frs_10q-113012.htm


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

 
Form 10-Q
 

 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended November 30, 2012
 
OR
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______to ______
 
Commission File Number: 1-11869
 

 
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 

 
Delaware
13-3362547
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut
06851
(Address of principal executive office)
(Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 810-1000
 

 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x    No ¨
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x    No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x  Accelerated filer o  Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o   No x

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value, on December 31, 2012 was 44,188,824.
 
 
 

 
 
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
Form 10-Q
For the Quarter Ended November 30, 2012
 
Index
 
   
Page
     
Part I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
4
     
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012
5
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011
6
     
 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
7
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
27
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
38
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
39
     
Part II
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
39
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
39
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
39
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
40
     
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
40
     
Item 5.
Other Information
40
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
40
     
 
Signatures
40
 
For additional information about FactSet Research Systems Inc. and access to its Annual Reports to Stockholders and Securities and Exchange Commission filings, free of charge, please visit the website at http://investor.factset.com. Any information on or linked from the website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q.
 
 
2

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
 
FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – Unaudited

   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Revenues
  $ 211,085     $ 196,448  
                 
Operating expenses
               
Cost of services
    73,586       66,833  
Selling, general and administrative
    66,414       62,862  
Total operating expenses
    140,000       129,695  
                 
Operating income
    71,085       66,753  
Other income
    428       277  
Income before income taxes
    71,513       67,030  
                 
Provision for income taxes
    21,744       21,486  
Net income
  $ 49,769     $ 45,544  
                 
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 1.12     $ 1.01  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.11     $ 0.99  
                 
Basic weighted average common shares
    44,316       45,107  
Diluted weighted average common shares
    44,984       46,103  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
3

 
 
FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME – Unaudited

   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Net income
  $ 49,769     $ 45,544  
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
               
Net unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges
    1,287       (2,116 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    3,074       (11,648 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)
    4,361       (13,764 )
                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 54,130     $ 31,780  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
4

 
 
 
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS – Unaudited
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
November 30,
2012
   
August 31,
2012
 
             
ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 210,712     $ 189,044  
Investments
    14,527       13,919  
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,705 at November 30, 2012 and $1,830 at August 31, 2012
    78,895       74,251  
Prepaid taxes
    0       2,485  
Deferred taxes
    4,357       5,085  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    11,555       14,341  
Total current assets
    320,046       299,125  
                 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost
    190,182       189,546  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (114,661 )     (113,016 )
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    75,521       76,530  
                 
Goodwill
    246,734       245,791  
Intangible assets, net
    41,854       43,371  
Deferred taxes
    22,064       23,113  
Other assets
    5,637       6,213  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 711,856     $ 694,143  
                 
LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 28,538     $ 27,680  
Accrued compensation
    14,934       41,274  
Deferred fees
    30,893       30,495  
Taxes payable
    7,222       0  
Dividends payable
    13,746       13,727  
Total current liabilities
    95,333       113,176  
                 
Deferred taxes
    2,582       2,593  
Taxes payable
    5,699       5,464  
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities
    21,729       20,646  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
  $ 125,343     $ 141,879  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 16)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
  $ 0     $ 0  
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 45,963,473 and 45,599,754 shares issued; 44,342,402 and 44,279,214 shares outstanding at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, respectively
    460       456  
Additional paid-in capital
    159,672       137,569  
Treasury stock, at cost: 1,621,071 and 1,320,540 shares at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, respectively
    (150,990 )     (122,749 )
Retained earnings
    595,736       559,714  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (18,365 )     (22,726 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    586,513       552,264  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 711,856     $ 694,143  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5

 
 
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – Unaudited
 
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
Net income
  $ 49,769     $ 45,544  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    8,917       8,403  
Stock-based compensation expense
    5,203       5,880  
Deferred income taxes
    1,766       57  
Gain on sale of assets
    (2 )     (1 )
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (4,032 )     (3,178 )
Changes in assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable, net of reserves
    (4,655 )     10,171  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    2,851       2,839  
Accrued compensation
    (26,501 )     (24,523 )
Deferred fees
    410       (1,279 )
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes
    13,709       10,979  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    2,613       539  
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities
    997       (611 )
Other working capital accounts, net
    (409 )     (66 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    50,636       54,754  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
Purchases of investments
    (7,795 )     (15,000 )
Proceeds from sales of investments
    7,500       0  
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions
    (6,097 )     (6,054 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (6,392 )     (21,054 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
Dividend payments
    (13,631 )     (12,084 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (28,241 )     (14,732 )
Proceeds from employee stock plans
    13,102       7,420  
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    4,032       3,178  
Net cash used in financing activities
    (24,738 )     (16,218 )
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    2,162       (5,413 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    21,668       12,069  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    189,044       181,685  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 210,712     $ 193,754  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
November 30, 2012
(Unaudited)
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
 
FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. FactSet combines content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. The Company’s applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, FactSet offers a complete financial workflow solution. The Company’s revenues are derived from subscriptions to services such as workstations, content and applications.

As of November 30, 2012, the Company employed 6,020 employees, an increase of 285 over the past three months and is up 10% from a year ago. Of these employees, 1,871 were located in the U.S., 617 in Europe and 3,532 in Asia Pacific. Approximately 54% of FactSet employees are involved with content collection, 24% work in product development, software and systems engineering, another 18% conduct sales and consulting services and the remaining 4% provide administrative support.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying financial data as of November 30, 2012 and for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The August 31, 2012 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012.

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

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

Presentation of Comprehensive Income
In June 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on increasing the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. The guidance eliminated the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, it required that the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. FactSet adopted this accounting standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 by presenting two separate but consecutive statements. Other than the change in presentation, the adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7

 

Goodwill Impairment Testing
In September 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests goodwill for impairment. The guidance will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. An entity no longer will be required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, based on a qualitative assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount. This accounting standard update became effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, and its adoption did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of November 30, 2012 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Balance Sheet Offsetting
In December 2011, the FASB issued an accounting standard update requiring enhanced disclosures about certain financial instruments and derivative instruments that are offset in the balance sheet or that are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements or similar agreements. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014. Other than requiring additional disclosures, the adoption is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
In July 2012, the FASB issued an accounting standard update intended to simplify how an entity tests indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill for impairment by providing entities with an option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether further impairment testing is necessary. This accounting standard update is effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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

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

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

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

Level 3 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of November 30, 2012 or August 31, 2012.
 
 
8

 

(b) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables shows by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012 (in thousands):

    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
November 30, 2012
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets
                       
Corporate money market funds (1)
  $ 170,222     $ 0     $ 0     $ 170,222  
Certificates of deposit (2)
    0       14,527       0       14,527  
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 170,222     $ 14,527     $ 0     $ 184,749  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Derivative instruments (3)
  $ 0     $ 343     $ 0     $ 343  
Total liabilities measured at fair value
  $ 0     $ 343     $ 0     $ 343  
 
 
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
August 31, 2012
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Assets
                       
Corporate money market funds (1)
  $ 160,169     $ 0     $ 0     $ 160,169  
Certificates of deposit (2)
    0       13,919       0       13,919  
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 160,169     $ 13,919     $ 0     $ 174,088  
                                 
Liabilities
                               
Derivative instruments (3)
  $ 0     $ 2,374     $ 0     $ 2,374  
Total liabilities measured at fair value
  $ 0     $ 2,374     $ 0     $ 2,374  

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

 
(2)
The Company’s certificates of deposit held for investment are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

 
(3)
The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were presented on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012 as follows (in thousands):

    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
November 30, 2012
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 170,222     $ 0     $ 0     $ 170,222  
Investments (short-term)
    0       14,527       0       14,527  
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 170,222     $ 14,527     $ 0     $ 184,749  
                                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)
  $ 0     $ 343     $ 0     $ 343  
Total liabilities measured at fair value
  $ 0     $ 343     $ 0     $ 343  
 
 
9

 
 
    Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
August 31, 2012
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 160,169     $ 0     $ 0     $ 160,169  
Investments (short-term)
    0       13,919       0       13,919  
Total assets measured at fair value
  $ 160,169     $ 13,919     $ 0     $ 174,088  
                                 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (derivative liabilities)
  $ 0     $ 2,374     $ 0     $ 2,374  
Total liabilities measured at fair value
  $ 0     $ 2,374     $ 0     $ 2,374  

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, and liabilities, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of these non-financial assets and liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost exceeds its fair value and this condition is determined to be other-than-temporary. During the three months ended November 30, 2012, no fair value adjustments or material fair value measurements were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

5. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents – consist of demand deposits and corporate money market funds with original maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value.

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at November 30, 2012 (in thousands):

   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized Gain
   
Fair
Value
 
Cash on hand
  $ 40,490     $ 0     $ 40,490  
Corporate money market funds
    170,222       0       170,222  
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 210,712     $ 0     $ 210,712  

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents at August 31, 2012 (in thousands):

   
Amortized
Cost
   
Gross
Unrealized Gain
   
Fair
Value
 
Cash on hand
  $ 28,875     $ 0     $ 28,875  
Corporate money market funds
    160,169       0       160,169  
Total cash and cash equivalents
  $ 189,044     $ 0     $ 189,044  

Investments – consist of certificates of deposit with original maturity dates ranging from nine months to twelve months from purchase date. These certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not debt securities. Interest income of $0.3 million was earned from the certificates of deposit during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to $0.1 million in the year ago quarter.

