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, 2013

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. þ

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, 2013 (based on the closing price as quoted by the Nasdaq National Market as of such date) was approximately $451,000,000.

As of March 6, 2014, 19,570,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement related to its 2014 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, 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 technology management 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 research and data subscription offerings that provide access to our core research and data 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 and data 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 and our data offerings 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 fact-based insights, allowing them to make better informed and justified decisions faster, to understand and manage the business dynamics most important to win, serve, and retain customers, and to help clients link their knowledge of customers, marketing efforts, and technology into a coherent plan.

 

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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 and Data Products.    Our business model, technology platform, research methodologies, and rich longitudinal data 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, research methodologies, and data to both increase sales of our existing data and RoleView research products and introduce innovative new products. Our other offerings complement, enhance and supplement our RoleView research and data subscription 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.

Global Research and Product Organizations; Using Targeted, Global Client-Centric Sales Channels.    We reorganized our fulfillment organization at the end of 2013 into a single, global research organization and product organization to better support our client base by facilitating better research collaboration and quality, promoting a more uniform client experience and improved customer satisfaction, and encouraging innovation. During 2013 we also established a dedicated consulting organization to provide research-based project consulting services to our clients, allowing our analysts to spend additional time on writing research and providing shorter-term advisory services.

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. 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, 2013 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. 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 research analysts and consultants are critical elements of our ability to provide high-quality products and services. We employ outstanding research professionals and consultants 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 and consulting professionals. We provide a competitive compensation structure, as well as recognition and rewards for excellent individual and team performance.

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:

 

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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, consultants 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 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

 

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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 peer groups for executives and other senior leaders at large organizations worldwide. Clients and prospects may participate in one or more Forrester Leadership Boards. Memberships are available to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Group, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Group and several Councils for the technology and marketing 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:

 

   

A private forum for members to test their thinking with peers through local and national meetings, one-to-one and group peer exchanges, and virtual community activities.

 

   

Advisors to challenge members’ thinking with insights drawn from peers, our research, and our analyst community.

 

   

Membership-generated content that includes next and best practices as well as role-specific maturity benchmark data.

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. Our data products are designed to provide fact-based customer insights to our clients. 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 400,000 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 may have access to a Technographics data specialist to help them use the data effectively to meet their specific business needs.

 

   

Business Technographics (Forrester’s new combined offering of its former Forrester’s Forrsights for Business Technology and Tech Marketing Navigator offerings).    Business Technographics is an ongoing quantitative research program that provides comprehensive, in-depth assessments of what motivates businesses to choose certain technologies and vendors over others. The offering also measures and reports on the current information consumption patterns of key influencers for large technology purchases. We annually survey more than 62,000 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, trends, budgets, business organization, decision processes, purchase plans, brand preferences, and primary influences in the purchasing process. Business Technographics’ clients may also have access to a dedicated data advisor to assist in utilizing appropriate data to achieve desired outcomes.

 

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Forrester Consulting

Our research-based advisory and project consulting services leverage our RoleView research and Technographics data to deliver focused insights and recommendations that assist clients in developing and executing technology and business strategy, informing critical decisions and reducing business risk. Our consulting services help clients with the entire range of challenges addressed in our published research, such as turning big data into business insights, becoming a digital disruptor, embracing the mobile mind shift, and transforming the customer experience. We help business and technology professionals conduct maturity assessments, prioritize best practices, develop strategies, build business cases, select technology vendors, and structure organizations. We help marketing professionals at technology vendors develop content marketing strategies, create marketing collateral, and develop sales tools.

As noted above, in 2013 we established a dedicated consulting organization. The experienced consultants that are part of this organization provide research-based project consulting services to our clients.

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. Our Premier group focuses 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 485 salespersons as of December 31, 2013, an increase of 5% from 462 as of December 31, 2012. 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 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.

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, 2013, our research was delivered to more than 2,400 client companies. No single client company accounted for more than 2% of our 2013 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.

 

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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 2% to $216.5 million at December 31, 2013 from $220.4 million at December 31, 2012.

Research Analysts and Methodology

We employ a structured methodology in our research that enables us to identify and analyze business 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 helping our clients grow their business. We use the following primary research inputs:

 

   

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

 

   

In-depth interviews with business 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 business and technology opportunities in the marketplace.

Our Consumer Technographics and Business Technographics data products combine 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 and other 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 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.

 

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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 research focus on emerging technologies and on winning, retaining and servicing customers, 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, 2013, we employed a total of 1,288 persons, including 475 research staff and 485 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 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 55 countries and approximately 26% 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

 

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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 sourced by 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, consultants, 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. Our future success will also 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.

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.

 

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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 and research and advisory services 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, consultants, 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 previously identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting because we did not maintain effective controls over revenue related to our advisory services and consulting projects and over revenue related to the event tickets that are included in certain of our subscription products. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we completed our remediation activities related to these material weaknesses. As a result, as of December 31, 2013, we concluded that we have remediated these material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. There can be no assurance that no weakness in our internal control over financial reporting will occur in future periods, or that any such weakness will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial results, including our ability to report our financial results in a timely manner.

 

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, consulting, 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, New Delhi, and Singapore. 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 approximately ten years until January 31, 2021, with the right to terminate in 2017 with prior notice and payment of designated early termination fees and charges. The London lease is for

 

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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”. During 2012 quarterly dividends of $0.14 per common share were declared and paid in each of the four quarters during the year. During 2013 quarterly dividends of $0.15 per common share were declared and paid in each of the four quarters during the year. In February 2014 our Board of Directors declared an increase in our regular quarterly dividend to $0.16 per share that is payable on March 19, 2014. 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 6, 2014 there were approximately 36 stockholders of record of our common stock. On March 6, 2014 the closing price of our common stock was $37.70 per share.

The following table represents the ranges of high and low sale prices of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

     2013      2012  
     High      Low      High      Low  

First Quarter

   $ 31.76       $ 24.88       $ 36.15       $ 31.37   

Second Quarter

   $ 37.41       $ 33.01       $ 36.00       $ 30.90   

Third Quarter

   $ 39.77       $ 32.15       $ 34.46       $ 20.60   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 41.36       $ 36.14       $ 31.00       $ 26.22   

Through 2013, our Board of Directors authorized an aggregate $385.0 million to purchase common stock under our stock repurchase program including $25.0 million authorized in July 2013 and $50.0 million authorized in February 2013. As of December 31, 2013 we had repurchased approximately 12.4 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $329.1 million.

During 2013 the Company retired 11.7 million shares of treasury stock. These retired shares are now included in the Company’s pool of authorized but unissued shares. The retired stock had a carrying value of approximately $303.0 million.

