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EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv31w2.htm |
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv31w1.htm |
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv21w1.htm |
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv32w1.htm |
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv23w1.htm |
EX-10.25 - EXHIBIT 10.25 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv10w25.htm |
EX-10.21 - EXHIBIT 10.21 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv10w21.htm |
EX-10.22 - EXHIBIT 10.22 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv10w22.htm |
EX-10.24 - EXHIBIT 10.24 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv10w24.htm |
EX-10.23 - EXHIBIT 10.23 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv10w23.htm |
EX-10.20 - EXHIBIT 10.20 - CEB Inc. | c96995exv10w20.htm |
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
þ | Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
or
o | Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number: 000-24799
THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
52-2056410 (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
|
1919 North Lynn Street Arlington, Virginia (Address of principal executive offices) |
22209 (Zip Code) |
(571) 303-3000
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Not applicable
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or
Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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 þ | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller 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
Act). Yes o No þ
Based upon the closing price of the registrants common stock as of June 30, 2009, the aggregate
market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $708,514,947*.
There were 34,147,008 shares of the registrants common stock outstanding at February 25, 2010.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
List hereunder the following documents incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K into
which the document is incorporated:
Portions of the registrants Proxy Statement relating to its 2010 Annual Stockholders Meeting to
be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after year-end are incorporated by reference
into Part III of this Report.
* | Solely for purposes of this calculation, all executive officers and directors of the
registrant and all shareholders reporting beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the
registrants common stock are considered to be affiliates. |
THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Exhibit 31.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1 |
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Forward-looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7, contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) that involve risks,
uncertainties and assumptions. If the risks or uncertainties materialize or the assumptions prove
incorrect, the results of The Corporate Executive Board Company and its consolidated subsidiaries
(CEB) may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements
and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could
be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any projections of revenues,
margins, expenses, provision for income taxes, earnings, cash flows, share repurchases, acquisition
synergies, foreign currency exchange rates or other financial items; any statements of the plans,
strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including the execution of cost
reduction programs and restructuring plans; any statements concerning expected development,
performance or market share relating to products or services; any statements regarding future
economic conditions or performance; any statements regarding pending investigations, claims or
disputes; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any
of the foregoing.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by
forward-looking statements include, among others, our dependence on renewals of our
membership-based services, the sale of additional programs to existing members and our ability to
attract new members, our potential failure to adapt to member needs and demands, our potential
inability to attract and retain a significant number of highly skilled employees, risks associated
with the results of restructuring plans, fluctuations in operating results, our potential inability
to protect our intellectual property, our potential exposure to loss of revenues resulting from our
unconditional service guarantee, exposure to litigation related to our content, various factors
that could affect our estimated income tax rate or our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets,
changes in estimates or assumptions used to prepare our consolidated financial statements, our
potential inability to make, integrate and maintain acquisitions and investments, and the amount
and timing of the benefits expected from acquisitions and investments, our potential inability to
effectively anticipate, plan for and respond to changing economic and financial markets conditions,
especially in light of ongoing uncertainty in the worldwide economy and possible volatility of our
stock price. These and other factors are discussed more fully in Risk Factors in Item 1A of this
report. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements.
Item 1. | Business. |
Our Company
The Corporate Executive Board Company enables superior business outcomes by delivering
authoritative data, tools, best practices research, and peer insights to the leaders of the
worlds great enterprises. We primarily deliver these products and services to a global client
base through annual, fixed-fee membership subscriptions. At December 31, 2009, our member network
included executives and professionals from more than 50 countries and 4,800 institutions, including
approximately 90% of the Fortune 100 and 85% of the Fortune 500.
Our member network is essential to our business. Close relationships with our members enable us to
deliver superior business insights, solutions, and analytics that support executives and
professionals during their careers. Over time, our data sets expand, thereby strengthening the
power of our products and services and the member network.
Our Products and Services
We
provide business leaders with business insights, data, and tools to enable their most important
decisions and provide solutions to their biggest problems. To fully support these leaders, our
products and services focus on five corporate functions. These corporate functions, which we
consider our end markets, are:
| Finance, Strategy, and Operations; |
| Human Resources;
|
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| Information Technology; |
| Legal and Compliance; and |
| Sales, Marketing, and Communications |
We serve business leaders in these corporate functions across a wide range of industries. In
addition to these corporate functions, we also serve operational business leaders in the financial
services industry and government agencies through insights, tools, and peer collaboration designed
to advance executive decision making. Our products and services enable business leaders to address
critical issues such as cost savings, risk management, employee engagement, communications, and
corporate governance. We are continuing to expand our product and service offerings, through
dedicated sales and marketing staff, to government agencies and additional markets in the
Asia-Pacific region and Europe.
Below is a summary of the products and services we provide to members:
| Best Practices Research and Solutions. We analyze and document corporate best practices
for significant and pressing issues that members confront. Through our proprietary research,
we identify key economic leverage points and isolate high return-on-investment solutions for
members to implement. We deliver this research through various channels, including
web-based resources, interactive workshops, live meetings, and published studies. |
| Active Executive Network. We connect members to networks of peer executives and
professionals across industries and geographies. These networks operate through in-person
meetings and web- and email-based platforms. In 2009, these networks supported approximately
1,000 virtual events for more than 67,000 participants and 500 live meetings for more than 9,500 attendees worldwide. |
| Proprietary Data Assets and Analytic Tools. We provide members with tools and analysis
that enable decision-making and improve performance. For example, our World Class
Performance diagnostic tool allows a member executive to understand how other executives
assess the performance of their own department. In 2009, we created more than 100 analytical
tools and more than 400 benchmarking data sets that helped business leaders save time and
deliver improved results in their daily workflows. |
| Decision Support on Urgent Issues. We deliver decision support and advice to members on
time-sensitive issues. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2009, we conducted four global
teleconferences that addressed six enemies of post-recession performance in conjunction with
our second annual Executive Guidance publication. More than 2,000 global executives and
professionals participated in these teleconferences. |
| Advisory Support. We deliver a proprietary on site executive education curriculum to
executives and their teams, supported through e-learning resources. In certain corporate
functions, such as HR, Finance, IT, and Legal, the curriculum is accredited to meet
professional continuing education requirements. In 2009, to provide a deeper and more
robust layer of support to business leaders, we invested in additional executive advisor
capacity to advise members on pressing business concerns. |
Our Business Strategy
Our strategy is to enable business leaders to achieve performance excellence in their roles. In
2009, we focused on positioning business leaders to excel during unprecedented economic uncertainty
and operational demands. In 2010, as the global economy recovers, we will focus on continuing to
drive retention and cross sales by improving the member experience. We intend to implement this
strategy through the following efforts:
1. | High Value Personal Engagement to Drive Large Company Member Loyalty. We are deepening
our relationships with executives and professionals who need solutions to challenging
business issues, especially during unusual market conditions. We have restructured our
North America sales and service model to establish integrated account teams focusing on
serving our large company members. We also added executive advisor capacity to deliver
more direct member impact. We believe
these service-oriented enhancements will further develop relationships with executives and
professionals, particularly at our large company members, and increase the value of the
member network. In 2010, while we continue to move toward full productivity in North
America, we will begin the roll out of the new sales and service model in Europe. |
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2. |
Global Investment in Our Strongest Brands. In 2009, we restructured our product
portfolio to focus on our strongest brands. As part of this effort, we reduced our product
portfolio by approximately 20%. We then redirected our resources toward strengthening the
remaining products and selling those with the greatest member impact and long-term value.
Through this resource allocation, we expanded our product offerings for government
agencies, we continued our investment in the middle market platform by expanding sales and
service capacities, and we established a foundation for expansion in Asia by growing our
Australia-based operations. In 2010, we will continue to invest globally in our strongest
brands with targeted investments and selective marketing efforts. |
3. | Improve Member Experience Through Enhanced Technology and Analytics Platforms. Our
experience tells us that the quality and number of member interactions correlates strongly
with renewals and cross sales. Accordingly, we continue to invest in technology, including
Web enhancements, to more effectively match our key analytical tools to our members
pressing issues and routine workflow. In 2009, we implemented a new customer relationship
management information system, consolidated our employee analytics business onto an
improved platform, upgraded the Toolbox.com platform, and enhanced our news and data feed
platforms. These improvements have increased per institution user penetration and downloads over the prior year.
In 2010, we intend to further enhance
our technology assets to provide a more personalized, interactive, and productive member
experience. |
4. | Elevate Member Performance Through Product Innovation. We are launching renewable and
scalable products and services to support executive and business leader needs and further
enhance the support we provide to members. Execution of our business strategy also may
include the acquisition of companies that bring us capabilities and intellectual property
assets that target additional member needs and have the potential to extend our existing
core end markets and product offerings. In 2009, we launched two new offerings, SEC
Solutions and Government Finance Roundtable, and we acquired The Tower Group, Inc. (Tower
Group). We used our data assets to identify, evaluate, and communicate emerging insights
and solutions to over 200,000 business leaders through more than 40 programs. In 2010, we
plan to increase new product launch activity to leverage existing relationships, extend
current and develop new best-in-class data and analytics, and target high dollar problems
and recurring roles and work. |
Our acquisition of Tower Group expands our offerings of products targeted at the financial services
industry. Tower Group is a research and advisory firm serving the top financial services
companies, professional services firms, and technology providers on the marketing, technology,
strategy, and product management issues that impact the financial services industry. See Note 4 to
our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding acquisitions.
In 2008, we purchased Warrillow & Co., (now operating as the Enterprise Council on Small Business),
a research and advisory firm serving marketing and sales executives responsible for targeting the
small and medium-sized business markets; and Genesee Survey Services, Inc. (now operating as CLC
Genesee), an employee survey and analytics firm that designs surveys, collects data, and provides
reports on employee engagement to managers in a timely and accurate manner. We believe these
acquisitions deepen the advice, support, and analysis we provide to executives and professionals in
the Sales and Marketing and HR corporate functions, respectively.
In 2007, we purchased Information Technology Toolbox, Inc. (now operating as Toolbox.com), an
on-line professional networking community of IT professionals. The Toolbox.com community, which
now includes human resources and finance professionals and operates on an updated platform, enables
registered users to share knowledge with a worldwide network of experienced professionals. In
2009, the Toolbox.com community increased by more than 20%, to approximately 1.7 million users.
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Our Pricing
We believe that we offer a lower-priced alternative to traditional professional, information, and
advisory services. For the majority of our products and services, membership is for one year,
typically payable at the beginning of the contract term. The average subscription price was
$28,552 at December 31, 2009, a decline from $30,714 at December 31, 2008. The decline in the
average
subscription price largely reflects continued growth in our middle market platform, which we sell
to members at a lower price point. The average subscription price for our large company members
decreased by less than 1% from 2008 to 2009. Actual subscription price varies by program and may
be further adjusted based on a members revenue or headcount. We offer discounted pricing
schedules and modified terms for members that purchase a large number of memberships. In 2009, no
single member accounted for more than 0.5% of consolidated revenues.
Certain products and services offer a service guarantee, which allows members to request a refund
of the fee in the event that they terminate their membership prior to the completion of their
membership term. Under the service guarantee, refunds are provided on a pro-rata basis relative to
the remaining membership term. In 2009, members requested refunds for 216 memberships out of
almost 13,800 sold or renewed, or 1.6% of all memberships, compared to a 2.3% refund rate in 2008.
We believe that the decline in the rate of refund reflects the value that we provide to members
through our products and services, as well as the movement toward a more stable economic outlook.
Certain of our products, such as Performance Analytics, Leadership Academies, and Toolbox.com, have
pricing models that can be different from our core products and services:
| Performance Analytics delivers data and analytics to support improved performance of
executives and their teams. Some elements of the product set are available on a customized
fee basis. |
| Leadership Academies provide access, for an annual per participant fee, to training and
development services that include skills diagnostic reports, learning portal access,
classroom-based development sessions, webinars, and virtual office hours with faculty. |
| Toolbox.com provides knowledge on information technology, human resources, and finance
topics free of charge to users. Toolbox.com revenues principally are generated through
advertisements and lead generation campaigns posted to the online community portals. |
Our Competition
Our industry is highly competitive. We believe that our differentiators include the quality and
size of the member network, quality of research and analysis, effectiveness of advice, price,
breadth of data assets, accessibility of data assets, and service levels. We believe that we
provide members with significant value at a lower cost than either an internal research effort or
an external consulting contract.
We compete with firms that offer customized information and professional service products, such as
traditional consulting firms, benchmarking firms, research and data analytics firms, and training
and development firms. These companies offer a variety of products and services, including market
research, performance data, analysis, implementation services, networking opportunities, and
educational programs. We believe these competitors, in general, charge more for their products and
services than we do. We also compete against entities such as trade associations, nonprofit
organizations, and research and database companies. We believe that these competitors offer less
detailed and lower-priced research and fewer networking opportunities and educational services. Our
direct competitors generally compete with us in a single decision support center, a single
corporate function (e.g., information technology), and/or in a specific industry.
The Advisory Board Company serves the health-care industry and educational institutions with
products and services that are similar to what we provide on a cross-industry basis. In February
2010, we extended a collaboration agreement with The Advisory Board Company, entered into in 2007,
to enhance services to members and explore new product development opportunities. To advance these
efforts, which require the companies to share proprietary information, the agreement includes a
limited non-competition provision.
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Our Employees
We employ individuals from top undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as experienced talent
from outside our Company, who often have functional, industry, academic, or consulting expertise.
Our success depends on our ability to attract, develop, engage, and retain outstanding talent,
including in the sales, service, and marketing functions. We believe that we offer compelling
career paths, opportunities for professional development, and competitive compensation. We compete
for employees with numerous information and professional services providers, many of which are
significantly larger than we are and, we believe, have greater resources than we do.
At December 31, 2009, we employed 1,742 staff members, a reduction of 28% versus December 31, 2008.
Of this employee base, 1,301 were located in the United States and Canada (primarily in Arlington,
Virginia), 226 were located in England, 177 were located in India, and 38 were located in
Australia. Our staff reductions in 2009 were the result of workforce reductions and a voluntary
separation plan to reduce our cost structure, restructuring of the sales and service function to
align with our new commercial model, and unfilled positions. We intend to selectively add to the
staff and skill base in 2010 while continuing to manage costs. None of our employees are
represented by a collective bargaining arrangement.
We believe that our relations with our employees remain favorable, despite the reductions in our
staff. In 2009, we enhanced our communications, performance management, recruiting, and
on-boarding protocols in an effort to retain talent with the capabilities required to perform
effectively in light of increasing geographic, market, role, and product diversity.
Our Sales & Marketing Efforts
We sell products and services in more than 50 countries. We generally sell our products and
services as a package, which enables business leaders to obtain the greatest value from our
products and services, as well as from our global member network. Generally, and including in
2009, we experience higher bookings in the first and fourth quarters of each year due to the size
of the renewal pool and corporate budgeting cycles.
In 2009, we continued the implementation of a relationship-driven account management structure.
The new commercial model simplifies the member interface, improves sales team understanding of
member needs, enhances our sales roles, and facilitates focus on our large company members. We
believe this model, which aligns with member preferences and will be supported by continued
investments in our technology platforms, has and will continue to improve member loyalty, existing
account growth, new account acquisitions, and sales team efficiency. In light of improving sales
performance towards the end of 2009, which we believe reflects, in part, the impact of this model,
we plan to implement the model in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe in 2010.
In 2009, we focused efforts on increasing awareness of the CEB brand and the value that our
products and services deliver through traditional electronic, print, and social media. In 2010, we
intend to increase our presence as a thought leader by sharing advice and insights through
traditional media as well as extending our Web presence through social media outlets. We maintain
and actively defend our portfolio of trademarks, including for Toolbox.com, and rely on
nondisclosure and confidentiality arrangements with employees, members, and third-parties, as well
as copyright, trademark, trade secret, and other laws, to protect our proprietary rights in our
products, services, and other proprietary information.
Financial Information on Geographic Areas
For information regarding revenues related to our operations in the United States and foreign
countries, see Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements.
Corporate Information
The Corporate Executive Board Company is a Delaware corporation that was incorporated in 1997. We
are a publicly traded company with common stock listed on the NASDAQ Global Stock Market under the
symbol EXBD.
Our executive offices are located at 1919 North Lynn Street, Arlington, Virginia, 22209. Our
telephone number is (571) 303-3000. Our website is www.executiveboard.com. The information
contained on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Available Information
We make available, free of charge, through our website (follow the Investors link to the
Shareholder Information link, then SEC Filings) our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable
after such material was electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). Our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Board of Directors committee charters
(including the charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and
Governance Committee) and Code of Conduct for Officers, Directors and Employees also are available
at that same location on our website.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors. |
All of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition,
and results of operations. In addition to the risks discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently
consider immaterial could, in the future, materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition, and financial results.
The ongoing uncertainty in the global economy and the financial markets could adversely impact our
business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Continuing global economic uncertainty and financial market instability, as well as the impact of
the recent recession and the risk of a prolonged period of weak economic and business conditions,
could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and
liquidity. These conditions also could materially impact our members and prospective members,
including our large accounts, causing them to defer purchasing their first product; defer, reduce,
or not increase the volume of memberships they purchase from us in the future; or terminate
existing memberships during the membership term under our service guarantee. These conditions also
could materially impact our vendors causing them to go out of business entirely or be unable or
unwilling to meet their commitments to us. Changes of this type could significantly affect our
business and liquidity or could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial condition. If we are unable to successfully anticipate changing economic and financial
markets conditions, we may be unable to effectively plan for and respond to those changes, and our
business could be adversely affected. In addition, the current global economic conditions could
reduce the overall demand for professional information services as global companies consolidate
purchasing, downsize departmental budgets, and reduce company-wide discretionary spending. While we
market and sell our products throughout the year, a significant percentage of our new business and
renewal bookings historically have taken place in the fourth quarter of the year. Significant
volatility or weakness in economic conditions in the fourth quarter could have a disproportionately
adverse effect on our current and future financial results.
We anticipate downward pressure on our operating margins in 2010.
In 2009, we worked aggressively to align our cost structure with a lower revenue profile by
implementing a range of expense management activities, including the elimination of
lower-performing programs, workforce reductions, discretionary expense controls, and real estate
subleases. We continue to face difficulty with new business and renewal bookings in light of the
current macroeconomic environment. Lower overall bookings during the year continue to apply
pressure to revenues. As a result, we anticipate decreasing operating margins in the near term
given the decrease in Contract Value and the lag between Contract Value growth and revenue growth.
We may fail to attract new members to our programs, obtain renewals from existing members, or sell
additional programs to existing members.
We derive most of our revenues from annual memberships for our products and services. Revenue
growth depends on our ability to attract prospects to their first membership, sustain a high
renewal rate of existing memberships, and sell additional products and services to existing
members. Failure to achieve new member and member renewal rate levels, or to cross-sell additional
memberships to existing members at the level we forecast, could materially and adversely affect our
operating results.
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We may experience difficulty collecting membership fees as a result of deteriorating operating
conditions at our member institutions resulting from current market conditions.
While we believe we have a stable member base and have experienced strong collections in the past,
if market conditions deteriorate further or remain weak for a prolonged period, we may experience
increased turnover in our member base, including reductions in members commitments to us, which
could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In
addition, we cannot predict how the strength or duration of the recent economic slowdown or the
pace of economic recovery may negatively impact our members ability to pay us on a timely basis or
at all. Payment delinquencies at higher rates than we have estimated would adversely affect our
operating results.