The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments portfolio did not experience any realized or unrealized losses as a result of counterparty credit risk or ratings change during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011.

6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

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

 
10

 

Cash Flow Hedges
FactSet enters into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the effects of foreign currency fluctuations. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses were reclassified into earnings. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. FactSet did not enter into any new hedging contracts during the first three months of fiscal 2013.

 
·
Indian Rupee Hedging Contracts from Fiscal 2012 - During fiscal 2012, FactSet entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 90% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2013, 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and 50% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015.

 
·
Euro Hedging Contracts from Fiscal 2012 – During fiscal 2012, FactSet entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its net Euro exposure through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

At November 30, 2012 the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.1.7 billion and ($0.5) million, respectively. At November 30, 2012, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €3.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values (in thousands):
 
 
   
Gross Notional Value
   
Fair Value Asset (Liability)
 
Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)
 
Nov 30, 2012
   
Aug 31, 2012
   
Nov 30, 2012
   
Aug 31, 2012
 
Euro
  $ 4,694     $ 10,160     $ 182     $ 60  
Indian Rupee
    30,511       36,286       (525 )     (2,434 )
Total
  $ 35,205     $ 46,446     $ (343 )   $ (2,374 )

Counterparty Credit Risk
As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies.

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

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following tables provide a summary of the fair value amounts of derivative instruments and gains and losses on derivative instruments (in thousands):
 
Designation of Derivatives
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
Nov 30, 2012
   
Aug 31, 2012
 
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
           
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 343     $ 2,374  

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, respectively.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 (in thousands):
 
   
Gain (Loss) Recognized
in AOCL on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)
  Location of (Loss) Gain
Reclassified from AOCL into Income
 
(Loss) Gain Reclassified
from AOCL into Income
(Effective Portion)
 
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
 
2012
   
2011
 
(Effective Portion)
 
2012
   
2011
 
Foreign currency forward contracts
  $ 796     $ (1,596 )
SG&A
  $ (491 )   $ 520  

Note: No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss was included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
 
 
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Accumulated Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges
The following table provides a summary of the activity associated with all of the Company’s designated cash flow hedges reflected in AOCL (in thousands and net of tax):

Beginning balance at August 31, 2012
  $ (1,551 )
Changes in fair value
    796  
Realized loss reclassified to earnings
    491  
Ending balance at November 30, 2012
  $ (264 )

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. FactSet’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

FactSet’s operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODM, manages the business and the demographic markets in which FactSet serves. The Company’s internal financial reporting structure is based on three segments; U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. FactSet believes this alignment helps it better manage the business and view the markets the Company serves, which are centered on providing integrated global financial and economic information. Sales, consulting, data collection and software engineering are the primary functional groups within the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific segments that provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals. The U.S. segment services finance professionals including financial institutions throughout the Americas, while the European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia, respectively.
 
The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Dubai and Italy. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Hong Kong, Australia and Mumbai. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet service. Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, data collection costs, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $247 million of goodwill reported by the Company at November 30, 2012, 68% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 30% in the European segment and the remaining 2% in the Asia Pacific segment.

The following reflects the results of operations of the segments consistent with the Company’s management system. These results are used, in part, by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments (in thousands).
For the three months ended November 30, 2012
 
U.S.
   
Europe
   
Asia
Pacific
   
Total
 
Revenues from clients
  $ 143,941     $ 51,631     $ 15,513     $ 211,085  
Segment operating profit
    39,600       24,723       6,762       71,085  
Total assets
    389,558       272,544       49,754       711,856  
Capital expenditures
    3,277       553       2,267       6,097  
 
For the three months ended November 30, 2011
 
U.S.
   
Europe
   
Asia
Pacific
   
Total
 
Revenues from clients
  $ 134,477     $ 48,105     $ 13,866     $ 196,448  
Segment operating profit
    36,436       23,781       6,536       66,753  
Total assets
    373,984       245,446       44,076       663,506  
Capital expenditures
    5,612       55       387       6,054  
 
 
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8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

StreetAccount
On June 29, 2012, FactSet acquired StreetAccount LLC (“SA”) to complement the Company's news offering with distilled and crucial market moving information for buy-side and sell-side institutions. Founded in 2003, SA is known for its timely and informative news summaries and provides investment professionals with an efficient method for managing news flow. The SA service includes real-time company updates, portfolio and sector filtering, email alerts, and market summaries.  Content is written by financial professionals and can be customized for portfolio, index, sector, market, time of day (i.e., Overnight Summaries), and category (i.e., Top Stories, Market Summaries, Economic, M&A). As of the date of acquisition, SA had annual subscriptions of $11.4 million and employed 49 individuals.

As of the date of acquisition, SA did not have a significant international presence and FactSet believes it can leverage its international network to sell SA outside the U.S. as many of their current clients would like to see the SA news offering increase coverage in Europe and Asia. Additionally, the Company is now able to integrate proprietary content through this new channel by providing key corporate and economic data to the news team at StreetAccount for integration into their newswire. The opportunity for FactSet to grow by providing proprietary financial news to clients worldwide contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the StreetAccount net tangible and intangible assets. As a result, FactSet recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction.

The total purchase price of the acquisition is as follows (in thousands):
 
Cash consideration
  $ 21,633  
Fair value of FactSet stock issued
    3,974  
Working capital
    711  
Total purchase price
  $ 26,318  

Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was finalized for this acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. The total purchase price was allocated to StreetAccount’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition.

Based upon the purchase price and the valuation, the allocation is as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired
  $ 3,584  
Amortizable intangible assets
       
Client relationships
    2,822  
Software technology
    2,332  
Data content
    613  
Non-compete agreements
    404  
Trade name
    186  
Goodwill
    21,997  
Total assets acquired
    31,938  
Liabilities assumed
    (5,620 )
Net assets acquired
  $ 26,318  
 
Intangible assets of $6.4 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; data content, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over four years using an accelerated amortization method; and trade name, amortized over two years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $22.0 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill will not be amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill generated from the StreetAcount acquisition is included in the U.S. segment and is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of StreetAccount have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition on June 29, 2012 and did not have a material impact on the first quarter fiscal 2013. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

 
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9. GOODWILL

There was no goodwill acquired during the first three months of fiscal 2013. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the three months ended November 30, 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
   
U.S.
   
Europe
   
Asia
Pacific
   
Total
 
Balance at August 31, 2012
  $ 167,817     $ 73,806     $ 4,168     $ 245,791  
Purchase price adjustments
    5       0       0       5  
Foreign currency translations
    0       1,148       (210 )     938  
Balance at November 30, 2012
  $ 167,822     $ 74,954     $ 3,958     $ 246,734  

The increase in goodwill within the U.S segment during the first quarter fiscal 2013 was due to FactSet finalizing the working capital of StreetAccount, which was acquired on June 29, 2012. The measurement period for purchase price allocations ends as soon as information on the facts and circumstances becomes available, but will not exceed 12 months.

Goodwill is not amortized as it has an estimated infinite life. At least annually, the Company evaluates goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The Company has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported because there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010, which determined that there were no reporting units that were deemed at risk. The fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeded carrying value, thus there had been no impairment.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
 
FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of FactSet’s acquired identifiable intangible assets at November 30, 2012 was 11.7 years.

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

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

At November 30, 2012
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Data content
  $ 49,748     $ 19,743     $ 30,005  
Client relationships
    22,993       14,778       8,215  
Software technology
    20,997       18,798       2,199  
Non-compete agreements
    2,154       930       1,224  
Trade names
    758       547       211  
Total
  $ 96,650     $ 54,796     $ 41,854  

At August 31, 2012
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
   
Accumulated
Amortization
   
Net Carrying
Amount
 
Data content
  $ 49,120     $ 18,521     $ 30,599  
Client relationships
    22,841       14,089       8,752  
Software technology
    20,892       18,482       2,410  
Non-compete agreements
    2,154       810       1,344  
Trade names
    758       492       266  
Total
  $ 95,765     $ 52,394     $ 43,371  

There were no intangible assets acquired during the first three months of fiscal 2013. The change in the gross carrying amount of intangible assets at November 30, 2012 as compared to August 31, 2012 was due to foreign currency translations.
 
 
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Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $1.9 million for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of November 30, 2012, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):
 Fiscal Year
 
Estimated Amortization
Expense
 
2013 (remaining nine months)
  $ 5,174  
2014
    6,010  
2015
    5,081  
2016
    3,436  
2017
    3,301  
Thereafter
    18,852  
Total
  $ 41,854  

11. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
On November 15, 2012, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share, or $1.24 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $13.7 million was paid on December 18, 2012, to common stockholders of record on November 30, 2012.  Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
             
Balance at September 1
    44,279       45,055  
Common stock issued for employee stock plans
    333       209  
Repurchase of common stock
    (270 )     (150 )
Balance at November 30
    44,342       45,114  

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
    Net Income
(Numerator)
   
Weighted Average
Common Shares
(Denominator)
   
 Per Share
Amount
 
For the three months ended November 30, 2012
                 
Basic EPS
                 
Income available to common stockholders
  $ 49,769       44,316     $ 1.12  
Diluted EPS
                       
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock
            668          
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 49,769       44,984     $ 1.11  
For the three months ended November 30, 2011
 
Basic EPS
                       
Income available to common stockholders
  $ 45,544       45,107     $ 1.01  
Diluted EPS
                       
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock
            996          
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 45,544       46,103     $ 0.99  

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. The number of stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 was 442,728 and 160,786, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of restricted stock awards excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 was 30,456 and 30,090, respectively.  For the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 2,669,380 and 2,329,439, respectively. Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria have been met. The criteria had not yet been met at November 30, 2012 and 2011 for these performance-based stock options.
 
