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

_________________

Form 10-Q

[X]        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2006

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 000-29239

INFORTE CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

        Delaware 36-3909334
(State of incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)


500 North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, Illinois 60610
(Address of principal executive offices, including ZIP code)

(312) 540-0900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3400, Chicago, Illinois, 60601
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and larger accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer    |_|          Accelerated filer    |_|          Non-accelerated filer    |X|

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)      Yes    |_|      No    |X|

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock as of June 30, 2006 was 11,853,576.


INFORTE CORP.

INDEX

Page No.

Forward-Looking Statements
 

PART I
Financial Information

Item 1
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Consolidated Balance Sheets -June 30, 2005, September 30,
2005, December 31, 2005, March 31, 2006, June 30, 2006

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three and Six Months
Ended June 30, 2005 and 2006

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three and Six Months
Ended June 30, 2005 and 2006

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5-11

Item 2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 12-19

Item 3
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure about Market Risk 20 

Item 4
Controls and Procedures 20 

PART II
Other Information

Item 1
Legal Proceedings 20 

Item 1A
Risk Factors 20 

Item 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 20 

Item 3
Defaults of Senior Securities 20 

Item 4
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 20 

Item 5
Other Information 20 

Item 6
Exhibits 21 

Signature
  22 

Exhibit 31.1
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer 23 

Exhibit 31.2
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer 24 

Exhibit 32
Section 906 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer 25 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, such as statements of our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements because of the risks and uncertainties inherent in future events that include, but are not limited to, those identified under the caption “Risk Factors” appearing in this 10-Q and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, as well as factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ from forward-looking results for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, Inforte’s ability to: (i) effectively forecast demand and profitably match resources with demand; (ii) attract and retain clients and satisfy our clients’ expectations; (iii) recruit and retain qualified professionals; (iv) accurately estimate the time and resources necessary for the delivery of our services; (v) build and maintain marketing relationships with leading software vendors while competing with their professional services organizations; (vi) compete with emerging alternative economic models for delivery, such as offshore development; (vii) effectively integrate acquired businesses; (viii) grow new areas of its business, such as business intelligence and managed analytics; (ix) identify and successfully offer the solutions that clients demand; (x) effectively compete with larger and established competitors; (xi) retain significant clients and collect sizeable accounts receivable; and (xii) implement legislative and regulatory requirements in a timely and cost efficient manner, as well as other factors discussed from time to time in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected. All forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date hereof, based on information available to Inforte on the date thereof, and Inforte assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.



1


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

INFORTE CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(000‘s)

JUNE 30,
2005

SEPT 30,
2005

DEC 31,
2005

MAR 31,
2006

JUNE 30,
2006

(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)
                           ASSETS                        
Current assets:  
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 9,471   $ 12,107   $ 10,353   $ 12,217   $ 10,569  
  Short-term marketable securities    20,022    18,996    22,591    17,844    19,266  
  Accounts receivable    7,875    8,707    8,460    8,078    7,683  
  Allowance for doubtful accounts    (450 )  (450 )  (400 )  (400 )  (400 )





  Accounts receivable, net    7,425    8,257    8,060    7,678    7,283  
  Note receivable from affiliate    50    429    684    1,122    1,537  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets    1,162    1,066    1,023    1,211    1,147  
  Interest receivable on investment securities    261    204    199    164    133  
  Deferred income taxes    1,053    1,073    484    371    351  
  Income taxes recoverable    1,013    218    124    124    13  





          Total current assets    40,457    42,350    43,518    40,731    40,299  
Computers, purchased software and property    2,602    2,111    1,862    1,865    2,303  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization    1,754    1,091    881    805    893  





Computers, purchased software and property, net    848    1,020    981    1,060    1,410  
Long-term marketable securities    3,543    492    --    --    --  
Intangible assets    --    64    42    27    14  
Goodwill    11,726    14,307    15,238    15,238    15,126  
Deferred income taxes    1,495    1,565    2,758    2,754    2,748  
Investment in affiliate    2,000    1,924    1,857    1,783    1,721  





          Total assets   $ 60,069   $ 61,722   $ 64,394   $ 61,593   $ 61,318  





            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
  Accounts payable   $ 413   $ 666   $ 357   $ 406   $ 1,152  
  Income taxes payable    260    359    920    992    306  
  Accrued expenses    2,890    3,012    3,595    3,850    3,195  
  Accrued loss on disposal of leased property    1,492    1,106    845    635    486  
  Current portion of deferred acquisition payment    3,150    3,650    3,650    500    500  
  Deferred revenue    1,166    1,084    1,679    1,456    1,197  





          Total current liabilities    9,371    9,877    11,046    7,839    6,836  
Non current liabilities:  
  Non-current portion of deferred acquisition payment    --    500    1,500    1,500    1,500  
Stockholders' equity:  
  Common stock, $0.001 par value  
    authorized- 50,000,000 shares; issued and  
    outstanding (net of treasury stock)- 11,853,576 as  
    of Jun. 30, 2006    12    12    13    12    12  
  Additional paid-in capital    74,993    75,179    75,469    75,461    75,487  
  Cost of common stock in treasury (2,720,823 shares as  
    of Jun. 30, 2006)    (24,997 )  (24,997 )  (24,997 )  (24,997 )  (24,997 )
  Retained earnings    454    999    1,307    1,636    2,056  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income    236    152    56    142    424  





          Total stockholders' equity    50,698    51,345    51,848    52,254    52,982  





         Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 60,069   $ 61,722   $ 64,394   $ 61,593   $ 61,318  





See notes to consolidated financial statements

2


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(000‘s, except per share data)

THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

2005
2006
2005
2006
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)

Revenues:
                   

  Revenue before reimbursements
  
    (net revenue)   $ 9,794   $ 9,573   $ 18,449   $ 19,526  
  Reimbursements    1,099    889    1,990    1,886  




Total revenues    10,893    10,462    20,439    21,412  

Cost of services:
  
  Project personnel and related expenses    5,321    5,442    11,080    10,787  
  Reimbursed expenses    1,099    889    1,990    1,886  




Total cost of services    6,420    6,331    13,070    12,673  




Gross profit    4,473    4,131    7,369    8,739  

Other operating expenses:
  
  Sales and marketing    691    554    1,304    1,226  
  Recruiting, retention and training    262    471    461    844  
  Management and administrative    2,958    2,663    6,594    5,864  




Total other operating expenses    3,911    3,688    8,359    7,934  

Operating income (loss)
    562    443    (990 )  805  
Loss on investment in affiliate    --    (61 )  --    (136 )
Interest income, net and other    196    344    457    624  




Income (loss) before income tax    758    726    (533 )  1,293  
Income tax expense (benefit)    304    306    (217 )  544  




