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MSCI Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2010 Financial Results
 
New York – January 13, 2011 – MSCI Inc. (NYSE: MSCI), a leading global provider of investment decision support tools, including indices, portfolio risk and performance analytics and corporate governance services, today announced results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended November 30, 2010. For comparative purposes, selected results excluding the impact of acquisitions are presented, as are pro forma results as if MSCI had acquired RiskMetrics Group, Inc. (“RiskMetrics”) on December 1, 2008.
 
(Note: Percentage changes are referenced to the comparable period in fiscal year 2009, unless otherwise noted.)
 
·
Operating revenues increased 79.6% to $213.3 million in fourth quarter 2010 and 49.7% to $662.9 million for fiscal year 2010.
 
·
Compared to pro forma 2009, revenues grew by 9.2% to $213.3 million in fourth quarter 2010. Pro forma fiscal year 2010 revenues rose 9.4% to $816.4 million.
 
·
Net income increased by 23.4% to $30.3 million in fourth quarter 2010. For fiscal year 2010, net income increased by 12.7% to $92.2 million. Diluted EPS for fourth quarter 2010 rose 4.2% to $0.25. For fiscal year 2010, Diluted EPS rose 1.3% to $0.81.
 
·
Adjusted EBITDA (defined below) grew by 66.7% to $98.9 million with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 46.4% for fourth quarter 2010 and for fiscal year 2010 grew by 43.0% to $307.6 million with a margin of 46.4%.
 
·
Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, Adjusted EBITDA grew by 16.9% to $98.9 million and the Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 46.4% from 43.3%. Pro forma fiscal year 2010 Adjusted EBITDA rose 14.1% to $356.6 million and the Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 43.7% from 41.9%.
 
·
Fourth quarter 2010 Adjusted EPS (defined below) rose 16.1% to $0.36 and 20.5% to $1.35 for fiscal year 2010.
 
Henry A. Fernandez, Chairman and CEO, said, “We delivered a strong fourth quarter 2010, aided by strong demand for our equity indices and our risk management analytics products.  Our pro forma revenues grew by 9.2% and our pro forma Adjusted EBITDA grew by 16.9%.  Our Adjusted EPS grew by 16.1%.
 
“Fiscal year 2010 was an important year for MSCI.  By acquiring RiskMetrics and Measurisk, we have enhanced our position as a leading provider of risk management and reporting solutions for our institutional investor clients.  In addition, we continued to strengthen MSCI’s standing as a leading provider of benchmark equity indices to global active and passive investors.  We are focused on completing our integration process and continuing to invest in our businesses. These investments should enable MSCI to take advantage of the long-term trends driving our business and contribute to our revenue growth over the next three to five years,” added Mr. Fernandez.
 
 

 
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Table 1: MSCI Inc. Selected Financial Information (unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Change from
   
Fiscal Year Ended
   
Change from
 
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
In thousands, except per share data
 
2010
   
2009
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2009
 
Operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 118,790       79.6 %   $ 662,901     $ 442,948       49.7 %
Operating expenses
    142,598       75,034       90.0 %     456,778       291,956       56.5 %
Net income
    30,266       24,535       23.4 %     92,170       81,801       12.7 %
   % Margin
    14.2 %     20.7 %             13.9 %     18.5 %        
Diluted EPS
  $ 0.25     $ 0.24       4.2 %   $ 0.81     $ 0.80       1.3 %
                                                 
Adjusted EPS1
    0.36       0.31       16.1 %     1.35       1.12       20.5 %
                                                 
Adjusted EBITDA2
  $ 98,914     $ 59,343       66.7 %   $ 307,603     $ 215,155       43.0 %
   % Margin
    46.4 %     50.0 %             46.4 %     48.6 %        

1 Per share net income before after-tax impact of amortization of intangibles, non-recurring stock-based compensation, third party transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of RiskMetrics and debt repayment expenses.  See Table 17  titled "Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS to Net Income and EPS" and information about the use of non-GAAP financial information provided under "Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
2 Net Income before interest income, interest expense, other expense (income), provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization, non-recurring stock-based compensation, and third party transaction expenses associated with the acquisition of RiskMetrics.  See Table 15  titled "Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income" and information about the use of non-GAAP financial information provided under "Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
 
Summary of Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2010 compared to Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2009
 
Operating Revenues – See Table 4
 
Total operating revenues for the three months ended November 30, 2010 (fourth quarter 2010) increased $94.5 million, or 79.6%, to $213.3 million compared to $118.8 million for the three months ended November 30, 2009. The biggest drivers of revenue growth were the acquisitions of RiskMetrics and Measurisk which took place on June 1, 2010 and July 30, 2010, respectively, and which together contributed revenues of $78.6 million to growth in the fourth quarter. Total subscription revenues rose $83.0 million, or 88.5%, to $176.8 million while asset-based fees increased $5.5 million, or 23.9%, to $28.3 million. Non-recurring revenues increased $6.1 million to $8.2 million.
 
