Annual Statements Open main menu

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC. - Quarter Report: 2010 September (Form 10-Q)

e10vq
Table of Contents

 
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED September 30, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-21433
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
DELAWARE   04-2797789
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification Number)
     
400 TECHNOLOGY SQUARE    
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS    
(Address of principal executive   02139
offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (617) 613- 6000
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   þ       Noo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes   o      No   o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
Large accelerated filer     o   Accelerated filer     þ   Non-accelerated filer     o   Small reporting
company     o
        (Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes   o      No   þ
As of November 3, 2010, 22,425,561 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.
 

 


 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
                 
    PAGE          
               
 
               
            3  
 
               
            3  
 
               
            4  
 
               
            5  
 
               
            6  
 
               
            14  
 
               
            22  
 
               
            22  
 
               
               
 
               
            22  
 
               
            23  
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except per share data)
                       
    September 30,   December 31,
    2010   2009
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
Current Assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
    $ 138,100       $ 97,805  
Marketable investments (Note 3)
    136,992       152,037  
Accounts receivable, net
    39,229       67,436  
Deferred income taxes
    5,223       5,276  
Deferred commissions
    8,718       9,631  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    11,489       8,616  
         
Total current assets
    339,751       340,801  
Long-term marketable securities (Note 3)
    9,934       9,950  
Restricted cash
    14,919       16,770  
Property and equipment, net
    9,322       5,823  
Deferred income taxes
    10,819       10,323  
Goodwill
    68,077       68,314  
Intangible assets, net
    9,392       12,108  
Non-marketable investments (Note 4)
    7,062       5,546  
Other assets
    549       561  
         
Total assets
    $ 469,825       $ 470,196  
         
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
    $ 4,158       $ 2,078  
Accrued expenses
    26,066       30,168  
Deferred revenue
    104,583       117,888  
         
Total current liabilities
    134,807       150,134  
Non-current liabilities
    7,568       8,117  
         
Total liabilities
    142,375       158,251  
         
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity (Note 7):
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value
               
Authorized - 500 shares, issued and outstanding - none
    -            -       
Common stock, $.01 par value
               
Authorized - 125,000 shares
               
Issued - 29,835 and 29,362 as of September 30, 2010 and
               
December 31, 2009, respectively
               
Outstanding - 22,361 and 22,334 as of September 30, 2010 and
               
December 31, 2009, respectively
    298       294  
Additional paid-in capital
    340,206       325,207  
Retained earnings
    145,937       129,559  
Treasury stock - 7,474 and 7,028 as of September 30, 2010 and
               
December 31, 2009, respectively, at cost
    (155,201 )     (141,250 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (3,790 )     (1,865 )
         
Total stockholders’ equity
    327,450       311,945  
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
    $ 469,825       $ 470,196  
         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

3


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,       Nine Months Ended September 30,
    2010   2009   2010   2009
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
 
                               
Revenues:
                               
Research services
    $ 42,895       $ 38,893       $ 123,063       $ 116,968  
Advisory services and other
    16,882       14,988       60,547       54,898  
                 
Total revenues
    59,777       53,881       183,610       171,866  
                 
 
                               
Operating expenses:
                               
Cost of services and fulfillment
    22,399       20,052       69,026       65,824  
Selling and marketing
    20,228       17,266       61,036       54,018  
General and administrative
    9,489       7,099       24,413       20,468  
Depreciation
    943       1,075       2,740       3,311  
Amortization of intangible assets
    905       439       2,715       1,751  
Reorganization costs
    -           -           -           3,141  
                 
Total operating expenses
    53,964       45,931       159,930       148,513  
                 
Income from operations
    5,813       7,950       23,680       23,353  
 
                               
Other income (expense), net
    (945 )     460       1,278       2,182  
Gains (losses) on investments, net
    1,377       (732 )     1,829       (1,683 )
                 
Income before income taxes
    6,245       7,678       26,787       23,852  
 
                               
Income tax provision
    2,541       3,378       10,409       10,769  
                 
Net income
    $ 3,704       $ 4,300       $ 16,378       $ 13,083  
                 
 
                               
Basic income per common share
    $ 0.16       $ 0.19       $ 0.73       $ 0.58  
                 
 
                               
Diluted income per common share
    $ 0.16       $ 0.19       $ 0.71       $ 0.57  
                 
 
                               
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,462       22,561       22,456       22,736  
                 
 
                               
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    23,107       22,809       23,040       22,953  
                 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

4


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                   
    Nine Months Ended September 30,
    2010   2009
    (Unaudited)  
 
               
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net income
    $ 16,378       $ 13,083  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and asset write-offs
    2,740       3,311  
Amortization of intangible assets
    2,715       1,751  
Net (gains) losses from investments
    (1,829 )     1,683  
Deferred income taxes
    (537 )     225  
Stock-based compensation
    3,686       4,921  
Amortization of premium on investments
    1,728       838  
Foreign currency losses
    683       125  
Other non-cash items
    89       -      
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
               
Accounts receivable
    27,524       28,721  
Deferred commissions
    913       3,385  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (3,295 )     5,611  
Accounts payable
    1,927       (2,050 )
Accrued expenses
    (2,692 )     (3,797 )
Deferred revenue
    (12,342 )     (21,338 )
         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    37,688       36,469  
         
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisitions
    (1,660 )     (752 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (6,248 )     (3,464 )
Purchases of marketable investments
    (105,102 )     (530,345 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments
    118,235       487,339  
Decrease in restricted cash
    1,851       -      
Other investing activity
    314       438  
         
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    7,390       (46,784 )
         
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee equity incentive plans and employee stock purchase plan
    10,773       2,721  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    399       -      
Repurchases of common stock
    (13,951 )     (15,233 )
         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (2,779 )     (12,512 )
         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (2,004 )     1,526  
         
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    40,295       (21,301 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    97,805       129,478  
         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
    $ 138,100       $ 108,177  
         