Net income (loss)   $ 454   $ 420   $ (316 ) $ 749  





Earnings per share:
  
-Basic   $ 0.04   $ 0.04   $ (0.03 ) $ 0.06  
-Diluted   $ 0.04   $ 0.04   $ (0.03 ) $ 0.06  

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
  
-Basic    11,234    11,363    11,184    11,323  
-Diluted    11,711    11,687    11,184    11,725  

See notes to consolidated financial statements


3


INFORTE CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(000‘s)

THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

2005
2006
2005
2006
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)

Cash flows from operating activities
                   
Net income (loss)   $ 454   $ 420   $ (316 ) $ 749  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
  
cash provided by (used in) operating  
activities:  
  Depreciation and amortization    302    242    686    470  
  Loss on investment in affiliate    --    61    --    136  
  Stock-based compensation    238    14    642    6  
  Deferred income taxes    242    (5 )  321    112  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities  
  Accounts receivable    (1,115 )  395    (384 )  777  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets    139    63    (166 )  (109 )
  Accounts payable    (297 )  298    (343 )  347  
  Income taxes    141    (422 )  (1,037 )  (350 )
  Accrued expenses and other    282    (805 )  (260 )  (760 )
  Deferred revenue    81    (259 )  (501 )  (482 )




Net cash provided by (used in) operating  
  activities    467    2    (1,358 )  896  

Cash flows from investing activities
  
  Acquisition of Compendit, net of cash    --    --    (3,150 )  (3,150 )
  Note receivable from affiliate    (50 )  (382 )  (50 )  (803 )
  Investment in affiliate    (2,000 )  --    (2,000 )  --  
  (Increase) Decrease in marketable securities    6,375    (1,492 )  12,734    3,246  
  Purchases of property and equipment    (25 )  (109 )  (162 )  (365 )




Net cash provided by (used in) investing  
  activities    4,300    (1,983 )  7,372    (1,072 )

Cash flows from financing activities
  
  Proceeds from stock option and purchase plans    156    --    202    --  
Dividends    (17,375 )  --    (17,375 )  --  




Net cash used in financing activities    (17,219 )  --    (17,173 )  --  




Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash    (118 )  333    (187 )  392  
  Increase (decrease) in cash and cash  
     equivalents    (12,570 )  (1,648 )  (11,346 )  216  
Cash and cash equivalents, beg. of period    22,041    12,217    20,817    10,353  




Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 9,471   $ 10,569   $ 9,471   $ 10,569  





See notes to consolidated financial statements


4


Notes to consolidated financial statements
(Unaudited)
June 30, 2006

(1)     BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Inforte Corp. (“Inforte”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding interim financial reporting. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2005 included in Inforte’s annual report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-29239). The balance sheet at December 31, 2005 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting solely of normal, recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with current presentation format.

(2)     DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Inforte computes basic earnings per share by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding. Stock options and restricted shares totaling 275,618 were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share for the six months ending June 30, 2005 because Inforte recorded a net loss for that period.

THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,

2005
2006
2005
2006
(Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Unaudited)

Basic weighted average shares
     11,234,269    11,363,083    11,183,550    11,323,371  
Effect of dilutive stock options  
 and contingently issuable shares    477,139    323,431    --    401,446  




Diluted common and common  
 equivalent shares    11,711,408    11,686,514    11,183,550    11,724,817  





(3)     COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income” (SFAS 130), establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income. Comprehensive income includes net income as currently reported under generally accepted accounting principles, and also considers the effect of additional economic events that are not required to be recorded in determining net income, but rather are reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Inforte reports foreign currency translation gains and losses, and unrealized gains and losses on investments in marketable securities, as components of comprehensive income. Total comprehensive income was $260,723 and $701,731 for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Total comprehensive loss was $688,760 for the six months ended June 30, 2005 and total comprehensive income was $1,116,580 for the six months ended June 30, 2006.

(4)     CONTINGENCIES
Inforte; Philip S. Bligh, Inforte’s Chairman of the Board; Stephen C.P. Mack, Inforte’s current President and Chief Executive Officer and a former President and Chief Operating Officer; and Nick Padgett, the former Chief Financial Officer of Inforte, have been named as defendants in Mary C. Best v. Inforte Corp.; Goldman, Sachs & Co.; Salomon Smith Barney, Inc.; Philip S. Bligh; Stephen C.P. Mack and Nick Padgett, Case No. 01 CV 10836, filed on November 30, 2001 in Federal Court in the Southern District of New York (the “Case”). The Case is among more than 300 putative class actions against certain issuers, their officers and directors, and underwriters with respect to such issuers’ initial public offerings, coordinated as In re Initial Public Offering Securities Litigation, 21 MC 92 (SAS) (collectively, the “Multiple IPO Litigation”). An amended class action complaint was filed in the Case on April 19, 2002. The amended complaint in the Case alleges violations of federal securities laws in connection with Inforte’s initial public offering occurring in February 2000 and seeks certification of a class of purchasers of Inforte stock, unspecified damages, interest, attorneys’ and expert witness fees and other costs. The amended complaint does not allege any claims relating to any alleged misrepresentations or omissions with respect to our business. The individual defendants (Messrs. Bligh, Mack and Padgett) have been dismissed from the case without prejudice pursuant to a stipulated dismissal and a tolling agreement. We have moved to dismiss the plaintiff’s case. On February 19, 2002, the Court granted this motion in part, denied it in part and ordered that discovery in the case may commence. The Court dismissed with prejudice the plaintiff’s purported claim against Inforte under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but left in place the plaintiff’s claim under Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.

5


Inforte has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”), along with most of the other defendant issuers in the Multiple IPO Litigation, whereby such issuers and their officers and directors (including Inforte and Messrs. Bligh, Mack and Padgett) will be dismissed with prejudice from the Multiple IPO Litigation, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. Under the terms of the MOU, neither Inforte nor any of its formerly named individual defendants admit any basis for liability with respect to the claims in the Case. The MOU provides that insurers for Inforte and the other defendant issuers participating in the settlement will pay approximately $1 billion to settle the Multiple IPO Litigation, except that no such payment will occur until claims against the underwriters are resolved and such payment will be paid only if the recovery against the underwriters for such claims is less than $1 billion and then only to the extent of any shortfall. Under the terms of the MOU, neither Inforte nor any of its named directors will pay any amount of the settlement. The MOU further provided that participating defendant issuers will assign certain claims they may have against the defendant underwriters in connection with the Multiple IPO Litigation. The MOU is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including, among others, approval of the Court. In an order dated February 15, 2005, the Court certified settlement classes and class representatives and granted preliminary approval to the settlement contemplated by the MOU with certain modifications, including that the “bar order,” or claims that would be barred by the settlement, be modified consistent with the Court’s opinion. Amended settlement documents were subsequently presented to the Court and, on August 31, 2005, the Court entered an order approving the form, substance and program of notice of the settlement to class members and further set a hearing concerning the fairness of the settlement on April 26, 2006. At the fairness hearing, certain of the underwriters objected to the settlement, arguing that their judgment reduction rights are prejudiced by the settlement.  Other objectors argued that a $1 billion guaranteed recovery would be inadequate. A ruling by the Court on the motion for final approval of the settlement is pending. Certain of the underwriters that are defendants in the lawsuit have appealed the Court’s ruling granting class certification.