Excluding the impact of the acquisitions of RiskMetrics and Measurisk, total operating revenues grew by $15.9 million, or 13.4%, to $134.7 million, subscription revenues grew $7.9 million, or 8.4%, to $101.7 million in fourth quarter 2010 and non-recurring revenues increased $2.5 million to $4.7 million.
 
By segment, Performance and Risk revenues rose $66.2 million, or 55.8%, to $185.0 million. The Performance and Risk segment is comprised of index and ESG (defined below) products, risk management analytics, portfolio management analytics, and energy and commodity analytics. Revenues for the Governance segment were $28.3 million.
 
Index and ESG products: Our index and ESG products primarily consist of index subscriptions, equity index asset based fees products and environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) products. Revenues related to Index and ESG products increased $19.9 million, or 27.8%, to $91.2 million. Index and ESG subscription revenue grew by $12.7 million, or 26.2%, to $61.1 million. The inclusion of ESG products contributed revenue growth of $4.7 million. Non-recurring index and ESG products revenue rose to $4.9 million from $2.1 million.
 
Excluding the impact of the RiskMetrics acquisition, index and ESG subscription revenue grew by $8.1 million, or 16.7%, driven by higher revenues from MSCI’s core benchmark indices and higher usage fees. Non-recurring revenues were $4.5 million, up from $2.1 million in fourth quarter 2009.
 
 
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Revenues attributable to equity index asset based fees rose $7.2 million, or 31.4%, to $30.0 million. The increase in equity index asset-based fees was driven primarily by an increase in ETF asset-based fees. The average value of assets in ETFs linked to MSCI equity indices increased 38.7% to $300.7 billion for fourth quarter 2010 compared to $216.8 billion for fourth quarter 2009. As of November 30, 2010, the value of assets in ETFs linked to MSCI equity indices was $311.0 billion, representing an increase of $76.8 billion, or 32.8%, from $234.2 billion as of November 30, 2009 and $52.3 billion, or 20.2%, from $258.7 billion as of August 31, 2010. We estimate that the $52.3 billion sequential increase was attributable to $28.2 billion of net asset appreciation and cash inflows of $24.1 billion in fourth quarter 2010. The three MSCI indices with the largest amount of ETF assets linked to them as of November 30, 2010 were the MSCI Emerging Markets, EAFE (an index of stocks in developed markets outside North America), and U.S. Broad Market indices. The assets linked to these indices were $102.7 billion, $39.4 billion, and $15.6 billion, respectively. Asset-based fees also include $1.7 million of non-recurring revenue in fourth quarter 2010.
 
Risk management analytics: Our risk management analytics products offer a consistent risk assessment framework for managing and monitoring investments in a variety of asset classes and are based on our proprietary integrated fundamental multi-factor risk models, value-at-risk methodologies and asset valuation models. Revenues related to risk management analytics increased $47.3 million, or 444.9%, to $58.0 million. The acquisitions of RiskMetrics and Measurisk added $45.8 million, or 430.1%, to growth in the fourth quarter.
 
Excluding the impact of the acquisitions, risk management analytics revenues grew by $1.6 million, or 14.8%. Increased revenues from the BarraOne product were the biggest driver of this growth.
 
Portfolio management analytics: Our portfolio management analytics products consist of analytics tools for equity and fixed income portfolio management. Revenues related to portfolio management analytics decreased by $0.9 million, or 2.8%, to $31.0 million. Declines in software and analytics revenues more than offset a modest increase in revenues from the licensing of models.
 
Energy and commodity analytics: Our energy and commodity analytics products consist of software applications which help users value and model physical assets and derivatives across a number of market segments including energy and commodity assets. Revenues from energy and commodity analytics products declined slightly by $0.1 million, or 1.4%, to $4.9 million. Growth in options analytics was more than offset by a decline in portfolio products revenues.
 
Governance: Our governance products consist of corporate governance products and services, including proxy research, recommendation and voting services for asset owners and asset managers as well as governance advisory and compensation services for corporations. It also includes forensic accounting research as well as class action monitoring and claims filing services to aid institutional investors in the recovery of funds from securities litigation, all of which were acquired as part of our acquisition of RiskMetrics. Governance revenues were $28.3 million in fourth quarter 2010.
 
Operating Expenses – See Table 6
 
Total operating expense increased $67.6 million, or 90.0%, to $142.6 million in fourth quarter 2010 compared to fourth quarter 2009. The acquisitions added $65.1 million to operating expenses. Restructuring costs related to the ongoing integration of RiskMetrics contributed $1.9 million to operating expenses.
 
Compensation costs: Total compensation costs rose $36.9 million, or 81.0%, to $82.4 million in fourth quarter 2010. The increase in compensation largely reflects an increase in headcount, most of which was due to the acquisition of RiskMetrics. Excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation expense of $4.0 million, total compensation costs rose $39.1 million, or 99.5%, to $78.4 million.
 
