cash flows over the remaining amortization periods, their carrying values are reduced to estimated fair value. Measurements based on undiscounted cash flows are considered to be Level 3 inputs. During the fourth quarter of each year, the Company evaluates goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment at the reporting unit level. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company performed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation noting that certain reporting units' fair value exceeded their carrying value by a minimal percentage. For each acquisition, the Company performed a detailed review to identify intangible assets and a valuation is performed for all such identified assets. The Company used several market participant measurements to determine estimated value. This approach includes consideration of similar and recent transactions, as well as utilizing discounted expected cash flow methodologies. The amounts allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisitions were determined using Level 3 inputs. Fair value for propertythree and equipment was based on other observable transactions for similar property and equipment. Accounts receivable represents the best estimate of balances that will ultimately be collected, which is based in part on allowance for doubtful accounts reserve criteria and an evaluation of the specific receivable balances.six months ended June 30, 2019 or June 30, 2018

10.11. Supplemental Information
Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsAccounts Payable, Accruals and Other Liabilities
ManyAt June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, accruals and other liabilities included accrued media of the Company’s acquisitions include contractual arrangements where the$151,143 and $180,586, respectively; and also included amounts due to noncontrolling shareholders have an option to purchase, or may require the Company to purchase, such noncontrolling shareholders’ incremental ownership interests under certain circumstances and the Company has similar call options under the same contractual terms. The amountinterest holders for their share of consideration under these contractual arrangements is not a fixed amount, but rather is dependent upon various valuation formulas as described inprofits. See Note 129 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. Inherein for additional information regarding noncontrolling interest holders share of profits.

Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles
Goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets (trademarks) acquired as a result of a business combination which are not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually as of October 1st of each year, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. For goodwill, impairment is assessed at the event that an incremental purchase may be requiredreporting unit level. Goodwill balances as of the Company, the amounts are recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in mezzanine equity on the balance sheet at their acquisition date fair value and adjusted for changes to their estimated redemption value through additional paid-in capital (but not less than their initial redemption value), except for foreign currency translation adjustments. These adjustments will not impact the calculation of earnings (loss) per share if the redemption values are less than the estimated fair values. For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, were $743,582 and 2017, there was no related impact on the Company’s loss per share calculation.  
The following table presents changes in redeemable noncontrolling interests:$740,955, respectively.

 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Year Ended December 31, 2017
Beginning Balance$62,886
 $60,180
Redemptions(8,858) (910)
Granted
 1,666
Changes in redemption value2,062
 1,498
Currency translation adjustments(360) 452
Ending Balance$55,730
 $62,886
Income Taxes
Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items arising in the quarter. Our 2018 estimated annual effective tax rate of 24.7% differs from the Canadian statutory rate of 26.5% primarily due to exclusion of income attributable to minority interest from the annual forecasted income as well as foreign tax credits generated during the quarter, partially offset by U.S. federal tax impact of Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (GILTI) inclusion and Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT).interim periods.
On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted into law and the new legislation contains several key tax provisions, including a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company is required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment, which required the Company to re-measure its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities and to reassess the net realizability of its deferred tax assets and liabilities. In December 2017, the SEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”), which allows the Company to record provisional amounts during a measurement period not to extend beyond one year from the enactment date. The Company recorded a provisional tax expense of $26,674 at year-end related to re-measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to change in corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The Company recorded no tax expense related to transition tax.
The Act created a new requirement that Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (i.e., GILTI) earned by controlled foreign corporations (CFCs) must be included currently in the gross income of the CFCs’ U.S. shareholder. GILTI is the excess of the shareholder’s “net CFC tested income” over the net deemed tangible income return (the “routine return”), which is defined as the excess of (1) 10% of the aggregate of the U.S. shareholder’s pro rata share of the qualified business asset investment (QBAI) of each CFC with respect to which it is a U.S. shareholder over (2) the amount of certain interest expense taken into account in the determination of net CFC-tested income. A deduction is permitted to a domestic corporation in an amount up to 50% of the sum of the GILTI inclusion and the amount treated as a dividend because the corporation has claimed a foreign tax credit (FTC) as a result of the inclusion of the GILTI amount in income.
The Company has included the impact of GILTI in the determination of its annual effective tax rate. The Company is still reviewing the GILTI provisions and analyzing the deferred tax implications. The Company continues to evaluate additional guidance provided by tax authorities as well as expected issuance of additional guidance and as such has not made a policy election on whether to record tax effects of GILTI as a period expense or to record deferred tax assets and liabilities on basis differences that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion upon reversal.
During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, the Company has been evaluating the application of the provisions of the Act as well as additional guidance provided by the tax authorities during the period. In addition, the Company is anticipating additional guidance from tax authorities and does not have a better estimate of the impact of the Act on its provisional estimate. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded an adjustment to its provisional estimate during the period. The Company expects to complete its analysis within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was 24.8% compared to 26.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of 1.8%. Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 was $1,977$2,088 (on income of $9,215 resulting in an effective tax rate of 22.7%) compared to $4,641an expense of $1,977 (on income of $7,956 resulting in an effective tax rate of 24.8%) for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $2,665.2018. The variancechange in the effective tax rate year over year was primarily driven by certain discrete items in the current and prior period related to the remeasurementjurisdictional mix of earnings.  
Income tax balances as well as the benefit of U.S. losses which are no longer subject to a valuation allowance.
The Company’s effective tax rateexpense for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 was 21.9%$2,835 (on income of $10,195 resulting in an effective tax rate of 27.8%) compared to 72.4%a benefit of $6,353 (on a loss of $28,979 resulting in an effective tax rate of 21.9%) for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of 50.5%. Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $6,353 million compared to an expense of $8,610 for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $14,963.2018. The variancechange in the effective tax expense year over yearrate was primarily driven by certain discrete items in the current and prior period related to the remeasurementjurisdictional mix of tax balances. In the prior year, the Company also recorded a valuation allowance against its U.S. income, which was released in the fourth quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate in the current year also includes the benefit of U.S. losses which are no longer subject to a valuation allowance.earnings.

Other Income
The following table presents the components of Other, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2017:
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Other income$592
 $150
 $1,033
 $278
Foreign currency transaction (loss) gain(6,549) 6,446
 (13,209) 8,885
Other, net$(5,957) $6,596
 $(12,176) $9,163
11.12. Segment Information
The Company determines an operating segment if a component (i) engages in business activities from which it earns revenues and incurs expenses, (ii) has discrete financial information, and is (iii) regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to make decisions regarding resource allocation for the segment and assess its performance. Once operating segments are identified, the Company performs an analysis to determine if aggregation of operating segments is applicable. This determination is based upon a quantitative analysis of the expected and historic average long-term profitability for each operating segment, together with a qualitative assessment to determine if operating segments have similar operating characteristics.
Due to changes in the composition of certain business and the Company’s internal management and reporting structure during 2018,2019, reportable segment results for the 2018 periods presented prior to the second quarter of 2018 have been recast to reflect the reclassification of certain businesses between segments. The changes were as follows:
Source Marketing,Doner, previously within the All Other category, is included within the Doner operating segment, which is aggregated into the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment
Yamamoto, previously within the All Other category, was operationally merged with Civilian and is now included within the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segmentsegment.
Bruce Mau Design, Hello DesignHL Group Partners, previously within the Specialist Communications reportable segment, and Northstar Research Partners,Redscout, previously within the All Other category, and Varick Media Management,are now included in the Yes & Company operating segment. The Yes & Company operating segment previously within the Media Services reportable segment wereis now included into a newly-formedwithin the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment.
Attention, previously within the Forsman & Bodenfors operating segment Yes & Company,has operationally merged into MDC Media Partners, which is aggregatedincluded within the Media Services reportable segmentsegment.
The four reportable segments that result from applying the aggregation criteria are as follows: “Global Integrated Agencies”; “Domestic Creative Agencies”; “Specialist Communications”; and “Media Services.” In addition, the Company combines and discloses those operating segments that do not meet the aggregation criteria as “All Other.” The Company also reports corporate expenses, as further detailed below, as “Corporate.” All segments follow the same basis of presentation and accounting policies as those described throughout the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein and Note 2 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018.
The Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment is comprised of the Company’s sixfour global, integrated operating segments with broad marketing communication capabilities, including advertising, branding, digital, social media, design(72andSunny, Anomaly, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, and production services,Forsman & Bodenfors) serving multinational clients around the world. The Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment includes 72andSunny, Anomaly, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Doner, Forsman & Bodenfors, and kbs+. These operating segments share similar characteristics related to (i) the nature of their services; (ii) the type of global clients and the methods used to provide services; and (iii) the extent to which they may be impacted by global economic and geopolitical risks. In addition, these operating segments compete with each other for new business and from time to time have business move between them. The Company believes the historic and expected average long-term profitability is similar among the operating segments aggregated in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment.
The operating segments within the Global Integrated Agenciesreportable segment provides a range of different services for its clients, including strategy, creative and production for advertising campaigns across a variety of platforms (print, digital, social media, television broadcast).

The Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment is comprised of fiveseven operating segments that are primarily national advertising agencies (Colle + McVoy, Doner, Laird + Partners, Mono Advertising, Union, Yamamoto, and Yes & Company) leveraging creative capabilities at their core. The Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment includes, Colle + McVoy, Laird + Partners, Mono Advertising, Union and Yamamoto. These operating segments share similar characteristics related to (i) the nature of their creative advertising services; (ii) the type of domestic client accounts and the methods used to provide services; and (iii) the extent to which they may be impacted by domestic economic and policy factors within North America. In addition, these operating segments compete with each other for new business and from time to time have business move between them. The Company believes the historic and expected average long-

term profitability is similar among the operating segments aggregated in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment.
The operating segments within the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment provide similar services as the Global Integrated Agencies.

The Specialist Communications reportable segment is comprised of sevenfour operating segments that are each communications agencies (Allison & Partners, Hunter, KWT Global, and Veritas) with core service offerings in public relations and related communications services. The Specialist Communications reportable segment includes Allison & Partners, HL Group Partners, Hunter PR, Kwittken, Luntz Global, Sloane & Company and Veritas. These operating segments share similar characteristics related to (i) the nature of their public relations and communication services, including content creation, social media and influencer marketing;services; (ii) the type of client accounts and the methods used to provide services; (iii) the extent to which they may be impacted by domestic economic and policy factors within North America; and (iv) the regulatory environment regarding public relations and social media. In addition, these operating segments compete with each other for new business and from time to time have business move between them. The Company believes the historic and expected average long-term profitability is similar among the operating segments aggregated in the Specialist Communications reportable segment.
The operating segments within the Specialist Communications reportable segment provide public relations and communications services including strategy, editorial, crisis support or issues management, media training, influencer engagement, and events management.

The Media Services reportable segment is comprised of twoa single operating segments,segment known as MDC Media Partners. MDC Media Partners, and Yes & Company. These operating segments performwhich operates primarily in North America, performs media buying and planning as their core competency and provide other services, including influencer marketing, content, insights & analytics, out-of-home,across a range of platforms (out-of-home, paid search, social media, lead generation, programmatic, artificial intelligence, and corporate barter.television broadcast).
All Other consists of the Company’s remaining operating segments that provide a range of diverse marketing communication services, but generally do not have similar services offerings or financial characteristics as those aggregated in the reportable segments. The All Other category includes 6Degrees Communications, Concentric Partners, Gale Partners, Kenna, Kingsdale (through the date of sale on March 8, 2019), Instrument, Redscout, Relevent, Team, Vitro, and Y Media Labs. The nature of the specialist services provided by these operating segments vary among each other and from those operating segments aggregated into the reportable segments. This results in these operating segments having current and long-term performance expectations inconsistent with those operating segments aggregated in the reportable segments. The operating segments within All Other provide a range of diverse marketing communication services, including application and website design and development, data and analytics, experiential marketing, customer research management, creative services, and branding.
Corporate consists of corporate office expenses incurred in connection with the strategic resources provided to the operating segments, as well as certain other centrally managed expenses that are not fully allocated to the operating segments. These office and general expenses include (i) salaries and related expenses for corporate office employees, including employees dedicated to supporting the operating segments, (ii) occupancy expenses relating to properties occupied by all corporate office employees, (iii) other office and general expenses including professional fees for the financial statement audits and other public company costs, and (iv) certain other professional fees managed by the corporate office. Additional expenses managed by the corporate office that are directly related to the operating segments are allocated to the appropriate reportable segment and the All Other category.

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue:       
Global Integrated Agencies$154,368
 $158,163
 $284,087
 $287,686
Domestic Creative Agencies65,193
 72,971
 132,201
 139,625
Specialist Communication47,170
 40,304
 86,123
 79,128
Media Services21,331
 21,398
 41,510
 46,082
All Other74,068
 86,907
 147,000
 154,190
Total$362,130
 $379,743
 $690,921
 $706,711
        
Segment operating income (loss):       
Global Integrated Agencies$20,720
 $18,352
 $24,491
 $4,760
Domestic Creative Agencies8,730
 5,077
 14,207
 7,955
Specialist Communication6,683
 6,216
 13,760
 9,944
Media Services991
 (1,719) (843) (1,738)
All Other2,949
 15,986
 8,962
 22,430
Corporate(16,631) (13,140) (21,454) (27,212)
Total$23,442
 $30,772
 $39,123
 $16,139
        
Other Income (Expenses):       
Interest expense and finance charges, net$(16,413) $(16,859) $(33,174) $(32,942)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)2,932
 (6,549) 8,374
 (13,209)
Other, net(746) 592
 (4,128) 1,033
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates9,215
 7,956
 10,195
 (28,979)
Income tax expense (benefit)2,088
 1,977
 2,835
 (6,353)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates7,127
 5,979
 7,360
 (22,626)
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates206
 (28) 289
 58
Net income (loss)7,333
 5,951
 7,649
 (22,568)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest(3,043) (2,545) (3,472) (3,442)
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$4,290
 $3,406
 $4,177
 $(26,010)




 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenue:       
Global Integrated Agencies$182,607
 $209,090
 $332,962
 $388,316
Domestic Creative Agencies26,388
 25,486
 50,705
 49,229
Specialist Communications43,938
 44,116
 87,088
 84,800
Media Services33,293
 42,648
 69,438
 83,893
All Other93,517
 69,192
 166,518
 128,994
Total$379,743
 $390,532
 $706,711
 $735,232
        
Operating profit (loss):       
Global Integrated Agencies$19,227
 $13,811
 $3,466
 $13,172
Domestic Creative Agencies4,993
 4,959
 8,919
 8,784
Specialist Communications5,767
 4,300
 9,794
 8,648
Media Services(1,183) 3,955
 (980) 6,614
All Other15,108
 9,044
 22,152
 15,819
Corporate(13,140) (9,688) (27,212) (18,257)
Total$30,772
 $26,381
 $16,139
 $34,780
        
Other income (expense):       
Other (expense) income, net(5,957) 6,596
 (12,176) 9,163
Interest expense and finance charges, net(16,859) (15,510) (32,942) (32,051)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates7,956
 17,467
 (28,979) 11,892
Income tax expense (benefit)1,977
 4,641
 (6,353) 8,610
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates5,979
 12,826
 (22,626) 3,282
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates(28) 641
 58
 502
Net income (loss)5,951
 13,467
 (22,568) 3,784
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest(2,545) (2,214) (3,442) (3,097)
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$3,406
 $11,253
 $(26,010) $687
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Depreciation and amortization:       
Global Integrated Agencies$4,437
 $4,743
 $8,502
 $12,152
Domestic Creative Agencies1,547
 1,281
 2,786
 2,574
Specialist Communication698
 992
 1,265
 1,959
Media Services794
 635
 1,485
 1,273
All Other2,966
 3,892
 5,025
 5,736
Corporate221
 160
 438
 384
Total$10,663
 $11,703
 $19,501
 $24,078
        
Stock-based compensation:       
Global Integrated Agencies$1,232
 $2,475
 $4,999
 $4,935
Domestic Creative Agencies522
 1,097
 986
 1,507
Specialist Communication52
 52
 78
 239
Media Services(16) 74
 (16) 149
All Other652
 684
 940
 1,341
Corporate1,192
 1,221
 (381) 2,469
Total$3,634
 $5,603
 $6,606
 $10,640
        
Capital expenditures:       
Global Integrated Agencies$1,816
 $2,411
 $3,234
 $4,654
Domestic Creative Agencies369
 569
 1,063
 1,473
Specialist Communication231
 2,208
 482
 2,443
Media Services126
 131
 167
 315
All Other1,757
 547
 2,958
 772
Corporate18
 24
 19
 32
Total$4,317
 $5,890
 $7,923
 $9,689


 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Depreciation and amortization:       
Global Integrated Agencies$5,329
 $5,587
 $13,345
 $11,548
Domestic Creative Agencies396
 403
 789
 797
Specialist Communications1,027
 1,221
 2,029
 2,437
Media Services767
 1,112
 1,534
 2,221
All Other4,024
 2,144
 5,997
 4,053
Corporate160
 299
 384
 608
Total$11,703
 $10,766
 $24,078
 $21,664
        
Stock-based compensation:       
Global Integrated Agencies$2,585
 $3,080
 $5,132
 $6,070
Domestic Creative Agencies610
 181
 770
 346
Specialist Communications163
 1,087
 499
 1,605
Media Services85
 165
 170
 335
All Other939
 509
 1,600
 1,012
Corporate1,221
 518
 2,469
 1,122
Total$5,603
 $5,540
 $10,640
 $10,490
        
Capital expenditures:       
Global Integrated Agencies$2,620
 $8,788
 $5,457
 $15,696
Domestic Creative Agencies269
 300
 489
 613
Specialist Communications2,225
 175
 2,465
 467
Media Services185
 298
 418
 1,799
All Other567
 2,180
 828
 2,578
Corporate24
 2
 32
 3
Total$5,890
 $11,743
 $9,689
 $21,156
The Company’s CODM does not use segment assets to allocate resources or to assess performance of the segments and therefore, total segment assets have not been disclosed.
See Note 2 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for a summary of the Company’s revenue by geographic region for three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017.2018.