 
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12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock
At November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.

Common Stock
At the fiscal 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) of FactSet held on December 13, 2011, the stockholders of FactSet voted on and approved an amendment to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.01, of FactSet from 100,000,000 to 150,000,000 shares. Such amendment to FactSet’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation had previously been approved on October 24, 2011, by the Company’s Board of Directors. On December 16, 2011, a Certificate of Amendment was filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware to effect, as of such date, the foregoing amendment of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The newly authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans. These additional shares provide the Company the flexibility to issue shares for future corporate needs without potential expense or delay incident to obtaining stockholder approval for any particular issuance.

Treasury Stock
On December 31, 2011, FactSet retired 16,658,741 shares of treasury stock. These retired shares are now included in the Company’s pool of authorized but unissued shares. The retired treasury stock was initially recorded using the cost method and had a carrying value of $850.9 million at December 31, 2011. The Company’s accounting policy upon the formal retirement of treasury stock is to deduct its par value from common stock ($0.2 million), reduce APIC by the amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued ($361.4 million) and any remaining excess of cost as a deduction from retained earnings ($489.3 million).

Share Repurchase Program
During the first three months of fiscal 2013, the Company repurchased 270,000 shares for $25.4 million under the existing share repurchase program leaving $164.3 million authorized for future share repurchases at November 30, 2012. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations. During the first three months of fiscal 2012, the Company repurchased 150,000 shares for $14.6 million under the share repurchase program, leaving $128 million authorized for future share repurchases at November 30, 2011.

Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. FactSet did not grant any restricted stock awards during the first three months of fiscal 2013 and 2012. Approximately 92,715 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and are included in common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2012 (less 29,604 shares repurchased to cover the cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).

Dividends
The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following historical dividends:
Declaration Date
 
Dividends Per
Share of
Common Stock
 
Type
Record Date
 
Total $ Amount
(in thousands)
 
Payment Date
November 15, 2012
 
$
0.31
 
Regular (cash)
November 30, 2012
 
$
13,746
 
December 18, 2012
August 8, 2012
 
$
0.31
 
Regular (cash)
August 31, 2012
 
$
13,727
 
September 18, 2012
May 8, 2012
 
$
0.31
 
Regular (cash)
May 31, 2012
 
$
13,893
 
June 19, 2012
February 14, 2012
 
$
0.27
 
Regular (cash)
February 29, 2012
 
$
12,085
 
March 20, 2012
November 10, 2011
 
$
0.27
 
Regular (cash)
November 30, 2011
 
$
12,181
 
December 20, 2011
August 11, 2011
 
$
0.27
 
Regular (cash)
August 31, 2011
 
$
12,165
 
September 20, 2011
May 9, 2011
 
$
0.27
 
Regular (cash)
May 31, 2011
 
$
12,374
 
June 21, 2011
February 9, 2011
 
$
0.23
 
Regular (cash)
February 28, 2011
 
$
10,612
 
March 15, 2011
November 10, 2010
 
$
0.23
 
Regular (cash)
November 30, 2010
 
$
10,660
 
December 21, 2010

All of the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company and is subject to final determination by the Company’s Board of Directors.
 
 
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):

   
Nov 30, 2012
   
Aug 31, 2012
 
Accumulated unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax
  $ (264 )   $ (1,551 )
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments
    (18,101 )     (21,175 )
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (18,365 )   $ (22,726 )

13. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Option Awards
Options granted without performance conditions under the Company’s stock option plans expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest at a rate of 20% after the first year and 1.67% per month thereafter for years two through five. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. The majority of the options granted with performance conditions expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and vest at a rate of 40% after the first two years and 1.67% per month thereafter for years three through five. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, they may be exercised only by the grantee.
  
During the first three months of fiscal 2013, FactSet granted 1,646,818 stock option awards at an exercise price of $92.22 to existing employees of the Company.

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

   
Number Outstanding
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
 
Balance at August 31, 2012
    6,083     $ 64.76  
Granted – non performance-based
    635       92.22  
Granted – performance-based
    1,012       92.22  
Exercised
    (253 )     46.79  
Forfeited
    (12 )     85.28  
Balance at November 30, 2012
    7,465     $ 71.39  
 
The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of November 30, 2012 was 2.7 million with a weighted average exercise price of $49.10. As of August 31, 2012, 2.8 million in-the-money outstanding options were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $48.17. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012 was $117.6 million and $125.4 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $92.39 at November 30, 2012 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 was $11.7 million and $11.3 million, respectively.

Performance-based Stock Options
Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet during the two subsequent fiscal years, 0%, 20%, 60% or 100% of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. However, there is no current guarantee that such options will vest in whole or in part.
 
 
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November 2011 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review
In November 2011, FactSet granted 665,551 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that vest is based on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2013. At November 30, 2012, the Company believed that it was not probable FactSet would achieve the required ASV and diluted earnings per share growth as ASV growth rate remained at 7%. As such, the Company estimated that none (0%) of the performance-based stock options will vest. However, a change in the actual financial performance levels achieved over the next 9 months could result in the following changes to the Company’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):


Vesting
Percentage
 
Total Unamortized Stock-based
Compensation Expense at
Nov 30, 2012
   
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*
   
Average Remaining Quarterly Expense to be Recognized
 
0%
  $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
20%
  $ 2,452     $ 1,188     $ 157  
60%
  $ 7,356     $ 3,564     $ 471  
100%
  $ 12,260     $ 5,940     $ 785  

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of November 30, 2012.

November 2012 Annual Employee Performance-based Option Grant Review
In November 2012, FactSet granted 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that vest is based on the Company achieving performance levels for both organic ASV and diluted earnings per share during the two fiscal years ended August 31, 2014. At November 30, 2012, the Company estimated that 20% or 202,302 of the performance-based stock options would vest which results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $4.6 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period. However, a change in the actual financial performance levels achieved over the next 7 quarters could result in the following changes to the Company’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting
Percentage
 
Total Unamortized Stock-based
Compensation Expense at
Nov 30, 2012
   
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*
   
Average Remaining Quarterly Expense to be Recognized
 
0%
  $ 0     $ (119 )   $ 0  
20%
  $ 4,628     $ 0     $ 235  
60%
  $ 13,884     $ 238     $ 705  
100%
  $ 23,140     $ 476     $ 1,175  

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of November 30, 2012.

July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant Review
In July 2012, FactSet granted 241,546 performance-based employee stock options. The number of performance-based options that vest is dependent upon future StreetAccount user growth through August 31, 2017. The five year performance measurement period is based on growing usage of FactSet and StreetAccount. At November 30, 2012, FactSet estimated that 20% or 48,309 of the performance-based stock options will vest based on forecasted StreetAccount user growth, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $1.4 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of approximately 2.8 years. A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by StreetAccount in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting
Percentage
 
Cumulative
Catch-up Adjustment*
   
Remaining Expense
to be Recognized
 
0%
  $ (211 )   $ -  
20%
  $ 0     $ 1,389  
40%
  $ 129     $ 2,860  
60%
  $ 289     $ 4,300  
80%
  $ 432     $ 5,758  
100%
  $ 614     $ 7,176  

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of November 30, 2012.

Other Performance-based Option Grants
In connection with the acquisition of the Market Metrics business, FactSet granted 746,415 performance-based employee stock options. These options vest only if accelerated revenue targets are achieved related to the Market Metrics business and option holders remain employed by FactSet. If it becomes probable that these options will vest based on achieving the revenue targets, stock-based compensation expense equal to $15.3 million would be recorded. The pre-tax stock-based compensation charge of $15.3 million is equal to the grant-date fair value of the stock options awarded at the time of the acquisition and would represent a one-time cumulative adjustment from a change in the vesting based on achieving the accelerated revenue targets. Vesting of the performance based options was deemed to be not probable at November 30, 2012.

FactSet granted 204,508 performance-based employee stock options between June 2010 and July 2011 that vest based on achieving certain ASV targets. Of this total, 133,958 vested during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, an additional 46,644 vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 9,301 were forfeited due to employee terminations. At November 30, 2012, the Company estimated that the remaining 14,605 performance-based stock options will vest based on forecasted ASV growth, resulting in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.2 million to be recognized.
 
 
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Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards
The Company’s option plan permits the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. There were no restricted stock awards granted during the first three months of fiscal 2013 and 2012.

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

   
Number Outstanding
 
Weighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value Per Award
 
Balance at August 31, 2012
    383     $ 71.34  
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)
    -     $ -  
Vested*
    (93 )   $ 63.23  
Canceled/forfeited
    (1 )   $ 77.38  
Balance at November 30, 2012
    289     $ 73.92  
 
* Of the total 92,715 restricted stock awards that vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, 87,758 related to awards granted on October 23, 2009 at the grant date price of $66.46. These restricted stock awards cliff vest 60% after three years (on October 23, 2012) and the remaining 40% after five years (October 23, 2014). The awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period using the straight-line attribution method. As of November 30, 2012, unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $3.2 million is to be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 1.9 years. The remaining 4,957 restricted stock awards that vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were previously granted between June 2010 and July 2011. These restricted stock units were performance-based and cliff vest 25% when certain ASV targets are met. Of the total units originally granted, 14,258 units vested during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and the remaining 4,957 vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 because FactSet achieved all four ASV growth targets. As of November 30, 2012, there is no remaining unamortized stock-based compensation expense as all units vested.