Non-recurring stock-based compensation expenses for fourth quarter 2010 consisted of $1.9 million related to the founders grants awarded to certain employees at the time of the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) and $2.1 million related to the performance awards granted to certain employees in connection with the acquisition of
 
 
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RiskMetrics. The aggregate value of the performance awards of approximately $15.9 million is being amortized through 2012 and the aggregate value of the founders grants of approximately $68.0 million is being amortized through 2011. As a result of the vesting of portions of the founders grants, the related expense decreased $4.3 million, or 69.0%, to $1.9 million. In fourth quarter 2010, $1.6 million and $2.4 million of costs related to non-recurring stock-based compensation were recorded in cost of services and selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”), respectively.
 
Non-compensation costs excluding depreciation and amortization: Total non-compensation operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization and restructuring costs rose $15.9 million, or 78.7%, to $36.0 million in fourth quarter 2010. The acquisition of RiskMetrics was the biggest driver behind the increase.
 
Cost of services: Total cost of services expenses rose by $36.9 million, or 114.6%, to $69.1 million. Within costs of services, compensation expenses increased by $27.6 million, or 120.3%, and non-compensation expenses increased by $9.4 million, or 100.5%. In both cases, the biggest driver behind the increase was the acquisition of RiskMetrics.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A): Total SG&A expense rose $15.8 million, or 47.2%, to $49.3 million. Within SG&A, compensation expenses increased by $9.3 million, or 41.1%, and non-compensation expenses increased by $6.5 million, or 60.0%. In both cases, the biggest driver behind the increase was the acquisition of RiskMetrics.
 
Amortization of intangibles: Amortization of intangibles expense totaled $16.7 million compared to $6.3 million in fourth quarter 2009. The $10.4 million increase consisted of $12.4 million of increased amortization associated with the acquisitions of RiskMetrics and Measurisk, partially offset by a $2.0 million decline in amortization of intangible assets related to the acquisition of Barra.
 
Adjusted EBITDA – See Table 15
 
Adjusted EBITDA, which excludes among other things the impact of non-recurring stock-based compensation, was $98.9 million, an increase of $39.6 million, or 66.7% from fourth quarter 2009. Adjusted EBITDA margin declined to 46.4% from 50.0% as a result of the dilutive impact of the acquisition of the lower margin RiskMetrics.
 
By segment, Adjusted EBITDA for the Performance and Risk segment increased $31.2 million, or 52.6%, to $90.6 million from fourth quarter 2009. Adjusted EBITDA margin for this segment fell to 48.9% from 50.0% in fourth quarter 2009. Adjusted EBITDA for the Governance segment was $8.4 million and the Adjusted EBITDA margin was 29.6%.
 
See Table 15 titled “Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income” and “Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
 
Other Expense (Income), Net
 
Other expense (income), net for fourth quarter 2010 was $19.6 million, an increase of $15.5 million from fourth quarter 2009.  Interest expense rose $13.0 million as a result of the increased levels of indebtedness incurred in connection with the acquisition of RiskMetrics.  The remaining $2.5 million increase primarily reflects $2.4 million of increased foreign exchange losses recognized during fourth quarter 2010.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
The provision for income tax expense was $20.8 million for fourth quarter 2010, an increase of $5.7 million, or 37.7%, compared to $15.1 million for the same period in 2009. The effective tax rate was 40.7% for fourth quarter 2010 compared to 38.1% for fourth quarter 2009. The fourth quarter 2010 effective tax rate excluding the impact of transaction costs would have been 39.9%.

 
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Net Income and Earnings per Share - See Table 17
 
Net income increased $5.7 million, or 23.4%, to $30.3 million for fourth quarter 2010. The net income margin decreased to 14.2% from 20.7% as a result of the impact of the acquisition of the lower margin RiskMetrics business as well as the additional amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, and higher interest expense related to the same acquisition. Diluted EPS increased 4.2% to $0.25.
 
Adjusted net income, which excludes the after-tax impact of amortization of intangibles, non-recurring stock-based compensation expense, and restructuring costs totaling $14.1 million, rose $12.0 million, or 37.3%, to $44.3 million. Adjusted EPS, which excludes the after-tax, per share impact of amortization of intangibles, non-recurring stock-based compensation expense, and restructuring costs totaling $0.11, rose 16.1% to $0.36.
 
See table 17 titled “Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS to Net Income and EPS.”
 
Summary of Results for Fiscal Year 2010 compared to Fiscal Year 2009
 
Operating Revenues – See Table 5
 
Total operating revenues for fiscal year 2010 increased $220.0 million, or 49.7%, to $662.9 million compared to $442.9 million for fiscal year 2009. The acquisitions of RiskMetrics and Measurisk added revenues of $156.7 million in fiscal year 2010. Total subscription revenue rose $175.6 million, or 48.5%, to $537.8 million, while asset-based fees rose $32.1 million, or 44.6%, to $104.1 million. Total non-recurring revenues increased $12.2 million, or 138.1%, to $21.0 million.
 