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

5


Table of Contents

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 — Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for reporting on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures required for complete financial statements are not included herein. The year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. It is recommended that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear in the Forrester Research, Inc. (“Forrester”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of the dates and for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 may not be indicative of the results for the year ending December 31, 2010, or any other period.
Reclassifications
Certain costs within the line items “costs of services and fulfillment” and “selling and marketing” have been reclassified in the prior year’s consolidated financial statements to properly reflect the nature of those costs. The reclassification did not have an effect on total operating expenses or income from operations.
Note 2 — Acquisitions
Forrester Middle East FZ-LLC
On January 22, 2009, Forrester acquired all of the outstanding share capital of Forrester Middle East FZ-LLC (FME), a Dubai, UAE based reseller of Forrester’s products that also offered consulting services to local customers, to expand the Company’s direct geographical presence in the area. The total purchase price was approximately $1.1 million of which approximately $0.6 million was paid on the acquisition date, $0.2 million was paid in the three months ended June 30, 2009 and $0.3 million was contingent upon the acquired company meeting certain financial metrics in 2009, which were not met and accordingly the final $0.3 million was not required to be paid by Forrester. The results of FME’s operations, which were not material to the consolidated financial statements, have been included in Forrester’s consolidated financial statements since January 22, 2009, with the revenue included within the client group segment to which it relates. Pro forma financial information has not been provided as it is not material to the consolidated results of operations.
Strategic Oxygen
On December 1, 2009, Forrester acquired the Strategic Oxygen business to further support Forrester’s syndicated business model and the Company’s role-based strategy. The total purchase price was approximately $7.3 million, of which approximately $4.6 million was paid on the acquisition date, $0.5 million was paid in February 2010 and $0.4 million is payable in June 2011 subject to reduction for indemnification claims. The remaining purchase price of $1.8 million represented contingent purchase price valued as of December 1, 2009, which was subject to adjustment based on the achievement of certain financial metrics related to the acquired business. Of the $1.8 million contingent purchase price, $0.2 million was paid in December 2009 and $1.2 million was paid in February 2010 as full consideration. At December 31, 2009, the Company maintained approximately $2.0 million in an escrow account classified as restricted cash in the Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the contingent purchase price. The balance of the escrow account was fully released as of March 31, 2010. The Company recorded a credit of approximately $0.5 million within general and administrative expense during the three months ended March 31, 2010 as a result of a reduction in the estimated amount of contingent purchase price from December 31, 2009 to the final calculation date. The results of Strategic Oxygen, which were not material to the consolidated financial statements, have been included in Forrester’s consolidated financial statements since December 1, 2009 in the Technology Industry Client Group segment. Pro forma financial information has not been provided as it is not material to the consolidated results of operations.
An agreement existed between an employee of Strategic Oxygen, who became an employee of Forrester upon the closing of the acquisition, and the seller of Strategic Oxygen that provided for an allocation of a portion of the contingent consideration from the seller to the employee. The contingent consideration was earned by the seller based upon the

6


Table of Contents

financial performance of Strategic Oxygen for a short period of time subsequent to the acquisition. Forrester was not a party to this agreement; however, this payment in the amount of $0.2 million paid to Forrester’s employee by the seller is considered to have resulted in services that benefited Forrester, and therefore the payment was required to be recorded as a non-cash compensation expense, within general and administrative expense, by Forrester and as a capital contribution to Forrester by the seller.
Note 3 – Marketable Investments
The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable investments (in thousands):
                                 
            Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost   Gains   Losses   Value
September 30, 2010
                               
Available-for-sale securities
                               
State and municipal obligations
    $ 22,091       $ 65       $     -       $ 22,156  
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    114,194       688       (46 )     114,836  
 
               
Total short-term available-for-sale securities
    136,285       753       (46 )     136,992  
Non-UBS ARS, long-term
    11,000            -       (1,066 )     9,934  
 
               
Total available-for-sale securities
    $ 147,285       $ 753       $ (1,112 )     $ 146,926  
 
               
 
            Gross     Gross        
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Market  
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
December 31, 2009
                               
Available-for-sale securities
                               
State and municipal obligations
    $ 45,392       $ 482       $ (2 )     $ 45,872  
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    73,992       498           -       74,490  
 
               
Total short-term available-for-sale securities
    119,384       980       (2 )     120,362  
Non-UBS ARS, long-term
    11,000            -       (1,050 )     9,950  
 
               
Total available-for-sale securities
    130,384       980       (1,052 )     130,312  
Trading securities
                               
UBS ARS
    31,675            -       (2,100 )     29,575  
UBS Right
         -       2,100           -       2,100  
 
               
Total securities
    $ 162,059       $ 3,080       $ (3,152 )     $ 161,987  
 
               
Realized gains and losses on securities are included in earnings and are determined using the specific identification method. Realized gains or losses on the sale of the Company’s federal agency, state, municipal and corporate obligations were not material in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2010 or 2009.
The following table summarizes the maturity periods of the marketable securities in the Company’s portfolio as of September 30, 2010. In February 2008, certain auction rate securities (“ARS”) that Forrester held experienced failed auctions that limited the liquidity of these securities. These auction failures have continued and based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue. ARS are reflected in the following table at their current auction reset dates in 2010. However, the actual contractual maturities of these investments were they not to reset would occur at various dates between 2024 and 2034.
                                         
    FY 2010   FY 2011   FY 2012   FY 2013   Total
    (in thousands)  
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    $ 4,011       $ 49,395       $ 51,688       $ 9,742       $ 114,836  
State and municipal obligations
    9,088       9,911       3,157            -       22,156  
Non-UBS ARS
    9,934            -            -            -       9,934  
 
                   
Total short and long-term
    $ 23,033       $ 59,306       $ 54,845       $ 9,742       $ 146,926  
 
                   

7


Table of Contents

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and market value of Forrester’s available-for-sale investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
                                 
    As of September 30, 2010
    Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Greater
    Market   Unrealized   Market   Unrealized
    Value   Losses   Value   Losses
 
                               
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    $ 16,518       $ (46 )     $ -           $ -      
Non-UBS ARS
    -           -           9,934       (1,066 )
 
