Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

þ  

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

or

¨  

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

  For the transition period from                  to                 

Commission File Number 000-21433

Forrester Research, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   04-2797789

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

60 Acorn Park Drive   02140
Cambridge, Massachusetts   (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)  

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(617) 613-6000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, $.01 Par Value   Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ

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 requirement for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)     Yes  þ     No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer ¨   Smaller reporting company ¨
  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2012 (based on the closing price as quoted by the Nasdaq National Market as of such date) was approximately $484,000,000.

As of March 13, 2013, 22,335,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement related to its 2013 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be filed subsequently — Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

 


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This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Reference is made in particular to our statements about possible acquisitions, our plans for international expansion, future dividends, future share repurchases, future growth rates, anticipated increases in our sales force, future capital expenditures, remediation of our internal control over financial reporting and the adequacy of our cash, marketable investments and cash flows to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditures. These statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements are discussed below under “Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PART I

General

Forrester Research, Inc. is an independent research company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global leaders in business and technology. Our products and services are targeted to specific roles, including senior management in business strategy, marketing, and information technology principally at $1 billion-plus (revenue) companies who collaborate with us to accelerate achievement of their business goals.

Research serves as the foundation for all our solutions and consists primarily of annual memberships to our RoleViewTM syndicated research offerings that provide access to our core research on a wide range of business and technology issues critical to the success of the individuals in the roles we serve. In addition to our RoleView offerings, we also provide a portfolio of products and services that allow our clients to interact directly with analysts and their peers and explore in greater detail the issues and topics covered by RoleView research on a role and client-specific basis.

We were incorporated in Massachusetts on July 7, 1983 and reincorporated in Delaware on February 16, 1996.

Our Internet address is www.forrester.com. We make available free of charge, on or through the investor information section of our website, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

Industry Background

Enterprises and their employees struggle to remain both competitive and cost-efficient in an increasingly complex global business environment. Developing comprehensive and coordinated business strategies is difficult because as the economy and technology change, consumers and businesses adopt new methods of buying and selling, and markets grow increasingly dynamic.

Consequently, companies and the professionals who are in the roles we serve rely on external sources of expertise that provide independent business advice spanning a variety of areas including but not limited to technology, business strategy, and customer behavior. We believe there is a need for objective research that is thematic, prescriptive, and executable, and that provides a comprehensive perspective on the knowledge and skills required to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business environment.

Forrester’s Strategy

Forrester’s role-based strategy focuses attention on serving leaders in key roles across its client base. Forrester’s role-centric solutions provide clients with more relevant insights, allowing them to make better informed and justified decisions faster.

 

 

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We seek to maintain and enhance our position as a leading global research and advisory firm and to capitalize on demand for our offerings by:

Identifying and Defining New Business Models, Technologies, and Markets.    We seek to differentiate ourselves from other research firms by delivering pragmatic and forward-thinking research and analysis on the impact of technology on business models, business practices, and technology infrastructure. We believe that our research methodology and our creative culture allow us to identify and analyze rapid shifts in business and consumer use of technology before these changes appear on the horizons of most users, vendors, and other research firms. Our early identification of these shifts enables us to help our clients capitalize on emerging business models and technologies.

Leveraging our RoleView Research.    Our business model, technology platform, and research methodologies allow us to sell existing products and to rapidly introduce new products and services without incurring significant incremental costs. We intend to continue to use our business model, technology platform, and research methodologies to both increase sales of our existing RoleView research products and introduce innovative new products. Our other offerings complement, enhance and supplement our RoleView research offerings, and many are designed to address the specific needs and problems of our clients and the professionals in the roles we serve. We also may acquire, through acquisition or license from third parties, new products and services that complement and support our strategy and existing offerings.

Using Targeted, Global Client-Centric Sales Channels.    Our business is organized into two principal global client groups that support our role-based strategy and are closely aligned with our client base: the Business Technology Client Group and the Marketing & Strategy Client Group. Senior practice leaders within our client groups focus on creating and delivering relevant research and related products and services to the professional roles we serve. Our Events operations support both client groups. We sell our products and services directly through a global sales force with sales personnel focusing on the needs of professionals in the roles we serve.

In 2012 we collapsed our three previous client groups into two. The practice leaders formerly associated with the Technology Industry (TI) Client Group were assigned to the remaining two groups. We continue to produce research relevant to professionals in roles previously serviced by the TI Client Group and sell tailored products and services to technology industry clients. In 2012 we reorganized our sales force to simplify the sales process. Our sales personnel, formerly focused on selling to professionals in the roles covered by a specific client group, now sell our products and services to all professional roles within the clients they service. In January 2013 we further refined our sales structure to streamline the selling process and improve client service. Our sales force, managed by a chief sales officer with global sales management responsibility, operates out of various locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. We also sell our products and services through independent sales representatives in select international locations.

Growing Our Client Base Worldwide and Increasing Sales to Existing Clients.    We believe that our products and services can be successfully marketed and sold to new client companies worldwide and to new roles and additional units and divisions within our existing client companies. We believe that within our client base of over 2,400 client companies as of December 31, 2012 there is opportunity both to sell additional products and services to current users as well as to deliver our RoleView research and product portfolio to a greater number of professionals. In addition to our expanded presence in Asia as a result of our acquisition of Springboard Research in 2011, we intend to continue to expand our coverage of global markets as the growing impact of technology on business innovation creates demand for external sources of objective research.

Developing and Retaining Outstanding Research Professionals.    The knowledge and experience of our analysts are critical elements of our ability to provide high-quality products and services. We employ outstanding research professionals from varied backgrounds and a wide range of industries. We believe that our culture, which emphasizes client service, courage, collaboration, integrity and quality, helps us to develop and retain high-caliber research professionals. We provide a competitive compensation structure, as well as recognition and rewards for excellent individual and team performance.

 

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Forrester’s Solution

Our broad range of expertise on the impact of technology on business, consumer and customer behavior, and on marketing and strategy enables us to offer our clients the best available and most relevant research and insights on changing business models, best practices, technology investments, business practices, implementation advice, and customer trends. Our solution provides our clients with:

A Unified Set of Services to Help our Clients and to Make their Leaders Successful in their Roles.    We offer clients a comprehensive set of products and services to obtain access to the research, data, analysts, and peer insights they need to be successful in their professional roles, including, for example, to:

 

   

Assess potential new markets, competitors, products and services, and go-to-market strategies.

 

   

Anticipate technology-driven business model shifts.

 

   

Understand trends in consumer behavior and how to capitalize on those trends for marketing and sales purposes.

 

   

Educate, inform, and align strategic decision-makers in their organizations.

 

   

Navigate technology purchase and implementation challenges and optimize technology investments.

 

   

Capitalize on emerging technologies.

Expertise on Emerging Technologies.    We started our business in 1983 and have a long history of, and extensive experience in, identifying trends and providing research and executable advice on the impact of technology on business. Our research analysts have many years of industry experience, are frequent speakers at business and technology conferences, and are often quoted in the media. They enjoy direct access to the leaders and decision-makers within large enterprises and technology vendors. We provide our research analysts with training to ensure that they have the skills to challenge conventional viewpoints and provide prescriptive, executable insight and research to our clients.

Products and Services

We offer our clients a selection of engagement opportunities that are organized for and directed toward the multiple professional roles we cover.

RoleViewTM Research

Our primary syndicated research product, RoleView, provides clients with access to our core syndicated research designed to inform their strategic decision-making. Our various RoleView research offerings, including IT View, M&S View, and TI View, each consists of a library of cross-linked documents that interconnect our reports, data, product rankings, best practices, evaluation tools, and research archives. RoleView research access is provided through role-based websites that facilitate client access to research and tools that are most relevant to their professional roles, including community tools that allow interaction between and among clients and our analysts. Through this access structure, each of our RoleView research offerings addresses the interplay of an individual client’s responsibilities and goals, business demands, and organizational and technology capabilities.

Our RoleView research products include The Forrester WaveTM. The Forrester Wave provides a detailed analysis of vendors’ technologies and services based on transparent, fully accessible criteria, and measurement of characteristics weighted by us. The Forrester Wave includes an Excel spreadsheet that allows clients to compare products and get in-depth data and analysis about each one and tools to develop a custom shortlist based on the client’s unique requirements. The Forrester Wave is our primary mechanism for evaluating enterprise technologies.

Clients subscribing to our RoleView research products may choose between two membership levels:

 

   

RoleView Member Licenses.    RoleView Member Licenses include access to the written research, as well as Inquiry with analysts, one Event seat, and access to Forrester Webinars. Inquiry enables clients to contact our analysts for quick feedback on projects they may have underway, to discuss ideas and models in the research, or for answers to questions about unfolding industry events. Typically, Inquiry sessions

 

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are 30-minute phone calls, scheduled upon client request, or e-mail responses coordinated through our research specialists. Events bring together executives and other participants for one or multi-day conferences to network with their peers and to hear business leaders discuss the issues and solutions most pertinent to their roles and responsibilities. Forrester Webinars are hour-long Web-based conferences on selected topics of interest to particular professional roles that typically are held several times a week. They consist of an analyst-led presentation followed by questions from participants. Members may access the analyst Web presentation and participate in the subsequent forum for questions and discussion among all attendees. Webinars are also made available for member download.

 

   

RoleView Reader Licenses.    RoleView Reader Licenses provide access to our written research.

Both Member and Reader clients receive access to our research specialists, who provide additional information about our research, methodologies, coverage areas, and sources. The research specialists are available to help clients navigate our website, find relevant information, and put clients in contact with the appropriate analyst for inquiries.

Forrester® Leadership Boards

Our Forrester Leadership Boards are exclusive offerings for executives and other key employees at large companies worldwide. Clients may choose to participate in one or more Forrester Leadership Boards. Memberships are available in the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Group and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Group and in a number of additional technology, marketing, and executive programs and councils addressing issues of interest to the professional roles we cover. In addition to a Member license to access the appropriate RoleView research offering, members of our Forrester Leadership Boards receive access to the following:

 

   

Advisors to assist members with individual research-related questions, and topics of specific relevance to the challenges these clients face.

 

   

Membership-directed research which includes comprehensive coverage of industry trends and best practices.

 

   

Exclusive industry-specific benchmark data.

 

   

Peer-to-peer networking through premier event meetings and group audio-conferences, individual member to member conversations, and virtual community activities.

Data Products & Services

Our Data products and services focus on consumers’ and business users’ attitudes about and behavior toward technology, including ownership, future purchases, and adoption trends. These products incorporate extensive survey research designed and analyzed by our staff. Clients can leverage our data products and services or choose to have us conduct data analysis on their behalf. Our data products and services include:

 

   

Consumer Technographics® Data & Services.    Consumer Technographics delivers both primary data and quantitative research, based on surveys of over 335,000 households and individuals in North America, Europe, Russia, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Marketing and strategy professionals rely on our Consumer Technographics data for unique insights into how technology impacts the way consumers select, purchase, use, and communicate about products and services. We combine respondent data sets from our Consumer Technographics surveys into multiple offerings including: Global Technographics, North American Technographics, European Technographics, Russian Technograhics, Asia Pacific Technographics, and Latin America Technographics. Additionally, clients have access to a Technographics data specialist to help them use the data effectively to meet their specific business needs.

 

   

Forrester’s ForrsightsTM for Business Technology.    Forrester’s Forrsights is an ongoing quantitative research program that provides comprehensive, in-depth assessments of what motivates businesses to choose certain technologies and vendors over others. We annually survey more than 45,000 business and technology executives as well as information workers at small, medium and large enterprises in North American, European, and other global markets. Our surveys reveal these firms’ technology adoption

 

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trends, budgets, business organization, decision processes, purchase plans, and brand preferences. Forrester’s Forrsights clients also have access to a dedicated data advisor to assist in utilizing appropriate data to achieve desired outcomes.

 

   

Forrester’s Tech Marketing Navigator offering is a decision support tool that measures and reports on the current information consumption patterns of key influencers for large technology purchases. We annually survey more than 25,000 business and technology executives and consumers in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Technology marketing professionals rely on Forrester Tech Marketing Navigator to make a wide range of key decisions around content, messaging, sequencing of activities, specific media that need to work globally and locally, and demand-generation choices. The Forrester Tech Marketing Navigator offering includes access to an online decision tool and a data advisor.

Forrester Consulting

Our research-based advisory and project consulting services leverage our RoleView research offerings and our data products and services to deliver focused insights and recommendations to assist clients in developing and executing technology and business strategy, informing critical decisions and reducing business risk, and making large technology investments. For example, we help information technology professionals with vendor selection, compare best practices, analyze whether outsourcing is advisable, and validate technology infrastructure; marketing and strategy professionals with consumer product strategy, direct marketing technology investments, eBusiness strategy, and interactive marketing strategy, including social media; and we assist technology industry professionals with market and competitive assessments, go-to-market strategy, custom market research, and product development.

Our consulting services include website reviews that provide targeted, action-oriented assessments of clients’ websites, extranets, or intranets. Feedback is based on a comprehensive examination of the clients’ website and web strategies as well as reviews and comparisons with competitors’ websites, other channels and industry benchmarks.

Forrester Events

We host multiple events in various locations in North America, Europe and Asia throughout the year. Events build upon our research and data products and services to bring together executives and other participants serving or interested in the particular professional role(s) on which an event focuses. Event participants come together to network with their peers, meet with Forrester analysts, and to hear business leaders discuss business and technology issues of interest or significance to the professional roles in attendance and the impact of technology on the professionals and their businesses.

Sales and Marketing

We sell our products and services through our direct sales force in various locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As discussed above, we reorganized our sales force in 2012 and further refined our structure in January 2013. Previously, our direct sales resources operated through customer-focused segments related principally to the size of our customers in terms of revenues, with a separate segment (Prospective) focused on new business. Beginning in January 2013, our Premier segment continues to focus on coordinated account management for selling to our largest clients, and all of our other direct sales resources now operate through geographic segments in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific that focus on selling to and servicing customers and prospects within the particular geographies. We also sell our products and services through independent sales representatives in select international locations. We employed 462 salespersons as of December 31, 2012, an increase of 5% from 438 as of December 31, 2011. We also sell certain of our research products directly online through our website.