 

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During the quarter ended December 31, 2013 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

     188,792       $ 37.13      

November 1—November 30

     11,742       $ 37.90      

December 1—December 31

     41,467       $ 37.69       $ 55,949   
  

 

 

       
     242,001         
  

 

 

       

 

(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, 2008 through December 31, 2013 with the cumulative return during the same period for the Russell 2000 and the S&P 600 Small Cap Information Technology Index, 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,  
     2013     2012      2011      2010      2009  
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Consolidated Statement of Income Data

             

Research services

   $ 202,843      $ 203,091       $ 191,495       $ 168,597       $ 157,736   

Advisory services and other

     94,807        89,940         91,840         82,261         75,631   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenue

     297,650        293,031         283,335         250,858         233,367   

Income from operations

     21,833        30,760         36,716         30,882         32,435   

Other income and gains (losses) on investments, net

     (1,841     1,394         231         3,550         555   

Net income

   $ 13,024      $ 26,296       $ 21,991       $ 20,832       $ 18,811   

Basic income per common share

   $ 0.62      $ 1.17       $ 0.97       $ 0.93       $ 0.83   

Diluted income per common share

   $ 0.61      $ 1.15       $ 0.95       $ 0.90       $ 0.82   

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     20,861        22,500         22,666         22,478         22,645   

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     21,353        22,929         23,164         23,063         22,884   

 

     As of December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011      2010      2009  
     (In thousands)  

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

              

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments

   $ 155,145       $ 242,656       $ 227,603       $ 216,034       $ 259,792   

Working capital

     78,991         155,278         158,370         146,014         190,216   

Total assets

     402,202         488,015         487,110         450,747         470,273   

Deferred revenue

     152,903         150,495         148,004         131,357         117,856   

Total liabilities

     197,540         190,808         196,960         178,406         158,219   

Cash dividends declared

     12,394         12,588                 68,414           

The following items impact the comparability of our consolidated data:

 

   

Cash dividends in 2013 and 2012 represent quarterly dividends of $0.15 and $0.14 per common share declared and paid during 2013 and 2012, respectively. Cash dividends in 2010 represent a special dividend of $3.00 per common share declared and paid in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

   

The 2013 other income and gains (losses) on investments, net amount includes a $1.9 million loss for the sale of the Company’s entire portfolio of auction rate securities.

 

   

The 2012 net income amount includes a $5.9 million deferred income tax benefit resulting from the settlement of a tax audit at the Company’s German subsidiary.

 

   

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

As described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company identified prior period errors that affected the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The revisions for the prior period corrections, which the Company has concluded are immaterial to all prior period financial statements, are reflected in the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. In addition, the consolidated

 

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statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were revised as follows:

 

   

The 2010 consolidated statement of income has been revised to reflect a $0.1 million increase to revenue, a $0.1 million increase to income from operations, a $0.2 million decrease to income tax provision, and a $0.3 million increase to net income.

 

   

The 2009 consolidated statement of income has been revised to reflect a $0.8 million increase in loss on investments, a $0.7 million decrease to income tax provision, and a $0.1 million decrease to net income.

 

   

The 2011 consolidated balance sheet data was revised to increase working capital by $0.3 million, decrease total assets by $0.5 million, increase deferred revenue by $0.1 million, and increase total liabilities by $0.1 million.

 

   

The 2010 consolidated balance sheet data was revised to decrease working capital by $0.1 million, decrease deferred revenue by $0.2 million, and decrease total liabilities by $0.2 million.

 

   

The 2009 consolidated balance sheet data was revised to decrease working capital by $0.5 million, increase total assets by $0.1 million, and decrease total liabilities by less than $0.1 million.

 

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

Overview

We derive revenues from memberships to our research and data 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 and consulting 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 and annual fees for cloud-based information technology systems 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, 2013.

 

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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.

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)
 
     2013     2012      

Deferred revenue

   $ 152.9      $ 150.5      $ 2.4        2

Agreement value

   $ 216.5      $ 220.4      $ (3.9     (2 %) 

Client retention

     73     77     (4     (5 %) 

Dollar retention

     86     90     (4     (4 %) 

Enrichment

     97     95     2        2

Number of clients

     2,471        2,462        9          

 

     As of
December 31,
    Absolute
Increase

(Decrease)
    Percentage
Increase

(Decrease)
 
     2012     2011      

Deferred revenue

   $ 150.5      $ 148.0      $ 2.5        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 %) 

Deferred revenue at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 both increased 2% compared to the prior years. However when including the amount of future invoicing for contracts at each period end, the combined amount of deferred revenue and future invoicing was flat at both December 31, 2013 and 2012 compared to the prior years. The change in deferred revenue plus future invoicing is essentially consistent with the change in agreement value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 compared to the prior years and both metrics are reflective of flat contract bookings in both 2013 and 2012 compared to prior years. Enrichment, client retention and dollar retention rates at December 31, 2013 have all trended downward from 2011 levels. The enrichment and client retention rates include a 12-month period and as such the rates in 2013 and 2012 reflect the negative effects from the challenges associated with the implementation of the sales reorganization in early 2012, high sales employee attrition during 2013 and 2012, a difficult selling environment in Europe during 2013 and 2012 and weaker demand for our data subscription products in 2013, in part due to the phasing out of our standalone Technology Marketing Navigator data product.

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

 

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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 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 subscription 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 if not delivered. 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 services revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Advisory services 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

 

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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 subscription 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. Beginning in February 2013, we discontinued our policy of offering our clients a service guarantee. Service guarantees had provided 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 $5.7 million at December 31, 2013. 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.

 

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Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets.    As of December 31, 2013, we had $85.8 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. The annual assessment of goodwill can be based on either a quantitative or qualitative assessment, or a combination of both. We completed the annual goodwill impairment testing as of November 30, 2013 utilizing a qualitative assessment and concluded that the fair values of each of our reporting units more likely than not continues to exceed 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 and technology 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, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds.

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

 

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corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets. Fair values determined by Level 3 inputs utilize unobservable data points.

At December 31, 2013, we held $87.3 million of marketable investments that were valued using Level 2 inputs. Our marketable investments consist solely of high credit quality corporate and municipal bonds with a weighted average credit rating of AA and do not include difficult to value features. The majority of our marketable investments are in large corporate notes. 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. We verify the pricing information obtained from our investment managers by periodically repricing the securities from independent sources, 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.

At December 31, 2013 we held no marketable investments that were valued using Level 3 inputs.

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.

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, 2013, 2012 and 2011

The financial results for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 included in this report differ from those included in our earnings release issued February 12, 2014 in that the earnings release did not reflect the revision of our prior period financial statements for errors in income taxes that we identified subsequent to the issuance of our earnings release. As described in Notes 2 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, we have revised our prior period financial statements to reflect the correction of the errors in the applicable prior periods. The effect of the revision on the previously reported amounts in our earnings release was (1) an increase in net income for the three months and year ended December 31, 2013 of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, with a corresponding increase in basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2013 of $0.01 and (2) an increase (decrease) in net income for the three months and year ended December 31, 2012 of $(0.1) million and $0.3 million, respectively, with a corresponding increase in basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2012 of $0.02. This change did not affect our pro forma net income or pro forma earnings per share as reported in our earnings release as we utilized a fixed 39% tax rate for pro forma purposes in both the 2013 and 2012 periods.

