For the fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2010
Table of Contents

 

 

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 fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2010

OR

 

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

Commission File Number: 1-11869

 

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   13-3362547

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut   06851
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 810-1000

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

The total number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding on May 31, 2010 was 46,325,690.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Form 10-Q

Table of Contents

 

          Page

Part I

   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

    Item 1.

   Financial Statements (unaudited)   
  

Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009

   3
  

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009

   4
  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009

   5
  

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   6

    Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    26

    Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    40

    Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    41
Part II    OTHER INFORMATION   

    Item 2.

   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    42

    Item 6.

   Exhibits    42
   Signatures    42

For additional information about FactSet Research Systems Inc. and access to its Annual Reports to Stockholders and Securities and Exchange Commission filings, free of charge, please visit the website at http://investor.factset.com. Any information on or linked from the website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q.

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – Unaudited

 

    

Three Months Ended

May 31,

  

Nine Months Ended

May 31,

(In thousands, except per share data)    2010    2009    2010    2009

Revenues

   $ 160,301    $ 154,387    $ 472,825    $ 466,561

Operating expenses

           

Cost of services

     51,355      50,847      152,632      156,717

Selling, general and administrative

     53,262      50,234      155,989      153,173
                           

Total operating expenses

     104,617      101,081      308,621      309,890

Operating income

     55,684      53,306      164,204      156,671

Other income

     86      181      475      996
                           

Income before income taxes

     55,770      53,487      164,679      157,667

Provision for income taxes

     17,112      14,951      53,759      48,992
                           

Net income

   $ 38,658    $ 38,536    $ 110,920    $ 108,675
                           

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.83    $ 0.82    $ 2.37    $ 2.30

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.81    $ 0.79    $ 2.30    $ 2.23

Weighted average common shares (Basic)

     46,544      47,120      46,872      47,177

Weighted average common shares (Diluted)

     47,725      48,836      48,183      48,773

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION – Unaudited

 

(In thousands, except share data)    May 31,
2010
    August 31,
2009
 

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 224,713      $ 216,320   

Accounts receivable, net of reserves

     58,495        62,854   

Prepaid FactSet Fundamentals database updates

     —          1,787   

Prepaid taxes

     1,270        7,415   

Deferred taxes

     4,268        4,319   

Other current assets

     6,681        6,715   
                

Total current assets

     295,427        299,410   

LONG-TERM ASSETS

    

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost

     157,002        161,479   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (77,935     (73,100
                

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

     79,067        88,379   

Goodwill

     172,053        181,355   

Intangible assets, net

     35,942        46,350   

Deferred taxes

     16,813        12,295   

Other assets

     5,413        5,348   
                

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 604,715      $ 633,137   
                

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 24,138      $ 25,121   

Accrued compensation

     32,870        41,889   

Deferred fees

     17,545        23,005   

Dividends payable

     10,655        9,348   
                

Total current liabilities

     85,208        99,363   

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Deferred taxes

     2,576        3,794   

Taxes payable

     6,952        6,437   

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities

     22,569        22,714   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES

   $ 117,305      $ 132,308   

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 15)

    

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

   $ —        $ —     

Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 59,901,358 and 58,071,513 shares issued; 46,325,690 and 46,739,995 shares outstanding at May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, respectively

     599        581   

Additional paid-in capital

     329,464        248,840   

Treasury stock, at cost: 13,575,668 and 11,331,518 shares at May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, respectively

     (568,474     (414,995

Retained earnings

     758,139        676,626   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (32,318     (10,223
                

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     487,410        500,829   
                

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

   $ 604,715      $ 633,137   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – Unaudited

 

    

Nine Months Ended

May 31,

 
(In thousands)    2010     2009  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net income

   $ 110,920      $ 108,675   

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     27,424        25,567   

Stock-based compensation expense

     10,239        10,657   

Deferred income taxes

     (5,617     (4,506

Gain on sale of assets

     (123     (112

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     (22,065     (3,350

Changes in assets and liabilities

    

Accounts receivable, net of reserves

     4,359        4,280   

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (580     (671

Accrued compensation

     (8,022     (6,482

Deferred fees

     (5,459     85   

Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes

     30,303        4,591   

Prepaid fundamentals database updates

     2,750        4,125   

Landlord contributions

     483        2,636   

Other working capital accounts, net

     (3,783     (3,066
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     140,829        142,429   

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

    

Proceeds from sales of investments

     —          25,260   

Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements

     (13,676     (18,963
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (13,676     6,297   

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Dividend payments

     (27,908     (25,404

Repurchase of common stock

     (153,489     (70,227

Proceeds from employee stock plans

     47,180        18,273   

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     22,065        3,350   
                

Net cash used in financing activities

     (112,152     (74,008

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (6,608     (1,593
                

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     8,393        73,125   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     216,320        117,986   
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 224,713      $ 191,111   
                

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

May 31, 2010

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a provider of integrated global financial and economic information, including fundamental financial data on tens of thousands of companies worldwide. FactSet’s applications support workflows for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. The Company’s applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios.

FactSet combines hundreds of data sets, including content regarding tens of thousands of companies and securities from major markets all over the globe, into a single online platform of information and analytics. Clients have simultaneous access to content from an array of sources, which they can combine and utilize in nearly all of the Company’s applications. FactSet is also fully integrated with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel®, Word® and PowerPoint®. This integration allows its users to create extensive custom reports.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying financial data as of May 31, 2010 and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The August 31, 2009 Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the financial statements and notes to them included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying statements of financial condition and related interim statements of income and cash flows include all normal adjustments in order to present fairly the results of the Company’s operations for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

FactSet has performed an evaluation of subsequent events occurring subsequent to the end of the Company’s fiscal 2010 third quarter and through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued based on the accounting guidance for subsequent events.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND GUIDANCE

Financial Accounting Standards Board Establishes Accounting Standards Codification

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2009-01, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“the Codification” or “ASC”) as the official single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All existing accounting standards are superseded. All other accounting guidance not included in the Codification is considered non-authoritative. The Codification also includes all relevant SEC guidance organized using the same topical structure in separate sections within the Codification. The FASB does not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, it issues Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) which serve to update the Codification, provide background information about the guidance and provide the basis for conclusions on the changes to the Codification. The Codification is not intended to change GAAP, but does change the way GAAP is organized and presented. The Codification was effective beginning September 1, 2009 and the principal impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements is limited to disclosures as all references to authoritative accounting literature is referenced in accordance with the Codification.

 

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Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Fair Value Measures

On September 1, 2009, the Company adopted the authoritative accounting guidance for the fair value measurement and disclosure of its non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of this accounting guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. See Note 4 for further discussion surrounding fair value measures.

In January 2010, the FASB issued authoritative guidance to require additional disclosures about (a) the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, (b) the valuation techniques and inputs used, (c) the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements and (d) the transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3. The disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The guidance was effective for the Company on March 1, 2010, except for the disclosure on the roll forward activities for Level 3 fair value measurements, which will become effective beginning September 1, 2011. Other than requiring additional fair value disclosures, adoption of this new guidance will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Business Combinations

On September 1, 2009, the Company adopted the authoritative accounting guidance on business combinations. The guidance retains the fundamental requirements that the acquisition method of accounting (previously referred to as the purchase method of accounting) be used for all business combinations, but requires a number of changes. The more significant changes include an expanded definition of a business and a business combination; recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values with subsequent changes recognized in earnings; recognition of acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs separately from the business combination; and capitalization of in-process research and development at fair value as an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The guidance also amends and clarifies the application issues on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. The impact of this accounting guidance and its relevant updates on the Company’s results of operations or financial position will vary depending on each specific business combination or asset purchase. The Company did not close any business combinations or asset purchases during the nine months ended May 31, 2010.

Subsequent Events

On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance that addressed the accounting for and disclosure requirements of events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the financial statements are issued. In February 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to (a) require an SEC filer to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued with the SEC, (b) add the definitions of an SEC filer and revised financial statements, (c) no longer require that an SEC filer disclose the date through which subsequent events have been reviewed and (d) remove the definition of a public entity. The adoption of the new guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Revenue Recognition

In October 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on revenue recognition that will be effective for the Company beginning September 1, 2010. Under the new guidance on arrangements that include software elements, tangible products that have software components that are essential to the functionality of the tangible product will no longer be within the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance, and software-enabled products will now be subject to other relevant revenue recognition guidance. Additionally, the FASB issued authoritative guidance on revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables that are outside the scope of the software revenue recognition guidance. Under the new guidance, when vendor specific objective evidence or third party evidence for deliverables in an arrangement cannot be determined, a best estimate of the selling price is required to separate deliverables and allocate arrangement consideration using the relative selling price method. The new guidance includes new disclosure requirements on how the application of the relative selling price method affects the timing and amount of revenue recognition. The Company does not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

The new guidance is not expected to change the accounting for the Company’s revenue transactions. FactSet’s revenues are primarily derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services such as workstations (also referred to as users), content and applications. Primarily all clients are invoiced monthly to reflect the actual services provided. Remaining clients are invoiced quarterly, annually or biannually in advance. Subscription revenue is earned each month as the service is rendered to clients on a monthly basis. A provision for billing adjustments and cancellation of services is estimated and accounted for as a reduction of revenue, with a corresponding reduction to accounts receivable. FactSet recognizes revenue when the client

 

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subscribes to FactSet services, the FactSet service has been rendered and earned during the month, the amount of the subscription is fixed and determinable based on established rates for each product offering, quoted on an annualized basis, and collectability is reasonably assured.

Other Recent Accounting Guidance

During the first quarter of fiscal 2010, the FASB issued several ASU’s – ASU No. 2009-06 through ASU No. 2009-15. Except for ASU’s No. 2009-13 and 2009-14 regarding revenue recognition discussed above, the ASU’s entail technical corrections to existing guidance or affect guidance related to specialized industries or entities and do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, the FASB issued several ASU’s – ASU No. 2009-16 through ASU No. 2009-17 and ASU No. 2010-01 through ASU No. 2010-10. Except for ASU No. 2010-06 requiring additional fair value disclosures and ASU No. 2010-09 regarding subsequent events, both discussed above, the ASU’s entail technical corrections to existing guidance or affect guidance related to specialized industries or entities and do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the FASB issued several ASU’s – ASU No. 2010-11 through ASU No. 2010-19. The ASU’s entail technical corrections to existing guidance or affect guidance related to specialized industries or entities and do not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

Pursuant to the accounting guidance for fair value measurements, fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

The accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. FactSet has categorized its cash equivalents and derivatives within the hierarchy as follows:

Level 1

Level 1 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These Level 1 assets and liabilities include FactSet’s investments in institutional money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents.

Level 2

Level 2 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The Company’s derivative instruments are classified as Level 2 as they are valued using pricing models that use observable market inputs.

Level 3

Level 3 applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Certain assets would be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy because they trade infrequently and, therefore, have little or no transparency. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of May 31, 2010 or August 31, 2009.