For information on our operating segments and our international operations, see Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

 

 

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Our marketing activities are designed to increase awareness of the Forrester brand and further our reputation as a leader in role-based business and technology research. We actively promote brand awareness via our website, Forrester Events, extensive worldwide press relations, and direct mail campaigns. We also employ an integrated direct marketing strategy that uses Internet, mail, and telephone channels for identifying and attracting high-quality sales leads. We encourage our analysts to increase our visibility by having their research ideas selectively distributed through various Internet, print, and television outlets. In addition, we support an active social media strategy whereby our analysts blog regularly with respect to the roles they serve. Other activities, including Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and similar tools interconnect and cross-promote the analysts’ blogs and research content.

As of December 31, 2012, our research was delivered to more than 2,400 client companies. No single client company accounted for more than 2% of our 2012 revenues.

Pricing and Contracts

We report our revenue from client contracts in two categories of revenue: (1) research services and (2) advisory services and other. We classify revenue from subscriptions to our RoleView Research, Forrester Leadership Boards and Data Products and Services as research services revenue. We classify revenue from Forrester Consulting and Forrester Events as advisory services and other revenue.

Contract pricing for annual memberships for research only is principally a function of the number of licensed users at the client. Pricing of contracts for research and advisory services is a function of the number of licensed users, and the amount and type of advisory services. We track the agreement value of contracts to purchase research and advisory services as a significant business indicator. We calculate agreement value as the total revenues recognizable from all research and advisory service contracts in force at a given time (but not including advisory-only contracts), without regard to how much revenue has already been recognized. Agreement value decreased less than 1% to $220.4 million at December 31, 2012 from $221.1 million at December 31, 2011.

Research Analysts and Methodology

We employ a structured methodology in our research that enables us to identify and analyze technology trends, markets, and audiences and ensures consistent research quality and recommendations across all coverage areas. We seek to provide relevant research that will contribute to the success of our clients in their professional roles.

We ascertain the issues important to our clients and technology users through thousands of interactions and surveys with vendors and business, marketing, and technology professionals, and accordingly, the majority of our research is focused on the issues our clients face each day. We use the following primary research inputs:

 

   

Confidential interviews with early adopters and mainstream users of new technologies.

 

   

In-depth interviews with technology vendors and suppliers of related services.

 

   

Ongoing briefings with vendors to review current positions and future directions.

 

   

Continuous dialogue with our clients to identify technology issues in the marketplace.

Our Consumer Technographics and Forrester’s Forrsights research combines our qualitative research methodology with traditional survey research methodologies such as correlation, frequency distribution, cross-tabulation, and multivariate statistics to produce research reports, quantitative survey data, and data briefs. Third-party data vendors are frequently used for data collection and tabulation.

The Forrester Wave combines in-depth product test results and user interviews with market and strategic analysis to score attributes of emerging technologies. We then apply this research and strategic analysis to determine the weighting of each attribute and create interactive spreadsheets, databases, and reports.

Collaboration among analysts is an integral part of our process, leading to higher-quality research and a unified perspective. All RoleView research begins either with a client or vendor catalyst or with discussion sessions among analysts to generate ideas for research. Analysts test ideas throughout the research process at

 

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both informal and regularly scheduled research meetings and using social media technologies. Our reports are consistent in format, and we require our analysts to write in a structure that combines graphics with easy-to-read text to deliver concise, decisive, relevant, and objective research to our clients.

Competition

We believe that the principal competitive factors in our industry include the following:

 

   

Quality of research and analysis and related services.

 

   

The ability to offer products and services that meet the changing needs of organizations and executives for research and analysis.

 

   

Customer service.

 

   

Independent analysis and opinions.

 

   

Timely delivery of information.

 

   

The ability to leverage new technologies.

 

   

Price.

We believe that we compete favorably with respect to each of these factors. We believe that our role-based strategy, including the diversity of roles we support and the ways in which we support them, as well as our focus on emerging technologies are significant competitive advantages. Additionally, we believe that in addition to our role-based strategy, our research methodology, easy-to-read formats, and portfolio of complementary product offerings distinguish us from our competitors.

We compete principally in the market for research and advisory services and their application for client success, with an emphasis on the impact of technology on our clients’ business models and customer markets. Our principal direct competitors include other providers of similar services, such as Gartner, as well as providers of peer networking services and Internet and digital media measurement services. In addition, our indirect competitors include the internal planning and marketing staffs of our current and prospective clients, as well as other information providers such as electronic and print publishing companies, survey-based general market research firms, and general business consulting firms. Our indirect competitors could choose to compete directly against us in the future. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into our market, and new competitors could readily seek to compete against us in one or more market segments addressed by our research. Increased competition could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure and loss of market share. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete successfully against existing or new competitors.

Employees

As of December 31, 2012, we employed a total of 1,236 persons, including 432 research staff and 462 sales personnel.

Our culture emphasizes certain key values — including client service, courage, collaboration, integrity and quality — that we believe are critical to our future growth. We promote these values through training and frequent recognition for achievement. We encourage teamwork and promote and recognize individuals who foster these values. New employees participate in a three-day training process that focuses on our role-based strategy, our products and services, corporate culture, values and goals.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in forward-looking statements made by us. These risks and uncertainties include:

A Decline in Renewals for Our Membership-Based Research Services.    Our success depends in large part upon retaining (on both a client company and dollar basis) and enriching existing memberships for our research

 

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products and services. Future declines in client retention, dollar retention, and enrichment could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our Business may be Adversely Affected by the Economic Environment.    Our business is in part dependent on technology spending and is impacted by economic conditions. The economic environment may materially and adversely affect demand for our products and services. If conditions in the United States and global economy were to lead to a decrease in technology spending, or in demand for our research and advisory services, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our International Operations Expose Us to a Variety of Operational Risks which Could Negatively Impact Our Results of Operations.    We have clients in approximately 60 countries and approximately 28% of our revenue comes from international sales. Our operating results are subject to the risks inherent in international business activities, including challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, changes in regulatory requirements, compliance with numerous foreign laws and regulations, differences between U.S. and foreign tax rates and laws, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, difficulty of enforcing client agreements, collecting accounts receivable, and protecting intellectual property rights in international jurisdictions. Furthermore, we rely on local independent sales representatives in some international locations. If any of these arrangements are terminated by our representatives or us, we may not be able to replace the arrangement on beneficial terms or on a timely basis, or clients of the local sales representative may not want to continue to do business with us or our new representative.

Ability to Develop and Offer New Products and Services.    Our future success will depend in part on our ability to offer new products and services. These new products and services must successfully gain market acceptance by anticipating and identifying changes in client requirements and changes in the technology industry and by addressing specific industry and business organization sectors. The process of internally researching, developing, launching and gaining client acceptance of a new product or service, or assimilating and marketing an acquired product or service, is risky and costly. We may not be able to introduce new, or assimilate acquired, products or services successfully. Our failure to do so would adversely affect our ability to maintain a competitive position in our market and continue to grow our business.

Loss of Key Management.    Our future success will depend in large part upon the continued services of a number of our key management employees. The loss of any one of them, in particular George F. Colony, our founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, could adversely affect our business.

The Ability to Attract and Retain Qualified Professional Staff.    Our future success will depend in large measure upon the continued contributions of our senior management team, research analysts, and experienced sales and marketing personnel. Thus, our future operating results will be largely dependent upon our ability to retain the services of these individuals and to attract additional professionals from a limited pool of qualified candidates. We have also experienced challenges with effectively implementing changes to our sales organization, and our future success will depend in part upon the effectiveness of our sales leadership in hiring and retaining sales personnel and in improving sales productivity. We experience competition in hiring and retaining professionals from developers of Internet and emerging-technology products, other research firms, management consulting firms, print and electronic publishing companies and financial services companies, many of which have substantially greater ability, either through cash or equity, to attract and compensate professionals. If we lose professionals or are unable to attract new talent, we will not be able to maintain our position in the market or grow our business.

Failure to Anticipate and Respond to Market Trends.    Our success depends in part upon our ability to anticipate rapidly changing technologies and market trends and to adapt our research to meet the changing information needs of our clients. The technology and commerce sectors that we analyze undergo frequent and often dramatic changes. The environment of rapid and continuous change presents significant challenges to our ability to provide our clients with current and timely analysis, strategies and advice on issues of importance to them. Meeting these challenges requires the commitment of substantial resources. Any failure to continue to provide insightful and timely analysis of developments, technologies, and trends in a manner that meets market needs could have an adverse effect on our market position and results of operations.

 

 

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We May be Subject to Network Disruptions or Security Breaches that Could Damage Our Reputation and Harm Our Business and Operating Results.    We may be subject to network disruptions or security breaches caused by computer viruses, illegal break-ins or hacking, sabotage, acts of vandalism by third parties or terrorism. Our security measures or those of our third party service providers may not detect or prevent such security breaches. Any such compromise of our information security could result in the unauthorized publication of our confidential business or proprietary information, cause an interruption in our operations, result in the unauthorized release of customer or employee data, result in a violation of privacy or other laws, expose us to a risk of litigation or damage our reputation, which could harm our business and operating results.

Competition.    We compete in the market for research products and services with other independent providers of similar services. We may also face increased competition from Internet-based research firms. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, information-gathering, and marketing resources than we do. In addition, our indirect competitors include the internal planning and marketing staffs of our current and prospective clients, as well as other information providers such as electronic and print publishing companies, survey-based general market research firms and general business consulting firms. Our indirect competitors may choose to compete directly against us in the future. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into our market, and new competitors could readily seek to compete against us in one or more market segments addressed by our products and services. Increased competition could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure and loss of market share.

Fluctuations in Our Operating Results.    Our revenues and earnings may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may affect our stock price. These factors include, but are not limited to:

 

   

Trends in technology spending in the marketplace and general economic conditions.

 

   

The timing and size of new and renewal memberships for our research services from clients.

 

   

The utilization of our advisory services by our clients.

 

   

The timing of revenue-generating events sponsored by us.

 

   

The introduction and marketing of new products and services by us and our competitors.

 

   

The hiring and training of new analysts and sales personnel.

 

   

Changes in demand for our research and advisory services.

 

   

Fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

As a result, our operating results in future quarters may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could have an adverse effect on the market price for our common stock. Factors such as announcements of new products, services, offices, acquisitions or strategic alliances by us, our competitors, or in the research and professional services industries generally, may have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock. The market price for our common stock may also be affected by movements in prices of stocks in general.

Any Weakness Identified in Our System of Internal Controls by Us and Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business.    Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that companies evaluate and report on their systems of internal control over financial reporting. In addition, our independent registered public accounting firm must report on its evaluation of those controls. As disclosed in Item 9A of this report, we have identified a material weakness as of December 31, 2012 in our internal control over financial reporting because we did not maintain effective controls over revenue related to our advisory services and consulting projects. Our management has taken action to begin remediating this material weakness, but we cannot be certain when remediation will have been completed. In future periods, we may identify additional deficiencies in our system of internal controls over financial reporting that may require remediation. There can be no assurances that any such future deficiencies identified may not be material weaknesses that would be required to be reported in future periods.

 

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We May Realize Losses on Our Investments or Be Unable to Liquidate These Investments at Desired Times and in Desired Amounts.    At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $9.0 million of long-term marketable investments in municipal notes with an auction reset feature. In February 2008, auctions had begun to fail for these securities and have continued to fail, which means that the parties wishing to sell securities in the normal auction process could not. Based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue and as a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or may not exist.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

We have not received written comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission that remain unresolved.

 

Item 2. Properties

Our corporate headquarters building is comprised of approximately 190,000 square feet of office space in Cambridge, Massachusetts, substantially all of which is currently occupied by the Company. This facility accommodates research, marketing, sales, technology, and operations personnel. The lease term of this facility expires February 28, 2027.

We also rent office space in San Francisco, New York City, Dallas, McLean, Virginia, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Paris and New Delhi. In 2012 we entered into a new lease for approximately 14,000 square feet in New Delhi, with a nine-year term (cancellable after three years) that expires July 12, 2021. Our San Francisco lease is for approximately 19,000 square feet, with a 63-month term that expires June 30, 2016. Our New York lease is for approximately 15,200 square feet, with an initial term of ten years until December 31, 2020. The London lease is for approximately 17,800 square feet, with a term of eleven years until September 24, 2021. We also lease office space on a relatively short-term basis in various other locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our current needs and that additional facilities are available for lease to meet future needs.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

 

Item 5. Market For Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FORR”. We did not declare or pay any dividends during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. In February 2012 our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per that was paid on March 21, 2012, and quarterly dividends of $0.14 per share were subsequently declared and paid in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2012. On February 13, 2013, we announced an increase in our regular quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share. We intend to continue paying regular quarterly cash dividends; however, the actual declaration of any such future dividends, and the establishment of the per share amount and payment dates for any such future dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.

As of March 13, 2013 there were approximately 42 stockholders of record of our common stock. On March 13, 2013 the closing price of our common stock was $29.32 per share.

 

 

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The following table represents the ranges of high and low sale prices of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

     2012      2011  
     High      Low      High      Low  

First Quarter

   $ 36.15       $ 31.37       $ 38.75       $ 28.72   

Second Quarter

   $ 36.00       $ 30.90       $ 40.00       $ 32.68   

Third Quarter

   $ 34.46       $ 20.60       $ 34.40       $ 29.15   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 31.00       $ 26.22       $ 39.77       $ 30.75   

Through 2012, our Board of Directors authorized an aggregate $310.0 million to purchase common stock under our stock repurchase program, including $50.0 million authorized in 2012. As of December 31, 2012 we had repurchased approximately 9.2 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $210.8 million.

During the quarter ended December 31, 2012 we repurchased the following shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program.

 

Period

   Total Number  of
Shares Purchased (1)
     Average Price
Paid  per Share
     Maximum Dollar
Value that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Stock
Repurchase Program
 
        
        
        
        
                   (In thousands)  

October 1- October 31

     95,166       $ 29.82       $ 99,975   

November 1—November 30

     27,723       $ 29.52       $ 99,157   

December 1—December 31

           $      
  

 

 

       
     122,889         
  

 

 

       

 

(1) All purchases of our common stock were made under the stock repurchase program first announced in 2001.

The following graph contains the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock during the period from December 31, 2007 through December 31, 2012 with the cumulative return during the same period for the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) and the Russell 2000, and assumes that the dividends, if any, were reinvested.