12.13. Commitments, Contingencies, and Guarantees
Legal Proceedings. The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration.Consideration and Options to Purchase. In addition to the consideration paid by the Company in respect of certain of its acquisitions at closing, additional consideration may be payable, or may be potentially payable based on the achievement of certain threshold levels of earnings. See Notes 45 and 9 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information.
Options to Purchase. Noncontrolling shareholders in certain subsidiaries haveinformation regarding potential payments associated with deferred acquisition consideration and the right in certain circumstances to require the Company to acquire the remaining ownership interests held by them. Theacquisition of noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to exercise any such option right is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring noticeownership interest in advance of exercise and specific employment termination conditions. In addition, these rights cannot be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligations of the Company to fund the related amounts during 2018 to 2023. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.subsidiaries.
The amount payable by the Company in the event such rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earnings of the relevant subsidiary through the date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.

Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at June 30, 2018, perform over the relevant future periods at their trailing twelve-month earnings levels, that these rights, if all exercised, could require the Company, to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $13,330 to the owners of such rights in future periods to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $154 by the issuance of share capital.
In addition, the Company is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $37,003 only upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death.
The amount the Company would be required to pay to the noncontrolling interest holders should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests is $5,397 less than the initial redemption value recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests.
Included in redeemable noncontrolling interests at June 30, 2018 was $55,730 of these put options because they are not within the control of the Company. The ultimate amount payable relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when these rights are exercised.
Natural Disasters. Certain of the Company’s operations are located in regions of the United States which typically are subject to hurricanes. During the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018 these operations did not incur any material costs related to damages resulting from hurricanes.
Guarantees. Generally, the Company has indemnified the purchasers of certain assets in the event that a third party asserts a claim against the purchaser that relates to a liability retained by the Company. These types of indemnification guarantees typically

extend for a number of years. Historically, the Company has not made any significant indemnification payments under such agreements and no amount has been accrued in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification guarantees. The Company continues to monitor the conditions that are subject to guarantees and indemnifications to identify whether it is probable that a loss has occurred and would recognize any such losses under any guarantees or indemnifications in the period when those losses are probable and estimable.
Legal Proceedings. The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition or results of operations of the Company. In addition, the Company is involved in class action suits as described below.
Dismissal of Class Action Litigation in Canada. On August 7, 2015, Roberto Paniccia issued a Statement of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the City of Brantford, Ontario seeking to certify a class action suit naming the following as defendants: MDC, former CEO Miles S. Nadal, former CAO Michael C. Sabatino, CFO David Doft and BDO U.S.A. LLP. The Plaintiff alleged violations of section 138.1 of the Ontario Securities Act (and equivalent legislation in other Canadian provinces and territories) as well as common law misrepresentation based on allegedly materially false and misleading statements in the Company’s public statements, as well as omitting to disclose material facts with respect to the SEC investigation. On June 4, 2018, the Court dismissed (with costs) the putative class members’ motion for leave to proceed with the Plaintiff’s claims for misrepresentations of material facts pursuant to the Ontario Securities Act. Following the Court’s decision, on June 18, 2018, the Plaintiff, MDC and each of the other defendants consented to the dismissal of the action with prejudice (and without costs), subject to the Court’s formal approval.
Antitrust Subpoena. In 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiary agencies received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division (the “DOJ”) concerning the DOJ’s ongoing investigation of production bidding practices in the advertising industry. The Company and its subsidiary are fully cooperating with this confidential investigation. Specifically, the Company and its subsidiary are providing information and engaging in discussions with the DOJ, including preliminary discussions regarding the feasibility of a potential settlement with the DOJ. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing of any settlement or that a settlement will be reached on any particular terms or at all. Moreover, the DOJ may determine to expand the scope of its investigation or initiate a proceeding to bring charges against our subsidiary or one or more members of the subsidiary agency’s former management. The DOJ may also seek to impose monetary sanctions.
Commitments.  At June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had $5,248$4,744 of undrawn letters of credit. In addition, the Company has commitments to fund investments in an aggregate amount of $80.


13.14. New Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted In The Current Reporting Period
Effective January 1, 2018,2019, the Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 was applied using the modified retrospective method, with the cumulative effect of the initial adoption being recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018.842. As a result, comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under FASB ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition (“ASC 605”).
The following represents changes to the Company’s policies resulting from840, Leases. With the adoption of ASC 606:
i.Under the guidance in effect through December 31, 2017, performance incentives were recognized in revenue when specific quantitative goals were achieved, or when the Company’s performance against qualitative goals was determined by the client. Under ASC 606, the Company now estimates the amount of the incentive that will be earned at the inception of the contract and recognizes such incentive over the term of the contract. This results in an acceleration of revenue recognition for certain contract incentives compared to ASC 605.
ii.Under the guidance in effect through December 31, 2017, non-refundable retainer fees were generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the specific customer arrangement. Under ASC 606, an input method is typically used to measure progress and recognize revenue for these types of arrangements. This resulted in both the deferral and acceleration of revenue recognition in certain instances.
iii.In certain client arrangements, the Company records revenue as a principal and includes within revenue certain third-party-pass-through and out-of-pocket costs, which are billed to clients in connection with the services provided. In other arrangements, the Company acts as an agent and records revenue equal to the net amount retained. The adoption of ASC 606 resulted in certain arrangements previously being accounted for as principal, now being accounted for as agent.
As a result of these changes,842, the Company recordedhas elected to apply the package of practical expedients: (1) whether a cumulative effect adjustmentcontract is or contains a lease, (2) the classification of existing leases, and (3) whether previously capitalized costs continue to increase opening accumulated deficit at January 1, 2018 by $1,170.qualify as initial indirect costs. Additionally, the Company elected the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components for all operating leases.
The following table summarizes the impact of adoption of ASC 606 on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018:
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
  As Reported Adjustments Adjusted to Exclude Adoption of ASC 606
Revenue - Services $379,743
 $9,728
 $389,471
Costs of services sold $253,390
 $18,764
 $272,154
Operating profit (loss) $30,772
 $(9,036) $21,736
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners, Inc. common shareholders $1,133
 $(5,616) $(4,483)
Income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted $0.02
 $(0.10) $(0.08)

  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
  As Reported Adjustments Adjusted to Exclude Adoption of ASC 606
Revenue - Services $706,711
 $31,004
 $737,715
Costs of services sold $496,420
 $33,961
 $530,381
Operating profit (loss) $16,139
 $(2,957) $13,182
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners, Inc. common shareholders $(30,105) $(1,385) $(31,490)
Loss per common share - basic and diluted $(0.53) $(0.02) $(0.55)
The impact on the balance sheets and shareholders’ deficit as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was immaterial. There was no effect on other comprehensive income (loss) and the statement of cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.
In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting, which provides guidance concerning which changes to the terms or conditions of842 had a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC 718.  This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Amendments in this ASU are applied prospectively to any award modified on or after

the adoption date. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. Thematerial impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations was not material.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits, which requires the presentation of the service cost component of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefits costsUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, resulting in the same line item in the statement of operations as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefits costs are required to be presented as non-operating expenses in the statement of operations. This guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted this guidancerecognition, on January 1, 2018.2019, of a lease liability of $299,243 which represents the present value of the remaining lease payments, and a right-of-use asset of $254,245 which represents the lease liability, offset by adjustments as appropriate under ASC 842. The adoption of ASC 842 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations was not material.other Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows. This new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice regarding the classification of certain transactions in the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective January 1, 2018 and requires a retrospective transition method. Prior to the Company’s adoption on January 1, 2018, all cash outflows for contingent consideration were classified as a financing activity. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company is now required to classify any cash payments made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability as cash outflows for investing activities. Cash payments which are not made soon after the acquisition date of a business to settle a contingent consideration liability are separated and classified as cash outflows for financing activities up to the amount of the contingent consideration liability recognized at the acquisition date and as cash outflows from operating activities for any excess. As a result, $24,459 of an acquisition-related contingent consideration payment of $65,121, which was in excess of the liability initially recognized at the acquisition date, has been classified as a cash outflow within net cash provided by operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2017. There was no impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01,Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilitieswhich will require equity investments, except equity method investments, to be measured at fair value and any changes in fair value will be recognized in results of operations. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Additionally, this guidance provides for the recognition of the cumulative effect of retrospective application of the new standard in the period of initial application. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018. The impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position and results of operations was not material.
Standards to be Adopted in Future Reporting Periods
In January 2018, the FASB released guidance on the accounting for tax on the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”). The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of foreign corporations. The guidance indicates that either accounting for deferred taxes related to GILTI inclusions or treating any taxes on GILTI inclusions as period cost are both acceptable methods subject to an accounting policy election. The Company continues to assess the impact of GILTI provisions on its financial statements and whether it will be subject to U.S. GILTI inclusion in future years. As such, the Company has not made a policy election on whether to record tax effects of GILTI when paid as a period expense or to record deferred tax assets and liabilities on basis differences that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. The new guidance will require lessees to recognize a right-to-use asset and lease liability for most of its leases with a term of more than twelve months, including those classified as operating leases. The new guidance also requires additional quantitative and qualitative disclosures. This guidance, which will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, requires modified retrospective application, with early adoption permitted. The Company’s assessment of the new guidance is ongoing. Therefore, the Company is not yet in a position to assess the full impact of the application of the new guidance. However, the Company expects that the recognition of a right-to-use asset and lease liability for operating leases will have a significant impact on its balance sheet.
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Unless otherwise indicated, references to the “Company” or “MDC” mean MDC Partners Inc. and its subsidiaries, and references to a “fiscal year” means the Company’s year commencing on January 1 of that year and ending December 31 of that year (e.g., fiscal 20182019 means the period beginning January 1, 2018,2019, and ending December 31, 2018)2019).
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) of the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In addition, the Company has included certain non-U.S. GAAP financial measures and ratios, which it believes provide useful supplemental information to both management and readers of this report in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by U.S. GAAP and should not be construed as an alternative to other titled measures determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Two such non-U.S. GAAP measures are “organic revenue growth” or “organic revenue decline” that refer to the positive or negative results, respectively, of subtracting both the foreign exchange and acquisition (disposition) components from total revenue

growth, excluding the impact of adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606 (“ASC 606”). growth. The acquisition (disposition) component is calculated by aggregating the prior period revenue for any acquired businesses, less the prior period revenue of any businesses that were disposed of in the current period. The organic revenue growth (decline) component reflects the constant currency impact (a) of the change in revenue of the Partner Firms which the Company has held throughout each of the comparable periods presented and (b) “non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net.” Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net consists of (i) for acquisitions during the current year, the revenue effect from such acquisition as if the acquisition had been owned during the equivalent period in the prior year and (ii) for acquisitions during the previous year, the revenue effect from such acquisitions as if they had been owned during that entire year or same period as the current reportable period, taking into account their respective pre-acquisition revenues for the applicable periods and (iii) for dispositions, the revenue effect from such disposition as if they had been disposed of during the equivalent period in the prior year. The Company believes that isolating the impact of acquisition activity and foreign currency impacts and changes in accounting standards is an important and informative component to understand the overall change in the Company’s consolidated revenue. The change in the consolidated revenue that remains after these adjustments illustrates the underlying financial performance of the Company’s businesses. Specifically, it represents the impact of the Company’s management oversight, investments and resources dedicated to supporting the businesses’ growth strategy and operations. In addition, it reflects the network benefit of inclusion in the broader portfolio of firms that includes, but is not limited to, cross-selling and sharing of best practices. This approach isolates changes in performance of the business that take place under the Company’s stewardship, whether favorable or unfavorable, and thereby reflects the potential benefits and risks associated with owning and managing a talent-driven services business.
Accordingly, during the first twelve months of ownership by the Company, the organic growth measure may credit the Company with growth from an acquired business that is dependent on work performed prior to the acquisition date, and may include the impact of prior work in progress, existing contracts and backlog of the acquired businesses. It is the presumption of the Company that positive developments that may have taken place at an acquired business during the period preceding the acquisition will continue to result in value creation in the post-acquisition period.

While the Company believes that the methodology used in the calculation of organic revenue change is entirely consistent with our closest U.S. competitors, the calculations may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies in other industries. Additional information regarding the Company’s acquisition activity as it relates to potential revenue growth is provided in this Item 2 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under “Certain Factors Affecting our Business.”
The following discussion focuses on the operating performance of the Company for the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 and the financial condition of the Company as of June 30, 2018.2019. This analysis should be read in conjunction with the interim condensed consolidated financial statementsUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this interim report and the annual audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis presented in the Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 20172018 as reported on the Form 10-K (the “Annual Report on Form 10-K”). All amounts are in dollars unless otherwise stated. Amounts reported in millions herein are computed based on the amounts in thousands. As a result, the sum of the components, and related calculations, reported in millions may not equal the total amounts due to rounding.
Executive Summary
MDC conducts its business through its network of Partner Firms, the “Advertising and Communications Group,” who provide a comprehensive array of marketing and communications services for clients both domestically and globally. The Company’s objective is to create shareholder value by building, growing and acquiring market-leading Partner Firms that deliver innovative, value-added marketing, activation, communications and strategic consulting to their clients. Management believes that shareholder value is maximized with an operating philosophy of “Perpetual Partnership” with proven committed industry leaders in marketing communications.
MDC manages its business by monitoring several financial and non-financial performance indicators. The key indicators that we focus on are revenues, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Revenue growth is analyzed by reviewing a mix of measurements, including (i) growth by major geographic location, (ii) growth by client industry vertical, (iii) growth from existing clients and the addition of new clients, (iv) growth by primary discipline (v) growth from currency changes, and (vi) growth from acquisitions. In addition to monitoring the foregoing financial indicators, the Company assesses and monitors several non-financial performance indicators relating to the business performance of our Partner Firms. These indicators may include a Partner Firm’s recent new client win/loss record; the depth and scope of a pipeline of potential new client account activity; the overall quality of the services provided to clients; and the relative strength of the Partner Firm’s next generation team that is in place as part of a potential succession plan to succeed the current senior executive team.
As discussed in Note 1112 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for the Company aggregates operating segments that meet the aggregation criteria detailed in ASC 280 into one of the four reportable segments and combines and discloses those operating segments that do not meet the aggregation criteria in the All Other category. Due to changes in the

composition of certain business and the Company’s internal management and reporting structure during 2018,2019, reportable segment results for the 2018 periods presented prior to the second quarter of 2018 have been recast to reflect the reclassification of certain businesses between segments. Prior period segment information included herein has been adjusted to reflect this change. See Note 1112 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information. The following discussion provides detailed disclosure fora description of each of the Company’s fourour reportable segments plus theand All Other category withinand further information regarding the Advertising and Communications Group.
The four reportable segments are as follows:
Global Integrated Agencies - This segment is comprisedreclassification of the Company’s six global, integrated Partner Firms with broad marketing communication capabilities, including advertising, branding, digital, social media, design and production services, serving multinational clients around the world.
Domestic Creative Agencies - This segment is comprised of five operating segments that are national advertising agencies leveraging creative capabilities at their core.
Specialist Communications Agencies - This segment is comprised of seven operating segments that are each communications agencies with core service offerings in public relations and related communications services.
Media Services - This segment is comprised of two operating segments that perform media buying and planning as their core competency and provide other services, including influencer marketing, content, insights & analytics, out-of-home, paid search, social media, lead generation, programmatic, artificial intelligence, and corporate barter.
The All Other category consists of the Company’s remaining Partner Firms that provide a range of diverse marketing communication services, but are not eligible for aggregation with the reportable segments in accordance with ASC 280.certain businesses between segments.
In addition, MDC reports its corporate office expenses incurred in connection with the strategic resources provided to the Partner Firms, as well as certain other centrally managed expenses that are not fully allocated to the operating segments as Corporate. Corporate provides client and business development support to the Partner Firms as well as certain strategic resources, including accounting, administrative, financial, real estate, human resource and legal functions. Additional expenses managed by the corporate office that are directly related to the Partner Firms are allocated to the appropriate reportable segment and the All Other category.
Certain Factors Affecting Our Business
Overall Factors Affecting our Business and ResultsSee the Executive Summary section of Operations.  The most significant factors include national, regional and local economic conditions, our clients’ profitability, mergers and acquisitions of our clients, changes in top management of our clients and our ability to retain and attract key employees. New business wins and client losses occur due to a variety of factors. The two most significant factors are (i) our clients’ desire to change marketing communication firms, and (ii) the creative product that our Partner Firms offer. A client may choose to change marketing communication firms for a number of reasons, such as a change in top management and the new management wants to retain an agency that it may have previously worked with. In addition, if the client is merged or acquired by another company, the marketing communication firm is often changed. Further, global clients are trending to consolidate the use of numerous marketing communication firms to just one or two. Another factor in a client changing firms is the agency’s campaign or work product is not providing results and they feel a change is in order to generate additional revenues.
Clients will generally reduce or increase their spending or outsourcing needs based on their current business trends and profitability.
Acquisitions and Dispositions. The Company’s strategy includes acquiring ownership stakes in well-managed businesses with world class expertise and strong reputations in the industry. The Company provides post-acquisition support to Partner Firms in order to help accelerate growth, including in areas such as business and client development (including cross-selling), corporate communications, corporate development, talent recruitment and training, procurement, legal services, human resources, financial management and reporting, and real estate utilization, among other areas. As mostItem 7 of the Company’s acquisitions remain as stand-alone entities post acquisition, new Partner Firms can begin to tap intoAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the full range of MDC’s resources immediately. Often the acquired businesses may begin to tap into certain MDC resources in the pre-acquisition period, such as talent recruitment or real estate. The Company has historically engaged in a number of acquisition and disposition transactions, which affected revenues, expenses, operating income and net income. Additionalyear ended December 31, 2018 for information regarding acquisitions and dispositions is provided in Note 4 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further information.
Foreign Exchange Fluctuation. Our financial results and competitive position are affected by fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S. dollar, primarily the Canadian dollar. See also “Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk — Foreign Exchange.”certain factors affecting our business.

Seasonality. Historically, with some exceptions, we generate the lowest quarterly revenues the first quarter and the highest quarterly revenues during the fourth quarter in each year. The fourth quarter has historically been the period in the year in which the highest volumes of media placements and retail related consumer marketing occur.