Share-based Awards Available for Grant

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

   
Share-based Awards
Available for Grant under
the Employee Option Plan
   
Share-based Awards
Available for Grant under
the Non-Employee Directors Plan
 
Balance at August 31, 2012
    4,340       126  
Granted – non performance-based options
    (635 )     0  
Granted – performance-based options
    (1,012 )     0  
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited*
    13       0  
Balance at November 30, 2012
    2,706       126  

* Under the Company’s option plan, for each restricted stock award canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awards balance.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On December 16, 2008, the Company’s stockholders ratified the adoption of the FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”). A total of 500,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan. Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period.

During the three months ended November 30, 2012, employees purchased 18,102 shares at a weighted average price of $78.53 as compared to 23,166 shares at a weighted average price of $73.66 in the same period a year ago. At November 30, 2012, 176,949 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

401(k) Plan
The Company established a 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of the Company and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the IRS annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by the Company. The Company contributed $1.8 million and $1.4 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
 
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14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures were estimated based on historical experience.

The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $5.2 million and $5.9 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. As of November 30, 2012, $53.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.7 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of November 30, 2012 or August 31, 2012, respectively.

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

Fiscal 2013
 
-
Q1 2013 – 635,308 non performance-based employee stock options and 1,011,510 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $92.22 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $26.87 per share.

Fiscal 2012
 
-
Q1 2012 – 419,593 non performance-based employee stock options and 665,551 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $94.84 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $32.08 per share.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during the first three months of fiscal 2013 and 2012 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
    Q1 2013   Q1 2012
Term structure of risk-free interest rate
  0.16% - 1.91%   0.13% - 2.41%
Expected life (in years)
  7.6 - 7.8   7.6 - 7.8
Term structure of volatility
  24% - 33%   30% - 36%
Dividend yield
    1.30%       1.11%  
Weighted average estimated fair value
    $26.87       $32.08  
Weighted average exercise price
    $92.22       $94.84  
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price
    29.1%       33.8%  

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’s stock and implied volatilities of publicly traded options to buy FactSet common stock with contractual terms closest to the expected life of options granted to employees. The approach to utilize a mix of historical and implied volatility was based upon the availability of actively traded options on the Company’s stock and the Company’s assessment that a combination of implied volatility and historical volatility is best representative of future stock price trends. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and employee termination within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the binomial model. The binomial model estimates employees exercise behavior is based on the option’s remaining vested life and the extent to which the option is in-the-money. The binomial model estimates the probability of exercise as a function of these two variables based on the entire history of exercises and cancellations of all past option grants made by the Company.
 
 
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Non-Employee Director Stock Option Fair Value Determinations
The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. A total of 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock have been reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan. The expiration date of the Directors’ Plan is December 1, 2018.

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

There were no stock options granted to the Company’s non-employee Directors during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations
Restricted stock granted to employees entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards are measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s share by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. Restricted stock awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period.

There were no restricted stocks awards granted during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations
During the three months ended November 30, 2012, employees purchased 18,102 shares at a weighted average price of $78.53 as compared to 23,166 shares at a weighted average price of $73.66 in the same period a year ago. At November 30, 2012, 176,949 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan. The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011 were $15.74 and $15.46 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Risk-free interest rate
    0.10%       0.02%  
Expected life (in months)
    3       3  
Expected volatility
    10%       18%  
Dividend yield
    1.32%       1.25%  

Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates
The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.
 
 
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15. INCOME TAXES
 
Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
       
   
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
U.S. operations
  $ 61,067     $ 57,088       7.0 %
Non-U.S. operations
    10,446       9,942       5.1 %
Income before income taxes
  $ 71,513     $ 67,030       6.7 %
U.S. operations
  $ 19,340     $ 19,363       (0.1 ) %
Non-U.S. operations
    2,404       2,123       13.2 %
Total provision for income taxes
  $ 21,744     $ 21,486       1.2 %
Effective tax rate
    30.4 %*     32.1 %        

* In the first quarter of fiscal 2013 FactSet decided to repatriate cash from its wholly owned UK subsidiary. This distribution was completed in early January 2013 and resulted in a net tax benefit of approximately $1.3 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 since the foreign tax credits associated with the distribution were greater than the tax due on the distribution of the foreign earnings. The first quarter fiscal 2013 effective tax rate before the discrete item of $1.3 million was 32.2% or 10 basis points higher than the 2012 effective tax rate. The expiration of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit on December 31, 2011 negatively impacted the fiscal 2013 first quarter effective tax rate by 180 basis points compared to 130 basis points in the year ago first quarter.

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Current
           
U.S. federal
  $ 16,358     $ 17,586  
U.S. state and local
    1,289       1,470  
Non-U.S.
    2,684       2,272  
Total current taxes
  $ 20,331     $ 21,328  
Deferred
               
U.S. federal
  $ 1,576     $ 280  
U.S. state and local
    117       27  
Non-U.S.
    (280 )     (149 )
Total deferred taxes
  $ 1,413     $ 158  
Total provision for income taxes
  $ 21,744     $ 21,486  
 
 
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Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The significant components of deferred tax assets that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

 
 
November 30, 2012
   
August 31, 2012
 
Deferred tax assets
 
             
Current
 
             
Receivable reserve
 
$
639
   
$
687
 
Deferred rent
   
3,076
     
3,175
 
Deferred fees
 
 
642
     
1,223
 
Net current deferred taxes
 
$
4,357
   
$
5,085
 
Non-current
 
             
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements
 
$
3,898
   
$
2,498
 
Deferred rent
 
 
2,778
     
2,782
 
Stock-based compensation
   
21,241
     
23,395
 
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology
 
 
(7,139
)
   
(6,801
)
Other
   
1,286
     
1,239
 
Net non-current deferred taxes
 
$
22,064
   
$
23,113
 
Total deferred tax assets
 
$
26,421
   
$
28,198
 

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):
 
   
November 30, 2012
   
August 31, 2012
 
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
           
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology
  $ 2,953     $ 2,936  
Stock-based compensation
    (371 )     (343 )
Total deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
  $ 2,582     $ 2,593  

As disclosed above, FactSet decided to repatriate cash from its wholly owned UK subsidiary during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, which resulted in a recognized tax benefit of $1.3 million. With the exception of the Company’s UK and French subsidiaries, a provision has not been made for additional U.S. Federal taxes as of November 30, 2012 on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries because FactSet intends to reinvest these funds indefinitely to support foreign growth opportunities. The amount of such undistributed earnings of these foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings was immaterial at November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012. As such, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings was immaterial. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to FactSet, or upon sale of the subsidiary’s stock.

Unrecognized Tax Positions
Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. A company can recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest and related penalties, if applicable, on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.

As of November 30, 2012, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $5.7 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is effectively settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.
 
 
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The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits during the first three months of fiscal 2013 (in thousands):
 
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2012
  $ 5,464  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    112  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
    123  
Unrecognized income tax benefits at November 30, 2012
  $ 5,699  

In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At November 30, 2012, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:

Major Tax Jurisdictions
  Open Tax Years
U.S.
 
 
Federal
  2009 through 2012
State (various)
  2008 through 2012
Europe
 
 
France
  2010 through 2012
United Kingdom
  2011 through 2012

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

Lease Commitments
At November 30, 2012, the Company leases approximately 193,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. In addition, FactSet leases office space for its U.S. reportable segment in New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Mateo, California; Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Newark, Ridgewood and Piscataway, New Jersey; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Reston, Virginia. The Company’s European segment operates in leased office space in London, England; Paris and Avon, France; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Milan, Italy. Office space in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Mumbai, India; and Sydney, Australia are leased by FactSet for its Asia Pacific operating segment. The data content collection centers located in Hyderabad, India and Manila, the Philippines benefit all of the Companies operating segments. The leases expire on various dates through 2021. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms. At November 30, 2012, FactSet leases approximately 805,000 of office space, which the Company believes is adequate for its current needs and that additional space is available for lease to meet any future needs.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, FactSet relocated employees to newly built office space within Dubai and Hong Kong in order to support its growing local presence in each of those regions. The previously leased office spaces were exited by November 2012, concurrent with their expiration dates.

During the first three months of fiscal 2013, FactSet entered into the following new lease agreements:

 
·
Avon, France: A new lease was signed during October 2012 to renew FactSet’s existing office space in Avon, France. The renewal results in incremental future minimum rental payments of $0.8 million over the non-cancelable lease term of 9 years.
 
 
·
Milan, Italy: A new lease was entered into during November 2012 to renew FactSet’s existing office space in Milan, Italy. The renewal results in incremental future minimum rental payments of $0.4 million over the non-cancelable lease term of 2.3 years.
 
 
·
Austin, TX: A new lease agreement was entered into during the first quarter of 2013 to expand FactSet’s existing office space in Austin, TX by approximately 3,467 square feet. The new lease results in incremental future minimum rental payments of $0.3 million over the non-cancelable lease term of 1.5 years.
 