 

LOGO

 

 

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Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

The selected financial data presented below is derived from our consolidated financial statements and should be read in connection with those statements.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010      2009      2008  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Consolidated Statement of Income Data

              

Research services

   $ 202,998       $ 191,648       $ 168,508       $ 157,726       $ 155,339   

Advisory services and other

     89,932         91,968         82,218         75,626         85,536   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

     292,930         283,616         250,726         233,352         240,875   

Operating income

     30,659         36,997         30,750         32,420         37,964   

Other income and gains (losses) on investments, net

     851         1,648         3,550         1,315         6,846   

Net income

   $ 25,574       $ 23,010       $ 20,507       $ 18,866       $ 29,215   

Basic income per common share

   $ 1.14       $ 1.02       $ 0.91       $ 0.83       $ 1.27   

Diluted income per common share

   $ 1.12       $ 0.99       $ 0.89       $ 0.82       $ 1.24   

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     22,500         22,666         22,478         22,645         23,062   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     22,929         23,164         23,063         22,884         23,585   

 

     As of December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010      2009      2008  
     (In thousands)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

              

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments

   $ 242,656       $ 227,603       $ 216,034       $ 259,792       $ 259,929   

Working capital

     155,236         158,098         146,140         190,667         166,001   

Total assets

     487,832         487,578         450,477         470,196         454,951   

Deferred revenue

     150,479         147,887         131,521         117,888         113,844   

Total liabilities

     190,762         196,843         178,570         158,251         151,454   

Cash dividends declared

     12,588                 68,414                   

The following items impact the comparability of our consolidated data:

 

   

Cash dividends in 2012 represent quarterly dividends of $0.14 per share declared and paid during 2012. Cash dividends in 2010 represent a special dividend of $3.00 per common share declared and paid in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

   

The 2009 operating income amount includes a $5.4 million reorganization charge for facility consolidations and a reduction-in-force of approximately 50 employees.

 

   

The results of JupiterResearch, LLC, and its parent company, JUPR Holdings, Inc. (“JupiterResearch”) are included in our consolidated results beginning July 31, 2008, the date of acquisition.

 

   

The 2012 other income and gains (losses) on investments, net amount includes $0.8 million ($0.5 million after tax) of losses on investments of which $1.4 million of losses ($0.8 million after tax) relate to 2011 and $0.6 million ($0.3 million after tax) of gains relate to prior periods.

 

   

The 2008 other income and gains (losses) on investments, net amount includes a net foreign exchange loss of approximately $1.6 million ($1.2 million after tax) resulting primarily from the remeasurement of certain intercompany payables and receivables. Of the net $1.6 million loss, approximately $1.9 million related to periods prior to 2008.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We derive revenues from memberships to our research products and services, performing advisory services and consulting projects, and hosting events. We offer contracts for our research products that are typically renewable annually and payable in advance. Research revenues are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the contract. Accordingly, a substantial portion of our billings are initially recorded as deferred revenue. Clients purchase advisory services independently and/or to supplement their memberships to our research. Billings attributable to advisory services and consulting projects are initially recorded as deferred revenue. Advisory service revenues, such as workshops, speeches and advisory days, are recognized when the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable. Consulting project revenues, which generally are short-term in nature and based upon fixed-fee agreements, are recognized as the services are provided. Event billings are also initially recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue upon completion of each event.

Our primary operating expenses consist of cost of services and fulfillment, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses. Cost of services and fulfillment represents the costs associated with the production and delivery of our products and services, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits and stock-based compensation expense for research personnel and all associated editorial, travel, and support services. Selling and marketing expenses include salaries, sales commissions, bonuses, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, travel expenses, promotional costs and other costs incurred in marketing and selling our products and services. General and administrative expenses include the costs of the technology, operations, finance, and human resources groups and our other administrative functions, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits, and stock-based compensation expense. Overhead costs such as facilities are allocated to these categories according to the number of employees in each group.

Deferred revenue, agreement value, client retention, dollar retention, enrichment and number of clients are metrics we believe are important to understanding our business. We believe that the amount of deferred revenue, along with the agreement value of contracts to purchase research and advisory services, provide a significant measure of our business activity. We define these metrics as follows:

 

   

Deferred revenue — billings in advance of revenue recognition as of the measurement date.

 

   

Agreement value — the total revenues recognizable from all research and advisory service contracts in force at a given time (but not including advisory-only contracts), without regard to how much revenue has already been recognized. No single client accounted for more than 2% of agreement value at December 31, 2012.

 

   

Client retention — the percentage of client companies with memberships expiring during the most recent twelve-month period that renewed one or more of those memberships during that same period.

 

   

Dollar retention — the percentage of the dollar value of all client membership contracts renewed during the most recent twelve-month period to the total dollar value of all client membership contracts that expired during the period.

 

   

Enrichment — the percentage of the dollar value of client membership contracts renewed during the most recent twelve-month period to the dollar value of the corresponding expiring contracts.

 

   

Clients — we count as a single client the various divisions and subsidiaries of a corporate parent and we also aggregate separate instrumentalities of the federal, state, and provincial governments as single clients.

 

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Client retention, dollar retention, and enrichment are not necessarily indicative of the rate of future retention of our revenue base. A summary of our key metrics is as follows (dollars in millions):

 

     As of
December 31,
    Absolute
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Deferred revenue

   $ 150.5      $ 147.9      $ 2.6        2

Agreement value

   $ 220.4      $ 221.1      $ (0.7       

Client retention

     77     80     (3     (4 %) 

Dollar retention

     90     90              

Enrichment

     95     101     (6     (6 %) 

Number of clients

     2,462        2,495        (33     (1 %) 

 

     As of
December 31,
    Absolute
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     2011     2010      

Deferred revenue

   $ 147.9      $ 131.5      $ 16.4        12

Agreement value

   $ 221.1      $ 202.7      $ 18.4        9

Client retention

     80     80              

Dollar retention

     90     91     (1     (1 %) 

Enrichment

     101     104     (3     (3 %) 

Number of clients

     2,495        2,272        223        10

Agreement value at December 31, 2012 showed a decline of less than 1% from December 31, 2011. The year-over-year growth rates in agreement value trended downward during each consecutive quarter of 2012 primarily due to a continuing decrease in our enrichment rates, which, at 95% for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2012, represents a 6% decrease from the prior period. We attribute the decline in the enrichment rate to the challenges associated with the implementation of the sales reorganization in January 2012 combined with high sales employee attrition during 2012. Client retention, dollar retention and number of clients at December 31, 2012 remain near historical levels.

Deferred revenue and agreement value increased significantly at December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010 due to increased demand for our products and services due to the improvements in the economy during this period and as we increased the number of sales personnel during both 2010 and 2011.

Effective in 2012, we modified our calculation of the number of clients in accordance with an automated system that counts as a single client the various divisions and subsidiaries of a corporate parent and also aggregates separate instrumentalities of federal, state, and provincial governments. The number of clients as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 has been recalculated to conform to the current methodology; however 2011 and 2010 client and dollar retention and enrichment are not recalculated. Accordingly, the client and dollar retention and enrichment percentages at December 31, 2012 are directionally but not absolutely indicative of the actual change from the comparable period in 2011.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our policies and estimates, including but not limited to, those related to our revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, non-marketable investments, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, and valuation and impairment of marketable investments. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, data available at the time the estimates are made and various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the

 

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results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We consider the following accounting policies to be those that require the most subjective judgment or that involve uncertainty that could have a material impact on our financial statements. If actual results differ significantly from management’s estimates and projections, there could be a material effect on our financial statements. This is not a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP, with no need for management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. For a discussion of our other accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-7.

 

   

Revenue Recognition.    Effective January 1, 2011 we adopted Update No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (ASU 2009-13). ASU 2009-13 updates the previous multiple-element revenue arrangements guidance. The revised guidance primarily provides three significant changes: 1) it eliminates the need for objective and reliable evidence of the fair value for the undelivered element in order for a delivered item to be treated as a separate unit of accounting; 2) it eliminates the residual method to allocate the arrangement consideration; and 3) it modifies the fair value requirements of EITF Issue 00-21 by providing “best estimate of selling price” in addition to vendor specific objective evidence and vendor objective evidence for determining the selling price of a deliverable. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We generate revenues from licensing memberships to our research (including our data products), performing advisory services and consulting projects and hosting events. We execute contracts that govern the terms and conditions of each arrangement. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, services have been provided to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Our contracts may include either a single product or service or a combination of multiple products and services. Revenues from contracts that contain multiple products or services are allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative selling prices; however, the amount recognized is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future performance conditions. For example, when a discount off of list price is provided in a multiple element contract, the discount is applied ratably to the research and data products only (which commence delivery on the first day of the contract), as the undelivered products in the contract (advisory services or events) would be refundable to the customer at list price. We obtain the selling prices of our products and services based upon an analysis of standalone sales of these products and services during the year. Research service revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Advisory service revenues, such as workshops, speeches and advisory days, are recognized when the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable and consulting project revenues are recognized as the services are provided. Reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as advisory services revenue. Event revenues are recognized upon completion of the event.

Annual subscriptions to our RoleView research include access to all or a designated portion of our research, and depending on the type of license, membership in one or more of our Forrester leadership boards, unlimited phone or email analyst inquiry, unlimited participation in Forrester Webinars, and the right to attend one event. Contracts for RoleView research entered into prior to the adoption of ASU 2009-13 on January 1, 2011, were accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the membership period. Contracts for RoleView research entered into or significantly modified after January 1, 2011 are accounted for as two units of accounting: 1) the event ticket and 2) the remaining research services that are delivered throughout the contract period based on the new guidance that permits alternative methods of determining selling prices as it relates to the components that we do not sell on a standalone basis, such as research services in our case. Arrangement consideration is allocated to each element based upon its relative selling price, which is determined based on standalone sales of event tickets and the estimated selling price of the remaining research services. Annual subscriptions to our data products

 

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include access to designated survey data products and access to a data specialist, which are delivered throughout the year, and are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the membership period. For contracts entered into through January 2013, we offered our clients a service guarantee, which gives our clients the right to cancel their contracts prior to the end of the contract term and receive a refund for unused products or services. Furthermore, our revenue recognition determines the timing of commission expenses, as commissions are earned during the month a contract is booked and are deferred and recognized as expense as the related revenue is recognized. We evaluate the recoverability of deferred commissions at each balance sheet date.

 

   

Stock-Based Compensation.    Stock-based compensation is recognized as an expense based upon the fair value of the award at the time of grant. The determination of the fair value of stock-based compensation requires significant judgment and the use of estimates, particularly surrounding assumptions such as stock price volatility, expected option lives, dividend yields and forfeiture rates. These estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if circumstances change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.

Expected volatility is based, in part, on the historical volatility of our common stock as well as management’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term of the awards granted. The development of an expected life assumption involves projecting employee exercise behaviors (expected period between stock option vesting dates and stock option exercise dates). Expected dividend yields are based on expectations of current and future dividends, if any. We are also required to estimate future forfeitures of stock-based awards for recognition of compensation expense. We will record additional expense if the actual forfeitures are lower than estimated and will record a recovery of prior recognized expense if the actual forfeitures are higher than estimated. In addition, for our performance-vested restricted stock units, we make estimates of the performance outcome at each period end in order to estimate the actual number of shares that will be earned. The actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that vest. If our actual forfeiture rate or performance outcomes are materially different from our estimates, or if our estimates of forfeitures or performance outcomes are modified in a future period, the actual stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period. For example, during 2011 we modified our estimates of the performance outcome for RSUs issued during 2009 and 2010 that resulted in a credit of $0.9 million being recorded in 2011 related to expense recognized in prior periods related to these RSUs.

 

   

Non-Marketable Investments.    We hold minority interests in technology-related investment funds with a book value of $6.9 million at December 31, 2012. These investment funds are not publicly traded, and, therefore, because no established market for these securities exists, the estimate of the fair value of our investments requires significant judgment. Investments that are accounted for using the cost method are valued at cost unless an other-than-temporary impairment in their value occurs. For investments that are accounted for using the equity method, we record our share of the investee’s operating results each period. We review the fair value of our investments on a regular basis to evaluate whether an other-than-temporary impairment in the investment has occurred. We record impairment charges when we believe that an investment has experienced a decline in value that is other-than-temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

 

   

Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets.    As of December 31, 2012, we had $86.9 million of goodwill and intangible assets with finite lives recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Goodwill is required to be measured for impairment at least annually or whenever events indicate that there may be an impairment. In order to determine if an impairment exists, we compare each of our reporting unit’s carrying value to the reporting unit’s fair value. Determining the reporting unit’s fair value requires us to make estimates of market conditions and operational performance. Absent an event that indicates a specific impairment may exist, we have selected November 30 as the date to perform the annual goodwill impairment test. We completed the annual goodwill impairment testing as of

 

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November 30, 2012 and concluded that the fair values of each of our reporting units substantially exceeded their respective carrying values. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that goodwill associated with our acquired businesses is impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Intangible assets with finite lives consist of acquired customer relationships, technology, research content, and trademarks, and are valued according to the future cash flows they are estimated to produce. These assigned values are amortized on a basis which best matches the periods in which the economic benefits are expected to be realized. Tangible assets with finite lives consist of property and equipment, which are depreciated and amortized over their estimated useful lives. We continually evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of our intangible and long-lived tangible assets may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether intangible assets have been impaired, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the assets are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to their estimated fair value.

 

   

Income Taxes.    We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between book and tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards (from acquisitions). Such amounts are adjusted as appropriate to reflect changes in the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred taxes to an amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized. We consider future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.

As a global company, we use significant judgment to calculate and provide for income taxes in each of the tax jurisdictions in which we operate. In the ordinary course of our business, there are transactions and calculations undertaken whose ultimate tax outcome cannot be certain. Some of these uncertainties arise as a consequence of transfer pricing for transactions with our subsidiaries and potential challenges to nexus and credit estimates. We estimate our exposure to unfavorable outcomes related to these uncertainties and record a liability based on the probability for such outcomes in accordance with current accounting guidelines.

Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final tax outcome will not be different from what is reflected in our historical income tax provisions, returns, and accruals. Such differences, or changes in estimates relating to potential differences, could have a material impact on our income tax provision and operating results in the period in which such a determination is made.