               
Total
    $ 16,518       $ (46 )     $ 9,934       $ (1,066 )
 
               
 
    As of December 31, 2009
    Less Than 12 Months   12 Months or Greater
    Market   Unrealized   Market   Unrealized
    Value   Losses   Value   Losses
 
                               
State and municipal bonds
    $ 1,148       $ 2       $ -           $ -      
Non-UBS ARS
    9,950       1,050       -           -      
 
               
Total
    $ 11,098       $ 1,052       $ -           $ -      
 
               
Fair Value
The Company measures certain financial assets at fair value on a recurring basis, including cash equivalents, available-for-sale securities and trading securities. The fair values of these financial assets have been classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 within the fair value hierarchy as described in the accounting standards for fair value measurements.
Level 1 — Fair value based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 — Fair value based on inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 — Fair value based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and such inputs are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):
                                 
    As of September 30, 2010
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
Money market funds (1)
    $ 65,123       $ -           $ -           $ 65,123  
Federal agency and corporate obligations (2)
    -           116,320       -           116,320  
State and municipal obligations
    -           22,156       9,934       32,090  
 
               
Total
    $ 65,123       $ 138,476       $ 9,934       $ 213,533  
 
               
 
    As of December 31, 2009
    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total
Money market funds (1)
    $ 50,472       $ -           $ -           $ 50,472  
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    -           74,490       -           74,490  
State and municipal obligations
    -           45,872       39,525       85,397  
UBS Right
    -           -           2,100       2,100  
 
               
Total
    $ 50,472       $ 120,362       $ 41,625       $ 212,459  
 
               
     (1)  Included in cash and cash equivalents.
     (2)  $1,484 included in cash and cash equivalents.
Level 2 assets consist of the Company’s entire portfolio of federal, state, municipal and corporate bonds, excluding those municipal bonds described below with an auction reset feature. Level 2 assets have been initially valued at the transaction price and subsequently valued, at the end of each reporting period, typically utilizing third party pricing services or other

8


Table of Contents

market observable data. The pricing services utilize industry standard valuation models, including both income and market based approaches and observable market inputs to determine value. These observable market inputs include reportable trades, benchmark yields, credit spreads, broker/dealer quotes, bids, offers, current spot rates and other industry and economic events.
Level 3 assets primarily consist of municipal bonds with an auction reset feature (ARS). Prior to 2008, the fair value of the ARS investments approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. While the Company continues to earn interest on its ARS investments at the contractual rate, these investments trade infrequently and therefore do not have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of the ARS no longer approximates par value. At September 30, 2010, the Company held ARS with one investment advisor that provided a valuation of the ARS at par value, which Forrester considered to be a Level 3 input based on the limited market activity. In addition to the valuation provided by the investment advisor, Forrester completed a valuation of the securities using a discounted cash flow model that included estimates of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums and expected holding periods of the securities. Forrester relied most heavily on its own valuation, based primarily on the lack of market activity in these securities, which resulted in an unrealized loss recorded in other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $1.1 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The Company believes that the loss is temporary due to the underlying credit rating of the securities and the fact that the Company does not intend to sell the securities and is not likely to be required to sell the securities. The assumptions used in valuing the ARS are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change.
Through July 1, 2010, the Company also held ARS with UBS AG (UBS). Historically, UBS provided a valuation utilizing Level 3 inputs for the ARS investments. UBS utilized a discounted cash flow approach to arrive at its valuation, which was corroborated by a separate and comparable discounted cash flow analysis prepared by the Company. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model included estimates, based on data available at each balance sheet date, of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, and expected holding periods of the ARS. In November 2008, the Company accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS entitling the Company to sell at par value ARS originally purchased from UBS (approximately $31.7 million par value at December 31, 2009) (“UBS ARS”) at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012. The Company valued the Right as an asset using a discounted cash flow approach including estimates of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flow, adjusted for any bearer risk associated with UBS’s financial ability to repurchase the ARS beginning June 30, 2010, based on data available at each balance sheet date. The combined fair value of the Right and the UBS ARS historically equaled the par value of the UBS ARS. The remaining $5.4 million of par value UBS ARS at June 30, 2010 were sold to UBS at par under the Right on July 1, 2010.
The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):
                 
    UBS    
    Right   ARS
Balance at December 31, 2009
    $ 2,100       $ 39,525  
Sales/Maturities
         -       (31,675 )
Total gains (losses):
               
Included in other comprehensive income
         -       (16 )
Included in earnings
    (2,100 )     2,100  
 
       
Balance at September 30, 2010
    $      -       $ 9,934  
 
       
 
    UBS      
    Right   ARS
Balance at December 31, 2008
    $ 6,887       $ 39,613  
Sales/Maturities
         -       (3,475 )
Total gains (losses):
               
Included in other comprehensive loss
         -       (1,050 )
Included in earnings
    (5,075 )     5,075  
 
       
Balance at September 30, 2009
    $ 1,812       $ 40,163  
 
       
Note 4— Non-Marketable Investments
At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the carrying value of the Company’s non-marketable investments, which were comprised primarily of interests in technology-related private equity funds, were $7.1 million and $5.5 million, respectively.