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

 

     Years Ended  
     December 31,  
     2013     2012     2011  

Revenues:

      

Research services

     68.1     69.3     67.6

Advisory services and other

     31.9        30.7        32.4   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     100.0        100.0        100.0   

Operating expenses:

      

Cost of services and fulfillment

     39.3        38.0        36.6   

Selling and marketing

     36.0        34.6        35.8   

General and administrative

     12.9        12.6        11.7   

Depreciation

     3.1        3.0        1.9   

Amortization of intangible assets

     0.8        0.8        0.9   

Reorganization costs

     0.6        0.5        0.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     7.3        10.5        13.0   

Other income, net

     0.2        0.5        0.2   

Gains (losses) on investments, net

     (0.8            (0.2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     6.7        11.0        13.0   

Income tax provision

     2.3        2.0        5.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     4.4     9.0     7.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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2013 compared to 2012

Revenues

 

     2013     2012     Absolute
Increase
(Decrease)
    Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
 
     (dollars in millions)              

Revenues

   $ 297.7      $ 293.0      $ 4.7        2

Revenues from research services

   $ 202.8      $ 203.1      $ (0.3       

Revenues from advisory services and other

   $ 94.8      $ 89.9      $ 4.9        5

Revenues attributable to customers outside of the U.S.

   $ 78.7      $ 81.8      $ (3.1     (4 %) 

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

     26     28     (2     (7 %) 

Number of clients (at end of period)

     2,471        2,462        9          

Number of events

     15        15                 

As described in the overview section above, the agreement value at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was essentially flat compared to the prior years and is reflective of flat contract bookings in both 2013 and 2012 compared to prior years. Enrichment, client retention and dollar retention rates at December 31, 2013 have all trended downward from 2011 levels. The enrichment and client retention rates include a 12-month period and as such the rates in 2013 and 2012 reflect the negative effects from the challenges associated with the implementation of the sales reorganization in early 2012, high sales employee attrition during 2013 and 2012, a difficult selling environment in Europe during 2013 and 2012 and weaker demand for our data subscription products in 2013, in part due to the phasing out of our standalone Technology Marketing Navigator data product.

The 2% increase in revenues during 2013 compared to 2012 was driven by a 5% increase in advisory services and other revenues while research services revenues were essentially flat during the period. Foreign exchange fluctuations had an insignificant effect on revenue growth during 2013. Revenues from customers outside of the U.S. in 2013 declined by 2% as a percentage of total revenues compared to the prior year period due primarily to a decline in revenues from the European region. The general economic conditions in Europe as well as sales leadership challenges have contributed to a difficult selling environment in that region.

Research services revenues are recognized as revenue primarily on a ratable basis over the term of the contracts, which are generally twelve-month periods. Research services revenues were flat during 2013 compared to the prior year as contract bookings during those periods were essentially flat. Revenues from our data subscription products declined by approximately $2.4 million in 2013 compared to 2012 due primarily to the phasing out of our standalone Tech Marketing Navigator data product in 2013. The decline in data subscription revenues was partially offset by an increase in research product revenue.

Revenues from advisory services and other increased 5% during 2013 as compared to the prior year. The increase during 2013 is due entirely to increased advisory and project consulting revenues, as event revenues were flat in 2013 compared to the prior year. The increase in advisory and project consulting revenues in 2013 as compared to 2012 was generated in the second half of 2013 and was due primarily to both an increase in consulting headcount as we began to build out a dedicated consulting organization in 2013 as well as to increased productivity of our analyst personnel.

Please refer to the “Segment Results” section below for a discussion of revenue and direct margin results by segment.

 

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Cost of Services and Fulfillment

 

     2013     2012     Absolute
Increase
(Decrease)
     Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)
 

Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)

   $ 117.1      $ 111.2      $ 5.9         5

Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues

     39.3     38.0     1.3         3

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

     562        528        34         6

The increase in cost of services and fulfillment expenses during 2013 compared to the prior year is primarily due to a $6.0 million increase in compensation costs resulting primarily from an increase in the number of employees, an increase in incentive bonus payments and annual merit increases. In addition, 2013 included an increase in facility costs due to new office space in the Asia Pacific region in the second half of 2012 and an increase in service fees for cloud-based information systems. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional services fees related to the amount of surveys performed and a decrease in travel and entertainment expenses. We hired additional consulting employees in 2013 in support of our decision to build a dedicated consulting organization to provide research-based project consulting services to our clients, allowing our analysts to spend additional timing on writing research and providing shorter-term advisory services. We anticipate cost of services and fulfillment to continue to increase as a percentage of total revenues in 2014 as we plan to accelerate the pace of hiring in 2014 compared to 2013 with additional consulting personnel and product specialists.

Selling and Marketing

 

                 Absolute      Percentage  
                 Increase      Increase  
     2013     2012     (Decrease)      (Decrease)  

Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)

   $ 107.1      $ 101.4      $ 5.7         6

Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues

     36.0     34.6     1.4         4

Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)

     548        528        20         4

The increase in selling and marketing expenses during 2013 compared to the prior year is primarily due to a $5.2 million increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from both an increase in sales and marketing employees and annual merit increases. In addition, 2013 included an increase in facility costs due to new office space in the Asia Pacific region in the second half of 2012 and an increase in service fees for cloud-based information systems. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in travel and entertainment expenses.

Subject to the business environment, we intend to expand our quota carrying sales force by approximately 5% to 7% in 2014 as compared to 2013. Any resulting increase in contract bookings for our research services would generally be recognized over a twelve-month period, which typically results in an increase in selling and marketing expense as a percentage of revenues during periods of sales force expansion.

General and Administrative

 

                 Absolute     Percentage  
                 Increase     Increase  
     2013     2012     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  

General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)

   $ 38.3      $ 36.9      $ 1.4        4

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues

     12.9     12.6     0.3        2

General and administrative employees (at end of period)

     178        180        (2     (1 %) 

 

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The increase in general and administrative expenses during 2013 compared to the prior year is primarily due to a $0.8 million increase in compensation and benefits costs due to an increase in incentive bonus payments and annual merit increases. In addition, 2013 included an increase in recruiting costs to support company-wide hiring in 2013 as well as an increase in facility costs due to new office space in the Asia Pacific region in the second half of 2012 and an increase in service fees for cloud-based information systems. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional services fees primarily related to a decrease in information technology projects as 2012 included an update to our website and implementation of new customer relationship management software.

Depreciation

Depreciation expense increased $0.3 million during 2013 compared to the prior year primarily resulting from the initiation of depreciation for our new website in March 2012.

Amortization of Intangible Assets

Amortization expense has remained essentially consistent during 2013 as compared to the prior year.

Reorganization Costs

During 2013 we incurred $1.9 million of severance and related costs for the elimination of 31 jobs or approximately 2.5% of our workforce worldwide to streamline our operations. Essentially all costs incurred for the reorganization were paid during 2013.