 

   

Valuation and Impairment of Marketable Investments.    Our investment portfolio may at any time contain investments in U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agency securities, taxable and/or tax exempt municipal notes (some of which may have an auction reset feature), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds. The assessment of the fair value of certain of the debt securities (e.g. those containing an auction reset feature) can be difficult and subjective due in part to limited trading activity of certain of these debt instruments.

In accordance with the accounting standard for fair value measurements, we have classified our marketable investments as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize data points that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points.

As of December 31, 2012, we held municipal bonds with a fair value of $9.0 million ($11.0 million at par value) with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”). The fair value of the ARS was determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow approach, which is considered a Level 3 valuation. The

 

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assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates, based on data available at December 31, 2012, of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, and expected holding periods of the ARS. The assumptions used in valuing the ARS are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change, which may lead us in the future to record additional losses for these securities. We classified these ARS as available-for-sale securities and determined that the losses were not considered other-than-temporary and were not due to credit losses. Accordingly, changes in the market value of the ARS have been recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. If market conditions deteriorate further, we may be required to record unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) or impairment charges within the Consolidated Statements of Income. We may not be able to liquidate these investments unless the issuer calls the security, a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, or the security matures.

At December 31, 2012, we held $167.0 million of marketable investments that were valued using Level 2 inputs. Level 2 investments are initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, by our investment managers utilizing third party pricing services, which consists of one price per instrument. We do not obtain pricing or quotes from brokers directly and historically we have not adjusted prices obtained from our investment managers for our non-ARS portfolio. We verify the pricing information obtained from our investment managers by obtaining an understanding of the pricing methodology and inputs utilized by the pricing services to value our particular investments, as well as an understanding of the controls and procedures utilized by our investment managers to both ensure the accurate recording and to validate the pricing of our investments obtained from the pricing services on an annual basis.

Our marketable investments consist solely of high credit quality corporate and municipal bonds with a weighted average credit rating AA and do not include difficult to value features. The majority of our marketable investments are in large corporate notes.

We conduct periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized loss, in accordance with the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to certain investments, as required under current accounting standards. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities that are determined to be temporary, and not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, management performs an analysis to assess whether we intend to sell or whether we would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. Where we intend to sell a security, or may be required to do so, the security’s decline in fair value would be deemed to be other-than-temporary and the full amount of the unrealized loss would be recorded within gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Regardless of our intent to sell a security, we perform additional analysis on all securities with unrealized losses to evaluate losses associated with the creditworthiness of the security. Credit losses are identified where we do not expect to receive cash flows sufficient to recover the amortized cost basis of a security and are recorded within gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

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Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010

The financial results for the year ended December 31, 2012 included in this report differ from those included in our earnings release issued February 13, 2013 in that they reflect an additional $750,000 ($450,000 after tax) loss on investments related to one of our technology-related investment funds. After the issuance of our earnings release we received updated financial results from one of our investment funds indicating an increase in unrealized investment losses for the fund as of December 31, 2012. We record a portion of the fund’s operating results, based on our ownership interest in the fund, as investment gains (losses) in our Consolidated Statements of Income. This resulted in (1) a decrease in our net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 from the previously announced $4.7 million to $4.3 million and a corresponding decrease in diluted and basic income per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2012 from the previously announced $0.21 to $0.19, and (2) a decrease in our net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 from the previously announced $26.0 million to $25.6 million and a corresponding decrease in diluted and basic income per share for the year ended December 31, 2012 from the previously announced $1.13 to $1.12 and from $1.16 to $1.14, respectively. This charge did not result in a change in our pro forma income from operations or pro forma diluted income per share as reported in our earnings release as we exclude investment gains and losses from pro forma results.

The following table sets forth our Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of total revenues for the years noted.

 

     Years Ended  
     December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  

Revenues:

      

Research services

     69.3     67.6     67.2

Advisory services and other

     30.7        32.4        32.8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     100.0        100.0        100.0   

Operating expenses:

      

Cost of services and fulfillment

     38.0        36.5        37.5   

Selling and marketing

     34.6        35.8        33.8   

General and administrative

     12.6        11.8        13.6   

Depreciation

     3.0        1.9        1.4   

Amortization of intangible assets

     0.7        0.9        1.4   

Reorganization costs

     0.5        0.1          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     10.6        13.0        12.3   

Other income, net

     0.4        0.2        0.5   

Gains (losses) on investments, net

     (0.2     0.4        0.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     10.8        13.6        13.7   

Income tax provision

     2.1        5.5        5.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     8.7     8.1     8.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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2012 compared to 2011

Revenues

 

     2012     2011     Absolute
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     (dollars in millions)              

Revenues

   $ 292.9      $ 283.6      $ 9.3        3

Revenues from research services

   $ 203.0      $ 191.6      $ 11.4        6

Revenues from advisory services and other

   $ 89.9      $ 92.0      $ (2.1     (2 %) 

Revenues attributable to customers outside of the U.S.

   $ 81.8      $ 85.2      $ (3.4     (4 %) 

Percentage of revenue attributable to customers outside of the U.S.

     28     30     (2     (7 %) 

Number of clients (at end of period)

     2,462        2,495        (33     (1 %) 

Number of events

     15        15                 

The 3% increase in revenues during 2012 as compared to 2011 was driven by a 6% increase in research services revenue while advisory services and other revenue decreased by 2%. Foreign exchange fluctuations from the prior year had the effect of reducing revenue growth by approximately 1% while the effect of the Springboard Research acquisition in May 2011 had an insignificant impact on revenue growth in 2012. Revenues from customers outside the U.S. in 2012 compared to the prior year declined by 2% as a percent of total revenues due to both the effect of foreign currency rates and to a decline in revenue from the European region. The general economic conditions in Europe have contributed to a difficult selling environment in that region.

Research services revenues are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the contracts, which are generally twelve-month periods. Revenue growth trended downward during the second half of 2012 as compared to the first half of 2012, reflecting a trend downward in the year-over–year growth in contract bookings during this period. Accordingly, we expect a continued downward trend in year-over-year research services revenue growth in the first half of 2013.

Revenue from advisory services and other decreased 2% during 2012 due to a $0.4 million decrease in event revenues and a $1.7 million decline in advisory and consulting revenue as compared to the prior year. The decline in event revenue resulted principally from the smaller scope of events in 2012 as compared to the prior year which led to lower event ticket revenue in 2012. We count co-located events, which enable our clients to attend multiple events with one event ticket, as a single event in the tables above. The decline in advisory and consulting revenue was due primarily to lower productivity during the year and to higher attrition of research analysts in 2012 as compared to the prior year. Please refer to the “Segment Results” section below for a discussion of revenue and direct margin results by segment.

Cost of Services and Fulfillment

 

     2012     2011     Absolute
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
 

Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)

   $ 111.2      $ 103.6      $ 7.6        7

Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues

     38.0     36.5     1.5        4

Number of research and fulfillment employees (at end of period)

     528        543        (15     (3 %) 

The increase in cost of services and fulfillment expenses during 2012 compared to the prior year is primarily the result of increased salary and benefit costs resulting from annual pay increases, higher incentive bonuses and a full year of the Springboard Research employee costs from the May 2011 acquisition. Average headcount during 2012 was essentially flat with 2011 levels. In addition, 2012 included increased professional services fees in support of consulting revenue and an increase of $1.4 million of stock compensation costs resulting from a

 

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credit to expense in the 2011 period resulting from a change in estimate for the amount of performance-based RSUs that would vest.

Selling and Marketing

 

                 Absolute     Percentage  
                 Increase     Increase  
     2012     2011     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  

Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)

   $ 101.4      $ 101.5      $ (0.1       

Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues

     34.6     35.8     (1.2     (3 %) 

Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)

     528        487        41        8

Selling and marketing expenses were essentially flat in 2012 compared to the prior year resulting from a decrease in total compensation costs which were offset primarily by increased travel and entertainment costs resulting from an increase in the average number of employees in 2012. The decrease in compensation costs in 2012 resulted from lower sales commissions principally due to modifications to our sales commission plan in 2012 and lower than planned contract bookings. The decrease in commissions was partially offset by an increase in incentive bonuses and salary and benefits resulting from an increase in the number of selling and marketing employees. Subject to the business environment, we intend to expand our sales force by approximately 10% in 2013 as compared to 2012. Increased sales of our research services are generally recognized over a twelve-month period, which typically results in an increase in selling and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue during periods of sales force expansion.

General and Administrative

 

                 Absolute      Percentage  
                 Increase      Increase  
     2012     2011     (Decrease)      (Decrease)  

General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)

   $ 36.9      $ 33.3      $ 3.6         11

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues

     12.6     11.8     0.8         7

General and administrative employees (at end of period)

     180        178        2         1

The increase in general and administrative expenses during 2012 compared to the prior year is primarily due to an increase in professional services costs of approximately $2.6 million principally related to information technology projects, including our updated website and new customer relationship management software and an increase in salary and benefit costs of approximately $1.6 million. The increase in salary and benefits costs in 2012 was primarily due to a reduction in the amount of salary costs capitalized in 2012 as compared to 2011 principally for the Company’s website in the amount of $1.2 million. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in travel and entertainment costs in 2012.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense increased by $3.6 million during 2012 compared to the prior year primarily due to the initiation of depreciation for our new corporate headquarters in August 2011 and our new website in March 2012.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Amortization expense has remained essentially consistent during 2012 as compared to the prior year.

Reorganization Costs

In the first quarter of 2012 we realigned our sales force to simplify the selling process to our customers. We incurred approximately $0.4 million of severance costs in the fourth quarter of 2011 for three sales employees located outside of the U.S. based on statutory termination benefits in their country of employment and the fact

 

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that termination was considered probable at December 31, 2011. We incurred an additional $1.4 million of severance and related costs during 2012 for the termination of 17 additional employees related to the sales reorganization and other cost reduction initiatives. Essentially all of the termination costs were paid during 2012.

In February 2013 the Company announced a reduction of approximately 30 jobs or 2.5% of its workforce worldwide to streamline its operations. The Company anticipates incurring approximately $1.5 million to $1.8 million of severance and related benefit costs in the first quarter of 2013 related to the reduction.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net, increased by $0.7 million in 2012 as compared to the prior year primarily due to lower net foreign exchange losses in 2012 as compared to the prior year, which was partially offset by lower interest income earned in 2012 from lower returns on our investments.

Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net

Gains (losses) on investments primarily represent our share of equity method investment gains (losses) from our technology-related investment funds. The decrease in gains of $1.5 million in 2012 compared to the prior year is primarily due to $0.8 million of losses recorded in 2012, of which $1.4 million of losses related to 2011 and $0.6 million of gains related to prior years. The additional losses for the 2011 period resulted from a lower valuation of certain investments in the funds from the valuations previously reported to us in 2011.

Income Tax Provision

 

                 Absolute     Percentage  
                 Increase     Increase  
     2012     2011     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  

Provision for income taxes (dollars in millions)

   $ 5.9      $ 15.6      $ (9.7     (62 %) 

Effective tax rate

     18.8     40.5     (21.7     (54 %) 

The decrease in the effective tax rate during 2012 as compared to the prior year is principally due to the benefits recognized from the settlement of a tax audit during 2012 at one of our foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an approximate 20 percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate, principally from the ability to recognize net operating losses at this subsidiary.

2011 compared to 2010

Revenues

                 Absolute      Percentage  
                 Increase      Increase  
     2011     2010     (Decrease)      (Decrease)  
     (dollars in millions)               

Revenues

   $ 283.6      $ 250.7      $ 32.9         13

Revenues from research services

   $ 191.6      $ 168.5      $ 23.1         14

Revenues from advisory services and other

   $ 92.0      $ 82.2      $ 9.8         12

Revenues attributable to customers outside of the U.S.

   $ 85.2      $ 70.7      $ 14.5         21

Percentage of revenue attributable to customers outside of the U.S.

     30     28     2         7

Number of clients (at end of period)

     2,495        2,272        223         10

Number of events

     15        14        1         7

The increase in total revenues in 2011 is principally the result of increased demand for our products and services and the acquisition of Springboard Research in May 2011, which accounted for approximately 1% of revenue growth. The effect of foreign exchange resulted in an approximate 1% increase in total revenues during 2011. Overall revenue growth was due in part to the growth in the economy and an increase in the number of sales personnel in 2011. Revenue growth outside of the U.S. outpaced the growth in the U.S., due in part to faster

 

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growth in the Asia Pacific region. Including the effect of foreign exchange, revenue earned outside of the U.S. increased by 2% as a percent of total revenues in 2011. We count co-located events, which enable our clients to attend multiple events with one event ticket, as a single event in the table above. Please refer to the “Segment Results” section below for a discussion of revenue and direct margin results by segment.

Cost of Services and Fulfillment

 

                 Absolute     Percentage  
                 Increase     Increase  
     2011     2010     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  

Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)

   $ 103.6      $ 94.1      $ 9.5        10

Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues

     36.5     37.5     (1.0     (3 %) 

Number of research and fulfillment employees (at end of period)

     543        474        69        15

The increase in cost of services and fulfillment in dollars during 2011 is primarily the result of increased compensation and benefits principally due to an increase in research and fulfillment employees, increased facility costs, and increased travel and entertainment expense due in part to an all-employee meeting in the first quarter of 2011. These increases were partially offset by a reduction of approximately $3.9 million of incentive compensation earned with respect to the third and fourth quarters of 2011. Facility costs recorded in costs of services and fulfillment increased approximately $2.9 million during 2011 primarily due to us incurring lease costs for both our new corporate headquarters and our previous headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts and also due to a higher level of costs for our new corporate headquarters. We recognized approximately eight months of lease costs in 2011 for our new headquarters during the construction period as we had access to the facility for construction purposes prior to our occupancy at the end of August 2011. Our lease at our prior headquarters expired on September 30, 2011. The decrease in cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues during 2011 compared to the prior year is primarily due to the reduction in the amount of incentive bonus earned with respect to the current year.