 
24

 
 
During the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $9.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively. Approximately $4.3 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of November 30, 2012. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of November 30, 2012, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

At November 30, 2012, the Company’s lease commitments for office space provide for the following future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year (in thousands):
 
Years Ended August 31,
 
Minimum Lease
Payments
 
2013 (remaining nine months)
  $ 21,035  
2014
    26,628  
2015
    22,057  
2016
    15,912  
2017
    14,616  
Thereafter
    36,049  
Total
  $ 136,297  

Purchase Commitments with Suppliers
Purchase obligations represent payment due in future periods in respect of commitments to the Company’s various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication and computer maintenance services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on FactSet and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. As of August 31, 2012, the Company had total purchase commitments of $52.2 million. There were no material changes in FactSet’s purchase commitments during the first three months of fiscal 2013.

Contingencies

Legal Matters
FactSet accrues non income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims, and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. Based on currently available information at November 30, 2012, FactSet’s management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.

Income Taxes
Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance (see Note 15). FactSet is currently under audit by multiple tax authorities. The Company has reserved for potential adjustments to its provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated agreements with, these tax authorities, and the Company believes that the final outcome of these examinations or agreements will not have a material effect on its results of operations. If events occur which indicate payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in the recognition of tax benefits in the period FactSet determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the Company’s estimates of the federal, state, and foreign income tax liabilities are less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Indemnifications
As permitted or required under Delaware law and to the maximum extent allowable under that law, FactSet has certain obligations to indemnify its current and former officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at FactSet’s request in such capacity. These indemnification obligations are valid as long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The maximum potential amount of future payments FactSet could be required to make under these indemnification obligations is unlimited; however, FactSet has a director and officer insurance policy that should mitigate FactSet's exposure and enables FactSet to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. The Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is not material.
 
 
25

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk
Cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. These deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.

Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and does not require collateral from its clients. The Company maintains reserves for potential write-offs and these losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet’s total revenues in any period presented. At November 30, 2012, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for 2% of total subscriptions and annual subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 16% of total client subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2012. At November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, the receivable reserve was $1.7 and $1.8 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments - As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies as determined by FactSet. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions and regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties.
 
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
 
On January 1, 2013, the U.S. Congress passed the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “ACT”), which President Obama signed into law on January 2, 2013.  The ACT averts the immediate tax concerns with the fiscal cliff and delays the mandatory U.S. government spending cuts known as sequestration. While the ACT did not change corporate tax rates, it did reenact the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, which had previously expired on December 31, 2011. The reenactment of the credit was retroactive to January 1, 2012 and extends through the end of the 2013 calendar year. Prior to the reenactment of the tax credit, FactSet had not been permitted to factor it into its effective tax rate because it was not currently enacted tax law. The reenactment is expected to result in discrete income tax benefits between $4.5 million and $5.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
 
26

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:
 
 
Executive Overview
 
 
Results of Operations
 
 
Foreign Currency
 
 
Liquidity
 
 
Capital Resources
 
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
 
Share Repurchase Program
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Dividends
 
 
Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
 
 
New Accounting Pronouncements
 
 
Market Trends
 
 
Forward-Looking Factors
 
Executive Overview
FactSet is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. We combine content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. Our applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, we offer a complete financial workflow solution. Our revenues are derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services, databases and financial applications. We generate 81% of our revenues from investment management clients and the remainder is from investment banking firms who perform M&A advisory work and equity research.

As of November 30, 2012, we employed 6,020 employees, an increase of 285 over the past three months and up 10% from a year ago, when excluding the acquired StreetAccount workforce. Of these employees, 1,871 were located in the U.S., 617 in Europe and 3,532 in Asia Pacific. Approximately 54% of employees are involved with content collection, 24% work in product development, software and systems engineering, another 18% conduct sales and consulting services and the remaining 4% provide administrative support.

Against the backdrop of a difficult selling environment, particularly for the investment banking firms, FactSet again delivered double-digit EPS growth during the first three months of fiscal 2013, making this quarter the tenth consecutive quarter of double-digit EPS growth. We continued our long track record of reinvesting back into the Company to position FactSet to be even stronger in the future as evidenced by our 10% headcount growth over the last 12 months. First quarter results continued to show healthy growth as we are one of only three U.S. companies that have reported 16 straight years of positive earnings growth. Specific to our user base in equity research and M&A, trading volumes and global M&A deal volumes are both down approximately 20% in the past 12 months. However, this has not translated into significant headcount reductions at our clients because operations at the investment banks have been already running relatively lean. Given the strengths of our services and our relative small market share, we believe FactSet has been growing faster than the larger players in our industry. More importantly, the investment management business environment is more constructive than the investment banking side and we believe that profitability of the large investment management firms is improving. All of our key metrics continued to improve as diluted EPS, ASV, revenues, users and net client count all rose in the past three months and we generated over $44.5 million in free cash flow.
 
 
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Results of Operations
For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the three months ended November 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Revenues
  $ 211,085     $ 196,448       7.5 %
Cost of services
    73,586       66,833       10.1 %
Selling, general and administrative
    66,414       62,862       5.7 %
Operating income
    71,085       66,753       6.5 %
Net income
  $ 49,769     $ 45,544       9.3 %
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.11     $ 0.99       12.1 %
Diluted weighted average common shares
    44,984       46,103          

Revenues
Revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2012 were $211.1 million, up 7.5% compared to the prior year. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, users increased by 105 to 49,605, we added 9 net new clients and annual subscriptions rose by $5 million. Our revenue growth drivers during fiscal 2013 were successes in selling our wealth management workflow solution, the continued use of our advanced applications such as Portfolio Analysis (“PA”), growth in our Market Metrics business, incremental revenue from the acquisition of StreetAccount in June 2012, growth in the number of clients and users of FactSet and an annual client retention rate that is greater than 95% of ASV and 92% in terms of clients.

Wealth Management Workflow Solution
We were pleased to close some successful sales at a few wealth management clients during the first quarter of fiscal 2013.  Over the past 18 months, we have been working on configuring a solution for the wealth management workflow. We believe we have a great offering for that segment of the market and some of our newest clients and users have recognized it. This business line has added clients and workstations during the past three months.

Clients continue to license our advanced applications
Our Portfolio Analytics suite of products, including our Fixed Income in PA product, continued to be a source of revenue growth. PA 2.0, Portfolio Publisher, SPAR (Style Performance and Risk Analysis), Fixed Income in PA, benchmarks and indices, and our risk optimizer products have been among the many value-added applications that continue to be in demand by existing clients as well as an attractive selling point for new clients. In the past three months, our risk optimizer products were in demand as clients search for ways to understand and manage market uncertainty and volatility. Both PA users and clients have increased by double digits compared to a year ago as this suite is comprehensive and includes the applications for portfolio attribution, risk, quantitative analysis, portfolio publishing and returns based, style analysis. Our strength in portfolio analysis and our ability to effectively manage the complex requirements of our clients is a marked differentiator for FactSet.

Growth in the Market Metrics business
Our Market Metrics business continues to be a strong contributor on a relative basis to our growth. Our Market Metrics local market share suite of products, which was introduced last year, continues to perform well. This suite includes mutual fund, variable annuity and life insurance analytical products and applications for wholesalers that have enabled senior management to understand the value and penetration of their own products in local markets in greater detail than they have been able to examine before. In addition, Market Metrics has begun to expand into the European marketplace.

Acquisition of StreetAccount
On June 29, 2012, we acquired StreetAccount to complement our news offering with distilled and crucial market moving information for buy- and sell-side institutions. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, StreetAccount added $2.7 million of revenue to our operations.
 
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Growth in the number of clients and users of FactSet
For the twelfth consecutive quarter, we experienced net new client growth, which is a testament to our business model against a backdrop of economic volatility. The total number of FactSet clients as of November 30, 2012 was 2,401, a net increase of 9 clients during the past three months and brings the net new client growth total to 130 over the past 12 months (excluding the  StreetAccount acquisition). The addition of new clients is important to FactSet as we anticipate that it lays the groundwork for future additional services, consistent with our strategy of increasing sales of workstations, applications and content at existing clients. At November 30, 2012, our largest individual client accounted for 2% of total subscriptions and annual subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 16% of total client subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2012 and November 30, 2011.

At November 30, 2012, there were 49,605 professionals using FactSet, an increase of 2,705 users from a year ago. User expansion from investment management clients were partially offset by user reductions among our global banking and brokerage clients, but the overall user count still increased by 105 on a net basis during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. In the past 12 months, our investment management client base has added approximately 1,840 users while our investment banking clients have grown by 865 users. Investment banking clients continue to be cautious as they closely reviewed and scrutinized their user populations and right-sized their populations based on how they perceive market opportunities.

Annual client retention rates
Consistent with last year, our annual client retention rate was greater than 95% of ASV at November 30, 2012. As a percentage of actual clients, the annual retention rate was 92% at November 30, 2012, also consistent with last year. We believe these statistics, which have remained consistent since last year despite a volatile global economy, demonstrate that retention of existing business and ASV is stable and accelerating net ASV growth is more a function of the rate of new sales.