 

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(b) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables shows by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

May 31, 2010

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets

           

Corporate money market funds

   $ 205,224    $ —      $ —      $ 205,224

U.S. Government agency money market funds

     —        —        —        —  

U.S. Treasury money market funds

     —        —        —        —  

Derivative instruments

     —        —        —        —  
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 205,224    $ —      $ —      $ 205,224

Liabilities

           

Derivative instruments

   $ —      $ 4,176    $ —      $ 4,176
                           

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ —      $ 4,176    $ —      $ 4,176
     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

August 31, 2009

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Assets

           

Corporate money market funds

   $ 111,855    $ —      $ —      $ 111,855

U.S. Government agency money market funds

     4,493      —        —        4,493

U.S. Treasury money market funds

     44,578      —        —        44,578

Derivative instruments

     —        1,087      —        1,087
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 160,926    $ 1,087    $ —      $ 162,013

Liabilities

           

Derivative instruments

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  
                           

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

Cash Equivalents

The Company’s institutional money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 1.

Derivative Instruments

The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were presented on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009 as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

May 31, 2010

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Cash equivalents

   $ 205,224    $ —      $ —      $ 205,224
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 205,224    $ —      $ —      $ 205,224

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)

   $ —      $ 3,463    $ —      $ 3,463

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities (derivative liabilities)

   $ —      $ 713    $ —      $ 713
                           

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ —      $ 4,176    $ —      $ 4,176

 

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     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

August 31, 2009

   Level 1    Level 2    Level 3    Total

Cash equivalents

   $ 160,926    $ —      $ —      $ 160,926

Other current assets (derivative assets)

     —        1,087      —        1,087
                           

Total assets measured at fair value

   $ 160,926    $ 1,087    $ —      $ 162,013

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  
                           

Total liabilities measured at fair value

   $ —      $ —      $ —      $ —  

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, and liabilities, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of these non-financial assets and liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010, no fair value adjustments or material fair value measurements were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

5. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value.

Investments – Investments which have maturities greater than three months from the date of acquisition are classified as available-for-sale securities and are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included net of tax in accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity.

From time to time, the Company maintains a portfolio of investments that is managed to preserve principal. Pursuant to the investment guidelines established by the Company, the Company’s investments attempt to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. The weighted average duration of the Company’s portfolios is managed not to exceed two years. Eligible investments include obligations issued by the U.S. Treasury and other governmental agencies, money market securities and highly rated commercial paper to be held in the custody of major financial institutions. Investments such as puts, calls, strips, straddles, short sales, options, futures, commodities, precious metals or investments on margin are not permitted under the Company’s investment guidelines.

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments at May 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized Gain
   Fair
Value

Cash on hand

   $ 19,489    $ —      $ 19,489

Corporate money market funds

     205,224      —        205,224

U.S Government agency money market funds

     —        —        —  

U.S Treasury money market funds

     —        —        —  
                    

Total cash and investments

   $ 224,713    $ —      $ 224,713

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments at August 31, 2009 (in thousands):

 

     Amortized
Cost
   Gross
Unrealized Gain
   Fair
Value

Cash on hand

   $ 55,394    $ —      $ 55,394

Corporate money market funds

     111,855      —        111,855

U.S Government agency money market funds

     4,493      —        4,493

U.S Treasury money market funds

     44,578      —        44,578
                    

Total cash and investments

   $ 216,320    $ —      $ 216,320

Investments are recorded at fair value determined from readily available quoted market prices. The Company did not hold any investments at May 31, 2010 or August 31, 2009. The Company’s cash and investment portfolio did not experience any realized or unrealized losses as a result of counterparty credit risk or ratings change during fiscal 2010 and 2009.

 

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6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Foreign Exchange Risk Management

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippines Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes.

Cash Flow Hedges

FactSet enters into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. These hedging programs are not designed to provide long-term foreign currency protection as the contracts have maturities of up to eighteen months. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during fiscal 2010 or fiscal 2009 and as such, no corresponding gains or losses were reclassified into earnings.

The following is a summary of all foreign currency forward contracts outstanding as of May 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Q4’2010     Q1’2011     Q2’2011     Q3’2011     Q4’2011     Q1’2012  

Euro

            

Notional amount

   6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000   

% of Net foreign currency exposure hedged

     95     95     95     95     95     95

Average forward contract rate

     1.366        1.366        1.281        1.282        1.294        1.296   

British Pound Sterling

            

Notional amount

   £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000       

% of Net foreign currency exposure hedged

     95     95     95     95    

Average forward contract rate

     1.498        1.498        1.486        1.486       

These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges. All components of each derivative’s gain or loss were included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. At May 31, 2010, the Company’s cash flow hedges reported as a component of AOCI was ($2.7) million, net of tax, which is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to expenses within the next 18 months. At August 31, 2009, the Company’s cash flow hedges reported as a component of AOCI was $0.9 million, net of tax.

At May 31, 2010, the notional principal and fair value (liability) of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €39.0 million and ($3.0) million, respectively. The notional principal and fair value (liability) of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars were £28.1 million and ($1.2) million, respectively, at May 31, 2010. At August 31, 2009, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €7.9 million and $0.4 million, respectively. The notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars were £9.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively, at August 31, 2009. There were no other foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values (in thousands):

 

     Gross Notional Value    Fair Value (Liability) Asset

Currency Hedged (Buy/Sell)

   May 31, 2010    Aug 31, 2009    May 31, 2010     Aug 31, 2009

British Pound Sterling / U.S. Dollar

   $ 41,899    $ 15,358    ($ 1,166   $ 657

Euro / U.S. Dollar

     51,246      10,858      (3,010     430
                            

Total

   $ 93,145    $ 26,216    ($ 4,176   $ 1,087

Counterparty Credit Risk

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative

 

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liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies as determined by FactSet.

To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions (JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America). The Company regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value amounts of derivative instruments and gains and losses on derivative instruments (in thousands):

 

Designation of Derivatives

  

Balance Sheet Location

   May 31,
2010
    Aug 31,
2009

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

   Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts     
       Other current assets    $ —        $ 1,087
   Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts     
       Accounts payable and accrued expenses    $ (3,463   $ —  
       Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities    $ (713   $ —  
                 
                       Total liabilities    $ (4,176   $ —  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

   None    $ —        $ —  
                 
   Net Derivative (Liabilities) Assets    $ (4,176   $ 1,087

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships for the three months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     (Loss) or Gain Recognized
in AOCI on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
   Location of Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI
into Income

(Effective Portion)
   (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI to Income
(Effective Portion)
 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

   2010     2009       2010     2009  

Foreign exchange contracts – forwards

   $ (2,873   $ 1,901    SG&A    $ (208   $ (1,256

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

 

     (Loss) Recognized
in AOCI on  Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
    Location of Gain or (Loss)
Reclassified from AOCI
into Income

(Effective Portion)
   Gain or (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCI to Income
(Effective Portion)
 

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

   2010     2009        2010    2009  

Foreign exchange contracts – forwards

   $ (2,176   $ (4,628   SG&A    $ 1,340    $ (5,657

Note: No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss was included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The following table provides a summary of the activity associated with all of the Company’s designated cash flow hedges reflected in AOCI (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended
May 31,
 
     2010     2009  

Beginning balance, net of tax

   $ 851      $ (206

Changes in fair value

     (2,176     (4,628

(Gain) loss reclassified to earnings

     (1,340     5,657   
                

Ending balance, net of tax

   $ (2,665   $ 823   

7. GOODWILL

On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for indications of potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The Company has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which

 

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reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2009, 2008, and 2007 and determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk and there had been no impairment.

There was no goodwill acquired during the first nine months of fiscal 2010. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     U.S.    Europe     Asia
Pacific
   Total  

Balance at August 31, 2009

   $ 99,696    $ 78,140      $ 3,519    $ 181,355   

Goodwill acquired during the period

     —        —          —        —     

Purchase price adjustments

     —        —          —        —     

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     —        (9,368     66      (9,302
                              

Balance at May 31, 2010

   $ 99,696    $ 68,772      $ 3,585    $ 172,053   

8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company’s identifiable intangible assets consist of certain acquired content databases, software technology, client relationships, trade names and non-compete agreements resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of all acquired intangible assets is 12.9 years at May 31, 2010.

The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. These intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):

 

At May 31, 2010

   Gross Carrying Amount    Accumulated Amortization    Net Carrying Amount

Data content

   $ 39,513    $ 10,557    $ 28,956

Software technology

     18,310      15,494      2,816

Client relationships

     13,652      9,529      4,123

Trade names

     192      148      44

Non-compete agreements

     166      163      3
                    

Total

   $ 71,833    $ 35,891    $ 35,942
                    

 

At August 31, 2009

   Gross Carrying Amount    Accumulated Amortization    Net Carrying Amount

Data content

   $ 44,338    $ 9,518    $ 34,820

Software technology

     19,088      13,388      5,700

Client relationships

     14,733      9,001      5,732

Trade names

     192      128      64

Non-compete agreements

     175      141      34
                    

Total

   $ 78,526    $ 32,176    $ 46,350
                    

There were no intangible assets acquired during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010. The decrease in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets at May 31, 2010 as compared to August 31, 2009 was due to foreign currency translation adjustments.

Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $1.9 million and $2.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $6.0 million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Estimated intangible asset amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal 2010 and the succeeding years are as follows (in thousands):

 

Fiscal Year

   Estimated Amortization Expense

2010 (remaining three months)

   $ 1,714

2011

     5,090

2012

     4,106

2013

     2,795

2014

     1,826

Thereafter

     20,411
      

Total

   $ 35,942

 

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9. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 14, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 15% increase in the regular quarterly dividend, beginning with the Company’s dividend payment in June 2010 of $0.23 per share, or $0.92 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $10.7 million was paid on June 15, 2010, to common stockholders of record on May 28, 2010. Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended
May 31,
 
     2010     2009  

Balance at September 1

   46,740      47,969   

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

   1,829      771   

Repurchase of common stock

   (2,243   (1,590
            

Balance at May 31

   46,326      47,150   
            

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period.

The number of potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock method to the extent they are dilutive. Common share equivalents consist of common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock. A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Net Income
(Numerator)
   Weighted
Average
Common
Shares
(Denominator)
   Per
Share
Amount

For the three months ended May 31, 2010

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common stockholders

   $ 38,658    46,544    $ 0.83

Diluted EPS

        

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

     —      1,181   
              

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

   $ 38,658    47,725    $ 0.81

For the three months ended May 31, 2009

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common stockholders

   $ 38,536    47,120    $ 0.82

Diluted EPS

        

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

     —      1,716   
              

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

   $ 38,536    48,836    $ 0.79

For the nine months ended May 31, 2010

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common stockholders

   $ 110,920    46,872    $ 2.37

Diluted EPS

        

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

     —      1,311   
              

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

   $ 110,920    48,183    $ 2.30

For the nine months ended May 31, 2009

        

Basic EPS

        

Income available to common stockholders

   $ 108,675    47,177    $ 2.30

Diluted EPS

        

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

     —      1,596   
              

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

   $ 108,675    48,773    $ 2.23

 

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Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. No stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010. For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2009, 1,332,413 stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. No restricted stock awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010, 1,878,408 of performance-based stock option grants were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. Similarly, 1,909,388 performance-based stock option grants were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2009. Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria have been met. The criteria have not yet been met at May 31, 2010 and 2009 for performance-based stock options granted in fiscal 2010 and 2008.

10. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Share Repurchase Program

On June 14, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $150 million expansion to the existing share repurchase program. During the first nine months of fiscal 2010, the Company repurchased 2,242,604 shares for $153 million under the program. Including the $150 million expansion, $198 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Preferred Stock

At May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends during the periods presented:

 

Declaration Date

   Dividends Per
Share of
Common Stock
  

Type

  

Record Date

   Total $ Amount
(in thousands)
  

Payment Date

May 14, 2010

   $ 0.23    Regular (cash)    May 28, 2010    $ 10,655    June 15, 2010

February 9, 2010

   $ 0.20    Regular (cash)    February 26, 2010    $ 9,329    March 16, 2010

November 10, 2009

   $ 0.20    Regular (cash)    November 30, 2009    $ 9,423    December 15, 2009

August 13, 2009

   $ 0.20    Regular (cash)    August 31, 2009    $ 9,348    September 15, 2009

May 12, 2009

   $ 0.20    Regular (cash)    May 29, 2009    $ 9,430    June 16, 2009

February 4, 2009

   $ 0.18    Regular (cash)    February 27, 2009    $ 8,447    March 17, 2009

November 17, 2008

   $ 0.18    Regular (cash)    November 28, 2008    $ 8,480    December 16, 2008

All of the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company and is subject to final determination by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Restricted Stock Awards

During fiscal 2010, the Company granted 251,824 restricted stock awards which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vests over time. The Company’s restricted stock awards vest between three and six years and are amortized to stock-based compensation expense over the vesting period.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income

The components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income are as follows (in thousands):

 

     May 31,
2010
    August 31,
2009
 

Accumulated unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

   $ (2,665   $ 851   

Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments

     (29,653     (11,074
                

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (32,318   $ (10,223

 

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Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income were as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):

 

    

Three Months Ended

May 31,

   Nine Months Ended
May 31,
 
     2010     2009    2010     2009  

Net income

   $ 38,658      $ 38,536    $ 110,920      $ 108,675  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

         

Net unrealized (loss) on investments

     —          —        —          (72

Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges

     (2,665     3,157      (3,516     1,029   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (9,548     15,650      (18,579     (15,359
                               

Comprehensive income

   $ 26,445      $ 57,343    $ 88,825      $ 94,273   
                               

11. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Option Plans

Stock Option Awards

Options granted without performance conditions under the Company’s stock option plans (the “Option Plans”) expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest at a rate of 20% after the first year and 1.67% per month thereafter for years two through five. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. Options granted with performance conditions under the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan expire seven years from the date of grant and the majority vest at a rate of 40% after the first two years and 1.67% per month thereafter for years three through five. Options generally are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, they may be exercised only by the grantee.

General Stock Option Activity

A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Number
Outstanding
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price Per Share

Balance at August 31, 2009

   7,553      $ 39.51

Granted – non performance-based options

   32      $ 66.46

Granted – performance-based options

   901      $ 66.46

Stock options exercised

   (1,126   $ 24.54

Stock options canceled/forfeited

   (73   $ 55.60
        

Balance at November 30, 2009

   7,287      $ 45.11

Granted – non performance-based options

   316      $ 63.31

Granted – performance-based options

   —        $ —  

Stock options exercised

   (354   $ 24.13

Stock options canceled/forfeited

   (46   $ 59.35
        

Balance at February 28, 2010

   7,203      $ 46.85

Granted – non performance-based options

   —        $ —  

Granted – performance-based options

   —        $ —  

Stock options exercised

   (279   $ 29.21

Stock options canceled/forfeited

   (52   $ 61.08
        

Balance at May 31, 2010

   6,872      $ 47.46

The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of May 31, 2010 was 3.4 million with a weighted average exercise price of $33.58. As of August 31, 2009, 4.2 million in-the-money outstanding options were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $25.91. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009 was $117.9 million and $122.0 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $68.05 at May 31, 2010 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of

 

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options exercisable as of that date. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 was $74.2 million and $15.9 million, respectively.

Performance-based Stock Options

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet during the two subsequent fiscal years, 0%, 20%, 60% or 100% of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. There is no current guarantee however that such options will vest in whole or in part.

August 2008 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In August 2008, the Company granted 1,058,981 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that vest is based on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2010. At May 31, 2010, the Company estimated that none of the performance-based stock options will vest which results in zero unamortized stock-based compensation expense to be recognized as of May 31, 2010. A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by FactSet could result in the following changes to the Company’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

 

Vesting

Percentage

   Total Unamortized Stock-based
Compensation Expense at May 31, 2010
   One-time
Adjustment*
   Average Remaining Quarterly
Expense to be Recognized

0%

   $ —      $ —      $ —  

20%

   $ 1,616    $ 1,896    $ 125

60%

   $ 4,848    $ 5,688    $ 375

100%

   $ 8,080    $ 9,480    $ 625

 

* Amounts represent the one-time cumulative adjustment to be recorded if there had been a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2010. The one-time cumulative adjustment increments each quarter by the amount stated in the average remaining quarterly expense to be recognized column.

October 2009 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In October 2009, the Company granted 900,665 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that vest is based on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2011. At May 31, 2010, the Company estimated that 20% or 180,133 of the performance-based stock options will vest which results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $2.5 million to be recognized as of May 31, 2010.

A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by FactSet could result in the following changes to the Company’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

 

Vesting

Percentage

   Total Unamortized Stock-based
Compensation Expense at May 31, 2010
   One-time
Adjustment*
    Average Remaining Quarterly
Expense to be Recognized

0%

   $ —      $ (536   $ —  

20%

   $ 2,514    $ —        $ 142

60%

   $ 7,542    $ 1,072      $ 426

100%

   $ 12,570    $ 2,144      $ 710

 

* Amounts represent the one-time cumulative adjustment to be recorded if there had been a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2010. The one-time cumulative adjustment increments each quarter by the amount stated in the average remaining quarterly expense to be recognized column.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Company stock option plans permit the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows (in thousands, except per award data):

 

     Number
Outstanding
   Weighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value Per Award

Balance at August 31, 2009

   —      $ —  

Granted

   162    $ 62.85

 

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Vested

   —        $ —  

Canceled/forfeited

   —        $ —  
        

Balance at November 30, 2009

   162      $ 62.85

Granted

   90      $ 59.42

Vested

   —        $ —  

Canceled/forfeited

   (3   $ 62.85
        

Balance at February 28, 2010

   249      $ 61.61

Granted

   —        $ —  

Vested

   —        $ —  

Canceled/forfeited

   (2   $ 62.85
        

Balance at May 31, 2010

   247      $ 61.60

During fiscal 2010, there were two restricted stock awards grants as summarized below.

October 23, 2009 Employee Restricted Stock Award

On October 23, 2009, the Company granted 161,794 restricted stock awards which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time. The Company’s restricted stock awards cliff vest 60% after three years and the remaining 40% after five years. Restricted stock grants are amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. Employees granted restricted stock awards on October 23, 2009 are not entitled to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. As such, the grant date fair value of the award was measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s share by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The closing price of FactSet common stock on the grant date of $66.46 was reduced to reflect the loss of future dividends (non-dividend protection right). The resulting fair value of the restricted stock awards granted on October 23, 2009 was $62.85. As of May 31, 2010, unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $7.4 million is to be amortized ratably to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 53 months.

February 9, 2010 Employee Restricted Stock Award

On February 9, 2010, the Company granted 90,030 restricted stock awards to employees which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but are not entitled to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. Of the total number of restricted stock awards granted on February 9, 2010, 55,572 awards cliff vest 100% after three years and are amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. The remaining 34,458 restricted stock awards cliff vest 50% after four years and the other 50% after six years and are amortized to expense based on the vesting period. The grant date fair value of the awards were measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s share by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. As such, the closing price of FactSet common stock on the grant date of $63.09 was reduced to reflect the loss of future dividends (non-dividend protection right). The resulting weighted average fair value of the restricted stock awards granted on February 9, 2010 was $59.42. As of May 31, 2010, unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $4.6 million is to be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting periods between 32 and 68 months.

No restricted stock awards vested during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009.

Share-based Awards Available for Grant

A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in thousands):

 

    

Share-based Awards

Available for Grant

 

Balance at August 31, 2009

   4,128   

Granted – non performance-based options

   (348

Granted – performance-based options

   (901

Restricted stock awards granted*

   (630

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited

   182   

Share-based awards expired**

   (395
      

Balance at May 31, 2010

   2,036   

 

* As reflected in the preceding table, for each share awarded as restricted stock under the Company’s Option Plans, an equivalent of 2.5 shares were deducted from the available share-based awards balance.

 

** Represents the remaining stock option balance within the Company’s 2000 Stock Option plan that expired in January 2010 because they were never granted.

 

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Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On December 16, 2008, the Company’s stockholders ratified the adoption of the FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). A total of 500,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan. Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employees purchased 22,510 shares at an average price of $57.46 during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. At May 31, 2010, 376,965 shares were collectively reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan. The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the three months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 were $11.50 and $6.73 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

    

Three Months Ended

May 31,

 
     2010     2009  

Risk-free interest rate

   0.17   0.18

Expected life

   3 months      3 months   

Expected volatility

   12.6   18.8

Dividend yield

   1.4   2.1

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 were $11.14 and $9.06 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

    

Nine Months Ended

May 31,

 
     2010     2009  

Risk-free interest rate

   0.11   0.34

Expected life

   3 months      3 months   

Expected volatility

   14.2   27.0

Dividend yield

   1.3   1.8

12. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

(in thousands)    2010     2009  

Stock-based compensation

   $ 4,142      $ 2,997   

Tax impact of stock-based compensation

     (1,389     (974
                

Stock-based compensation, net of tax

   $ 2,753      $ 2,023   
                

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009:

 

(in thousands)    2010     2009  

Stock-based compensation

   $ 10,239      $ 10,657   

Tax impact of stock-based compensation

     (3,442     (3,581
                

Stock-based compensation, net of tax

   $ 6,797      $ 7,076   
                

As stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience.

As of May 31, 2010, $37.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.8 years. There were no stock-based compensation costs capitalized as of May 31, 2010 or August 31, 2009, respectively.

 

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Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determination

The Company utilizes the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“binomial model”) to estimate the fair value of new employee stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the binomial model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

There were no employee stock options granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

First Quarter Fiscal 2010 – October 23, 2009

On October 23, 2009, 32,476 non performance-based employee options and 900,665 performance-based employee stock options were granted at an exercise price of $66.46 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $19.99 per share, using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Term structure of risk-free interest rate

   0.21% - 3.09%

Expected life

   5.95 - 6.09 years

Term structure of volatility

   26.9% - 35.6%

Dividend yield

   1.6%

Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 – February 9, 2010

On February 9, 2010, 297,483 non performance-based employee options were granted at an exercise price of $63.09 with a weighted average estimated fair value of $21.01 per share, using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Term structure of risk-free interest rate

   0.15% - 3.30%

Expected life

   4.00 - 6.74 years

Term structure of volatility

   28.7% - 35.1%

Dividend yield

   1.4%

Fiscal 2009

There were no employee stock options granted during the second and third quarters of fiscal 2009. However, in the first three months of fiscal 2009, 329,857 employee stock options were granted at prices which ranged from $35.80 to $42.72. The weighted average estimated value of employee stock options granted during the first quarter of fiscal 2009 was $9.39 per share, using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Term structure of risk-free interest rate

   0.89% - 3.09%

Expected life

   5.05 years

Term structure of volatility

   33.1% - 37.8%

Dividend yield

   2.0%

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s stock and implied volatilities of publicly traded options to buy FactSet common stock with contractual terms closest to the expected life of options granted to employees. The approach to utilize a mix of historical and implied volatility was based upon the availability of actively traded options on the Company’s stock and the Company’s assessment that a combination of implied volatility and historical volatility is best representative of future stock price trends. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee termination within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the binomial model. The binomial model estimates employees exercise behavior is based on the option’s remaining vested life and the extent to which the option is in-the-money. The binomial model estimates the probability of exercise as a function of these two variables based on the entire history of exercises and cancellations of all past option grants made by the Company.