(5)     SEGMENT REPORTING
Inforte engages in business activities in one operating segment, which provides consulting services either on a fixed-price, fixed-timeframe basis or on a time-and-materials basis. Inforte’s services are delivered to clients in North America and Europe, and Inforte’s long-lived assets are located in North America, Europe and India. Domestic and foreign operating revenues are based on the location of customers. Inforte’s European operations had $3,140,000 and $3,934,000 of net revenues for the three months ending June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and $5,861,966 and $8,273,000 of revenues for the six months ending June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Operating income was $736,000 and $740,000 for the second quarter of 2005 and 2006, respectively, and $1,761,000 and $1,970,000 for the six months ending June 30, 2005 and 2006, respectively. Asset information by operating segment is not reported to or reviewed by the chief operating decision maker; therefore, Inforte has not disclosed asset information for each operating segment or geographical location.

(6)     STOCK BASED COMPENSATION
Inforte adopted Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), a revision to SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation on January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective application method. Adoption of SFAS 123R had no effect on Inforte’s cash flows, financial position, or results of operations. All options outstanding as of January 1, 2006 were fully vested and there was no compensation expense related to these options in the first quarter of 2006. The adoption of SFAS 123R primarily resulted in a change in Inforte’s method of recognizing the fair value of share-based compensation and estimating forfeitures for all unvested awards. Specifically, the adoption of SFAS 123R resulted in recording compensation expense for employee stock options. Stock-based compensation expense related to stock option plans included in operating expenses for the three-month period ended June 30, 2006 was $3,000. Stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock grants for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2006 was $81,000 and $99,000, respectively. In the second quarter of 2006, there was a reversal of $70,000 of a previously recognized expense related to estimated total costs of a stock option grant to a former non-employee member of the board of directors.

6


Stock-based compensation expense of $238,000 was recognized in the quarter ending June 30, 2005, $39,000 of which was related to common stock grants and $199,000 was related to grants of restricted stock. Stock-based compensation expense was $642,000 in the first six months of 2005, $417,000 of which was related to common stock grants, $212,000 was related to grants of restricted stock and $14,000 was related to stock options grants.

Had we applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based employee compensation during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005, net income and net income per share would have been as follows:

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2005

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)

Net income (loss), as reported
    $ 454,000   $ (316,000 )
Add: Stock-based compensation expense  
   recorded, net of related tax effects    238,000    642,000  
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation  
   expense determined under fair value  
   based method for all awards, net of  
   related tax effects (1)    (76,000 )  (395,000 )


Pro forma net income (loss)   $ 616,000   $ (69,000 )



Net income, per share:
  
   Basic-- as reported    0.04    (0.03 )


   Basic-- pro forma    0.05    (0.01 )


   Diluted-- as reported    0.04    (0.03 )


   Diluted-- pro forma    0.05    (0.01 )


  (1)         Total stock-based compensation, under the fair value based method for the three and six months ending June 30, 2005, reflects net benefits of $162,000 and $233,000, respectively, due to reversals of previously expensed amounts related to stock options canceled due to the capital restructuring plan executed in March 2005.

As of June 30, 2006, the unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options is approximately $240,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 60 months. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted in the second quarter of 2006 was $2.42.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. The valuations of options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 were based on the following assumptions:

Three Months
Ended June 30,

Six Months
Ended June 30,

2005
2006
2005
2006
Weighted-average expected lives (in years)   4.0   5.0   4.0   5.0  
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate  2.48%-4.09%  4.92%-5.06%  2.48%-4.09%  4.92%-5.06% 
Dividend yield  0%  0%  0%  0% 
Volatility  49%-65%  49.1%  49%65%  49.1% 


7


Stock Option Compensation Plans

Number
of
options

Weighted- average
option prices per
common share

Weighted- average
remaining contractual
term in years

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

Unvested at December 31, 2005      --    --    --      
Granted    110,000   $ 4 .94  5 .0   
Vested    --    --    --    
Forfeited    --    --    --   --




Unvested at June 30, 2006    110,000   $ 4 .94  5 .0  --
Exercisable as of June 30, 2006    346,428   $ 10 .94  




(7)     ACQUISITIONS
On March 12, 2004, by way of a merger of a wholly owned subsidiary of Inforte with COMPENDIT, Inforte acquired all of the outstanding shares of COMPENDIT, a leading provider of SAP Business Intelligence implementation consulting services, for initial cash consideration of $5.5 million on closing. An additional cash payment of $0.5 million was paid in cash in May 2004 based on a closing statement calculation of cash less transaction costs. A supplementary cash amount of $6.3 million was paid into two equal installments in January 2005 and 2006. This acquisition enhanced Inforte’s ability to offer analytics and business intelligence solutions through COMPENDIT’s services partnership with SAP AG.

The consolidated financial statements reflect a total purchase price of $12.5 million, consisting of the following: (i) the payment of the initial cash consideration of $5.5 million, (ii) transaction costs of $0.2 million, (iii) additional cash consideration paid after closing of the acquisition of $0.5 million, and (iv) an earnout of $6.3 million paid in January 2005 and 2006. Under the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price is allocated to COMPENDIT’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation is as follows:

Amount
(in thousands)

Tangible assets:        
   Cash and cash equivalents   $ 547  
   Accounts receivable and other current assets    2,269  
   Property and equipment    156  
   Carry back of net operating losses    111  

        Total tangible assets    3,083  

Intangible assets:
  
   Goodwill and other intangible assets    11,742  

        Total assets    14,825  

Liabilities assumed:    2,310  

        Net assets acquired   $ 12,515  

On July 15, 2005 Inforte acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of GTS Consulting, Inc. (“GTS”), a marketing analytics services firm. Inforte paid $2.1 million in cash at closing. As part of the purchase price, Inforte will pay an additional $800,000 and grant 42,284 shares of common stock in two installments of $400,000 and 21,142 shares, respectively, on the first and second anniversary date of the closing. Based on GTS’s achievement of certain revenue levels per customer or of aggregate revenue during the 12-month period following the closing, Inforte is further obligated to pay an additional $800,000, and 42,284 shares of common stock payable in two installments of $400,000 and 21,142 shares of common stock, respectively, on the third and fourth anniversary dates of the closing.