Excluding the impact of the acquisitions, total operating revenues grew by $63.2 million, or 14.3%, subscription revenues grew by $26.5 million, or 7.3%, and non-recurring revenues grew by $4.6 million, or 52.2%, from fiscal year 2009. Excluding the impact of the acquisitions, index and ESG products and risk management analytics revenues grew 23.3% and 21.2%, respectively, in fiscal year 2010. Portfolio management analytics revenues declined 4.7% and Energy and other commodity analytics revenues rose 4.5%.
 
By segment, Performance and Risk revenues rose $161.4 million, or 36.4%, to $604.3 million for fiscal year 2010. Governance revenues were $58.6 million.
 
Operating Expenses – See Table 7
 
Total operating expenses increased $164.8 million, or 56.5%, to $456.8 million in fiscal year 2010 compared to fiscal year 2009. Operating expenses included third party transaction expenses related to the acquisition of RiskMetrics of $21.2 million and restructuring costs of $8.9 million. Excluding these expenses, total operating expenses would have risen by $134.7 million, or 46.1%. The $134.7 million increase reflects increases of $80.0 million, or 67.4%, in cost of services and $33.3 million, or 24.5%, in SG&A expense.
 
Adjusted EBITDA – See Table 15
 
Adjusted EBITDA was $307.6 million, an increase of $92.4 million, or 43.0%, from fiscal year 2009. Adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 46.4% from 48.6%.
 
By segment, Adjusted EBITDA for the Performance and Risk segment increased $76.5 million, or 35.5%, to $291.6 million from fiscal year 2009. Adjusted EBITDA margin fell to 48.3% from 48.6% in fiscal year 2009. Adjusted EBITDA for the Governance segment was $16.0 million and the Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 27.2%.
 
See Table 15 titled “Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income” and “Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
 
 
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Other Expense (Income), Net
 
Other expense (income), net for fiscal year 2010 was $52.6 million, an increase of $33.4 million from fiscal year 2009.  Approximately $31.7 million of increased interest expense resulted from the $1,275.0 million term loan we assumed as part of our acquisition of RiskMetrics and interest expense recognized during fiscal year 2010 associated with the accelerated amortization of deferred financing and debt discount costs as a result of our termination of our former term loans. In addition, the increase in other expense (income) reflects $2.6 million of increased foreign exchange losses partially offset by $1.0 million of increased miscellaneous non-operating income. 
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
The provision for income tax expense was $61.3 million for fiscal year 2010, an increase of $11.4 million, or 22.8%, compared to $49.9 million for fiscal year 2009. Our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2010 was 40.0% compared to 37.9% for fiscal year 2009. The fiscal year 2010 effective tax rate includes the impact of the acquisition-related transaction costs, some of which were not tax deductible, which increased our effective tax rate by 2.6%.
 
Net Income and Earnings per Share – See Table 17
 
Net income increased $10.4 million, or 12.7%, to $92.2 million and the net income margin decreased to 13.9% from 18.5%. Diluted EPS rose by 1.3% to $0.81 from $0.80.
 
Adjusted net income, which excludes the after-tax impact of amortization of intangibles, non-recurring stock-based compensation expense, transaction expenses, debt repayment expenses, and restructuring costs totaling $62.2 million, rose $40.1 million, or 35.1%, to $154.3 million. Adjusted EPS, which excludes the after-tax, per share impact of amortization of intangibles, non-recurring stock-based compensation expense, transaction expenses, debt repayment expenses, and restructuring costs totaling $0.54, rose 20.5% to $1.35 in fiscal year 2010.
 
See table 17 titled “Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS to Net Income and EPS.”
 
Summary of Results for Pro Forma Fourth Quarter 2010 compared to Pro Forma Fourth Quarter 2009
 
Operating Revenues – See Table 9
 
Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, total operating revenues increased $18.1 million, or 9.2%, to $213.3 million. By segment, Performance and Risk revenues rose $22.1 million, or 13.6%, to $185.0 million. Governance revenue trends are described further below. Subscription revenues rose by $12.2 million, or 7.4%, to $176.8 million and non-recurring revenues increased $0.4 million to $8.2 million.
 
Index and ESG products: Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, total index and ESG revenues rose $15.4 million, or 20.2%, to $91.2 million. Index and ESG subscription revenues rose by $8.2 million, or 15.5%, to $61.1 million from $53.0 million. The strong growth was driven by higher revenues from MSCI’s core benchmark indices and higher usage fees. Revenues from asset-based fees increased $7.2 million, or 31.4%, to $30.0 million, compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009. Non-recurring Index and ESG products revenues rose by $2.2 million to $4.9 million.
 