If we do not retain members for the duration of their membership terms, we would suffer a loss of
future revenues due to our service guarantee.
We offer a service guarantee to certain members under which a member may request a refund of the
membership fee for a research program. When available, refunds are provided on a proportionate
basis relative to the unused period of the membership term. Requests for refunds by a significant
number of our members could adversely affect our financial results and future growth. We cannot
predict the timing or strength of any recovery from the ongoing economic slowdown, and a weak or
delayed recovery may cause more members to request refunds. Failure to retain members for the
duration of their membership term at the level we forecast could materially and adversely affect
our operating results.
The ongoing uncertainty in the global economy and the financial markets could make it more
difficult for us to anticipate member needs and demands and provide relevant support and advice.
Our products and services provide insights, information, and advice to business executives and
professionals. Our continuing and future success depends upon our ability to anticipate changing
market trends and adapt our research, analysis, advice, new product development, and sales and
service model to the evolving needs of our members. The industries and business sectors that we serve
undergo frequent changes, including the introduction of new products and the obsolescence of old
products, shifting strategies and market positions of major industry participants, and changing
objectives and expectations of users of members products and services. This environment presents
significant challenges to our ability to provide our members with current and timely research and
analysis on issues of importance. In response to the ongoing economic uncertainty, we have
developed new products and services, and we have adjusted our sales and service model to better
serve our new and existing members. If the new products and services we have developed are not
timely and relevant, or if we do not serve members in a manner that meets their evolving needs, we
may experience increased member turnover, lower new business and renewal bookings, and decreased
cross-sales of additional products to existing members, which would adversely affect our financial
results and future growth.
Our restructuring plans may be unsuccessful or may have unanticipated negative results.
We announced restructuring plans in the fourth quarter of 2008 and in the second quarter of 2009.
These restructuring plans were designed to reduce our workforce; realign our products and services,
including consolidation or retirement of certain products, to focus on five corporate decision
centers and industries we serve; and to implement an integrated approach to account management. Our
restructuring plans have involved significant changes to our business and operations, which have
created risk and uncertainty. While the intent of the restructuring plans was to enhance our
product and service offerings, strengthen our relations with existing and prospective members,
revise our sales and service model, and improve our efficiency as an organization, we may not
realize some or any of these intended benefits, or they may take longer to realize than we
projected. We may not have identified the appropriate products to consolidate or retire, and
additional consolidation and/or retirement may be required. The plans may not have sufficiently
reduced our workforce, and additional reductions may be required. We may not have identified the
appropriate products to focus on, and adjustments to our areas of focus may be required. The plans
may adversely affect our relationships with existing and prospective members, causing them to defer
joining their first program, reduce the number of programs they join, cancel or choose not to renew
existing memberships, or terminate their memberships before the end of the term under our service
guarantee. Our workforce is approximately 28% smaller than at the end of 2008. As a result, we
may have negatively affected our relationships with current and former employees, harmed their
morale and productivity, and damaged our ability to recruit new employees. If we do not realize the
intended benefits of the restructuring, if the restructuring takes longer than anticipated to
realize the intended benefits, or if the restructuring has other negative effects, our business,
financial results, and reputation may be harmed.
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We may not compete successfully and, as a result, may experience reduced demand for our products
and services.
The information, professional services, research, networking, and advisory services industry is a
highly competitive industry with numerous differentiators, including quality and size of the member
network, pricing, quality of research and analysis, breadth of databases, and service. We compete
against traditional consulting firms, training and development firms, trade associations, nonprofit
organizations, and research and database companies. We also compete against providers of free
content over the Internet and through other delivery channels. Our failure to compete effectively,
both in terms of product quality and in terms of price, with our competition could adversely affect
our financial results and future growth.
Continued uncertainty, consolidation, business failures, and increased regulation in the financial
services industry may cause us to lose additional members.
A number of our products and services, including those provided by our newly acquired entity, Tower
Group, provide insights and information to business leaders in the financial services industry. The
financial services industry has been experiencing turmoil, consolidation, business failures, and
increased regulation since the second half of 2007. The instability, consolidation, business
failures, and increased regulation have resulted, and are expected to continue to result, in a
reduction in the number of members and prospective members from the financial services industry. At
December 31, 2009, approximately 21% of our Contract Value was attributable to members in the
financial services industry, which includes commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, credit card
issuers, mutual fund companies, consumer credit lenders, brokerage houses, private and trust banks
and insurance companies. Additional uncertainty, consolidation, business failures, and increased
regulation in the financial services industry could adversely affect our financial results and future
growth.
Our international operations involve financial, regulatory, and business risks that differ from or
are in addition to those faced by our U.S. operations.
We are scaling our infrastructure to support our businesses outside the United States. We sell our
membership programs in approximately 50 foreign countries, and those international sales accounted
for approximately 30% of our revenues in 2009. Our international operations involve operational,
financial, legal, compliance, and regulatory risks that differ from or are in addition to those
faced by our U.S. operations, including: cultural and language differences; limited brand
recognition for The Corporate Executive Board Company; difficulties in managing overseas
operations; higher operating costs; restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; differing
accounting principles and standards; potentially adverse tax consequences; different and
potentially less stable political environments for our employees and our members; catastrophic
events that could interrupt or adversely affect operations; less favorable employment laws that
could affect our relations with our employees; different legal requirements, compliance
obligations, and regulatory systems; and different data security and privacy rules. Our failure to
manage our international operations effectively could adversely affect our operating results, limit
growth, and damage our reputation.
We are subject to foreign currency risk.
Our international operations subject us to risks related to foreign currency exchange fluctuations.
Prices for our products are denominated primarily in U.S. dollars, even when sold outside the
United States. However, many of the costs associated with our international operations are
denominated in local currencies. As a consequence, if the U.S. dollar weakens against the foreign
currencies in countries where we have foreign operations, our operating costs in those countries
would increase (on a U.S. dollar basis) and reduce our earnings. We use financial instruments,
primarily cash flow hedging instruments, to hedge certain forecasted foreign currency commitments
related to our operations in the United Kingdom. The maximum length of time of these hedging
contracts is 12 months. Although we believe that our foreign exchange hedging policies are
reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, they may only partially offset any adverse
financial impact resulting from unfavorable changes in foreign currency exchange rates, especially
if these changes are extreme and occur over a short period of time.
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Our transition to an integrated account management model may be unsuccessful or may have
unanticipated negative results.
We are continuing the integration of our sales and service model to increase individual member
impact, with completion for our European sales and service teams targeted for 2010. While we are
integrating the sales and service functions to strengthen our
relations with existing and prospective members and deliver greater value to them from our products
and services, we may not realize some or any of these intended benefits, or it may take longer than
anticipated to realize the intended benefits. The integrated sales and service model may adversely
affect our relationships with existing and prospective members, causing them to defer joining their
first program, reduce the number of programs they join, cancel or choose not to renew existing
memberships, or terminate their memberships before the end of the term under our service guarantee.
Our transition to an integrated account management model is requiring our sales and service staff
to learn new skills, roles, and responsibilities. Our failure to adequately train employees for new
account management roles could result in a failure to achieve our sales goals, which could
adversely affect our financial results. It also could reduce employee morale and productivity.
Our acquisitions involve financial, operational, and human resources risks that differ from or are
in addition to those faced by our existing operations.
We may make acquisitions that bring us capabilities and intellectual properties that address gaps
in member needs and workflows. The acquisitions generally do not result in immediate material
changes to our revenues and earnings. In addition, these acquisitions could require significant
capital infusions. We may seek to obtain additional cash to fund potential acquisitions by selling
equity or debt securities or by securing a bank credit facility. Any issuance of equity or
convertible debt securities may be dilutive to existing shareholders.
Our acquisitions involve financial, operational, and human resources risks that differ from or are
in addition to those faced by our ongoing U.S. operations, including: difficulties integrating and
maintaining the operations, personnel, technologies, products, vendors, and information systems of
the companies we acquire; assumption of potential unknown liabilities; failure to retain key
personnel and customers; the acquisition of products with lower margins than our existing products;
and exposure under arrangements such as earn-outs, employment agreements, and other
acquisition-related agreements. As a result of these risks, we may not be able to achieve the
expected benefits, which could adversely affect our operating results and limit future growth.
Acquisitions may involve additional costs and could result in increased debt or contingent
liabilities, adverse tax consequences, additional stock-based compensation expense, and the
recording of amortization of amounts related to certain purchased intangible assets, any of which
could adversely impact our results of operations.
We make estimates and assumptions in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial
statements, and any changes to those estimates and assumptions could have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations.
In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we use certain
estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. Our most critical
accounting estimates are described in Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations. In addition, as discussed in Note 2 to our consolidated financial
statements, we make certain estimates, including decisions related to provisions for revenue,
income taxes and other contingencies. While we believe that these estimates and assumptions are
reasonable under the circumstances, they are subject to significant uncertainties, some of which
are beyond our control. Should any of these estimates and assumptions change or prove to have been
incorrect, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We may be subject to additional impairment losses due to potential declines in the fair value of
our assets.
As a result of acquisitions and capital expenditures, we have goodwill, intangible assets, and
fixed assets on our balance sheets. We test goodwill, intangible assets, and fixed assets for
impairment on a periodic basis as required, and whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The events or changes that could require
us to test our goodwill, intangible assets, and fixed assets for impairment include a reduction in
our stock price and market capitalization, changes in estimated future cash flows, changes in rates
of growth in our industry or in any of our reporting units, and ceasing to use portions of our
existing leased office space.
The potential for goodwill impairment is increased during a period of substantial economic
uncertainty. To the extent we acquire a company at a negotiated price based on anticipated future
performance, subsequent market conditions may result in the acquired business performing at a lower
level than was anticipated at the time of the acquisition. Any of these charges would reduce our
reported results of operations and could cause the price of our common stock to decline. A
prolonged downturn in the U.S. or global economy may result in declining performance that would
require us to examine our goodwill for potential additional impairment. See
Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information related to impairment of
goodwill and other intangible assets.
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In 2009, we ceased using and entered into a sublease agreement for a portion of our headquarters
facility in Arlington, Virginia. In addition, we ceased using a portion of two other facilities. We
incurred a total pre-tax charge of $11.5 million, primarily related to the impairment of leasehold
improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment at our headquarters. In 2008, we incurred an
impairment charge of $27 million related to Toolbox.com. In 2009, we conducted our annual
impairment test, which indicated that the estimated fair value of the Toolbox.com reporting unit
exceeded its carrying value by more than 15%. We will continue to evaluate the carrying value
of our remaining goodwill, intangible assets, and fixed assets, and if we determine in the future
that there is a potential further impairment, we may be required to record additional losses, which
could materially and adversely affect our financial results.
We may be unable to attract and retain highly skilled management and employees.
Our continued and future success depends upon our ability to hire, train, and retain highly skilled
management and employees, particularly senior leaders, research analysts, and sales and marketing
staff. We may continue to adjust compensation packages to remain competitive in light of the
performance of our stock price, and because we expect to continue to experience intense competition
for our professional personnel from management consulting firms and other producers of professional
information services. If we fail to attract, train, and retain a sufficient number of highly
skilled management and employees in the future, our financial results and future growth could be
adversely affected.
We may fail to implement, maintain, and upgrade our technology and information infrastructure
quickly enough to meet member needs and changing legal requirements.
We serve our global membership through a technology and information management infrastructure.
Among other functions, we use our technology and information management infrastructure, as well as
the technology and information management infrastructure of vendors, to promote, sell, service,
develop, store, and deliver our products and services to members; as well as to bill, collect, and
make payments related to our products and services. Our failure to make capital expenditures in
this infrastructure and to update the infrastructure in order to meet our members demands for
products and services; and to address information security, privacy, data management, and other
concerns with our infrastructure and the infrastructure of our vendors, both in the United States
and internationally, could adversely affect our results of operations, future performance, and
reputation. In many countries and in individual states within the
United States, the rules
governing information security, privacy, and related concerns are evolving and vary across regions.
Our failure to optimize the use of the technology and information infrastructure, to properly
anticipate or meet member demands and expectations, or to address the evolving regulatory
environment governing our use of technology and information could adversely affect our operating
results, limit our future growth, and harm our reputation. Our failure to protect our technology
and information infrastructure from natural disasters, power loss, malicious and negligent actions
by employees or third parties, and other failures, could result in interruptions to our business
and operations, which could adversely affect our financial results, future growth, and reputation.
We may be unable to protect our intellectual property.
We rely on nondisclosure and confidentiality arrangements with employees, members, and
third-parties, as well as copyright, trademark, trade secret, and other laws, to protect our
proprietary rights in our products, services, and other proprietary information. We cannot assure
that the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate to deter
negligent or intentional misappropriation of our intellectual property or confidential information,
or that we will be able to detect unauthorized uses and take timely and effective steps to enforce
our rights. If substantial and material unauthorized uses of our proprietary products and services
were to occur, we would be required to engage in costly and time-consuming litigation to enforce
our rights. We cannot assure you that we would prevail in such litigation. If others were able to
use our intellectual property, our ability to charge our fees for our products and services would
be adversely affected.
We may be exposed to litigation related to the content we publish.
As a publisher and distributor of original research and analysis, a user of third-party content,
and an on-line content provider through Toolbox.com and other services, we face potential liability
for trademark and copyright infringement and other claims based on the
material we publish. Any such litigation, whether or not resulting in a judgment against us, could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
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Unanticipated changes in our tax provision, the adoption of new U.S. tax legislation or exposure to
additional income and other tax liabilities could affect our profitability.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Significant
judgment is required in evaluating our provision for income taxes. During the ordinary course
of business, there are many transactions for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. For
example, there could be changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities; or
changes in the relevant tax, accounting, and other laws, regulations, principles and
interpretations. We are subject to audits in various jurisdictions, and such jurisdictions may
assess additional income tax against us. Although we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the
final determination of tax audits and any related litigation could be materially different from our
historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of an audit or litigation could have a
material effect on our operating results or cash flows in the period or periods for which that
determination is made.
We are exposed to interest rate fluctuations that could have a negative impact on our financial
results or condition.
We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily through our portfolio of cash and cash equivalents
and marketable securities, which is intended to protect principal and liquidity. Cash and cash
equivalents consist primarily of cash held at various financial institutions. Marketable securities
consist primarily of U.S. Treasury notes and Washington, D.C. tax exempt bonds. We perform periodic
evaluations of the relative credit ratings related to the cash and cash equivalents and marketable
securities. Our portfolio is subject to interest rate risk as investments mature and are reinvested
at current market interest rates. We currently do not use derivative financial instruments to
adjust our investment portfolio risk or income profile. In an environment of generally low
interests rates, as currently exists, we will likely realize lower interest income on our
investments, which will reduce our overall earnings.
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. |
None.
Item 2. | Properties. |
Our headquarters are located in Arlington, Virginia. The terms of the lease contain provisions for
rental and operating expense escalations. Our facilities accommodate research, marketing and sales,
information technology, administration, graphic and editorial services and operations personnel. At
December 31, 2009, our leases for office space consist of:
Location | Square feet | Lease Expiration | ||||||
Arlington, Virginia |
625,000 | 2028 | ||||||
London, England |
79,000 | 2018 | ||||||
Chicago, Illinois |
52,000 | 2018 | ||||||
Gurgaon, India |
48,000 | 2013 | ||||||
San Francisco, California |
28,000 | 2012 | ||||||
Needham, Massachusetts |
20,000 | 2010 | ||||||
Rochester, New York |
13,000 | 2013 | ||||||
Scottsdale, Arizona |
9,000 | 2014 | ||||||
West Chester, Pennsylvania |
6,000 | 2011 | ||||||
Sydney, Australia |
7,600 | 2013 | ||||||
Toronto, Canada |
4,000 | 2011 |
We believe that our existing and planned facilities will be adequate for our current needs and that
additional facilities are available for lease to meet any future needs. We sublease approximately
203,000 square feet of our headquarters to unaffiliated third parties. These subleases expire in
2013 and 2021. One sublease for 172,000 may be extended through 2028 at the election of the
sublessee. We also sublease 25,000 square feet at two other facilities.
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Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. |
From time to time, we are subject to litigation related to normal business operations. The Company
vigorously defends itself in litigation and is not currently a party to, and our property is not
subject to, any legal proceedings likely to materially affect our financial results.
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. |
No matters were submitted for a vote of our stockholders in the fourth quarter of 2009.
PART II
Item 5. | Market for Registrants Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities. |
Market Information, Holders and Dividends
Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol EXBD. At February 4,
2010, there were 43 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq
Global Stock Market and cash dividends declared per common share.