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Grants

On December 16, 2008, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) that provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. The ratification of the Plan replaced the FactSet 1998 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, which had expired on November 1, 2007, except with respect to outstanding options previously granted thereunder. A total of 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Plan. The expiration date of the Plan is December 1, 2018.

 

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The shares of common stock to be issued may be either authorized and unissued shares or shares held by the Company in its treasury.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of new non-employee Director stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Fiscal 2010 – January 15, 2010

During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, 18,510 stock options were granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors with an estimated fair value of $21.06 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

 

Risk-free interest rate

   2.54 %

Expected life

   5.43 years

Expected volatility

   35.4 %

Dividend yield

   1.4 %

Fiscal 2009 – January 15, 2009

During the second quarter of fiscal 2009, 68,890 stock options were granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors with a weighted average estimated fair value of $12.08 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Risk-free interest rate

   1.45 %

Expected life

   5.51 years

Expected volatility

   35.2 %

Dividend yield

   1.7 %

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s stock and implied volatilities of publicly traded options to buy FactSet common stock with contractual terms closest to the expected life of options granted to employees. The approach to utilize a mix of historical and implied volatility was based upon the availability of actively traded options on the Company’s stock and the Company’s assessment that a combination of implied volatility and historical volatility is best representative of future stock price trends. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and non-employee director terminations within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Restricted Stock Awards

There were no restricted stock awards granted during the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

First Quarter Fiscal 2010 – October 23, 2009

On October 23, 2009, the Company granted 161,794 restricted stock awards which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time. The Company’s restricted stock awards cliff vest 60% after three years and the remaining 40% after five years. Restricted stock grants are amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. The grant date fair value of the award was measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s share by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The resulting fair value of the restricted stock awards granted on October 23, 2009 was $62.85.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 – February 9, 2010

On February 9, 2010, the Company granted 90,030 restricted stock awards to employees which entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but are not entitled to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. Of the total number of restricted stock awards granted on February 9, 2010, 55,572 cliff vest 100% after three years. These restricted stock awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. The remaining 34,458 restricted stock awards cliff vest 50% after four years and the other 50% after six years and are amortized to expense over the vesting period. The grant date fair value of the awards were measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s share by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The resulting weighted average fair value of the restricted stock awards granted on February 9, 2010 was $59.42.

 

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There were no restricted stock awards granted during the first nine months of fiscal 2009.

Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates

The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.

13. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. Valuation allowances are established against deferred tax assets whenever circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized in future periods.

The following table provides details of income taxes for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands, except percentages):

 

    

Three Months Ended

May 31,

   

Nine Months Ended

May 31,

 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Income before income taxes

   $ 55,770      $ 53,487      $ 164,679      $ 157,667   

Provision for income taxes

   $ 17,112      $ 14,951      $ 53,759      $ 48,992   

Effective tax rate

     30.7 %*      28.0 %**      32.6     31.1

 

* The Company’s projected annual effective tax rate before discrete items for fiscal 2010 is 33.5%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the Company recorded income tax benefits of $1.6 million associated with the finalization of its fiscal 2009 tax return and adjustments to certain reserves to reflect the lapse of statute of limitations, which resulted in an actual effective tax rate for the third quarter of 30.7%.

 

** The Company’s projected annual effective tax rate before discrete items for fiscal 2009 was 33.6%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded income tax benefits of $3.0 million associated with the finalization of its fiscal 2008 tax return, recognition of a tax credit for repatriating foreign earnings to the U.S. and adjustments to certain reserves to reflect the lapse of statute of limitations, which resulted in an actual effective tax rate for the third quarter of 28.0%.

The aggregate changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 were as follows (in thousands):

 

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2009

   $ 6,437   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     1,012   

Additions for tax positions of prior years (includes the accrual of interest)

     364   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     —     

Lapse of statue of limitations

     (861

Reductions from settlements with taxing authorities

     —     
        

Unrecognized income tax benefits at May 31, 2010

   $ 6,952   

As of May 31, 2010, the Company has gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $7.0 million, including $1.0 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the Statement of Financial Condition. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. If recognized, essentially all of the unrecognized tax benefits and related interest would be recorded as a benefit to tax expense on the consolidated statement of income. Audits by four tax authorities are currently ongoing. The Company has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change within the next 12 months.

 

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In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At May 31, 2010, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:

 

Major Tax Jurisdictions

  

Open Tax Years

U.S.

  

Federal

   2007 through 2009

State (various)

   2004 through 2009

Europe

  

France

   2004 through 2009

United Kingdom

   2005 through 2009

14. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s operations are organized into three reportable segments based on geographic operations: the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. These reportable segments are consistent with how the Company, including its chief operating decision maker, manages the business and the demographic markets in which the Company serves. Each segment provides integrated global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals. The U.S. segment services finance professionals including financial institutions throughout North America, while the European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia.

The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Hong Kong, Australia, India and the Philippines. Sales, consulting, data collection and software engineering are the primary functional groups based at the Company’s non-U.S. operations. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet service. Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses related to its employees. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, product development and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the European and Asia Pacific segments. Of the total $172.1 million of goodwill reported by the Company at May 31, 2010, 58% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 40% in the European segment and the remaining 2% in the Asia Pacific segment.

The following reflects the results of operations of the segments consistent with the Company’s management system. These results are used, in part, by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments (in thousands).

 

For the three months ended May 31, 2010

   U.S.    Europe    Asia Pacific    Total

Revenues from clients

   $ 108,593    $ 40,694    $ 11,014    $ 160,301

Segment operating profit*

   $ 33,553    $ 20,271    $ 1,860    $ 55,684

Total assets

   $ 398,931    $ 180,661    $ 25,123    $ 604,715

Capital expenditures

   $ 3,528    $ 198    $ 899    $ 4,625

For the three months ended May 31, 2009

                   

Revenues from clients

   $ 104,967    $ 39,086    $ 10,334    $ 154,387

Segment operating profit*

   $ 32,240    $ 16,303    $ 4,763    $ 53,306

Total assets

   $ 416,808    $ 179,632    $ 17,170    $ 613,610

Capital expenditures

   $ 2,404    $ 96    $ 683    $ 3,183

For the nine months ended May 31, 2010

   U.S.    Europe    Asia Pacific    Total

Revenues from clients

   $ 320,681    $ 119,561    $ 32,583    $ 472,825

Segment operating profit*

   $ 100,221    $ 56,260    $ 7,723    $ 164,204

Capital expenditures

   $ 8,400    $ 544    $ 4,732    $ 13,676

For the nine months ended May 31, 2009

                   

Revenues from clients

   $ 318,025    $ 117,510    $ 31,026    $ 466,561

Segment operating profit*

   $ 96,327    $ 43,565    $ 16,779    $ 156,671

Capital expenditures

   $ 14,916    $ 2,739    $ 1,308    $ 18,963

 

* Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, product development and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the European and Asia Pacific segments.

 

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SIGNIFICANT CLIENTS - No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet’s total revenues in any period presented. As of May 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for less than 2% of total subscriptions. Subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 16% of total client subscriptions as of May 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

SIGNIFICANT VENDORS - FactSet maintains contractual relationships with a minimum of two content providers for each type of financial data, when possible. No single vendor or data supplier represented 10% or more of FactSet’s total expenses in any period presented.

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments represent obligations, such as those for future purchases of goods or services that are not yet recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities. FactSet records liabilities for commitments when incurred (i.e., when the goods or services are received).

Lease Commitments

At May 31, 2010, the Company leased office space in locations throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. Leases for this office space expire on various dates through March 2021. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms.

During fiscal 2010, the Company entered into a new lease agreement in the ordinary course of business to support operations in New York, New York, which will result in incremental future minimum rental payments of $6.3 million over the remaining non-cancelable lease term of five years and was included in the future minimum rental payment disclosure below. The new office space expanded the existing New York location by 22,000 square feet and increased total worldwide leased office space by 3%. The additional office space is necessary to support the Company’s employee base.

At May 31, 2010, the Company’s lease commitments for office space provide for the following future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year (in thousands):

 

Years Ended August 31,

   Minimum Lease
Payments

2010 (remaining three months)

   $ 5,339

2011

     21,794

2012

     20,206

2013

     19,216

2014

     15,605

Thereafter

     56,363
      

Total

   $ 138,523

During the three months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009, rent expense for all operating leases amounted to $7.2 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Rent expense for all operating leases for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 and 2009 amounted to $22.3 million and $19.5 million, respectively. Approximately $4.3 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s lease commitments as of May 31, 2010.

Contingencies

FactSet accrues non-income tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. Although management currently believes that resolving claims against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future.

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. In the event any losses are sustained in excess of accruals, they will be charged against income at that time. See Note 13.

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of trade accounts receivable and derivative instruments. FactSet performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and does not require collateral from its clients. The Company calculates its receivable reserve through analyzing aged client receivables

 

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and reviewing the recent history of client receivable write-offs. At May 31, 2010, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for less than 2% of total subscriptions and annual subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 16% of total client subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2009. At May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, the receivable reserve was $1.7 million, respectively.

16. REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

The Company maintains its three-year credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank. The credit facility is available in an aggregate principal amount of up to $12.5 million for working capital and general corporate purposes, maturing on March 31, 2011. Approximately $3.3 million of the credit facility has been utilized for standby letters of credit issued during the ordinary course of business as of May 31, 2010. The Company is obligated to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility at a weighted average annual rate of 0.125%. The facility also contains covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios.

17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

FactSet has performed an evaluation of subsequent events through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued.

Acquisition of Market Metrics

On June 1, 2010, FactSet acquired Market Metrics. Formed in 1996 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Market Metrics is the leading market research firm in the U.S. focused on advisor-sold investments and insurance products. Each year Market Metrics conducts more than 20,000 in-depth surveys of financial advisors, brokers, research analysts and gatekeepers. Leveraging this unique body of data, Market Metrics helps senior managers to understand better their competitive strengths and weaknesses, and how they can improve their relationships with customers and increase market share. Market Metrics has annual subscriptions of $16 million and is supported by 25 employees as of June 1, 2010.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Overview

FactSet is a leading provider of global financial and economic information, including fundamental financial data on tens of thousands of companies worldwide. Our applications support and enhance workflows for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. Our applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios.