Risk management analytics: Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, risk management analytics revenues rose $7.8 million, or 15.4% to $58.0 million, driven by growth in revenues from both BarraOne and RiskManager products.  The acquisition of Measurisk contributed $3.3 million, or 6.6%, to growth in the fourth quarter.
 
Governance: Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, governance revenues declined $4.1 million, or 12.6%, to $28.3 million. Because a higher proportion of non-recurring revenues in this segment are recognized in December,
 
 
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which are included in the pro forma fourth quarter 2009 figure but excluded from that of 2010, the pro forma comparison for the fourth quarter results in a seasonal mismatch that impacted the comparison by $1.2 million. Excluding this timing difference, revenues fell by $2.9 million, or 9.4%.
 
After adjusting for differences in seasonality, the 9.4% fall in revenues was led by a decline of 12.3% in proxy research and voting revenues offset, in part, by a 1.8% increase in revenues from our corporate compensation advisory business. Revenues from forensic accounting services also declined.  Non-recurring revenues were $2.8 million in fourth quarter 2010 versus $4.4 million in the pro forma fourth quarter 2009. 
 
The acquisition of RiskMetrics did not impact the revenues attributable to the asset-based fees sub-category of index and ESG products, portfolio management analytics and energy and commodity analytics and comparisons for these products are not presented. Comparisons to fourth quarter 2009 revenues comparisons are discussed in the Summary of Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2010 compared to Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2009 above.
 
Operating Expenses – See Table 10
 
Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, total operating expenses excluding restructuring costs fell $0.1 million to $140.2 million.
 
Compensation costs: Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, compensation costs excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation expense rose $3.4 million, or 4.5%, to $78.4 million. The increase in compensation costs reflects higher headcount and an increase in overall compensation. Compensation costs benefited from a reduction in the full year bonus accrual, which had a $1.5 million impact on fourth quarter 2010. Total non-recurring stock-based compensation expense fell by $2.2 million, or 35.6%, to $4.0 million.
 
Non-compensation costs excluding depreciation and amortization: Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, total non-compensation costs excluding depreciation and amortization as well as restructuring costs increased $0.3 million, or 0.9%, to $36.0 million. Higher outside professional and travel and entertainment expenses more than offset lower taxes and license fees.
 
Cost of services: Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, total cost of services rose $0.6 million, or 0.8%, to $69.1 million. Compensation expenses excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation expense rose $1.6 million, or 3.3%, to $48.8 million. Non-compensation expenses fell by $0.5 million, or 2.7%, to $18.7 million, driven by lower market data costs.
 
Selling, general and administrative expense (SG&A): Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, total SG&A expense rose $0.9 million, or 1.9%, to $49.3 million. Within SG&A, compensation expenses excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation rose $1.8 million, or 6.6%, to $29.5 million. Non-compensation expenses rose $0.8 million, or 5.1%, to $17.4 million. The increase in non-compensation expenses was driven primarily by higher outside professional and travel and entertainment expenses.
 
Adjusted EBITDA – See Table 16
 
Compared to pro forma fourth quarter 2009, Adjusted EBITDA increased $14.3 million, or 16.9%, to $98.9 million and the margin expanded to 46.4% from 43.3%. Performance and Risk segment Adjusted EBITDA grew by $14.5 million, or 19.1%, to $90.6 million and the margin increased to 48.9% from 46.7%. Governance Adjusted EBITDA fell by $0.2 million, or 2.7%, to $8.4 million and the margin increased to 29.6% from 26.5%.
 
See Table 16 titled “Reconciliation of Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA to Pro Forma Net Income” and “Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
 
 

 
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Summary of Results for Pro Forma Fiscal Year 2010 compared to Pro Forma Fiscal Year 2009
 
Operating Revenues – See Table 9
 
Total operating revenues for the pro forma fiscal year 2010 compared to pro forma fiscal year 2009 rose $70.1 million, or 9.4%, to $816.4 million. Subscription revenue rose $35.7 million, or 5.6%, to $679.0 million, driven by growth in index and ESG subscriptions and risk management analytics, which more than offset declines from portfolio management analytics and governance. Asset-based fees rose $32.1 million, or 44.6%, to $104.1 million. Non-recurring revenues increased by $2.3 million, or 7.4%, to $33.4 million, as higher non-recurring index and ESG subscription revenues offset declines in non-recurring governance and risk management analytics revenues. The acquisition of Measurisk contributed $4.4 million, or 0.6%, to growth for fiscal year 2010.
 
The acquisition of RiskMetrics did not impact the revenues attributable to the asset-based fees sub-category of index and ESG products, portfolio management analytics and energy and commodity analytics and comparisons for these products are not presented. Comparisons to fiscal year 2009 revenues are discussed in the Summary of Results for Fiscal Year 2010 compared to Fiscal Year 2009 above.
 
By segment, Performance and Risk revenues rose $79.3 million, or 12.9%, to $693.2 million. Governance revenues declined $9.2 million, or 6.9%, to $123.2 million.
 