High | Low | Dividends | ||||||||||
2009 |
||||||||||||
First quarter |
$ | 23.59 | $ | 12.35 | $ | 0.44 | ||||||
Second quarter |
21.69 | 13.84 | 0.10 | |||||||||
Third quarter |
27.18 | 16.50 | 0.10 | |||||||||
Fourth quarter |
26.83 | 20.81 | 0.10 | |||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||
First quarter |
$ | 60.37 | $ | 37.50 | $ | 0.44 | ||||||
Second quarter |
47.50 | 38.15 | 0.44 | |||||||||
Third quarter |
42.79 | 30.06 | 0.44 | |||||||||
Fourth quarter |
31.68 | 18.79 | 0.44 |
We expect to continue paying regular quarterly cash dividends, although there is no assurance as to
future dividends because they depend on future earnings, capital requirements, and financial
condition. In February 2010, the Board of Directors declared a first quarter 2010 cash dividend of
$0.11 per common share.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities in 2009.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
A summary of the share repurchase activity for the fourth quarter of 2009 is as follows:
Total Number of | ||||||||||||||||
Shares | Approximate $ | |||||||||||||||
Average | Purchased as | Value of Shares | ||||||||||||||
Total | Price | Part of | That May Yet Be | |||||||||||||
Number of | Paid Per | Publicly | Purchased | |||||||||||||
Shares Purchased | Share | Announced Plans | Under the Plans | |||||||||||||
October 1, 2009 to October 31, 2009 (1) |
236 | $ | 24.72 | 236 | $ | 22,316,404 | ||||||||||
November 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009 |
| | | 22,316,404 | ||||||||||||
December 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 |
| | | 22,316,404 | ||||||||||||
Total |
236 | 236 | $ | 22,316,404 | ||||||||||||
(1) | Amounts relate to the effect of employees using common stock received from the exercise of
share-based awards to satisfy the statutory minimum federal and state withholding requirements
generated from the exercise of such awards. In effect, the Company repurchased, at fair market
value, a portion of the common stock received by employees upon exercise of their awards. |
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Repurchases may continue to be made from time to time in open market and privately negotiated
transactions subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares has been fixed. We fund our
share repurchases with cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data. |
The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data. The selected financial data
presented below has been derived from our consolidated financial statements which have been audited
by our independent registered public accounting firm. You should read the selected financial data
presented below in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, the notes to our
consolidated financial statements and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per-share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 442,906 | $ | 558,352 | $ | 532,716 | $ | 460,623 | $ | 362,226 | ||||||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services |
147,019 | 179,950 | 183,088 | 164,022 | 120,944 | |||||||||||||||
Member relations and marketing |
126,023 | 161,670 | 150,032 | 122,177 | 93,657 | |||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
59,415 | 76,120 | 71,984 | 59,629 | 40,295 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
22,991 | 21,631 | 15,573 | 10,381 | 7,308 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment loss |
| 27,449 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
11,518 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs |
8,568 | 8,006 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
375,534 | 474,826 | 420,677 | 356,209 | 262,204 | |||||||||||||||
Income from operations |
67,372 | 83,526 | 112,039 | 104,414 | 100,022 | |||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
6,246 | (5,438 | ) | 16,049 | 24,318 | 13,588 | ||||||||||||||
Income before provision for income taxes |
73,618 | 78,088 | 128,088 | 128,732 | 113,610 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
27,989 | 33,291 | 47,501 | 49,561 | 38,550 | |||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 45,629 | $ | 44,797 | $ | 80,587 | $ | 79,171 | $ | 75,060 | ||||||||||
Earnings per share-basic |
$ | 1.34 | $ | 1.31 | $ | 2.20 | $ | 1.99 | $ | 1.90 | ||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic |
34,111 | 34,205 | 36,666 | 39,712 | 39,572 | |||||||||||||||
Earnings per share-diluted |
$ | 1.33 | $ | 1.30 | $ | 2.17 | $ | 1.94 | $ | 1.83 | ||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted |
34,293 | 34,329 | 37,159 | 40,721 | 41,092 | |||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per common share |
$ | 0.74 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.60 | $ | 1.20 | $ | 0.40 |
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities |
$ | 76,210 | $ | 76,103 | $ | 144,356 | $ | 487,287 | $ | 544,636 | ||||||||||
Total assets |
423,195 | 446,192 | 544,772 | 736,055 | 726,995 | |||||||||||||||
Deferred revenues |
222,053 | 264,253 | 323,395 | 308,671 | 261,300 | |||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
50,277 | 22,609 | 67,547 | 317,865 | 385,414 |
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
Other Operating Data (Unaudited) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Membership programs |
44 | 52 | 48 | 42 | 37 | |||||||||||||||
Member institutions |
4,812 | 5,114 | 4,711 | 3,739 | 2,831 | |||||||||||||||
Total membership subscriptions |
13,790 | 15,747 | 16,349 | 14,190 | 10,825 | |||||||||||||||
Average subscriptions per member institution (1) |
2.87 | 3.08 | 3.47 | 3.80 | 3.82 | |||||||||||||||
Client renewal rate (2) |
78 | % | 84 | % | 90 | % | 92 | % | 92 | % | ||||||||||
Contract value (in thousands) (3) |
$ | 393,737 | $ | 487,107 | $ | 526,386 | $ | 475,653 | $ | 381,366 | ||||||||||
Average subscription price |
$ | 28,552 | $ | 30,714 | $ | 32,196 | $ | 33,519 | $ | 35,229 |
(1) | Also known as cross-sell ratio, represents the average across all subscription memberships,
including the traditional large company market average of 3.30, 3.63, 4.03, 4.15 and 3.91 and
the middle market average of 1.79, 1.58, 1.44, 1.1 and 1.0 in 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. |
|
(2) | For the year then ended. Client renewal rate is defined as the percentage of member
institutions renewed, adjusted to reflect reductions in member institutions resulting from
mergers and acquisitions of members. The client renewal rate was 83% and 88% for our
traditional large company market and 70% and 71% for the middle market in 2009 and 2008,
respectively. |
|
(3) | For the year then ended. Contract value (Contract Value) is defined as the aggregate
annualized revenues attributed to all agreements in effect at a given date without regard to
the remaining duration of any such agreement. |
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The tables below include financial measures of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income, and
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share, which are non-GAAP financial measures provided as a complement
to the results provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America (GAAP). The term EBITDA refers to a financial measure that we define as
earnings before interest income, net, depreciation and amortization, and provision for income
taxes. The term Adjusted EBITDA refers to a financial measure that we define as earnings before
interest income, net, depreciation and amortization, provision for income taxes, impairment loss,
costs associated with exit activities, restructuring costs, and gain on acquisition. The term
Adjusted net income refers to net income excluding the after tax effects of impairment loss,
costs associated with exit activities, restructuring costs, and gain on acquisition. Non-GAAP
diluted earnings per share refers to net income per diluted share, excluding the per share
after-tax effects of impairment loss, costs associated with exit activities, restructuring costs,
and gain on acquisition.
These non-GAAP measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP,
but they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. We intend to
continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions
and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our
financial reporting. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures to GAAP results is provided below.
We believe that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per
share are relevant and useful supplemental information for our investors. We use these non-GAAP
financial measures for internal budgeting and other managerial purposes, when publicly providing
our business outlook and as a measurement for potential acquisitions. A limitation associated with
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is that they do not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized
tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in our business. Management evaluates
the costs of such tangible and intangible assets through other financial measures such as capital
expenditures. Management compensates for these limitations by also relying on the comparable GAAP
financial measure of income from operations, which includes depreciation and amortization.
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per-share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 45,629 | $ | 44,797 | $ | 80,587 | $ | 79,171 | $ | 75,060 | ||||||||||
Interest income, net |
(1,787 | ) | (4,268 | ) | (14,937 | ) | (23,566 | ) | (13,588 | ) | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
22,991 | 21,631 | 15,573 | 10,381 | 7,308 | |||||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
27,989 | 33,291 | 47,501 | 49,561 | 38,550 | |||||||||||||||
EBITDA |
94,822 | 95,451 | 128,724 | 115,547 | 107,330 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment loss |
| 27,449 | | | ||||||||||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
11,518 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs |
8,568 | 8,006 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Shared-based compensation (1) |
| | | | (26,370 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Gain on acquisition |
(680 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
$ | 114,228 | $ | 130,906 | $ | 128,724 | $ | 115,547 | $ | 80,960 | ||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
25.8 | % | 23.4 | % | 24.2 | % | 25.1 | % | 22.4 | % | ||||||||||
Adjusted net income |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 45,629 | $ | 44,797 | $ | 80,587 | $ | 79,171 | $ | 75,060 | ||||||||||
Adjustments, net of tax |
||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss |
| 17,073 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
7,141 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs |
5,312 | 4,804 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Shared-based compensation (1) |
| | | | (17,422 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Gain on acquisition |
(422 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Adjusted net income |
$ | 57,660 | $ | 66,674 | $ | 80,587 | $ | 79,171 | $ | 57,638 | ||||||||||
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share |
||||||||||||||||||||
GAAP earnings per diluted share |
$ | 1.33 | $ | 1.30 | $ | 2.17 | $ | 1.94 | $ | 1.83 | ||||||||||
Adjustments, net of tax |
||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment loss |
| 0.50 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
0.20 | | | | | |||||||||||||||
Restructuring costs |
0.16 | 0.14 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Shared-based compensation (1) |
| | | | (0.42 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Gain on acquisition |
(0.01 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||
Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share |
$ | 1.68 | $ | 1.94 | $ | 2.17 | $ | 1.94 | $ | 1.41 | ||||||||||
(1) | We began recording share-based compensation expense beginning January 1, 2006 under the
appropriate accounting guidance. Accordingly, the effect of share-based compensation has been
reported above for comparative purposes. |
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Item 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
The following discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of
operations should be read in conjunction with Selected Financial Data and our annual audited
consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. The following discussion includes
forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties. For additional information
regarding forward-looking statements and risk factors, see Forward-Looking Statements and Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
Operating results for Toolbox.com and other operating segments do not meet the quantitative
thresholds for separate disclosure; thus, the Company has one reportable segment.
Executive Overview
Our focus for 2010 is to drive large company member loyalty through high value
engagement, invest globally in our strongest brands, improve the member experience with enhanced
technology and analytic platforms, and elevate member performance with product innovation. We
expect to leverage and expand our integrated sales and service model to retain and grow our
existing membership base, version our products and services for markets with a substantial growth
opportunity (e.g., government, Asia-Pacific region, and Europe), launch new products and services,
and protect the core economics of our business through effective cost management. Our plans may
include the acquisition of companies that bring us capabilities and intellectual property that
address additional member needs.
In 2009, net income was $45.6 million, Adjusted net income was $57.7 million, diluted earnings per
share was $1.33, and Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share was $1.68. Our 2009 results were affected
by the depth of the world-wide economic downturn and the uncertainty about its duration. As is
evident in the decline in Contract Value from December 31, 2008, we continue to face difficulty
with new business and renewal bookings in light of the current macroeconomic environment. Lower
overall bookings during the year continue to apply pressure to revenues. However, we believe that
we made progress operationally in 2009 as both our new commercial model and an improving economic
environment contributed to improved bookings late in the year in comparison to the fourth quarter
of 2008.
On a sequential basis, Contract Value at December 31, 2009 was up 1.7% from the third quarter,
reflecting both improving sales performance and the addition of Tower Group. In our large company
market, renewals, cross-sales, and win-back all showed gains
attributable to our reorganization and increased focus on these companies. This focus came at the
expense of our overall institutional renewal rate, which declined due to both the economy and the
loss of renewals from some smaller companies in the large company market. We also saw continued
strength in our middle market platform, which contributed to a decline in our average subscription
price in 2009, which we sell to members at a lower price point.
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In 2009, we worked aggressively to align our cost structure with a lower revenue profile by
implementing a range of expense management activities, including the elimination of
lower-performing programs, workforce reductions, discretionary expense controls, and real estate
subleases. Our total costs and expenses decreased by approximately $99 million and, as a result,
our Adjusted EBITDA margin was 25.8% in 2009 compared to 23.4% in 2008. We restructured our
product portfolio, eliminating approximately 20% of our programs, to focus on the strongest brands.
This move allowed us to cut costs, but the primary purpose was to re-direct our resources toward
strengthening the remaining products and focusing our sales force on selling products with the
greatest member impact and long-term value. We rolled out a service-led growth strategy and
organization in North America whereby we restructured our sales and service model to establish
integrated account teams focused on serving our largest member organizations. We also added
executive advisor capacity to enhance our ability to directly impact members. Focusing our sales
talent on those Fortune 500 companies that were not yet members, we aimed at increasing our already
high penetration of these top tier companies.
We anticipate improving sales, cross sales, and renewal activity throughout 2010 and into the
future. However, we expect near-term margin pressure given the lag between Contract Value growth
and revenue growth and selective investments. Therefore, we expect lower revenues and earnings in
2010 when compared to 2009. We believe that the characteristics of our business a renewable
revenue stream, fast cash conversion cycle, scalable cost structure, and low capital intensity remain intact.
Critical Accounting Policies
We have identified the following policies as critical to our business and the understanding of our
results of operations. This is not a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. Our
accounting policies are particularly important to the portrayal of our financial position and
results of operations and may require the application of significant judgment by management. As a
result, they are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. In applying those policies,
management uses judgment to determine the appropriate assumptions to be used in the determination
of certain estimates. Those estimates are based on our historical experience, our observance of
trends in the industry, information provided by our members, and information available from other
outside sources, as appropriate. For a more detailed discussion of the application of these and
other accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements. Our critical
accounting policies include:
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (2) the fee is fixed
and determinable, (3) services have been rendered and payment has been contractually earned, and
(4) collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from membership subscriptions are recognized
ratably over the term of the related subscription, which generally is 12 months. Membership fees
generally are billable, and revenue recognition begins, when a member agrees to the terms of the
membership and fees receivable and the related deferred revenue are recorded upon the commencement
of the agreement or collection of fees, if earlier. Certain membership fees are billed on an
installment basis. Members generally may request a refund of their membership fees, which is
provided on a pro-rata basis relative to the length of the remaining membership term, under our
service guarantee. Revenues from membership subscriptions were greater than 95% of total revenues
in 2009, 2008, and 2007.
Advertising and content related revenues from Toolbox.com are recognized as the services are
provided.
Allowance for uncollectible revenue
We record an allowance for uncollectible revenue, as a reduction in revenues, based upon
managements analysis and estimates as to the collectability of membership fees receivable, which
generally is not the result of a members ability to pay. Revenues under membership agreements are
generally recognized ratably over the membership period, typically 12 months. Accordingly, the
allowance for uncollectible revenue is recorded against the amount of revenues that have been
recognized under the contracts that are deemed uncollectible. Membership fees receivable that have
not been recognized as revenues are recorded in deferred revenues. As
part of our analysis, we examine our collections history, the age of the receivables in question,
any specific member collection issues that we have identified, general market conditions, member
concentrations and current economic and industry trends. Membership fees receivable balances are
not collateralized.
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Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the
financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. These deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such
amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. The realization of deferred tax assets is
contingent upon the generation of future taxable income. A valuation allowance is provided to
reduce such deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be ultimately realized. We
provided a valuation allowance of $9.1 million at December 31, 2009 for the estimated loss of
Washington, D.C. tax credits, which resulted from our move to Virginia in 2008, a capital loss
carryforward expected to expire unused in 2010, and state deferred tax assets, consisting primarily
of state net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits.
In determining the provision for income taxes, we analyze various factors, including projections of
our annual earnings and tax jurisdictions in which the earnings will be generated; the impact of
state, local, and foreign income taxes; and our ability to use tax incentives. We file income tax
returns in U.S. federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer
subject to U.S. federal, state, and local tax examinations in major tax jurisdictions for periods
prior to 2006.
Goodwill and intangible assets
As the result of acquisitions, we record any excess purchase price over the net tangible and
identifiable intangible assets acquired as goodwill. A preliminary allocation of the purchase price
to tangible and intangible net assets acquired is based upon a preliminary valuation, and our
estimates and assumptions may be subject to change. Intangible assets consist primarily of
purchased software and customer relationships. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives of 2 to 20 years.
We test our goodwill for impairment annually on October 1, or whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred, by comparing its fair value to its carrying
value. We have concluded that our reporting units used to assess goodwill impairment are the same
as our operating segments. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the
performance of the acquired business, adverse market conditions, and a variety of other
circumstances. If we determine that impairment has occurred, we are required to record a write-down
of the carrying value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period the
determination is made. Although we believe goodwill is appropriately stated in our consolidated
financial statements, changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these
judgments and require an adjustment to the recorded balance.
The determination of the fair value of individual reporting units is based upon the average of an
income approach (discounted cash flow method) and a market approach (guideline company method and
transaction method). These models require us to make various judgmental estimates and assumptions
about sales, operating margins, growth rates, discount factors, and valuation multiples. Our
discounted cash flow model is prepared by forecasting anticipated cash flows over a thirty year
period and discounting them to their present value using an appropriate rate of return. The
guideline company method is prepared by forecasting revenues for a five year period and utilizing a
comparative revenue multiplier to determine a terminal value at the end of that time horizon,
discounted using an appropriate rate of return. Our estimates are based upon our historical
experience, our current knowledge from our commercial relationships, and available external
information about future trends.
The 2009 annual impairment test for the Toolbox.com reporting unit indicated that the estimated
fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by more than 15%. We have assumed
that the expansion of existing communities, the growth and scale of new community platforms, and a
recovery of the online advertising market will generate additional revenues and cash flows from
operations. We also performed a sensitivity analysis using slower revenues and cash flow growth
rates. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit from the sensitivity analysis also exceeded
its carrying value. Actual performance could be materially different from these forecasts, which
could impact future estimates of fair value. Goodwill allocated to the Toolbox.com reporting unit
was $13.0 million at December 31, 2009.
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Long-lived assets, including intangibles
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The
test for recoverability is made using an estimate of the undiscounted expected future cash flows
and, if required, the impairment loss is measured as the amount that the carrying value of the
asset exceeds the assets fair value if the asset is not recoverable. At December 31, 2009, we
have not identified any instances where the carrying values of our long-lived assets were not
recoverable.
Deferred incentive compensation
Direct incentive compensation paid to our employees related to the negotiation of new and renewal
memberships is deferred and amortized over the term of the related memberships.
Operating Leases
We have non-cancelable operating lease agreements for our offices with original lease periods
expiring between 2010 and 2028. We are committed to pay a portion of the related operating
expenses and real estate taxes under certain of these lease agreements. Certain of these leases
have escalating rent payment provisions. We recognize rent expense under such leases on a
straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease, including free-rent periods. Lease
incentives, relating to allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease
as a reduction of rent expense. We recognize sublease income on a straight line basis over the
term of the sublease, including free rent periods and escalations, as a reduction of rent expense.
Costs associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances,
are amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.
Share-based compensation
The grant date fair value of restricted stock units is measured by reducing the share price at that
date by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid during the requisite vesting period.
The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights is calculated using a lattice valuation
model. Determining the fair value of share-based awards is judgmental in nature and involves the
use of significant estimates and assumptions, including the term of the share-based awards,
risk-free interest rates over the vesting period, expected dividend rates, the price volatility of
our stock and estimated forfeiture rates of the awards. Fair value and forfeiture rate estimates
are based on assumptions we believe to be reasonable. Actual future results may differ from those
estimates.
Results of Operations
We generate the majority of our revenues through memberships that provide access to our products
and services, which are delivered through several channels. Memberships, which principally are
annually renewable agreements, primarily are payable by members at the beginning of the contract
term. Billings attributable to memberships for our products and services initially are recorded as
deferred revenues and then generally are recognized on a pro-rata basis over the membership
contract term, which typically is 12 months. Generally, a member may request a refund of its
membership fee during the membership term under our service guarantee. Refunds are provided on a
pro-rata basis relative to the remaining term of the membership.
Our operating costs and expenses consist of:
| Cost of services, which represents the costs associated with the production and delivery
of our products and services, consisting of compensation, including share-based
compensation, for research personnel, in-house faculty, and product advisors; the
organization and delivery of membership meetings, seminars, and other events; ongoing
product development costs; production of published materials, costs of developing and
supporting our membership web platform and digital delivery of products and services; and
associated support services. |
| Member relations and marketing, which represents the costs of acquiring new members and
the costs of account management, consisting of compensation, including sales incentives and
share-based compensation; travel; recruiting and training of personnel; sales and marketing
materials; and associated support services, as well as the costs of maintaining our customer
relationship management software (CRM). |
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| General and administrative, which represents the costs associated with the corporate and
administrative functions, including human resources and recruiting, finance and accounting,
legal, management information systems, facilities management, business development and
other. Costs include compensation, including share-based compensation; third-party
consulting and compliance expenses; and associated support services. |
| Depreciation and amortization, consisting of depreciation of our property and equipment,
including leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment, capitalized software
and Web site development costs and the amortization of intangible assets. |
We have significantly reduced our costs in light of macroeconomic conditions and a decline in
revenues in 2009 and expect to experience the full-year effect of our restructuring plans in 2010.
We continue to manage our costs and expenses aggressively. In addition, we plan to make selective
investments in the business to support our efforts to return to growth in Contract Value.
Years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007
Contract Value
Contract Value decreased 19.2% to $393.7 million at December 31, 2009 from $487.1 million at
December 31, 2008 and decreased 7.5% in 2008 from $526.4 million at December 31, 2007.
In 2009, the largest driver of the $93.4 million decrease in Contract Value was reduced memberships
from some large company members, as evidenced by the decrease in the cross-sell ratio, decreased
new bookings due to macro-economic conditions, and anticipated Contract Value losses of $29 million
from programs that we retired or consolidated in 2009. The total number of member institutions
decreased 5.9%, to 4,812 at December 31, 2009 from to 5,114 at December 31, 2008. The total number
of membership subscriptions decreased 12.4% to 13,790 at December 31, 2009 from 15,747 at December
31, 2008. The average subscription price at December 31, 2009 decreased 7.0% to $28,552 from
$30,714 at December 31, 2008.