We incurred $1.4 million of severance and related costs during 2012 for the termination of 17 employees related to the sales reorganization and other cost reduction initiatives. Essentially all of these costs were paid during 2012.

Income from Operations

Income from operations declined $8.9 million during 2013 as compared to the prior year and declined to 7.3% of total revenues in 2013 from 10.5% in the prior year. The decrease in both dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during 2013 is due primarily to low revenue growth in 2013 combined with increased compensation costs in 2013 from additional headcount investments in our consulting and sales organizations and annual merit increases. We anticipate a small contraction in income from operations as a percentage of total revenues in 2014 as compared to 2013 as we plan to continue to invest in consulting and sales headcount in 2014.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net primarily consists of interest income on our marketable securities as well as gains (losses) on foreign currency. The decrease in other income, net during 2013 is primarily due to lower interest income earned in 2013 due to lower investment balances.

Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net

Gains (losses) on investments, net include our share of equity method investment gains (losses) from our technology-related investment funds and gains (losses) from the sale of marketable securities. On October 30, 2013 we sold our portfolio of auction rate securities (par value $11.0 million) for a realized loss of $1.9 million. In addition, in 2013 we realized an approximate $0.7 million loss from our equity method investments primarily from a decrease in the valuation of certain assets within the funds. During 2012 the valuation of the assets within these funds remained essentially consistent with the 2011 valuations. Gains (losses) from the sale of marketable securities were insignificant in 2012.

 

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Income Tax Provision

 

                 Absolute      Percentage  
                 Increase      Increase  
     2013     2012     (Decrease)      (Decrease)  

Provision for income taxes (dollars in millions)

   $ 7.0      $ 5.9      $ 1.1         19

Effective tax rate

     34.9     18.2     16.7         92

The increase in the effective tax rate during 2013 as compared to the prior year is primarily due to the inclusion in 2012 of a tax benefit from the settlement of a tax audit by our German subsidiary that resulted in a 21 percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate, and to higher non-deductible expenses in 2013. This increase in the rate in 2013 was partially offset by an increase in the benefit of the foreign tax rate differential on non-U.S earnings due to higher foreign earnings, foreign tax credits realized in 2013 and a lower state rate in 2013 due to changes in income apportionment in 2013.

2012 compared to 2011

Revenues

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

Revenues

   $ 293.0      $ 283.3      $ 9.7        3

Revenues from research services

   $ 203.1      $ 191.5      $ 11.6        6

Revenues from advisory services and other

   $ 89.9      $ 91.8      $ (1.9     (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 revenues while advisory services and other revenues 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 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.

Revenues from advisory services and other decreased 2% during 2012 due to a $0.4 million decrease in event revenues and a $1.5 million decline in advisory and consulting revenues as compared to the prior year. The decline in event revenues 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 revenues 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.

 

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Cost of Services and Fulfillment

 

                 Absolute     Percentage  
                 Increase     Increase  
     2012     2011     (Decrease)     (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     36.6     1.4        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 compensation and benefit costs resulting from annual merit 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 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.

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     11.7     0.9         8

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 compensation and benefit costs of approximately $1.6 million. The increase in compensation and benefits costs in 2012 was primarily due to a reduction in the amount of compensation 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.

 

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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 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.

Income from Operations

Income from operations declined $6.0 million during 2012 as compared to the prior year and declined to 10.5% of total revenues in 2012 from 13.0% in the prior year. The decrease in both dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during 2012 is due primarily to low revenue growth in 2012 combined with increased compensation costs in 2012 from annual merit increases, increased incentive bonus and a full year of Springboard Research costs in 2012; increased depreciation costs from the initiation of depreciation for our new corporate headquarters and our new website; and increased professional services costs and stock compensation costs in 2012.

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 in 2012 and 2011 primarily represent our share of equity method investment gains (losses) from our technology-related investment funds. The losses during 2011 are due to a decrease in the valuation of certain assets within the funds. During 2012 the valuation of these assets was essentially consistent with the 2011 valuations.

Income Tax Provision

 

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

Provision for income taxes (dollars in millions)

   $ 5.9      $ 15.0      $ (9.1     (61 %) 

Effective tax rate

     18.2     40.5     (22.3     (55 %) 

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 21 percentage point reduction in the effective tax rate, principally from the ability to recognize net operating losses at this subsidiary.

Segment Results

At the end of 2013 we reorganized our fulfillment organization into a single global research organization and a single global product organization to better support our client base by facilitating better research

 

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collaboration and quality, promoting a more uniform client experience and improved customer satisfaction, and encouraging innovation. In addition, we established a dedicated consulting organization during 2013. We anticipate reporting segment information for our newly formed research, product, and consulting organizations in 2014.

Throughout 2013 we evaluated our business operations based on our historical client group organization. Until October 2013 we were 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 were considered operating segments, were: Business Technology (“BT”) and Marketing and Strategy (“M&S”). In addition, our Events segment supported both client groups. Each client group generated revenue through sales of research, advisory and other service offerings targeted at specific roles within their targeted clients. Each client group consisted 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.

We evaluate reportable segment performance and allocate resources 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, amortization of intangible assets and reorganization costs. In the first quarter of 2013, we modified segment direct margin for each of the BT and M&S clients groups to reflect the transfer of revenue and direct costs related to one product line from BT to M&S and to reallocate certain shared consulting costs between BT and M&S. Accordingly, the 2012 and 2011 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The accounting policies used by the segments are the same as those used in the consolidated financial statements.

 

     BT     M&S     Events     Consolidated  

Year ended December 31, 2013

        

Revenue

   $ 156,068      $ 128,738      $ 12,844      $ 297,650   

Direct margin

   $ 104,810      $ 83,689      $ 4,146      $ 192,645   

Year over year revenue growth

     1     3            2

Direct margin percentage

     67.2     65.0     32.3     64.7
     BT     M&S     Events     Consolidated  

Year ended December 31, 2012

        

Revenue

   $ 154,974      $ 125,228      $ 12,829      $ 293,031   

Direct margin

   $ 105,816      $ 81,798      $ 3,941      $ 191,555   

Year over year revenue growth

     5     2     (3 %)      3

Direct margin percentage

     68.3     65.3     30.7     65.4
     BT     M&S     Events     Consolidated  

Year ended December 31, 2011

        

Revenue

   $ 147,688      $ 122,474      $ 13,173      $ 283,335   

Direct margin

   $ 102,713      $ 78,132      $ 5,765      $ 186,610   

Direct margin percentage

     69.5     63.8     43.8     65.9

BT revenues increased 1% and 5% during 2013 and 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Research services revenues were flat during 2013 and increased 7% during 2012 as compared to the prior year periods. Advisory and consulting services revenues increased 4% and were flat during 2013 and 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. The decrease in the research services revenues growth rate in 2013 as compared to 2012 is primarily due to weaker demand in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily related to the Forrester Leadership Board product. The increase in advisory and consulting services growth rate in 2013 as compared to 2012 is primarily due to increased headcount in the new consulting organization as well as increased productivity of existing research analysts. The decrease in direct margin percentage for the 2013 and 2012

 

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periods compared to the prior years is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefit costs from increased headcount and annual merit increases combined with low revenue growth during both 2013 and 2012.