Operating Expenses – See Table 10
 
Compared to pro forma fiscal year 2009, total operating expense for pro forma fiscal year 2010 increased $13.4 million, or 2.4%, to $567.3 million.
 
Total compensation expense excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation increased $20.8 million, or 7.0%, to $319.1 million. Non-compensation costs excluding depreciation and amortization and restructuring costs rose $5.3 million, or 3.9%, to $140.7 million.
 
Compared to pro forma fiscal year 2009, total cost of services for pro forma fiscal year 2010 rose $14.0 million, or 5.4%, to $272.9 million. The growth was driven by an increase of $12.9 million, or 7.0%, in compensation excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation expense and a $5.8 million, or 8.9%, increase in non-compensation expenses.
 
Total SG&A declined $2.1 million, or 1.1%, to $199.3 million in fiscal year 2010. The decline was driven by a reduction of $9.6 million, or 55.3%, in non-recurring stock-based compensation and a decrease of $0.5 million, or 0.7%, in non-compensation expenses partially offset by an increase of $7.9 million, or 7.0%, in compensation excluding non-recurring stock-based compensation expense.
 
Adjusted EBITDA – See Table 16
 
Compared to pro forma fiscal year 2009, pro forma fiscal year Adjusted EBITDA increased $44.0 million, or 14.1%, to $356.6 million and the margin expanded to 43.7% from 41.9%.
 
By segment, Performance and Risk Adjusted EBITDA rose $45.1 million, or 16.1%, to $324.3 million. The margin expanded to 46.8% from 45.5%. Governance Adjusted EBITDA declined $1.1 million, or 3.2%, to $32.3 million and the margin rose to 26.2% from 25.2%.
 
See Table 16 titled “Reconciliation of Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA to Pro Forma Net Income” and “Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
 
 

 
 
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Conference Call Information
 
Investors will have the opportunity to listen to MSCI Inc.'s senior management review fourth quarter 2010 results on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 11:00 am Eastern Time. To hear the live event, visit the investor relations section of MSCI's website, http://ir.msci.com/events.cfm, or dial 1-877-312-9206 within the United States. International callers dial 1-408-774-4001.
 
An audio recording of the conference call will be available on our website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the live event and will be accessible through January 20, 2011. To listen to the recording, visit http://ir.msci.com/events.cfm, or dial 1-800-642-1687 (passcode: 33768957) within the United States. International callers dial 1-706-645-9291 (passcode: 33768957).
 
About MSCI Inc.
 
MSCI Inc. is a leading provider of investment decision support tools to investors globally, including asset managers, banks, hedge funds and pension funds. MSCI products and services include indices, portfolio risk and performance analytics, and governance tools.
 
The company’s flagship product offerings are: the MSCI indices which include over 120,000 daily indices covering more than 70 countries; Barra portfolio risk and performance analytics covering global equity and fixed income markets; RiskMetrics market and credit risk analytics; ISS governance research and outsourced proxy voting and reporting services; FEA valuation models and risk management software for the energy and commodities markets; and CFRA forensic accounting risk research, legal/regulatory risk assessment, and due-diligence. MSCI is headquartered in New York, with research and commercial offices around the world. MSCI#IR
 
For further information on MSCI Inc. or our products please visit www.msci.com.
 
MSCI Inc. Contact:
 
Edings Thibault, MSCI, New York
+ 1.866.447.7874
   
For media inquiries please contact:
 
   
Kenny Suarez | Patrick Clifford, Abernathy MacGregor, New York
+ 1.212.371.5999
   
Sally Todd | Kristy Fitzpatrick, MHP Communications, London
+ 44.20.3128.8100
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control and that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.
 
 
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Other factors that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements can be found in MSCI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on January 29, 2010, and in quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from what we projected. Any forward-looking statement in this release reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
MSCI has presented supplemental non-GAAP financial measures as part of this earnings release. A reconciliation is provided below that reconciles each non-GAAP financial measure with the most comparable GAAP measure. The presentation of non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternative measures for the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. These measures are used by management to monitor the financial performance of the business, inform business decision making and forecast future results.
 
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before provision for income taxes, other net expense and income, depreciation and amortization, non-recurring stock-based compensation expense, restructuring costs, and third party transaction costs related to the acquisition of RiskMetrics.
 
Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS are defined as net income and EPS, respectively, before provision for non-recurring stock-based compensation expenses, amortization of intangible assets, third party transaction costs related to the acquisition of RiskMetrics, restructuring costs, and the accelerated interest expense resulting from the termination of an interest rate swap and the accelerated amortization of deferred financing and debt discount costs (debt repayment expenses), as well as for any related tax effects.
 