Results of Operations:

Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue:       (Dollars in Thousands)
Global Integrated Agencies$182.6
 $209.1
 $333.0
 $388.3
$154,368
 $158,163
 $284,087
 $287,686
Domestic Creative Agencies26.4
 25.5
 50.7
 49.2
65,193
 72,971
 132,201
 139,625
Specialist Communications43.9
 44.1
 87.1
 84.8
Specialist Communication47,170
 40,304
 86,123
 79,128
Media Services33.3
 42.6
 69.4
 83.9
21,331
 21,398
 41,510
 46,082
All Other93.5
 69.2
 166.5
 129.0
74,068
 86,907
 147,000
 154,190
Total$379.7
 $390.5
 $706.7
 $735.2
$362,130
 $379,743
 $690,921
 $706,711
              
Operating profit (loss):       
Segment operating income (loss):       
Global Integrated Agencies$19.2
 $13.8
 $3.5
 $13.2
$20,720
 $18,352
 $24,491
 $4,760
Domestic Creative Agencies5.0
 5.0
 8.9
 8.8
8,730
 5,077
 14,207
 7,955
Specialist Communications5.8
 4.3
 9.8
 8.6
Specialist Communication6,683
 6,216
 13,760
 9,944
Media Services(1.2) 4.0
 (1.0) 6.6
991
 (1,719) (843) (1,738)
All Other15.1
 9.0
 22.2
 15.8
2,949
 15,986
 8,962
 22,430
Corporate(13.1) (9.7) (27.2) (18.3)(16,631) (13,140) (21,454) (27,212)
Total$30.8
 $26.4
 $16.1
 $34.8
$23,442
 $30,772
 $39,123
 $16,139
              
Other income (expense):       
Other (expense) income, net(6.0) 6.6
 (12.2) 9.2
Other Income (Expenses):       
Interest expense and finance charges, net(16.9) (15.5) (32.9) (32.1)$(16,413) $(16,859) $(33,174) $(32,942)
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates8.0
 17.5
 (29.0) 11.9
Foreign exchange gain (loss)2,932
 (6,549) 8,374
 (13,209)
Other, net(746) 592
 (4,128) 1,033
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates9,215
 7,956
 10,195
 (28,979)
Income tax expense (benefit)2.0
 4.6
 (6.4) 8.6
2,088
 1,977
 2,835
 (6,353)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates6.0
 12.8
 (22.6) 3.3
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates7,127
 5,979
 7,360
 (22,626)
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates
 0.6
 0.1
 0.5
206
 (28) 289
 58
Net income (loss)6.0
 13.5
 (22.6) 3.8
7,333
 5,951
 7,649
 (22,568)
Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest(2.5) (2.2) (3.4) (3.1)(3,043) (2,545) (3,472) (3,442)
Net income (loss) attributable to MDC Partners Inc.$3.4
 11.3
 (26.0) 0.7
$4,290
 $3,406
 $4,177
 $(26,010)



Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Depreciation and amortization:       (Dollars in Thousands)
Global Integrated Agencies$5.3
 $5.6
 $13.3
 $11.5
$4,437
 $4,743
 $8,502
 $12,152
Domestic Creative Agencies0.4
 0.4
 0.8
 0.8
1,547
 1,281
 2,786
 2,574
Specialist Communications1.0
 1.2
 2.0
 2.4
Specialist Communication698
 992
 1,265
 1,959
Media Services0.8
 1.1
 1.5
 2.2
794
 635
 1,485
 1,273
All Other4.0
 2.1
 6.0
 4.1
2,966
 3,892
 5,025
 5,736
Corporate0.2
 0.3
 0.4
 0.6
221
 160
 438
 384
Total$11.7
 $10.8
 $24.1
 $21.7
$10,663
 $11,703
 $19,501
 $24,078
              
Stock-based compensation:              
Global Integrated Agencies$2.6
 $3.1
 $5.1
 $6.1
$1,232
 $2,475
 $4,999
 $4,935
Domestic Creative Agencies0.6
 0.2
 0.8
 0.3
522
 1,097
 986
 1,507
Specialist Communications0.2
 1.1
 0.5
 1.6
Specialist Communication52
 52
 78
 239
Media Services0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 0.3
(16) 74
 (16) 149
All Other0.9
 0.5
 1.6
 1.0
652
 684
 940
 1,341
Corporate1.2
 0.5
 2.5
 1.1
1,192
 1,221
 (381) 2,469
Total$5.6
 $5.5
 $10.6
 $10.5
$3,634
 $5,603
 $6,606
 $10,640
              
Capital expenditures:              
Global Integrated Agencies$2.6
 $8.8
 $5.5
 $15.7
$1,816
 $2,411
 $3,234
 $4,654
Domestic Creative Agencies0.3
 0.3
 0.5
 0.6
369
 569
 1,063
 1,473
Specialist Communications2.2
 0.2
 2.5
 0.5
Specialist Communication231
 2,208
 482
 2,443
Media Services0.2
 0.3
 0.4
 1.8
126
 131
 167
 315
All Other0.6
 2.2
 0.8
 2.6
1,757
 547
 2,958
 772
Corporate
 
 
 
18
 24
 19
 32
Total$5.9
 $11.7
 $9.7
 $21.2
$4,317
 $5,890
 $7,923
 $9,689


Three Months EndedTHREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenues
Revenue was $362.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 Compared2019 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
Revenue wasrevenue of $379.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to revenue of $390.5 million2018. See the Advertising and Communications Group section below for a discussion regarding consolidated revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $10.8 million, or 2.8%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $9.7 million, or 2.5%, primarily due2019 compared to the shift in treatment of third party costs from principal to agent for various client arrangements of certain Partner Firms and timing of revenue recognition. The other primary components of the change in revenue included a negative impact from dispositions of $5.6 million, or 1.4%, and a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $10.1 million, or 2.6%. These amounts were partially offset by revenue from an acquired Partner Firm of $11.1 million, or 2.8%, and a positive foreign exchange impact of $3.1 million, or 0.8%.three months ended June 30, 2018.
Operating profitIncome
Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 was $30.8$23.4 million, compared to $26.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $4.4 million. The change was primarily driven by an improvement in operating profit in the Advertising and Communications Group of $7.8 million, partially offset by an increase in Corporate operating expenses of $3.5 million. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased operating profit by $9.0 million. Adjusted to exclude the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $21.7 million, representing a decrease of $4.7 million compared to 2017.
Net income was $6.0$30.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, representing a decrease of $7.4 million. The decrease was primarily driven by a decline in operating income in the Advertising and Communications Group of $3.8 million. Additionally, Corporate operating expenses were higher by $3.5 million, driven by severance expense in the second quarter of 2019.
Other, Net
Other, net, for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was loss of $0.7 million compared to $13.5income of $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a net income decrease2018.
Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss)
Foreign exchange gain for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $2.9 million compared to loss of $7.5 million.$6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease wasimprovement in the foreign exchange impact is primarily attributable to a negative impact from foreign exchangethe strengthening of $13.0 millionthe Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. The change primarily related to U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness that is an obligation of our Canadian parent company.
Interest Expense and an increase in interestFinance Charges, Net
Interest expense and finance charges, of $1.3net, for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $16.4 million partially offset by an increase in operating profit of $4.4 million and a favorable change from income taxes of $2.7 million.
Net income attributablecompared to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders was $1.1$16.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, representing a decrease of $0.5 million.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $2.1 million (on income of $9.2 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 22.7%) compared to an expense of $2.0 million (on income of $8.0 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 24.8%) for the three months ended June 30, 2018.  The change in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
Equity in Earnings of Non-Consolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated affiliates represents the income or losses attributable to equity method investments. Income recorded for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $0.2 million compared to the loss of $0.03 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing2018.
Noncontrolling Interests
The effect of noncontrolling interests for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $3.0 million compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Net Income Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. Common Shareholders
As a result of the foregoing and the impact of accretion on and net income decreaseallocated to convertible preference shares, net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $0.8 million, or $0.01 diluted income per share, compared to net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders of $6.8 million. The change was primarily driven by$1.1 million, or $0.02 diluted income per share, for the fluctuations detailed above.three months ended June 30, 2018.
Advertising and Communications Group
The following discussion provides additional detailed disclosure for each of the Company’s four (4) reportable segments, plusand the “All Other” category, within the Advertising and Communications Group.

The components of the fluctuations in revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018 are as follows:
 Total United States Canada Other
 $ % $ % $ % $ %
 (Dollars in Thousands)
June 30, 2018$379,743
   $295,268
   $33,086
   $51,389
  
Components of revenue change:               
Foreign exchange impact(4,176) (1.1)% 
  % (1,122) (3.4)% (3,054) (5.9)%
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net(4,218) (1.1)% 496
 0.2 % (5,545) (16.8)% 831
 1.6 %
Organic revenue growth (decline)(9,219) (2.4)% (11,105) (3.8)% (1,855) (5.6)% 3,741
 7.3 %
Total Change$(17,613) (4.6)% $(10,609) (3.6)% $(8,522) (25.8)% $1,518
 3.0 %
June 30, 2019$362,130
   $284,659
   $24,564
   $52,907
  
Revenue was $362.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to revenue of $379.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to revenue of $390.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decreasedecline of $10.8 million, or 2.8%. $17.6 million.

The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $9.7 million, or 2.5%, primarily due to the shift in treatment of third party costs from principal to agent for various client arrangements of certain Partner Firms and timing of revenue recognition. The other primary components of the change in revenue included a negative impact from dispositions of $5.6 million, or 1.4%, a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $10.1 million, or 2.6%, partially offset by revenue from an acquired Partner Firm of $11.1 million, or 2.8% and a positive foreign exchange impact of $3.1$4.2 million, or 0.8%. Excluding1.1%, was attributed to the impactfluctuation of the adoption of ASC 606,U.S. dollar against the decline in revenue was attributable to cutbacksCanadian dollar, Swedish Króna, Euro and delays from several existing clients, and a slower pace of conversion of new business. Excluding the impact of adoption of the ASC 606, there was wide variation in performance by client sector. Excluding the impact of adoption of the ASC 606, the change in revenue was driven by growth in categories including transportation and lodging, financials, and healthcare, offset by declines in automotive, retail ,and communications.
Revenue growth in the Advertising and Communications Group was mixed through the geographic regions with growth in Canada of 8.2%, offset by declines of 3.0% and 7.4% in the United States and other regions outside of North America, respectively. The adoption of ASC 606 had a significant impact on reported growth rates on all geographic regions. The impact increased revenue in Canada by 10.9%, and decreased revenue in the United States and outside of North America by 2.0% and 14.2%, respectively.British Pound.
The Company also utilizes non-GAAP metrics called organic revenue growth (decline) and non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net, as defined above. For the three months ended June 30, 2018,2019, organic revenue declineddecreased by $6.7$9.2 million, or 1.7%2.4%, of which $10.1$9.7 million, or 2.6%2.5% pertained to Partner Firms which the Company has owned throughout each of the comparable periods presented. The remaining revenue growth of $3.4$0.4 million, or 0.9%0.1%, was generated from an acquired Partner Firm.Firms. The other components of non-GAAP activity include a positive non-GAAP acquisition (disposition), net adjustment of $2.5 million, or 0.6%,decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms was attributable to client losses and a positive foreign exchange impact of $3.1 million, or 0.8%.

The components ofreduction in spending by certain clients, partially offset by new client wins. Additionally, the fluctuationschange in revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017 are as follows:
 Total United States Canada Other
 $ % $ % $ % $ %
 (Dollars in Millions)
June 30, 2017$390.5
   $304.5
   $30.6
   $55.5
  
Components of revenue change:               
Foreign exchange impact3.1
 0.8 % 
  % 1.2
 4.0 % 1.9
 3.4 %
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net2.5
 0.6 % $3.2
 1.1 % 
  % (0.7) (1.3)%
Impact of adoption of ASC 606(9.7) (2.5)% (6.0) (2.0)% 3.6
 11.7 % (7.3) (13.1)%
Organic revenue growth (decline)(6.7) (1.7)% (6.4) (2.1)% (2.3) (7.6)% 2.0
 3.7 %
Total Change$(10.8) (2.8)% $(9.2) (3.0)% $2.5
 8.2 % $(4.1) (7.4)%
June 30, 2018$379.7
   $295.3
   $33.1
   $51.4
  
revenue was driven by a decline in categories including health care, food and beverage and automotive, partially offset by growth in transportation and technology.
The table below provides a reconciliation between the revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group from acquiredacquired/disposed businesses in the statement of operations to non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net for the three months ended June 30, 2018:2019:
Global Integrated Agencies Media Services All Other TotalSpecialist Communications All Other Total
(Dollars in Millions)(Dollars in Thousands)
GAAP revenue from 2018 acquisitions$
 $
 $11.1
 $11.1
Impact of adoption of ASC 606 from 2018 acquisitions
 
 0.5
 0.5
GAAP revenue from 2018 and 2019 acquisitions$1,519
 $698
 $2,217
Contribution to non-GAAP organic revenue (growth) decline
 

(3.4)
(3.4)(440)


(440)
Prior year revenue from dispositions(0.7) (4.5) (0.4) (5.6)
 (5,995) (5,995)
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net$(0.7) $(4.5) $7.7
 $2.5
$1,079
 $(5,297) $(4,218)

The geographic mix in revenues for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 is as follows:
2018 20172019 2018
United States77.8% 78.0%78.6% 77.8%
Canada8.7% 7.8%6.8% 8.7%
Other13.5% 14.2%14.6% 13.5%
Organic revenueRevenue growth was mixed through the geographic regions with a decline in the Advertising and Communications Group was primarily dueUnited States of 3.6%, a decline in Canada of 25.8%, partially offset by growth of 3.0% in the other regions outside of North America partially attributable to cutbacks and programs delays from several existing clients and a slower pacethe strengthening of conversion of new business. the U.S. dollar.

The United States and Canada had organic revenue decline of 2.1%3.8% and 7.6%5.6%, respectively. Organic revenue growth outside of North America was 3.7%, as we continue7.3%. Organic revenue performance in the United States and Canada was attributable to extend capabilities intoclient losses and a reduction in spending by some clients, partially offset by a contribution from new markets throughout Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia.
The positive foreign exchange impact of $3.1 million, or 0.8%, was primarily due to the strengthening of the British Pound, Canadian dollar, and the European Euro against the U.S. dollar.

client wins.
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Advertising and Communications Group $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $379.7
   $390.5
   $(10.8) (2.8)%
Revenue: $362,130
   $379,743
   $(17,613) (4.6)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 253.4
 66.7% 267.8
 68.6% (14.4) (5.4)% 240,482
 66.4% 253,390
 66.7% (12,908) (5.1)%
Office and general expenses 70.9
 18.7% 76.2
 19.5% (5.3) (6.9)% 71,132
 19.6% 70,898
 18.7% 234
 0.3 %
Depreciation and amortization 11.5
 3.0% 10.5
 2.7% 1.1
 10.3 % 10,442
 2.9% 11,543
 3.0% (1,101) (9.5)%
 $335.8
 88.4% $354.5
 90.8% $(18.6) (5.3)% $322,056
 88.9% $335,831
 88.4% $(13,775) (4.1)%
Operating profit $43.9
 11.6% $36.1
 9.2% $7.8
 21.7 %
Operating profit (loss) $40,074
 11.1% $43,912
 11.6% $(3,838) (8.7)%
Operating profit in the Advertising and Communications Group for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $43.9 million compared to $36.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $7.8 million. The increasechange in operating profit was largely dueprimarily attributable to lower expenses (see below),the decline in revenue, partially offset by a decline in revenue. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increasedlower operating profit by $9.0 million. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $34.9 million, representing a decrease of $1.2 million compared to 2017. Operating margin decline by 20 basis points from 9.2% in 2017 to 9.0% in 2018 on an adjusted basis.expenses, as outlined below.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Advertising and Communications Group $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $52.6
 13.8 % $75.9
 19.4% $(23.3) (30.7)% $60,040
 16.6% $52,590
 13.8 % $7,450
 14.2 %
Staff costs (2)
 224.6
 59.1 % 210.0
 53.8% 14.6
 6.9 % 204,442
 56.5% 224,582
 59.1 % (20,140) (9.0)%
Administrative 47.8
 12.6 % 48.8
 12.5% (1.0) (2.0)% 42,617
 11.8% 47,801
 12.6 % (5,184) (10.8)%
Deferred acquisition consideration (5.1) (1.3)% 4.3
 1.1% (9.4) (217.6)% 2,073
 0.6% (5,067) (1.3)% 7,140
 NM
Stock-based compensation 4.4
 1.2 % 5.0
 1.3% (0.6) (12.7)% 2,442
 0.7% 4,382
 1.2 % (1,940) (44.3)%
Depreciation and amortization 11.5
 3.0 % 10.5
 2.7% 1.1
 10.3 % 10,442
 2.9% 11,543
 3.0 % (1,101) (9.5)%
Total operating expenses $335.8
 88.4 % $354.5
 90.8% $(18.6) (5.3)% $322,056
 88.9% $335,831
 88.4 % $(13,775) (4.1)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Direct costs increased primarily attributed to higher billable costs for client arrangements accounted for as principal.
The decrease in staff costs was primarily attributed to staffing reductions at Partner Firms and lower costs to support the Advertising and Communications Groupoperations of Partner Firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration change for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $52.6 million compared to $75.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $23.3 million, or 30.7%. As a percentage of revenue, direct costs decreased from 19.4% in 2017 to 13.8% in 2018. The decrease in direct costs2019 was primarily due to the adoption of ASC 606 in which various client arrangements of certain Partner Firms previously accounted for as principal are accounted for as agent under ASC 606. The change resulted in a decrease in third party costs included in revenue of $18.8 million.
Staff costs in the Advertising and Communications Group for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $224.6 million compared to $210.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $14.6 million, or 6.9%. As a percentage of revenue, staff costs increased from 53.8% in 2017 to 59.1% in 2018, partially due to the impact of the adoption of ASC 606. The increase in staff costs and as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to contributions from an acquired Partner Firm, higher costs to support the growth of certain Partner Firms, partially offset by staffing reductions at other Partner Firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration in the Advertising and Communications Group for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was income of $5.1 million, compared to an expense of $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a

change of $9.4 million. This change was primarily dueattributed to the aggregate under-performanceperformance of certain Partner Firms in 20182019 relative to the previously projected expectations.
Depreciation and amortization expense in the Advertising and Communications Group for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $11.5 million compared to $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $1.1 million.
Stock-based compensation in the Advertising and Communications Group remained consistent at approximately 1.2% of revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Global Integrated Agencies
Revenue in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment was $182.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $209.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $26.5 million, or 12.7%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $11.3 million, or 5.4%. The other components of change included a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $16.3 million, or 7.8%, due to cutbacks and spending delays from several existing clients and a slower pace of conversion of new business, partially offset by client wins, and a negative impact from dispositions of $0.7 million, or 0.4%, partially offset by a positive foreign exchange impact of $1.8 million, or 0.9%.
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Global Integrated Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $182.6
   $209.1
   $(26.5) (12.7)%
Revenue: $154,368
   $158,163
   $(3,795) (2.4)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 122.3
 67.0% 149.6
 71.6% (27.3) (18.2)% 97,230
 63.0% 104,959
 66.4% (7,729) (7.4)%
Office and general expenses 35.7
 19.6% 40.1
 19.2% (4.4) (10.9)% 31,981
 20.7% 30,109
 19.0% 1,872
 6.2 %
Depreciation and amortization 5.3
 2.9% 5.6
 2.7% (0.3) (4.6)% 4,437
 2.9% 4,743
 3.0% (306) (6.4)%
 $163.4
 89.5% $195.3
 93.4% $(31.9) (16.3)% $133,648
 86.6% $139,811
 88.4% $(6,163) (4.4)%
Operating profit $19.2
 10.5% $13.8
 6.6% $5.4
 39.2 % $20,720
 13.4% $18,352
 11.6% $2,368
 12.9 %
Operating profitThe decline in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $19.2revenue is primarily due to a negative impact from foreign exchange of $2.9 million, compared to $13.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $5.4 million. or 1.8%.
The increasechange in operating profit and margin was largely dueprimarily attributed to lower expenses, as outline below, partially offset by a decline in revenue. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increasedrevenue, more than offset by lower operating profit by $7.2 million. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $12.0 million, representing a decrease of $1.8 million compared to 2017. Operating margins declined by 40 basis points from 6.6% for 2017 to 6.2% for 2018 on an adjusted basis.