Selling and Marketing

 

                 Absolute      Percentage  
                 Increase      Increase  
     2011     2010     (Decrease)      (Decrease)  

Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)

   $ 101.5      $ 84.7      $ 16.8         20

Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues

     35.8     33.8     2.0         6

Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)

     487        430        57         13

The increase in selling and marketing expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during 2011 is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of selling and marketing employees and an increase in sales commissions. Increased sales of our syndicated research services products are generally recognized over a twelve-month period, which typically results in an increase in selling and marketing expense as a percentage of revenue during periods of sales force expansion. The increase is also attributable to increased travel and entertainment expense and increased facility costs. Facility costs recorded in selling and marketing increased approximately $2.1 million during 2011 primarily due to us incurring duplicate lease costs as described above under “cost of services and fulfillment”.

 

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General and Administrative

 

                 Absolute     Percentage  
                 Increase     Increase  
     2011     2010     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  

General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)

   $ 33.3      $ 34.0      $ (0.7     (2 %) 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues

     11.8     13.6     (1.8     (13 %) 

General and administrative employees (at end of period)

     178        174        4        2

The decrease in general and administrative expense in dollars and as percentage of total revenue during 2011 is primarily due a reduction of approximately $1.6 million of incentive compensation earned with respect to the third and fourth quarters of 2011, the capitalization of approximately $1.6 million of internal information technology salary costs in 2011 for the build of our new client-facing website that was launched in 2012, and a decrease of approximately $0.6 million in stock compensation expense. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in facility costs, an increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of general and administrative employees and salary increases during 2011, and acquisition and integration costs for Springboard Research of approximately $0.7 million. Facility costs recorded in general and administrative expense increased approximately $0.8 million during 2011 primarily due to us incurring duplicate lease costs as described above under “cost of services and fulfillment”.

Depreciation

The increase of $1.7 million in depreciation expense during 2011 is primarily due to the initiation of depreciation for our new corporate headquarters in August 2011.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

The decrease of $1.1 million in amortization expense during 2011 is primarily due to certain intangible assets from the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009 becoming fully amortized in the first quarter of 2011, partially offset by an increase in amortization from the acquisition of Springboard Research in May 2011.

Reorganization Costs

In the first quarter of 2012 we realigned our sales force to simplify the selling process to our customers. The $0.4 million of reorganization costs incurred in 2011 consist of severance and related benefits for three employees located outside of the U.S. based on statutory termination benefits in their country of employment and the fact that termination was considered probable at December 31, 2011.

Other Income, Net

The decrease of $0.6 million in other income, net during 2011 is primarily due to lower interest income from lower returns on our investments.

Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net

Gains (losses) on investments primarily represent our share of equity method investment gains (losses) from our technology-related investment funds. The decrease of $1.3 million in gains during 2011 is primarily due to a smaller increase in the valuations of certain assets within the funds in 2011 as compared to 2010. Subsequent to 2011 we received information from the funds that reduced the value of the funds as of December 31, 2011 by $1.4 million. The $1.4 million investment loss was due to a reduction in the value of certain investments within the funds and was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Income Tax Provision

 

                 Absolute      Percentage  
                 Increase      Increase  
     2011     2010     (Decrease)      (Decrease)  

Provision for income taxes (dollars in millions)

   $ 15.6      $ 13.8      $ 1.8         13

Effective tax rate

     40.5     40.2     0.3         1

The effective tax rate has remained relatively consistent from 2010 to 2011.

Segment Results

We are organized into two client groups with each client group responsible for writing relevant research for the roles within the client organization on a worldwide basis. The two client groups, which are considered operating segments, are: Business Technology (“BT”) and Marketing and Strategy (“M&S”). In addition, our Events segment supports both client groups. Each client group generates revenue through sales of research, advisory and other service offerings targeted at specific roles within their targeted clients. Each client group consists of research personnel focused primarily on issues relevant to particular roles and to the day-to-day responsibilities of persons within the roles. Amounts included in the Events segment relate to the operations of the events production department. Revenue reported in the Events segment consists primarily of sponsorships and sales of event tickets to Forrester events. In the second quarter of 2012, we modified our management structure by consolidating our former Technology Industry client group segment into our two remaining client groups: Business Technology and Marketing and Strategy. In addition, in the first quarter of 2012, we modified our calculation of segment direct margin to exclude certain marketing costs and Springboard Research integration costs and to include certain business development costs. Accordingly, the 2011 and 2010 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

We evaluate reportable segment performance based on direct margin. Direct margin, as presented below, is defined as operating income excluding sales expenses, certain marketing and fulfillment expenses, stock-based compensation expense, general and administrative expenses, depreciation expense, and amortization of intangibles.

 

     BT     M&S     Events     Consolidated  

Year ended December 31, 2012

        

Revenue

   $ 159,216      $ 120,885      $ 12,829      $ 292,930   

Direct margin

   $ 105,288      $ 82,225      $ 3,941      $ 191,454   

Year over year revenue growth

     3     5     (3 %)      3

Direct margin percentage

     66.1     68.0     30.7     65.4
     BT     M&S     Events     Consolidated  

Year ended December 31, 2011

        

Revenue

   $ 154,777      $ 115,666      $ 13,173      $ 283,616   

Direct margin

   $ 103,616      $ 77,510      $ 5,765      $ 186,891   

Year over year revenue growth

     7     21     18     13

Direct margin percentage

     66.9     67.0     43.8     65.9

 

     BT     M&S     Events     Consolidated  

Year ended December 31, 2010

        

Revenue

   $ 143,992      $ 95,534      $ 11,200      $ 250,726   

Direct margin

   $ 97,699      $ 63,002      $ 4,753      $ 165,454   

Direct margin percentage

     67.9     65.9     42.4     66.0

BT revenue increased 3% and 7% during 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Research services revenues increased 4% and 11%, respectively, for each of the years compared to the prior years while advisory services and other decreased 1% and increased 1%, respectively, for each of the years compared to the prior years. The decrease in the research services revenue growth rate in 2012 as compared to

 

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2011 is primarily due to a decrease in contract bookings growth in 2012 compared to 2011 due in part to the sales reorganization and sales employee attrition in 2012. The decrease in direct margin percentage for the 2012 and 2011 periods compared to the prior years is primarily due to increased costs from the Springboard Research acquisition in May 2011.

M&S revenue increased 5% and 21% during 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Research services revenues increased 8% and 19%, respectively, for each of the years compared to the prior years while advisory services and other decreased 3% and increased 27%, respectively, for each of the years compared to the prior years. The decrease in the research services revenue growth rate in 2012 as compared to 2011 is primarily due to a decrease in contract bookings growth in 2012 compared to 2011 due in part to the sales reorganization and sales employee attrition in 2012. The decrease in advisory services and other revenue growth rate in 2012 as compared to 2011 is primarily due to a decrease in contract bookings growth in 2012 compared to 2011 and attrition of the analysts that perform advisory services in 2012.

Events revenue decreased 3% and increased 18% during 2012 and 2011, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. During 2012 we repositioned our events to more closely align with our roles resulting in an increased number of smaller, co-located role-based events in comparison to larger combined events in the prior year. Co-located events enable our clients to attend multiple events with one event ticket and are considered as a single event. The decrease in revenue during 2012 is primarily due to the smaller scope of events held in 2012 as compared to the prior year, resulting in less event ticket revenue. The decrease in direct margin percentage during 2012 is primarily due to lower event ticket revenue compared to the prior year. The increase in revenue during 2011 was due in part to one additional event held in 2011 compared to 2010 and to a strengthening economy in 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have financed our operations primarily through funds generated from operations. Memberships for research services, which constituted approximately 69% of our revenues during 2012, are annually renewable and are generally payable in advance. We generated cash from operating activities of $53.1 million, $55.4 million and $38.7 million during 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively. The $2.3 million decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2012 compared to 2011 is primarily due to a reduction in income before taxes of $7.1 million in 2012 compared to 2011, partially offset by a $5.3 million increase in non-cash expenses in 2012 including depreciation, amortization, gains/losses on investments, and stock compensation. The increase in cash provided from operations in 2011 compared to 2010 is primarily attributable to both a reduction in the amount of income taxes paid during 2011 of $10.7 million primarily due to a deferral of payments in 2011 and excess payments made in 2010, and an increase in net income of $2.5 million.

During 2012, we used $4.1 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily $5.1 million of purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by a $0.9 million reduction in restricted cash. Property and equipment purchases during 2012 consisted primarily of software and leasehold improvements. During 2011 we used $53.0 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily of $20.8 million of net purchases of marketable investments, $39.8 million of purchases of property and equipment and $7.5 million for acquisitions. The property and equipment purchases were partially funded by $14.5 million of restricted cash that had been placed in escrow in 2009 for such purchases. Property and equipment purchases during 2011 consisted primarily of leasehold improvements for new facilities and also included purchases of software and computer equipment.

We used $31.7 million of cash from financing activities during 2012 resulting from $29.8 million of purchases of our common stock, $12.6 million of regular quarterly dividend payments and $0.9 million of deferred payments from our 2011 acquisition of Springboard Research. In addition, we realized $11.2 million of proceeds from exercises of stock options and our employee stock purchase plan in 2012. We used $6.3 million of cash from financing activities during 2011 resulting from $18.4 million of purchases of our common stock, partially offset by $11.6 million of proceeds from exercises of stock options and our employee stock purchase plan. In each of October 2012 and February 2013, our board of directors increased our stock repurchase authorization by $50 million, bringing the total remaining stock purchase authorization to approximately $150 million. On February 13, 2013, we announced our intention to hire an investment banker to assist us in exploring means to accelerate our stock repurchase program and also announced an increase in our regular quarterly dividend to $0.15 per share.

 

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As of December 31, 2012, we held $9.0 million ($11.0 million at par value) of municipal bonds with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”). In February 2008, auctions began to fail for these securities and have continued to fail throughout 2012. As a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or may not exist. Based on our expected operating cash flows and our cash resources, we do not anticipate the current lack of liquidity with our ARS investments will affect our ability to execute our current business plan.

As of December 31, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $98.8 million and marketable investments of $143.8 million. Cash balances held at our foreign subsidiaries were $28.1 million at December 31, 2012, of which $5.2 million represents undistributed earnings that are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested. We do not have a line of credit and do not presently anticipate the need to access a line of credit in the foreseeable future. We believe that our current cash balance, marketable investments, and cash flows from operations will satisfy working capital, financing activities, including an acceleration of purchases of our common stock under our stock repurchase program, and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next two years.

As of December 31, 2012, we had future contractual obligations as follows:

 

Contractual

Obligations

   Total      2013      2014      2015      2016      2017      Thereafter  
     (In thousands)  

Operating leases

   $ 116,410       $ 11,023       $ 10,158       $ 9,600       $ 9,104       $ 8,727       $ 67,798   

Purchase commitments

     1,183         504         607         72                           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 117,593       $ 11,527       $ 10,765       $ 9,672       $ 9,104       $ 8,727       $ 67,798   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not maintain any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the expected dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial condition.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The following discussion about our market risk disclosures involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We have historically not used derivative financial instruments.

The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal and maintain liquidity while at the same time maximizing the income we receive from our investments without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and marketable investments in a variety of securities, including U.S. government agencies, municipal notes and bonds, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, and money market funds. The securities, other than money market funds, are classified as available-for-sale and consequently are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. If interest rates rise, the market value of our investments may decline, which could result in a realized loss if we are forced to sell an investment before its scheduled maturity. We have the ability to hold our fixed income investments until maturity (without giving effect to any future acquisitions or mergers). Therefore, we would not expect our operating results or cash flows to be affected to any significant degree by a sudden change in market interest rates on our securities portfolio.

 

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At December 31, 2012, we held approximately $9.0 million ($11.0 million at par value) of municipal notes with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”). In February 2008, auctions for these securities began to fail and continued to fail throughout 2012. These ARS may not be accessible for in excess of twelve months because of continued failed auctions and have been classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as long-term marketable securities as of December 31, 2012. Based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue and as a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or may not exist. If the issuers are unable to successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, we may in the future be required to record an impairment charge on these investments. We valued the ARS using a discounted cash flow model. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, and expected holding periods of the ARS, based on data available at December 31, 2012. The assumptions used in valuing these ARS are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change, which could result in significant changes to the fair value of these ARS.

The following table provides information about our investment portfolio. For investment securities, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by maturity date. ARS are shown based upon their contractual maturity dates that range from 2024 to 2034.

Principal amounts by maturity dates in U.S. dollars (dollars in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,     Thereafter  
     2013     2014     2015    

State and municipal agency obligations

   $ 6,421      $ 10,326      $ 2,125      $ 8,970   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     50,403        44,727        20,874          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 56,824      $ 55,053      $ 22,999      $ 8,970   

Weighted average interest rates

     0.67     0.73     0.62     0.26

Foreign Currency Exchange.    On a global level, we face exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates as we enter into normal business transactions that may be in currencies other than the local currency of our subsidiaries. In addition, transactions and account balances between our U.S. and foreign subsidiaries expose us to currency exchange risk. This exposure may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, we incurred foreign currency exchange losses of $0.4 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Historically, we have not entered into any hedging agreements. However, we may enter into hedging agreements in the future to attempt to mitigate the financial effect of future fluctuations in the euro or other foreign currencies.