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The consolidated financial statements reflect a total purchase price of $4.1 million, consisting of the following: (i) the payment of the initial cash consideration of $2.1 million, (ii) transaction costs of $0.1 million, (iii) a deferred acquisition payment of $800,000 and a grant of 42,284 shares payable in two installments in July 2006 and July 2007, (iv) an earnout payment of $800,000 and 42,284 shares payable two in installments in July 2008 and July 2009, and (v) a reduction related to the tax benefit of goodwill amortization for tax purposes of $100,000. In April 2006, Inforte agreed to amend the Stock Purchase Agreement so that every post-closing payment made to Dr. Stoops would consist of $400,000 in cash and 21,142 shares of unregistered Inforte common stock. The number of shares was calculated on the basis of $100,000 worth of stock valued at a closing price of $4.73 per share on April 26, 2006, the date the agreement was amended. Under the purchase method of accounting, the purchase price is allocated to GTS’ net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of the acquisition. The purchase price allocation is as follows:

Amount
(in thousands)

Tangible assets:        
   Cash and cash equivalents   $ 19  
   Accounts receivable and other current assets    582  
   Property and equipment    263  

        Total tangible assets    864  

Intangible assets:
  
   Goodwill and other intangible assets    3,593  

        Total assets    4,457  

Liabilities assumed:    331  

        Net assets acquired   $ 4,126  

Intangible assets of $82,000 were recorded at the date of the acquisition, of which $14,000 was charged as amortization in the second quarter of 2006. The acquisition has been treated as a purchase of assets and liabilities; therefore, the intangible assets, including goodwill, are deductible for tax purposes.

The following is a summary of total intangible assets and goodwill as of June 30, 2006 (in thousands except for amortization life):

Gross
carrying
amount

Accumulated
amortization

Net book
value

Weighted average
amortization life
(months)


Customer contracts
    $ 209   $ 195   $ 14    15  
Goodwill    15,126    --    15,126    N/ A




Total   $ 15,335   $ 195   $ 15,140  




Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill will not be amortized but will be tested for impairment at least annually.

Inforte and GTS had one contractual agreement prior to acquisition, according to which Inforte was a subcontractor on a client service engagement originally owned by GTS. All intercompany payables and receivables were eliminated at acquisition.

There were no historical transactions between Inforte and COMPENDIT.

(8)    INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE
Inforte has entered into a Limited Liability Company Agreement of Provansis LLC An Inforte Company (Provansis), dated May 20, 2005, by and among Inforte, Primary Knowledge, Inc. (PKI), and Mr. Ronald Meyer.

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Pursuant to the Agreement, Inforte, PKI and Mr. Meyer, the Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed entity, are members in Provansis. Initially, Inforte contributed $2,000,000 in cash for a 19% membership interest. For an initial 76% membership interest, PKI contributed to Provansis the right to market, on an exclusive basis, processing rights in connection with the underwriting of applications for term life insurance, and has agreed to present to Provansis, on an exclusive basis, new technology using prescription data that may be developed by PKI or an affiliate of PKI. The remaining 5% of membership interest is owned by Mr. Meyer. The ownership units transferred to Mr. Meyer vest over a period of five years. In the event that Mr. Meyer’s employment with Provansis is terminated for any reason, unvested units held by Mr. Meyer will be forfeited and returned to Provansis. Further, vested units held by Mr. Meyer, will, at the option of Provansis, be sold by Mr. Meyer to Provansis.

As of June 30, 2006, Inforte recorded the initial contribution of $2,000,000 as a non-current asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Under the terms of the Agreement, Inforte has one seat on the board of directors, with special voting rights and other privileges, and, therefore, used the equity method of accounting for this investment. Losses in equity of Provansis included in Inforte’s statement of operations were $61,000 and $135,000 in the three and six months ending June 30, 2006, respectively.

The economic profits or losses of Provansis are allocated in accordance with the respective membership interests of Provansis’ members. As of June 30, 2006 the only owners of membership interests were PKI, Inforte and Mr. Meyer and the respective ownership percentages as of that date were 76%, 19% and 5%, respectively. The difference between the carrying amount of Inforte’s investment and the equity in net assets of Provansis was immaterial as of June 30, 2006.

Subject to certain terms and conditions, Inforte is obligated to advance certain unsecured working capital loans to Provansis at an interest rate equal to the prime rate until May 20, 2006, the date the loans are due, and prime rate plus 4% after the due date. The working capital loans are payable generally from 70% of available cash flow, if any, of Provansis. As of June 30, 2006 Inforte provided Provansis with $1.7 million of such loans presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as Note receivable from affiliate. Accumulated accrued interest related to that loan was $64,000 as of June 30, 2006 and $33,000 was posted on the Interest income, net and other line of the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the second quarter of 2006.

Inforte provides services to Provansis, including, but not limited to, accounting, human resources and information technology services. Inforte charges Provansis for such services at cost plus 25%. The amount billed to Provansis in the second quarter of 2006 was immaterial.

(9) RESTRUCTURING

During 2001 Inforte took major steps to reduce its costs to better align its overall cost structure and organization with anticipated demand for its services. These steps included consolidating office space at the Chicago location where Inforte had multiple contractual rental commitments. Estimated costs for the consolidation of Chicago facilities consist of contractual rental commitments for office space being vacated and unamortized leasehold improvements related to this space less estimated sub-lease income. The total reduction of office space resulting from this consolidation of our Chicago office space was approximately 17,770 square feet, all of which were vacated as of December 31, 2001. Total charges related to this reduction of office space as well as any subsequent loss adjustments were recorded as a component of management and administrative expenses in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 Consolidated Statement of Operations. If Inforte vacates additional space, if future sub-lease income is less than estimated, or if it is unable to sub-lease our vacated space, additional charges in future periods will be necessary.

Charges for this restructuring for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 were as follows:

3 months ended June 30, 2005     Balance 03/31/05     Expense     Cash payments     Adjustments     Balance 06/30/05    
Lease termination   $ 219,000   $ -   $ (37,000)   $ -   $182,000  
3 months ended June 30, 2006   Balance 03/31/06   Expense   Cash receipts   Adjustments   Balance 06/30/06  
Lease termination   $ 5,000   $ -   $ 26,000   $ 15,000   $ 46,000  

In October 2004, Inforte’s executive team authorized a plan to consolidate office space at its Southern California office and the two Chicago locations where Inforte had separate contractual rental obligations. Estimated costs for the consolidation of the facilities consist of contractual rental commitments for office space being vacated less estimated sub-lease income. The total reduction of office space resulting from this consolidation of Inforte’s office space was approximately 43,881 square feet at the time the plan was executed. During the third quarter of 2005 two of the original lease agreements were amended, reducing total abandoned office space to 27,341 square feet and terminating a lease for 4,357 square feet of additional office space. Total charges related to this reduction of space are still estimated at $2.0 million and were recognized at the date the plan for office space consolidation was executed.