9


Table of Contents

One of the Company’s investments, with a book value of $1.8 million and $1.9 million at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, is being accounted for using the cost method and, accordingly, is valued at cost unless an other-than-temporary impairment in its value occurs or the investment is liquidated. The other investments are being accounted for using the equity method as the investments are limited partnerships and Forrester has an ownership interest in excess of 5% and, accordingly, Forrester records its share of the investee’s operating results each period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company recorded a gain of $1.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which are included in gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 the Company recorded a loss of $0.7 and $1.7 million, respectively, which are included in gains (losses) on investments, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
In June 2010, the Company extended the expiration date of a cash bonus plan, originally adopted in 2000, that would pay a bonus, after the return of invested capital from certain of the Company’s investments, to certain key employees. To date, no bonuses have been paid under the plan. The plan will now automatically expire on June 30, 2013, subject to earlier expiration as provided in the plan in the event that prior to such date there are less than 10 participants in the plan or all of the Company’s invested capital (as defined in the plan) has been returned to the Company.
Note 5 — Reorganization
The following table rolls forward the activity in the reorganization accrual for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
                         
    Workforce       Facility          
    Reduction   Consolidation   Total
Accrual at December 31, 2009
    $ 98       $ 1,587       $ 1,685  
Cash payments
    (98 )     (992 )     (1,090 )
 
           
Accrual at September 30, 2010
    $      -       $ 595       $ 595  
 
           
The accrued costs related to the reorganization are expected to be paid as follows: $0.2 million in the remainder of 2010 and $0.4 million in 2011.
Note 6 — Net Income Per Common Share
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common equivalent shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury-stock method. Common equivalent shares consist of common stock issuable on the exercise of outstanding options and vesting of restricted stock units when dilutive.
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,   September 30,
    2010   2009   2010   2009
 
                               
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,462       22,561       22,456       22,736  
Weighted average common equivalent shares
    645       248       584       217  
 
               
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    23,107       22,809       23,040       22,953  
 
               
 
                               
Options excluded from diluted weighted average share calculation as effect would have been anti-dilutive
    344       2,247       490       1,995  
 
               

10


Table of Contents

Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity
Comprehensive Income
The components of total comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2010   2009   2010   2009
Net income
    $ 3,704       $ 4,300       $ 16,378       $ 13,083  
Cumulative translation adjustment gain (loss)
    3,637       1,211       (1,785 )     1,078  
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable investments, net of tax
    103       48       (140 )     (330 )
 
               
Total comprehensive income
    $ 7,444       $ 5,559       $ 14,453       $ 13,831  
 
               
Equity Plans
Stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is presented below (in thousands, except per share data):
                                 
            Weighted -   Weighted -    
            Average   Average    
            Exercise   Remaining   Aggregate
    Number   Price Per   Contractual   Intrinsic
    of Shares   Share   Term (in years)   Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    3,090       $ 25.18                  
Granted
    334       30.10                  
Exercised
    (430 )     22.72                  
Forfeited
    (161 )     43.44                  
 
                           
Outstanding at September 30, 2010
    2,833       $ 25.10       6.36       $ 22,842  
 
               
Exercisable at September 30, 2010
    1,951       $ 24.05       5.30       $ 17,848  
 
               
Restricted stock unit activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is presented below:
                 
            Weighted-
            Average
            Grant Date
    RSUs   Fair Value
Unvested at December 31, 2009
    94,202       $ 25.21  
Granted
    104,496       29.77  
Vested or settled
    -              
Forfeited
    (4,006 )     25.92  
 
           
Unvested at September 30, 2010
    194,692       $ 27.64  
 
           
Stock-Based Compensation
Forrester recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation in net income over the requisite service period of the individual grantee, which generally equals the vesting period. Forrester recorded approximately $1.2 million and $1.4 million of stock-based compensation in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and $3.7 and $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, included in the following expense categories (in thousands):
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2010   2009   2010   2009
Cost of services and fulfillment
    $ 531       $ 733       $ 1,588       $ 2,481  
Selling and marketing
    238       274       708       884  
General and administrative
    387       423       1,390       1,556  
 
               
Total
    $ 1,156       $ 1,430       $ 3,686       $ 4,921  
 
               

11


Table of Contents

Forrester utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model for estimating the fair value of stock-based compensation. Options granted under the incentive plans and shares subject to purchase under the employee stock purchase plan were valued using the following assumptions:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
    September 30, 2010   September 30, 2009
    Equity Incentive   Employee Stock   Equity Incentive   Employee Stock
    Plans   Purchase Plan   Plans   Purchase Plan
Average risk-free interest rate
    1.37%      0.20%      2.01%      0.28% 
Expected dividend yield
  None      None      None      None   
Expected life
  3.5 Years      0.5 Years      3.5 Years      0.5 Years   
Expected volatility
    40%      25%      44%      44% 
Weighted average fair value
    $ 9.49        $ 6.87        $ 8.57        $ 6.92   
         
         
         
    Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30, 2010   September 30, 2009
    Equity Incentive   Employee Stock   Equity Incentive   Employee Stock
    Plans   Purchase Plan   Plans   Purchase Plan
Average risk-free interest rate
    2.02%      0.17%      1.85%      0.29% 
Expected dividend yield
  None      None      None      None   
Expected life
  3.6 Years      0.5 Years      3.5 Years      0.5 Years   
Expected volatility
    40%      25%      44%      44% 
Weighted average fair value
    $ 9.63        $ 6.23        $ 8.37        $ 6.83   
Treasury Stock
The Board of Directors of the Company has authorized an aggregate $260 million, including an addition of $60 million approved in October 2010, to purchase common stock under the stock repurchase program. The shares repurchased may be used, among other things, in connection with Forrester’s employee and director equity incentive and purchase plans. As of September 30, 2010, Forrester had repurchased approximately 7.5 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $155.2 million.
Note 8 – Income Taxes
Forrester provides for income taxes on an interim basis according to management’s estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full fiscal year. Certain items such as changes in tax rates, foreign exchange gains or losses on the remeasurement of deferred tax liabilities and tax benefits related to disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options are treated as discrete items and are recorded in the period in which they arise.
Note 9 — Operating Segments
Forrester is organized into three client groups with each client group responsible for writing relevant research for the roles within the client organizations on a worldwide basis. The three client groups are: Information Technology (“IT”), Technology Industry (“TI”), and Marketing and Strategy (“M&S”). All of the client groups generate revenues through sales of research and advisory and other service offerings targeted at specific roles within their targeted clients. Each of the client groups consists of research personnel focused primarily on issues relevant to particular roles and to the day-to-day responsibilities of persons within the roles. Amounts included in the “Events” segment relate to the operations of the events production department. Revenue reported in the Events segment consists primarily of sponsorships and event tickets to Forrester events.
Forrester evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on direct margin. Direct margin, as presented below, is defined as operating income excluding sales expenses, certain marketing and fulfillment expenses, stock-based compensation expense, general and administrative expenses, depreciation expense, amortization of intangibles and reorganization costs. In the first quarter of 2010, the Company modified its calculation of segment direct margin to exclude all selling costs. Accordingly, the 2009 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used in the consolidated financial statements.
Forrester does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by operating segment. Accordingly, assets are not being reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of performance or in making decisions on the allocation of resources.