We combine hundreds of data sets, including content regarding tens of thousands of companies and securities from major markets all over the globe, into a single online platform of information and analytics. Clients have simultaneous access to content from an array of sources, which they can combine and utilize in nearly all of our applications. We are also fully integrated with Microsoft Office applications such as Excel®, Word® and PowerPoint®. This integration allows our users to create extensive custom reports. Our revenues are primarily derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services, content and financial applications.

As of May 31, 2010, the Company employed 3,631 employees, an increase of 209 employees over the past three months and up 23% or 669 employees since August 31, 2009. Of these employees, 1,330 were located in the U.S., 523 in Europe and the remaining 1,778 in the Asia Pacific region. The increase in headcount during fiscal 2010 was driven by the expansion of our proprietary content operations in India and the Philippines. Approximately 51% of our employees are involved with content collection, 21% conduct sales and consulting services, another 23% are involved in product development, software and systems engineering and the remaining 5% of employees provide administrative support.

Results of Operations

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

    

Three months ended

May 31,

   

Nine months ended

May 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2010    2009    Change     2010    2009    Change  

Revenues

   $ 160,301    $ 154,387    3.8   $ 472,825    $ 466,561    1.3

Cost of services

     51,355      50,847    1.0     152,632      156,717    (2.6 )% 

Selling, general and administrative

     53,262      50,234    6.0     155,989      153,173    1.8

Operating income

     55,684      53,306    4.5     164,204      156,671    4.8

Net income

   $ 38,658    $ 38,536    0.3   $ 110,920    $ 108,675    2.1

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.81    $ 0.79    2.5   $ 2.30    $ 2.23    3.1

Diluted weighted average common shares

     47,725      48,836        48,183      48,773   

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended May 31, 2010 were $160.3 million, up 3.8% from $154.4 million for the same period a year ago. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, revenues increased 1.3% to $472.8 million from $466.6 million in the prior year period. We delivered solid growth across all our key metrics over the past three months as we continue to build upon the increases we experienced in the second quarter. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, our user count increased by 1,600, net new clients rose to 23 and annual subscriptions increased by $11.8 million. Our sales and consulting staff continued to sell our broad range of products across each geographic region. We have been focusing on promoting the new workstation, which we call the new FactSet, and upgrading existing clients to this more intuitive, easier to use platform. Upgrades to the new FactSet are occurring at a pace in-line with our internal goals. We have gained new clients at traditional money managers, regional broker dealers and among research and sales departments both in the U.S. and internationally, as new and existing clients continue to value our functionality and content.

Positive revenue drivers during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 included our real-time news and quotes capabilities with the new FactSet, clients continuing to license our advanced applications such as Portfolio Analysis (“PA”), the expanded

 

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deployment of our proprietary data across all geographies including incremental subscriptions to FactSet Fundamentals and Estimates, an annual price increase for our non-U.S. investment management clients and the continued development of new functionality within FactSet that improves our clients’ workflows.

On September 14, 2009, we released our newest financial software platform, the new FactSet, and have been introducing it to our clients and prospects. The new FactSet consolidates data and analytics, previously spread across multiple applications, into one comprehensive, intuitive interface improving both functionality and ease of use. We continue to receive positive feedback on our new user interface and believe that the new FactSet is deepening the engagement level of thousands of users as our broad range of content and functionality is readily accessible through the new user interface. Real-time news and quotes is a product that services the needs of a global investor and continues to be a source of revenue growth for us. Real-time users have increased every quarter since it was released in 2002. Deployment of real-time news and quotes has resulted in a 40% increase in user count over the last nine months in conjunction with the release of the new FactSet.

Our core applications continue to be in demand by our clients. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, our PA suite continued to be a source of growth. This suite is comprehensive and includes the applications for portfolio attribution, risk, quantitative analysis portfolio publishing and returns based, style analysis. Since March 1, 2010, the number of PA users increased by 185, while the number of PA clients rose by 16. The rise in users of PA during the past three months was primarily from our largest investment management clients. As of May 31, 2010, PA 2.0 was deployed by 671 clients consisting of 5,979 users.

Our proprietary content remains a focus of our development and sales efforts and we are pleased by the growing returns from our investment in proprietary content. Expanded deployment of our proprietary data across all geographies continues to be a positive revenue driver in fiscal 2010. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we released FactSet Economics and many of our clients already are realizing the benefits of our new comprehensive data set which includes FactSet Fundamentals and FactSet Estimates. Our proprietary content sets have demonstrated their value to our clients and are in demand on our workstations. Clients recognize the value of our integrated content and applications as we make strides in differentiating our content and functionality in response to our clients’ needs. Since September 1, 2008, we have reduced our third party vendor payments related to fundamentals, estimates and economic data by $10.6 million due to clients switching to FactSet Fundamentals, FactSet Estimates and FactSet Economics from third party vendor databases.

Finally, we continue to invest in and develop new products that make our clients’ workflows easier and more efficient. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we released FactSearch, making it easier for our clients to locate equity and fixed income content and functionality within the breadth of services available to them on our platform. The FactSet workstation presents our clients with an enormous array of data and analytics. FactSearch is a simple, easy tool that helps them quickly search for and locate exactly what they want.

Partially offsetting the positive revenue drivers discussed above were continued client consolidations, firm failures and companies scaling back expenditures, emphasizing savings over spending. Despite the ongoing volatility in the global markets, we continue to focus our selling efforts and we believe we are beginning to see the results of some sales opportunities that first developed during the recent market downturn. Although the market is still stabilizing, revenues grew 3.8% year over year.

Revenues by Geographic Region

 

    

Three months ended

May 31,

   

Nine months ended

May 31,

 

(in thousands)

   2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  

U.S.

   $ 108,593      $ 104,967      3.5   $ 320,681      $ 318,025      0.8

% of revenue

     67.7     68.0       67.8     68.2  

Europe

   $ 40,694      $ 39,086      4.1   $ 119,561      $ 117,510      1.7

Asia Pacific

     11,014        10,334      6.6     32,583        31,026      5.0
                                    

International

   $ 51,708      $ 49,420      4.6   $ 152,144      $ 148,536      2.4

% of revenue

     32.3     32.0       32.2     31.8  

Consolidated

   $ 160,301      $ 154,387      3.8   $ 472,825      $ 466,561      1.3

Three months ended May 31, 2010 (Quarter-to-date)

Revenues from our U.S. business increased 3.5% to $108.6 million during the three months ended May 31, 2010 compared to $105.0 million in the same period a year ago. International revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were $51.7 million, an increase of 4.6% from $49.4 million in the prior year period. The impact from foreign currency increased international revenues by $0.2 million year over year. European revenues advanced 4.1% to $40.7 million. Asia Pacific revenues grew to

 

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$11.0 million, up 6.6% from the same period a year ago. Revenues from international operations accounted for 32% of our consolidated revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, consistent with the year ago quarter. Our growth rates in each region reflect our real-time news and quotes capabilities included in the new FactSet, growth in PA and the expanded deployment of our proprietary data across all geographies. International growth rates were also positively impacted by our annual price increase for non-U.S. investment management clients in the third quarter of fiscal 2010, which increased annual subscriptions by $1.3 million.

Nine months ended May 31, 2010 (Year-to-date)

Revenues from our U.S. business increased 0.8% to $320.7 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2010 compared to $318.0 million in the same period a year ago. International revenues in fiscal 2010 were $152.1 million, an increase of 2.4% from $148.5 million in the prior year period. The impact from foreign currency increased international revenues by $0.7 million year over year. European revenues advanced 1.7% to $119.6 million. Asia Pacific revenues grew to $32.6 million, up 5.0% from the same period a year ago. Excluding the impact of foreign currency attributable to the change in the value of the Japanese Yen compared to the U.S. dollar, Asia Pacific revenue growth was 3.0% year over year. Revenues from international operations accounted for 32% of our consolidated revenues in fiscal 2010, consistent with fiscal 2009.

Annual Subscription Value (“ASV”)

ASV at any given point in time represents the forward-looking revenues for the next 12 months from all annual subscription services currently being supplied to clients. With proper notice to us, our clients are generally able to add to, delete portions of, or terminate service at any time. At May 31, 2010, ASV was $646 million, up 5% from the year ago total. Excluding non-subscription revenues totaling $4.5 million at May 31, 2010, ASV increased $27 million over the last twelve months. ASV from international operations increased from $196 million at May 31, 2009 to $209.8 million at May 31, 2010, representing 32% of our Company-wide total.

ASV increased $11.8 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2010, which included a reduction in ASV of $0.5 million from foreign currency exchange. Excluding the $0.5 million impact from foreign currency, ASV increased $12.3 million organically since February 28, 2010 as we saw our clients begin to add new and incremental subscriptions to our services and content as they recognize the value of the FactSet workstation and service. Drivers of ASV growth over the past three months were existing clients continuing to order additional FactSet proprietary content, portfolio analytics, new users and an annual price increase for our non-U.S. investment management clients. Our sales personnel are well-versed in demonstrating to clients the savings and workflow efficiencies we can offer as compared to other choices in the marketplace. For the second consecutive quarter, our sell-side clients contributed to the growth in ASV, helping to increase users, ASV and the total number of clients. Approximately 82% of ASV at May 31, 2010 is derived from buy-side clients with the remainder from sell-side firms who perform M&A advisory work and equity research, consistent with the prior periods. Lastly, $1.3 million of the $12.3 million organic ASV growth during the past three months resulted from a price increase for our non-U.S. investment management clients.

Users and Clients

Both our user and client count increased during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. At May 31, 2010, there were 40,400 professionals using FactSet, an increase of 1,600 users from the beginning of the quarter. Client count was 2,075 at May 31, 2010, a net increase of 23 clients over the last three months. The combination of advanced FactSet applications including real-time news and quotes with a vast array of data supported by FactSet client service contributed to our client growth in fiscal 2010.

At May 31, 2010, annual client retention was greater than 95% of ASV, consistent with the same period a year ago. On a client basis, our annual retention rate improved to 89% of clients at May 31, 2010 as compared to 88% a year ago, reflecting a reduction in client turnover. Although we continue to see client consolidations and firm failures in the industry, we are experiencing the success of some longer term sales efforts as firms are more willing to commit to FactSet to replace other systems, demonstrating the value of our service to clients. As of May 31, 2010, our largest individual client accounted for less than 2% of total ASV. Subscriptions from our ten largest clients did not surpass 16% of total ASV as of May 31, 2010, consistent with May 31, 2009.

 

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Operating Expenses

 

     Three months ended
May 31,
    Nine months ended
May 31,
 

(in thousands)

   2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  

Cost of services

   $ 51,355      $ 50,847      1.0   $ 152,632      $ 156,717      (2.6 )% 

Selling, general and administrative

     53,262        50,234      6.0     155,989        153,173      1.8
                                    

Total operating expenses

   $ 104,617      $ 101,081      3.5   $ 308,621      $ 309,890      (0.4 )% 

Operating income

   $ 55,684      $ 53,306      4.5   $ 164,204      $ 156,671      4.8

Operating Margin

     34.7     34.5       34.7     33.6  

Cost of Services

Three months ended May 31, 2010 (Quarter-to-date)

For the three months ended May 31, 2010, cost of services increased 1.0% to $51.4 million as compared to $50.8 million in the same period a year ago. Cost of services expressed as a percentage of revenues was 32.0% during the third quarter of fiscal 2010, a decline of 90 basis points from a year ago. The decrease year over year was driven by lower levels of third party data costs and a reduction in data vendor royalty payments partially offset by higher employee compensation.