M&S revenues increased 3% and 2% during 2013 and 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. Research services revenues were flat during 2013 and increased 5% during 2012 as compared to the prior year periods. Advisory and consulting services revenues increased 10% and decreased 5% during 2013 and 2012, respectively, compared to the prior year periods. The decrease in the research services revenues growth rate in 2013 as compared to 2012 is primarily due to weaker demand in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily related to our data subscription products. The increase in the advisory and consulting services growth rate in 2013 as compared to 2012 is primarily due to strong demand in 2013 combined with increased productivity and increased headcount in the new consulting organization. Direct margin percentage during 2013 remained consistent compared to the prior year.

Events revenues were flat for 2013 and decreased 3% during 2012 compared to the prior year periods. The number of events held in 2013 was consistent with 2012 and a slight increase in sponsorship revenues in 2013 was offset by a decline in paid event tickets. Direct margin increased during 2013 compared to the prior year due to cost controls. The decrease in revenue during 2012 compared to the prior year is primarily due to the smaller scope of events held in 2012 as compared to the prior year, resulting in less event ticket revenues. The decrease in direct margin percentage during 2012 is primarily due to lower event ticket revenus compared to the prior year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have historically financed our operations primarily through funds generated from operations. Research services revenues, which constituted approximately 68% of our revenues during 2013, are generally renewable annually and are typically payable in advance. We generated cash from operating activities of $30.7 million and $53.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The $22.4 million decrease in cash provided from operations during 2013 is primarily attributable to a decrease in net income of $13.3 million in 2013 compared to 2012, and a decrease in cash collected from accounts receivable as we entered 2013 with a $6.8 million lower receivables balance as compared to 2012.

During 2013 we generated $57.6 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily of $60.4 million in net maturities of marketable investments partially offset by $3.1 million of purchases of property and equipment. Property and equipment purchases during 2013 consisted primarily of software and leasehold improvements. During 2012, we used $4.1 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily of $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. We regularly invest excess funds in short and intermediate-term interest-bearing obligations of investment grade.

We used $113.4 million of cash from financing activities during 2013 primarily due to $118.2 million of purchases of our common stock, of which $75.1 million (including expenses) was purchased through our modified Dutch auction self-tender offer (described below) and $43.1 million was purchased on the open market subsequent to completion of the self-tender offer. In addition, during 2013 we paid $12.4 million of quarterly dividends consisting of a $0.15 per share dividend each quarter and received $17.4 of proceeds from the exercise of stock options and our employee stock purchase plan. We used $31.7 million of cash from financing activities during 2012 primarily resulting from $29.8 million of purchases of our common stock, $12.6 million of dividend payments and $0.9 million of deferred payments from our 2011 acquisition of Springboard Research, partially offset by $11.2 million of proceeds from exercises of stock options and our employee stock purchase plan.

On April 3, 2013 we commenced a modified Dutch auction self-tender offer to repurchase up to $130 million of our common stock at a price per share within the range of $32.00 to $36.00. A modified Dutch auction self-tender offer allows stockholders to indicate how many shares and at what price within the company’s specified range (in increments of $0.25 per share) they wish to tender. When the tender offer expired, based upon the number of shares tendered and the prices specified by the tendering stockholders, we determined the purchase price, which was the lowest price per share within the range that enabled us to purchase up to $130 million of our

 

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common stock. The tender offer expired on May 1, 2013 and we purchased 2,054,732 shares of our common stock on May 7, 2013 at a purchase price of $36.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of $74.0 million plus $1.1 million of expenses related to the tender offer. We funded the repurchase from cash and marketable securities on hand.

During 2013 our board of directors increased our stock repurchase authorization by $75 million. As of December 31, 2013 our remaining stock repurchase authorization was approximately $55.9 million. We plan to continue to repurchase our common stock during 2014, as market conditions warrant.

As of December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents of $74.1 million and marketable investments of $81.0 million. We do not currently have a line of credit and do not presently anticipate the need to access a line of credit in the foreseeable future except in the case of a significant acquisition. We believe that our current cash balance, marketable investments, and cash flows from operations will satisfy working capital, financing activities, and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next two years.

As of December 31, 2013, we had future contractual obligations as follows:

 

Contractual

Obligations

   Total      2014      2015      2016      2017      2018      Thereafter  
     (In thousands)  

Operating leases

   $ 108,993       $ 11,290       $ 10,352       $ 9,544       $ 9,194       $ 8,952       $ 59,661   

Purchase commitments

     5,104         3,910         1,194                                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 114,097       $ 15,200       $ 11,546       $ 9,544       $ 9,194       $ 8,952       $ 59,661   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 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.

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.

 

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

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2014     2015     2016  

State and municipal agency obligations

   $ 4,763      $ 2,051      $   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     24,390        28,844        20,965   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total investments

   $ 29,153      $ 30,895      $ 20,965   

Weighted average interest rates

     0.63     0.71     0.74

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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, we incurred foreign currency exchange losses of $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $1.3 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, British pound 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 2013 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, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Forrester Research, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 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 on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under item 9A. 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 13, 2014

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     December 31,  
     2013     2012  
     (In thousands, except per
share data)
 
ASSETS   

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 74,132      $ 98,810   

Marketable investments (Note 5)

     81,013        134,876   

Accounts receivable, net (Note 13)

     77,543        74,623   

Deferred commissions

     12,939        9,410   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     20,762        18,904   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     266,389        336,623   

Long-term marketable investments (Note 5)

            8,970   

Property and equipment, net (Note 13)

     39,868        46,300   

Goodwill (Note 4)

     80,001        78,954   

Intangible assets, net (Note 4)

     5,777        7,920   

Other assets

     10,167        9,248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 402,202      $ 488,015   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 1,024      $ 772   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 13)

     33,471        30,078   

Deferred revenue

     152,903        150,495   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     187,398        181,345   

Non-current liabilities (Note 13)

     10,142        9,463   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     197,540        190,808   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments (Note 8)

    

Stockholders’ Equity (Note 9):

    

Preferred stock, $.01 par value

    

Authorized — 500 shares, issued and outstanding — none

              

Common stock, $.01 par value

    

Authorized — 125,000 shares

    

Issued — 20,491 and 31,451 in 2013 and 2012, respectively

    

Outstanding 19,756 and 22,293 in 2013 and 2012, respectively

     205        315   

Additional paid-in capital

     109,676        389,362   

Retained earnings

     118,415        117,785   

Treasury stock — 735 and 9,158 in 2013 and 2012, respectively, at cost

     (26,088     (210,843

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     2,454        588   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     204,662        297,207   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 402,202      $ 488,015   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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,  
     2013     2012      2011  
     (In thousands, except per share data)  