12


Table of Contents

The following tables present information about reportable segments (in thousands).
                                         
    IT   TI   M&S   Events   Consolidated
Three months ended September 30, 2010
                                       
Revenue
    $ 23,047       $ 18,342       $ 17,889       $ 499       $ 59,777  
Direct margin
    15,990       13,616       11,059       (59 )     40,606  
Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses             (33,888 )
Amortization of intangible assets
                                    (905 )
 
                                   
Income from operations
                                    $ 5,813  
 
                                   
 
                                       
 
                                       
    IT   TI   M&S   Events   Consolidated
Three months ended September 30, 2009
                                       
Revenue
    $ 22,133       $ 16,074       $ 15,674       $ -            $ 53,881  
Direct margin
    15,605       11,941       9,382       (895 )     36,033  
Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses             (27,644 )
Amortization of intangible assets
                                    (439 )
 
                                   
Income from operations
                                    $ 7,950  
 
                                   
 
                                       
 
                                       
    IT   TI   M&S   Events   Consolidated
Nine months ended September 30, 2010
                                       
Revenue
    $ 69,173       $ 54,617       $ 52,133       $ 7,687       $ 183,610  
Direct margin
    48,069       41,920       31,834       1,910       123,733  
Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses             (97,338 )
Amortization of intangible assets
                                    (2,715 )
 
                                   
Income from operations
                                    $ 23,680  
 
                                   
 
                                       
 
                                       
 
                                       
    IT   TI   M&S   Events   Consolidated
Nine months ended September 30, 2009
                                       
Revenue
    $ 68,892       $ 49,795       $ 46,714       $ 6,465       $ 171,866  
Direct margin
    47,749       37,509       26,267       1,659       113,184  
Selling, marketing, administrative and other expenses             (84,939 )
Amortization of intangible assets
                                    (1,751 )
Reorganization costs
                                    (3,141 )
 
                                   
Income from operations
                                    $ 23,353  
 
                                   
Note 10 — Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2010 the Company adopted ASU No. 2010-06, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements", or ASU 2010-06. A reporting entity should provide additional disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, and the transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3 fair value measurements. The adoption of the additional disclosures for Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The disclosures regarding Level 3 fair value measurements do not become effective until January 1, 2011 and will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Effective January 1, 2010, the Company adopted ASU No. 2009-17, “Consolidations (Topic 810): Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”, or ASU 2009-17. The amendments in this update replace the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which reporting entity, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity with an approach focused on identifying which reporting entity has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impacts the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. An approach that is expected to be primarily qualitative will be more effective for identifying which reporting entity has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. The amendments in this update also require additional disclosures about a reporting entity’s involvement in variable interest entities, which will enhance the information provided to users of financial statements. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

13


Table of Contents

In September 2009, the FASB issued Update No. 2009-13, “Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements — a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force” (ASU 2009-13). It updates the existing multiple-element revenue arrangements guidance currently included under ASC 605-25, which originated primarily from the guidance in EITF Issue No. 00-21, “Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables” (EITF 00-21). The revised guidance primarily provides two significant changes: 1) eliminates the need for objective and reliable evidence of the fair value for the undelivered element in order for a delivered item to be treated as a separate unit of accounting, and 2) eliminates the residual method to allocate the arrangement consideration. In addition, the guidance also expands the disclosure requirements for revenue recognition. ASU 2009-13 will be effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after June 15, 2010, with early adoption permitted provided that the revised guidance is retroactively applied to the beginning of the year of adoption. The Company will adopt new standard effective January 1, 2011 for contracts entered into or materially modified after that date. The Company is currently assessing the future impact of this new accounting update to its consolidated financial statements.
Note 11 — Subsequent Event
In October 2010 the board of directors of the Company approved a $60 million increase in the Company’s stock repurchase authorization and a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share, to be paid on December 20, 2010 to shareholders of record on December 8, 2010.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the adequacy of our liquidity and capital resources and the success of and demand for our research and advisory products and services. These statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual future activities and results to differ include, among others, our ability to respond to business and economic conditions, technology spending, our dependence on renewals of our membership-based research services and on key personnel, market trends, competition, the ability to attract and retain professional staff, possible variations in our quarterly operating results, any cost savings related to reductions in force and associated actions and risks associated with our ability to offer new products and services. These risks are described more completely in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
We derive revenues from memberships to our research products and services, performing advisory services and consulting projects, and hosting events. We offer contracts for our research products that are typically renewable annually and payable in advance. Research revenues are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the contract. Accordingly, a substantial portion of our billings are initially recorded as deferred revenue. Clients purchase advisory services independently and/or to supplement their memberships to our research. Billings attributable to advisory services and consulting projects are initially recorded as deferred revenue. Advisory service revenues are recognized during the period in which the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable. Consulting project revenues, which generally are short-term in nature and based upon fixed-fee agreements, are recognized as the services are provided. Event billings are also initially recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue upon completion of each event.
Our primary operating expenses consist of cost of services and fulfillment, selling and marketing expenses and general and administrative expenses. Cost of services and fulfillment represents the costs associated with the production and delivery of our products and services, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits and stock-based compensation expense for research personnel and all associated editorial, travel, and support services. Selling and marketing expenses include salaries, sales commissions, bonuses, employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, travel expenses, promotional costs and other costs incurred in marketing and selling our products and services. General and administrative expenses include the costs of the technology, operations, finance, and strategy groups and our other administrative functions, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits, and stock-based compensation expense. Overhead costs such as facilities are allocated to these categories according to the number of employees in each group.