In 2008, the largest driver of the $39.3 million decrease in Contract Value resulted from large
company members who experienced disruptive economic distress themselves, or from other member
companies that disappeared entirely, primarily in the financial services, transportation, and
building materials industries. This decrease, which we experienced both in North America and
Europe, accounted for approximately $32 million, or 80%, of the Contract Value decrease. The
remaining Contract Value decrease was driven by a reduction in spending by the general membership
base, partially offset by sales to new members and sales of new products. The total number of
membership subscriptions decreased 3.7% to 15,747, the total number of member institutions
increased 8.6% to 5,114, and the average subscription price decreased 4.6% to $30,714 at December
31, 2008.
Revenues
Revenues decreased 20.7% to $442.9 million in 2009 from $558.4 million in 2008 and increased 4.8%
in 2008 from $532.7 million in 2007. As discussed in the Executive Overview, we expect revenues to
decline in 2010.
In 2009, both lower deferred revenues from 2008 and lower bookings throughout 2009 contributed to
the decrease in revenues. The decrease in bookings is due to the factors described in Contract
Value above.
In 2008, the largest drivers of the increase in revenues related to the recognition of the year end
2007 deferred revenue balance, which increased from year end 2006, and new members joining their
first program, and to a lesser extent, the introduction of new research programs, and the inclusion
of revenues from Toolbox.com for the entire year compared to only five months in 2007.
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Costs and expenses
Declines in share-based compensation, facilities expense, and the impact of changes in the exchange
rates of the U.S. dollar to the British Pound all contributed to year-over-year reductions in costs
and expenses in 2009. These items are allocated to Cost of services, Member relations and
marketing, and General and administrative expenses. We discuss them on an aggregated basis below:
| Share-based compensation decreased $1.8 million from 2008 to 2009 and $10.2 million from
2007 to 2008. The decrease in 2009 is primarily a result of a decrease in the fair value of
new share-based awards granted mainly as a result of declines in the trading price of our
common stock. The decrease in 2008 relates to the decrease in the fair value of new
share-based awards granted and an increase in our anticipated forfeiture rate. In 2008, we
increased our estimated forfeiture rate from 3% to 14%. The cumulative effect of the
change in estimate was a reduction in compensation expense of $2.9 million. |
| Facilities expense decreased $9.6 million from 2008 to 2009. The decrease in 2009 is
primarily due to subleases of a portion of our headquarters and the consolidation of the
Washington, D.C. office locations into our new headquarters in the first quarter of 2008.
In 2008, we also recorded $6.0 million of moving-related costs, including $3.0 million
associated with overlapping office leases in conjunction with the move to our new
headquarters. |
| We also benefited from the strength of the U.S. dollar compared to the British Pound in
2009 versus 2008 and from 2007 to 2008. The value of the British Pound versus the U.S.
dollar decreased approximately $0.30, on average across 2009, and decreased approximately
$0.15, on average across 2008. Costs incurred for foreign subsidiaries will fluctuate
based upon changes in foreign currency rates in addition to other operational factors. We
enter into cash flow hedges for our UK subsidiary to mitigate foreign currency risk, which
offsets a large portion of the impact foreign currency fluctuations have on costs and
expenses. |
Cost of services
Cost of services decreased 18.3% to $147.0 million in 2009 from $180.0 million in 2008 and
decreased 1.7% in 2008 from $183.1 million in 2007.
In 2009, the decrease of $33.0 million was primarily due to a $21.0 million reduction in
compensation and related costs, including salaries, payroll taxes, incentives, and share-based
compensation expense. The primary cause of the decrease in compensation was headcount reductions
related to the restructuring plans announced in 2008 and 2009. Additional decreases included
member meeting costs of $6.5 million, travel and entertainment costs of $4.2 million, facilities
expense of $4.1 million, and printing costs of $1.5 million. The decrease in Cost of services also
benefited from strength of the U.S. dollar versus the British Pound as discussed above. These
decreases were partially offset by a $3.6 million increase in deferred compensation expense and
$2.1 million of expenses from Tower Group, a business acquired in October 2009, primarily related
to compensation related costs.
In 2008, the decrease of $3.1 million was primarily due to a reduction in compensation and related
costs, including salaries, payroll taxes, and incentives, a decrease in deferred compensation
expense and a decrease in share-based compensation expense of $4.8 million. Offsetting the
decreases, in part, was an increase in facilities expense due to overlapping lease periods related
to the move from Washington, D.C. to our new headquarters. Additional increases included external
consulting fees, executive education seminar costs, and expenses related to the inclusion of
Toolbox.com, a business acquired in 2007, for the entire year in 2008.
Member relations and marketing
Member relations and marketing decreased 22.1% to $126.0 million in 2009 from $161.7 million in
2008 and increased 7.8% in 2008 from $150.0 million in 2007.
In 2009, the decrease of $35.7 million was primarily due to a $26.4 million reduction in
compensation and related costs, including salaries, payroll taxes, and incentives. The primary
cause of the decrease in compensation was headcount reductions related to the restructuring plans
announced in 2008 and 2009. Additional decreases included travel and entertainment expenses of
$6.8 million and facilities expense of $4.3 million. The decrease in Member relations and
marketing also benefited from strength of the U.S. dollar versus the British Pound as discussed
above. These decreases were partially offset by a $2.6 million increase in external consulting
fees related to our purchase and implementation of a new CRM and a $1.6 million increase in
deferred compensation expense.
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In 2008, the increase of $11.7 million was primarily due to compensation and related costs
including salaries, payroll taxes and incentives. Facilities costs also increased as noted above.
The increased compensation costs were part of our initiative to strengthen
our North American sales force and resulted from incremental investments in staffing, incentives
and training. To a lesser extent, the increase was due to an increase in facilities and related
costs and the inclusion of Toolbox.com for the entire year in 2008. These increases were partially
offset by a $3.2 million decrease in share-based compensation expense and a decrease in deferred
compensation expense.
General and administrative
General and administrative decreased 21.9% to $59.4 million in 2009 from $76.1 million in 2008 and
increased 5.7% in 2008 from $72.0 million in 2007.
In 2009, the decrease of $16.7 million was primarily due to a $5.7 million decrease in compensation
and related costs, including salaries, payroll taxes and incentives; and a $4.7 million decrease in
external consulting fees, primarily information technology related. The primary cause of the
decrease in compensation was headcount reductions related to the restructuring plans announced in
2008 and 2009. The primary cause of the decrease in external consulting fees was costs incurred in
2008 relating to infrastructure investments related to the build out of our headquarters.
Additional decreases included travel and entertainment expenses of $2.3 million, employee placement
fees and signing bonuses of $2.3 million and facilities costs of $1.3 million. The decrease in
General and administrative also benefited from strength of the U.S. dollar versus the British Pound
as discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by a $1.7 million increase in deferred
compensation expense.
In 2008, the increase of $4.1 million was primarily due to an increase in external consulting fees
relating to infrastructure investments for the build out of our headquarters and to a lesser
extent, facilities costs, compensation and related costs, including salaries and payroll taxes and
the inclusion of Toolbox.com in the results for the full year of 2008 compared with five months in
2007. These increases were partially offset by decreases in severance expense not related to
restructuring costs and a $2.0 million decrease in share-based compensation expense. To a lesser
extent, the following also decreased during the year: non-revenue related incentives, deferred
compensation expense, and employment placement fees.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased 6.5% to $23.0 million in 2009 from $21.6 million in 2008
and increased 38.5% in 2008 from $15.6 million in 2007.
In 2009, the increase was primarily due to the full years effect of depreciating the 2008 capital
expenditures, primarily relating to leasehold improvements for our headquarters placed into service
in the first and second quarters of 2008. Amortization of intangible assets remained relatively
unchanged from 2008 to 2009.
In 2008, the increase of $6.0 million was primarily due to a full years amortization of intangible
assets from Toolbox.com and other smaller acquisitions. The total increase in amortization expense
was $3.3 million. The increase was also due to depreciation related to leasehold improvements and
computer hardware placed into service in 2008 at our headquarters.
Impairment loss
In the fourth quarter of 2008, based on a combination of factors (including the economic
environment and the near term outlook for advertising related revenues), we concluded that goodwill
and intangible asset amounts previously recorded for the 2007 acquisition of Toolbox.com were
impaired. We utilized the income approach (discounted cash flow method) and the market approach
(guideline company method and the transaction method) in the determination of the fair value of
Toolbox.com. The total impairment loss recognized in 2008 was $27.4 million.
Costs associated with exit activities
In June 2009, we ceased using and entered into a sublease agreement for a portion of our
headquarters. In addition, we ceased using a portion of two other facilities, whereby we sublet a
portion of one facility and are attempting to sublease a portion of the other facility. We incurred
a total pre-tax charge of $11.5 million, substantially all of which is non-cash, primarily related
to the impairment of
leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment at our headquarters. We expect that
these actions will reduce rent expense approximately $5.1 million in 2010 compared to 2009.
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These actions advance our ongoing transition to an integrated account management model, which has
reduced the need for space in our headquarters and other existing facilities, because we are
locating sales and service staff closer to members. In addition, these actions represent another
step in our efforts to align operating expenses more closely with our outlook, in light of economic
conditions, and to redirect resources to areas with a greater potential for future growth. We
believe existing facilities will be adequate for our current needs and additional facilities are
available for lease at advantageous terms to meet any future needs.
Restructuring Costs
In October 2009, we acquired the stock of Tower Group. As part of our integration plans, we
initiated a workforce reduction plan whereby approximately ten Tower Group employees were offered
severance and related termination benefits. Restructuring costs associated with this action were
$1.2 million.
In the second quarter of 2009, we committed to a separation plan (the 2009 Plan), initially
offering additional benefits for employees electing to voluntarily separate, for which
approximately 155 employees submitted resignations effective beginning July 24, 2009. The 2009
Plan, which has concluded, is part of our continuing efforts to align expenses more closely with
our outlook and to accelerate the placement of resources in areas that we believe have a greater
potential for future growth. The 2009 Plan was not offered to executive officers, critical staff,
and most sales staff. Pre-tax restructuring charges for the 2009 Plan were $7.8 million, most of
which was associated with severance and related termination benefits. The annualized pre-tax
savings associated with these restructuring activities were expected to be approximately $15
million.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, we committed to a plan of workforce reductions to restructure our
business to align expenses more closely with our revenue outlook, in light of continued economic
turmoil in the U.S. and global economy, and to redirect resources to areas that we believe have a
greater potential for future growth. This restructuring included a reduction of approximately 15%
of our workforce; a realignment of products and services, including consolidation or retirement of
certain products, to focus on five corporate decision centers and industries we serve; and the
implementation of a new, integrated approach to prospect and member account management. We
recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $8.0 million for these actions in the fourth quarter of
2008 and $1.0 million in the first quarter of 2009, most of which was associated with severance and
related termination benefits. The annualized pre-tax savings associated with these restructuring
activities were expected to be approximately $31 million.
We currently do not expect to incur any significant additional costs under the plans.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net increased in 2009 to income of $6.2 million from expense of $5.4
million in 2008 and decreased in 2008 from income of $16.0 million in 2007. Changes in 2009 and
2008 were primarily related to interest income earned on cash and cash equivalents, foreign
currency remeasurement of the net monetary assets from our UK subsidiary, and fluctuations in the
fair value of participant accounts associated with the deferred compensation plan. The components
are further described below.
In 2009, Other income (expense), net was primarily comprised of $2.7 million related to an increase
in deferred compensation plan assets, $1.8 million of interest income, $1.1 million foreign
currency re-measurement gain, and a $0.7 million gain on acquisition. The decrease in interest
income, net was primarily due to lower investment returns for cash and cash equivalents in a lower
interest rate environment and decreased levels of marketable securities.
In 2008, Other income (expense), net was comprised of interest income of $4.3 million, including a
realized gain on the sale of marketable securities, offset by a $1.8 million write-down of a cost
method investment, a $3.4 million foreign currency re-measurement loss, and $4.5 million related to
a decrease in deferred compensation plan assets. The decrease in interest income, net was
primarily due to decreased levels of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities relative
to 2007 and lower investment returns in a lower interest rate environment.
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In 2007, Other income (expense), net was comprised of interest income of $14.9 million and $1.1
million related to an increase in deferred compensation plan assets.
Provision for income taxes.
We recorded a Provision for income taxes of $28.0 million, $33.3 million and $47.5 million in 2009,
2008 and 2007, respectively. Changes in the effective tax rate in 2009 and 2008 were primarily
related to changes in unrealized currency translation gains/losses recognized for book purposes.
In 2009, our effective income tax rate was 38.0%, as opposed to the Federal statutory rate of 35%,
primarily due to the effects of unrealized currency translation gains recognized for book purposes,
a reduced amount of permanently nondeductible expenses, state tax credits, and state income taxes.
In 2008, our effective income tax rate was 42.6%, as opposed to the Federal statutory rate of 35%,
primarily due to the effects of unrealized currency translation losses recognized for book
purposes, an increase in the state effective rate due to the move to Virginia, as well as an
increase to the valuation allowance related to certain state deferred tax assets, and state income
taxes.
In 2007, our effective tax rate was 37.1%, as opposed to the Federal statutory rate of 35%,
primarily due to the effects of state income taxes and permanently nondeductible expenses.
We recorded net deferred tax assets of $46.9 million and $53.9 million in 2009 and 2008
respectively. We will need to generate approximately $118 million of future taxable income to
realize the net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2009.
Deferred tax assets related to share based compensation are expected to reverse over a six year
period. Deferred tax assets related to goodwill, intangible assets and operating leases are
expected to reverse over periods up to eighteen years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows generated from operating activities are our primary source of liquidity. As discussed
above, in 2009 we worked aggressively to align our cost structure with a lower revenue profile by
implementing a range of expense management activities, including the elimination of
lower-performing programs, workforce reductions, discretionary expense controls, and real estate
subleases. In addition, we reduced our quarterly dividend from $0.44 to $0.10 resulting in a
reduction of $34.7 million.
We believe that existing cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities balances and operating
cash flows will be sufficient to support operations, capital expenditures, and the payment of
dividends, as well as potential share repurchases during the next 12 months. Our future cash flows
will depend on many factors, including our rate of Contract Value growth and selective investments
to expand our brands and enhance technology. Also, we may make investments in, or acquisitions of,
complementary businesses, which could also require us to seek additional financing.
We had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $76.2 million and $76.1 million at
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. In 2008, we completed the build-out of the office space
for our headquarters which included total cash payments of $59.7 million, net of lease incentives
received. Of this amount, $25.5 million was paid in 2007 and the remaining $34.2 was paid in 2008.
Cash flows from operating activities.
Membership subscriptions, which principally are annually renewable agreements, generally are
payable by members at the beginning of the contract term. The combination of revenue growth,
profitable operations, and advance payments of membership subscriptions historically has resulted
in net cash flows provided by operating activities. We generated net cash flows from operating
activities of $28.6 million, $85.2 million, and $110.0 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007,
respectively.
The decrease of $56.6 million in cash flows provided by operations to $28.6 million in 2009 from
$85.2 million in 2008 is primarily attributable to decreases in bookings in late 2008 and
throughout 2009 when compared to prior periods. Membership fees receivable,
net decreased $34.3 million at December 31, 2008 compared to December 31, 2007, which impacted cash
collections in 2009 compared to 2008.
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We made income tax payments of $32.7 million, $55.2 million, and $60.8 million in 2009, 2008, and
2007, respectively, and expect to continue making tax payments in future periods. In 2008, we
received $9.0 million of incentives associated with our lease and relocation to Arlington,
Virginia.
Cash flows from investing activities.
Our cash management, acquisition, and capital expenditure strategies affect cash flows from
investing activities. In 2009, net cash flows provided by investing activities were $11.5 million.
In 2008, net cash flows used in investing activities were $16.3 million. In 2007, net cash flows
provided by investing activities were $121.8 million.
In 2009, we generated $14.4 million from maturities of marketable securities and $5.2 million from
the acquisition of businesses. We used $7.1 million for capital expenditures, primarily on
technology infrastructure, and $1.0 million for a cost method investment.
In October 2009, we acquired 100% of the equity interests of Tower Group to supplement our existing
financial services products. As part of the acquisition, we agreed to assume certain obligations
that might otherwise have been resolved prior to consummating the transaction. In return, the
seller agreed to leave assets on the balance sheet to settle those obligations.
In 2008, we used $42.5 million in investing activities for capital expenditures, including
furniture, fixtures and equipment and leasehold improvements primarily related to the build-out of
our headquarters. The build-out was complete at December 31, 2008. In addition, we acquired two
companies totaling $10.0 million, net of cash acquired. These activities were offset by $36.5
million of net proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable securities.
In October and December 2008, we acquired 100% of the equity interests of two companies that
supplement our existing product offerings in two corporate decision centers by providing access to
proprietary data assets. The total purchase price for both acquisitions was $10.0 million, net of
cash acquired, which was allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible assets and
liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values. We allocated $5.6 million to intangible
assets with a weighted average amortization period of eight years and $6.7 million was allocated to
goodwill. The purchase price for one of the acquisitions may be increased if certain performance
targets are met in each of the three annual periods ending December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011. We
currently do not expect to pay any additional purchase price based on the achievement of these
performance targets.
In 2007, we used $34.5 million in investing activities for capital expenditures, including
furniture, fixtures and equipment and leasehold improvements primarily related to the build-out of
our headquarters. We used $61.6 million, net of cash acquired, for acquisitions, which primarily
related to the acquisition of Toolbox.com and $3.8 million for a cost method investment. These
activities were offset by $221.7 million of net proceeds from maturities and sales of marketable
securities.
In July 2007, we acquired 100% of the equity interests of Information Technology Toolbox, Inc., now
operating as Toolbox.com. The purchase price was $58.9 million, reduced by the assumption of $1.0
million in transition bonuses that were paid by us. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement,
the purchase price may be increased if certain financial thresholds are achieved during the
12-month period ending on or before December 31, 2010. We currently do not expect to pay any
additional purchase price based on the achievement of these financial thresholds. As discussed
above, we recorded an impairment loss of $27.4 million related to goodwill and intangible assets of
this reporting unit.
We
estimate that capital expenditures to support our infrastructure will
be approximately $8.0 million in 2010.
Cash flows from financing activities.
Net cash flows used in financing activities were $24.6 million, $100.3 million, and $355.6 million
in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
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In 2009, dividend payments were $25.2 million and we repurchased approximately five thousand shares
of our common stock for $0.1 million. The quarterly dividend was decreased from $0.44 to $0.10 per
share in the second quarter of 2009 and increased to $0.11 per share in the first quarter of 2010.
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan were $0.7
million.
In 2008, dividend payments were $59.9 million and we repurchased 1.0 million shares of our common
stock at a total cost of $41.8 million. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the
employee stock purchase plan were $1.4 million. In addition, we received $0.1 million from the
exercise of common stock options.
In 2007, dividend payments were $57.8 million and we repurchased 4.3 million shares of our common
stock at a total cost of $303.0 million. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the
employee stock purchase plan were $2.1 million. In addition, we received $0.7 million from the
exercise of common stock options and recognized excess tax benefits of $2.4 million from the
exercise of share-based compensation.