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Charges for this restructuring for the three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006 were as follows:

3 months ended June 30, 2005     Balance 03/31/05     Expense     Cash payments     Adjustments     Balance 06/30/05    
Lease termination   $ 1,607,000   $ -   $ (297,000)   $ -   $1,310,000  
3 months ended June 30, 2006   Balance 03/31/06   Expense   Cash payments   Adjustments   Balance 06/30/06  
Lease termination   $ 630,000   $ -   $ (185,000)   $ (5,000)   $ 440,000  

(10)     CAPITAL RESTRUCTURING AND CASH DISTRIBUTION TO STOCKHOLDERS
On January 27, 2005 Inforte announced that its board of directors had approved a capital restructuring plan that included (1) a special one-time dividend of $1.50 per share and (2) a program to offer employees, with respect to certain stock options, the opportunity to convert stock options to restricted stock or to cash out stock options. On March 21, 2005 Inforte completed its offer to exchange options for cash or restricted stock. 509,636 options were exchanged for a total cash consideration, including applicable payroll taxes, of $848,000, of which $292,000 was charged to project personnel and related expenses, $119,000 to sales and marketing expenses, $8,000 to recruiting, retention, and training expenses and $429,000 was charged to management and administrative expenses. Further, 707,112 options were exchanged for 310,394 shares of restricted stock. The total non-cash compensation expense related to the restricted stock grants will be expensed ratably over a four-year period as the stock vests over a four-year period, starting on the grant date of March 21, 2005. The maximum total compensation charges associated with the restricted stock grants related to this capital restructuring are $71,000, $141,000, $141,000 and $30,000 for the remainder of 2006 and the years 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively.

Inforte also paid $90,000 in professional fees associated with the implementation of the capital restructuring plan. Inforte granted common stock to employees who had unexercised vested stock options as of the dividend payment date. The total compensation expense related to these common stock grants was $378,000 and was recorded as part of management and administrative expenses on the statement of operations for the first half of 2005. On April 20, 2005 Inforte issued 106,586 shares of common stock related to this grant.

On March 21, 2005, Inforte announced that the record date for Inforte stockholders for the previously declared special one-time cash distribution of $1.50 per share of common stock would be the close of business on Tuesday, April 5, 2005. Total cash payable to eligible stockholders of $17.4 million was recorded as a liability as of March 31, 2005 and allocated to retained earnings and additional paid-in capital. The one-time cash distribution to stockholders was made on April 15, 2005.

(11)     INCOME TAXES
Inforte has deferred tax assets which have arisen primarily as a result of foreign tax credits related to taxes paid in 2002, 2003 and 2004 in the United Kingdom, net operating losses incurred in 2003, 2004 and 2005, as well as other temporary differences between book and tax accounting in the US and Germany. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” requires the establishment of a valuation allowance to reflect the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets. Significant management judgment is required in determining Inforte’s provision for income taxes, its deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance recorded against the net deferred tax assets. As of June 30, 2006 based on historical performance and future projections of taxable income in the jurisdictions where Inforte and its affiliates operate all deferred tax assets were deemed realizable and therefore no valuation allowance was recorded.

Inforte’s effective tax rate may vary from period to period based on changes in estimated taxable income or loss, changes to federal, state or foreign tax laws, future expansion into areas with varying country, state, and local income tax rates, deductibility of certain costs and expenses by jurisdiction, recording of a valuation allowance and as a result of acquisitions.


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

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, together with the notes to those statements, included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q .

Overview

Inforte helps companies acquire, develop and retain profitable customers with a unique combination of strategic, analytic and technology deployment services. Our approach enables clients to improve their understanding of customer behavior; successfully apply this insight to customer interactions; and continually analyze and fine-tune their strategies and tactics. Founded in 1993, Inforte is headquartered in Chicago with offices in Atlanta; Dallas; Delhi, India; Hamburg, Germany; Los Angeles; London; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C.

Our revenue is derived almost entirely through the performance of professional services. The majority of the services we perform are on a time and materials basis; however, we also perform services on a fixed-price basis if this structure best fits out clients’ preferences or the requirements of the project. Typically, the first portion of an engagement involves a strategy project or a discovery phase lasting 30 to 60 days. This work enables us to determine with our clients the scope of successive phases of work. These successive phases of work can be additional strategy phases, or phases for technology design and implementation, and generally last three to nine months. If a project is to be performed on a fixed price basis, the fixed price is based upon estimates from senior personnel in our consulting organization who project the length of the engagement, the number of people required to complete the engagement and the skill level and billing rates of those people. We then adjust the fixed price based on various qualitative risk factors such as the aggressiveness of the delivery deadline, the technical complexity of the solution and the value of the solution delivered to the client. We typically ask clients to pay 25%-50% of our fixed price projects in advance to enable us to secure a project team in a timeframe that is responsive to the client’s needs.



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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentage of net revenue (revenue excluding reimbursable expenses) of certain items included in Inforte’s statement of operations:

% of Net Revenue
Three Months Ended
June 30,
% of Net Revenue
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2005
2006
2005
2006

Revenues:
                   
  Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)    100 .0%  100 .0%  100 .0%  100 .0%
  Reimbursements    11 .2  9 .3  10 .8  9 .7




Total revenue    111 .2  109 .3  110 .8  109 .7
Cost of services:  
  Project personnel and related expenses    54 .3  56 .8  60 .1  55 .2
  Reimbursements    11 .2  9 .3  10 .8  9 .7




Total cost of services    65 .6  66 .1  70 .8  64 .9




Gross profit    45 .7  43 .2  39 .9  44 .8

Other operating expenses:
  
  Sales and marketing    7 .1  5 .8  7 .1  6 .3
  Recruiting, retention and training    2 .7  4 .9  2 .5  4 .3
  Management and administrative    30 .2  27 .8  35 .7  30 .0




Total other operating expenses    39 .9  38 .5  45 .3  40 .6




Operating income (loss)    5 .7  4 .6  (5 .4)  4 .1
Loss on investment in joint venture    --    (0 .6)  --    (0 .7)
Interest income, net and other    2 .0  3 .6  2 .5  3 .2




Pretax income (loss)    7 .7  7 .6  (2 .9)  6 .6
Income tax expense (benefit)    3 .1  3 .2  (1 .2)  2 .8




Net income (loss)    4 .6%  4 .4%  (1 .7)%  3 .8%




NON-GAAP SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (1)
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(000‘s)

% of Net Revenue
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2005

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue)   100.0%
Operating income (loss)  (5.4)
Add: tender offer related charges  7.1