Revenues:

       

Research services

   $ 202,843      $ 203,091       $ 191,495   

Advisory services and other

     94,807        89,940         91,840   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

     297,650        293,031         283,335   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

       

Cost of services and fulfillment

     117,061        111,228         103,571   

Selling and marketing

     107,073        101,390         101,468   

General and administrative

     38,280        36,866         33,284   

Depreciation

     9,268        8,921         5,359   

Amortization of intangible assets

     2,230        2,445         2,562   

Reorganization costs

     1,905        1,421         375   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     275,817        262,271         246,619   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income from operations

     21,833        30,760         36,716   

Other income, net

     592        1,300         630   

Gains (losses) on investments, net

     (2,433     94         (399
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     19,992        32,154         36,947   

Income tax provision

     6,968        5,858         14,956   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 13,024      $ 26,296       $ 21,991   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

   $ 0.62      $ 1.17       $ 0.97   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

   $ 0.61      $ 1.15       $ 0.95   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     20,861        22,500         22,666   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     21,353        22,929         23,164   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

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,  
     2013      2012     2011  
     (In thousands)  

Net income

   $ 13,024       $ 26,296      $ 21,991   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:

       

Foreign currency translation

     826         7,419        (1,335

Net change in market value of investments

     1,040         (3     (21
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,866         7,416        (1,356
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

   $ 14,890       $ 33,712      $ 20,635   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2010

    30,500      $ 305      $ 358,017      $ 82,086        7,688      $ (162,595   $ (5,472   $ 272,341   

Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects

    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

                         21,991                             21,991   

Net change in marketable investments, net of tax

                                              (21     (21

Foreign currency translation

                                              (1,335     (1,335
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2011

    30,962        310        373,591        104,077        8,215        (181,000     (6,828     290,150   

Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects

    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

                         26,296                             26,296   

Net change in marketable investments, net of tax

                                              (3     (3

Foreign currency translation

                                              7,419        7,419   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2012

    31,451        315        389,362        117,785        9,158        (210,843     588        297,207   

Issuance of common stock under stock plans, including tax effects

    724        7        17,111                                    17,118   

Stock-based compensation expense

                  6,051                                    6,051   

Purchase of common stock

                                3,261        (118,210            (118,210

Retirement of treasury stock

    (11,684     (117     (302,848            (11,684     302,965                 

Dividends paid on common shares

                         (12,394                          (12,394

Net income

                         13,024                             13,024   

Net change in marketable investments, net of tax

                                              1,040        1,040   

Foreign currency translation

                                              826        826   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

    20,491      $ 205      $ 109,676      $ 118,415        735      $ (26,088   $ 2,454      $ 204,662   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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,  
    2013     2012     2011  
    (In thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities:

     

Net income

  $ 13,024      $ 26,296      $ 21,991   

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

     

Depreciation

    9,268        8,921        5,359   

Amortization of intangible assets

    2,230        2,445        2,562   

Net (gains) losses from investments

    2,433        (94     399   

Deferred income taxes

    (4,529     (10,967     15,137   

Stock-based compensation

    6,051        5,397        3,642   

Amortization of premium on investments

    2,261        2,803        3,321   

Foreign currency losses

    385        405        1,290   

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions

     

Accounts receivable

    (2,930     6,959        (7,594

Deferred commissions

    (3,529     2,607        589   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    607        6,610        (8,484

Accounts payable

    222        (490     (1,898

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    3,547        549        2,485   

Deferred revenue

    1,673        1,706        16,645   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

    30,713        53,147        55,444   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

     

Acquisitions

                  (7,531

Purchases of property and equipment

    (3,127     (5,103     (39,776

Purchases of marketable investments

    (44,667     (91,421     (113,909

Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments

    105,086        91,335        93,090   

Change in restricted cash

           946        14,542   

Other investing activity

    264        167        548   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    57,556        (4,076     (53,036
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     

Dividends paid on common stock

    (12,394     (12,588       

Repurchases of common stock

    (118,210     (29,843     (18,405

Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee equity incentive plans

    17,387        11,215        11,554   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

    737        345        525   

Payment of deferred acquisition consideration

    (900     (864       
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

    (113,380     (31,735     (6,326
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

    433        427        (1,962
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    (24,678     17,763        (5,880

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

    98,810        81,047        86,927   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

  $ 74,132      $ 98,810      $ 81,047   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

     

Cash paid for income taxes

  $ 9,358      $ 7,102      $ 5,929   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2013

(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 technology management 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 at December 31, 2012 with an auction reset feature were classified as long-term investments at December 31, 2012.

The Company’s investments are composed of securities of U.S. government agencies, municipal notes, corporate notes and bonds, and money market funds. Forrester accounts for all marketable investments as available-for-sale securities and as 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 in the

 

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FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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. 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

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, 2013, 2012 and 2011.

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 at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $6.7 million and $6.9 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.

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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. 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Forrester recorded $0.4 million, $0.4 million and $1.3 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 of remeasurement gains on its deferred tax liability in income tax expense for both the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. 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) are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Net Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on Marketable
Investments
    Cumulative
Translation
Adjustment
    Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance at January 1, 2011

   $ (1,000   $ (4,472   $ (5,472

Foreign currency translation

            (1,335     (1,335

Unrealized loss on investments before reclassification, net of tax of $41

     (9            (9

Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income, net of tax of $8

     (12            (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

     (1,021     (5,807     (6,828

Foreign currency translation

            7,419        7,419   

Unrealized gain on investments before reclassification, net of tax of $7

     14               14   

Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in net income, net of tax of $12

     (17            (17
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     (1,024     1,612        588   

Foreign currency translation

            826        826   

Unrealized loss on investments before reclassification, net of tax of $41

     (111            (111

Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of tax of $691

     1,151               1,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

   $ 16      $ 2,438      $ 2,454   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) are reported in gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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 subscription 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 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 services revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the contract. Advisory services 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 subscription 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

 

F-10


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Cost of services and fulfillment

   $ 3,585       $ 3,085       $ 1,644   

Selling and marketing

     1,136         894         751   

General and administrative

     1,330         1,418         1,247   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,051       $ 5,397       $ 3,642   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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,  
    2013     2012     2011  
    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     0.12     0.85     0.14     1.25     0.13

Expected dividend yield

    2.1     1.9     1.7     1.7     None        None   

Expected life

    4.9 Years        0.5 Years        4.5 Years        0.5 Years        3.5 Years        0.5 Years   

Expected volatility

    36     22     40     31     40     28

Weighted average fair value

  $ 9.21      $ 6.02      $ 9.64      $ 6.90      $ 10.47      $ 7.55   

The dividend yield of zero for 2011 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. Dividend yields beginning in 2012 are 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, 2013 was $12.5 million, with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 2.2 years.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Forrester maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its 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

 

F-11


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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

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

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.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2013      2012      2011  

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

     20,861         22,500         22,666   

Weighted average common equivalent shares

     492         429         498   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

     21,353         22,929         23,164   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase approximately 0.7 million, 0.8 million and 0.3 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 February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income: Reporting Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This accounting standard requires companies to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, companies are required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”). ASU 2013-11 addresses the balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. ASU No. 2013-11 is effective for the Company’s fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2014 and impacts balance sheet presentation only. The Company believes the balance sheet impact will not be material.