expenses, as outlined below.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Global Integrated Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $14.0
 7.7 % $38.1
 18.2% $(24.2) (63.3)% $15,785
 10.2% $11,237
 7.1 % $4,548
 40.5 %
Staff costs (2)
 119.2
 65.3 % 119.2
 57.0% 
  % 91,357
 59.2% 102,066
 64.5 % (10,709) (10.5)%
Administrative 24.9
 13.7 % 27.3
 13.1% (2.4) (8.8)% 19,026
 12.3% 21,899
 13.8 % (2,873) (13.1)%
Deferred acquisition consideration (2.6) (1.4)% 2.0
 0.9% (4.6) (233.2)% 1,811
 1.2% (2,609) (1.6)% 4,420
 NM
Stock-based compensation 2.6
 1.4 % 3.1
 1.5% (0.5) (16.0)% 1,232
 0.8% 2,475
 1.6 % (1,243) (50.2)%
Depreciation and amortization 5.3
 2.9 % 5.6
 2.7% (0.3) (4.6)% 4,437
 2.9% 4,743
 3.0 % (306) (6.4)%
Total operating expenses $163.4
 89.5 % $195.3
 93.4% $(31.9) (16.3)% $133,648
 86.6% $139,811
 88.4 % $(6,163) (4.4)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Direct costs increased primarily attributed to higher billable costs for client arrangements accounted for as principal.
The decrease in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segmentstaff costs was attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration change for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $14.0 million compared to $38.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $24.2 million, or 63.3%. As a percentage of revenue, direct costs decreased from 18.2% in 2017 to 7.7% in 2018. The decrease in direct costs2019 was primarily due to the adoption of ASC 606 which resulted in a reduction of third party costs included in revenue of $18.8 million.
Deferred acquisition consideration in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was income of $2.6 million compared to an expense of $2.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $4.6 million. The change was primarily dueattributed to the aggregate under-performanceperformance of certain Partner Firms in 20182019 relative to the previously projected expectations.

Domestic Creative Agencies
Revenue in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment was $26.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $25.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $0.9 million, or 3.5%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased revenue by $0.4 million. The other components of the change included a positive foreign exchange impact of $0.1 million, or 0.3% and growth in revenue growth from existing Partner Firms of $0.4 million, or 1.7%.
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Domestic Creative Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $26.4
   $25.5
   $0.9
 3.5 % $65,193
   $72,971
   $(7,778) (10.7)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 15.2
 57.5% 14.5
 57.0% 0.6
 4.4 % 41,782
 64.1% 49,830
 68.3% (8,048) (16.2)%
Office and general expenses 5.8
 22.1% 5.6
 21.9% 0.2
 4.2 % 13,134
 20.1% 16,783
 23.0% (3,649) (21.7)%
Depreciation and amortization 0.4
 1.5% 0.4
 1.6% 
 (1.7)% 1,547
 2.4% 1,281
 1.8% 266
 20.8 %
 $21.4
 81.1% $20.5
 80.5% $0.9
 4.2 % $56,463
 86.6% $67,894
 93.0% $(11,431) (16.8)%
Operating profit $5.0
 18.9% $5.0
 19.5% $
 0.7 % $8,730
 13.4% $5,077
 7.0% $3,653
 72.0 %
OperatingThe decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms was attributable to client losses and a reduction in spending by certain clients, partially offset by new client wins.
The change in operating profit in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $5.0 million, which was flat relativeattributed to the three months ended June 30, 2017. Operating margins declineddecline in revenue, more than offset by 60 basis points from 19.5% in 2017 to 18.9% in 2018. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a significant impact onlower operating profit which was flat period over period.

expenses, as outlined below.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Domestic Creative Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $1.0
 3.7% $1.0
 3.9% $
 (1.5)% $9,863
 15.1 % $12,267
 16.8% $(2,404) (19.6)%
Staff costs (2)
 15.9
 60.1% 15.8
 62.0% 0.1
 0.4 % 37,009
 56.8 % 42,809
 58.7% (5,800) (13.5)%
Administrative 3.6
 13.5% 3.2
 12.4% 0.4
 12.9 % 7,688
 11.8 % 9,207
 12.6% (1,519) (16.5)%
Deferred acquisition consideration 
 % 
 % 
 (100.0)% (166) (0.3)% 1,233
 1.7% (1,399) NM
Stock-based compensation 0.6
 2.3% 0.2
 0.7% 0.4
 237.0 % 522
 0.8 % 1,097
 1.5% (575) (52.4)%
Depreciation and amortization 0.4
 1.4% 0.4
 1.6% 
 (4.3)% 1,547
 2.4 % 1,281
 1.8% 266
 20.8 %
Total operating expenses $21.4
 81.1% $20.5
 80.5% $0.9
 4.2 % $56,463
 86.6 % $67,894
 93.0% $(11,431) (16.8)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Specialist CommunicationsThe decline in direct costs are attributable to the decline in revenues.
RevenueThe decrease in the Specialist Communications reportable segment was $43.9 millionstaff costs were attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration change for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared2019 was primarily attributed to revenuethe aggregate performance of $44.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $0.2 million, or 0.4%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased revenue by $4.7 million, or 10.7%. The other components of the change included a decline in revenue fromcertain Partner Firms of $5.2 million, or 11.9%, and a positive foreign exchange impact of $0.4 million, or 0.8%.in 2019 relative to the previously projected expectations.

Specialist Communications
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Specialist Communications reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Specialist Communications $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $43.9
   $44.1
   $(0.2) (0.4)% $47,170
   $40,304
   $6,866
 17.0 %
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 28.5
 65.0% 31.5
 71.4% (3.0) (9.4)% 32,112
 68.1% 25,613
 63.5% 6,499
 25.4 %
Office and general expenses 8.6
 19.6% 7.1
 16.1% 1.5
 21.1 % 7,677
 16.3% 7,483
 18.6% 194
 2.6 %
Depreciation and amortization 1.0
 2.3% 1.2
 2.8% (0.2) (15.9)% 698
 1.5% 992
 2.5% (294) (29.6)%
 $38.2
 86.9% $39.8
 90.3% $(1.6) (4.1)% $40,487
 85.8% $34,088
 84.6% $6,399
 18.8 %
Operating profit $5.8
 13.1% $4.3
 9.7% $1.5
 34.1 % $6,683
 14.2% $6,216
 15.4% $467
 7.5 %
Operating profitThe increase in the Specialist Communications reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $5.8 million comparedrevenue is primarily due to $4.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increaseclient wins at certain Partner firms as well as a contribution of $1.5 million or 34.1%. Operating margins improved by 340 basis points from 9.7% in 2017 to 13.1% in 2018. an acquired Partner Firm.
The increasechange in operating profit and margin was primarily dueattributed to a decreasethe increase in direct costs.

revenue, partially offset by higher operating expenses, as outlined below.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Specialist Communications reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Specialist Communications $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $10.0
 22.7% $12.0
 27.2% $(2.0) (16.7)% $13,017
 27.6% $8,970
 22.3% $4,047
 45.1 %
Staff costs (2)
 21.0
 47.9% 20.1
 45.5% 0.9
 4.7 % 20,977
 44.5% 18,769
 46.6% 2,208
 11.8 %
Administrative 5.7
 13.0% 5.3
 12.0% 0.4
 7.3 % 4,998
 10.6% 5,048
 12.5% (50) (1.0)%
Deferred acquisition consideration 0.3
 0.6% 0.1
 0.3% 0.2
 120.6 % 745
 1.6% 257
 0.6% 488
 NM
Stock-based compensation 0.2
 0.4% 1.1
 2.5% (0.9) (85.0)% 52
 0.1% 52
 0.1% 
 
Depreciation and amortization 1.0
 2.3% 1.2
 2.8% (0.2) (15.9)% 698
 1.5% 992
 2.5% (294) (29.6)%
Total operating expenses $38.2
 86.9% $39.8
 90.3% $(1.6) (4.1)% $40,487
 85.8% $34,088
 84.6% $6,399
 18.8 %
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
The increase in direct costs are attributable to higher revenues.
The increase in staff costs was primarily attributed to contributions from an acquired Partner Firm and higher costs to support the growth of certain Partner Firms.

Media Services
Revenue in the Media Services reportable segment was $33.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $42.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $9.4 million, or 21.9%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $0.7 million, or 1.7%. The other components of the change included a negative impact from the LocalBizNow disposition in the third quarter of 2017 of $4.5 million, or 10.4%, and a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $4.5 million, or 10.5%. These declines were primarily due to delays in program spend by certain clients and a slower pace of conversion of new business.
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Media Services reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:

 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Media Services $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $33.3
   $42.6
   $(9.4) (21.9)% $21,331
   $21,398
   $(67) (0.3)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 25.0
 74.9 % 27.4
 64.2% (2.4) (8.9)% 14,835
 69.5% 15,239
 71.2 % (404) (2.7)%
Office and general expenses 8.8
 26.3 % 10.2
 23.9% (1.4) (14.0)% 4,711
 22.1% 7,243
 33.8 % (2,532) (35.0)%
Depreciation and amortization 0.8
 2.3 % 1.1
 2.6% (0.3) (31.0)% 794
 3.7% 635
 3.0 % 159
 25.0 %
 $34.5
 103.6 % $38.7
 90.7% $(4.2) (10.9)% $20,340
 95.4% $23,117
 108.0 % $(2,777) (12.0)%
Operating (loss) profit $(1.2) (3.6)% $4.0
 9.3% $(5.1) (129.9)%
Operating income (loss) $991
 4.6% $(1,719) (8.0)% $2,710
 NM
Operating loss in the Media Services reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.2 million compared to an operating profit of $4.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $5.1 million, or 129.9%. Operating margins declined from a profit margin of 9.3% in 2017 to a loss margin of 3.6% in 2018. NM - Not meaningful
The decreasechange in operating profit and margin was largely due to a decline in revenue, partially offset by a decline in direct costs pertaining to the LocalBizNow disposition. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a significant impact onprimarily attributable lower operating profit.

expenses, as outlined below.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Media Services reportable segment for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Media Services $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $8.1
 24.4% $10.8
 25.2% $(2.6) (24.4)% $3,716
 17.4 % $1,652
 7.7% $2,064
 125.0 %
Staff costs (2)
 20.2
 60.8% 20.7
 48.4% (0.4) (2.0)% 12,710
 59.6 % 16,629
 77.7% (3,919) (23.6)%
Administrative 5.1
 15.4% 5.9
 13.7% (0.7) (12.8)% 3,751
 17.6 % 4,037
 18.9% (286) (7.1)%
Deferred acquisition consideration 0.1
 0.4% 0.1
 0.3% 
 (11.7)% (615) (2.9)% 90
 0.4% (705) NM
Stock-based compensation 0.1
 0.3% 0.2
 0.4% (0.1) (48.2)% (16) (0.1)% 74
 0.3% (90) NM
Depreciation and amortization 0.8
 2.3% 1.1
 2.6% (0.3) (31.0)% 794
 3.7 % 635
 3.0% 159
 25.0 %
Total operating expenses $34.5
 103.6% $38.7
 90.7% $(4.2) (10.9)% $20,340
 95.4 % $23,117
 108.0% $(2,777) (12.0)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
The increase in direct costs is driven by incremental costs to support certain client arrangements.
The decrease in staff costs was attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms.

All Other
Revenue in the All Other category was $93.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $69.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $24.3 million, or 35.2%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 decreased revenue by $2.9 million, or 4.1%. The other components of the change included revenue growth from existing Partner Firms of $15.5 million, or 22.4%, primarily in experiential and healthcare, revenue contributions of $11.1 million from an acquired Partner Firm, and a positive foreign exchange impact of $0.6 million, or 0.8%, partially offset by a negative impact from dispositions of $0.4 million, or 0.6%.
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the All Other category for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
All Other $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $93.5
   $69.2
   $24.3
 35.2 % $74,068
   $86,907
   $(12,839) (14.8)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 62.4
 66.7% 44.8
 64.7% 17.6
 39.3 % 54,522
 73.6% 57,749
 66.4% (3,227) (5.6)%
Office and general expenses 12.0
 12.8% 13.2
 19.1% (1.2) (9.2)% 13,631
 18.4% 9,280
 10.7% 4,351
 46.9 %
Depreciation and amortization 4.0
 4.3% 2.1
 3.1% 1.9
 87.7 % 2,966
 4.0% 3,892
 4.5% (926) (23.8)%
 $78.4
 83.8% $60.1
 86.9% $18.3
 30.4 % $71,119
 96.0% $70,921
 81.6% $198
 0.3 %
Operating profit $15.1
 16.2% $9.0
 13.1% $6.1
 67.1 % $2,949
 4.0% $15,986
 18.4% $(13,037) (81.6)%
Operating profitThe decline in the All Other category for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $15.1 million compared to of $9.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $6.1 million. Operating margins increased by 310 basis points from 13.1% in 2017 to 16.2% in 2018. The increase in operating marginsrevenue was primarily dueattributable to increased revenue and decreased deferred acquisition consideration, partially offset by increased direct costs and staff costs. Thea disposition of a Partner Firm with an impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased operating profit by $2.9 million. Excluding the impact of adoption, the increase in operating profit was largely due to$6.0 million as well as a decline in deferred acquisition consideration adjustments.

from existing Partner Firms of $7.0 million, primarily attributable to reduced spending from existing clients.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the All Other category for the three months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
All Other $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ % $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $19.5
 20.9 % $14.0
 20.3% $5.5
 39.3 % $17,659
 23.8% $18,464
 21.2 % $(805) (4.4)%
Staff costs (2)
 48.3
 51.6 % 34.3
 49.6% 14.0
 40.7 % 42,390
 57.2% 44,309
 51.0 % (1,919) (4.3)%
Administrative 8.5
 9.1 % 7.1
 10.3% 1.4
 19.6 % 7,154
 9.7% 7,610
 8.8 % (456) (6.0)%
Deferred acquisition consideration (2.9) (3.1)% 2.1
 3.0% (4.9) (238.5)% 298
 0.4% (4,038) (4.6)% 4,336
 NM
Stock-based compensation 0.9
 1.0 % 0.5
 0.7% 0.4
 84.1 % 652
 0.9% 684
 0.8 % (32) (4.7)%
Depreciation and amortization 4.0
 4.3 % 2.1
 3.1% 1.9
 87.7 % 2,966
 4.0% 3,892
 4.5 % (926) (23.8)%
Total operating expenses $78.4
 83.8 % $60.1
 86.9% $18.3
 30.4 % $71,119
 96.0% $70,921
 81.6 % $198
 0.3 %
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
The decrease in staff costs was primarily attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms and a positive benefit from the disposition of a Partner Firm.

Deferred acquisition consideration change for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributed to the aggregate performance of certain Partner Firms in 2019 relative to the previously projected expectations.
Corporate
The change in operating expenses for Corporate for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
  2019 2018 Variance
Corporate $ $ $ %
  (Dollars in Thousands)
Staff costs (1)
 $11,325
 $6,377
 $4,948
 77.6 %
Administrative 3,893
 5,382
 (1,489) (27.7)%
Stock-based compensation 1,192
 1,221
 (29) (2.4)%
Depreciation and amortization 221
 160
 61
 38.1 %
Total operating expenses $16,631
 $13,140
 $3,491
 26.6 %
(1)Excludes stock-based compensation.
Staff costs increased due to a $6.7 million severance charge, partially offset by lower compensation expense associated with a reduction in staff related to certain actions taken in the prior year.

The decrease in administrative costs was primarily related to lower professional fees as the prior year included fees related to the implementation of a new accounting pronouncement.


SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2019 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018

Consolidated Results of Operations

Revenues
Revenue was $690.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to revenue of $706.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. See the Advertising and Communications Group section below for a discussion regarding consolidated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Operating Profit
Operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $39.1 million compared to $16.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, representing a change of $23.0 million. The change was primarily driven by an increase in operating income in the Advertising and Communications Group of $17.2 million. Additionally, Corporate operating expenses decreased by $5.8 million, primarily related to lower compensation expense, stock-based compensation and professional fees as well as an impairment charge of $2.3 million recognized in 2018.
Other, Net
Other, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was loss of $4.1 million compared to income of $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, primarily driven by a loss on the sale of Kingsdale.
Foreign Exchange Transaction Gain (Loss)
Foreign exchange gain for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $8.4 million compared to a loss of $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The change in foreign exchange is primarily attributable to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar. The change primarily related to U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness that is an obligation of our Canadian parent company.
Interest Expense and Finance Charges, Net
Interest expense and finance charges, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $33.2 million compared to $32.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, representing an increase of $0.3 million
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

Income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $2.8 million (on income of $10.2 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 27.8%) compared to a benefit of $6.4 million (on a loss of $29.0 million resulting in an effective tax rate of 21.9%) for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily driven by the jurisdictional mix of earnings.
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Non-Consolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates represents the income or losses attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. The Company recorded $0.3 million of income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to income of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Noncontrolling Interests
The effect of noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $3.5 million compared to $3.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018.

Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. Common Shareholders
As a result of the foregoing and the impact of accretion on and net income allocated to convertible preference shares, net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $1.4 million, or $0.02 diluted loss per share, compared to net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders of $30.1 million, or $0.53 diluted income per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Advertising and Communications Group
The following discussion provides additional detailed disclosure for each of the Company’s four (4) reportable segments, plus the “All Other” category, within the Advertising and Communications Group.
The components of the fluctuations in revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018 are as follows:
 Total United States Canada Other
 $ % $ % $ % $ %
 (Dollars in Thousands)
June 30, 2018$706,711
   $551,792
   $59,465
   $95,454
  
Components of revenue change:               
Foreign exchange impact(9,316) (1.3)% 
  % (2,375) (4.0)% (6,941) (7.3)%
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net5,635
 0.8 % 11,234
 2.0 % (7,281) (12.2)% 1,682
 1.8 %
Organic revenue growth (decline)(12,109) (1.7)% (15,350) (2.8)% (2,867) (4.8)% 6,108
 6.4 %
Total Change$(15,790) (2.2)% $(4,116) (0.7)% $(12,523) (21.1)% $849
 0.9 %
June 30, 2019$690,921
   $547,676
   $46,942
   $96,303
  
Revenue for the Advertising and Communications Group was $690.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to revenue of $706.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, representing a decrease of $15.8 million, or 2.2%.
The negative foreign exchange impact of $9.3 million, or 1.3%, was attributed to the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar, Swedish Króna, Euro and British Pound.
The Company also utilizes non-GAAP metrics called organic revenue growth (decline) and non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net, as defined above. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, organic revenue decreased by $12.1 million, or 1.7%, of which $16.6 million, or 2.3% pertained to Partner Firms the Company has owned throughout each of the comparable periods presented. The remaining revenue growth of $4.4 million, or 0.6%, was generated from acquired Partner Firms. The decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms was attributable to client losses and a reduction in spending by certain clients, partially offset by new client wins. Additionally, the change in revenue was driven by a decline in categories including health care, food and beverage and automotive, partially offset by growth in transportation and technology.

The table below provides a reconciliation between the revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group from acquired/disposed businesses in the statement of operations to non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net for the six months ended June 30, 2019:
 Specialist Communications All Other Total
 (Dollars in Thousands)
GAAP revenue from 2018 and 2019 acquisitions$2,762
 $15,140
 $17,902
Contribution to non-GAAP organic revenue (growth) decline(643)
(3,805)
(4,448)
Prior year revenue from dispositions
 (7,819) (7,819)
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net$2,119
 $3,516
 $5,635
The geographic mix in revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:
 2019 2018
United States79.3% 78.1%
Canada6.8% 8.4%
Other13.9% 13.5%
Revenue growth was mixed through the geographic regions with a decline in the United States of 0.7%, a decline in Canada of 21.1% and growth of 0.9% in the other regions outside of North America partially attributable to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar.
The United States and Canada had organic revenue decline of 2.8% and 4.8%, respectively. Organic revenue growth outside of North America was 6.4% as we continue to extend capabilities into new markets throughout Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia.
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
  2019 2018 Change
Advertising and Communications Group $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $690,921
   $706,711
   $(15,790) (2.2)%
Operating expenses            
Cost of services sold 477,903
 69.2% 496,420
 70.2% (18,517) (3.7)%
Office and general expenses 133,377
 19.3% 143,246
 20.3% (9,869) (6.9)%
Depreciation and amortization 19,063
 2.8% 23,694
 3.4% (4,631) (19.5)%
  $630,343
 91.2% $663,360
 93.9% $(33,017) (5.0)%
Operating profit $60,578
 8.8% $43,351
 6.1% $17,227
 39.7 %

The change in operating profit was attributable to a decline in revenue, more than offset by lower operating expenses, as outlined below.

The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:
  2019 2018 Change
Advertising and Communications Group $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $116,492
 16.9 % $101,102
 14.3 % $15,390
 15.2 %
Staff costs (2)
 406,000
 58.8 % 437,655
 61.9 % (31,655) (7.2)%
Administrative 87,371
 12.6 % 95,219
 13.5 % (7,848) (8.2)%
Deferred acquisition consideration (5,570) (0.8)% (2,481) (0.4)% (3,089) NM
Stock-based compensation 6,987
 1.0 % 8,171
 1.2 % (1,184) (14.5)%
Depreciation and amortization 19,063
 2.8 % 23,694
 3.4 % (4,631) (19.5)%
Total operating expenses $630,343
 91.2 % $663,360
 93.9 % $(33,017) (5.0)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Direct costs increased primarily attributed to higher billable costs for client arrangements accounted for as principal.
The decrease in staff costs was primarily attributed to staffing reductions at Partner Firms and lower costs to support the All Other categoryoperations of Partner Firms.
The decrease in administrative costs is driven by lower spending in connection with savings initiatives.
Deferred acquisition consideration change for the threesix months ended June 30, 2018 were $19.5 million compared to $14.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $5.5 million, or 39.3%. As a percentage of revenue, direct costs increased from 20.3% in 2017 to 20.9% in 2018. The change was due to an increase in costs incurred on the client’s behalf from some of our Partner Firms acting as principal.
Staff costs in the All Other category for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $48.3 million compared to $34.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $14.0 million, or 40.7%. As a percentage of revenue, staff costs increased from 49.6% in 2017 to 51.6% in 2018. The change was due to contributions from an acquired Partner Firm and increased staffing for certain Partner Firms to support revenue growth.
Deferred acquisition consideration in the All Other category for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was income of $2.9 million compared to an expense of $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $4.9 million. The change2019 was primarily dueattributed to the aggregate under-performanceperformance of certain Partner Firms in 20182019 relative to the previously projected expectations.
CorporateGlobal Integrated Agencies
The change in expenses and operating expenses for Corporate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 wasprofit as follows:
  2018 2017 Variance
Corporate $ $ $ %
  (Dollars in Millions)
Staff costs (1)
 $6.4
 $5.3
 $1.1
 20.1 %
Administrative 5.4
 3.6
 1.8
 51.0 %
Stock-based compensation 1.2
 0.5
 0.7
 136.2 %
Depreciation and amortization 0.2
 0.3
 (0.1) (46.5)%
Total operating expenses $13.1
 $9.7
 $3.5
 35.6 %
(1)Excludes stock-based compensation.
Total operating expenses for Corporate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $13.1 million compared to $9.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increasea percentage of $3.5 million, or 35.6%.
Staff costs for Corporate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $6.4 million compared to $5.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $1.1 million, or 20.1%. The increase was primarily due to increased executive incentive compensation over the prior year period.
Administrative costs for Corporate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 were $5.4 million compared to $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $1.8 million, or 51.0%. This increase was primarily related to

an increase in professional fees of $1.5 million, inclusive of fees related to the implementation of ASC 606, which was adopted effective January 1, 2018.
Other, Net
Other, net, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was expense of $6.0 million compared to income of $6.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $12.6 million. The change was primarily related to a foreign exchange loss of $6.5 million in 2018 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $6.4 million in 2017. The foreign exchange loss in 2018 primarily relates to U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness that is an obligation of our Canadian parent company and was driven by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar over the U.S. dollarrevenue in the period.
Interest Expense and Finance Charges, Net
Interest expense and finance charges, net, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $16.9 million compared to $15.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $1.4 million.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was 24.8% compared to 26.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of 1.8%. Income tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $2.0 million compared to $4.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $2.6 million.  The variance in the effective tax rate year over year was primarily driven by certain discrete items in the current and prior period related to the remeasurement of tax balances as well as the benefit of U.S. losses which are no longer subject to a valuation allowance.
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Non-Consolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates represents the income attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. The Company recorded a minimal loss for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to income of $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.
Noncontrolling Interests
The effect of noncontrolling interests for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $2.5 million compared to $2.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Net Income Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. Common Shareholders
As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.1 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders of $8.0 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2017
Revenue was $706.7 millionGlobal Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 compared to revenue of $735.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $28.5 million, or 3.9%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $31.0 million, or 4.2%, primarilywas as follows:
  2019 2018 Change
Global Integrated Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  
Revenue $284,087
   $287,686
   $(3,599) (1.3)%
Operating expenses            
Cost of services sold 194,506
 68.5% 207,996
 72.3% (13,490) (6.5)%
Office and general expenses 56,588
 19.9% 62,778
 21.8% (6,190) (9.9)%
Depreciation and amortization 8,502
 3.0% 12,152
 4.2% (3,650) (30.0)%
  $259,596
 91.4% $282,926
 98.3% $(23,330) (8.2)%
Operating profit $24,491
 8.6% $4,760
 1.7% $19,731
 414.5 %
Revenue was lower due to the shift in treatment of third party costs from principal to agent for various client arrangements of certain Partner Firms and timing of revenue recognition. The other components of the change in revenue included revenue contributions from an acquired Partner Firm of $11.1 million and a positivenegative foreign exchange impact of $8.6$6.5 million, or 1.2%2.3%, partially offset by a negative impact from dispositions of $10.9 million, or 1.5% and revenue decline from existing Partner Firms of $6.8 million, or 0.9%.
Operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $16.1 million compared to an operating profit of $34.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $18.6 million. The change was primarily driven by a decline in operating profit in the Advertising and Communications Group of $9.7 million and an increase in Corporate operating expenses of $9.0 million, including impairment of a long-lived asset of $2.3 million recognized during the first quarter of 2018. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased operating profit by $3.0 million. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $13.1 million, representing a decrease of $21.7 million compared to 2017.

Net loss was $22.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to net income of $3.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decline in net income of $26.4 million. The decrease was primarily attributable to a negative impact from foreign exchange of $22.1 million and a decline in operating profit of $18.6 million, partially offset by a favorable change from income taxes of $15.0 million.
Net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders was $30.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $1.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a net loss increase of $28.4 million. The change was primarily driven by the fluctuations detailed above.
Advertising and Communications Group
The following discussion provides additional detailed disclosure for each of the Company’s four (4) reportable segments, plus the “All Other” category, within the Advertising and Communications Group.
Revenue was $706.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $735.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $28.5 million, or 3.9%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $31.0 million, or 4.2%, primarily due to the shift in treatment of third party costs from principal to agent for various client arrangements of certain Partner Firms and timing of revenue recognition. The other components of the change in revenue included revenue contributions from an acquired Partner Firm of $11.1 million and a positive foreign exchange impact of $8.6 million, or 1.2%, partially offset by a negative impact from dispositions of $10.9 million, or 1.5% and a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $6.8$2.9 million, or 0.9%. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, revenue growth was1.0%, primarily attributable to new client wins partially offset by cutbacks and delays from several existing clients. There was wide variation in performance by client sector. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, revenue growth was led by transportation and travel/lodging, healthcare, and financials, partially offset by declines led by automotive, communications, and consumer products.
Revenue growth in the Advertising and Communications Group was mixed across the geographic regions with growth in Canada of 4.2%, offset by declines of 4.7% and 3.6% in the United States and other regions outside of North America, respectively. The adoption of ASC 606 hadat a significant impact on reported growth rates for all geographic regions. The impact increased revenue in Canada by 4.4%, and decreased revenue in the United States and outside of North America by 2.7% and 19.5%, respectively.
The Company also utilizes non-GAAP metrics called organic revenue growth (decline) and non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net, as defined above. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, organic revenue declined $3.4 million, or 0.5%, of which $6.8 million, or 0.9% pertained to Partner Firms which the Company has owned throughout each of the comparable periods presented. The remaining organic revenue growth of $3.4 million, or 0.5% was generated from an acquired Partner Firm. The other components of non-GAAP activity included a negative non-GAAP acquisition (disposition), net adjustment of $2.8 million, or 0.4%, and a positive foreign exchange impact of $8.6 million, or 1.2%.
The components of the fluctuations in revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017 are as follows:
 Total United States Canada Other
 $ % $ % $ % $ %
 (Dollars in Millions)
June 30, 2017$735.2
   $579.1
   $57.1
   $99.0
  
Components of revenue change:               
Foreign exchange impact8.6
 1.2 % 
  % 2.4
 4.2 % 6.2
 6.3 %
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net(2.8) (0.4)% $(0.8) (0.1)% 
  % (1.9) (1.9)%
Impact of adoption of ASC 606(31.0) (4.2)% (15.0) (2.6)% 2.6
 4.6 % (18.6) (18.8)%
Organic revenue growth (decline)(3.4) (0.5)% (11.5) (2.0)% (2.6) (4.6)% 10.7
 10.8 %
Total Change$(28.5) (3.9)% $(27.4) (4.7)% $2.4
 4.2 % $(3.6) (3.6)%
June 30, 2018$706.7
 
 $551.8
 
 $59.5
 
 $95.5
 

The table below provides a reconciliation between the revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group from acquired businesses in the statement of operations to non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net for the six months ended June 30, 2018:
 Global Integrated Agencies Media Services All Other Total
 (Dollars in Millions)
GAAP revenue from 2018 acquisitions$
 $
 $11.1
 $11.1
Impact from adoption of ASC 606
 
 0.5
 0.5
Contribution to non-GAAP organic revenue (growth) decline (2)

 

(3.4)
(3.4)
Prior year revenue from dispositions(1.9) (8.2) (0.8) (10.9)
Non-GAAP acquisitions (dispositions), net$(1.9) $(8.2) $7.3
 $(2.8)
The geographic mix in revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:
 2018 2017
United States78.1% 78.8%
Canada8.4% 7.8%
Other13.5% 13.4%
Organic revenue decline in the Advertising and Communications Group was primarily due to a cutbacks and spending delays from several existing clients and a slower pace of conversion of new business. The United States and Canada had organic revenue decline of 2.0% and 4.6%, respectively. Organic revenue growth outside of North America was 10.8% as we continue to extend capabilities into new markets throughout Europe, South America, Australia, and Asia.
The positive foreign exchange impact of $8.6 million, or 1.2%, was primarily due to the strengthening of the Swedish Króna, the Canadian dollar, the British Pound, and the European Euro against the U.S. dollar.certain agency.
The change in expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:
  2018 2017 Change
Advertising and Communications Group $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Millions)
Revenue $706.7
   $735.2
   $(28.5) (3.9)%
Operating expenses            
Cost of services sold 496.4
 70.2% 505.4
 68.7% (9.0) (1.8)%
Office and general expenses 143.2
 20.3% 155.7
 21.2% (12.5) (8.0)%
Depreciation and amortization 23.7
 3.4% 21.1
 2.9% 2.6
 12.5 %
  $663.4
 93.9% $682.2
 92.8% $(18.8) (2.8)%
Operating profit $43.4
 6.1% $53.0
 7.2% $(9.7) (18.3)%
Operating profit in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $43.4 million compared to an operating profit of $53.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $9.7 million, or 18.3%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increasedwas primarily attributed to lower operating profit by $3.0 million. The decrease in operating profit and margin was largely due to a decline in revenue, partially offset by a decreased in operating costs,expenses, as outlined below. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $40.4 million, representing a decrease of $12.6 million compared to 2017. Operating margins declined by 170 basis points 7.2% in 2017 to 5.5% in 2018 on an adjusted basis.

The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Advertising and Communications GroupGlobal Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Advertising and Communications Group $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Global Integrated Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $101.1
 14.3 % $129.9
 17.7% $(28.8) (22.2)% $30,281
 10.7 % $17,738
 6.2 % $12,543
 70.7 %
Staff costs (2)
 437.7
 61.9 % 411.6
 56.0% 26.1
 6.3 % 180,600
 63.6 % 204,465
 71.1 % (23,865) (11.7)%
Administrative 95.2
 13.5 % 94.5
 12.9% 0.7
 0.7 % 38,368
 13.5 % 44,810
 15.6 % (6,442) (14.4)%
Deferred acquisition consideration (2.5) (0.4)% 15.7
 2.1% (18.2) (115.8)% (3,154) (1.1)% (1,174) (0.4)% (1,980) NM
Stock-based compensation 8.2
 1.2 % 9.4
 1.3% (1.2) (12.8)% 4,999
 1.8 % 4,935
 1.7 % 64
 1.3 %
Depreciation and amortization 23.7
 3.4 % 21.1
 2.9% 2.6
 12.5 % 8,502
 3.0 % 12,152
 4.2 % (3,650) (30.0)%
Total operating expenses $663.4
 93.9 % $682.2
 92.8% $(18.8) (2.8)% $259,596
 91.4 % $282,926
 98.3 % $(23,330) (8.2)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Direct costs increased primarily attributed to higher billable costs for client arrangements accounted for as principal.
The decrease in the Advertising and Communications Groupstaff costs was attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms.
The decrease in administrative costs is driven by lower spending in connection with savings initiatives.
Deferred acquisition consideration change for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $101.1 million compared to $129.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $28.8 million, or 22.2%. As a percentage of revenue, direct costs decreased from 17.7% in 2017 to 14.3% in 2018. The decrease in direct costs2019 was primarily dueattributed to the adoption of ASC 606 in which various client arrangements of certain Partner Firms previously accounted for as principal are accounted for as agent under ASC 606. The change resulted in a decrease in third party costs included in revenue of $34.0 million.
Staff costs in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $437.7 million compared to $411.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $26.1 million, or 6.3%. As a percentage of revenue, staff costs increased from 56.0% in 2017 to 61.9% in 2018, partially due to the impact of the adoption of ASC 606. The increase in staff costs and as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to contributions from an acquired Partner Firm and higher costs to support the growth of certain Partner Firms, partially offset by staffing reductions at other firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was income of $2.5 million compared to an expense $15.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $18.2 million. The change pertained to amendments to purchase agreements of previously acquired incremental ownership interests entered into during 2017, as well as an increased estimated liability in 2017 driven by the decrease in the Company’s stock price pertaining to an acquired Partner Firm in which the Company used its equity as purchase consideration. These changes were partially offset by the aggregate under-performanceperformance of certain Partner Firms in 20182019 relative to the previously projected expectations.
Depreciation and amortization expense in the Advertising and Communications Group for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $23.7 million compared to $21.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $2.6 million.
Stock-based compensation in the Advertising and Communications Group remained consistent at approximately 1.2% of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Global IntegratedDomestic Creative Agencies
Revenue in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment was $333.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $388.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $55.4 million, or 14.3%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $33.8 million, or 8.7%. The other components of change included a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $25.5 million, or 6.6%, due to cutbacks and spending delays from several existing clients and a slower pace of conversion of new business, partially offset by client wins, and a negative impact from dispositions of $1.9 million, or 0.5%, partially offset by a positive foreign exchange impact of $5.8 million, or 1.5%.