At December 31, 2009, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.4 million for security
deposits related to certain office leases. The letters of credit expire at various times from
January 2010 through September 2010, but will automatically extend for another year from their
expiration dates. To date, no amounts have been drawn on these agreements. In 2008, we terminated
letters of credit relating to security deposits for Washington, D.C. operating leases when the
leases expired. Under the terms of the Arlington, Virginia lease, we initially committed to
providing the landlord security deposits totaling $50 million and pledged $50 million of long-term
marketable securities to the landlord as collateral for this obligation. In August 2008, we
replaced the $50 million pledge of long-term marketable securities with a letter of credit for $4.5
million.
Contractual obligations
The following summarizes our known contractual obligations at December 31, 2009 and the effect such
obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:
Payments due by period (in thousands) at December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | YE 2010 | YE 2011 | YE 2012 | YE 2013 | YE 2014 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations |
$ | 630,014 | $ | 34,674 | $ | 34,468 | $ | 34,509 | $ | 34,385 | $ | 34,126 | $ | 457,852 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred compensation liability |
16,537 | 1,407 | 914 | 1,144 | 1,149 | 779 | 11,144 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase commitments |
13,918 | 8,346 | 4,341 | 1,231 | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 660,469 | $ | 44,427 | $ | 39,723 | $ | 36,884 | $ | 35,534 | $ | 34,905 | $ | 468,996 | ||||||||||||||
Sublease receipts by period (in thousands) at December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | YE 2010 | YE 2011 | YE 2012 | YE 2013 | YE 2014 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Subleases receipts |
$ | 104,422 | $ | 9,218 | $ | 9,146 | $ | 9,157 | $ | 9,394 | $ | 8,005 | $ | 59,502 |
The net operating lease obligations relate to our office leases, excluding expected rental income
under non-cancelable subleases, which are more fully described in Note 18 to our consolidated
financial statements. Operating lease obligations include scheduled rent increases for our
headquarters of 1.85% per year through 2017, and 2% per year thereafter. Purchase commitments
primarily relate to information technology and infrastructure contracts.
Not included in the table above are unrecognized tax benefits of $592,000.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2009, 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 narrow or limited purposes.
27
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Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting
pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption.
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. |
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to interest rate and foreign currency exchange
rate risks that could impact our financial position and results of operations.
Interest rate risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily through our portfolio of cash and cash equivalents
and marketable securities, which is designed for safety of principal and liquidity. Cash and cash
equivalents are primarily comprised of cash held in demand deposit accounts at various financial
institutions. Marketable securities consist primarily of U.S. Treasury notes and Washington, D.C.
tax exempt bonds. We perform periodic evaluations of the relative credit ratings related to cash
and cash equivalents and marketable securities. This portfolio is subject to inherent interest rate
risk as investments mature and are reinvested at current market interest rates. We currently do not
use derivative financial instruments to adjust our portfolio risk or income profile. A hypothetical
10% adverse movement in interest rates would not have a material impact on our results of
operations or cash flows.
The following table provides the principal (notional) amount by expected maturity of our
available-for-sale marketable securities at December 31, 2009 (dollars in thousands):
Fair | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | Thereafter | Total | 12/31/09 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marketable securities |
$ | 18,440 | $ | 9,845 | $ | 3,700 | $ | 7,355 | $ | 1,000 | $ | 2,000 | $ | 42,340 | $ | 44,450 | ||||||||||||||||
Average effective interest rate |
3.94 | % | 4.24 | % | 4.25 | % | 4.60 | % | 4.31 | % | 5.00 | % |
Foreign currency risk
Our international operations subject us to risks related to currency exchange fluctuations. Prices
for our products are denominated primarily in U.S. dollars, even when sold to members that are
located outside the United States. Many of the costs associated with our operations located outside
the United States are denominated in local currencies. As a consequence, increases in local
currencies against the U.S. dollar in countries where we have foreign operations would result in
higher operating costs and, potentially, reduced earnings. We use forward contracts, designated as
cash flow hedging instruments, to protect against foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent
with our cost reimbursement agreement with our UK subsidiary. A forward contract obligates us to
exchange a predetermined amount of U.S. dollars to make an equivalent British Pound payment equal
to the value of such exchange. The maximum length of time over which we hedge our exposure to the
variability in future cash flows is 12 months.
The functional currency of substantially all of our wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries is the U.S.
dollar. For these foreign subsidiaries, monetary balance sheet and related income statement
accounts, representing claims receivable or payable in a fixed number of foreign currency units
regardless of changes in exchange rates, are re-measured at the current exchange rate with exchange
gains and losses recorded in income. Non-monetary balance sheet items and related income statement
accounts, which do not result in a fixed future cash inflow or outflow of foreign currency units,
are re-measured at their historical exchange rates. In 2009 and 2008, we recorded foreign currency
translation gains (losses) totaling $1.1 million and ($3.4) million, respectively, which are
included in Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of income. A hypothetical
10% adverse movement in British Pounds would result in additional
expense of approximately $2
million.
28
Table of Contents
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. |
Report of Managements Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for the preparation and integrity of the consolidated financial
statements appearing in our Annual Report. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and include amounts
based on managements estimates and judgments.
Management also is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting. Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 based on the framework in Internal Control
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). Based upon the evaluation under this framework, management concluded with
reasonable assurance that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of
December 31, 2009.
Our control environment is the foundation for our system of internal control over financial
reporting and is reflected in our Code of Conduct for Officers, Directors and Employees. It sets
the tone of our organization and includes factors such as integrity and ethical values. Our
internal control over financial reporting is supported by formal policies and procedures that are
reviewed, modified and improved as changes occur in business conditions and operations.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised solely of outside directors,
meets periodically with members of management and the independent auditors to review and discuss
internal control over financial reporting and accounting and financial reporting matters. The
independent registered public accounting firm reports to the Audit Committee and accordingly has
full and free access to the Audit Committee at any time.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial
statements included in this Annual Report, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.
/s/ Thomas L. Monahan III |
||
Chief Executive Officer |
||
March 1, 2010 |
||
/s/ Richard S. Lindahl |
||
Chief Financial Officer |
||
March 1, 2010 |
29
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Corporate Executive Board Company
The Corporate Executive Board Company
We have audited The Corporate Executive Board Companys internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).
The Corporate Executive Board Companys management is responsible for maintaining effective
internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Report of Managements Assessment of
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
companys internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and
evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk,
and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A companys internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A
companys internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1)
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company
are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use, or disposition of the companys assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or
detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are
subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, The Corporate Executive Board Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO
criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Corporate Executive
Board Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2009 of The Corporate Executive Board Company and Subsidiaries, and our
report dated March 1, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
March 1, 2010
March 1, 2010
30
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Corporate Executive Board Company
The Corporate Executive Board Company
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Corporate Executive Board
Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements
of income, shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of The Corporate Executive Board Company and
subsidiaries at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of their operations and
their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States), The Corporate Executive Board Companys internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our
report dated March 1, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
March 1, 2010
March 1, 2010
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THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share amounts)
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 31,760 | $ | 16,214 | ||||
Marketable securities |
18,666 | 13,545 | ||||||
Membership fees receivable, net |
125,716 | 127,007 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, net |
7,989 | 12,459 | ||||||
Deferred incentive compensation |
9,721 | 12,621 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
9,584 | 9,140 | ||||||
Total current assets |
203,436 | 190,986 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes, net |
39,744 | 41,427 | ||||||
Marketable securities |
25,784 | 46,344 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net |
89,462 | 109,133 | ||||||
Goodwill |
27,129 | 26,392 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net |
12,246 | 17,266 | ||||||
Other non-current assets |
25,394 | 14,644 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 423,195 | $ | 446,192 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 48,764 | $ | 66,178 | ||||
Accrued incentive compensation |
27,975 | 25,145 | ||||||
Deferred revenues |
222,053 | 264,253 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
298,792 | 355,576 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
867 | | ||||||
Other liabilities |
73,259 | 68,007 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
372,918 | 423,583 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders equity: |
||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,313,597 and 43,205,367 shares
issued and 34,147,008 and 34,043,752 shares outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008,
respectively |
433 | 432 | ||||||
Additional paid-in-capital |
401,629 | 395,434 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
274,718 | 254,285 | ||||||
Accumulated elements of other comprehensive income |
1,181 | 55 | ||||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 9,166,589 and 9,161,615 shares at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively |
(627,684 | ) | (627,597 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders equity |
50,277 | 22,609 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 423,195 | $ | 446,192 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Table of Contents
THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 442,906 | $ | 558,352 | $ | 532,716 | ||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||
Cost of services |
147,019 | 179,950 | 183,088 | |||||||||
Member relations and marketing |
126,023 | 161,670 | 150,032 | |||||||||
General and administrative |
59,415 | 76,120 | 71,984 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
22,991 | 21,631 | 15,573 | |||||||||
Impairment loss |
| 27,449 | | |||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
11,518 | | | |||||||||
Restructuring costs |
8,568 | 8,006 | | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
375,534 | 474,826 | 420,677 | |||||||||
Income from operations |
67,372 | 83,526 | 112,039 | |||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
6,246 | (5,438 | ) | 16,049 | ||||||||
Income before provision for income taxes |
73,618 | 78,088 | 128,088 | |||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
27,989 | 33,291 | 47,501 | |||||||||
Net income |
$ | 45,629 | $ | 44,797 | $ | 80,587 | ||||||
Earnings per share: |
||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 1.34 | $ | 1.31 | $ | 2.20 | ||||||
Diluted |
$ | 1.33 | $ | 1.30 | $ | 2.17 | ||||||
Dividends per share |
$ | 0.74 | $ | 1.76 | $ | 1.60 | ||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
||||||||||||
Basic |
34,111 | 34,205 | 36,666 | |||||||||
Diluted |
34,293 | 34,329 | 37,159 |
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 45,629 | $ | 44,797 | $ | 80,587 | ||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating
activities: |
||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes |
(255 | ) | (22,064 | ) | (10,923 | ) | ||||||
Amortization of marketable securities premiums (discounts), net |
691 | 695 | (449 | ) | ||||||||
Share-based compensation |
10,751 | 12,525 | 22,764 | |||||||||
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements |
| | (2,398 | ) | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
22,991 | 21,631 | 15,573 | |||||||||
Impairment loss |
| 27,449 | | |||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
11,518 | | | |||||||||
Gain on acquisition |
(680 | ) | | | ||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Membership fees receivable, net |
3,622 | 36,112 | (6,688 | ) | ||||||||
Deferred incentive compensation |
2,900 | 2,923 | (2,384 | ) | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(91 | ) | 2,283 | (645 | ) | |||||||
Other non-current assets |
(9,525 | ) | 6,375 | (5,578 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
(18,533 | ) | 11,053 | (11,739 | ) | |||||||
Accrued incentive compensation |
2,387 | (6,210 | ) | 6,293 | ||||||||
Deferred revenues |
(47,512 | ) | (60,548 | ) | 14,724 | |||||||
Other liabilities |
4,681 | 8,211 | 10,904 | |||||||||
Net cash flows provided by operating activities |
28,574 | 85,232 | 110,041 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||||||
Purchases of property and equipment, net |
(7,052 | ) | (42,483 | ) | (34,532 | ) | ||||||
Cost method investment |
(1,000 | ) | (386 | ) | (3,829 | ) | ||||||
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired |
5,173 | (10,005 | ) | (61,593 | ) | |||||||
Purchases of marketable securities |
| (12,489 | ) | (108,801 | ) | |||||||
Sales and maturities of marketable securities |
14,409 | 49,024 | 330,556 | |||||||||
Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities |
11,530 | (16,339 | ) | 121,801 | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from the exercise of common stock options |
| 100 | 691 | |||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan |
725 | 1,419 | 2,087 | |||||||||
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation arrangements |
| | 2,398 | |||||||||
Purchase of treasury shares |
(87 | ) | (41,842 | ) | (302,974 | ) | ||||||
Payment of dividends |
(25,196 | ) | (59,941 | ) | (57,826 | ) | ||||||
Net cash flows used in financing activities |
(24,558 | ) | (100,264 | ) | (355,624 | ) | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
15,546 | (31,371 | ) | (123,782 | ) | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year |
16,214 | 47,585 | 171,367 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year |
$ | 31,760 | $ | 16,214 | $ | 47,585 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, and 2009
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, and 2009
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
elements of other | Annual | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock | Additional | Retained | comprehensive | Treasury | comprehensive | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | paid-in-capital | earnings | income (loss) | stock | Total | income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
38,947,908 | $ | 428 | $ | 353,990 | $ | 246,668 | $ | (440 | ) | $ | (282,781 | ) | $ | 317,865 | $ | 78,855 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon the exercise of common stock options and release of restricted stock units |
280,510 | 3 | 685 | | | | 688 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan |
33,677 | | 2,087 | | | | 2,087 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| | 22,764 | | | | 22,764 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect of share-based compensation |
| | 4,110 | | | | 4,110 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury shares |
(4,268,514 | ) | | | | | (302,974 | ) | (302,974 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax |
| | | | 1,312 | | 1,312 | 1,312 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency hedge |
| | | | (1,066 | ) | | (1,066 | ) | (1,066 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Payment of dividends |
| | | (57,826 | ) | | | (57,826 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 80,587 | | | 80,587 | 80,587 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
34,993,581 | $ | 431 | $ | 383,636 | $ | 269,429 | $ | (194 | ) | $ | (585,755 | ) | $ | 67,547 | $ | 80,833 | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon the exercise of common stock options and release of restricted stock units |
46,125 | 1 | 100 | | | | 101 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan |
39,730 | | 1,419 | | | | 1,419 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| | 12,525 | | | | 12,525 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect of share-based compensation |
| | (2,246 | ) | | | | (2,246 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury shares |
(1,035,684 | ) | | | | | (41,842 | ) | (41,842 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax |
| | | | 208 | | 208 | 208 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency hedge |
| | | | (333 | ) | | (333 | ) | (333 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | 374 | | 374 | 374 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payment of dividends |
| | | (59,941 | ) | | | (59,941 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 44,797 | | | 44,797 | 44,797 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
34,043,752 | $ | 432 | $ | 395,434 | $ | 254,285 | $ | 55 | $ | (627,597 | ) | $ | 22,609 | $ | 45,046 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock upon release of restricted stock units |
59,782 | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock under the employee stock purchase plan |
48,448 | 1 | 724 | | | | 725 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share-based compensation |
| | 10,751 | | | | 10,751 | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect of share-based compensation |
| | (5,280 | ) | | | | (5,280 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury shares |
(4,974 | ) | | | | | (87 | ) | (87 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale marketable securities, net of tax |
| | | | (195 | ) | | (195 | ) | (195 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency hedge |
| | | | 1,341 | | 1,341 | 1,341 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
| | | | (20 | ) | | (20 | ) | (20 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Payment of dividends |
| | | (25,196 | ) | | | (25,196 | ) | | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 45,629 | | | 45,629 | 45,629 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2009 |
34,147,008 | $ | 433 | $ | 401,629 | $ | 274,718 | $ | 1,181 | $ | (627,684 | ) | $ | 50,277 | $ | 46,755 | ||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Description of operations
The Corporate Executive Board Company (the Company) drives better decision making and superior
outcomes among a global network of executives and business professionals. The Company provides its
members with the authoritative and timely decision support they need to elevate company performance
and excel in their careers. For an annual fee, members of each program and service have access to
an integrated set of products and services, including best practices studies, executive education,
customized analysis, proprietary databases and decision support tools. The Company also generates
advertising and content-related revenues through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Toolbox.com, Inc.
(Toolbox.com).
Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Basis of presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates in preparation of financial statements
The Companys consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These accounting principles require the Company to make
certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. The Company believes that the estimates, judgments
and assumptions upon which it relies are reasonable based upon information available to the Company
at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments
and assumptions may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the
financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods
presented. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments or
assumptions and actual results, the Companys financial statements will be affected.
Foreign currency
The functional currency of substantially all of the Companys wholly-owned foreign subsidiaries is
the U.S. dollar. For these foreign subsidiaries, monetary balance sheet and related income
statement accounts, representing claims receivable or payable in a fixed number of foreign currency
units regardless of changes in exchange rates, are re-measured at the current exchange rate, with
exchange gains and losses recorded in income. Non-monetary balance sheet items and related income
statement accounts, which do not result in a fixed future cash inflow or outflow of foreign
currency units, are re-measured at their historical exchange rates. In 2009 and 2008, the Company
recorded foreign currency translation gains (losses) totaling $1.1 million and $(3.4) million,
respectively, which are included in Other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of
income.
For one of the Companys wholly owned subsidiaries, the functional currency is the local currency.
For this subsidiary, the translation of its foreign currency into U.S. dollars is performed for
assets and liabilities using current foreign currency exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet
date and for revenue and expense accounts using average foreign currency exchange rates during the
period. Capital accounts are translated at historical foreign currency exchange rates. Translation
gains and losses are included in stockholders equity as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss). Adjustments that arise from foreign currency exchange rate changes on
transactions denominated in a currency other than the local currency are included in Other income
(expense), net on the consolidated statements of income.
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Cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities
The Companys cash and cash equivalents balance is primarily comprised of cash held in demand
deposit accounts at various financial institutions. Investments with maturities of more than three
months of purchase are classified as marketable securities. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the
Companys marketable securities consisted primarily of U.S. Treasury notes and Washington, D.C. tax
exempt
bonds. The Company classifies its marketable securities as available-for-sale, which are carried at
fair value based on quoted market prices. The net unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale
marketable securities are excluded from net income and are included within accumulated elements of
comprehensive income (loss). The specific identification method is used to compute the realized
gains and losses on the sale of marketable securities. The Company may elect not to hold these
marketable securities to maturity and may elect to sell these securities at any time.
Allowance for uncollectible revenue
The Company records an allowance for uncollectible revenue, as a reduction in revenues, based upon
managements analysis and estimates as to the collectability of membership fees receivable, which
generally is not the result of a members ability to pay. Revenues under membership agreements are
generally recognized ratably over the membership period, typically 12 months. Accordingly, the
allowance for uncollectible revenue is recorded against the amount of revenues that have been
recognized under the contracts that are deemed uncollectible. Membership fees receivable that have
not been recognized as revenues are recorded in deferred revenues. As part of its analysis, the
Company examines its collections history, the age of the receivables in question, any specific
member collection issues that it has identified, general market conditions, member concentrations
and current economic and industry trends. Membership fees receivable balances are not
collateralized.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment consists of furniture, fixtures and equipment, leasehold improvements,
capitalized computer software and Web site development costs. Property and equipment are stated at
cost, less accumulated depreciation expense. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from
three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over
the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the lease term. Capitalized software and
Web site development costs are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to
expense as incurred.
Goodwill
As the result of acquisitions, the Company records any excess purchase price over the net tangible
and identifiable intangible assets acquired as goodwill. The Company tests goodwill for impairment
annually on October 1, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have
occurred, by comparing its fair value to its carrying value. The Company has concluded that its
reporting units used to assess goodwill impairment are the same as its operating segments.
Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in the performance of the acquired
business, adverse market conditions, and a variety of other circumstances. If it is determined that
impairment has occurred, the Company records a write-down of the carrying value and charges the
impairment as an operating expense in the period the determination is made. Although the Company
believes goodwill is appropriately stated in its consolidated financial statements, changes in
strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these judgments and require an adjustment
to the recorded balance.
The determination of the fair value of individual reporting units is based upon the average of an
income approach (discounted cash flow method) and a market approach (guideline company method and
transaction method). These models require the Company to make various judgmental estimates and
assumptions about sales, operating margins, growth rates, discount factors, and valuation
multiples.
In 2008, the Company recorded an impairment loss of $27.4 million related to its Toolbox.com
reporting unit ($22.9 million related to goodwill and $4.5 million related to intangible assets).
Intangible assets, net
Intangible assets, net consists primarily of technology and customer relationships. These assets
are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 2 to 20 years. The
gross carrying amount of intangible assets was $26.9 million and $26.3 million and accumulated
amortization was $14.7 million and $9.0 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Amortization expense was $5.7 million, $5.8 million and $2.5 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007,
respectively. In 2008, the Company recorded an impairment loss on intangible assets of $4.5
million. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the
succeeding five years ended 2010 through 2014 is $5.0 million, $2.5 million, $1.7 million, $0.6
million, and $0.5 million, respectively.
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Recovery of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets, including intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The
test for recoverability is made using an estimate of the undiscounted expected future cash flows
and, if required, the impairment loss is measured as the amount that the carrying value of the
asset exceeds the assets fair value if the asset is not recoverable.
In 2009, the Company incurred costs associated with exit activities and recorded a charge of $11.5
million primarily related to the impairment of leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and
equipment at its Arlington, Virginia headquarters.
Fair value of financial instruments
The Companys financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, marketable
securities, membership fees receivable, investments in variable insurance products for the
Companys deferred compensation plan, forward currency contracts, and accounts payable. The
carrying value of the Companys financial instruments approximates their fair value. The fair
value of the Companys financial instruments approximates their carrying value. In 2008, the
Company recorded a $1.8 million other than temporary impairment loss for a cost method investment.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when (1) there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, (2) the fee is fixed
and determinable, (3) services have been rendered and payment has been contractually earned, and
(4) collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues from membership subscriptions are recognized
ratably over the term of the related subscription, which generally is 12 months. Membership fees
generally are billable, and revenue recognition begins, when a member agrees to the terms of the
membership and fees receivable and the related deferred revenue are recorded upon the commencement
of the agreement or collection of fees, if earlier. Certain membership fees are billed on an
installment basis. Members generally may request a refund of their membership fees, which is
provided on a pro-rata basis relative to the length of the remaining membership term, under a
service guarantee. Revenues from membership subscriptions were greater than 95% of total revenues
in 2009, 2008, and 2007.
Advertising and content related revenues from Toolbox.com are recognized as the services are
provided.
Deferred incentive compensation
Direct incentive compensation paid to the Companys employees related to the negotiation of new and
renewal memberships is deferred and amortized over the term of the related memberships.
Operating leases
The Company recognizes rent expense under operating leases on a straight-line basis over the
non-cancelable term of the lease, including free-rent periods. Lease incentives, relating to
allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent
expense. The Company recognizes sublease income on a straight line basis over the term of the
sublease, including free rent periods and escalations, as a reduction of rent expense. Costs
associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances, are
amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.
Share-based compensation
The Company has several share-based compensation plans. These plans provide for the granting of
stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, deferred stock
units and incentive bonuses to employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors.
Share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date of the share-based awards based on
their fair values, and is recognized on a straight line basis as expense over the vesting periods
of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate.
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The grant date fair value of restricted stock units is measured by reducing the share price at that
date by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid during the requisite vesting period.
The grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights is calculated using a lattice valuation
model. Determining the fair value of share-based awards is judgmental in nature and involves the
use of significant estimates and assumptions, including the term of the share-based awards,
risk-free interest rates over the vesting period, expected dividend rates, the price volatility of
the Companys stock and estimated forfeiture rates of the awards. Fair value and forfeiture rate
estimates are based on assumptions the Company believes to be reasonable. Actual future results
may differ from those estimates.
Income taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the
financial reporting basis and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. These deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such
amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. The realization of deferred tax assets is
contingent upon the generation of future taxable income. A valuation allowance is provided to
reduce such deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be ultimately realized.
Concentration of credit risk and sources of revenues
Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentration of credit risk,
consist primarily of membership fees receivable, cash and cash equivalents, and marketable
securities. Concentration of credit risk with respect to membership fees receivable is limited due
to the large number of members and their dispersion across many different industries and countries
worldwide. However, the Company may be exposed to a declining membership base in periods of
unforeseen market downturns, severe competition or international developments. The Company performs
periodic evaluations of the membership base and related membership fees receivable and establishes
allowances for potential credit losses.
The Companys international operations subject it to risks related to currency exchange
fluctuations. Prices for the Companys products and services are primarily denominated in U.S.
dollars, even when sold to members that are located outside the United States. Many of the costs
associated with the Companys operations located outside the United States are denominated in local
currencies. The Company uses forward contracts, designated as cash flow hedging instruments, to
protect against foreign currency exchange rate risks inherent with its cost reimbursement agreement
with its UK subsidiary. A forward contract obligates the Company to exchange a predetermined amount
of U.S. dollars to make an equivalent British Pound payment equal to the value of such exchange.
The maximum length of time over which the Company hedges its exposure to the variability in future
cash flows is 12 months.
The Company maintains a portfolio of cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, which is
designed for safety of principal and liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents is comprised of cash held
in demand deposit accounts at various financial institutions. Marketable securities consist
primarily of U.S. Treasury notes and Washington, D.C. tax exempt bonds. The Company performs
periodic evaluations of the relative credit ratings related to cash and cash equivalents and
marketable securities.
Accumulated elements of other comprehensive income
Accumulated elements of other comprehensive income included within stockholders equity consist of
the following (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Unrealized gains, net of tax, for available-for-sale marketable securities |
$ | 876 | $ | 1,071 | ||||
Unrealized losses, net of tax, for forward currency exchange contracts |
(49 | ) | (1,390 | ) | ||||
Cumulative translation adjustment |
354 | 374 | ||||||
Accumulated elements of other comprehensive income |
$ | 1,181 | $ | 55 | ||||
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Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net
income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by
the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period. The number of
potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock
method to the extent they are dilutive. Common share equivalents consist of common shares issuable
upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards. A reconciliation of basic to
diluted weighted average common shares outstanding is as follows (in thousands):
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding |
34,111 | 34,205 | 36,666 | |||||||||
Effect of dilutive shares outstanding |
182 | 124 | 493 | |||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding |
34,293 | 34,329 | 37,159 | |||||||||
In 2009, 2008, and 2007, 3.15 million, 3.46 million, and 1.35 million shares, respectively, related
to share-based compensation awards have been excluded from the calculation of the effect of
dilutive shares outstanding shown above because their impact would be anti-dilutive.
Note 3. Recent accounting pronouncements
Recently adopted
On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance that addressed the accounting for and disclosure
requirements of events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date, but before the
financial statements are issued. In February 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to (a) require
an SEC filer to evaluate subsequent events through the date the financial statements are issued
with the SEC, (b) add the definitions of an SEC filer and revised financial statements, (c) no
longer require that an SEC filer disclose the date through which subsequent events have been
reviewed, and (d) remove the definition of a public entity. The adoption of the new guidance did
not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance that provides additional guidelines for
estimating fair value when there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of
activity for an asset or liability in relation to the normal market activity for the asset or
liability (or similar assets or liabilities). In addition, the new guidance includes guidelines for
identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction for the asset or liability is not orderly, in
which case the entity shall place little, if any, weight on that transaction price as an indicator
of fair value. The adoption of the new guidance did not impact the Companys financial position or
results of operations.
On April 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance that changes existing guidance for determining
whether debt securities are other-than temporarily impaired and replaces the existing requirement
that the entitys management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security
until recovery with a requirement that management assert: (a) it does not have the intent to sell
the security; and (b) it is more likely than not it will not be required to sell the security
before recovery of its cost basis. Assuming these two criteria are met, the new guidance requires
entities to separate an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security into two components. The
amount of the other-than temporary impairment related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings,
and the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors is recorded in other
comprehensive income. The adoption of the new guidance did not impact the Companys financial
position or results of operations.
On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance requiring enhanced disclosures about
derivative instruments and hedging activities to allow for a better understanding of their effects
on an entitys financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Among other things, the
new guidance requires disclosure of the fair values of derivative instruments and associated gains
and losses in a tabular format. Since this guidance requires only additional disclosures about the
Companys derivatives and hedging activities, the adoption did not impact the Companys financial
position or results of operations.
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On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted new guidance on business combinations that expands the
scope of acquisition accounting to all transactions under which control of a business is obtained.
This guidance requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the
acquisition date fair values with limited exceptions. Additionally, the guidance requires that
contingent
consideration be recorded at fair value on the acquisition date and also requires transaction costs
and costs to restructure the acquired company be expensed. On April 1, 2009, additional guidance
was issued further amending the accounting for business combinations to require that assets
acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies be
recognized at fair value if fair value can reasonably be estimated. If the acquisition date fair
value of an asset acquired or liability assumed that arises from a contingency cannot be
determined, the asset or liability would be recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if
these criteria are not met, no asset or liability would be recognized. The adoption of the new
guidance did not have a material impact on the Companys financial position or results of
operations.
Not yet adopted
In October 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued new guidance for revenue
recognition with multiple deliverables that is effective for revenue arrangements entered into or
materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010, although early adoption is
permitted. This guidance eliminates the residual method under the current guidance and replaces it
with the relative selling price method when allocating revenue in a multiple deliverable
arrangement. The selling price for each deliverable shall be determined using vendor specific
objective evidence of selling price, if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence of selling price
shall be used. If neither exists for a deliverable, the vendor shall use its best estimate of the
selling price for that deliverable. After adoption, this guidance will also require expanded
qualitative and quantitative disclosures. The Companys memberships are sold with multiple
elements, and the Company is currently assessing the impact of adoption on its financial position
and results of operations.
Note 4. Acquisitions
2009 Acquisition
In October 2009, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interest of The Tower Group, Inc. (Tower
Group) to supplement its existing financial services products. As part of the acquisition, the
Company agreed to assume certain obligations that might otherwise have been resolved prior to
consummating the transaction. In return, the seller agreed to leave assets on the balance sheet to
settle those obligations. As a result, the Company recorded a $0.7 million gain, which is included
in Other income (expense), net.
2008 Acquisitions
In October and December 2008, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of two companies
that supplement its existing product offerings. The total purchase price for both acquisitions was
$10.0 million, net of cash acquired, which was allocated to the assets acquired, including
intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values. The Company
allocated $5.6 million to intangible assets with a weighted average amortization period of eight
years and $6.7 million was allocated to goodwill. The purchase price for one of the acquisitions
may be increased if certain performance targets are met in each of the three annual periods ending
December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
2007 Acquisitions
On July 31, 2007, the Company acquired 100% of the equity interests of Information Technology
Toolbox, Inc, now operating as Toolbox.com. Toolbox.com operates an online platform that connects a
community of IT and other professionals who share practical, job-related information. This
community provides free access to a worldwide audience of experienced, knowledgeable professionals
and generates advertising and content related revenues that are recognized as the services are
provided.
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The purchase price of Toolbox.com was $58.9, reduced by the assumption of $1.0 million in
transition bonuses that were paid by the Company. Transactions costs were $0.5 million. The
purchase price may be increased if certain financial thresholds are achieved during a 12-month
period on or before December 31, 2010. The operating results after July 31, 2007 are included in
the Companys consolidated statements of income. Pro forma information disclosing the results of
operations for the period from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2007 are not presented as the effects
were not material. The purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible
assets and liabilities assumed, based on their estimated fair values. The purchase price was
assigned as follows (in thousands):
Net working capital |
$ | 1,547 | ||
Property and equipment |
600 | |||
Intangible assets |
20,294 | |||
Goodwill (deductible for tax purposes) |
35,916 | |||
Allocated purchase price |
$ | 58,357 | ||
Intangible assets acquired primarily include advertising customer relationships, user database, and
technology integral to content management and connection with users and are being amortized over
assigned lives ranging from 3 to 20 years with a weighted average amortization period of 6 years.
In 2008, the Company recorded an impairment loss relating to the goodwill and intangible assets of
Toolbox.com.
Note 5. Fair value measurements
Measurements
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer
a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability
in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There is a
three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This
hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of
unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
| Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2 Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted
prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or
similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. |
| Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and
that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain
pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use
significant unobservable inputs. |
The Company has segregated all assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a
recurring basis into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs
used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the table below (in thousands):
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
as of | Fair Value Measurements Using | |||||||||||||||
December 31, | Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||
2009 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |||||||||||||
Financial assets |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 31,760 | $ | 31,760 | $ | | $ | | ||||||||
Available-for-sale marketable securities |
44,450 | 44,450 | | | ||||||||||||
Variable insurance products held in a Rabbi Trust |
13,612 | | 13,612 | | ||||||||||||
Financial liabilities |
||||||||||||||||
Forward currency exchange contracts |
$ | 173 | $ | | $ | 173 | $ | |
Certain assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and liabilities are measured at fair value on
a nonrecurring 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 (e.g., when there
is impairment). No fair value adjustments or material fair value measurements were required for
non-financial assets or liabilities in 2009.
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Note 6. Marketable securities
The aggregate fair value, amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses on
available-for-sale marketable securities are as follows (in thousands):
December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | |||||||||||||||
Fair | Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | |||||||||||||
Value | Cost | Gains | Losses | |||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury notes |
$ | 12,591 | $ | 12,542 | $ | 49 | $ | | ||||||||
Washington D.C. tax exempt bonds |
31,859 | 30,462 | 1,397 | | ||||||||||||
Total marketable securities |
$ | 44,450 | $ | 43,004 | $ | 1,446 | $ | | ||||||||
December 31, 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Gross | Gross | |||||||||||||||
Fair | Amortized | Unrealized | Unrealized | |||||||||||||
Value | Cost | Gains | Losses | |||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury notes |
$ | 25,845 | $ | 25,365 | $ | 480 | $ | | ||||||||
Washington D.C. tax exempt bonds |
34,044 | 32,739 | 1,383 | 78 | ||||||||||||
Total marketable securities |
$ | 59,889 | $ | 58,104 | $ | 1,863 | $ | 78 | ||||||||
The following table summarizes marketable securities maturities (in thousands):
December 31, 2009 | ||||||||
Fair | Amortized | |||||||
Value | Cost | |||||||
Less than one year |
$ | 18,666 | $ | 18,521 | ||||
Matures in 1 to 5 years |
23,779 | 22,483 | ||||||
Matures in 6 to 10 years |
2,005 | 2,000 | ||||||
Total marketable securities |
$ | 44,450 | $ | 43,004 | ||||
In
2008 and 2007, sales of marketable securities resulted in a net
realized investment gain of $73,000 and $142,000, respectively,
which is included in Other income (expense), net. The Company did not sell any marketable
securities in 2009.
Note 7. Membership fees receivable
Membership fees receivable consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Billed |
$ | 99,273 | $ | 103,478 | ||||
Unbilled |
28,929 | 28,460 | ||||||
128,202 | 131,938 | |||||||
Allowance for uncollectible revenue |
(2,486 | ) | (4,931 | ) | ||||
Membership fees receivable, net |
$ | 125,716 | $ | 127,007 | ||||
Note 8. Property and equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment |
$ | 42,671 | $ | 41,651 | ||||
Leasehold improvements |
77,120 | 83,250 | ||||||
Computer software and Web site development costs |
20,289 | 17,185 | ||||||
140,080 | 142,086 | |||||||
Accumulated depreciation |
(50,618 | ) | (32,953 | ) | ||||
Property and equipment, net |
$ | 89,462 | $ | 109,133 | ||||
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Depreciation expense was $17.3 million, $15.8 million, and $13.1 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007,
respectively.
Note 9. Goodwill and intangible assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Beginning of year |
$ | 26,392 | $ | 42,626 | ||||
Goodwill acquired |
737 | 6,712 | ||||||
Impairment loss |
| (22,946 | ) | |||||
Goodwill |
$ | 27,129 | $ | 26,392 | ||||
In the fourth quarter of 2008, based on a combination of factors (including the current economic
environment and the near term outlook for advertising related revenues), the Company concluded that
goodwill and intangible asset amounts previously recorded for the 2007 acquisition of Information
Technology Toolbox, Inc. were impaired. The Company utilized the income approach (discounted cash
flow method) and the market approach (guideline company method and the transaction method) in the
determination of the fair value of Toolbox.com. The total impairment loss recognized in 2008 was
$27.4 million ($22.9 million related to goodwill and $4.5 million related to intangible assets).
Note 10. Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 7,411 | $ | 6,658 | ||||
Advanced membership payments received |
10,995 | 15,402 | ||||||
Other accrued liabilities |
30,358 | 44,118 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 48,764 | $ | 66,178 | ||||
Note 11. Other liabilities
Other liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Deferred compensation |
$ | 9,890 | $ | 7,256 | ||||
Lease incentives |
33,588 | 35,558 | ||||||
Deferred rent benefit long term |
19,459 | 17,148 | ||||||
Other |
10,322 | 8,045 | ||||||
Total other liabilities |
$ | 73,259 | $ | 68,007 | ||||
Note 12. Derivative instruments and hedging
The Companys international operations are subject to risks related to currency exchange
fluctuations. Prices for the Companys products and services are denominated primarily in U.S.
dollars, including products and services sold to members that are located outside the United
States. Many of the costs associated with the Companys operations located outside the United
States are denominated in local currencies. As a consequence, increases in local currencies against
the U.S. dollar in countries where the Company has foreign operations would result in higher
effective operating costs and, potentially, reduced earnings. The Company uses forward contracts,
designated as cash flow hedging instruments, to protect against foreign currency exchange rate
risks inherent with its cost reimbursement agreements with its United Kingdom subsidiary. A forward
contract obligates the Company to exchange a predetermined amount of U.S. dollars to make
equivalent Pound Sterling (GBP) payments equal to the value of such exchanges.
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Table of Contents
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items as
well as its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking hedge transactions. The maximum
length of time over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash
flows is 12 months. The forward contracts are recognized on the consolidated balance sheets at fair
value. Changes in the fair value measurements of the derivative instruments are reflected as
adjustments to other comprehensive income (OCI) and/or current earnings. The notional amount of
outstanding forward contracts was $10.4 million at December 31, 2009.
The fair values of all derivative instruments, which are designated as hedging instruments, on the
Companys consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
Balance Sheet Location | 2009 | 2008 | ||||||
Liability |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities |
$ | 173 | $ | 4,057 |
The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments on the Companys condensed consolidated statements of
income is shown in the table below (in thousands):
Amount of Gain (Loss) | ||||||||||||
Location of Loss Reclassified from | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified | Recognized in OCI on | ||||||||||
Accumulated OCI into Income | from Accumulated OCI into Income | Derivatives in cash flow | Derivative | |||||||||
(Effective portion) | (Effective portion) | hedging relationships | (Effective portion) | |||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2009 | Year ended December 31, 2009 | |||||||||||
Cost of services |
$ | (1,052 | ) | Forward currency | $ | 168 | ||||||
Member relations and marketing |
(780 | ) | contracts | |||||||||
General & Administrative |
(401 | ) | ||||||||||
Total |
$ | (2,233 | ) | |||||||||
The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedges in 2009 was immaterial.