(2) Revision of Prior Period Financial Statements

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company identified certain prior period errors that affected the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011. The Company has reflected in the financial information included in this Note the correction of all identified prior period errors in the years in which they originated. The prior period errors relate to:

 

   

Adjustments to the Company’s share of operating results in one of the technology-related investment funds in which the Company holds an interest, which adjustments are principally a result of information received by the Company from the fund after the applicable reporting periods. The Company records a portion of the fund’s operating results, based on the Company’s ownership interest in the fund, as investment gains (losses). The adjustments to the gains (losses) on investments were $0.5 million and ($1.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effect of this error has been reflected in other assets in the revised consolidated balance sheet and in net (gains) losses from investments in the revised consolidated statement of cash flows presented below.

 

   

Adjustments to revenue for historical insignificant variances in deferred revenue for reconciling items between the Company’s general ledger and sub-ledger system. The increase (decrease) to revenue was $0.1 million and ($0.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effect of this error has been reflected in deferred revenue in the revised consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows presented below.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

   

An adjustment of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 to increase the amount of research services revenue related to recognition of revenue for the event ticket included in the Company’s RoleView and Forrester Leadership Board subscription products. The effect of this error has been reflected in deferred revenue in the revised consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows presented below.

In addition, during the quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Company identified certain prior period errors related to income taxes that affected the year ended December 31, 2012. The Company has reflected in the financial information included in this Note the correction of all identified prior period errors. The prior period errors relate to:

 

   

Adjustment of $0.4 million to decrease income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 to correct the amount of net operating losses as a result of a settlement of a tax audit at the Company’s German subsidiary. The effect of this error has been reflected in other assets in the revised consolidated balance sheet and in deferred taxes in the revised consolidated statement of cash flows presented below.

 

   

Adjustment of $0.1 million to increase income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 to correct for insignificant errors. The effect of these errors has been reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets, other assets and non-current liabilities in the revised consolidated balance sheet and in the related accounts in the revised consolidated statement of cash flows presented below.

In evaluating whether the Company’s previously issued consolidated financial statements were materially misstated, the Company considered the guidance in ASC Topic 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, ASC Topic 250-10-S99-1, Assessing Materiality, and ASC Topic 250-10-S99-2, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements. The Company concluded that these errors were not material individually or in the aggregate to any of the prior reporting periods, and therefore, amendments of previously filed reports are not required. As such, the revisions for prior period corrections are reflected in the financial information for the applicable prior periods and are revised in the financial statements herein. See Note 14, “Summary Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)” for the impact of the revision on each of the applicable prior periods.

The effects of these prior period errors on the consolidated financial statements are as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

Revised Consolidated Statements of Income

 

    Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011  
    As
Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As
Revised
    As
Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As
Revised
 

Revenues:

           

Research services

  $ 202,998      $ 93      $ 203,091      $ 191,648      $ (153   $ 191,495   

Advisory services and other

    89,932        8        89,940        91,968        (128     91,840   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    292,930        101        293,031        283,616        (281     283,335   

Income from operations

    30,659        101        30,760        36,997        (281     36,716   

Gains (losses) on investments, net

    (449     543        94        1,018        (1,417     (399

Income before income taxes

    31,510        644        32,154        38,645        (1,698     36,947   

Income tax provision

    5,936        (78     5,858        15,635        (679     14,956   

Net income

  $ 25,574      $ 722      $ 26,296      $ 23,010      $ (1,019   $ 21,991   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

  $ 1.14      $ 0.03      $ 1.17      $ 1.02      $ (0.05   $ 0.97   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

  $ 1.12      $ 0.03      $ 1.15      $ 0.99      $ (0.04   $ 0.95   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-14


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Revised Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

The consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 are impacted by the same amounts as net income for the respective period.

Revised Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

     As of December 31, 2012  
     As
Previously
Reported
     Adjustments      As
Revised
 

Current Assets:

        

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   $ 18,846       $ 58       $ 18,904   

Total current assets

     336,565         58         336,623   

Other assets

     9,123         125         9,248   

Total assets

   $ 487,832       $ 183       $ 488,015   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

        

Deferred revenue

   $ 150,479       $ 16       $ 150,495   

Total current liabilities

     181,329         16         181,345   

Non-current liabilities

     9,433         30         9,463   

Total liabilities

     190,762         46         190,808   

Retained earnings

     117,648         137         117,785   

Total stockholders’ equity

     297,070         137         297,207   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 487,832       $ 183       $ 488,015   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revised Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

     Year Ended December 31, 2012     Year Ended December 31, 2011  
     As
Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As
Revised
    As
Previously
Reported
    Adjustments     As
Revised
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

            

Net income

   $ 25,574      $ 722      $ 26,296      $ 23,010      $ (1,019   $ 21,991   

Net (gains) losses from investments

     449        (543     (94     (1,018     1,417        399   

Deferred income taxes

     (10,385     (582     (10,967     15,137               15,137   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     6,279        331        6,610        (7,805     (679     (8,484

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     376        173        549        2,485               2,485   

Deferred revenue

     1,807        (101     1,706        16,364        281        16,645   

(3) 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

 

F-15


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

“Holdback”) was 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, 2013, the entire Holdback had been paid and, as of December 31, 2012, $0.9 million of the Holdback remained 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.

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      
  

 

 

    

(4) 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

 

F-16


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

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, 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   

Translation adjustments

     577                442         28         1,047   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2013

   $ 44,068       $      $ 33,804       $ 2,129       $ 80,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had no accumulated goodwill impairment losses.

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

 

     December 31, 2013  
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
 

Amortizable intangible assets:

        

Customer relationships

   $ 33,927       $ 28,552       $ 5,375   

Research content

     4,699         4,699           

Technology

     1,507         1,105         402   

Trademarks

     73         73           
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 40,206       $ 34,429       $ 5,777   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     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   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $2.2 million, $2.4 million and $2.6 million during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets that will continue to be amortized is as follows (in thousands):

 

Year ending December 31, 2014

   $ 2,150   

Year ending December 31, 2015

     1,019   

Year ending December 31, 2016

     923   

Year ending December 31, 2017

     874   

Year ending December 31, 2018

     811   
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 5,777   
  

 

 

 

 

F-17


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

(5) 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, 2013

          

Available-for-sale securities

          

State and municipal obligations

   $ 6,809       $ 5       $      $ 6,814   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     74,179         112         (92     74,199   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

   $ 80,988       $ 117       $ (92   $ 81,013   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
     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   

Auction rate securities (ARS), long-term

     11,000                 (2,030     8,970   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total available-for-sale securities

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

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table summarizes the maturity periods of the marketable securities in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2013.