Revenues by Geographic Region
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
U.S.
  $ 143,941     $ 134,477       7.0 %
% of revenues
    68.2 %     68.5 %        
Europe
  $ 51,631     $ 48,105       7.3 %
Asia Pacific
    15,513       13,866       11.9 %
International
  $ 67,144     $ 61,971       8.3 %
% of revenues
    31.8 %     31.5 %        
Consolidated
  $ 211,085     $ 196,448       7.5 %

Revenues from our U.S. segment increased 7.0% to $143.9 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 compared to the same period a year ago. Our first quarter fiscal 2013 revenue growth rate in the U.S. of 7.0% reflects growth in our Market Metrics suite of products, $2.7 million of incremental revenues from the acquisition of StreetAccount in June 2012, an increase in the number of PA users, sales of our wealth management solution and the annual price increase for our U.S. investment management clients implemented in January 2012, which drove revenues up by approximately $2.6 million.

International revenues in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were $67.1 million, an increase of 8.3% from $62.0 million in the prior year period. European revenues advanced 7.3% to $51.6 million due to offering a broader selection of global proprietary content, an annual price increase for the majority of our non-U.S. investment management clients in March 2012, increases in user and client counts and clients licensing our advanced applications. Foreign currency movements had no impact on European revenues during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Asia Pacific revenues grew to $15.5 million, up 11.9% from a year ago. The foreign currency impact attributable to the change in the value of the Japanese Yen compared to the U.S. dollar decreased revenues by $0.1 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Holding currencies constant, Asia Pacific revenue growth year over year was 12.7%, primarily due to growth in our global content offering, the expansion of our real-time news and quotes that services the needs of a global investor, our ability to sell additional services to existing clients and new client and user growth over the last 12 months. In March 2012, we issued our annual price increase for the majority of our non-U.S. investment management clients resulting in incremental revenue of $0.7 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Revenues from our international operations accounted for 31.8% of our consolidated revenues during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, up from 31.5% in the year ago quarter.
 
 
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Annual Subscription Value (“ASV”)
At November 30, 2012, ASV was $847 million, up 7.0% organically over the prior year. ASV at a given point in time represents the forward-looking expected revenues for the next 12 months from all subscription services being supplied to our clients. With proper notice to us, our clients are able to add to, delete portions of, or terminate service at any time. ASV from our U.S. operations was $578 million, up $34 million from a year ago, excluding acquired StreetAccount ASV of $11.4 million. ASV from international operations increased from $249 million at November 30, 2011 to $269 million at November 30, 2012, representing 32% of our Company-wide total. The percentage of our total ASV derived from buy-side clients increased from 80% a year ago to 81% at November 30, 2012. The $5 million organic increase in ASV during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was driven by growth in our Market Metrics business, increased sales of our PA suite of products, broad-based growth within our U.S. geographic segment, deployment of our wealth management solution and additional users and clients partially offset by reductions in ASV within Europe and Asia brought about by economic volatility and uncertainty in those regions.

Operating Expenses
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Cost of services
  $ 73,586     $ 66,833       10.1 %
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”)
    66,414       62,862       5.7 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 140,000     $ 129,695       7.9 %
                         
Operating income
  $ 71,085     $ 66,753       6.5 %
Operating Margin
    33.7 %*     34.0 %        

* StreetAccount was acquired on June 29, 2012 and as such, its operations were included in operating expenses for the three months ended November 30, 2012. The decrease in the operating margin from 34.0% a year ago to 33.7% in the current year quarter was primarily due to StreetAccount, which negatively impacted our margin by 40 basis points (due to higher employee compensation costs and the amortization of acquired intangibles).

Cost of Services
For the three months ended November 30, 2012, cost of services increased 10.1% to $73.6 million as compared to $66.8 million in the same period a year ago. Cost of services expressed as a percentage of revenues was 34.9% during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, an increase of 90 basis points over the prior year due to higher compensation expense associated with new hires in software engineering, consulting and content and additional StreetAccount expenses partially offset by lower computer-related expenses.

Employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 125 basis points for the three months ended November 30, 2012 compared to the same period a year ago due to the continued expansion of our proprietary content collection operations, bringing in new classes of engineers and consultants and salary increases year over year. Excluding $2.0 million of compensation attributable to the StreetAccount workforce, the increase in employee compensation was 30 basis points. Over the last 12 months we have increased our headcount at our facilities in India and the Philippines by 361. At November 30, 2012, approximately 54% of our employees were involved with content collection. In addition to the hiring of employees at our primary content collection sites, we grew by approximately 175 net new engineering and product development employees and 105 net new consultants in the past year, as we continue to improve our applications and service our existing client base. These headcount increases exclude the 49 employees acquired from StreetAccount in June 2012. Approximately 75% of our new employees hired in the past three months joined our content collection operations and the rest joined our sales and consulting teams. This current year quarter, our global headcount surpassed the 6,000 mark for the first time, as we grew to 6,020 employees at November 30, 2012, a net increase of 285 employees. Year over year our headcount has increased 10%, excluding the acquired StreetAccount workforce. StreetAccount expenses increased cost of services by approximately 95 basis points due to compensation paid to the acquired workforce, stock-based compensation expense from equity based awards granted to the new employees and the amortization of acquired intangible assets.
 
 
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Lower computer-related expenses partially offset higher compensation and StreetAccount expenses during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the same period a year ago. Computer-related expenses, including depreciation and computer maintenance costs, decreased 20 basis points in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 as compared to a year ago due to the continued use of fully depreciated servers and the transition to more efficient and cost-effective servers in our data centers. The cost per server and related maintenance continues to decline as we have become more efficient in our data centers.

Selling, General and Administrative
For the three months ended November 30, 2012, SG&A expenses increased 5.7% to $66.4 million from $62.9 million in the same period a year ago. However, SG&A expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased 50 basis points to 31.5% during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 due to lower employee compensation, including stock-based compensation,  partially offset by foreign currency hedging losses and higher occupancy expenses.

Employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased 180 basis points in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the same period in fiscal 2012 primarily due to decreased variable compensation and lower stock option expense. The deceleration of ASV growth in the past 12 months resulted in estimating that none of the performance-based stock options granted in November 2011 and 2010 would vest as compared to 20% vesting a year ago. This change in estimate resulted in no stock-based compensation expense recorded in the current year quarter compared to $0.3 million of expense a year ago. In addition, the majority of our hiring during the past 12 months has been within our software engineering, content collection and product development teams, which are included within cost of services. As such, SG&A employee compensation, expressed as a percentage of revenues, has declined compared to the growth in cost of services.

Partially offsetting the decrease in SG&A expenses were realized losses recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 from our Indian Rupee hedges. During fiscal 2012, we entered into foreign currency forward contracts to partially hedge our Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015. Since the date on which we entered into the forward contracts, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against the Indian Rupee, and as a result, we recorded a loss on derivatives of $0.6 million in SG&A during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. This loss compares to a gain of $0.5 million recorded in SG&A a year ago as a result of previously entered into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our Euro currency risk. Occupancy costs, including rent and depreciation of furniture and fixtures, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 15 basis points due to the expansion of our office in Manila as well as our moves to new larger space in Hong Kong and Dubai.

Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating income advanced 6.5% to $71.1 million for the three months ended November 30, 2012 compared to the prior year period. Our operating margin during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was 33.7%, down 30 basis points from 34.0% a year ago due to higher compensation expense within cost of services, foreign currency hedging losses in the current year fiscal quarter and higher occupancy expenses partially offset by lower SG&A employee compensation and benefits from utilizing fully depreciated computer equipment.

Operating Income by Segment
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(in thousands)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
U.S.
  $ 39,600     $ 36,436       8.7 %
Europe
    24,723       23,781       4.0 %
Asia Pacific
    6,762       6,536       3.5 %
Consolidated
  $ 71,085     $ 66,753          

Our operating segments are aligned with how we, including our chief operating decision maker, manage the business and the demographic markets in which we serve. Our internal financial reporting structure is based on three operating segments; U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which we believe helps us better manage the business and view the markets we serve. Sales, consulting, data collection and software engineering are the primary functional groups within each segment. Each segment records compensation, including stock-based compensation, data collection costs, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments.

Operating income from our U.S. business increased 8.7% to $39.6 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 compared to $36.4 million in the same period a year ago. The increase in operating income was primarily due to $9.5 million of incremental revenues and lower computer-related expenses partially offset by higher employee compensation within cost of services and an increase in costs from the acquisition of StreetAccount. The U.S. revenue growth was driven by our Market Metrics suite of products, $2.7 million of incremental revenues from the acquisition of StreetAccount in June 2012, an increase in the number of PA users, sales of our wealth management solution and the annual price increase for our U.S. investment management clients implemented in January 2012, which drove revenues up by approximately $2.6 million. Computer-related expenses decreased due to the transition to more efficient and cost-effective servers in our data centers in addition to the continued use of fully depreciated servers. Excluding the acquired StreetAccount workforce, U.S. employee headcount increased 6.1% over the prior year leading to higher employee compensation costs in fiscal 2013.
 
 
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European operating income increased 4.0% to $24.7 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 compared to the same period a year ago. The increase in European operating income is due to a $3.5 million increase in revenues, lower employee variable compensation expense and a decrease in amortization expense as previously acquired intangible assets become fully amortized partially offset by an increase in occupancy costs. European revenues advanced to $51.6 million due to offering a broader selection of global proprietary content, an annual price increase for the majority of our non-U.S. investment management clients in March 2012, increases in user and client counts and clients licensing our advanced applications.