Non-GAAP operating income  1.8%


Net income
  (1.7)
Add: tender offer related charges, net of tax effect  4.3

Non-GAAP net income  2.6%

(1)     The Non-GAAP supplemental information shows results excluding the impact of one-time charges related to the tender offer to convert certain stock options into cash and restricted stock and a one-time cash distribution to stockholders that occurred in the first quarter of 2005. The total expense of $1,316 included: (i)$848 for charges related to the exchange of stock options for cash; (ii) $378 for common stock grants to employees who had chosen not to exercise options prior to the one-time cash distribution; and (iii) $90 for professional services. The non-GAAP results are provided in order to enhance the user’s overall understanding of the company’s current and future financial performance by excluding certain items that management believes are not indicative of its core operating results and by providing results that provide a more consistent basis for comparison between quarters. Inforte presents these non-GAAP financial measures to complement results provided in accordance with GAAP, as management believes the measures help to illustrate underlying trends in our business. Inforte’s management uses these measures to establish budgets and operational goals that are communicated internally and externally, to manage our business and evaluate its performance and to assess compensation for executives. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

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Six and three months ended June 30, 2005 and 2006

Revenue before reimbursements (net revenue). Net revenue is revenue excluding reimbursable expenses that are billed to our clients. We exclude reimbursements from revenue because we believe net revenue is a more meaningful representation of our economic activity than total revenues, since the former excludes zero-margin pass-through expenses that in our opinion are not controllable, not pertinent to business fundamentals, financial statement analysis, or the investment decision and, in fact, may mask trends in underlying performance.

Net revenue decreased 2% to $9.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from $9.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. For the quarter ended June 30, 2006, we had 24 significant clients with each of these clients contributing, on average, $1.6 million to revenue on an annualized basis. For the quarter ended June 30, 2005, we had 35 significant clients with each of these clients contributing, on average, $1.1 million to revenue on an annualized basis. Sequentially, net revenue decreased 4% from $10.0 million in the March 2006 quarter.

Project personnel and related expenses. Project personnel and related expenses consist of compensation and benefits for our professional employees who deliver consulting services, non-reimbursable costs and any estimated revisions for our allowance for doubtful accounts. All labor costs for project personnel are included in project personnel and related expenses. These expenses increased 2% to $5.4 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from $5.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Year to date, project personnel and related expenses were $10.8 million, a 3% drop from $11.1 million for the first six months of 2005. This decrease resulted from the effect of the capital restructuring plan executed in the first quarter of 2005. Total costs associated with the capital restructuring were $292,000 in the six months ended June 30, 2005. Excluding these one-time charges, project personnel and related expenses for the first half of 2005 were $10.8 million or 58.5% of net revenue. We employed 192 consultants on June 30, 2006, up from 170 one year earlier. This increase in the number of chargeable consultants was primarily due to personnel increases in our offices in Germany, India and the United Kingdom, partially offset by a small drop in headcount in our North America offices. Project personnel and related expenses represented 56.8% of net revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, up from 54.3% of net revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, as revenue decreased and project personnel and related expenses increased.

Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of compensation, benefits, bonus and travel costs for employees in the marketing and sales groups and costs to execute marketing programs. Sales and marketing expenses dropped 20% to $0.6 million, or 5.8% of net revenue, for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from $0.7 million, or 7.1% of net revenue, in quarter ended June 30, 2005. This decrease is due to a decrease in sales headcount. Year to date, sales and marketing expenses were 6.3% of net revenue compared to 7.1% in the prior year period. Total costs associated with the buyout of stock options in March 2005 were $119,000. Excluding this one-time charge, sales and marketing expenses in the first half of 2005 were $1.2 million or 6.4% of net revenue. We employed nine people in sales and marketing on June 30, 2006, up from eight one year earlier.

Recruiting, retention and training. Recruiting, retention and training expenses consist of compensation, benefits and travel costs for personnel engaged in human resources activities; costs to recruit new employees; costs of human resource programs; and training costs. These expenses increased 80% to $471,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from $262,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. As a percent of net revenue, these costs increased to 4.9% in the quarter ended June 30, 2006 from 2.7% of net revenue in the quarter ended June 30, 2005. Year to date, recruiting, retention and training expenses were 4.3% of net revenue compared to 2.5% in the prior year period. The increases in spending results primarily from higher recruiting costs due to an increase in both the number of personnel recruited and the cost per new hire. Total headcount was 238 as of June 30, 2006 and 212 as of June 30, 2005.

Management and administrative. Management and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation, benefits and travel costs for management, finance, information technology and facilities personnel, together with rent, telecommunications, audit, legal, business insurance and depreciation and amortization of capitalized computers, purchased software and property. These expenses were at $2.7 million and $3.0 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. As a percent of net revenue, management and administrative expenses were 27.8% for the quarter ended June 30, 2006, down from 30.2% of net revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2005, as management and administrative expenses decreased at a faster rate than net revenue. Higher management and administrative expenses for the three months ending June 30, 2005 were primarily due to higher professional service fees related to ad hoc tax and Sarbanes Oxley Act implementation related projects.

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Year to date, management and administrative expenses dropped 11% to $5.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from $6.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. As a percent of revenue, management and administrative expenses decreased to 30.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2006 from 35.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2005. Total costs associated with the capital restructuring plan were $897,000 in the first six months of 2005. Excluding these one-time charges, management and administrative expenses were $5.7 million or 30.9% of net revenue. There were also additional legal and finance costs for the implementation of the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In the first quarter of 2006 Inforte charged $520,000 as part of the termination of the employment agreement of Mr. David Sutton who resigned from his position as Chief Executive Officer on March 6, 2006. Excluding this charge, management and administrative expenses were $5.3 million or 27.4% of net revenue.

Management and administrative employees were 31 and 29 as of June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005, respectively.

Interest income, net and other. During the quarter ended June 30, 2006, interest income, net and other, was $344,000, up from $196,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2005. This increase in investment earnings was due to the impact of reinvestment of matured securities into similar type securities at higher market interest yields, partially offset by the effect of lower average cash balances. The decline in cash and investments balances is primarily a result of the acquisition of GTS Consulting for $2.2 million, the working capital loans to Provansis of $1.4 million and the earnout related to the acquisition of COMPENDIT of $3.2 million, partially offset by positive cash flow from operations.

Income tax expense. Inforte’s effective tax rate for the June 30, 2006 quarter was 42.2% compared to a rate of 40.1% for the June 30, 2005 quarter. The effective tax rate in both quarters approximates our blended statutory tax rate, reflecting immaterial permanent differences between taxable income for financial reporting and tax purposes. The slight increase in the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was due to the fact that a larger portion of Inforte’s global taxable income was realized in a jurisdiction with relatively higher statutory tax rates.