Data costs, expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased 190 basis points for the three months ended May 31, 2010 compared to the same period in fiscal 2009. Lower external collection costs were the result of a reduction in data amortization expense associated with the Thomson Reuters transition services agreement and the termination of a business process outsourcing (“BPO”) relationship in May 2009. Variable fees payable to data vendors based on deployment of their content over the FactSet platform declined as the result of increased client usage of our proprietary content, including FactSet Fundamentals, FactSet Estimates and FactSet Economics.

An increase in employee compensation partially offset the overall decrease to cost of services expressed as a percentage of revenues during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period a year ago. Employee compensation, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 90 basis points during the three months ended May 31, 2010 due to expanding the number of employees in our offshore proprietary content collection operations and increased variable compensation. Over the last 12 months, we have increased our content collection headcount by over 1,000 employees, primarily at our offshore facilities in India and the Philippines. At May 31, 2010, approximately 51% of our employees were involved with content collection, as compared to 32% at May 31, 2009.

Nine months ended May 31, 2010 (Year-to-date)

For the nine months ended May 31, 2010, cost of services decreased 2.6% to $152.6 million as compared to $156.7 million in the same period a year ago. Cost of services expressed as a percentage of revenues was 32.3% during fiscal 2010, a decline of 130 basis points from fiscal 2009. The decrease year over year was driven by lower data costs partially offset by higher employee compensation.

Data costs, expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased 250 basis points for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 compared to the same period in fiscal 2009 due to the termination of the BPO relationship in May 2009, a reduction in data amortization expense associated with the transition services agreement and lower variable fees payable to data vendors based on deployment of their content over the FactSet platform.

Employee compensation partially offset the overall decrease to cost of services for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 compared to the same period in fiscal 2009. Employee compensation, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 120 basis points during fiscal 2010 due to the increased number of employees in our offshore content collection operations and higher variable compensation. Since June 1, 2009, we have increased our content collection headcount by over 1,000 employees, primarily at our offshore facilities in India and the Philippines.

Selling, General and Administrative

Three months ended May 31, 2010 (Quarter-to-date)

For the three months ended May 31, 2010, selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 6.0% to $53.3 million from $50.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. SG&A expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues, rose 70 basis points to 33.2% during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 from 32.5% a year ago. The increase was driven by a rise in

 

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travel and entertainment (“T&E”) expenses, marketing costs and professional fees partially offset by foreign currency hedging losses in the prior year.

T&E expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 70 basis points for the three months ended May 31, 2010, compared to the same period in fiscal 2009 primarily due to more client visits and an increase in U.S. traveling overseas. During the past 12 months, travel has increased to enable us to manage our Hyderabad and Manila operations, as we continue to rapidly expand our proprietary content collection. Total T&E costs related to air travel and hotel stays by U.S. employees rose by 28% year over year as a result of a 30% increase in international airline ticketing fees. Marketing expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 30 basis points compared to the year ago quarter as we have increased the number of advertising campaigns to market the new FactSet, especially in London, New York, Chicago and Canada. Professional fees, expressed as a percentage of revenues, advanced 20 basis points due to incremental expenses incurred associated with acquisition of Market Metrics.

Partially offsetting the increase in SG&A expenses were foreign currency hedging losses included in the prior year as compared to the current year. A loss on derivatives of $1.3 million was recorded in SG&A in the year ago period as compared to a loss of $0.2 million in the current quarter. Since the date the forward contracts were entered into, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against both the Euro and British Pound Sterling. As a result of these contracts to hedge our Euro and British Pound Sterling currency risk, we recorded a loss on derivatives of $0.2 million in SG&A during the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Nine months ended May 31, 2010 (Year-to-date)

For the nine months ended May 31, 2010, SG&A expenses increased 1.8% to $156.0 million from $153.2 million in the same period a year ago. SG&A expenses expressed as a percentage of revenues advanced 20 basis points to 33.0% during fiscal 2010 from 32.8% a year ago. The increase was driven by increased compensation expense, a rise in occupancy costs, including the amortization and depreciation of furniture, fixtures and leasehold improvements and higher marketing expenses partially offset by foreign currency hedging losses realized in the prior year.

Employee compensation, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 60 basis points during fiscal 2010 due to expanding the number of employees and higher variable compensation. As of May 31, 2010, the Company employed 3,631 employees, an increase of 1,081 employees over the past 12 months. Occupancy costs, including rent and depreciation of furniture and fixtures, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 75 basis points in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 due to office expansions in Boston, New York, Hyderabad, Tokyo, Manila and Hong Kong over the past 12 months. Marketing costs increased 25 basis points as we have increased the number of advertising campaigns to market the new FactSet since September 2009.

Partially offsetting the increase in SG&A in fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009 were hedging losses in the prior year from foreign currency forward contracts entered into in the beginning of the 2009 calendar year to hedge our Euro and British Pound Sterling currency risk. As a result of these hedges, we recorded a loss on derivatives of $5.7 million in SG&A during fiscal 2009 as compared to a gain on derivatives of $1.3 million in the current fiscal year.

Operating Income and Operating Margin

Three months ended May 31, 2010 (Quarter-to-date)

Operating income advanced 4.5% to $55.7 million for the three months ended May 31, 2010 compared to the prior year period. Our operating margin during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was 34.7%, up 20 basis points from 34.5% a year ago primarily due to lower data costs and favorable currency rates partially offset by higher compensation expense and a rise in T&E and occupancy costs. The U.S. dollar strengthened over the last twelve months, reducing our expense base. Since 97% of our ASV is billed in U.S. dollars, this improved operating income by $0.9 million and our operating margin 50 basis points for the three months ended May 31, 2010.

Nine months ended May 31, 2010 (Year-to-date)

Operating income increased 4.8% to $164.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2010 as compared to the prior year. Our operating margin during fiscal 2010 was 34.7%, up 110 basis points from 33.6% a year ago primarily due to favorable currency rates, lower data costs and foreign currency losses from hedging activities recognized in fiscal 2009 partially offset by higher compensation and a rise in T&E and occupancy costs. Favorable currency rates including gains from foreign currency forward contracts improved operating income by $3.7 million and our operating margin by 70 basis points for the nine months ended May 31, 2010. Employee compensation increased during fiscal 2010 due to the higher number of employees in content collection and T&E rose from more client visits and to support our offshore operations.

 

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Operating Income by Segment

 

     Three months ended
May 31,
    Nine months ended
May 31,
 

(in thousands)

   2010    2009    Change     2010    2009    Change  

U.S.

   $ 33,553    $ 32,240    4.1   $ 100,221    $ 96,327    4.0

Europe

     20,271      16,303    24.3     56,260      43,565    29.1

Asia Pacific

     1,860      4,763    (60.9 )%      7,723      16,779    (54.0 )% 
                                

Consolidated

   $ 55,684    $ 53,306      $ 164,204    $ 156,671   

Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses related to its employees. Expenditures associated with our data centers, product development and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the European and Asia Pacific segments.

Operating income from our U.S. business increased 4.1% to $33.6 million during the three months ended May 31, 2010 compared to $32.2 million in the same period a year ago. For the nine months ended May 31, 2010, U.S. operating income advanced 4.0% to $100.2 million compared to $96.3 million in the year ago period. The increase in operating income from our U.S. business was primarily due to $3.6 million of incremental revenues and lower variable data fees. The increase in U.S. revenues was driven by additional subscriptions to our real-time news and quotes capabilities included in the new FactSet, the U.S. investment management price increase implemented in January 2010, which increased ASV from U.S. operations by $7.7 million year over year, clients continuing to license our PA application and expanded deployment of our proprietary data. Variable fees payable to data vendors based on deployment of their content over the FactSet platform declined as the result of increased client usage of our proprietary content, including FactSet Fundamentals, FactSet Estimates and FactSet Economics.

European operating income increased 24.3% to $20.3 million during the three months ended May 31, 2010 compared to $16.3 million in the same period a year ago. For the nine months ended May 31, 2010, operating income in our European segment advanced 29.1% to $56.3 million compared to $43.6 million in the year ago period. The increase in European operating income is due to a $1.6 million increase in revenues, favorable currency exchange rates, foreign currency losses from hedging activities recognized in fiscal 2009, lower variable fees payable to data vendors, a reduction in data amortization expense associated with the Thomson Reuters transition services agreement and the termination of a BPO relationship in May 2009. As disclosed earlier, a loss of $0.2 million was recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 from foreign currency hedging activities as compared to a loss of $1.3 million in the same period a year ago. In addition, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British Pound Sterling and Euro year over year resulted in a reduction of expenses by $1.3 million within the European segment. Excluding the hedging loss of $0.2 million in fiscal 2010, the hedging loss of $1.3 million in the year ago period and the reduction in the expense base of $1.3 million from favorable currency rates, operating income in our European segment increased 9% for the three months ended May 31, 2010 as compared to the three months ended May 31, 2009.

Asia Pacific operating income decreased 60.9% to $1.9 million during the three months ended May 31, 2010 compared to $4.8 million in the same period a year ago. For the nine months ended May 31, 2010, operating income in our Asia Pacific segment declined 54.0% to $7.7 million compared to $16.8 million in the year ago period. The decrease in Asia Pacific operating income is primarily driven by the offshore expansion of our proprietary content operations in India and the Philippines as well as increased occupancy costs for our office expansions in Japan, India and the Philippines, partially offset by a 7% increase in revenues and favorable currency rates that increased revenues expressed in U.S. dollars. The strengthening of the Japanese Yen compared to the U.S. dollar increased Asia Pacific revenues by $0.6 million during the nine months of fiscal 2010 as compared to the same period a year ago. Employee compensation increased year over year due to expanding the number of employees in our offshore proprietary content collection operations. Over the last 12 months, we have increased our content collection headcount by over 1,000 employees at our offshore facilities in India and the Philippines. At May 31, 2010, approximately 51% of our employees are involved with content collection, as compared to 32% at May 31, 2009.

 

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Other Income, Income Taxes, Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share

 

    

Three months ended

May 31,

   

Nine months ended

May 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

   2010     2009     Change     2010     2009     Change  

Other income

   $ 86      $ 181      (52.5 )%    $ 475      $ 996      (52.3 )% 

Provision for income taxes

   $ 17,112      $ 14,951      14.5   $ 53,759      $ 48,992      9.7

Net income

   $ 38,658      $ 38,536      0.3   $ 110,920      $ 108,675      2.1

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.81      $ 0.79      2.5   $ 2.30      $ 2.23      3.1

Effective tax rate

     30.7     28.0       32.6     31.1  

Other Income

During the three months ended May 31, 2010, other income decreased by $0.1 million, year over year. Other income declined $0.5 million or 52% during the first nine months of fiscal 2010 as compared to the same period a year ago. The decline in other income was a result of lower interest rates over the last twelve months. Our average annualized return on cash and cash equivalents was 18 basis points during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 as compared to 40 basis points in the same period a year ago. At no time during fiscal 2010 and 2009 did a component of our investment portfolio experience a decline in value due to a ratings change, default or increase in counterparty credit risk.