We believe that adjustments related to transaction costs and debt repayment expenses are useful to management and investors because it allows for an evaluation of MSCI’s underlying operating performance by excluding the costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of RiskMetrics. Additionally, we believe that adjusting for non-recurring stock-based compensation expenses and the amortization of intangible assets may help investors compare our performance to that of other companies in our industry as we do not believe that other companies in our industry have as significant a portion of their operating expenses represented by one-time non-recurring stock-based compensation expenses and amortization of intangible assets. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measures presented in this earnings release facilitate meaningful period-to-period comparisons and provide a baseline for the evaluation of future results.
 
Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS are not defined in the same manner by all companies and may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.
 
 
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Table 2: MSCI Inc. Consolidated Statement of Income (unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
   
November 30,
 
In thousands, except per share data
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
   
2009
 
Operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 118,790     $ 202,733     $ 662,901     $ 442,948  
                                         
Operating expenses
                                       
   Cost of services
    69,131       32,214       69,741       198,626       118,665  
   Selling, general and administrative
    49,300       33,487       63,306       190,244       135,780  
   Restructuring costs
    1,943       -       6,953       8,896       -  
   Amortization of intangible assets
    16,694       6,268       16,350       41,599       25,554  
   Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
    5,530       3,065       4,934       17,413       11,957  
Total operating expenses
  $ 142,598     $ 75,034     $ 161,284     $ 456,778     $ 291,956  
                                         
Operating income
    70,720       43,756       41,449       206,123       150,992  
                                         
Interest income
    (128 )     (339 )     (114 )     (993 )     (1,053 )
Interest expense
    17,495       4,513       20,415       51,337       19,683  
Other expense (income)
    2,274       (71 )     524       2,288       641  
Other expense, net
  $ 19,641     $ 4,103     $ 20,825     $ 52,632     $ 19,271  
                                         
Income before income taxes
    51,079       39,653       20,624       153,491       131,721  
                                         
Provision for income taxes
    20,813       15,118       10,305       61,321       49,920  
                                         
Net income
  $ 30,266     $ 24,535     $ 10,319     $ 92,170     $ 81,801  
                                         
Earnings per basic common share
  $ 0.25     $ 0.24     $ 0.09     $ 0.82     $ 0.80  
Earnings per diluted common share
  $ 0.25     $ 0.24     $ 0.08     $ 0.81     $ 0.80  
                                         
Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing earnings per share
                                       
Basic
    119,309       101,383       118,339       112,074       100,607  
Diluted
    121,172       101,952       120,341       113,357       100,860  
                                         

 
Table 3: MSCI Inc. Selected Balance Sheet Items (unaudited)
 
   
As of
 
   
November 30,
   
November 30,
 
In thousands
 
2010
   
2009
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 226,575     $ 176,024  
Short-term investments
    73,891       295,304  
Trade receivables, net of allowances
    147,662       77,180  
                 
Deferred revenue
  $ 271,300     $ 152,944  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    54,916       42,088  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    1,207,881       337,622  
 
 
 
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Table 4: Fourth Quarter 2010 Operating Revenues by Product Category
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Change from
 
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
 
In thousands
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
 
Index and ESG products
                             
Subscriptions
  $ 61,143     $ 48,454     $ 58,984       26.2 %     3.7 %
Asset-based fees
    30,045       22,874       25,134       31.4 %     19.5 %
Index and ESG products total
    91,188       71,328       84,118       27.8 %     8.4 %
Risk management analytics
    57,980       10,640       54,593       444.9 %     6.2 %
Portfolio management analytics
    30,993       31,883       30,424       (2.8 %)     1.9 %
Energy and commodity analytics
    4,871       4,939       3,290       (1.4 %)     48.0 %
Total Performance and Risk revenues
  $ 185,032     $ 118,790     $ 172,425       55.8 %     7.3 %
                                         
Total Governance revenues
    28,286       -       30,308       n/m       (6.7 %)
Total operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 118,790     $ 202,733       79.6 %     5.2 %
                                         
Subscriptions
  $ 176,791     $ 93,770     $ 171,384       88.5 %     3.2 %
Asset-based fees
    28,330       22,874       25,134       23.9 %     12.7 %
Non-recurring revenues
    8,197       2,146       6,215       282.0 %     31.9 %
Total operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 118,790     $ 202,733       79.6 %     5.2 %

 
Table 5: Fiscal Year 2010 Operating Revenues by Product Category
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended
       
   
November 30,
       
In thousands
 
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
Index and ESG products
                 
Subscriptions
  $ 224,600     $ 188,531       19.1 %
Asset-based fees
    105,799       71,966       47.0 %
Index and ESG products total
    330,399       260,497       26.8 %
Risk management analytics
    134,521       37,656       257.2 %
Portfolio management analytics
    123,159       129,270       (4.7 %)
Energy and commodity analytics
    16,228       15,525       4.5 %
Total Performance and Risk revenues
  $ 604,307     $ 442,948       36.4 %
                         
Total Governance revenues
    58,594       -       n/m  
Total operating revenues
  $ 662,901     $ 442,948       49.7 %
                         