Liquidity and capital resources. Cash and cash equivalents decreased from $12.2 million on March 31, 2006 to $10.6 million on June 30, 2006. Short-term marketable securities increased from $17.8 million to $19.3 million over the same period. In total, cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities were $29.8 million on June 30, 2006 compared to $30.1 million on March 31, 2006. This was primarily due to an increase in the notes receivable from Provansis. Short-term marketable securities are available-for-sale securities consisting of commercial paper, U.S. government or municipal notes and bonds, corporate bonds and corporate auction preferreds.

During the June 2006 quarter, Inforte’s cash flow from operations was $2,000. This resulted primarily from an increase in income before income taxes and a decrease in accounts receivable, offset by decreases in accrued expenses, income taxes and deferred revenue. Year to date, cash flow from operations was $896,000 in 2006 and negative $1.4 million in 2005. Excluding the effect of the 2005 capital restructuring plan, cash flow from operations was negative $510,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2005. We attribute this increase in cash flows from operations to higher revenues and net income in the first half of 2006 compared to the first half of 2005. There were no changes in our collection and credit policies or cash management practices.

There were no cash flows from financing activities in the second quarter of 2006 as employees did not exercise any stock options.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ending June 30, 2006 was $2.0 million and resulted from purchases of marketable securities of $1.5 million, the note receivable from Provansis of $0.4 million, and purchases of property and equipment of $0.1 million.

In January 2005 Inforte announced a capital restructuring plan that included a one-time distribution of cash to shareholders and an offer to Inforte’s employees to exchange certain other stock options for cash. On March 21, 2005 Inforte completed its offer to exchange options for cash or restricted stock and 509,636 options were exchanged for a total consideration of $848,000.

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Our board of directors approved a $25.0 million stock repurchase program on January 24, 2001 and as of August 2002 the entire amount authorized was repurchased. At its April 26, 2006 meeting, the board of directors reauthorized a $5.0 million stock repurchase program, which had been originally authorized in August 2002. No repurchases have occurred under the prior authorized $5.0 million repurchase program and the entire amount remains authorized. As of June 30, 2006, the public float (shares not held by executive officers and directors) totaled 8.1 million shares or 69% of total outstanding shares.

Inforte believes that its current cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities will be sufficient to meet working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.

All highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalent balances consist of obligations of U.S. and other overseas banks, high-grade commercial paper and other high quality, short-term obligations of U.S. companies. Short-term and long-term marketable securities are available-for-sale securities that are recorded at fair market value. The difference between amortized cost and fair market value, net of tax effect, is shown as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The cost of available-for-sale securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity. Interest and amortization of premiums and discounts for all securities are included in interest income.

As of June 30, 2006, Inforte had a total of $1.6 million in deferred obligations payable in cash, all related to the acquisition of GTS Consulting. The first acquisition payment of $400,000 will be paid out in July 2006. The second, third and fourth payments, $400,000 each, are due in July 2007, 2008 and 2009. Inforte believes that it will have sufficient funds to satisfy obligations related to the deferred consideration. We expect to fund these contingent payments, primarily from the cash generated from the operations of the acquired businesses. In addition to the purchase price obligation for the acquisition, Inforte assumed operating leases from COMPENDIT and GTS Consulting, both related to office space.

Inforte has several operating leases that have contractual cash obligations for future payments. There are no other contractual obligations that require future cash obligations or other cash commitments. The table below identifies all future cash commitments.

Contractual Obligations Payments Due by Period (in thousands)

Total

Q3-Q4 2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Long-term debt
Capital lease obligations
Operating leases 2,451  461  627  618  379  366 
Deferred acquisition payments 1,600  400  400  400  400 
Unconditional purchase obligations
Other long-term obligations






Total contractual cash obligations 4,051  861  1,027  1,018  779  366 

Inforte has several sublease agreements for unused office space located in Chicago. Total rent receivable on these sublease contracts is $82,000 for the remaining six months of 2006 and $111,000 and $67,000 for the years 2007 and 2008, respectively.

Critical Accounting Policies, Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions, which it believes are reasonable. If actual amounts are ultimately different from these estimates, the revisions are included in the company’s results of operations for the period in which the actual amounts become known.

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Accounting policies are considered critical when they require management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made and when different estimates than management reasonably could have used have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations.

Revenue recognition, losses on fixed-price contracts, deferred revenue. Inforte recognizes revenue when all of the following four criteria are met: persuasive evidence exists that Inforte has an agreement, service has been rendered, its price is fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured. Inforte recognizes net revenue from fixed-price contracts based on the ratio of hours incurred to total estimated hours. The cumulative impact of any change in estimated hours to complete is reflected in the period in which the changes become known. Inforte recognizes time-and-materials net revenue as it performs the services. In November 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Emerging Issues Task Force issued Topic 01-14, “Income Statement Characterization of Reimbursements Received for ‘Out-of-Pocket’ Expenses Incurred” stating these costs should be characterized as revenue in the income statement if billed to customers.

Inforte recognizes revenues related to reimbursable expenses as the reimbursable expenses are billed. Inforte only recognizes reimbursable expenses when all of the following three criteria are met: persuasive evidence exists that Inforte has an agreement that includes the reimbursement of such expenses, the reimbursable expenses have been incurred and billed, and collectibility is reasonably assured.

For presentation purposes, Inforte shows two components of total revenue: 1) revenue before reimbursements, which it calls net revenue, consisting of revenue for performing consulting services; and 2) reimbursements, consisting of reimbursements it receives from clients for out-of-pocket expenses incurred. Inforte excludes reimbursements from revenue because it believes net revenue is a more meaningful representation of its economic activity than total revenues, since the former excludes zero-margin pass-through expenses that in its opinion are not controllable, not pertinent to business fundamentals, financial statement analysis, or the investment decision and, in fact, may mask trends in underlying performance.

Financial instruments. Short-term and long-term marketable securities are available-for-sale securities which are recorded at fair market value. The difference between amortized cost and fair market value, net of tax effect, is shown as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The cost of securities available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums and discounts to maturity. Interest and amortization of premiums and discounts for all securities are included in interest income.

Allowance for doubtful accounts. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for potential credit losses. The amount of the reserve is established analyzing all client accounts to determine credit risk. In establishing a client’s creditworthiness we consider whether the client has a deteriorating or poor financial condition, limited financial resources, poor or no payment history, a large relative accounts receivable balance or a non-U.S. location.

Stock compensation. As of June 30, 2006, Inforte had three stock-based employee compensation plans. Inforte adopted SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective application method. Adoption of SFAS 123R did not affect Inforte’s cash flows, financial position, or results of operations. All options outstanding as of December 31, 2005 were fully vested and there was no compensation expense related to these options at the time of adoption of SFAS 123R. Prior to December 31, 2005 Inforte used the intrinsic value method as permitted by Accounting Public Board Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for share purchase rights granted under the Inforte’s employee stock option and employee share purchase plans prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R.