The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Global IntegratedDomestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Global Integrated Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Domestic Creative Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $333.0
   $388.3
   $(55.4) (14.3)% $132,201
   $139,625
   $(7,424) (5.3)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 242.8
 72.9% 279.5
 72.0% (36.7) (13.1)% 89,506
 67.7% 98,424
 70.5% (8,918) (9.1)%
Office and general expenses 73.3
 22.0% 84.1
 21.6% (10.7) (12.8)% 25,702
 19.4% 30,672
 22.0% (4,970) (16.2)%
Depreciation and amortization 13.3
 4.0% 11.5
 3.0% 1.8
 15.6 % 2,786
 2.1% 2,574
 1.8% 212
 8.2 %
 $329.5
 99.0% $375.1
 96.6% $(45.6) (12.2)% $117,994
 89.3% $131,670
 94.3% $(13,676) (10.4)%
Operating profit $3.5
 1.0% $13.2
 3.4% $(9.7) (73.7)% $14,207
 10.7% $7,955
 5.7% $6,252
 78.6 %
Operating profitThe decline in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018revenue from existing Partner Firms was $3.5 million comparedattributable to $13.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representingclient losses and a decrease of $9.7 million. reduction in spending by certain clients, partially offset by new client wins.
The decreasechange in operating profit and margin was dueprimarily attributed to athe decline in revenue, partially offset by decreased costs,lower operating expenses, as outlined below. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased operating profit by $0.2 million. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $3.3 million, representing a decrease of $9.9 million compared to 2017. Operating margins declined by 250 basis points 3.4% for 2017 to 0.9% for 2018 on an adjusted basis. .
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Global IntegratedDomestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:

 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Global Integrated Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Domestic Creative Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $22.7
 6.8 % $60.6
 15.6% $(37.9) (62.6)% $24,550
 18.6 % $23,139
 16.6% $1,411
 6.1 %
Staff costs (2)
 238.5
 71.6 % 234.1
 60.3% 4.4
 1.9 % 74,879
 56.6 % 85,209
 61.0% (10,330) (12.1)%
Administrative 51.0
 15.3 % 52.3
 13.5% (1.3) (2.5)% 15,562
 11.8 % 17,778
 12.7% (2,216) (12.5)%
Deferred acquisition consideration (1.2) (0.4)% 10.5
 2.7% (11.6) (111.2)% (769) (0.6)% 1,463
 1.0% (2,232) NM
Stock-based compensation 5.1
 1.5 % 6.1
 1.6% (0.9) (15.4)% 986
 0.7 % 1,507
 1.1% (521) (34.6)%
Depreciation and amortization 13.3
 4.0 % 11.5
 3.0% 1.8
 15.6 % 2,786
 2.1 % 2,574
 1.8% 212
 8.2 %
Total operating expenses $329.5
 99.0 % $375.1
 96.6% $(45.6) (12.2)% $117,994
 89.3 % $131,670
 94.3% $(13,676) (10.4)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
DirectThe decrease in staff costs was attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration change for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was primarily attributed to the aggregate performance of certain Partner Firms in 2019 relative to the previously projected expectations.
Specialist Communications
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Global Integrated AgenciesSpecialist Communications reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $22.7 million compared to $60.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 representing a decrease of $37.9 million, or 62.6%. As a percentage of revenue, direct costs decreased from 15.6% in 2017 to 6.8% in 2018. The decrease in direct costs was primarily due to the adoption of ASC 606 which resulted in a reduction of third party costs included in revenue of $34.0 million.
Staff costs in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $238.5 million compared to $234.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $4.4 million, or 1.9%. As a percentage of revenue, staff costs increased from 60.3% in 2017 to 71.6% in 2018 partially due to the impact of the adoption of ASC 606. The increase in staff costs2019 and as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to higher costs to support the growth of certain Partner Firms, partially offset by staffing reductions at other firms.
Deferred acquisition consideration in the Global Integrated Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was income of $1.2 million compared to an expense of $10.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $11.6 million, or 111.2%. The change pertained to amendments to purchase agreements of previously acquired incremental ownership interests entered into during 2017, as well as an increased estimated liability in 2017 driven by the decrease in the Company’s stock price pertaining to an acquired Partner Firm in which the Company used its equity as purchase consideration.

These changes were partially offset by the aggregate under-performance of certain Partner Firms in 2018 relative to the previously projected expectations.
Domestic Creative Agencies
Revenue in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment was $50.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $49.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $1.5 million, or 3.0%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased revenue by $1.4 million, or 2.9%. The other components of the change included a positive foreign exchange impact of $0.2 million, or 0.4%, offset by a decline in revenue growth from existing Partner Firms of $0.1 million, or 0.3%.
The change in expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Domestic Creative Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Specialist Communications $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $50.7
   $49.2
   $1.5
 3.0 % $86,123
   $79,128
   $6,995
 8.8 %
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 30.2
 59.5% 28.4
 57.8% 1.7
 6.0 % 57,986
 67.3% 52,355
 66.2% 5,631
 10.8 %
Office and general expenses 10.8
 21.4% 11.2
 22.8% (0.4) (3.2)% 13,112
 15.2% 14,870
 18.8% (1,758) (11.8)%
Depreciation and amortization 0.8
 1.6% 0.8
 1.6% 
 (1.0)% 1,265
 1.5% 1,959
 2.5% (694) (35.4)%
 $41.8
 82.4% $40.4
 82.2% $1.3
 3.3 % $72,363
 84.0% $69,184
 87.4% $3,179
 4.6 %
Operating profit $8.9
 17.6% $8.8
 17.8% $0.1
 1.5 % $13,760
 16.0% $9,944
 12.6% $3,816
 38.4 %
Operating profitThe increase in the Domestic Creative Agencies reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $8.9revenue is primarily due to client wins at certain Partner firms as well as a contribution of $2.8 million which was flat relative to the six months ended June 30, 2017. Operating margins declined by 20 basis points from 17.8%an acquired Partner Firm.
The change in 2017 to 17.6% in 2018. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a significant impact on operating profit which was flat period over period.primarily attributed to an increase in revenue partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, as outlined below.

The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Domestic Creative AgenciesSpecialist Communications reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Domestic Creative Agencies $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Specialist Communications $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $1.8
 3.5% $1.9
 3.9% $(0.2) (7.9)% $20,842
 24.2 % $18,448
 23.3% $2,394
 13.0 %
Staff costs (2)
 32.1
 63.3% 31.0
 62.9% 1.1
 3.6 % 41,147
 47.8 % 37,732
 47.7% 3,415
 9.1 %
Administrative 6.4
 12.6% 6.1
 12.3% 0.3
 5.3 % 10,080
 11.7 % 10,041
 12.7% 39
 0.4 %
Deferred acquisition consideration 
 % 0.4
 0.7% (0.4) (100.0)% (1,049) (1.2)% 765
 1.0% (1,814) NM
Stock-based compensation 0.8
 1.5% 0.3
 0.7% 0.4
 122.5 % 78
 0.1 % 239
 0.3% (161) (67.3)%
Depreciation and amortization 0.8
 1.6% 0.8
 1.6% 
 (1.0)% 1,265
 1.5 % 1,959
 2.5% (694) (35.4)%
Total operating expenses $41.8
 82.4% $40.4
 82.2% $1.3
 3.3 % $72,363
 84.0 % $69,184
 87.4% $3,179
 4.6 %
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Specialist CommunicationsThe increase in direct costs are in line with the growth in revenue.
Revenue
The increase in staff costs was primarily attributed to contributions from an acquired Partner Firm, and higher costs to support the Specialist Communications reportable segment was $87.1 milliongrowth of certain Partner Firms.

Deferred acquisition consideration change for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared2019 was primarily attributed to revenuethe aggregate performance of $84.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $2.3 million, or 2.7%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased revenue by $4.6 million, or 5.4%. The other components of the change included revenue decline fromcertain Partner Firms of $3.0 million, or 3.6%, and a positive foreign exchange impact of $0.7 million, or 0.9%.in 2019 relative to the previously projected expectations.

Media Services
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Specialist CommunicationsMedia Services reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Specialist Communications $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Media Services $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $87.1
   $84.8
   $2.3
 2.7 % $41,510
   $46,082
   $(4,572) (9.9)%
Operating expenses                        
Cost of services sold 58.3
 66.9% 58.8
 69.3% (0.5) (0.9)% 29,629
 71.4 % 32,013
 69.5 % (2,384) (7.4)%
Office and general expenses 17.0
 19.5% 15.0
 17.6% 2.1
 13.7 % 11,239
 27.1 % 14,534
 31.5 % (3,295) (22.7)%
Depreciation and amortization 2.0
 2.3% 2.4
 2.9% (0.4) (16.7)% 1,485
 3.6 % 1,273
 2.8 % 212
 16.7 %
 $77.3
 88.8% $76.2
 89.8% $1.1
 1.5 % $42,353
 102.0 % $47,820
 103.8 % $(5,467) (11.4)%
Operating profit $9.8
 11.2% $8.6
 10.2% $1.1
 13.3 %
Operating (loss) profit $(843) (2.0)% $(1,738) (3.8)% $895
 51.5 %
Operating profitThe decline in the Specialist Communications reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $9.8 million comparedrevenue is primarily due to $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $1.1 million, or 13.3%. client losses and a reduction in spending by certain clients, partially offset by new client wins.
The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased operating profit by $4.6 million. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, operating profit would have been $5.2 million, representing a decrease of $3.4 million compared to 2017. Operating margins declined by 390 basis points from 10.2% in 2017 to 6.3% in 2018 on an adjusted basis. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, the decreasechange in operating profit was primarily dueattributable to a decline in revenue, and an increase in staff costs.more than offset by lower operating expenses, as outlined below.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Specialist CommunicationsMedia Services reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:

 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Specialist Communications $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
Media Services $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $20.3
 23.4% $20.8
 24.5% $(0.4) (2.1)% $7,645
 18.4 % $5,455
 11.8% $2,190
 40.2 %
Staff costs (2)
 42.3
 48.6% 40.1
 47.3% 2.2
 5.4 % 25,185
 60.7 % 32,380
 70.3% (7,195) (22.2)%
Administrative 11.3
 13.0% 10.7
 12.7% 0.6
 5.2 % 7,981
 19.2 % 8,391
 18.2% (410) (4.9)%
Deferred acquisition consideration 0.8
 0.9% 0.5
 0.6% 0.3
 71.5 % 73
 0.2 % 172
 0.4% (99) (57.6)%
Stock-based compensation 0.5
 0.6% 1.6
 1.9% (1.1) (68.9)% (16)  % 149
 0.3% (165) NM
Depreciation and amortization 2.0
 2.3% 2.4
 2.9% (0.4) (16.7)% 1,485
 3.6 % 1,273
 2.8% 212
 16.7 %
Total operating expenses $77.3
 88.8% $76.2
 89.8% $1.1
 1.5 % $42,353
 102.0 % $47,820
 103.8% $(5,467) (11.4)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
StaffThe decrease in staff costs was attributed to staffing reductions at certain Partner Firms.
All Other
The change in expenses and operating profit as a percentage of revenue in the Specialist Communications reportable segmentAll Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 were $42.3 million comparedwas as follows:
  2019 2018 Change
All Other $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Thousands)
Revenue $147,000
   $154,190
   $(7,190) (4.7)%
Operating expenses            
Cost of services sold 106,276
 72.3% 105,632
 68.5% 644
 0.6 %
Office and general expenses 26,737
 18.2% 20,392
 13.2% 6,345
 31.1 %
Depreciation and amortization 5,025
 3.4% 5,736
 3.7% (711) (12.4)%
  $138,038
 93.9% $131,760
 85.5% $6,278
 4.8 %
Operating profit $8,962
 6.1% $22,430
 14.5% $(13,468) (60.0)%
The change in revenue was primarily attributable to $40.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increaserevenue contributions of $2.2$15.1 million, or 5.4%. The increase in staff costs are primarily due to higher headcount at certain10.3% from acquired Partner Firms, to support the growthpartially offset by negative revenue impact of their businesses.
Media Services
Revenue in the Media Services reportable segment was $69.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $83.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $14.5$7.8 million or 17.2%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $0.7 million, or 0.9%. The other components of the change included a negative impact5.3% from the LocalBizNow disposition in the third quarter of 2017 of $8.2 million, or 9.7%, anda Partner firm, a decline in revenue from existing Partner Firms of $6.2$13.0 million, or 7.4%.
The change in expenses as a percentage8.9%, and negative foreign exchange impact of revenue in the Media Services reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

  2018 2017 Change
Media Services $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Millions)
Revenue $69.4
   $83.9
   $(14.5) (17.2)%
Operating expenses            
Cost of services sold 51.8
 74.5 % 54.8
 65.3% (3.0) (5.5)%
Office and general expenses 17.1
 24.7 % 20.3
 24.1% (3.1) (15.5)%
Depreciation and amortization 1.5
 2.2 % 2.2
 2.6% (0.7) (30.9)%
  $70.4
 101.4 % $77.3
 92.1% $(6.9) (8.9)%
Operating (loss) profit $(1.0) (1.4)% $6.6
 7.9% $(7.6) (114.8)%
Operating loss in the Media Services reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.0 million compared to operating profit of $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $7.6$1.4 million, or 114.8%0.9%. Operating margins declined from a profit margin of 7.9% in 2017 to a loss margin of 1.4% in 2018. The decrease in operating profit and margin was largely due to a decline in revenue and an increase in direct costs as a percentage of revenue, partially offset by a decrease in direct costs and staff costs.
The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a significant impact on operating profit.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the Media Services reportable segmentAll Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows:


The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change
Media Services $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
All Other $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Direct costs (1)
 $18.5
 26.6% $21.1
 25.1% $(2.6) (12.4)% $33,174
 22.6 % $36,322
 23.6 % $(3,148) (8.7)%
Staff costs (2)
 39.5
 56.9% 41.3
 49.2% (1.8) (4.3)% 84,188
 57.3 % 77,869
 50.5 % 6,319
 8.1 %
Administrative 10.5
 15.2% 12.0
 14.4% (1.5) (12.6)% 15,382
 10.5 % 14,199
 9.2 % 1,183
 8.3 %
Deferred acquisition consideration 0.2
 0.3% 0.3
 0.4% (0.1) (33.1)% (671) (0.5)% (3,707) (2.4)% 3,036
 81.9 %
Stock-based compensation 0.2
 0.2% 0.3
 0.4% (0.2) (49.3)% 940
 0.6 % 1,341
 0.9 % (401) (29.9)%
Depreciation and amortization 1.5
 2.2% 2.2
 2.6% (0.7) (30.9)% 5,025
 3.4 % 5,736
 3.7 % (711) (12.4)%
Total operating expenses $70.4
 101.4% $77.3
 92.1% $(6.9) (8.9)% $138,038
 93.9 % $131,760
 85.5 % $6,278
 4.8 %
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Direct costs in the Media Services reportable segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $18.5 million compared to $21.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decreased of $2.6 million, or 12.4%. The decrease in direct costs are primarily due to the disposition of LocalBizNow.
All Other
Revenue in the All Other category was $166.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to revenue of $129.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $37.5 million, or 29.1%. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 reduced revenue by $2.5 million, or 1.9%. The other components of the change included revenue growth from existing Partner Firms of $31.5 million, or 24.4%, primarily in experiential and healthcare, revenue contributions from an acquired Partner Firm of $11.1 million, and a positive impact from foreign exchange of $1.3 million, or 1.0%, partially offset by a negative impact from dispositions of $0.8 million, or 0.6%.

The change in expenses as a percentage of revenue in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:
  2018 2017 Change
All Other $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Millions)
Revenue $166.5
   $129.0
   $37.5
 29.1 %
Operating expenses            
Cost of services sold 113.4
 68.1% 83.8
 65.0% 29.6
 35.3 %
Office and general expenses 25.0
 15.0% 25.3
 19.6% (0.3) (1.3)%
Depreciation and amortization 6.0
 3.6% 4.1
 3.1% 1.9
 48.0 %
  $144.4
 86.7% $113.2
 87.7% $31.2
 27.6 %
Operating profit $22.2
 13.3% $15.8
 12.3% $6.3
 40.0 %
Operating profit in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $22.2 million compared to operating profit of $15.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $6.3 million. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 increased operating profit by $2.5 million. Operating margins improved by 270 basis points from a margin of 12.3% in 2017 to 15% in 2018 on an adjusted basis. Excluding the impact of the adoption of ASC 606, the increase in operating profit and margin was largely due to revenue growth and lower deferred acquisition consideration, partially offset by increased staff costs and direct costs.
The change in the categories of expenses as a percentage of revenue in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:
  2018 2017 Change
All Other $ % of
Revenue
 $ % of
Revenue
 $ %
  (Dollars in Millions)
Direct costs (1)
 $37.9
 22.7 % $25.5
 19.8% $12.4
 48.5 %
Staff costs (2)
 85.3
 51.2 % 65.1
 50.5% 20.2
 31.0 %
Administrative 16.0
 9.6 % 13.4
 10.4% 2.6
 19.4 %
Deferred acquisition consideration (2.3) (1.4)% 4.1
 3.2% (6.5) (156.3)%
Stock-based compensation 1.6
 1.0 % 1.0
 0.8% 0.6
 58.1 %
Depreciation and amortization 6.0
 3.6 % 4.1
 3.1% 1.9
 48.0 %
Total operating expenses $144.4
 86.7 % $113.2
 87.7% $31.2
 27.6 %
(1)Excludes staff costs.
(2)Excludes stock-based compensation and is comprised of amounts reported in both cost of services and office and general expenses.
Direct costs in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $37.9 million compared to $25.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $12.4 million, or 48.5%. As a percentage of revenue, direct costs increased from 19.8% in 2017 to 22.7% in 2018. The change was primarily due to an increase in costs incurred on the client’s behalf from certain Partner Firms acting as principal.
Staff costs in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $85.3 million compared to $65.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $20.2 million, or 31.0%. As a percentage of revenue, staff costs increased from 50.5% in 2017 to 51.2% in 2018. The change was primarily dueattributed to contributions from an acquired Partner Firm and an expansion in workforce in certain Partner Firms to support revenue growth.Firm.
Deferred acquisition consideration in the All Other category for the six months ended June 30, 2018increase was income of $2.3 million comparedprimarily attributed to an expense $4.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $6.5 million. The change was largely due the aggregate under-performanceperformance of certain Partner Firms in 20182019 relative to the previously projected expectations.