 

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Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements listed in the following Index to Financial Statements are filed as a part of this 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page  

Report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-1   

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     F-2   

Consolidated Statements of Income

     F-3   

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     F-4   

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

     F-5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     F-6   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-7   

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Forrester Research, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, of stockholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Forrester Research, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the design and operation of controls over advisory services and consulting revenue existed as of that date. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described within Item 9A under Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting which appears on page 31 of the 2012 Annual Report to Stockholders. We considered this material weakness in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those consolidated financial statements. The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in management’s report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

March 18, 2013

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,  
     2012     2011  
     (In thousands, except per
share data)
 
ASSETS   

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 98,810      $ 81,047   

Marketable investments (Note 4)

     134,876        136,991   

Accounts receivable, net (Note 12)

     74,623        81,378   

Deferred commissions

     9,410        12,010   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     18,846        25,935   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     336,565        337,361   

Long-term marketable investments (Note 4)

     8,970        9,565   

Property and equipment, net (Note 12)

     46,300        50,448   

Goodwill (Note 3)

     78,954        71,543   

Intangible assets, net (Note 3)

     7,920        10,317   

Other assets

     9,123        8,344   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 487,832      $ 487,578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 772      $ 1,223   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 12)

     30,078        30,153   

Deferred revenue

     150,479        147,887   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     181,329        179,263   

Non-current liabilities (Note 12)

     9,433        17,580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     190,762        196,843   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments (Note 7)

    

Stockholders’ Equity (Note 8):

    

Preferred stock, $.01 par value

    

Authorized — 500 shares, issued and outstanding — none

              

Common stock, $.01 par value

    

Authorized — 125,000 shares

    

Issued — 31,451 and 30,962 in 2012 and 2011, respectively

    

Outstanding — 22,293 and 22,747 in 2012 and 2011, respectively

     315        310   

Additional paid-in capital

     389,362        373,591   

Retained earnings

     117,648        104,662   

Treasury stock—9,158 and 8,215 in 2012 and 2011, respectively, at cost

     (210,843     (181,000

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     588        (6,828
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     297,070        290,735   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 487,832      $ 487,578   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011      2010  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Revenues:

       

Research services

   $ 202,998      $ 191,648       $ 168,508   

Advisory services and other

     89,932        91,968         82,218   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     292,930        283,616         250,726   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

       

Cost of services and fulfillment

     111,228        103,571         94,105   

Selling and marketing

     101,390        101,468         84,663   

General and administrative

     36,866        33,284         33,960   

Depreciation

     8,921        5,359         3,628   

Amortization of intangible assets

     2,445        2,562         3,620   

Reorganization costs

     1,421        375           
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     262,271        246,619         219,976   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     30,659        36,997         30,750   

Other income, net

     1,300        630         1,249   

Gains (losses) on investments, net

     (449     1,018         2,301   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     31,510        38,645         34,300   

Income tax provision

     5,936        15,635         13,793   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 25,574      $ 23,010       $ 20,507   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

   $ 1.14      $ 1.02       $ 0.91   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

   $ 1.12      $ 0.99       $ 0.89   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     22,500        22,666         22,478   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     22,929        23,164         23,063   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Net income

   $ 25,574      $ 23,010      $ 20,507   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

      

Cumulative translation adjustments

     7,419        (1,335     (2,682

Changes in market value of investments:

      

Unrealized gain (loss), net of taxes of ($7), ($41) and ($513) for 2012, 2011 and 2010

     14        (9     (837

Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income, net of taxes of $12, $8 and $57 for 2012, 2011 and 2010

     (17     (12     (88
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net change in market value of investments

     (3     (21     (925
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     7,416        (1,356     (3,607
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 32,990      $ 21,654      $ 16,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

    Common Stock     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Treasury Stock     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 
    Number of
Shares
    $.01 Par
Value
        Number of
Shares
    Cost      
                            (In thousands)        

Balance, December 31, 2009

    29,362      $ 294      $ 325,207      $ 129,559        7,028      $ (141,250   $ (1,865   $ 311,945   

Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax benefit

    1,138        11        27,733                                    27,744   

Stock-based compensation expense

                  4,874                                    4,874   

Purchase of common stock

                                660        (21,345            (21,345

Dividend paid on common shares

                         (68,414                          (68,414

Capital contributed by seller of acquired business

                  203                                    203   

Net income

                         20,507                             20,507   

Unrealized loss on marketable investments, net of tax

                                              (925     (925

Cumulative translation adjustment

                                              (2,682     (2,682
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2010

    30,500        305        358,017        81,652        7,688        (162,595     (5,472     271,907   

Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax benefit

    462        5        11,932                                    11,937   

Stock-based compensation expense

                  3,642                                    3,642   

Purchase of common stock

                                527        (18,405            (18,405

Net income

                         23,010                             23,010   

Unrealized loss on marketable investments, net of tax

                                              (21     (21

Cumulative translation adjustment

                                              (1,335     (1,335
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

    30,962        310        373,591        104,662        8,215        (181,000     (6,828     290,735   

Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax benefit

    489        5        10,374                                    10,379   

Stock-based compensation expense

                  5,397                                    5,397   

Purchase of common stock

                                943        (29,843            (29,843

Dividends paid on common shares

                         (12,588                          (12,588

Net income

                         25,574                             25,574   

Unrealized loss on marketable investments, net of tax

                                              (3     (3

Cumulative translation adjustment

                                              7,419        7,419   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

    31,451      $ 315      $ 389,362      $ 117,648        9,158      $ (210,843   $ 588      $ 297,070   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012     2011     2010  
     (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net income

   $ 25,574      $ 23,010      $ 20,507   

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

      

Depreciation and asset write-offs

     8,921        5,359        3,671   

Amortization of intangible assets

     2,445        2,562        3,620   

Net (gains) losses from investments

     449        (1,018     (2,301

Deferred income taxes

     (10,385     15,137        2,356   

Stock-based compensation

     5,397        3,642        4,874   

Amortization of premium on investments

     2,803        3,321        2,587   

Foreign currency losses

     405        1,290        1,374   

Other non-cash items

                   55   

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions

      

Accounts receivable

     6,959        (7,594     (7,467

Deferred commissions

     2,607        589        (2,968

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     6,279        (7,805     (8,220

Accounts payable

     (490     (1,898     1,422   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     376        2,485        3,975   

Deferred revenue

     1,807        16,364        15,172   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     53,147        55,444        38,657   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Acquisitions

            (7,531     (1,660

Purchases of property and equipment

     (5,103     (39,776     (13,426

Purchases of marketable investments

     (91,421     (113,909     (116,280

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments

     91,335        93,090        145,195   

Change in restricted cash

     946        14,542        1,282   

Other investing activity

     167        548        491   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (4,076     (53,036     15,602   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Dividends paid on common stock

     (12,588            (68,414

Repurchases of common stock

     (29,843     (18,405     (21,345

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee equity incentive plans

     11,215        11,554        25,971   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     345        525        1,949   

Payment of deferred acquisition consideration

     (864              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (31,735     (6,326     (61,839
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     427        (1,962     (3,298
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     17,763        (5,880     (10,878

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     81,047        86,927        97,805   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

   $ 98,810      $ 81,047      $ 86,927   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

      

Cash paid for income taxes

   $ 7,102      $ 5,929      $ 16,583   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2012

 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Principles of Consolidation

Forrester Research, Inc. (“Forrester” or “the Company”) is an independent research company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global leaders in business and technology. Forrester’s products and services are targeted to specific roles, including senior management in business strategy, marketing, and information technology principally at $1 billion-plus revenue companies who collaborate with Forrester to accelerate achievement of their business goals. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forrester and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Management Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Forrester considers the more significant of these estimates to be revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, non-marketable investments, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes, and valuation and impairment of marketable investments. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company has certain financial assets recorded at fair value which have been classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements.

Level 1 — Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Fair value based on inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 — Fair value based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and such inputs are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The carrying amounts reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short-term maturities.

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Investments

Forrester considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities at the time of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s investments with an auction reset feature and for which the Company does not have the ability to sell within one year from the balance sheet date are classified as long-term investments.

The Company’s investments are composed of securities of U.S. government agencies, municipal notes some of which contain an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”), corporate notes and bonds, and money market funds. Forrester accounts for all marketable investments as available-for-sale securities and as

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

such, the marketable investments are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses (not related to credit losses) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in earnings and are determined using the specific identification method. The Company conducts periodic reviews to identify and evaluate each investment that has an unrealized loss, in accordance with the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to certain investments, as required under current accounting standards. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities that are determined to be temporary, and not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The determination of whether a loss is considered temporary is based in part on whether the Company intends to sell the security or whether the Company would more likely than not be required to sell the security before the expected recovery of the amortized cost basis. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment charges on its available-for-sale securities.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Forrester has no significant off-balance sheet or concentration of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts, or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that potentially subject Forrester to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash, cash equivalents, marketable investments, and accounts receivable. Forrester places its investments in highly rated securities. No single customer accounted for greater than 2% of revenues or accounts receivable in any of the periods presented.

Deferred Commissions

Commissions incurred in acquiring new or renewing existing contracts, which are earned in the month that a contract is booked, are deferred and expensed to operations as the related revenue is recognized. Forrester evaluates the recoverability of deferred commissions at each balance sheet date.

Goodwill

Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is required to be tested for impairment annually. Furthermore, testing for impairment is required on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not an impairment loss has been incurred. An impairment loss would be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Absent an event that indicates a specific impairment may exist, the Company has selected November 30 as the date for performing the annual goodwill impairment test. Goodwill impairment charges have not been required for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Impairment of Other Long-Lived Tangible and Intangible Assets

Forrester continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of long-lived assets and intangible assets may warrant revision or if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether assets have been impaired, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the assets are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to the estimated fair value of the asset. Impairment charges have not been required for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Non-Current Liabilities

The Company records certain liabilities that are expected to be settled over a period that exceeds one year as non-current liabilities. The Company also records as a non-current liability the portion of the deferred rent liability that is expected to be recognized over a period greater than one year. Non-current deferred rent liability

 

F-8


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $6.9 million and $6.7 million, respectively, and primarily results from the difference between cash payments and the straight-line recognition of rent expense under the Company’s facility leases.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of the majority of Forrester’s wholly-owned subsidiaries is their respective local currency. These subsidiary financial statements are translated to U.S. dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the corresponding period for revenues and expenses, with translation gains and losses accumulated as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses related to the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency are included in other income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, Forrester recorded $0.4 million, $1.3 million and $1.4 million of foreign exchange losses, respectively, in other income, net.

In addition, Forrester’s German holding companies, for which the functional currency was the U.S. dollar, recognized $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.4 million of remeasurement gains on its deferred tax liability in income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Effective July 7, 2012 the Company’s German holding companies were merged with the Company’s German operating company creating one German entity for which the functional currency is the Euro.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  

Net unrealized loss on marketable investments, net of taxes

   $ (1,024   $ (1,021

Cumulative translation adjustment

     1,612        (5,807
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

   $ 588      $ (6,828
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenue Recognition

Effective January 1, 2011 the Company adopted Update No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (ASU 2009-13) for contracts entered into or materially modified after that date. ASU 2009-13 updates the previous multiple-element revenue arrangements guidance. The revised guidance primarily provides three significant changes: 1) it eliminates the need for objective and reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered element in order for a delivered item to be treated as a separate unit of accounting; 2) it eliminates the residual method to allocate the arrangement consideration; and 3) it modifies the fair value requirements of EITF Issue 00-21 by providing “best estimate of selling price” in addition to vendor specific objective evidence and vendor objective evidence for determining the selling price of a deliverable. In addition, the guidance also expands the disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Forrester generates revenues from licensing research (including our data products), performing advisory services and consulting projects and hosting events. Forrester executes contracts that govern the terms and conditions of each arrangement. Revenues are recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fee is fixed or determinable, services have been provided to the customer, and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue contracts may include either a single product or service or a combination of multiple products

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

and services. Revenues from contracts that contain multiple products and services are allocated among the separate units of accounting based on their relative selling prices; however, the amount recognized is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future performance conditions. The Company obtains the selling prices of its products and services based on an analysis of standalone sales of these products and services during the year. Research service revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Advisory service revenues, such as workshops, speeches and advisory days, are recognized when the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable and consulting project revenues, which are short-term in nature and based upon fixed-fee agreements, are recognized as the services are provided. Reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as advisory services revenue. Event revenues are recognized upon completion of the event.

Annual subscriptions to our RoleView research include access to all or a designated portion of our research, and depending on the type of license, membership in one or more of our Forrester leadership boards, unlimited phone or email analyst inquiry, unlimited participation in Forrester Webinars, and the right to attend one event. Contracts for RoleView research entered into prior to the adoption of ASU 2009-13 on January 1, 2011 are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the membership period. Contracts for RoleView research entered into or significantly modified after January 1, 2011 are accounted for as two units of accounting: 1) the event ticket and 2) the remaining research services that are delivered throughout the contract period, based on the new guidance that permits alternative methods of determining selling price as it relates to the components that we do not sell on a standalone basis, such as research services in this case. Arrangement consideration is allocated to each of these elements based upon their relative selling prices, which is based on standalone sales of event tickets and the estimated selling price of the remaining research services. Annual subscriptions to our data products include access to designated survey data products and access to a data specialist, which are delivered throughout the year, and are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the membership period. For all contracts entered into through January 2013, clients were offered a service guarantee, which gives them the right to cancel their contracts prior to the end of the contract term and receive a refund for unused products or services. As of February 1, 2013 the Company discontinued its policy of offering all clients a service guarantee.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period of the individual grantee, which generally equals the vesting period. Cash flows resulting from the tax benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation expense recognized for stock-based awards are classified as financing cash flows. The Company is required to estimate future forfeitures of stock-based awards for recognition of compensation expense. The Company will record additional expense if the actual forfeitures are lower than estimated and will record a recovery of prior recognized expense if the actual forfeitures are higher than estimated. The actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that vest. In addition, for performance-vested restricted stock units, the Company makes estimates of the performance outcome at each period end in order to estimate the actual number of shares that will be earned. The actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those awards that vest. Stock-based compensation expense was recorded in the following expense categories (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Cost of services and fulfillment

   $ 3,085       $ 1,644       $ 2,094   

Selling and marketing

     894         751         943   

General and administrative

     1,418         1,247         1,837   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,397       $ 3,642       $ 4,874   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The options granted under the equity incentive plans and shares subject to the employee stock purchase plan were valued utilizing the Black Scholes model using the following assumptions and had the following fair values:

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2012     2011     2010  
    Equity Incentive
Plans
    Employee Stock
Purchase Plan
    Equity Incentive
Plans
    Employee Stock
Purchase Plan
    Equity Incentive
Plans
    Employee Stock
Purchase Plan
 

Average risk-free interest rate

    0.85     0.14     1.25     0.13     1.93     0.17

Expected dividend yield

    1.7     1.7     None        None        None        None   

Expected life

    4.5 Years        0.5 Years        3.5 Years        0.5 Years        3.6 Years        0.5 Years   

Expected volatility

    40     31     40     28     40     25

Weighted average fair value

  $ 9.64      $ 6.90      $ 10.47      $ 7.55      $ 9.67      $ 6.38   

The dividend yield of zero for periods prior to 2012 is based on the fact that Forrester had never paid cash dividends until the board of directors approved a special dividend of $3.00 per common share in the fourth quarter of 2010. The dividend yield in 2012 is based on the initiation of a regular quarterly dividend program approved by the board of directors in February 2012. Expected volatility is based, in part, on the historical volatility of Forrester’s common stock as well as management’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term of the awards granted. The risk-free interest rate used is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rate with an equivalent remaining term. Where the expected term of a stock-based award does not correspond with a term for which the interest rates are quoted, Forrester uses the rate with the maturity closest to the award’s expected term. The expected term calculation is based upon Forrester’s historical experience of exercise patterns. The unamortized fair value of stock-based awards as of December 31, 2012 was $9.0 million, with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 1.9 years.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Forrester maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make contractually obligated payments. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company makes judgments regarding the collectability of accounts receivable by specifically analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, current economic trends, and changes in the customer payment terms. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required and if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to improve, the allowances may be reduced accordingly.