Income Taxes

For the three months ended May 31, 2010, the provision for income taxes increased to $17.1 million from $15.0 million in the comparable prior year period. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, the provision for income taxes increased to $53.8 million from $49.0 million in the same period a year ago. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2010 was 30.7% as compared to 28.0% a year ago. Our projected annual effective tax rate before discrete items for fiscal 2010 is 33.5%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2010, we recorded income tax benefits of $1.6 million associated with the finalization of our fiscal 2009 tax return and adjustments to certain reserves to reflect the lapse of statute of limitations, which resulted in an actual effective tax rate for the third quarter of 30.7%. The fiscal 2010 effective tax rate appropriately reflects the U.S. Federal R&D credit only for the first four months of our 2010 fiscal year as the R&D credit expired on December 31, 2009. Our effective tax rate is based on current enacted tax laws and as such, reflects the R&D tax credit only for the first four months of fiscal 2010. The expiration of the R&D tax credit on December 31, 2009 resulted in a 100 basis point increase in our fiscal 2010 effective tax rate. If Congress reconciles the legislation and reinstates the R&D tax credit, our annual diluted earnings per share will increase by $0.04 for the full year or $0.01 per quarter.

Our projected annual effective tax rate before discrete items for fiscal 2009 was 33.6%. During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, we recorded income tax benefits of $3.0 million associated with the finalization of our fiscal 2008 tax return, recognition of a tax credit for repatriating foreign earnings to the U.S. and adjustments to certain reserves to reflect the lapse of statute of limitations, which resulted in an actual effective tax rate for the third quarter of 28.0%.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

Net income rose 0.3% to $38.7 million and diluted earnings per share increased 2.5% to $0.81 for the three months ended May 31, 2010. During the first nine months of fiscal 2010, net income rose 2.1% to $110.9 million and diluted earnings per share increased 3.1% to $2.30 as compared to the same period a year ago. Included in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were income tax benefits of $0.03 per diluted share as we finalized our U.S. tax return for 2009 and adjusted certain reserves to reflect the lapse of statute of limitations. In the third quarter of last year, diluted earnings per share included income tax benefits of $0.06 per share primarily from repatriating foreign earnings to the U.S. and finalizing prior year tax returns. Excluding the income tax benefits of $0.03 per diluted share in fiscal 2010 and $0.06 per diluted share in fiscal 2009, our diluted earnings per share grew 7% to $0.78 from $0.73 in the year ago third quarter.

Foreign Currency

Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the European and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of stockholders’ equity. Transaction gains and losses that arise from the effect of exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are included in determining net income for the period in which exchange rates change.

 

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As depicted in the chart below, our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $15 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $117 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $102 million per year.

 

     Annualized Foreign Currency Exposure  

(In thousands)

   Revenues    Expenses    Net Exposure  

British Pound Sterling

   $ 1,150    $ 42,337    $ (41,187

Euro

     182      33,391      (33,209

Japanese Yen

     13,588      10,034      3,554   

Other

     —        31,126      (31,126
                      

Total

   $ 14,920    $ 116,888    $ (101,968

Our primary foreign currency exchange exposures are related to our operating expense base in countries outside the U.S., where approximately 63% of our employees are located. Foreign currency movements had the following effects in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 when holding currencies constant from the third quarter of fiscal 2009:

 

   

Increased revenues by $0.2 million.

 

   

Decreased operating expenses by $0.7 million (includes hedging activities).

 

   

Increased operating income by $0.9 million and operating margins by 50 basis points.

 

   

Increased diluted earnings per share by $0.01.

Foreign currency movements had the following effects in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 when holding currencies constant from the year ago period:

 

   

Increased revenues by $0.7 million.

 

   

Decreased operating expenses by $3.0 million (includes hedging activities).

 

   

Increased operating income by $3.7 million and operating margins by 70 basis points.

 

   

Increased diluted earnings per share by $0.05.

To reduce variability in operating expenses denominated in British Pound Sterling and Euro from foreign currency fluctuations, we entered into foreign currency forward contracts with maturities of up to eighteen months during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. In designing a specific hedging approach, we considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential ineffectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings.

We entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 95% of our net Euro exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and 95% of our net British Pound Sterling exposure through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions held as of May 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Q4’2010     Q1’2011     Q2’2011     Q3’2011     Q4’2011     Q1’2012  
Euro             

Notional amount

   6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000   

% of Net foreign currency exposure hedged

     95     95     95     95     95     95

Average forward contract rate

     1.366        1.366        1.281        1.282        1.294        1.296   
British Pound Sterling             

Notional amount

   £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000       

% of Net foreign currency exposure hedged

     95     95     95     95    

Average forward contract rate

     1.498        1.498        1.486        1.486       

 

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At May 31, 2010, the notional principal and fair value (liability) of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €39.0 million and ($3.0) million, respectively. The notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars were £28.1 million and ($1.2) million, respectively, at May 31, 2010. A loss on derivatives for the three months ended May 31, 2010 of $0.2 million was recorded into operating income as compared to a loss of $1.3 million in the year ago quarter. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, a gain on derivatives of $1.3 million was recorded into operating income as compared to a loss of $5.7 million in the same period a year ago. At May 31, 2010, the Company’s cash flow hedges reported as a component of AOCI was ($2.7) million, net of tax, which is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to expenses within the next 18 months. At August 31, 2009, the Company’s cash flow hedges reported as a component of AOCI was $0.9 million, net of tax.

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, we are exposed to counterparty credit risk. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, we enter into contracts with large financial institutions (JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America) and regularly review our credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. We do not expect any losses as a result of default of our counterparties.

Liquidity

The table below, for the periods indicated, provides selected cash flow information (in thousands):

 

For the nine months ended May 31,

   2010     2009  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 140,829      $ 142,429   

Capital expenditures (1)

     (13,676     (18,963
                

Free cash flow (2)

   $ 127,153      $ 123,466   

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

   $ (13,676   $ 6,297   

Net cash used in financing activities

   $ (112,152   $ (74,008

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ 8,393      $ 73,125   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period (May 31st)

   $ 224,713      $ 191,111   

 

(1)

Included in net cash used in investing activities during each fiscal year reported above.

(2)

We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities, which includes the cash cost for taxes and changes in working capital, less capital expenditures. The presentation of free cash flow is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The GAAP financial measure, cash flows provided by operating activities, has been adjusted to report non-GAAP free cash flow that includes the cash cost for taxes and changes in working capital, less capital expenditures. We use this financial measure, both in presenting our results to stockholders and the investment community, and in our internal evaluation and management of the business. Management believes that this financial measure and the information we provide are useful to investors because they permit investors to view our performance using the same tools that management uses to gauge progress in achieving our goals. We believe this measure is also useful to investors because it is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund further investments in future growth initiatives.

Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to $224.7 million or 37% of our total assets at May 31, 2010, compared with $191.1 million or 31% of our total assets at May 31, 2009 and $216.3 million at August 31, 2009 or 34% of our total assets. All of our operating and capital expense requirements were financed entirely from cash generated from our operations. Our cash and cash equivalents increased $8.4 million since August 31, 2009 as a result of cash provided by operations of $141 million, $47 million from the exercise of employee stock options and $22 million of tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements partially offset by cash outflows of $153 million related to stock repurchases, dividend payments of $28 million, capital expenditures of $14 million and $7 million from the effect of exchange rate changes on our foreign cash balances.

During the last twelve months, free cash flow rose 22% to $187 million and exceeded net income by 27%. Excluding working capital changes of $34 million and tax benefits from stock option exercises of $18 million, free cash flow rose $16 million or 12% year over year. Free cash flow in the third quarter of fiscal 2010 rose 4% to $66.1 million compared to $63.8 million in the year ago period. Drivers of free cash flow during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 were positive working capital changes and tax benefits from stock option exercises.

The improvement in working capital of $24 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2010 resulted primarily from a $10 million or 14% decrease in accounts receivable and stock options exercised over the past three months. It is not unusual for our accounts receivable balance to increase in the second quarter of each fiscal year and subsequently decrease in the following third quarter. During the second quarter of fiscal 2010, we issued invoices for services to be provided over the next twelve months that aggregated to approximately $11 million. Since March 1, 2010, our accounts receivable balance has

 

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decreased $10 million to $58.5 million. At May 31, 2010, our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) was 33 days, down 21% from 42 days a year ago and down 11% from 37 days at August 31, 2009.

Capital Resources

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $4.6 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2010, up from $3.2 million in the same period a year ago. Approximately $3.8 million or 80% of capital expenditures were for computer equipment and the remainder for office expansions. In the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we purchased four additional Hewlett Packard Integrity mainframe machines to increase the processing speed of our data centers in addition to buying laptop computers and peripherals for our growing employee base. Approximately $0.8 million of capital expenditures incurred over the past three months was to build-out office space in our Hyderabad and Manila office locations.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2010 capital expenditures, net of landlord contributions for construction, were $13.2 million, which included adding four Hewlett Packard Integrity mainframe machines to our data centers and the build-out of new office space in our Hyderabad, Philippines and Hong Kong locations. We continue to expand aggressively to house and grow our proprietary content operations and other functions that can be run efficiently in remote office locations. Capital spending levels decreased $3.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010 compared to the same period a year ago due to the fiscal 2009 build-out of new office space in Boston, London, Norwalk and Chicago and improvements in hardware utilization. Enhanced hardware utilization was a result of efficiencies realized from updates to our data storage policy and streamlining batch processing jobs.

Capital Needs

We currently have no outstanding indebtedness, other than the letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business, as discussed below.

We maintain our three-year credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank. The credit facility is available in an aggregate principal amount of up to $12.5 million for working capital and general corporate purposes, maturing on March 31, 2011. Approximately $3.3 million of the credit facility has been utilized for standby letters of credit issued during the ordinary course of business as of May 31, 2010. We are obligated to pay a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility at a weighted average annual rate of 0.125%. The facility also contains covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios.

As of May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009, we maintained a zero debt balance and were in compliance with all associated covenants.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of SEC Regulation S-K as of May 31, 2010 and August 31, 2009.

Contractual Obligations

Fluctuations in our operating results, the degree of success of our accounts receivable collection efforts, the timing of tax and other payments as well as necessary capital expenditures to support growth of our operations will impact our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. The effect of our contractual obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be considered in conjunction with the factors mentioned here. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2010, there were no significant changes to our contractual obligations as of August 31, 2009. We currently have no significant capital commitments other than commitments under our operating leases, which decreased 9% from $152.5 million at August 31, 2009 to $138.5 million at May 31, 2010.

Share Repurchases

On June 14, 2010, our Board of Directors approved an expansion of the existing share repurchase program by an additional $150 million. During the first nine months of fiscal 2010, we repurchased 2,242,604 shares for $153 million under the program. Including the expansion, $198 million remains authorized for future share repurchases as of May 31, 2010. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

 

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We expect that for the next year, our operating expenses will continue to constitute a significant use of cash flow. In addition, we may use cash to fund other acquisitions, repurchase additional common stock, or invest in other businesses when opportunities arise. Based upon the predominance of our revenues from recurring sources and current expectations, we believe that our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations and availability under our credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, dividend payments, stock repurchases and financing activities for the next year.