Asia Pacific operating income increased 3.5% to $6.8 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 compared to $6.5 million in the same period a year ago. The increase in Asia Pacific operating income was from $1.6 million of incremental revenues year over year partially offset by higher employee compensation and occupancy costs. Asia Pacific revenue growth year over year was primarily due to growth in our global content offering, the expansion of our real-time news and quotes that services the needs of a global investor, our ability to sell additional services to existing clients and new client and user growth over the last 12 months. Excluding employees hired in our content collection operations in India and the Philippines, our Asia Pacific employee headcount increased 28.3% over the year ago quarter, driving employee compensation higher and thus reducing operating income.

Other Income, Income Taxes, Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share  
   
Three Months Ended
November 30,
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
2012
   
2011
   
Change
 
Other income
  $ 428     $ 277       54.5 %
Provision for income taxes
  $ 21,744     $ 21,486       1.2 %
Net income
  $ 49,769     $ 45,544       9.3 %
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 1.11     $ 0.99       12.1 %
Effective tax rate     30.4     32.1        

Other Income
Other income rose by $0.15 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 as compared to the year ago quarter due to incremental interest income from investments. In October 2011, we purchased approximately $15 million of short-term certificates of deposit with maturities of less than one year, which resulted in interest income of $0.3 million during the current quarter as compared to $0.1 million a year ago. Excluding our returns on the short-term certificates of deposit, our average annualized return on cash and cash equivalents decreased from 41 basis points during fiscal 2012 to 28 basis points in fiscal 2013. At no time during fiscal 2013 and 2012 did a component of our cash, cash equivalents and investments portfolio experience a decline in value due to a ratings change, default or increase in counterparty credit risk

Income Taxes
For the three months ended November 30, 2012, the provision for income taxes increased 1.2% to $21.7 million as compared to the same period a year ago due to a 6.7% increase in income before income taxes year over year partially offset by income tax benefits of $1.3 million from the decision to repatriate cash from the UK to the U.S. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013 we decided to repatriate cash from our wholly owned UK subsidiary. This distribution was completed in early January 2013 and resulted in an income tax benefit of $1.3 million during the three months ended November 30, 2012 since the foreign tax credits associated with the distribution were greater than then tax due on the distribution of the foreign earnings. The first quarter fiscal 2013 effective tax rate before the discrete item of $1.3 million was 32.2% or 10 basis points higher than the 2012 first quarter effective tax rate. The expiration of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit on December 31, 2011 negatively impacted the fiscal 2013 first quarter effective tax rate by 180 basis points compared to 130 basis points in the year ago first quarter.

Net Income and Earnings per Share
Net income rose 9.3% to $49.8 million and diluted earnings per share increased 12.1% to $1.11 for the three months ended November 30, 2012. Drivers of net income and diluted earnings per share growth were higher levels of revenue, decreased computer-related expenses, lower compensation within SG&A, income tax benefits of $1.3 million or $0.03 per diluted share from the repatriation of foreign income to the U.S. and a reduction in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding partially offset by higher compensation within cost of services, incremental expenses from the StreetAccount acquisition and a higher effective tax rate before the discrete item due to the expiration of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit on December 31, 2011.
 
 
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Foreign Currency
Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the European and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity.

Our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $15 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $169 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $154 million per year. Our foreign currency exchange exposure is related to our operating expense base in countries outside the U.S., where approximately 69% of our employees are located as of November 30, 2012. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, foreign currency movements decreased operating income by $0.6 million. In the first quarter of fiscal 2012, operating income increased by $0.7 million from the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

We did not enter into any new hedging contracts during the first three months of fiscal 2013. As of November 30, 2012 we maintain foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2014, 50% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 50% of our net Euro exposure through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013. At November 30, 2012 the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.1.7 billion and ($0.5) million, respectively. At November 30, 2012, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €3.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. A loss on derivatives during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 of $0.5 million was recorded into operating income in our Consolidated Statements of Income compared to a gain of $0.5 million a year ago.

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

   
Three Months Ended
 November 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 50,636     $ 54,754  
Capital expenditures (1)
    (6,097 )     (6,054 )
Free cash flow (2)
  $ 44,539     $ 48,700  
Net cash used in investing activities
  $ (6,392 )   $ (21,054 )
Net cash used in financing activities
  $ (24,738 )   $ (16,218 )
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 210,712     $ 193,754  
 
(1)
Included in net cash used in investing activities during each fiscal year reported.
   
(2)
We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities, which includes the cash cost for taxes and changes in working capital, less capital expenditures. The presentation of free cash flow is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). We use free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, both in presenting our results to stockholders and the investment community, and in our internal evaluation and management of the business. Management believes that this financial measure and the information we provide are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals and is an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund further investments in future growth initiatives.

Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to $210.7 million or 30% of our total assets at November 30, 2012, compared with $193.8 million or 29% of our total assets at November 30, 2011 and $189.0 million at August 31, 2012 or 27% of our total assets. All of our operating and capital expense requirements were financed entirely from cash generated from our operations. Our cash and cash equivalents increased $21.7 million in the past three months due to cash provided by operations of $50.6 million, $13.1 million from the exercise of employee stock options, $4.0 million of tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements and $2.2 million from the effect of exchange rate changes on our foreign cash balances partially offset by cash outflows of $28.2 million related to stock repurchases, dividend payments of $13.6 million, capital expenditures of $6.1 million.
 
 
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Free cash flow generated over the last twelve months was $205.3 million and exceeded net income by 6.3%. Included in the twelve month calculation of free cash flow was $227.9 million of net cash provided by operations less $22.6 million of capital expenditures. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, free cash flow of $44.5 million was generated from higher levels of net income and incremental non-cash expenses partially offset by negative working capital changes. Working capital declined by $9.0 million due to a $14.1 million increase in our accounts receivable balance partially offset by timing of prepaid expenses and a reduction in tax payments due to stock option exercises. Our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) was 34 days at November 30, 2012 compared to 30 days a year ago. Despite the increase in DSO, we remain confident in the collectability of our receivables because the uptick in DSO relates all to billings in October and November 2012, including an increase to billing for annual or semi-annual client subscriptions. In addition, our organic ASV is up $54.7 million over the last 12 months while our accounts receivable balance has increased by only $14.1 million over that same period. We have seen our DSO remain consistently between 30 and 34 days over the past couple years as we continue to optimize our internal billing and collection systems.

Net cash used in investing activities was $6.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 due to capital expenditures of $6.1 million and the reinvestment of proceeds from time deposits that matured during the quarter. Net cash used in investing activities was $14.7 million lower in the current quarter compared to a year ago because during October 2011 we purchased $15.0 million of time deposit with maturity dates ranging from six to twelve months from purchase date.
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $24.7 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 due to $28.2 million in share repurchases and $13.6 million in dividend payments partially offset by proceeds from employee stock plans of $13.1 million and related tax benefits of $4.0 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $8.5 million higher in the current quarter compared to the prior year due to an increase in share repurchases of $13.5 million partially offset by higher proceeds from employee stock plans and incremental tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we repurchased 270,000 shares for $25.4 million under the share repurchase program. In addition, we repurchased 29,604 shares for $2.8 million from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon the vesting of previously granted restricted stock during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. In the year ago quarter, we repurchased 150,000 shares for $14.6 million under the program. Through quarterly cash dividends and share repurchases, we have returned $219 million to our stockholders over the past 12 months. Proceeds from employee stock exercises increased from $7.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 to $13.1 million in current year first quarter because the number of employee stock options exercised increased by 65,787.

We expect that for at least the next 12 months, our operating expenses will continue to constitute a significant use of our cash. Furthermore, we expect existing domestic (U.S.) cash to continue to be sufficient to fund our domestic operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future. As of November 30, 2012, our total cash and cash equivalents worldwide was $211 million with no outstanding borrowings. Approximately $52 million of our total available cash and cash equivalents is held in bank accounts located within the U.S., $147 million in Europe (predominantly within the UK and France) and the remaining $12 million is held in Asia Pacific. We believe our liquidity (including cash on hand, cash from operating activities and other cash flows that we expect to generate) within each geographic segment will be sufficient to meet our short-term and longer-term operating requirements, as they occur, including working capital needs, capital expenditures, dividend payments, stock repurchases and financing activities. In addition, we expect existing foreign cash, cash equivalent and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund our foreign operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future.

Capital Resources

Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures were $6.1 million for the quarter ended November 30, 2012 consistent with the year ago quarter. Approximately $3.4 million or 60% of capital expenditures was for computer equipment including adding additional equipment to our existing data centers, purchasing new laptop computers and peripherals for our growing employee base and improving interoffice telecommunication equipment. The remaining 40% of capital expenditures was for office expansions, primarily the build-out of our expansion in the Philippines and new space in Hong Kong and Dubai.

Capital Needs
We currently have no outstanding indebtedness, other than the letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business. Approximately $4.3 million of standby letters of credit have been issued in connection with our current leased office space as of November 30, 2012. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. At November 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit. As of November 30, 2012 and 2011, we maintained a zero debt balance and were in compliance with all covenants.
 
 
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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At November 30, 2012 and August 31, 2012, we had no off-balance sheet financing or other arrangements with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships (such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities) established for purposes of facilitating off-balance sheet financing or other debt arrangements or for other contractually limited purposes.