Depreciation and Amortization

Forrester provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, computed using the straight-line method, over estimated useful lives of assets as follows:

 

    

Estimated

   Useful Life

Computers and equipment

   3 to 10 Years

Computer software

   3 to 5 Years

Furniture and fixtures

   7 Years

Leasehold improvements

   Shorter of asset life or lease term

 

F-11


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Forrester provides for amortization of intangible assets, computed using an accelerated method according to the expected cash flows to be received from the underlying assets, over the respective lives as follows:

 

    

Estimated
Useful Life

Customer relationships

   5 to 11 Years

Research content

   1 to 2 Years

Technology

   7 Years

Trademarks

   1 Year

Backlog

   1 Year

Income Taxes

Forrester recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards.

Forrester’s provision for income taxes is composed of a current and a deferred provision for federal, state and foreign jurisdictions. The current provision is calculated as the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. The deferred income tax provision is calculated as the net change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are provided if based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Forrester accounts for uncertain tax positions using a “more-likely-than-not” threshold for recognizing and resolving uncertain tax positions. The evaluation of uncertain tax positions is based on factors including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, the effective settlement of matters subject to audit, new audit activity, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. The Company evaluates these tax positions on a quarterly basis. The Company also accrues for potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common equivalent shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury-stock method. Common stock equivalents consist of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and restricted stock units.

Basic and diluted weighted average common shares are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2012      2011      2010  

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     22,500         22,666         22,478   

Weighted average common equivalent shares

     429         498         585   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     22,929         23,164         23,063   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-12


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

For the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, options to purchase approximately 0.8 million, 0.3 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the diluted weighted average common share calculation as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2012-02, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment (ASU 2012-02). This newly issued accounting standard allows an entity the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles other than goodwill. Under that option, an entity would no longer be required to calculate the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset unless the entity determines, based on that qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount. This ASU is effective for annual and interim indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. As the Company does not have any indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2012 other than goodwill, the adoption of this standard on January 1, 2013 will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated results.

 

(2) Acquisitions

Springboard Research

On May 12, 2011, Forrester acquired Springboard Research (“Springboard”), a provider of research and advisory services focused on Asia Pacific and emerging markets. Springboard was a former division of Knowledge Platform, Inc. The acquisition of the Springboard business further supports Forrester’s role-based strategy and expands Forrester’s coverage in the Asia Pacific region. The total purchase price was approximately $9.0 million, of which approximately $6.7 million was paid on the acquisition date and $2.3 million (the “Holdback”) is payable at various times through June 1, 2013, subject to possible reduction to satisfy indemnification claims. Of the $2.3 million Holdback, up to $0.9 million was contingent on the retention of certain employees for a period of time and on the extension of a certain lease. As of May 2012 the two referenced contingency provisions had elapsed with the full amount payable to Knowledge Platform. As of December 31, 2012, $1.4 million of the Holdback had been paid by the Company and $0.9 million of the Holdback remains in accrued expenses in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The results of Springboard Research, which were not material to the consolidated financial statements, have been included in Forrester’s consolidated financial statements since May 12, 2011 in the Business Technology segment. Pro forma financial information has not been provided as it is not material to the consolidated results of operations.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

A summary of the purchase price allocation for Springboard is as follows (in thousands):

\

Assets:

  

Cash

   $ 85   

Accounts receivable

     561   

Other current assets

     285   

Goodwill

     3,695   

Intangible assets

     4,815   
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     9,441   
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Accrued expenses

     160   

Deferred revenue

     312   
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     472   
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 8,969   
  

 

 

 

Approximately $2.1 million of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The Company believes the goodwill reflects its expectations of synergistic revenue opportunities from the acquisition and the value of the acquired workforce.

Intangible assets are amortized according to the expected cash flows to be received. The following are the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their respective weighted average lives (dollars in thousands):

 

     Assigned
Value
     Useful
Life
(in years)
 

Customer relationships

   $ 3,605         7.5   

Research content

     1,080         1.5   

Backlog

     130         1.0   
  

 

 

    
   $ 4,815      
  

 

 

    

 

F-14


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

(3) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

A summary of the goodwill by segment and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the Business Technology (“BT”), Marketing and Strategy (“M&S”), and Events segments is shown in the following table (in thousands). In the second quarter of 2012 the Company modified its management structure by consolidating its former Technology Industry (“TI”) client group into its two remaining client groups: BT and M&S. The goodwill previously allocated to the TI segment was reassigned to the BT and M&S segments based on the relative fair value of the elements transferred from TI to each of BT and M&S.

 

     BT     TI     M&S     Events     Total  

Balance, December 31, 2010

   $ 22,208      $ 24,653      $ 19,191      $ 1,906      $ 67,958   

Acquisition

            3,695                      3,695   

Translation adjustments

     (36     (40     (31     (3     (110
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

     22,172        28,308        19,160        1,903        71,543   

Reassignment

     17,237        (28,308     11,071                 

Translation adjustments

     4,082               3,131        198        7,411   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

   $ 43,491      $      $ 33,362      $ 2,101      $ 78,954   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had no accumulated goodwill impairment losses.

A summary of Forrester’s intangible assets is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2012  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Amortizable intangible assets:

        

Customer relationships

   $ 33,759       $ 26,644       $ 7,115   

Research content

     7,043         7,043           

Technology

     1,507         702         805   

Trademarks

     876         876           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 43,185       $ 35,265       $ 7,920   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     December 31, 2011  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Amortizable intangible assets:

        

Customer relationships

   $ 33,379       $ 24,925       $ 8,454   

Research content

     6,929         6,209         720   

Technology

     1,507         442         1,065   

Trademarks

     876         876           

Other

     328         250         78   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 43,019       $ 32,702       $ 10,317   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-15


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $2.4 million, $2.6 million and $3.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets that will continue to be amortized is as follows (in thousands):

 

Year ending December 31, 2013

   $ 2,228   

Year ending December 31, 2014

     2,133   

Year ending December 31, 2015

     1,002   

Year ending December 31, 2016

     906   

Year ending December 31, 2017

     857   

Thereafter

     794   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 7,920   
  

 

 

 

 

(4) Marketable Investments

The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable investments (in thousands):

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Market
Value
 

December 31, 2012

          

Available-for-sale securities

          

State and municipal obligations

   $ 18,859       $ 27       $ (14   $ 18,872   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     115,653         380         (29     116,004   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short-term available-for-sale securities

     134,512         407         (43     134,876   

ARS, long-term

     11,000                 (2,030     8,970   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 145,512       $ 407       $ (2,073   $ 143,846   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
    Market
Value
 

December 31, 2011

          

Available-for-sale securities

          

State and municipal obligations

   $ 9,485       $ 9       $ (12   $ 9,482   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     127,717         127         (335     127,509   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short-term available-for-sale securities

     137,202         136         (347     136,991   

ARS, long-term

     11,000                 (1,435     9,565   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 148,202       $ 136       $ (1,782   $ 146,556   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-16


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes the maturity periods of the marketable securities in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2012. In February 2008, certain ARS that Forrester held experienced failed auctions that limited the liquidity of these securities. These auction failures have continued throughout 2012 and based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue. The following table reflects the ARS at their contractual maturity dates of between 2024 and 2034 (in thousands).

 

    FY 2013     FY2014     FY2015     Thereafter     Total  

Federal agency and corporate obligations

  $ 50,403      $ 44,727      $ 20,874      $      $ 116,004   

State and municipal obligations

    6,421        10,326        2,125               18,872   

ARS

                         8,970        8,970   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total short and long-term

  $ 56,824      $ 55,053      $ 22,999      $ 8,970      $ 143,846   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and market value of Forrester’s available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporary, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Greater  
     Market
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Market
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

State and municipal bonds

   $ 9,430       $ 14       $       $   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     17,716         29                   

ARS

                     8,970         2,030   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 27,146       $ 43       $ 8,970       $ 2,030   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of December 31, 2011  
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Greater  
     Market
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Market
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

State and municipal bonds

   $ 2,763       $ 9       $ 1,107       $ 3   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     68,962         313         2,043         22   

ARS

                     9,565         1,435   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 71,725       $ 322       $ 12,715       $ 1,460   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company holds ARS with a fair value of $9.0 million and a par value of $11.0 million at December 31, 2012. These ARS will continue to be held as available-for-sale and are classified as a long-term asset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company intends to retain its investment in these ARS until the earlier of an anticipated recovery in market value or maturity and as a result has not recorded an other-than-temporary loss on these ARS.

Realized gains or losses on sales of the Company’s federal obligations, state and municipal bonds and corporate bonds were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 or 2010.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and marketable investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Money market funds (1)

   $ 815       $       $       $ 815   

State and municipal obligations

             18,872                 18,872   

Federal agency and corporate obligations (2)

             148,117                 148,117   

ARS

                     8,970         8,970   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 815       $ 166,989       $ 8,970       $ 176,774   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of December 31, 2011  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Money market funds (1)

   $ 5,786       $       $       $ 5,786   

State and municipal obligations

             9,482                 9,482   

Federal agency and corporate obligations (2)

             128,509                 128,509   

ARS

                     9,565         9,565   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,786       $ 137,991       $ 9,565       $ 153,342   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in cash and cash equivalents.
(2) $32.1 million and $1.0 million included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, as original maturities at the time of purchase were 90 days or less.

Level 2 assets consist of the Company’s entire portfolio of federal, state, municipal and corporate bonds, excluding those municipal bonds described below with an auction reset feature. Level 2 assets have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other market observable data. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation methods, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, current spot rates and other industry and economic events.

Level 3 assets at December 31, 2012 and 2011 consist entirely of municipal bonds with an auction reset feature (ARS). Prior to 2008, the fair value of the ARS investments approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. While the Company continues to receive interest income on its ARS investments at each interest reset date (which occurs at either seven or 35 day intervals for each security), these investments trade infrequently and therefore do not have a readily determinable market value. Interest rates on the securities ranged from 0.1% to 0.5% and 0.1% to 0.6% during the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company values the ARS using a discounted cash flow model that includes unobservable inputs including estimates of interest rates, discount rates and expected holding periods of the securities, which is considered a Level 3 valuation. Unobservable inputs included in the valuation as of December 31, 2012 include a weighted average interest rate of 0.9%, a weighted average discount rate of 3.9%, and a weighted average holding period of 8.7 years. The valuation resulted in an unrealized loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $2.0 million at December 31, 2012 and $1.4 million at December 31, 2011. The Company believes that the loss is temporary due to the strong underlying credit rating of the securities and the fact that the Company does not intend to sell the securities and is not likely to be required to sell the securities. The assumptions used in valuing the ARS are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change. Significant increases or decreases in any of the valuation assumptions in isolation would result in a significant change in the fair value.

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     ARS  

Balance at December 31, 2010

   $ 9,117   

Sales

       

Gains included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     448   
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     9,565   

Sales

       

Losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (595
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

   $ 8,970   
  

 

 

 

 

(5) Non-Marketable Investments

At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the carrying value of the Company’s non-marketable investments, which were composed primarily of interests in technology-related private equity funds, were $6.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

One of the Company’s investments, with a book value of $1.2 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, is being accounted for using the cost method and, accordingly, is valued at cost unless an other-than-temporary impairment in its value occurs. The other investments are being accounted for using the equity method as the investments are limited partnerships and the Company has an ownership interest in excess of 5% and, accordingly, the Company records its share of the investee’s operating results each period. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recorded gains (losses) from its non-marketable investments of approximately $(0.4) million, $1.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively, which are included in gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, gross distributions of $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were received from the funds. During 2012 and 2013, the Company identified errors related to the amount of income previously recorded for investments under the equity-method. Income related to equity method investments was understated by approximately $0.4 million in 2007, $0.2 million in 2008 and, based on revisions received by the Company in 2012 and 2013 to the information that was originally provided to the Company for the year ended December 31, 2011, was overstated by approximately $1.4 million in 2011. Management has concluded that these errors are immaterial to all prior period financial statements and recorded a correction of these errors as a $0.6 million and $0.2 million reduction in equity method income in the three months ended September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

In June 2010, the Company extended the expiration date of a cash bonus plan, originally adopted in 2000, that would pay a bonus, after the return of invested capital from certain of the Company’s non-marketable investments, to certain key employees. To date, no bonuses have been paid under the plan and no amounts are accrued as of December 31, 2012 as payments under the plan were not considered probable. The plan will now automatically expire on June 30, 2013, subject to earlier expiration as provided in the plan in the event that prior to such date there are less than 10 participants in the plan or all of the Company’s invested capital (as defined in the plan) has been returned to the Company.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

(6) Income Taxes

Income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2012      2011      2010  

Domestic

   $ 23,480       $ 35,371       $ 33,964   

Foreign

     8,030         3,274         336   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 31,510       $ 38,645       $ 34,300   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The components of the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 11,945      $ (1,083   $ 8,722   

State

     3,038        738        1,571   

Foreign

     1,338        843        1,144   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     16,321        498        11,437   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (4,449     13,485        2,301   

State

     (736     1,186        1,025   

Foreign

     (5,200     466        (970
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred

     (10,385     15,137        2,356   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision

   $ 5,936      $ 15,635      $ 13,793   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to Forrester’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 is as follows:

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Income tax provision at federal statutory rate

     35.0     35.0     35.0

Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:

      

State tax provision, net of federal benefit

     4.9        3.1        5.0   

Non-deductible expenses

     0.4        1.6        2.2   

Tax-exempt interest income

     (0.5     (0.4     (1.3

Stock option compensation deduction

     0.7        0.6        0.2   

Change in valuation allowance

     (0.8     1.1        (3.4

Exchange rate gain

     (0.3     (0.5     (1.1

Foreign tax rate differential

     (2.8     (1.0       

Benefit upon audit settlement

     (19.6              

Other, net

     1.8        1.0        3.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

     18.8     40.5     40.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-20


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The components of deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011  

Non-deductible reserves and accruals

   $ 4,105      $ 3,125   

Stock compensation

     4,948        5,146   

Net operating loss and other carryforwards

     9,816        7,526   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax asset

     18,869        15,797   

Less—valuation allowance

     (2,086     (3,077
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     16,783        12,720   

Depreciation and amortization

     (5,018     (7,996

Goodwill amortization

     (4,381     (5,518

Other liabilities

     (2,872     (3,347

Deferred commissions

     (3,743     (4,775
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

   $ 769      $ (8,916
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current net deferred tax assets and long-term net deferred tax assets were $0.1 and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2012 and $0 and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2011, and are included in prepaid and other current assets and other assets, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Current net deferred tax liabilities and long-term net deferred tax liabilities were $0.4 million and $0.3 million as of December 31, 2012 and $0.4 and $8.6 million as of December 31, 2011, and are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and non-current liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of a net deferred income tax asset. Judgment is required in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. In arriving at these judgments, the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. Although realization is not assured, based upon the Company’s historical taxable income and projections of the Company’s future taxable income over the periods during which the deferred tax assets are deductible and the carryforwards expire, management believes it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances, as discussed below.