14


Table of Contents

Deferred revenue, agreement value, client retention, dollar retention and enrichment are metrics we believe are important to understanding our business. We believe that the amount of deferred revenue, along with the agreement value of contracts to purchase research and advisory services, provide a significant measure of our business activity. We define these metrics as follows:
    Deferred revenue - billings in advance of revenue recognition as of the measurement date.
 
    Agreement value - the total revenues recognizable from all research and advisory service contracts in force at a given time (but not including advisory-only contracts), without regard to how much revenue has already been recognized. No single client accounted for more than 2% of agreement value at September 30, 2010. Agreement value excludes amounts in excess of the first year value for multiple year contracts signed in 2009 and beyond.
 
    Client retention - the percentage of client companies with memberships expiring during the most recent twelve-month period that renewed one or more of those memberships during that same period.
 
    Dollar retention – the percentage of the dollar value of all client membership contracts renewed during the most recent twelve-month period to the total dollar value of all client membership contracts that expired during the period.
 
    Enrichment – the percentage of the dollar value of client membership contracts renewed during the period to the dollar value of the corresponding expiring contracts.
Client retention, dollar retention, and enrichment are not necessarily indicative of the rate of future retention of our revenue base. A summary of our key metrics is as follows (dollars in millions):
                                 
    As of   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Deferred revenue
    $ 104.6        $ 93.5        $ 11.1       12%  
Agreement value
    $ 191.8        $ 183.5        $ 8.3       5%  
Client retention
    80%       72%       8       11%  
Dollar retention
    89%       82%       7       9%  
Enrichment
    102%       97%       5       5%  
Number of clients
    2,562        2,505        57       2%  
The increase in deferred revenue and agreement value from September 30, 2009 to September 30, 2010 is primarily due to increased demand for our products and services as well as the effect of the Strategic Oxygen acquisition in December 2009. The increase in agreement value was partially offset by a change in the calculation to exclude agreement value in excess of the first year value for multiple year contracts signed in 2009 and beyond. Client and dollar retention rates as well as our enrichment rate have all increased from the September 2009 period which is consistent with improved economic activity in 2010.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our policies and estimates, including but not limited to, those related to our revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts, non-marketable investments, goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes and valuation and impairment of marketable investments. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, data available at the time the estimates are made and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

15


Table of Contents

Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our statement of income as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:
                                   
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,   September 30,  
    2010   2009   2010   2009  
Revenues:
                                 
Research services
    72    %    72    %    67    %    68    %
Advisory services and other
    28       28       33       32    
 
                 
Total revenues
    100       100       100       100    
Operating expenses:
                                 
Cost of services and fulfillment
    37       37       38       38    
Selling and marketing
    34       32       33       31    
General and administrative
    16       13       13       12    
Depreciation
    2       2       2       2    
Amortization of intangible assets
    1       1       1       1    
Reorganization costs
    -           -           -           2    
 
                 
Income from operations
    10       15       13       14    
Other income (expense), net
    (2 )     1       1       1    
Gains (losses) on investments, net
    2       (2 )     1       (1 )  
 
                 
Income before income taxes
    10       14       15       14    
Income tax provision
    4       6       6       6    
 
                 
Net income
    6    %    8    %    9    %    8    %
 
               
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009
Revenues
                                             
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
    (dollars in millions)                  
Revenues
    $ 59.8       $ 53.9       $ 5.9       11 %
Revenues from research services
    $ 42.9       $ 38.9       $ 4.0       10 %
Revenues from advisory services and other
    $ 16.9       $ 15.0       $ 1.9       13 %
Revenues attributable to customers outside of the US
    $ 16.3       $ 16.2       $ 0.1       1 %
Percentage of revenue attributable to customers outside of the US
    27 %     30 %     (3 )     (10%)
Number of clients (at end of period)
    2,562       2,505       57       2 %
Number of events
    1       1       -           
The increase in total revenues is principally the result of increased demand for our products and services and the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009, which accounted for approximately 1.8% of revenue growth. Revenue growth for the current quarter was negatively affected by 1.8% due to the impact of current period foreign exchange rates in comparison to the prior year rates. International revenues increased by 1% and were negatively affected by the impact of foreign exchange. Revenue growth for the current quarter was driven by a 14% increase in the technology industry client group (approximately 6.2% due to Strategic Oxygen), a 14% increase in the marketing and strategy client group and a 4% increase in the information technology group.
Cost of Services and Fulfillment
                                             
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)
    $ 22.4         $ 20.1         $ 2.3       11%  
Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues
    37%         37%         -           -       
Number of research and fulfillment employees (at end of period)
    448         449         (1 )     -       

16


Table of Contents

The increase in cost of services and fulfillment during the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior period is primarily the result of increased incentive compensation and benefit costs, increased travel-related costs and costs resulting from the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009.
Selling and Marketing
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)
    $ 20.2       $ 17.3       $ 2.9       17%  
Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues
    34%       32%       2       6%  
Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)
    416       368       48       13%  
The increase in selling and marketing expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of selling and marketing employees and an increase in sales commissions and bonuses. The increase is also attributable to increased travel-related costs. The increase in sales and marketing employees is due to our ongoing initiative to expand our sales force by 15% to 20% annually. Increased sales of our syndicated products resulting from the higher number of sales employees are generally recognized over a twelve-month period, which typically results in an increase in selling and marketing expense as a percent of revenue during periods of sales force expansion.
General and Administrative
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)
    $ 9.5       $ 7.1       $ 2.4       34%  
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues
    16%       13%       3       23%  
General and administrative employees (at end of period)
    167       143       24       17%  
The increase in general and administrative expense in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during the three months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of general and administrative employees to support our growth plan, an increase in bonus costs and increased investments in customer facing technology.
Depreciation
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Depreciation expense (dollars in millions)
    $ 0.9       $ 1.1       $ (0.2 )     (18%
Depreciation expense as a percentage of total revenues
    2%       2%       -           -     
The decrease in depreciation expense during the three months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to lower amortization of leasehold improvements due to facility consolidations in 2009.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Amortization expense (dollars in millions)
    $ 0.9       $ 0.4       $ 0.5       125%  
Amortization expense as a percentage of total revenues
    1%       1%       -          -    
The increase in amortization expense during the three months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets from the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009.