Corporate
The change in operating expenses for Corporate for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 20172018 was as follows:
 2018 2017 Variance 2019 2018 Variance
Corporate $ $ $ % $ $ $ %
 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Thousands)
Staff costs (1)
 $11.7
 $9.5
 $2.2
 23.1 % $13,851
 $11,742
 $2,109
 18.0 %
Administrative 10.3
 7.0
 3.3
 47.4 % 7,546
 10,301
 (2,755) (26.7)%
Stock-based compensation 2.5
 1.1
 1.3
 120.2 % (381) 2,469
 (2,850) NM
Depreciation and amortization 0.4
 0.6
 (0.2) (36.8)% 438
 384
 54
 14.1 %
Other asset impairment 2.3
 
 2.3
 NM
 
 2,317
 (2,317) (100.0)%
Total operating expenses $27.2
 $18.3
 $9.0
 49.0 % $21,454
 $27,213
 $(5,759) (21.2)%
NM - Not meaningful
(1)Excludes stock-based compensation.
Total operating expenses for Corporate forStaff costs increased due to a $6.7 million severance charge, partially offset by lower compensation expense associated with a reduction in staff related to certain actions taken in the prior year.

The decrease in administrative costs was primarily related to lower professional fees as the prior year included fees related to the implementation of a new accounting pronouncement.
Stock-based compensation was a credit in the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $27.2 million compared to $18.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $9.0 million, or 49.0%.
Staff costs for Corporate for the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $11.7 million compared to $9.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $2.2 million, or 23.1%. The increase was primarily2019 due to increased executive incentive compensation over the prior year period.
Administrative costs for Corporate forreversal of expense previously recognized in connection with the six months ended June 30, 2018 were $10.3 million compared to $7.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increaseforfeiture of $3.3 million, or 47.4%. This increase was primarily related to an increase in professional fees of $2.9 million, inclusive of fees related to the implementation of ASC 606, which was adopted effective January 1, 2018.
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company incurred a $2.3 million other asset impairment charge.
Other, Net
Other, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was an expense of $12.2 million compared to income of $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a change of $21.4 million. The change was primarily related to a foreign exchange loss of $13.2 million in 2018 compared to a foreign exchange gain of $8.9 million in 2017. The foreign exchange loss in 2018 primarily relates to U.S. dollar denominated indebtedness that is an obligation of our Canadian parent company and was driven by the strengthening of the Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar in the period.
Interest Expense and Finance Charges, Net
Interest expense and finance charges, net, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $32.9 million compared to $32.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing an increase of $0.7 million.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $6.4 million compared to an expense of $8.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017, representing a decrease of $15.0 million. The variance in the tax expense year over year was primarily driven by certain discrete items in the current and prior period related to the remeasurement of tax balances. In the prior year, the Company also recorded a valuation allowance against its U.S. income, which was released in the fourth quarter of 2017. The effective tax rate in the current year also includes the benefit of U.S. losses which are no longer subject to a valuation allowance.
Equity in Earnings (Losses) of Non-Consolidated Affiliates
Equity in earnings (losses) of non-consolidated affiliates represents the income or losses attributable to equity-accounted affiliate operations. The Company recorded minimal income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to income of $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
Noncontrolling Interests
The effect of noncontrolling interests for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was income of $3.4 million compared to $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.performance based equity award.


Net Loss Attributable to MDC Partners Inc. Common Shareholders
As a result of the foregoing, net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $30.1 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to net loss attributable to MDC Partners Inc. common shareholders of $1.7 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, for the six months ended June 30, 2017.



Liquidity and Capital Resources:
Liquidity
The following table provides summary information about the Company’s liquidity position:
Dollars in millionsAs of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018
As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2017
As of and for the year ended December 31, 2017
      
Cash and cash equivalents$25.0

$20.3

$46.2
Working capital (deficit)$(177.0)
$(263.7)
$(232.9)
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(61.7) $(0.7)
$115.3
Cash used in investing activities$(36.1) $(22.9)
$(20.9)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities$76.3
 $17.1

$(75.4)
Ratio of long-term debt to shareholders' deficit(6.52)
(2.28)
(5.68)
As of June 30, 2018 and 2017 and December 31, 2017, $47.9 million, $5.5 million, and $4.6 million, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated cash position was held by subsidiaries in trust, and was available for use against the trust liability, with the remaining available to fund their operating activities. Although this amount is available to the subsidiaries’ use, it does not represent cash that is distributable as earnings to MDC for use to reduce its indebtedness. It is the Company’s intent through its cash management system to reduce any outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement by using available cash.

As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2019 As of and for the six months ended June 30, 2018 As of and for the year ended December 31, 2018
 
(In Thousands, Except for Long-Term Debt to
Shareholders’ Equity Ratio)

Cash and cash equivalents$27,304

$24,999

$30,873
Working capital (deficit)$(184,620)
$(176,959)
$(152,682)
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities$(40,237) $(61,713)
$17,280
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities$9,818
 $(36,121)
$(50,431)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities$25,712
 $76,343

$21,434
Ratio of long-term debt to shareholders' deficit-5.32

-6.52

-3.87
The Company intends to maintain sufficient cash and/or available borrowings to fund operations for the next twelve months. The Company has historically been able to maintain and expand its business using cash generated from operating activities, funds available under its Credit Agreement, and other initiatives, such as obtaining additional debt and equity financing. At June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had $121.9$27.5 million of borrowings outstanding and $202.7 million available under the Credit Agreement.
The Company’s obligations extending beyond twelve months primarily consist of deferred acquisition payments, capital expenditures, scheduled lease obligation payments, and interest payments on borrowings under the Company’s 6.50% Senior Notes due 2024. Based on the current outlook, the Company believes future cash flows from operations, together with the Company’s existing cash balance and availability of funds under the Company’s Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated cash needs for the foreseeable future. The Company’s ability to make scheduled deferred acquisition payments, principal and interest payments, to refinance indebtedness or to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on future performance, which is subject to general economic conditions, the competitive environment and other factors, including those described in the Company’s 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company’s other SEC filings.
As market conditions warrant, the Company may from time to time seek to purchase its notes, in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. Subject to any applicable limitations contained in the agreements governing its indebtedness, any purchase made by the Company may be funded by the net proceeds from any asset dispositions or the use of cash on its balance sheet. The amounts involved in any such purchase transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.
Working Capital
At June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had a working capital deficit of $177.0$184.6 million compared to a deficit of $232.9$152.7 million at December 31, 2017. Working capital deficit decreased by $55.9 millionprimarily due to timing of media payments, partially offset by net borrowings on the Company’s credit agreement.2018. The Company’s working capital is impacted by seasonality in media buying, amounts spent by clients, and timing of amounts received from clients and subsequently paid to suppliers. Media buying is impacted by the timing of certain events, such as major sporting competitions and national holidays, and there can be a quarter to quarter lag between the time amounts received from clients for the media buying are subsequently paid to suppliers. At June 30, 2018, the Company had $115.2 million of borrowings outstanding under its Credit Agreement. The Company includes amounts due to noncontrolling interest holders, for their share of profits, in accrued and other liabilities. At June 30, 2018, $4.8 million remained outstanding to be distributed to noncontrolling interest holders over the next twelve months.
The Company intends to maintain sufficient cash or availability of funds under the Credit Agreement at any particular time to adequately fund working capital should there be a need to do so from time to time.
Cash Flows
Operating Activities
Cash flows used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $40.2 million, primarily reflecting unfavorable working capital requirements, driven by media and other supplier payments.
Cash flows used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $61.7 million, primarily reflecting unfavorable working capital requirements, driven by media and other supplier payments, deferred acquisition consideration payments as well as acquisition related contingent consideration payments.
Cash flowsnet income (loss) adjusted to reconcile to net cash used in operating activities foractivities.



Investing Activities

During the six months ended June 30, 20172019, cash flows provided by investing activities was $0.7$9.8 million, which primarily reflecting unfavorable working capital requirements, driven by timingconsisted of accounts receivable, as well as acquisition related contingent consideration payments,proceeds of $23.1 million from the sale of the Company’s equity interest in Kingsdale, partially offset by earnings during the period.

Investing Activities$7.9 million of capital expenditures related primarily to computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements and $5.1 million paid for acquisitions.
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, cash flows used in investing activities was $36.1 million, and consistedprimarily consisting of cash paid of $27.3 million for the acquisition of Instrument and capital expenditures related primarily to computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, and leasehold improvements of $9.7 million, of which $5.5 million was incurred by the Global Integrated Agencies segment.million.
Financing Activities
During the six months ended June 30, 2017,2019, cash flows used in investingprovided by financing activities was $22.9$25.7 million, primarily driven by $98.6 million in proceeds, net of fees from the issuance of common and consisted of capital expenditures related primarily to computer equipment, furniturepreferred shares, partially offset by $40.6 million in net repayments under the Credit Agreement, and fixtures, and leasehold improvements of $21.2$24.2 million of which $15.7 million was incurred by the Global Integrated Agencies segment, $1.3 million for deposits and $0.5 million for other investments.
Financing Activitiesin deferred acquisition consideration payments
During the six months ended June 30, 2018, cash flows provided by financing activities was $76.3 million, primarily driven by $115.2 million in net borrowings under the credit agreement, partially offset byCredit Agreement and $29.2 million of acquisition related payments and distributions to noncontrolling partners of $8.9 million.
During the six months ended June 30, 2017, cash flows provided by financing activities was $17.1 million, primarily driven by $95.0 million in proceeds from the issuance of convertible preference shares, partially offset by $27.8 million in net repayments under the credit agreement and $40.7 million of acquisition related payments.
Total Debt
6.50% Notes
On March 23, 2016, MDC entered into an indenture (the “Indenture”) among MDC, its existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement, as guarantors (the “Guarantors”) and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, relating to the issuance by MDC of its $900 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2024. The 6.50% Notes were sold in a private placement in reliance on exceptions from registration under the ’33 Act. The 6.50% Notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, accruing from March 23, 2016. Interest is payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning November 1, 2016. The 6.50% Notes mature on May 1, 2024, unless earlier redeemed or repurchased. The Company received net proceeds from the offering of the 6.50% Notes equal to approximately $880,000. The Company used the net proceeds to redeem all of its existing 6.75% Notes, together with accrued interest, related premiums, fees and expenses and recorded a charge for the loss on redemption of such notes of $33,298, including write offs of unamortized original issue premium and debt issuance costs. Remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including funding of deferred acquisition consideration.
The 6.50% Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by all of MDC’s existing and future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee, or are co-borrowers under or grant liens to secure, the Credit Agreement. The 6.50% Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of MDC and rank (i) equally in right of payment with all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness, (ii) senior in right of payment to MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness, (iii) effectively subordinated to all of MDC’s or any Guarantor’s existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including the Credit Agreement, and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of MDC’s subsidiaries that are not Guarantors.
MDC may, at its option, redeem the 6.50% Notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, on and after May 1, 2019 (i) at a redemption price of 104.875% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2019, (ii) at a redemption price of 103.250% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2020, (iii) at a redemption price of 101.625% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on May 1, 2021, and (iv) at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof if redeemed on May 1, 2022 and thereafter.
Prior to May 1, 2019, MDC may, at its option, redeem some or all of the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus a “make whole” premium and accrued and unpaid interest. MDC may also redeem, at its option, prior to May 1, 2019, up to 35% of the 6.50% Notes with the proceeds from one or more equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.50% of the principal amount thereof.
If MDC experiences certain kinds of changes of control (as defined in the Indenture), holders of the 6.50% Notes may require MDC to repurchase any 6.50% Notes held by them at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the 6.50% Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, if MDC sells assets under certain circumstances, it must apply the proceeds from such sale and offer to repurchase the 6.50% Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest.
The Indenture includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital

stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from MDC’s restricted subsidiaries; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; create liens; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The 6.50% Notes are also subject to customary events of default, including a cross-payment default and cross-acceleration provision. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at June 30, 2018.
Revolving Credit Agreement
On March 20, 2013, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. (a subsidiary of MDC) and each of their subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated, $225 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due 2018 (the “Credit Agreement”) with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, LLC, as agent, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. Advances under the Credit Agreement will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, in each case pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement. Capitalized terms used in this section and not otherwise defined have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.
Effective October 23, 2014, MDC, Maxxcom Inc. and each of their subsidiaries entered into an amendment of its Credit Agreement. The amendment: (i) expanded the commitments under the facility by $100 million, from $225 million to $325 million; (ii) extended the date by an additional eighteen months to September 30, 2019; (iii) reduced the base borrowing interest rate by 25 basis points (the applicable margin for borrowing is 1.00% in the case of Base Rate Loans and 1.75% in the case of LIBOR Rate Loans) ; and (iv) modified certain covenants to provide the Company with increased flexibility to fund its continued growth and other general corporate purposes.
Effective May 3, 2016, MDC and its subsidiaries entered into an additional amendment to its Credit Agreement. The amendment: (i) extends the date by an additional nineteen months to May 3, 2021; (ii) reduces the base borrowing interest rate by 25 basis points; (iii) provides the Company the ability to borrow in foreign currencies; and (iv) certain other modifications to provide additional flexibility in operating the Company’s business.
Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest as follows: (a)(i) Non-Prime Rate Loans bear interest at the Non-Prime Rate and (ii) all other Obligations bear interest at the Prime Rate, plus (b) an applicable margin. The applicable margin for borrowing is 1.50% in the case of Non-Prime Rate Loans and Prime Rate Loans that are European Advances, and 1.75% on all other Obligations. In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Agreement, MDC is required to pay an unused revolver fee of 0.25% to lenders under the Credit Agreement in respect of unused commitments thereunder.
The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by substantially all of MDC’s present and future subsidiaries, other than immaterial subsidiaries and subject to customary exceptions. The Credit Agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict MDC’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on or redeem or repurchase the capital stock of MDC; make certain types of investments; impose limitations on dividends or other amounts from MDC’s subsidiaries; incur certain liens, sell or otherwise dispose of certain assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of MDC’s assets to, another person. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The Credit Agreement also contains financial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a senior leverage ratio, a fixed charge coverage ratio and a minimum earnings level (each as more fully described in the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement is also subject to customary events of default.
The foregoing descriptions of the Indenture and the Credit Agreement do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements.
Debt, net of debt issuance costs, as of June 30, 20182019 was $1,000.3$914.1 million an increase of $117.2 million,as compared with $883.1to $954.1 million outstanding at December 31, 2017.  This increase2018. The decrease of $40 million in debt was primarily a result of the Company’s net borrowingsrepayments on the Credit Agreement. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the Company’s $900 million aggregate principal amount of its senior unsecured notes due 2024 and $250 million senior secured revolving credit agreement due May 3, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”).
The Company is currently in compliance with all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, and management believes, based on its current financial projections, that the Company will be in compliance with its covenants over the next twelve months.
If the Company loses all or a substantial portion of its lines of credit under the Credit Agreement, or if the Company uses the maximum available amount under the Credit Agreement, it will be required to seek other sources of liquidity. If the Company were unable to find these sources of liquidity, for example through an equity offering or access to the capital markets, the Company’s ability to fund its working capital needs and any contingent obligations with respect to acquisitions and redeemable noncontrolling interests would be adversely affected.
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Company must comply with certain financial covenants including, among other things, covenants for (i) senior leverage ratio, (ii) total leverage ratio, (iii) fixed charges ratio, and (iv) minimum earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, in each case as such term is specifically defined in the Credit Agreement. For the period ended June 30, 2018,2019, the Company’s calculation of each of these covenants, and the specific requirements under the Credit Agreement, respectively, were calculated based on the trailing twelve months as follows:

June 30, 2018June 30, 2019
Total Senior Leverage Ratio0.6
0.11
Maximum per covenant2.0
2.00
 