As of December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company maintained a valuation allowance of approximately $2.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively, primarily relating to foreign net operating loss carryforwards from an acquisition and U.S. capital losses.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $10.0 million obtained from acquired businesses. These carryforwards are limited pursuant to section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code due to changes in ownership as a result of the acquisitions. If unused, these carryforwards would expire on various dates from 2019 through 2028.

The Company also has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $19.8 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely. Approximately $5.7 million of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards relate to a prior acquisition, the utilization of which is subject to limitation under the tax law of the United Kingdom. In the third quarter of 2012 the Company settled a tax audit at its German subsidiary resulting in the recognition of $5.5 million in deferred tax assets relating to net operating losses and intangible assets at this subsidiary. During

 

F-21


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

2010 the Company had determined that the ability of the Company to benefit from the net operating losses at its German subsidiary did not meet the more likely than not standard. Accordingly, the previously recorded deferred tax asset and corresponding valuation allowance for the German net operating loss were removed from the components of deferred taxes with no effect to the Company’s overall tax provision for 2010.

As of December 31, 2012, the Company had U.S. federal and state capital loss carryforwards of $1.9 million, of which $1.1 million expires in 2014, and $0.8 million expires in 2016.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Deferred tax valuation allowance at January 1

   $ 3,077      $ 2,676      $ 11,672   

Additions

     11        508        440   

Deductions

     (1,066     (85     (9,405

Translation adjustments

     64        (22     (31
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred tax valuation allowance at December 31

   $ 2,086      $ 3,077      $ 2,676   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company recognized approximately ($0.3) million, $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of net tax benefits (deficiencies) from tax deductions in excess of (or less than) book deductions resulting from employee stock option exercises. The net tax benefits (deficiencies) were recorded as an increase (decrease) to additional paid-in-capital. Excess tax benefits from share-based payments are recognized in the year that the deduction reduces the amount of cash payable for taxes.

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries amounted to approximately $5.2 million as of December 31, 2012. The Company has not provided any additional federal or state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes on the undistributed earnings as such earnings have been indefinitely reinvested in the business. Due to the various methods by which such earnings could be repatriated in the future, the amount of taxes attributable to the undistributed earnings is not practicably determinable.

The Company utilizes a two-step process for the measurement of uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken on a tax return. The first step is a determination of whether the tax position should be recognized in the financial statements. The second step determines the measurement of the tax position. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 

     2012     2011     2010  

Unrecognized tax benefits at January 1

   $ 1,269      $ 1,222      $ 919   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     112        107        410   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (37              

Additions for tax positions of current year

     1,271        17        77   

Settlements

     (582              

Lapse of statute of limitations

     (360     (77     (184

Translation adjustments

     (2              
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Unrecognized tax benefits at December 31

   $ 1,671      $ 1,269      $ 1,222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-22


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2012, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits totaled approximately $1.7 million, all of which if recognized, would decrease our effective tax rate in a future period. It is not expected that a significant amount of unrecognized tax benefits would be recognized within the next 12 months.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense and such amounts were not material in the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. At December 31, 2012 and 2011, the Company had approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, respectively.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and in foreign jurisdictions. Generally, the Company is no longer subject to U.S., state, local and foreign income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major jurisdictions for years before 2005, except to the extent of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from those years. Major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S., the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland.

 

(7) Commitments

As of December 31, 2012, Forrester had future contractual obligations as follows for operating leases (in thousands):

 

2013

   $ 11,023   

2014

     10,158   

2015

     9,600   

2016

     9,104   

2017

     8,727   

Thereafter

     67,798   
  

 

 

 

Total minimum lease payments

   $ 116,410   
  

 

 

 

Aggregate rent expenses, net of sublease income, were approximately $14.4 million, $15.3 million and $10.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively.

 

(8) Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock

Forrester has authorized 500,000 shares of $.01 par value preferred stock. The Board of Directors has full authority to issue this stock and to fix the voting powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designation of such series.

Treasury Stock

Through December 31, 2012, Forrester’s Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate $310.0 million, including $50.0 million approved in October 2012 and $60.0 million approved in October 2010, to purchase common stock under the stock repurchase program. The shares repurchased may be used, among other things, in connection with Forrester’s equity incentive and purchase plans. As of December 31, 2012, Forrester had repurchased approximately 9.2 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $210.8 million.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Dividends

During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company declared and paid four quarterly dividends of $0.14 per share each quarter, amounting to $0.56 per share or $12.6 million for the year. In December 2010 the Company paid a special cash dividend of $68.4 million, which represented a payment of $3.00 per share to common stockholders.

Equity Plans

Forrester maintains the following four equity incentive plans: the Amended and Restated 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), the Amended and Restated 1996 Equity Incentive Plan (the “1996 Plan”), the 2006 Stock Option Plan for Directors’, as amended (the “2006 Directors’ Plan”) and the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “1996 Directors’ Plan”). Upon approval of the 2006 Plan and the 2006 Directors’ Plan by stockholders, no future awards under the 1996 Plan and 1996 Directors Plan could be granted or issued. In addition, upon approval of an amendment to the 2006 Plan by stockholders in 2012, no future awards under the 2006 Directors’ Plan could be granted or issued.

The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based awards, including incentive stock options (“ISOs”), non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”), and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to purchase up to 4,350,000 shares authorized in the 2006 Plan plus up to 2,500,000 shares returned from the 1996 Plan and 80,000 shares returned from the 2006 Directors’ Plan. Under the terms of the 2006 Plan, ISOs may not be granted at less than fair market value on the date of grant (and in no event less than par value). Options generally vest annually over two to four years and expire after 10 years and RSUs generally vest over three to four years, in each case sometimes subject to performance conditions in addition to the passage of time. Options and RSUs granted under the 2006 Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the 2006 Plan. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 2.5 million shares were available for future grant of awards under the 2006 Plan.

The 1996 Plan provided for the issuance of stock-based awards, including ISOs and NSOs, to purchase up to 13,500,000 shares of common stock. Under the terms of the 1996 Plan, ISOs were not granted at less than fair market value on the date of grant (and in no event less than par value). ISO grants to holders of 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of Forrester stock were required to be granted at an exercise price not less than 110% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options generally vested ratably over two to four years and expire after 10 years and were sometimes subject to performance conditions in addition to the passage of time. At December 31, 2012, approximately 0.1 million options remain outstanding and are fully vested under the 1996 Plan.

The 2006 Directors’ Plan provided for the issuance of options to purchase up to 450,000 shares of common stock. Prior to the 2012 annual stockholders meeting, each non-employee director was entitled to receive an option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock upon his or her election as a director. These options vest in four equal annual installments, with the first installment vested on the date of grant. In addition, prior to the 2010 annual stockholder meeting, each non-employee director was entitled to receive an option to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, each year immediately following Forrester’s annual stockholders’ meeting, and commencing with the 2010 annual stockholders meeting, non-employee directors were entitled to receive an option to purchase 12,000 shares immediately following the meeting. These options vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. Options granted under the 2006 Directors’ Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the 2006 Directors’ Plan. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 0.3 million options remain outstanding under the 2006 Directors Plan.

 

F-24


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Options issued under the 1996 Directors’ Plan were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant, each year immediately following Forrester’s annual stockholders’ meeting. These options vested in four equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. At December 31, 2012, approximately 0.1 million options remain outstanding and are fully vested under the 1996 Directors Plan.

Stock Options

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data and contractual term):

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted -
Average
Exercise
Price Per
Share
     Weighted -
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 

Outstanding at December 31, 2011

     2,130      $ 27.46         

Granted

     422        33.25         

Exercised

     (435     24.47         

Forfeited

     (181     31.44         
  

 

 

         

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

     1,936      $ 29.03         6.37       $ 2,319   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2012

     1,859      $ 28.86         6.27       $ 2,316   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Exercisable at December 31, 2012

     1,096      $ 26.48         4.73       $ 2,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $3.5 million, $4.1 million and $11.6 million, respectively.

On April 1, 2008, the Company issued to its employees options to purchase 370,000 shares of common stock. These options were subject to performance criteria and would vest only if certain operating profit targets related to full year 2008 performance were achieved. The vesting of these options was over 24, 36 or 48 months, or the options could be forfeited, depending on the actual operating profit achieved for 2008. During 2008, operating performance was expected to result in the options vesting over 48 months and expense was recognized assuming that vesting period. The actual operating profit targets for 2008 resulted in accelerated vesting of the options over 24 months and the compensation expense associated with the accelerated vesting was recognized on a prospective basis through the remainder of the vesting period. The expense related to these options was recognized on a graded basis.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) represent the right to receive one share of Forrester common stock when the restrictions lapse and the vesting conditions are met, and are valued on the date of grant based upon the value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. Shares of Forrester’s common stock will be delivered to the grantee upon vesting, subject to a reduction of shares for payment of withholding taxes. The weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $33.88, $33.15 and $29.77, respectively. The value of RSUs vested and converted to common stock, based on the value of Forrester’s common stock on the date of vesting, was $1.6 million and $0.4 million during 2012 and 2011, respectively. No RSUs vested during 2010.

 

F-25


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

In 2009, the Company issued to its employees 95,496 performance-based RSUs. The vesting of the RSUs was subject to performance criteria and would vest at 100% or 40% on April 1, 2012, or the RSUs could be forfeited, depending on whether specified revenue growth and certain operating margin targets related to full year 2011 performance were achieved. Based on 2011 financial performance, 40% of the then outstanding RSUs vested on April 1, 2012. Compensation expense in 2010 and 2009 was recognized based on an estimate of 100% vesting of the RSUs and in 2011 the Company modified it assessment of vesting to the 40% level.

In 2010, the Company issued to its employees approximately 63,000 performance-based RSUs. The vesting of the RSUs was subject to performance criteria and would vest at 100% or 40% on April 1, 2013, or the RSUs could be forfeited, depending on whether specified revenue growth and certain operating margin targets related to full year 2012 performance were achieved. Based on 2012 financial performance the RSUs will be forfeited as of April 1, 2013. Compensation expense in 2010 was recognized based on an estimate of 100% vesting of the RSUs and in 2011 the Company modified its assessment of vesting to a zero percent level.

In 2011, the Company issued to its employees approximately 71,000 performance-based RSUs. The vesting of the RSUs is subject to performance criteria and will vest at 100% or 40% on April 1, 2014, or the RSUs could be forfeited, depending on whether specified revenue growth and certain operating margin targets related to full year 2013 performance are achieved. Compensation expense was not recognized in 2012 and 2011 based on an estimate of zero percent vesting of the RSUs.

RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2012 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 

Unvested at December 31, 2011

     267      $ 29.93   

Granted

     179        33.88   

Vested or settled

     (49     27.60   

Forfeited

     (96     28.90   
  

 

 

   

Unvested at December 31, 2012

     301      $ 32.98   
  

 

 

   

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Stock Purchase Plan”) provides for the issuance of up to 1.5 million shares of common stock and as of December 31, 2012 approximately 0.4 million shares remain available for issuance. With certain limited exceptions, all employees of Forrester whose customary employment is more than 20 hours per week, including officers and directors who are employees, are eligible to participate in the Stock Purchase Plan. Purchase periods under the Stock Purchase Plan are generally six months in length and commence on each successive March 1 and September 1. Stock purchased under the Stock Purchase Plan is required to be held for one-year before it is able to be sold. During each purchase period the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased by an employee is limited to the number of shares equal to $12,500 divided by the fair market value of a share of common stock on the first day of the purchase period. An employee may elect to have up to 10% deducted from his or her compensation for the purpose of purchasing shares under the Stock Purchase Plan. The price at which the employee’s shares are purchased is the lower of: a) 85% of the closing price of the common stock on the day that the purchase period commences, or b) 85% of the closing price of the common stock on the day that the purchase period terminates.

 

F-26


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Prior to 2012 purchase periods commenced on each successive January 1 and July 1. Shares purchased by employees under the Stock Purchase Plan are as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Shares      Purchase  

Purchase Period Ended

   Purchased      Price  

August 31, 2012

     23       $ 24.88   

June 30, 2011

     51       $ 28.02   

December 31, 2011

     50       $ 28.08   

June 30, 2010

     45       $ 22.67   

December 31, 2010

     44       $ 26.44   

 

(9) Employee Pension Plans

Forrester sponsors several defined contribution plans for eligible employees. Generally, the defined contribution plans have funding provisions which, in certain situations, require contributions based upon formulas relating to employee wages or the level of elective participant contributions, as well as allow for additional discretionary contributions. Further, certain plans contain vesting provisions. Forrester’s contributions to these plans totaled approximately $3.2 million, $3.0 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.