17


Table of Contents

Other Income (Expense), Net
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Other income (expense), net (dollars in millions)
     $ (0.9)        $ 0.5        $ (1.4 )       (280 %) 
Other income (expense), net as a percentage of total revenues
    (2%)       1%       (3 )       (300 %) 
The decrease in other income (expense), net, during the three months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to net foreign exchange losses of $1.5 million in the 2010 quarter compared to $0.2 million of foreign exchange losses in the prior year period. The current period losses were primarily due to translation losses resulting from an approximate 12% increase in the value of the euro versus the U.S. dollar from June 30, 2010 to September 30, 2010.
Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Gains (losses) on investments, net (dollars in millions)
     $ 1.4        $ (0.7)        $ 2.1       300
Gains (losses) on investments, net as a percentage
of total revenues
    2%       (2)%       4       200 %
Gains (losses) on investments during the three months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 primarily represent our share of our equity method investment gains and losses for the period.
Provision for Income Taxes
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Provision for income taxes (dollars in millions)
     $ 2.5        $ 3.4        $ (0.9 )       (26 %) 
Effective tax rate
    41%       44%       (3 )       (7 %) 
The decrease in the effective tax rate during the three months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to a valuation allowance in the prior year period related to capital losses that did not occur in the current year period.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009
Revenues
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
    (dollars in millions)                
Revenues
     $ 183.6          $ 171.9          $ 11.7       7%  
Revenues from research services
     $ 123.1          $ 117.0          $ 6.1       5%  
Revenues from advisory services and other
     $ 60.5          $ 54.9          $ 5.6       10%  
Revenues attributable to customers outside of the US
     $ 51.7          $ 50.4          $ 1.3       3%  
Percentage of revenue attributable to customers outside
of the US
    28%         29%         (1 )       (3%)   
Number of clients (at end of period)
    2,562         2,505         57       2%  
Number of events
    9         10         (1 )       (10%)   
The increase in total revenues is principally the result of increased demand for our products and services and the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009, which accounted for approximately 1.9% of revenue growth. Foreign exchange rates had an immaterial effect on revenue growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Revenue growth for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was driven by a 10% increase in the technology industry client group (approximately 6.4% due to Strategic Oxygen), a 12% increase in the marketing and strategy client group and a 19% increase for events. Revenue in the information technology group was essentially flat for the period.

18


Table of Contents

Cost of Services and Fulfillment
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)
     $ 69.0         $ 65.8         $ 3.2       5
Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of
total revenues
    38%     38%     -           -  
Number of research and fulfillment employees (at end
of period)
    448       449       (1 )       -  
The increase in cost of services and fulfillment during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the prior period is primarily the result of increased incentive compensation and benefit costs, increased travel-related costs and costs resulting from the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009. This increase was partially offset by the presence in the prior period of stock-based compensation expense from the accelerated vesting of performance-based stock options.
Selling and Marketing
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)
     $ 61.0        $ 54.0        $ 7.0       13
Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage
of total revenues
    33%     31%     2       6 %
Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)
    416       368       48       13 %
The increase in selling and marketing expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of selling and marketing employees and an increase in sales commissions and bonuses. The increase is also attributable to increased travel-related costs and professional services. The increase in sales and marketing employees is due to our ongoing initiative to expand our sales force by 15% to 20% annually. Increased sales of our syndicated products resulting from the higher number of sales employees are generally recognized over a twelve-month period, which typically results in an increase in selling and marketing expense as a percent of revenue during periods of sales force expansion.
General and Administrative
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)
     $ 24.4        $ 20.5        $ 3.9       19
General and administrative expenses as a percentage
of total revenues
    13%     12%     1       8 %
General and administrative employees (at end of period)
    167       143       24       17 %
The increase in general and administrative expense in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to an increase in compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of general and administrative employees to support our growth plan and an increase in bonuses. The increase is also attributable to increased travel-related costs and increased investments in customer facing technology.
Depreciation
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Depreciation expense (dollars in millions)
     $ 2.7        $ 3.3        $ (0.6 )       (18 %) 
Depreciation expense as a percentage of total revenues
    2%     2%     -       -  

19


Table of Contents

The decrease in depreciation expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to lower amortization of leasehold improvements due to facility consolidations in 2009.
Amortization of Intangible Assets
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Amortization expense (dollars in millions)
     $ 2.7        $ 1.8        $ 0.9       50
Amortization expense as a percentage of total revenues
    1%     1%     -           -    
The increase in amortization expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets from the acquisition of Strategic Oxygen in December 2009.
Reorganization Costs
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Reorganization costs (dollars in millions)
     $ -            $ 3.1        $ (3.1 )       (100 %) 
Reorganization costs as a percentage of total revenues
    -           2%     (2 )       (100 %) 
Reorganization costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 consisted of costs incurred in the first quarter of 2009 primarily for severance and related benefit costs in connection with the termination of approximately 50 positions.
Other Income (Expense), Net
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Other income (expense), net (dollars in millions)
     $ 1.3        $ 2.2        $ (0.9 )       (41 %) 
Other income (expense), net as a percentage of total revenues
    1%     1%     -           -  
The decrease in other income (expense), net, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to lower interest income during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 resulting from lower returns on invested capital.
Gains (Losses) on Investments, Net
                                 
    Nine Months Ended   Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,   Increase   Increase
    2010   2009   (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Gains (losses) on investments, net (dollars in millions)
     $ 1.8        $ (1.7)      $ 3.5       206
Gains (losses) on investments, net as a percentage
of total revenues
    1%     (1%)       2       200
Gains (losses) on investments during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 primarily represent our share of our equity method investment gains and losses for the period.
Provision for Income Taxes
                                 