Note 13. Stockholders equity and share-based compensation
Share-based compensation
Under share-based compensation plans, the Company may grant certain employees, directors and
consultants options to purchase common stock, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units.
Options are rights to purchase common stock of the Company at the fair market value on the date of
grant. Stock appreciation rights are equity settled share-based compensation arrangements whereby
the number of shares of the Companys common stock that will ultimately be issued is based upon the
appreciation of the Companys common stock and the number of awards granted to an individual.
Restricted stock units are equity settled share-based compensation arrangements of a number of
shares of the Companys common stock. Holders of options and stock appreciation rights do not
participate in dividends until after the exercise of the award. Restricted stock unit holders do
not participate in dividends nor do they have voting rights until the restrictions lapse.
Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and adjusted, if necessary, in subsequent periods if
actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The forfeiture rate is based on historical
experience. Share-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight line basis, net of an
estimated forfeiture rate, for only those shares expected to vest over the requisite service period
of the award, which is generally the vesting term of four years. When estimating forfeitures, the
Company considers voluntary termination behaviors as well as trends of actual forfeitures. In 2008,
the Company increased its estimated forfeiture rate from 3% to 14% and the cumulative effect of the
change in estimate was a reduction in compensation expense of $2.9 million. In 2009, the Company
increased its estimated forfeiture rate to 16%.
The Company recognized total share-based compensation costs of $10.8 million, $12.5 million and
$22.8 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. These amounts are allocated to Cost of
Services, Member relations and marketing, and General and administrative expenses in the
consolidated statements of income. The total income tax benefit
recognized in the consolidated statements of income for share-based compensation
arrangements was $4.3
million, $5.0 million and $8.5 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively. At December 31, 2009,
$12.1 million of total estimated unrecognized share-based compensation cost is expected to be
recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2 years.
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Table of Contents
Equity incentive plans
The Company issues awards under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the 2004 Plan) and
the Directors Stock Option Plan, adopted in 1998 (the Directors Plan) (together the
Plans). All regular employees, directors and consultants are eligible to receive equity awards.
The Plans provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock,
restricted stock units, deferred stock units and incentive bonuses. The 2004 Plan provides for the
issuance of up to 6.3 million shares of common stock, plus any shares subject to outstanding awards
under prior equity compensation plans up to an aggregate maximum of 9.4 million shares. The terms
of the awards granted under the Plans, including vesting, forfeiture and post termination
exercisability are set by the plan administrator, subject to certain restrictions. The contractual
term of equity awards ranges from 4 to 10 years. The Company had 3.0 million shares available for
issuance under the Plans at December 31, 2009.
Restricted stock units
The following table summarizes the changes in restricted stock units:
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Weighted Average | Number | Weighted Average | Number | Weighted Average | |||||||||||||||||||
of Restricted | Grant Date Fair | of Restricted | Grant Date Fair | of Restricted | Grant Date Fair | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock Units | Value | Stock Units | Value | Stock Units | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
Nonvested,
beginning of year |
133,196 | $ | 60.18 | 101,268 | $ | 84.03 | 60,123 | $ | 94.78 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
665,059 | 10.72 | 70,235 | 36.37 | 73,529 | 74.07 | ||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(81,940 | ) | 19.42 | (13,045 | ) | 68.56 | (17,499 | ) | 83.21 | |||||||||||||||
Vested |
(60,523 | ) | 59.60 | (25,262 | ) | 85.26 | (14,885 | ) | 94.78 | |||||||||||||||
Nonvested, end of year |
655,792 | $ | 15.17 | 133,196 | $ | 60.18 | 101,268 | $ | 84.03 | |||||||||||||||
Stock appreciation rights
The following assumptions were used to value grants of stock appreciation rights for each
respective period:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.31 | % | 4.47 | % | ||||
Dividend yield |
3.86 | % | 2.01 | % | ||||
Expected life of option (in years) |
5.1 | 4.8 | ||||||
Expected volatility (calculated historically) |
35 | % | 30 | % | ||||
Weighted-average fair value of share-based compensation awards granted |
$ | 7.37 | $ | 17.85 |
The following table summarizes the changes in stock appreciation rights:
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Number of | Number of | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | Weighted | Stock | Weighted | Stock | Weighted | |||||||||||||||||||
Appreciation | Average | Appreciation | Average | Appreciation | Average | |||||||||||||||||||
Rights | Exercise Price | Rights | Exercise Price | Rights | Exercise Price | |||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, beginning of year |
1,848,263 | $ | 66.16 | 1,293,319 | $ | 83.82 | 614,145 | $ | 97.36 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
| | 816,507 | 40.95 | 840,486 | 74.48 | ||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(496,565 | ) | 70.81 | (261,563 | ) | 74.80 | (161,312 | ) | 86.67 | |||||||||||||||
Exercised |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, end of year |
1,351,698 | $ | 64.51 | 1,848,263 | $ | 66.16 | 1,293,319 | $ | 83.82 | |||||||||||||||
Vested or expected to vest, end of year |
1,089,856 | $ | 65.39 | 1,270,404 | $ | 69.22 | 1,171,169 | $ | 84.13 | |||||||||||||||
Exercisable, end of year |
604,176 | $ | 74.04 | 383,237 | $ | 87.38 | 134,292 | $ | 97.52 | |||||||||||||||
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The per share weighted average grant date fair value of stock appreciation rights granted was
$40.95 and $74.48 in 2008 and 2007, respectively. At December 31, 2009, the aggregate intrinsic
value of stock appreciation rights outstanding and exercisable was $0.
The following table summarizes the characteristics of stock appreciation rights at December 31,
2009:
Stock Appreciation Rights Outstanding | Stock Appreciation Rights Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Average | Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
Average | Remaining | Average | Remaining | |||||||||||||||||||||
Range of Exercise | Exercise | Contractual | Exercise | Contractual | ||||||||||||||||||||
Prices | Shares | Price | Life-Years | Shares | Price | Life-Years | ||||||||||||||||||
$25.99 $45.74 |
587,381 | $ | 41.06 | 5.17 | 149,381 | $ | 41.00 | 5.09 | ||||||||||||||||
66.60 76.00 |
476,302 | 73.43 | 4.31 | 238,780 | 73.44 | 4.30 | ||||||||||||||||||
97.56 97.56 |
288,015 | 97.56 | 3.20 | 216,015 | 97.56 | 3.20 | ||||||||||||||||||
$25.99 $97.56 |
1,351,698 | $ | 64.51 | 4.45 | 604,176 | $ | 74.04 | 4.10 | ||||||||||||||||
Stock appreciation rights are not exercisable unless the market value of Company stock is greater
than the exercise price.
Common stock options
The following table summarizes the changes in common stock options:
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted | Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Number | Average | Number | Average | Number | Average | |||||||||||||||||||
of Options | Exercise Price | of Options | Exercise Price | of Options | Exercise Price | |||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, beginning of year |
1,803,027 | $ | 52.75 | 2,198,953 | $ | 53.28 | 2,942,132 | $ | 50.63 | |||||||||||||||
Granted |
| | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited |
(600,310 | ) | 52.19 | (326,869 | ) | 61.14 | (149,250 | ) | 56.92 | |||||||||||||||
Exercised |
| | (69,057 | ) | 29.74 | (593,929 | ) | 39.20 | ||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, end of year |
1,202,717 | $ | 53.03 | 1,803,027 | $ | 52.75 | 2,198,953 | $ | 53.28 | |||||||||||||||
Vested or expected to vest, end of year |
1,202,717 | $ | 53.03 | 1,701,917 | $ | 51.97 | 2,151,328 | $ | 53.13 | |||||||||||||||
Exercisable, end of year |
1,202,717 | $ | 53.03 | 1,580,902 | $ | 50.89 | 1,338,954 | $ | 48.66 | |||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2009, the aggregate intrinsic value (the difference between the market price and
the exercise price) of common stock options outstanding and exercisable was $0. The total intrinsic
value of common stock options exercised in 2008 and 2007 was $0.9 million and $17.4 million
respectively.
The following table summarizes the characteristics of options at December 31, 2009:
Options Outstanding and Exercisable | ||||||||||||
Weighted | ||||||||||||
Weighted | Average | |||||||||||
Average | Remaining | |||||||||||
Range of Exercise | Exercise | Contractual | ||||||||||
Prices | Shares | Price | Life-Years | |||||||||
$21.19 $36.81 |
226,976 | $ | 31.76 | 2.69 | ||||||||
45.10 64.30 |
415,865 | 46.30 | 1.67 | |||||||||
64.88 89.70 |
559,876 | 66.66 | 2.24 | |||||||||
$21.19 $89.70 |
1,202,717 | $ | 53.03 | 2.13 | ||||||||
Share Repurchases
Repurchases may continue to be made from time to time in open market and privately negotiated
transactions subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares has been fixed. The Company
funds its share repurchases with cash on hand and cash generated from operations. In 2009, 2008,
and 2007, the Company repurchased approximately 5,000, 1.0 million and 4.3 million shares,
respectively, of its common stock at a total cost of $0.1 million, $41.8 million and $303.0
million, respectively. The remaining share repurchase authorization was $22.3 million at December
31, 2009.
47
Table of Contents
Dividends
In 2009, the Companys Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.44 per share for
the first quarter and $0.10 for each of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2009. The Company
funds its dividend payments with cash on hand and cash generated from operations.
Preferred stock
At December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had 5.0 million shares of preferred stock authorized
with a par value of $0.01 per share. No shares were issued and outstanding at December 31, 2009 and
2008.
Note 14. Costs associated with exit activities
In June 2009, the Company ceased using and entered into a sublease agreement for a portion of its
headquarters facility. Also in the three months ended June 30, 2009, the Company ceased using a
portion of two other facilities. The Company has sublet a portion of one facility and is attempting
to sublease a portion of the other facility. The Company incurred a total pre-tax charge of $11.5
million in 2009 primarily related to the impairment of leasehold improvements and furniture,
fixtures and equipment.
Note 15. Restructuring costs
As part of the Companys plans to integrate Tower Group, the Company initiated a workforce
reduction plan (Tower Group Plan) whereby approximately ten Tower Group employees were offered
severance agreements subsequent to the acquisition. Restructuring costs associated with this
action were $1.2 million, consisting of severance and related termination benefits. The Company
does not expect to incur any significant additional costs under this plan.
In the second quarter of 2009, the Company committed to a separation plan (the 2009 Plan),
initially offering additional benefits for
employees electing to voluntarily separate, for which approximately 155 employees submitted
resignations effective beginning July 24, 2009. The 2009 Plan, which has concluded, is part of the
Companys continuing efforts (as previously reported) to align its expenses more closely with its
outlook and to accelerate the placement of resources in areas that management believes have a
greater potential for future growth. The 2009 Plan was not offered to executive officers, critical
staff, and most sales staff of the Company. Pre-tax restructuring charges for the 2009 Plan were
originally estimated to be approximately $7.8 million, most of which was associated with severance
and related termination benefits.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company committed to a plan (the 2008 Plan) of workforce
reductions to restructure its business. The restructuring included a reduction of approximately 15%
of the Companys workforce at that time; a realignment of products and services, including
consolidation or retirement of certain products, to focus on five corporate decision centers and
industries we serve; and the implementation of a new, integrated approach to prospect and member
account management. Pre-tax restructuring charges for the 2008 Plan were originally estimated to be
approximately $9.3 million, most of which was associated with severance and related termination
benefits. The Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of $8.0 million in the fourth quarter
of 2008.
The Company does not expect to incur any significant additional costs under the 2008 Plan or 2009
Plan.
Changes to the restructuring liability are as follows (in thousands):
Tower | ||||||||||||
2008 | 2009 | Group | ||||||||||
Plan | Plan | Plan | ||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Costs incurred |
8,006 | | | |||||||||
Cash payments |
(399 | ) | | | ||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
7,607 | | | |||||||||
Costs incurred |
1,253 | 7,808 | 1,162 | |||||||||
Cash payments |
(7,089 | ) | (5,292 | ) | (53 | ) | ||||||
Change in estimate |
(1,239 | ) | (44 | ) | | |||||||
Balance at December 31, 2009 |
$ | 532 | $ | 2,472 | $ | 1,109 | ||||||
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Note 16. Income taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Current tax expense |
||||||||||||
Federal |
$ | 20,914 | $ | 42,607 | $ | 54,328 | ||||||
State and local |
6,035 | 9,639 | 1,547 | |||||||||
Foreign |
1,295 | 1,865 | 1,476 | |||||||||
28,244 | 54,111 | 57,351 | ||||||||||
Deferred tax (benefit) expense |
||||||||||||
Federal |
1,077 | (19,535 | ) | (10,552 | ) | |||||||
State and local |
(949 | ) | (841 | ) | 919 | |||||||
Foreign |
(383 | ) | (444 | ) | (217 | ) | ||||||
(255 | ) | (20,820 | ) | (9,850 | ) | |||||||
Provision for income taxes |
$ | 27,989 | $ | 33,291 | $ | 47,501 | ||||||
In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company made cash payments for income taxes of $32.7 million, $55.2
million and $60.8 million, respectively.
The components of Income before provision for income taxes were as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
U.S. sources |
$ | 69,600 | $ | 74,002 | $ | 124,288 | ||||||
Non-U.S. sources |
4,018 | 4,086 | 3,800 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 73,618 | $ | 78,088 | $ | 128,088 | ||||||
The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income taxes determined by applying the
U.S. federal income tax statutory rate to income before provision for income taxes as follows:
Year ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2009 | 2008 | 2007 | ||||||||||
Statutory U.S. federal income tax rate |
35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | ||||||
State income taxes, net of federal benefit |
4.9 | 5.3 | 3.3 | |||||||||
Foreign income tax |
(0.3 | ) | (0.4 | ) | (0.1 | ) | ||||||
Foreign currency loss |
(0.6 | ) | 1.7 | | ||||||||
Permanent differences and credits, net |
(1.0 | ) | 1.0 | (1.1 | ) | |||||||
Effective tax rate |
38.0 | % | 42.6 | % | 37.1 | % | ||||||
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The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax
liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Deferred tax assets |
||||||||
Share-based compensation |
$ | 14,529 | $ | 16,551 | ||||
Goodwill and intangibles |
11,498 | 11,305 | ||||||
Accrued incentive compensation |
10,070 | 9,250 | ||||||
Accruals and reserves |
1,729 | 5,273 | ||||||
Net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards |
8,189 | 7,612 | ||||||
Depreciation |
| 2,480 | ||||||
Deferred compensation plan |
3,893 | 4,244 | ||||||
Deferred revenues |
525 | 2,411 | ||||||
Operating leases and lease incentives |
13,671 | 9,639 | ||||||
Other |
1,614 | 2,256 | ||||||
Total deferred tax assets |
65,718 | 71,021 | ||||||
Valuation allowance |
(9,091 | ) | (8,211 | ) | ||||
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance |
56,627 | 62,810 | ||||||
Deferred tax liabilities |
||||||||
Deferred incentive compensation |
3,882 | 5,016 | ||||||
Depreciation |
2,846 | | ||||||
Other |
3,033 | 3,908 | ||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities |
9,761 | 8,924 | ||||||
Deferred tax assets, net |
$ | 46,866 | $ | 53,886 | ||||
In estimating future tax consequences, accounting guidance generally considers all expected future events in
the determination and valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. The valuation allowance at
December 31, 2009 and 2008 was primarily related to state tax credit carryforwards from the
District of Columbia described below and state net operating loss carryforwards. The valuation
allowance at December 31, 2009 also included also a capital loss carryforward. The net change in
the valuation allowance was an increase of $0.9 million and $0.3 million in 2009 and 2008,
respectively.
The Company generated net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of $0.2
million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, which are available to
offset future state taxable income through years 2027 through 2029. The Company recorded a $0.2
million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million valuation allowance related to these net operating loss
carryforwards at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Upon moving its headquarters to Arlington, Virginia, the Company became eligible to receive the
Major Business Facilities Job Tax Credit (JTC). The JTC was measured in 2009 based on the number
of full-time jobs that were created or relocated to Virginia. The amount of the credit measured
in 2009 was $1.0 million. This credit can be applied against Virginia state income taxes in 2009
and 2010. Virginia code requires this credit to be recaptured and refunded to the extent average
levels of employment decrease during the five years following the measurement of the credit. The
Company has estimated $0.3 million of this credit will be recaptured and a valuation allowance has
been recorded in this amount against the tax credit carryforward.
The Office of Tax and Revenue of the Government of the District of Columbia (the Office of Tax and
Revenue) adopted regulations in accordance with the New E-Conomy Transformation Act of 2000 (the
Act) that modify the income and franchise tax, sales and use tax and personal property tax
regulations, effective April 2001. Specifically, the regulations provide certain credits,
exemptions and other benefits to a Qualified High Technology Company (QHTC). In 2003, the Company
received notification from the Office of Tax and Revenue that its certification as a QHTC under the
Act had been accepted. As a QHTC, the Companys Washington, D.C. statutory income tax rate was 0.0%
through 2005 and 6.0% thereafter. The Company was also eligible for certain Washington, D.C. income
tax credits and other benefits. The Company has Washington D.C. tax credit carry forwards resulting
in a deferred tax asset of $7.4 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These credits
expire in years 2011 through 2017. The Company recorded a $7.4 million valuation allowance related
to these credit carryforwards at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Undistributed earnings of the Companys foreign subsidiaries amounted to $15.2 million, $15.1
million and $10.3 million at December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Those earnings are
considered to be indefinitely reinvested; accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state
income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon repatriation of those earnings, in the form of
dividends or otherwise, the Company would be subject to both U.S. income taxes (subject to an
adjustment for foreign tax credits) and withholding taxes payable to the various foreign countries.
Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred U.S. income tax liability is not practicable
due to the complexities associated with its hypothetical calculation; however, unrecognized foreign
tax credit carry forwards would be available to reduce some portion of the U.S. liability.
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Table of Contents
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending unrecognized tax benefit is as follows (in thousands):
December 31, | ||||||||
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Balance at beginning of the year |
$ | 427 | $ | 900 | ||||
Additions based on tax positions related to the
current year |
32 | | ||||||
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
177 | | ||||||
Reductions for tax positions of prior years |
| (288 | ) | |||||
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations |
(44 | ) | (185 | ) | ||||
Settlements |
| | ||||||
Balance at end of the year |
$ | 592 | $ | 427 | ||||
The Company files income tax returns in U.S. federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. With few
exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to tax examinations in major tax jurisdictions for
periods prior to 2006. All of the Companys unrecognized tax benefit liability would affect the
Companys effective tax rate if recognized. Interest and penalty expense recognized related to
uncertain tax positions amounted to $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million in 2009, 2008 and
2007, respectively. Total accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
was $0.5 million and $0.3 million respectively, and was included in accrued expenses.