Share Repurchase Program
We repurchased 270,000 shares for $25.4 million under the existing share repurchase program during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. At November 30, 2012, $164.3 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Contractual Obligations
Fluctuations in our operating results, the degree of success of our accounts receivable collection efforts, the timing of tax and other payments as well as necessary capital expenditures to support growth of our operations will impact our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. The effect of our contractual obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be considered in conjunction with the factors mentioned here. As of August 31, 2012, we had total purchase commitments of $52.2 million. There were no material changes in our purchase commitments during the first three months of fiscal 2013.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into new lease agreements for additional office space in France, Italy and Austin, Texas in the ordinary course of business to support our existing operations. At the time these new lease agreements were entered into, our future minimum rental payments increased by $1.5 million. However, our commitments under our operating leases decreased from $141.2 million at August 31, 2012 to $136.3 million at November 30, 2012 due to three months of rent incurred and the effects of foreign currency.

With the exception of the new leases entered into in the ordinary course of business, there were no other significant changes to our contractual obligations during the three months ended November 30, 2012.

Dividends
On November 15, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.31 per share. The cash dividend of $13.7 million was paid on December 18, 2012, to common stockholders of record on November 30, 2012. With our dividends and our share repurchases, in the aggregate, we have returned $219 million to shareholders over the past 12 months. Future cash dividends will be paid using our existing and future cash generated by operations.

Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012.

We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2012. There were no significant changes in our accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of fiscal 2012.

Performance-based Option Grant Review- In connection with our acquisition of the Market Metrics business, we granted 746,415 performance-based employee stock options. These options vest only if accelerated revenue targets are achieved related to the Market Metrics business and option holders remain employed by FactSet. If it becomes probable that these options will vest based on achieving the revenue targets, stock-based compensation expense equal to $15.3 million would be recorded. The pre-tax stock-based compensation charge of $15.3 million is equal to the grant-date fair value of the stock options awarded at the time of the acquisition and would represent a one-time cumulative adjustment from a change in the vesting based on achieving the accelerated revenue targets. Vesting of the performance based options was deemed to be not probable at November 30, 2012.

U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit - The U.S. Federal R&D tax credit was reenacted in January 2013 as it had previously expired on December 31, 2011. The reenactment of the credit was retroactive to January 1, 2012 and extends through the end of the 2013 calendar year. Prior to the reenactment of the tax credit, we had not been permitted to factor it into our effective tax rate because it was not currently enacted tax law. The expiration negatively impacted our fiscal 2013 first quarter effective tax rate by 180 basis points compared to 130 basis points in the year ago first quarter. The reenactment in January 2013 is expected to result in discrete income tax benefits between $4.5 million and $5.0 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2013.
 
 
35

 

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

Market Trends
In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to financial risks involving foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Major equity indices (e.g., Dow Jones Industrials, Russell 1000, MSCI EAFE, S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite) continue to experience volatility. Approximately 81% of our annual subscription value is derived from our investment management clients. The prosperity of these clients is tied to equity assets under management. An equity market decline not only depresses assets under management but could cause a significant increase in redemption requests to move money out of equities and into other asset classes. Moreover, extended declines in the equity markets may reduce new fund or client creation, resulting in lower demand for services from investment managers.

Our investment banking clients who perform M&A advisory work and equity research account for approximately 19% of our annual subscription value. A significant portion of these revenues relate to services deployed by large, bulge bracket banks. Credit continues to impact many of the large banking clients due to the amount of leverage deployed in past operations. Clients could encounter similar problems. A lack of confidence in the global banking system could cause declines in merger and acquisitions funded by debt. Additional uncertainty, consolidation and business failures in the global investment banking sector could adversely affect our financial results and future growth.

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

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

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

These statements involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those listed below. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.
 
36

 

Business Outlook
The following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of December 18, 2012. Given the number of risk factors, uncertainties and assumptions discussed above, actual results may differ materially. We do not intend to update our forward-looking statements until our next quarterly results announcement, other than in publicly available statements.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2013 Expectations
 
 
-
Revenues are expected to range between $212 million and $215 million.
 
 
-
Operating margin is expected to range between 33.5% and 34.0%.
 
 
-
The effective tax rate is expected to range between 31.5% and 32.5%.
 
 
-
GAAP diluted EPS should range between $1.11 and $1.13, the midpoint of the range represents 10% growth over last year’s second quarter.

Risk Factors
There were no material changes during the first three months of fiscal 2013 to the risk factors identified in our fiscal 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

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

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

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

Interest Rate Risk
The fair market value of our cash and investments at November 30, 2012 was $225.2 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value. Our investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on our consolidated balance sheet. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our cash and investments will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our cash and investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we try to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Because we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. We do not believe that the value or liquidity of our cash and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events. Current market events have not required us to modify materially or change our financial risk management strategies with respect to our exposures to foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk.
 
 
37

 
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
We conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $15 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $169 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $154 million per year. To the extent that our international activities recorded in local currencies increase in the future, our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will correspondingly increase. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings associated with changes in foreign currency. Derivative financial instruments are held solely as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes.

We did not enter into any new hedging contracts during the first three months of fiscal 2013. As of November 30, 2012 we maintain foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2014, 50% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2015 and 50% of our net Euro exposure through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2013. At November 30, 2012 the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.1.7 billion and ($0.5) million, respectively. At November 30, 2012, the notional principal and fair value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars were €3.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. A loss on derivatives for during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 of $0.5 million was recorded into operating income in our Consolidated Statements of Income compared to a gain of $0.5 million a year ago.

The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings.

A sensitivity analysis was performed based on the estimated fair value of all foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at November 30, 2012. If the U.S. dollar had been 10% weaker, the fair value of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts would have increased by $3.0 million, which would have had an immaterial impact on our consolidated balance sheet. Such a change in fair value of our financial instruments would be substantially offset by changes in our expense base. Had we not had any hedges in place as of November 30, 2012, a hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at November 30, 2012, would result in a decrease in operating income by $14.9 million over the next twelve months. A hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies at November 30, 2012 would increase the fair value of total assets by $30.3 million and equity by $28.5 million.

Interest Rate Risk
The fair market value of our cash and investments at November 30, 2012 was $225.2 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with maturities of three months or less at the date of acquisition and are reported at fair value. Our investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on our consolidated balance sheet. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our cash and investments will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our cash and investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we try to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Because we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. We do not believe that the value or liquidity of our cash and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events.
 
 
38

 
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

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

The Company regularly reviews its system of internal control over financial reporting and makes changes to its processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that the Company maintains an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth under Note 16, Commitments and Contingencies, contained in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference in answer to this Item.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes during the first three months of fiscal 2013 to the risk factors identified in the Company’s fiscal 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2.  UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Items 2(a) and (b) are not applicable as there have been no unregistered sales of equity securities.
 
(c)
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (in thousands, except per share data)

The following table provides a month-to-month summary of the share repurchase activity under the current stock repurchase program during the three months ended November 30, 2012:

Period
 
Total number
of shares
purchased
   
Average
price paid per
share
   
Total number of
shares purchased as
part of publicly
announced plans or
programs
   
Maximum number of shares
(or approximate dollar value)
that may yet be
purchased under the plans or
programs (in thousands)
 
September 2012
    -       -       -     $ 189,765  
October 2012
    250,000     $ 94.42       250,000     $ 166,159  
November 2012
    20,000     $ 91.09       20,000     $ 164,337  
      270,000               270,000          

Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

 
39

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) EXHIBITS:
 
EXBHIT NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION
     
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
     
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
     
32.1
 
Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
     
32.2
 
Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
Date:  January 9, 2013
/s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
 
Maurizio Nicolelli
 
Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer
 

 
/s/ MATTHEW J. MCNULTY
 
Matthew J. McNulty
 
Vice President and Controller
 
 (Principal Accounting Officer)
 

 
40

 

 
EXBHIT NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION
     
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
     
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
     
32.1
 
Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
     
32.2
 
Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
     
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 
41
 
ex31-1.htm
EXHIBIT 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Philip A. Hadley, certify that:
 
1. 
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of FactSet Research Systems Inc.;
 
2. 
Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit tostate a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which suchstatements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairlypresent in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of,and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. 
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controlsand procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financialreporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a) 
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to bedesigned under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including itsconsolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b) 
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financialreporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability offinancial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d) 
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurredduring the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely tomaterially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
 
5. 
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internalcontrol over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board ofdirectors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a) 
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control overfinancial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process,summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b) 
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have any significantrole in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: January 9, 2013
  
 
 
/s/ PHILIP A. HADLEY
 
 
Philip A. Hadley
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
ex31-2.htm
EXHIBIT 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
I, Maurizio Nicolelli, certify that:
 
1. 
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of FactSet Research Systems Inc.;
 
2. 
Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit tostate a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which suchstatements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. 
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairlypresent in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of,and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. 
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controlsand procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financialreporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a) 
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to bedesigned under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including itsconsolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 
b) 
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financialreporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability offinancial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c) 
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in thisreport our conclusions about the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, as of the end of the periodcovered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d) 
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurredduring the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely tomaterially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
 
5. 
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internalcontrol over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board ofdirectors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a) 
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control overfinancial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process,summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b) 
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have any significantrole in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date: January 9, 2013
   
 
/s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
 
 
Maurizio Nicolelli
 
 
Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer
 
 
ex32-1.htm
EXHIBIT 32.1
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Philip A. Hadley, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 

/s/ PHILIP A. HADLEY
 
Philip A. Hadley
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
January 9, 2013
 
 
ex32-2.htm
EXHIBIT 32.2
 
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
 
In connection with the Quarterly Report of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Maurizio Nicolelli, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 

/s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
 
Maurizio Nicolelli
Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer
January 9, 2013