Inforte recognizes these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate and recognizes the compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of 5 or 2 years. Inforte estimated the forfeiture rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 based on its historical experience. Inforte will record additional expense if the actual forfeitures are lower than estimated and will record a recovery of prior expense if the actual forfeitures are higher than estimated.

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Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the share-based payment awards and stock price volatility. Management estimated the volatility based on historical volatility of its own stock. Therefore, expected volatility for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 was based on the daily closing prices of our common stock during the five-year period ended June 30, 2006. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if circumstances change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for a further discussion on stock-based compensation.

Inforte recognizes these compensation costs net of a forfeiture rate and recognizes the compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally the option vesting term of two, four or five years. Inforte estimated the forfeiture rate for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 based on its historical experience. Inforte will record additional expense if the actual forfeitures are lower than estimated and will record a recovery of prior expense if the actual forfeitures are higher than estimated.

On October 1, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors approved a bonus plan that provides incentives to a small group of senior-level officers and employees of Inforte. Restricted stock granted under the bonus plan vests based upon (1) the achievement of designated performance targets established by the Compensation Committee and (2) the lapse of designated vesting periods during which recipients of grants must remain employed on a continuous basis by Inforte. A total of 207,990 shares of common stock, granted to five employees of Inforte, are outstanding under this bonus plan as of June 30, 2006. Total expense related to this restricted stock grant was based on the market price at grant date and involved assumptions to project future performance targets and employee tenure. Total estimated cost was then prorated over the employment-based vesting period of the grants.

Bonus accruals. We have several bonus programs that are based on individual and company performance. Project-related bonuses are earned individually and are based on criteria such as utilization and project profitability. These bonuses are paid to delivery and sales personnel. Margin bonuses are earned by all employees based on company or business unit operating income performance. In addition, senior management may award discretionary bonuses. All of these bonuses are expensed in the period in which they are earned. A corresponding accrual is included on the balance sheet in accrued expenses until the bonus is paid.

Goodwill and other intangible assets. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment) on an annual basis (December 31 for us) and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. These events or circumstances could include a significant change in the business climate, legal factors, operating performance indicators, competition, sale or disposition of a significant portion of a reporting unit. Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. The fair value of each reporting unit is estimated using a valuation methodology based on historical performance and industry specific multiples. This requires significant judgments and changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment for each reporting unit.

Restructuring and other related charges. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”), was effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2002. SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost that is associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. SFAS 146 supersedes the guidance in EITF Issue No. 94-3. In October 2004, Inforte’s executive team authorized a plan to reduce its office space to better align with its space needs. These steps included consolidating office space at its Southern California office and the two Chicago locations where Inforte had separate contractual rental obligations. Estimated costs for the consolidation of the facilities consist of contractual rental commitments for office space being vacated less estimated sub-lease income. The total reduction of office space resulting from this consolidation of our office space was approximately 43,881 square feet at the time the plan was executed. On July 1, 2005 one of the original lease agreements was amended to reduce total abandoned office space to 27,341 square feet. Total charges related to this reduction of space are estimated at $2.0 million and were recognized at the date the plan for office space consolidation was executed. If we vacate additional space, if future sub-lease income is less than estimated, if we buy-out leases or if we are unable to sublease our vacated space, additional charges or credits in future periods will be necessary.

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Income taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”), which requires the recognition of deferred income taxes based upon the tax consequences of temporary differences between financial reporting and income tax reporting by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities. SFAS 109 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income tax liability for each of the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current income tax expense and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of certain income or expense items for income tax reporting and financial reporting purposes. We also recognize as deferred tax assets the expected future tax benefits of net operating loss carry forwards. In evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets associated with net operating loss carry forwards, we consider, among other things, expected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary reporting differences, and the expected impact of tax planning strategies that may be implemented to prevent the potential loss of future tax benefits. Changes in, among other things, income tax legislation, statutory income tax rates or future taxable income levels could materially impact our valuation of income tax assets and liabilities and could cause our income tax provision to vary significantly among financial reporting periods.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

As of June 30, 2006, Inforte had three stock-based employee compensation plans. Inforte adopted SFAS 123R on January 1, 2006, using the modified prospective application method. Adoption of SFAS 123R did not affect Inforte’s cash flows, financial position, or results of operations. All options outstanding as of December 31, 2005 were fully vested and there was no compensation expense related to these options at the time of adoption of SFAS 123R. Prior to December 31, 2005 Inforte used the intrinsic value method as permitted by Accounting Public Board Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized for share purchase rights granted under the Inforte’s employee stock option and employee share purchase plans prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“SFAS 154”), a replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement No. 3. The statement applies to all voluntary changes in accounting principle, and changes the requirements for accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS 154 requires retrospective application to prior period’s financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable. SFAS 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. The statement does not change the transition provisions of any existing accounting pronouncements, including those that are in a transition phase as of the effective date of this statement. Inforte does not expect the adoption of SFAS 154 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” This Interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. This Interpretation is effective for Inforte beginning January 1, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact FIN 48 will have on our financial statements.

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Item 3.     QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In all categories of cash, cash equivalents and short-term and long-term marketable securities, Inforte invests only in highly liquid securities of high credit quality. All short-term investments bear a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of A1 or Moody’s investor service rating of P1. All long-term investments bear a minimum Standard & Poor’s rating of A or Moody’s investor service rating of A2.

Inforte has a large cash and marketable securities balance that generates substantial interest income. Historically, a considerable portion of Inforte’s pretax income was from interest income. Declining short-term market interest rates will have a significant impact on Inforte’s profitability as interest income drops. Thus, a drop in short-term market interest rates will increase the revenue level required to be profitable, and increases the risk that Inforte will lose money.

Item 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Inforte’s management, including Inforte’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, of the effectiveness of Inforte’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on that evaluation, Inforte’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that Inforte’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. As required by Rule 13a-15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Inforte’s management, including Inforte’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation of Inforte’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Inforte’s internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, there has been no such change during the quarter covered by this report.

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

Information regarding reportable legal proceedings is contained in Part I, Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

Item 1A.     Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Inforte. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None

Item 3.     Defaults upon Senior Securities
None

Item 4.     Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders
None

Item 5.     Other Information
None

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Item 6.   Exhibits

(a)    Exhibits

Exhibit Number Exhibit

31.1
Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 13a-14(a) and
15d-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

31.2
Certification by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 13a-14(a) and
15d-14(a) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

32
Written statement of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.





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SIGNATURE

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

Inforte Corp.


August 14, 2006
By:    /s/ Nick Heyes
      Nick Heyes,
   Chief Financial Officer

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