Note 17. Employee benefit plans
Defined contribution 401(k) plan
The Company sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the Plan) in which the Companys
employees participate. Pursuant to the Plan, all employees who have reached the age of 21 are
eligible to participate. Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted amendments to the Plan in
which the Company provides a discretionary contribution equal to 50% of an employees contribution
up to a maximum of 6% of base salary. The amendments to the Plan additionally provide that the
Companys matching contribution on behalf of an employee is subject to a four-year vesting schedule
of 25% per year beginning one year from the employees date of hire, and that an employee must be
employed by the Company on the last day of a Plan year in order to vest in the Companys
contribution for that year. Company contributions to the Plan were $3.1 million, $4.0 million and
$3.1 million in 2009, 2008, and 2007, respectively.
Employee stock purchase plan
The Company sponsors an employee stock purchase plan (the ESPP) for all eligible employees. Under
the ESPP, employees authorize payroll deductions from 1% to 10% of their eligible compensation to
purchase shares of the Companys common stock. The total shares of the Companys common stock
authorized for issuance under the ESPP is 1,050,000. Under the plan, shares of the Companys common
stock may be purchased over an offering period, typically three months, at 85% of the lower of the
fair market value on the first day of the applicable offering period or on the last day of the
three month purchase period. In 2009, 2008, and 2007, the Company issued 48,448 shares, 39,730
shares and 33,677 shares of common stock, respectively, under the ESPP. At December 31, 2009, 0.8
million shares were available for issuance.
Deferred compensation plan
The Company has a Deferred Compensation Plan (the Deferred Compensation Plan) for certain
employees and members of the Board of Directors to provide an opportunity to defer compensation on
a pre-tax basis. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides for deferred amounts to be credited with
investment returns based upon investment options selected by participants from alternatives
designated from time to time by the plan administrative committee. Investment earnings associated
with the Deferred Compensation Plans assets are included in Other income (expenses), net while changes in
individual participant account balances are recorded as compensation expense in the consolidated
statements of income. The Plan also allows the Company to make discretionary contributions at any
time based on individual or overall Company performance, which may be subject to a different
vesting schedule than elective deferrals, and provides that the Company will make up any 401(k)
plan match that is not credited to the participants 401(k) account due to his or her participation
in the Plan. The Company has established a rabbi trust to hold assets utilized by the Company to
pay benefits under the Plan. The Company did not make any discretionary contributions to the Plan
in 2009, 2008, and 2007.
51
Table of Contents
Note 18. Commitments and contingencies
Operating leases
The Company leases office facilities that expire on various dates through 2028. Generally, the
leases carry renewal provisions and rental escalations and require the Company to pay for executory
costs such as taxes and insurance. In June 2009, the Company entered into a sublease with a third
party for approximately 172,000 square feet of the Companys headquarters. The term of the sublease
is from October 2009 through September 2021 with a one-time expansion right for an additional floor
in the fifth year and a renewal option to extend the sublease for the remainder of the Companys
existing lease through January 2028. Rent expense, net of sublease income, was $31.1 million, $35.2
million, and $21.9 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The Companys future minimum
rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases and future minimum receipts under subleases,
excluding executory costs, are scheduled as follows:
Payments due and sublease receipts by period (in thousands) at December 31, 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | YE 2010 | YE 2011 | YE 2012 | YE 2013 | YE 2014 | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations |
$ | 630,014 | $ | 34,674 | $ | 34,468 | $ | 34,509 | $ | 34,385 | $ | 34,126 | $ | 457,852 | ||||||||||||||
Subleases receipts |
104,422 | 9,218 | 9,146 | 9,157 | 9,394 | 8,005 | 59,502 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total net lease obligations |
525,592 | 25,456 | 25,322 | 25,352 | 24,991 | 26,121 | 398,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||
The Company completed the tenant build-out of its headquarters in 2008. The total cost of the
build-out was approximately $100 million, of which approximately $40 million was paid by the
landlord through lease incentives. In 2007, approximately $32 million of the lease incentives were
paid directly to vendors and was excluded from the statement of cash flows as a non-cash investing
activity. The remaining $8 million of lease incentives was received by the Company in September
2008 and was included in cash flows from operations. The lease incentives are being amortized over
the term of the lease (through 2028) as a reduction of rent expense.
Other
At December 31, 2009, the Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $6.4 million to
provide security deposits for certain office space leases. The letters of credit expire in the
period from January 2010 through September 2010, but will automatically extend for another year
from their expiration dates unless the Company terminates them. To date, no amounts have been drawn
on these agreements. In 2008, the Company terminated letters of credit relating to the security
deposits for the Washington, D.C. office space leases when the leases expired. Under the terms of
the headquarters lease agreement, the Company committed to providing the landlord a security
deposit totaling $50 million and pledged $50 million of long-term marketable securities to the
landlord as collateral for this obligation. In August 2008, the Company replaced the $50 million
pledge of long-term marketable securities with a letter of credit for $4.5 million.
From time to time, the Company is subject to litigation related to normal business operations. The
Company vigorously defends itself in litigation and is not currently a party to, and the Companys
property is not subject to, any legal proceedings likely to materially affect the Companys
financial results.
The Company continues to evaluate potential tax exposure relating to sales and use, payroll, income
and property tax laws, and regulations for various states in which the Company sells or supports
its goods and services. Accruals for potential contingencies are recorded by the Company when it is
probable that a liability has been incurred, and the liability can be reasonably estimated. As
additional information becomes available, changes in the estimates of the liability are reported in
the period that those changes occur. The Company accrued a liability of $3.9 million and $3.7
million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, relating to certain sales and use tax
regulations for states in which the Company sells or supports its goods and services.
Note 19. Segments and geographic areas
Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is
available and regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker of an enterprise.
Operating results for Toolbox.com and other operating segments do not meet the quantitative
thresholds for separate disclosure; thus, the Company has one reportable segment.
52
Table of Contents
The Company has net sales and long-lived assets, consisting of property, plant and equipment,
goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, in the following
geographic areas (in thousands):
United States | Europe | Other countries | Total | |||||||||||||
2009 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 293,994 | $ | 77,573 | $ | 71,339 | $ | 442,906 | ||||||||
Long-lived assets |
112,932 | 5,843 | 10,062 | 128,837 | ||||||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
382,705 | 98,828 | 76,819 | 558,352 | ||||||||||||
Long-lived assets |
136,280 | 14,730 | 1,781 | 152,791 | ||||||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
380,544 | 86,595 | 65,577 | 532,716 | ||||||||||||
Long-lived assets |
149,969 | 6,272 | 432 | 156,673 |
Note 20. Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
Unaudited summarized quarterly financial data is as follows (in thousands, except per-share
amounts):
2009 Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 117,440 | $ | 110,695 | $ | 106,819 | $ | 107,952 | ||||||||
Costs associated with exit activities |
| 11,518 | | | ||||||||||||
Restructuring costs |
944 | 4,244 | 2,327 | 1,053 | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
95,740 | 106,596 | 84,900 | 88,298 | ||||||||||||
Income from operations |
21,700 | 4,099 | 21,919 | 19,654 | ||||||||||||
Income before provision for income taxes |
21,790 | 8,243 | 22,746 | 20,839 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 13,072 | $ | 4,946 | $ | 14,177 | $ | 13,434 | ||||||||
Earnings per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.38 | $ | 0.15 | $ | 0.42 | $ | 0.39 | ||||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.38 | $ | 0.14 | $ | 0.41 | $ | 0.39 |
2008 Quarter Ended | ||||||||||||||||
March 31 | June 30 | September 30 | December 31 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 138,023 | $ | 141,173 | $ | 142,409 | $ | 136,747 | ||||||||
Impairment loss |
| | | 27,449 | ||||||||||||
Restructuring costs |
| | | 8,006 | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
114,004 | 115,763 | 106,618 | 138,441 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations |
24,019 | 25,410 | 35,791 | (1,694 | ) | |||||||||||
Income (loss) before
provision for income taxes |
24,717 | 26,351 | 31,902 | (4,882 | ) | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 14,830 | $ | 15,811 | $ | 20,002 | $ | (5,846 | ) | |||||||
Earnings (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.43 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.59 | $ | (0.17 | ) | |||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.42 | $ | 0.46 | $ | 0.59 | $ | (0.17 | ) |
Note 21. Subsequent events
Dividends
In February 2010, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share. The
dividend is payable on March 31, 2010 to stockholders of record at the close of business on March
15, 2010. The Company funds its dividend payments with cash on hand and cash generated from
operations.
53
Table of Contents
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. |
None.
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures. |
Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness
of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, as amended, as of the end of the period
covered by this report (the Evaluation Date). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive
officer and principal financial officer concluded as of the Evaluation Date that our disclosure
controls and procedures were effective such that the information relating to the Company, including
our consolidated subsidiaries, required to be disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) reports (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in SEC rules and forms, and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to the Companys
management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of any changes in our
internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)
under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter. Based on
that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that
there has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting during that quarter
that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control
over financial reporting.
See Report of Managements Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 8.
Item 9B. | Other Information. |
None.
PART III
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance. |
The following information is included in the Companys Proxy Statement related to its 2010 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be filed within 120 days after the Companys fiscal year end of
December 31, 2009 (the Proxy Statement) and is incorporated herein by reference:
| Information regarding directors of the Company who are standing for reelection and any
persons nominated to become directors of the Company is set forth under Election of
Directors. |
| Information regarding executive officers of the Company is set forth under Directors
and Executive Officers. |
| Information regarding the Companys Audit Committee and designated audit committee
financial expert is set forth under Board of Directors Meeting
and Committees. |
| Information regarding the
recommendation of nominees to the Board of Directors is set forth
under Corporate Governance Matters. |
| Information on the Companys code of business conduct and ethics for directors, officers
and employees, also known as the Code of Conduct for Officers, Directors and Employees,
and on the Companys corporate governance guidelines is set forth under Corporate
Governance Matters. |
| Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is set
forth under Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance. |
54
Table of Contents
Item 11. | Executive Compensation. |
The following information is included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by
reference:
| Information regarding the Companys compensation of its named executive officers is set
forth under Executive Compensation. |
| Information regarding the Companys compensation of its directors is set forth under
Compensation of the Board. |
| The report of the Companys Compensation Committee is set forth under Compensation
Committee Report. |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters. |
The following information is included in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by
reference:
| Information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners, directors and
executive officers is set forth under Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides information about the securities authorized for issuance under our
equity compensation plans at December 31, 2009.
(A) | (B) | (C) | ||||||||||
Number Of | ||||||||||||
Securities To Be | Number of Securities | |||||||||||
Issued Upon | Remaining Available | |||||||||||
Exercise Of | Weighted-Average | For Future Issuances under | ||||||||||
Outstanding | Exercise Price Of | Equity Compensation Plans | ||||||||||
Options, Warrants | Outstanding Options, | (Excluding Securities | ||||||||||
Plan Category | And Rights | Warrants And Rights | Reflected In Column (A)) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders |
2,960,857 | $ | 61.10 | 2,998,838 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
(1) |
249,350 | 40.69 | | |||||||||
Total |
3,210,207 | $ | 59.10 | 2,998,838 | ||||||||
(1) | In March 2002, the Company adopted the 2002 Non-Executive Stock Incentive Plan, as amended
(the 2002 Plan), which was not approved by stockholders. In December 2006, the Company
further amended the 2002 Plan to address new guidance regarding equity restructurings under
FAS 123(R). The 2002 Plan provided for the issuance of up to 7,300,000 shares of common stock
under stock options or restricted stock grants. Any person who is an employee or prospective
employee of the Company was eligible for the grant of awards under the 2002 Plan, unless such
person is an officer or director of the Company. The terms of awards granted under the 2002
Plan, including vesting, forfeiture and post termination exercisability are set by the plan
administrator, subject to certain restrictions set forth in the 2002 Plan. The common stock
options granted under the 2002 Plan generally become exercisable 25% per year beginning one
year from the date of grant and expire between March 2011 and March 2013. With stockholder
approval of the Companys 2004 Stock Incentive Plan in July 2004, the 2002 Plan was suspended
and no new grants will be made under the 2002 Plan. Stockholder approval of the 2004 Plan
terminated the Companys ability to issue awards for 4,497,625 shares that at that time
remained available under the 2002 Plan. |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence. |
None.
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services. |
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the information provided
under the heading Independent Registered Accounting Firms Fees and Services of our Proxy
Statement.
55
Table of Contents
PART IV
Item 15. | Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules. |
(1) | The following financial statements of the registrant and reports of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm are included in Item 8 hereof: |
Report of Managements Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting, |
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Consolidated Balance Sheets at December
31, 2009 and 2008, |
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007, |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009,
2008, and 2007, and |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
(2) | Except as provided below, all schedules for which provision is made in the applicable
accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission either have been included in
the consolidated financial statements or are not required under the related instructions, or
are not applicable and therefore have been omitted. |
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. |
(3) | The exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-K. |
Exhibit | ||||
No. | Description of Exhibit | |||
3.1 | Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to the registrants
registration statement on Form S-1, declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 22, 1999 (Registration No. 333-5983).) |
|||
3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 from the Current Report Pursuant to
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on March 10, 2009.) |
|||
4.1 | Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to the registrants registration statement
on Form S-1, declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 22, 1999
(Registration No. 333-5983).) |
|||
10.1 | The Corporate Executive Board Company Stock-Based Incentive Compensation Plan, adopted on October 31,
1997, as amended and restated in February 1999. (Incorporated by reference to the registrants
registration statement on Form S-8, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 1999
(Registration No. 333-74145).) * |
|||
10.2 | Amended Directors Stock Plan and Standard Terms and Conditions for Director Non-qualified Stock Options.
(Incorporated by reference to the registrants registration statement on Form S-8, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 1999 (Registration No. 333-74145).) * |
|||
10.3 | 1999 Stock Option Plan and Standard Terms and Conditions for 1999 Stock Option Plan Incentive Stock
Options. (Incorporated by reference to the registrants registration statement on Form S-8, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 9, 1999 (Registration No. 333-74145).) * |
|||
10.4 | Employee Stock Purchase Plan dated June 23, 2000. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from the
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly
period ended June 30, 2000.) |
56
Table of Contents
Exhibit | ||||
No. | Description of Exhibit | |||
10.5 | 2001 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrants registration
statement on Form S-8 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2001 (Registration
No. 333-67238).) * |
|||
10.6 | 2002 Non-Executive Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21.3 from the Annual
Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the year ended December
31, 2002.) * |
|||
10.7 | 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended June 14, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 from the
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934 for the year ended December
31, 2007.) * |
|||
10.8 | Form of term sheet for director non-qualified stock options. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43
from the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the year
ended December 31, 2001.) * |
|||
10.9 | The Corporate Executive Board Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended, effective January 1, 2008.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 from the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the year ended December 31, 2008)* |
|||
10.10 | Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Units under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and form of
Term Sheet for Restricted Stock Units. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from the Quarterly
Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period
ended March 31, 2006.) * |
|||
10.11 | Standard Terms and Conditions for Non-Qualified Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights under the 1999
Stock Option Plan, 2001 Stock Option Plan, 2002 Non-Executive Stock Incentive Plan and the 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan and form of Term Sheet for Stock Appreciation Rights. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 from the Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006.) * |
|||
10.12 | Employment Agreement, dated May 19, 2006, between The Corporate Executive Board Company and Thomas L.
Monahan III. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from the Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 26,
2006.) * |
|||
10.13 | Agreement Concerning Exclusive Services, Confidential Information, Business Opportunities,
Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation and Work Product, dated August 20, 1997, between the Companys
predecessor and Thomas L. Monahan III. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 from the Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on July 26, 2006.) |
|||
10.14 | Amendments to the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, 2002 Non-Executive Stock Incentive Plan, 2001 Stock Option
Plan, 1999 Stock Option Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Directors Stock Plan, adopted December 22,
2006. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 from the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the year ended December 31, 2006.) * |
|||
10.15 | Collaboration Agreement, dated February 6, 2007, with The Advisory Board Company, as extended on February
4, 2010 (Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this agreement.) (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.26 from the Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007.) |
|||
10.16 | Form of Employer Protection Agreement, revised February 12, 2010. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.28 from the Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for
the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007.) |
|||
10.17 | Amendments, adopted February 21, 2007, to the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.29 from the Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007.) * |
57
Table of Contents
Exhibit | ||||
No. | Description of Exhibit | |||
10.18 | Form of Indemnity Agreement between The Corporate Executive Board Company and its directors and officers.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 from the Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the year ended December 31, 2007.) |
|||
10.19 | Form of Change in Control Agreement. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 from the Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 23, 2008.) * |
|||
10.20 | Revised Form of Employer Protection Agreement, adopted February 12, 2010. |
|||
10.21 | Revised Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Units under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. * |
|||
10.22 | Revised Standard Terms and Conditions for Non-Qualified Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights under
2004 Stock Incentive Plan. * |
|||
10.23 | Extension letter, dated February 4, 2010, to the Collaboration Agreement with The Advisory Board Company. |
|||
10.24 | Glenn Tobin Agreement and Release, dated February 4, 2009. * |
|||
10.25 | Severance Program Corporate Leadership Team, adopted January 8, 2010. * |
|||
10.26 | Separation Agreement Richard S. Lindahl, dated April 29, 2009. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to the Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 1, 2009.) * |
|||
14.1 | Code
of Conduct For Directors, Executives and Employees (Restated as of May 1, 2008). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
14.1 to the Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 7, 2008.) |
|||
21.1 | List of the Subsidiaries of The Corporate Executive Board Company. |
|||
23.1 | Consent of Ernst and Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. |
|||
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. |
|||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. |
|||
32.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 USC Section 1350. |
* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
|
| Filed herewith. |
58
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Corporate Executive Board Company
The Corporate Executive Board Company
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of The Corporate Executive Board Company as
of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2009 and have issued our report thereon dated March 1, 2010 (included elsewhere in this Form 10-K).
Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15 (2) of this Form 10-K.
This schedule is the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion based on our audits.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to
the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
March 1, 2010
March 1, 2010
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THE CORPORATE EXECUTIVE BOARD COMPANY
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)
Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Charged to | ||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at | Additions | Provision | Deductions | |||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Charged to | for Income | from | Balance at | ||||||||||||||||
of Year | Revenues | Taxes | Reserve | End of Year | ||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2009 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for uncollectible revenue |
$ | 4,931 | $ | 5,820 | $ | | $ | 8,265 | $ | 2,486 | ||||||||||
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets |
8,211 | | 888 | 8 | 9,091 | |||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for uncollectible revenue |
$ | 1,748 | $ | 15,629 | $ | | $ | 12,446 | $ | 4,931 | ||||||||||
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets |
7,878 | | 800 | 467 | 8,211 | |||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for uncollectible revenue |
$ | 1,155 | $ | 8,560 | $ | | $ | 7,967 | $ | 1,748 | ||||||||||
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets |
5,821 | | 2,057 | | 7,878 |
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) 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 dated as of March 1, 2010.
The Corporate Executive Board Company | ||||
By:
|
/s/ Thomas L. Monahan III | |||
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below on March 1, 2010 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the
capacity indicated.
Signature | Title | |
/s/ Thomas L. Monahan III
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
/s/ Richard S. Lindahl
|
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |
/s/ Gregor S. Bailar |
||
Director | ||
/s/ Stephen M. Carter |
||
Director | ||
/s/
Gordon J. Coburn |
||
Director | ||
/s/ Nancy J. Karch |
||
Director | ||
/s/ David W. Kenny |
||
Director | ||
/s/ Daniel O. Leemon |
||
Director |
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