Dividends

On May 14, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a 15% increase in the regular quarterly dividend, beginning with our dividend payment in June 2010 of $0.23 per share, or $0.92 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $10.7 million was paid on June 15, 2010, to common stockholders of record on May 28, 2010. Future cash dividends will be paid using our existing and future cash generated by operations.

Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009.

We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2009. There were no significant changes in our accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of fiscal 2009.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption, which we include here by reference.

Recent Market Trends

In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to financial risks involving equity, foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Despite recent market improvements, since September 1, 2008, major equity indices (e.g., Dow Jones Industrials, Russell 1000, MSCI EAFE, S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite) have experienced increased levels of volatility.

Approximately 82% of our annual subscription value is derived from our investment management clients. The prosperity of these clients is tied to equity assets under management. An equity market decline not only depresses assets under management but could cause a significant increase in redemption requests to move money out of equities and into other asset classes. Moreover, extended declines in the equity markets may reduce new fund or client creation, resulting in lower demand for services from investment managers.

Our sell-side clients who perform M&A advisory work and equity research account for approximately 18% of our annual subscription value. A significant portion of these revenues relate to services deployed by large, bulge bracket banks. The credit crisis that began in August 2007 continues to impact many of the large banking clients due to the amount of leverage deployed in past operations. Clients such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and Wachovia were purchased by other firms as their viability as stand-alone entities came into question. More of our clients could encounter similar problems. The recent lack of confidence in the global banking system caused declines in merger and acquisitions funded by debt. Additional turmoil, consolidation and business failures in the global investment banking sector could adversely affect our financial results and future growth.

We service equity research and M&A departments. These are low risk businesses that do not deploy leverage and will likely continue to operate far into the future and should represent a larger percentage of the overall revenues of our clients. Regardless, the size of banks in general is shrinking as they deleverage their balance sheets and adjust their expense bases to future revenue opportunities. Our revenues may decline if banks including those involved in recent merger activity significantly reduce headcount in the areas of corporate M&A and equity research to compensate for the issues created by other departments.

 

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Historically, the correlation between the results of our operations and the performance of the global equity markets has not been one to one. Today, we believe that our market opportunity may be 10 times our current size even if the global equity markets, which we service, shrink by 10%. Difficult market conditions may increase the value of our ability to consolidate services for clients, including deploying real-time news and quotes, and may help advance the sales of proprietary content.

Forward-Looking Factors

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to current and historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecast and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These include statements about our strategy for growth, product development, market position, subscriptions and expected expenditures and financial results. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “should,” “indicates,” “continues,” “ASV,” “believes,” “estimates,” “may” and similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth, trends in our business and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We will publicly update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events in accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

We intend that all forward-looking statements we make will be subject to safe harbor protection of the federal securities laws as found in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

These statements involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those listed below. We do not intend and are under no obligation to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.

Risk Factors

Set forth below and elsewhere in this report and in other documents we file with the SEC are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Investors should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. Additional risks we are not presently aware of or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations. Our business could be harmed by any of these risks. In assessing these risks, investors should also refer to the other information contained or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, including the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.

Our operating results are subject to quarterly and annual fluctuations as a result of numerous factors. As a consequence, operating results for a particular future period are difficult to predict and, therefore, prior results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods. Any of the following factors, or any other factors discussed elsewhere herein, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition that could adversely affect our stock price.

Risk factors which could cause future financial performance to differ materially from the expectations as expressed in any of our forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf include, without limitation:

 

   

A prolonged decline in the equity returns impacting the buying power of our investment management clients

 

   

Continued turmoil, consolidation, and business failures in the global investment banking industry may cause us to lose additional clients and users

 

   

A global market crisis, related economic recession and low employment figures may affect our revenues and liquidity

 

   

Increased competition in our industry that may cause price reductions or loss of market share

 

   

Maintenance of our leading technological position through the introduction of new products and product enhancements

 

   

The protection and privacy of our client data

 

   

A prolonged or recurring outage at one of our data centers may result in reduced service and the loss of clients

 

   

Malicious, ignorant or illegal employee acts regarding insider information

 

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Man-made problems such as computer viruses or terrorism may disrupt our operations

 

   

Our ability to integrate newly acquired companies

 

   

The negotiation of contract terms supporting new and existing databases or products

 

   

Exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could negatively impact our financial results and cash flows

 

   

Third parties may claim infringement of their intellectual property rights

 

   

Unauthorized parties may attempt to copy aspects of our products or to obtain and use information that the Company regards as proprietary

 

   

Our ability to hire and retain key qualified personnel

 

   

Resolution of ongoing and other probable audits by tax authorities

 

   

Adverse resolution of litigation or governmental investigations may harm our operating results

 

   

Changes in accounting may affect our reported earnings and operating income

 

   

Internal controls may be ineffective

Acquisition of Market Metrics

On June 1, 2010, we acquired Market Metrics. Formed in 1996 and headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Market Metrics is the leading market research firm in the U.S. focused on advisor-sold investments and insurance products. Each year Market Metrics conducts more than 20,000 in-depth surveys of financial advisors, brokers, research analysts and gatekeepers. Leveraging this unique body of data, Market Metrics helps senior managers to understand better their competitive strengths and weaknesses, and how they can improve their relationships with customers and increase market share. As of June 1, 2010, Market Metrics had annual subscriptions of $16 million and was supported by 25 employees.

Business Outlook

The following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of June 15, 2010. Given the number of risk factors, uncertainties and assumptions discussed above, actual results may differ materially. We do not intend to update our forward-looking statements until our next quarterly results announcement, other than in publicly available statements.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2010 Expectations

 

   

Revenues are expected to range between $165 million and $169 million. This guidance includes $4 million in revenues from the acquisition of Market Metrics on June 1, 2010.

 

   

EPS should range between $0.78 and $0.80 per diluted share. Both ends of this range include a $0.01 reduction to reflect the lapse of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit effective December 31, 2009.

Full Year Fiscal 2010

 

   

The 2010 guidance for capital expenditures, net of landlord contributions, is between $16 million to $22 million.

Financial Risk Management

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk that could impact our financial position and results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which could affect operating results, financial position and cash flows. We manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange risk through our regular operating and financing activities and, when appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. These derivative financial instruments are utilized to hedge currency exposures as well as to reduce earnings volatility resulting from shifts in market rates. We only enter into foreign currency forward contracts to manage foreign currency exposures. Our primary foreign currency market exposures include the Euro, British Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippines Peso. The fair market values of all our derivative contracts change with fluctuations in currency rates and are designed so that any changes in their values are offset by changes in the values of the underlying exposures. Derivative financial instruments are held solely as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes.

We are required to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet. The level of volatility will vary with the type and amount of derivative hedges outstanding, as well as fluctuations in the currency markets during the period. The related cash flow impacts of all of our derivative activities are reflected as cash flows from operating activities.

 

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By their nature, all derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency exchange movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. We do not believe there is significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments because these transactions are executed with two major financial institutions. Further, our policy is to deal with counterparties having a minimum investment grade or better credit rating. Credit risk is managed through the continuous monitoring of exposures to such counterparties.

Our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $15 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $117 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $102 million per year. To the extent that our international activities recorded in local currencies increase in the future, our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will correspondingly increase. To limit our exposure related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we may continue to utilize foreign currency forward contracts. See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional analysis of our foreign currency exchange rate risk.

Interest Rate Risk

The fair market value of our cash and cash equivalents at May 31, 2010 was $225 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our portfolio will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we try to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Because we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. We do not believe that the value or liquidity of our cash and cash equivalents have been significantly impacted by the recent credit crisis.

The current market events have not required us to materially modify or change our financial risk management strategies with respect to our exposures to foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk that could impact our financial position and results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen and Indian Rupee. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $15 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $117 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $102 million per year. To the extent that our international activities recorded in local currencies increase in the future, our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will correspondingly increase. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings associated with changes in foreign currency. Derivative financial instruments are held solely as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2010 we entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 95% of our net Euro exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and 95% of our net British Pound Sterling exposure through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2011. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions held as of May 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

     Q4’2010     Q1’2011     Q2’2011     Q3’2011     Q4’2011     Q1’2012  
Euro             

Notional amount

   6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000      6,500,000   

% of Net foreign currency exposure hedged

     95     95     95     95     95     95

Average forward contract rate

     1.366        1.366        1.281        1.282        1.294        1.296   
British Pound Sterling             

Notional amount

   £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000      £ 7,020,000       

% of Net foreign currency exposure hedged

     95     95     95     95    

Average forward contract rate

     1.498        1.498        1.486        1.486       

At May 31, 2010, the notional principal and fair value (liability) of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €39.0 million and ($3.0) million, respectively. The notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars were £28.1 million and ($1.2) million, respectively, at May 31, 2010. At May 31, 2010, the Company’s cash flow hedges reported as a component of AOCI was ($2.7) million, net of tax, which is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to expenses within the next 18 months.

A sensitivity analysis was performed based on the estimated fair value of all foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at May 31, 2010. If the U.S. dollar had been 10% weaker, the fair value of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts would have increased $4.4 million, which would have had an immaterial impact on our results. Such a change in fair value of our financial instruments would be substantially offset by reductions in our Euro and British Pound Sterling expense base. Had we not had any hedges in place as of May 31, 2010, a hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at May 31, 2010 would result in a decrease in operating income by $8.8 million over the next twelve months. A hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies at May 31, 2010 would increase the fair value of total assets by $18.5 million and equity by $15.2 million.

Interest Rate Risk

The fair market value of our cash and cash equivalents at May 31, 2010 was $225 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our portfolio will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we try to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Because we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest

 

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rates is expected to remain low. We do not believe that the value or liquidity of our cash and cash equivalents have been significantly impacted by the recent credit crisis.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Items 2(a) and (b) are inapplicable.

 

(c) The following table provides a month-to-month summary of the share repurchase activity under the current stock repurchase program during the three months ended May 31, 2010:

 

Period

   Total number
of shares
purchased
   Average
price paid per
share
   Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs
   (1) Maximum number of shares
(or approximate dollar value)
of shares that may yet be
purchased under the plans or
programs (in thousands)

March 2010

   30,100    $ 72.63    30,100    $ 92,430

April 2010

   389,493    $ 75.39    389,493      63,066

May 2010 (1)

   201,554    $ 73.54    201,554      48,243
                   
   621,147    $ 74.66    621,147    $ 48,243
                   

 

(1) On June 14, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $150 million expansion to the existing share repurchase program. At that time, the Company had $48 million remaining under the program. Including the $150 million expansion, $198 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a) EXHIBITS:

 

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

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

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.

 

      FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.
      (Registrant)
Date: July 9, 2010       /s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
      Maurizio Nicolelli
      Senior Vice President and Director of Finance
      (Principal Financial Officer)
     
      /s/ MATTHEW J. MCNULTY
      Matthew J. McNulty
      Vice President and Controller
      (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

  

DESCRIPTION

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

 

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