 
Total Leverage Ratio5.4
4.91
Maximum per covenant5.5
6.25
 
 
Fixed Charges Ratio2.4
2.45
Minimum per covenant1.0
1.00
 
 
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization$187,350
Minimum per covenant$105,000
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (in millions)$187,920
Minimum per covenant (in millions)$105,000
These ratios and measures are not based on generally accepted accounting principles and are not presented as alternative measures of operating performance or liquidity. Some of these ratios and measures include, among other things, pro forma adjustments for acquisitions, one-time charges, and other items, as defined in the Credit Agreement. They are presented here to demonstrate compliance with the covenants in the Credit Agreement, as non-compliance with such covenants could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Deferred Acquisition Consideration
Commitments, Contingencies, and Other Balance Sheet CommitmentsGuarantees
The Company’s agencies enter into contractual commitments with media providers and agreements with production companies on behalf of our clients at levels that exceed the revenue from services. Some of our agencies purchase media for clients and act as an agent for a disclosed principal. These commitments are included in accounts payable when the media services are delivered by the media providers. MDC takes precautions against default on payment for these services and has historically had a very low incidence of default. MDC is still exposed to the risk of significant uncollectible receivables from our clients. The risk of a material loss could significantly increase in periods of severe economic downturn.
AcquisitionsDeferred acquisition consideration on the balance sheet consists of a business, or a majority interest of a business, by the Company may include future additionaldeferred obligations related to contingent and fixed purchase price obligations payablepayments, and to a lesser extent, contingent and fixed retention payments tied to continued employment of specific personnel. See Note 5 of the Notes to the seller, which are recorded asUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding contingent deferred acquisition consideration liabilities on the Company’s balance sheet at the estimated acquisition date fair value and are remeasured at each reporting period. These contingent purchase obligations are generally payable within a one to five-year period following the acquisition date, and are based on achievement of certain thresholds of future earnings and, in certain cases, the rate of growth of those earnings. The actual amount that the Company pays in connection with such contingent purchase obligations may differ materially from this estimate.
In connection with such contingent purchase obligations, the Company may have the option or, in some cases, the requirement, to purchase the remaining interest. Generally, the Company’s option or requirement to purchase the incremental ownership interest coincides with the final payment of the purchase price obligation related to the Company’s initial majority acquisition. If the Company subsequently acquires the remaining incremental ownership interest, the acquisition fair value of the purchase price, net of any cash paid at closing, is recorded as a liability, any noncontrolling interests are removed and any difference between the purchase price and noncontrolling interest is recorded to additional paid-in capital.
The deferred acquisition consideration and redeemable noncontrolling interests are generally impacted by (i) present value adjustments to accrete the acquisition date fair value of the obligation to the estimated future payment amount at the reporting date, (ii) changes in the estimated future payment obligation resulting from the underlying subsidiary’s financial performance, and (iii) amendments to purchase agreements of previously acquired incremental ownership interests. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are not adjusted below the related initial redemption value. Significant changes in actual results and metrics, such as profit margins and growth rates among others, relative to expectations would result in a higher or lower redemption value adjustment. In addition, the deferred acquisition consideration and redeemable noncontrolling interests could be materially impacted by future acquisition activity, if any, and the particular structure of such acquisitions.
As a result, and due to the factors noted above, the Company does not have a view of the future trajectory and quantification of potential changes in the deferred acquisition consideration and redeemable noncontrolling interests.

consideration.
The following table presents the changes in the deferred acquisition consideration by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2018:2019:
June 30, 2018June 30, 2019
(amounts in $ millions)Global Integrated Agencies Domestic Creative Agencies Specialist Communication Agencies Media Services All Other Total
Global Integrated Agencies Domestic Creative Agencies Specialist Communication Agencies Media Services All Other Total
(Dollars in Thousands)
Beginning Balance of contingent payments$81.4
 $
 $5.5
 $3.7
 $28.5
 $119.1
$47,880
 $3,747
 $13,193
 $2,689
 $15,089
 $82,598
Payments(30.8) 
 (3.8) 
 (14.0) (48.6)(20,773) (526) (2,031) (250) (912) (24,492)
Additions (1)

 
 9.7
 
 
 9.7
Redemption value adjustments (2)
2.2
 
 1.0
 0.2
 (1.2) 2.2
Additions - acquisitions and step up transactions
 
 5,695
 
 
 5,695
Redemption value adjustments (1)
(3,154) (769) (1,049) 73
 (671) (5,570)
Stock-based compensation(1,711) 26
 
 
 1,155
 (530)
Other
 
 
 
 
 
Ending Balance of contingent payments52.8
 
 12.4
 3.9
 13.3
 82.4
22,242
 2,478
 15,808
 2,512
 14,661
 57,701
Fixed payments0.3
 
 
 
 1.0
 1.3
263
 279
 
 
 
 542
$53.1
 $
 $12.4
 $3.9
 $14.3
 $83.7
$22,505
 $2,757
 $15,808
 $2,512
 $14,661
 $58,243

(1)Additions are the initial estimated deferred acquisition payments of new acquisitions and step-up transactions completed within that fiscal period.
(2)Redemption value adjustments are fair value changes from the Company’s initial estimates of deferred acquisition payments including the accretion of present value and stock-based compensation charges relating to acquisition payments that are tied to continued employment.
Deferred acquisition consideration excludes future payments with an estimated fair value of $21.9$8.6 million that are contingent upon employment terms as well as financial performance and will be expensed as stock-based compensation over the required retention period. Of this amount, the Company estimates $0.3$0.2 million will be paid in the current year $14.4and $8.4 million will be paid in one to three years and $7.2 million will be paid in three
When acquiring less than 100% ownership of an entity, the Company may enter into agreements that give the Company an option to five years.
Put Rights of Subsidiaries’ Noncontrolling Shareholders
As noted above, noncontrolling shareholders in certain subsidiaries have the right in certain circumstances topurchase, or require the Company to acquirepurchase, the remainingincremental ownership interests held by them. The noncontrolling shareholders’ ability to exercise any such option right is subject tounder certain circumstances. Where the satisfaction of certain conditions, including conditions requiring notice in advance of exercise and specific employment termination conditions. In addition, these rights cannotincremental purchase may be exercised prior to specified staggered exercise dates. The exercise of these rights at their earliest contractual date would result in obligationsrequired of the Company, to fund the related amounts during 2018 to 2023. It is not determinable, at this time, if or when the owners of these rights will exercise all or a portion of these rights.
The amount payable by the Companyare recorded as redeemable noncontrolling interests in the event such contractual rights are exercised is dependent on various valuation formulas and on future events, such as the average earningsmezzanine equity. See Note 9 of the relevant subsidiary through that date of exercise, the growth rate of the earnings of the relevant subsidiary during that period, and, in some cases, the currency exchange rate at the date of payment.
Management estimates, assuming that the subsidiaries owned by the Company at June 30, 2018, perform over the relevant future periods at their trailing twelve-month earnings level, that these rights, if all are exercised, could require the Company to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $13.3 millionNotes to the owners of such rights in future periods to acquire such ownership interests in the relevant subsidiaries. Of this amount, the Company is entitled, at its option, to fund approximately $0.1 million by the issuance of share capital.
In addition, the Company is obligated under similar put option rights to pay an aggregate amount of approximately $37.0 million only upon termination of such owner’s employment with the applicable subsidiary or death.
The amount the Company would be required to pay to the holders should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests is $5.4 million less than the initial redemption value recorded inUnaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding redeemable noncontrolling interests.interest.
The Company intends to finance the cash portion of these contingent payment obligations using available cash from operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement (and refinancings thereof), and, if necessary, through the incurrence of additional debt and/or issuance of additional equity. The ultimate amount payable and the incremental operating income in the future relating to these transactions will vary because it is dependent on the future results of operations of the subject businesses and the timing of when these rights are exercised.

The following table summarizes the potential timing of the consideration and incremental operating income before depreciation and amortization based on assumptions as described above:
Consideration (4)
 2018 2019 2020 2021 
2022 &
Thereafter
 Total  2019 2020 2021 2022 
2023 &
Thereafter
 Total 
 (Dollars in Millions)  (Dollars in Thousands) 
Cash $3.7
 $2.1
 $3.4
 $2.0
 $2.0
 $13.2
  $4,671
 $1,673
 $3,798
 $2,720
 $6,149
 $19,011
 
Shares 
 
 0.1
 
 
 0.1
  16
 32
 49
 33
 17
 $147
 
 $3.7
 $2.1
 $3.5
 $2.0
 $2.0
 $13.3
(1) 
 $4,687
 $1,705
 $3,847
 $2,753
 $6,166
 $19,158
(1) 
Operating income before depreciation and amortization to be received (2)
 $2.4
 $0.1
 $1.5
 $
 $0.2
 $4.2
  $2,001
 $80
 $1,768
 $
 $569
 $4,418
 
Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization (3)
 $2.4
 $2.5
 $4.0
 $4.0
 $4.2
  
(5) 
 $2,001
 $2,081
 $3,849
 $3,849
 $4,418
  
(5) 
(1)This amount is in addition to (i) the $37.0$19.9 million of options to purchase only exercisable upon termination not within the control of the Company, or death, and (ii) the $5.4$3.6 million excess of the initial redemption value recorded in redeemable noncontrolling interests over the amount the Company would be required to pay to the holders should the Company acquire the remaining ownership interests.
(2)This financial measure is presented because it is the basis of the calculation used in the underlying agreements relating to the put rights and is based on actual operating results. This amount represents additional amounts to be attributable to MDC Partners Inc., commencing in the year the put is exercised.
(3)Cumulative operating income before depreciation and amortization represents the cumulative amounts to be received by the Company.
(4)The timing of consideration to be paid varies by contract and does not necessarily correspond to the date of the exercise of the put.
(5)Amounts are not presented as they would not be meaningful due to multiple periods included.

Critical Accounting Policies
See Note 2 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for information regarding the Company’s revenue recognition policy. For information regarding all other critical accounting policies, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

2018 for information regarding the Company’s critical accounting policies.

New Accounting Pronouncements
Information regarding new accounting guidancepronouncements can be found in Note 1314 of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Risks and Uncertainties
This document contains forward-looking statements. The Company’s representatives may also make forward-looking statements orally from time to time. Statements in this document that are not historical facts, including, without limitation, statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, recent business and economic trends, potential acquisitions, and estimates of amounts for redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration, constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimates,” “expects,” “contemplates,” “will,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “may,” “should” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined in this section. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events, if any.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
risks associated with severe effects of international, national and regional economic conditions;
the Company’s ability to attract new clients and retain existing clients;

the spending patterns and financial success of the Company’s clients;

the Company’s ability to retain and attract key employees;
the Company’s ability to remain in compliance with its debt agreements and the Company’s ability to finance its contingent payment obligations when due and payable, including but not limited to redeemable noncontrolling interests and deferred acquisition consideration;
the successful completion and integration of acquisitions which complement and expand the Company’s business capabilities,capabilities; and the potential impact of one or more asset sales;
foreign currency fluctuations; and
risks associated with the ongoing DOJ investigation of the historical production bidding practices at one of the Company’s subsidiaries.
The Company’s business strategy includes ongoing efforts to engage in acquisitions of ownership interests in entities in the marketing communications services industry. The Company intends to finance these acquisitions by using available cash from operations, from borrowings under the Credit Agreement and through the incurrence of bridge or other debt financing, any of which may increase the Company’s leverage ratios, or by issuing equity, which may have a dilutive impact on existing shareholders proportionate ownership. At any given time, the Company may be engaged in a number of discussions that may result in one or more acquisitions. These opportunities require confidentiality and may involve negotiations that require quick responses by the Company. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any transactions, the announcement of any such transaction may lead to increased volatility in the trading price of the Company’s securities.fluctuations.
Investors should carefully consider these risk factors, and the risk factors outlined in more detail in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 20172018, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 18, 2019 and accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov., under the caption “Risk Factors,” and in the Company’s other SEC filings.
Website Access to Company Reports
MDC Partners Inc.’s Internet website address is www.mdc-partners.com. The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act” ), will be made available free of charge through the Company’s website as soon as reasonably practical after those reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.SEC.  The information found on, or otherwise accessible through, the Company’s website is not incorporated into, and does not form a part of, this quarterly report on Form 10-Q. From time to time, the Company may use its website as a channel of distribution of material company information.
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk related to interest rates, foreign currencies and impairment risk.
Debt Instruments:  At June 30, 2018,2019, the Company’s debt obligations consisted of amounts outstanding under its Credit Agreement and the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes bear a fixed 6.50% interest rate. The Credit Agreement bears interest at variable rates based upon the Eurodollar rate, U.S. bank prime rate and U.S. base rate, at the Company’s option. The Company’s ability to obtain the required bank syndication commitments depends in part on conditions in the bank market at the time of syndication. Given that there were $115.2$27.5 million borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as of June 30, 2018,2019, a 1.0% increase or decrease in the weighted average interest rate, which was 4.08%5.01% at June 30, 2018,2019, would have an interest impact of $0.2approximately $0.3 million.
Foreign Exchange:  While the Company primarily conducts business in markets that use the U.S. dollar, the Canadian dollar, the European Euro and the British Pound, its non-U.S. operations transact business in numerous different currencies. The Company’s results of operations are subject to risk from the translation to the U.S. dollar of the revenue and expenses of its non-U.S. operations. The effects of currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of the Company’s results of operations are discussed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in Note 2 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018. For the most part, revenues and expenses incurred related to the non-U.S. operations are denominated in their functional currency. This minimizes the impact that fluctuations in exchange rates will have on profit margins. Intercompany debt which is not intended to be repaid is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Translation of intercompany debt, which is not intended to be repaid, is included in cumulative translation adjustments. Translation of current intercompany balances are included in net earnings. The Company generally does not enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates.
The Company is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations relating to its intercompany balances between the U.S. and Canada. For every one cent change in the foreign exchange rate between the U.S. and Canada, the impact to the Company’s financial statements would be approximately $3.2$1.0 million.

Impairment Risk: During the six months endedAt June 30, 2018,2019, the Company recognized anhad goodwill of $743.6 million and other intangible assets of $60.8 million. The Company reviews goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization for impairment annually as of $2.3 millionOctober 1st of each year or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. See the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates section in the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K for information related to a long-lived asset. The Company may incur additionalimpairment testing and the risk of potential impairment charges in future periods.
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be included in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the applicable time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”),

who is our principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who is our principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives. However, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurances of achieving our control objectives.
We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO, CFO and management Disclosure Committee, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of June 30, 2018,2019, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that decisions can be made timely with respect to required disclosures, as well as ensuring that the recording, processing, summarization and reporting of information required to be included in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 20182019 is appropriate.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as described below, thereThere have been no changes in our internal controlcontrols over financial reporting during the three months ended June 30, 20182019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
We implemented the new revenue recognition standard under ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018. In connection with this new revenue recognition standard, we continued to implement the following modifications to our internal controls over financial reporting, including the following changes to accounting policies and procedures, operational processes, and documentation practices during the first six moths of 2018:
We updated our policies and procedures related to recognizing revenue and added documentation processes related to the new criteria for recognizing revenue.
We added controls for reviewing variable consideration estimates and for reevaluating our significant contract judgments and estimates quarterly.
We added controls to address related required disclosures regarding revenue, including the disclosure of performance obligations and our significant judgments and estimates for determining the transaction price and when to recognize revenue.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
The Company’s operating entities are involved in legal proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, the Company has no reason to believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Dismissal of Class Action Litigation in Canada
On August 7, 2015, Roberto Paniccia issued a Statement of Claim in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in the City of Brantford, Ontario seeking to certify a class action suit naming the following as defendants: MDC, former CEO Miles S. Nadal, former CAO Michael C. Sabatino, CFO David Doft and BDO U.S.A. LLP.  The Plaintiff alleged violations of section 138.1 of the Ontario Securities Act (and equivalent legislation in other Canadian provinces and territories) as well as common law misrepresentation based on allegedly materially false and misleading statements in the Company’s public statements, as well as omitting to disclose material facts with respect to the SEC investigation.  On June 4, 2018, the Court dismissed (with costs) the putative class members’ motion for leave to proceed with the Plaintiff’s claims for misrepresentations of material facts pursuant to the Ontario Securities Act. Following the Court’s decision, on June 18, 2018, the Plaintiff, MDC and each of the other defendants consented to the dismissal of the action with prejudice (and without costs), subject to the Court’s formal approval.
Antitrust Subpoena
In 2016, one of the Company’s subsidiary agencies received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division (the “DOJ”) concerning the DOJ’s ongoing investigation of production bidding practices in the advertising industry. The Company and its subsidiary are fully cooperating with this confidential investigation. Specifically, the Company and its subsidiary are providing information and engaging in discussions with the DOJ, including preliminary discussions regarding the feasibility of a potential settlement with the DOJ. However, there can be no assurance as to the timing of any settlement or that a settlement will be reached on any particular terms or at all. Moreover, the DOJ may determine to expand the scope of its investigation or initiate a proceeding to bring charges against our subsidiary or one or more members of the subsidiary agency’s former management. The DOJ may also seek to impose monetary sanctions.
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
There are no material changes in the risk factors set forth in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018.
Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.Purchase of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
For the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company made no open market purchases of its Class A shares or its Class B shares. Pursuant to its Credit Agreement and the indenture governing the 6.50% Notes, the Company is currently limited from repurchasing its shares in the open market.
For the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company’s employees surrendered Class A shares in connection with the required tax withholding resulting from the vesting of restricted stock. The Company paid these withholding taxes on behalf of the related employees. These Class A shares were subsequently retired and no longer remain outstanding as of June 30, 2019. The following table details those shares withheld during the second quarter of 2019:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid Per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Program Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
4/1/2019 - 4/30/2019 $
 $
 $
 $
5/1/2019 - 5/31/2019 5,602
 2.61
 
 
6/1/2019 - 6/30/2019 13,655
 2.91
 
 
Total $19,257
 $2.70
 $
 $

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information
None.
Item 6.    Exhibits
The exhibits required by this item are listed on the Exhibit Index.


EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No. Description
Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004).
Articles of Continuance, dated June 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2004).
Articles of Amalgamation, dated July 1, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on July 30, 2010).
Articles of Amalgamation, dated May 1, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 2, 2011).
Articles of Amalgamation, dated January 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.4 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2014).
Articles of Amalgamation, dated April 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.5 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2014).
Articles of Amalgamation, dated July 1, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1.6 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 10, 2014).
Articles of Amendment, dated March 7, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2017).
Articles of Amendment, dated March 14, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2019).
General By-law No. 1, as amended on April 29, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2007).
 MDC Partners Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended June 6, 2018Agreement, dated April 19, 2019, by and between the Company and FrontFour Capital Group LLC, on behalf of itself and its affiliates (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2018)April 22, 2019).
 Statement
Employment Agreement, dated as of computationMay 6, 2019, by and between the Company and Frank Lanuto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2019).

Employment Agreement, dated as of ratioMay 6, 2019, by and between the Company and Jonathan Mirsky (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 8, 2019).

Employment Agreement, dated as of earningsMay 16, 2019, by and between the Company and Seth Gardner (incorporated by reference to fixed charges.*Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2019).

Separation and Release Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2019, by and between the Company and David Doft (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2019).
Separation and Release Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2019, by and between the Company and Mitchell Gendel (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2019).
Agreement of Settlement and Release, dated as of June 3, 2019, by and between the Company and Stephanie Nerlich (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2019).

Amendment to Incentive/Retention Agreement, dated June 4, 2019, by and between the Company and David Ross (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 6, 2019).

 Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a - 14(a) and 15d - 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a - 14(a) and 15d - 14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
 Schedule of Advertising and Communications Companies.*
101 Interactive data file.*
* Filed electronically herewith.

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

 
MDC PARTNERS INC.
 
/s/ David DoftFrank Lanuto
David DoftFrank Lanuto
Chief Financial Officer and Authorized Signatory
 
August 7, 20182019

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