    Nine Months Ended     Absolute   Percentage
    September 30,     Increase   Increase
    2010     2009     (Decrease)   (Decrease)
Provision for income taxes (dollars in millions)
     $ 10.4          $ 10.8          $ (0.4 )       (4 %) 
Effective tax rate
    39%       45%       (6 )       (13 %) 
The decrease in the effective tax rate during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily due to a valuation allowance in the prior year period related to capital losses that did not occur in the current year period and to a non-cash

20


Table of Contents

foreign exchange gain on the remeasurement of a euro-denominated deferred tax liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to a loss on the remeasurement in the prior year period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have historically financed our operations primarily through funds generated from operations. Memberships for research services, which constituted approximately 67% of our revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, are annually renewable and are generally payable in advance. We generated cash from operating activities of $37.7 million and $36.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The $1.2 million increase in cash provided from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is primarily attributable to an increase in net income of $3.3 million for the period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we generated $7.4 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily of $13.1 million in proceeds from net sales and maturities of marketable investments which were partially offset by $6.2 million of property and equipment purchases. In addition, restricted cash decreased by approximately $1.9 million primarily due to a release from an escrow account as the contingent purchase price element of the Strategic Oxygen acquisition was settled and paid during the first quarter of 2010. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we used $46.8 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily of $43.0 million used for net purchases of marketable investments and $3.5 million of property and equipment purchases. We regularly invest excess funds in short and intermediate-term interest-bearing obligations of investment grade.
We used $2.8 million of cash from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 resulting from $14.0 million of purchases of our common stock, partially offset by $10.8 million of proceeds from exercises of employee and director stock options and our employee stock purchase plan. We used $12.5 million of cash from financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 primarily for $15.2 million of purchases of our common stock, partially offset by $2.7 million of proceeds from exercises of employee and director stock options and our employee stock purchase plan. In October 2010 our board of directors approved a $60 million increase in our stock repurchase authorization, which increased the amount available for stock repurchases to $104.8 million as of October 2010.
As of September 30, 2010, we held approximately $9.9 million ($11.0 million par value) of state and municipal bonds with an auction reset feature (auction rate securities or “ARS”). In February 2008, auctions began to fail for these securities and have continued to fail. As a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or not exist. Based on our expected operating cash flows and our cash resources, we do not anticipate the current lack of liquidity on our remaining ARS investments will affect our ability to execute our current business plan.
As of September 30, 2010, we had cash and cash equivalents of $138.1 million and marketable investments and long-term investments of $146.9 million. In October 2010 our board of directors authorized a $3.00 per share special dividend to holders of record on December 8, 2010, payable on December 20, 2010. Based on the 22.4 million shares outstanding as of September 30, 2010, the dividend amount would equal approximately $67 million. The actual amount of the dividend will be based on shares outstanding as of December 8, 2010. We plan to fund the dividend from existing cash on hand. We do not have a line of credit and do not presently anticipate the need to access a line of credit in the foreseeable future. We plan to continue to introduce new products and services and expect to make minimal investments in our infrastructure during the next 12 months. In addition, we expect to invest in our new corporate headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts in anticipation of an August 2011 move in date. We believe that our current cash balance, marketable investments, and cash flows from operations will satisfy working capital, financing activities, and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next two years.
Under a build-to-suit lease entered into on September 29, 2009, whereby the landlord is building a new corporate headquarters for us in Cambridge, Massachusetts, we have committed to construct approximately $14.8 million of leasehold improvements in the building under the terms of the lease. We expect to incur the majority of these costs in 2011. The funding for these leasehold improvements has been placed in an escrow account and is included in restricted cash on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009. The $14.9 million in escrow at September 30, 2010, which includes earned interest, will be increased or decreased based upon the final estimate of construction costs and will be released from escrow as the leasehold improvements are constructed. In addition, we anticipate spending during 2011 an additional $15 million for equipment, fixtures and other leasehold improvements for our new corporate headquarters.

21


Table of Contents

Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2010, we had future contractual obligations as follows:
                                                         
Contractual           Remainder                                
Obligations   Total   2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   Thereafter
       (in thousands)
 
                                                       
Operating leases
  $      114,669     $        2,649     $      9,011     $      8,693     $      8,343     $      8,201     $      77,772  
Other commitments (1)
    14,800       -           14,800       -           -           -           -      
 
                           
Total
  $ 129,469     $   2,649     $ 23,811     $ 8,693     $ 8,343     $ 8,201     $ 77,772  
 
                           
  (1)   Amount represents a commitment to construct approximately $14.8 million of leasehold improvements under the terms of a build to suit lease. We expect to incur the majority of these costs in 2011.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our assessment of our sensitivity to market risk since our presentation set forth in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2010. Based upon their evaluation and subject to the foregoing, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance as of that date.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
As of September 30, 2010, our Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate $200.0 million to purchase common stock under a stock repurchase program. During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we purchased the following shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program:
                         
                      Maximum Dollar  
                      Value that May  
                      Yet be Purchased  
      Total Number of       Average Price       Under the Stock  
Period     Shares Purchased (1)       Paid per Share       Repurchase Program (2)  
                      (In thousands)  
 
                       
July 1 - July 31
    -         $ -         $ 53,750  
August 1 - August 31
    165,781     $ 30.68     $ 48,662  
September 1 - September 30
    121,300     $ 31.84     $ 44,799  
 
                   
Quarter ended September 30, 2010
    287,081     $ 31.17     $ 44,799  
 
                   
  (1)   All purchases of our common stock were made under the previously announced stock repurchase program.
 
  (2)   In October 2010, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $60 million to the stock repurchase program, which is not reflected in the table above.

22


Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
31.1   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
 
31.2   Certification of the Principal Financial Officer
 
32.1   Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

23


Table of Contents

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.
         
  FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
 
  By:   /s/ Michael A. Doyle    
    Michael A. Doyle   
    Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
 (principal financial officer) 
 
 
Date: November 5, 2010

24


Table of Contents

Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit No.   Document
 
   
31.1
  Certification of the Principal Executive Officer
 
   
31.2
  Certification of the Principal Financial Officer
 
   
32.1
  Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.2
  Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

25