 

    FY 2014     FY2015     FY2016     Total  

Federal agency and corporate obligations

  $ 24,390      $ 28,844      $ 20,965      $ 74,199   

State and municipal obligations

    4,763        2,051               6,814   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $ 29,153      $ 30,895      $ 20,965      $ 81,013   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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, 2013  
     Less Than 12 Months      12 Months or Greater  
     Market
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Market
Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

State and municipal bonds

   $       $       $       $   

Federal agency and corporate obligations

     30,645         92                   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 30,645       $ 92       $       $   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

     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   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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 and 2011. During 2013 the Company sold its entire portfolio of ARS (par value $11.0 million) for a realized loss of $1.9 million that is included in gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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, 2013  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Money market funds (1)

   $ 6,897       $       $       $ 6,897   

State and municipal obligations

             6,814                 6,814   

Federal agency and corporate obligations (2)

             80,449                 80,449   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 6,897       $ 87,263       $       $ 94,160   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     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   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Included in cash and cash equivalents.
(2) $6.2 million and $32.1 million included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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.

At December 31, 2013 the Company held no Level 3 assets. Prior to October 30, 2013 the Company held state and municipal bonds with an auction reset feature (auction rate securities or “ARS”). In February 2008, auctions began to fail for these securities and continued to fail throughout 2013. On October 30, 2013 the Company sold its entire portfolio of ARS for net proceeds of $9.1 million and realized a loss on the sale of $1.9 million. Level 3 assets at December 31, 2012 consisted entirely of ARS. While the Company received

 

F-19


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

interest income on its ARS investments at each interest reset date (which occurred at either 7 or 35 day intervals for each security), these investments traded infrequently and therefore did not have a readily determinable market value. Interest rates on the securities ranged from 0.1% to 0.4% and 0.1% to 0.5% during 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company valued the ARS using a discounted cash flow model that included 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 included 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 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $2.0 million at December 31, 2012. The Company believed that the loss was temporary due to the strong underlying credit rating of the securities and the fact that the Company did not intend to sell the securities and was not likely to be required to sell the securities.

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, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):

 

     ARS  

Balance at December 31, 2011

   $ 9,565   

Sales

       

Losses included in other comprehensive income

     (595
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

     8,970   

Sales

     (9,108

Gains included in other comprehensive income

     138   

Losses transferred out of other comprehensive loss

     1,892   

Losses included in earnings

     (1,892
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

   $   
  

 

 

 

 

(6) Non-Marketable Investments

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of the Company’s non-marketable investments, which were composed primarily of interests in technology-related private equity funds, were $5.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

One of the Company’s investments, with a book value of $0.9 million and $1.2 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company recorded gains (losses) from its non-marketable investments of approximately $(0.6) million, $0.1 million and $(0.4) million, respectively, which are included in gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, gross distributions of $0.4 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million, respectively, were received from the funds.

In May 2013, 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 investments, to certain key employees. To date, no bonuses have been paid under the plan. The plan will now automatically expire on June 30, 2015, 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.

 

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Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

(7) Income Taxes

Income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 consists of the following (in thousands):

 

     2013      2012      2011  

Domestic

   $ 13,557       $ 24,124       $ 33,673   

Foreign

     6,435         8,030         3,274   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $  19,992       $ 32,154       $ 36,947   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

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

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ 8,286      $ 12,420      $ (1,678

State

     1,624        3,069        654   

Foreign

     1,587        1,336        843   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current

     11,497        16,825        (181
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred:

      

Federal

     (3,935     (4,449     13,485   

State

     (562     (736     1,186   

Foreign

     (32     (5,782     466   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred

     (4,529     (10,967     15,137   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision

   $ 6,968      $ 5,858      $ 14,956   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to Forrester’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

     2013     2012     2011  

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

     3.4        4.9        3.1   

Non-deductible expenses

     3.3        0.6        1.6   

Tax-exempt interest income

     (0.1     (0.5     (0.4

Stock option compensation deduction

     2.0        0.7        0.6   

Change in valuation allowance

     0.5        (0.8     1.1   

Exchange rate gain

            (0.3     (0.5

Foreign tax rate differential

     (4.9     (2.7     (1.0

Foreign tax credit

     (3.7     (0.9     (1.6

Benefit upon audit settlement

            (21.1       

Other, net

     (0.6     3.3        2.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective tax rate

     34.9      18.2     40.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-21


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

The components of deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     2013     2012  

Non-deductible reserves and accruals

   $ 7,239      $ 3,848   

Stock compensation

     4,539        4,948   

Net operating loss and other carryforwards

     10,830        10,398   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross deferred tax asset

     22,608        19,194   

Less—valuation allowance

     (2,200     (2,086
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sub-total

     20,408        17,108   

Depreciation and amortization

     (2,945     (5,018

Goodwill amortization

     (5,401     (4,381

Other liabilities

     (2,134     (2,872

Deferred commissions

     (5,080     (3,743
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 4,848      $ 1,094   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In July 2012, one of the Company’s non-U.S. subsidiaries licensed the intellectual property rights for the territory outside of the U.S. from the Company’s U.S. entity in order to align the Company’s business with its global operations. The license of intellectual property occurred between two wholly owned legal entities within Forrester that are based in different tax jurisdictions, creating a taxable gain reportable in the transferor entity’s jurisdiction. The gain is recognized for income tax purposes only and not in the financial statements. As the gain was the result of an intra-entity transaction, it was eliminated in consolidation for purposes of the consolidated financial statements.

In accordance with GAAP, no gain or immediate tax impact should be recognized in the consolidated financial statements as a result of an intra-entity transaction. The Company recognizes tax expense specifically associated with an intra-entity transfer of intangible property over a period equal to the expected economic lives of the underlying assets being licensed. An amortization period of 9.5 years was determined based on the estimated economic lives of the intellectual property licensed.

Current net deferred tax assets and long-term net deferred tax assets were $2.2 and $3.7 million as of December 31, 2013 and $0.4 and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2012, 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 $0.2 million and $0.9 million as of December 31, 2013 and $0.5 and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2012, 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, 2013 and 2012, the Company maintained a valuation allowance of approximately $2.2 million and $2.1 million, respectively, primarily relating to foreign net operating loss carryforwards from an acquisition and U.S. capital losses.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $7.7 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 $25.2 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely. Approximately $5.6 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 $5.9 million in deferred tax assets relating to net operating losses and intangible assets at this subsidiary.

As of December 31, 2013, the Company had U.S. federal and state capital loss carryforwards of $2.3 million, of which $0.9 million expires in 2014, $0.8 million expires in 2016 and $0.6 million expires in 2018.

The following table provides a summary of the changes in the deferred tax valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Deferred tax valuation allowance at January 1

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

Additions

     801        11        508   

Deductions

     (712     (1,066