Subscriptions
  $ 537,768     $ 362,140       48.5 %
Asset-based fees
    104,084       71,966       44.6 %
Non-recurring revenues
    21,049       8,842       138.1 %
Total operating revenues
  $ 662,901     $ 442,948       49.7 %

 
 
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Table 6: Additional Fourth Quarter 2010 Operating Expense Detail
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Change from
 
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
 
In thousands
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
 
Cost of services
                             
Compensation
  $ 48,849     $ 20,800     $ 50,313       134.8 %     (2.9 %)
Non-Recurring Stock Based Comp
    1,617       2,103       1,624       (23.1 %)     (0.4 %)
Total Compensation
  $ 50,466     $ 22,903     $ 51,937       120.3 %     (2.8 %)
Non-Compensation
    18,665       9,311       17,804       100.5 %     4.8 %
Total cost of services
  $ 69,131     $ 32,214     $ 69,741       114.6 %     (0.9 %)
Selling, general and administrative
                                       
Compensation
    29,508       18,473       30,280       59.7 %     (2.5 %)
Non-Recurring Stock Based Comp
    2,410       4,151       2,603       (41.9 %)     (7.4 %)
Total Compensation
  $ 31,918     $ 22,624     $ 32,883       41.1 %     (2.9 %)
Transaction expenses
    -       -       13,692       -       -  
Non-compensation excl. transaction expenses
    17,382       10,863       16,731       60.0 %     3.9 %
Total selling, general and administrative
  $ 49,300     $ 33,487     $ 63,306       47.2 %     (22.1 %)
Restructuring costs
    1,943       -       6,953       n/m       (72.1 %)
Amortization of intangible assets
    16,694       6,268       16,350       166.4 %     2.1 %
Depreciation and amortization
    5,530       3,065       4,934       80.4 %     12.1 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 142,598     $ 75,034     $ 161,284       90.0 %     (11.6 %)
                                         
In thousands
                                       
Total non-recurring stock based comp
  $ 4,027     $ 6,254     $ 4,227       (35.6 %)     (4.7 %)
Compensation excluding non-recurring comp
    78,357       39,273       80,593       99.5 %     (2.8 %)
Transaction expenses
    -       -       13,692       -       -  
Non-compensation excluding transaction expenses
    36,047       20,174       34,535       78.7 %     4.4 %
Restructuring charges
    1,943       -       6,953       n/m       (72.1 %)
Amortization of intangible assets
    16,694       6,268       16,350       166.4 %     2.1 %
Depreciation and amortization
    5,530       3,065       4,934       80.4 %     12.1 %
                                         
Total operating expenses
  $ 142,598     $ 75,034     $ 161,284       90.0 %     (11.6 %)
 
 
 
 
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Table 7: Additional Fiscal Year 2010 Operating Expense Detail
 
   
Fiscal Year Ended
           
   
November 30,
             
In thousands
 
2010
 
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Cost of services
                       
Compensation
  $ 142,485     $ 78,317       64,168       81.9 %
Non-Recurring Stock Based Comp
    4,639       9,355       (4,716 )     (50.4 %)
Total Compensation
  $ 147,124     $ 87,672       59,452       67.8 %
Non-compensation
    51,502       30,993       20,508       66.2 %
Total cost of services
  $ 198,626     $ 118,665       79,961       67.4 %
Selling, general and administrative
                               
Compensation
    102,144       75,501       26,643       35.3 %
Non-Recurring Stock Based Comp
    7,727       17,297       (9,571 )     (55.3 %)
Total Compensation
  $ 109,871     $ 92,798       17,072       18.4 %
Transaction expenses
    21,206       -       21,206       n/m  
Non-compensation excl. transaction expenses
    59,167       42,982       16,185       37.7 %
Total selling, general and administrative
  $ 190,244     $ 135,780       54,464       40.1 %
Restructuring costs
    8,896       -       8,896       n/m  
Amortization of intangible assets
    41,599       25,554       16,045       62.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
    17,413       11,957       5,456       45.6 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 456,778     $ 291,956       164,822       56.5 %
                                 
In thousands
                 
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Total non-recurring stock based comp
  $ 12,366     $ 26,652       (14,287 )     (53.6 %)
Compensation excluding non-recurring comp
    244,629       153,818       90,811       59.0 %
Transaction expenses
    21,206       -       21,206       n/m  
Non-compensation excluding transaction expenses
    110,669       73,975       36,693       49.6 %
Restructuring charges
    8,896       -       8,896       n/m  
Amortization of intangible assets
    41,599       25,554       16,045       62.8 %
Depreciation and amortization
    17,413       11,957       5,456       45.6 %
                                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 456,778     $ 291,956       164,822       56.5 %
 
 
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Table 8: Summary Fourth Quarter 2010 Segment Information
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Fiscal Year Ended
   
Change from
 
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
   
November 30,
         
FYE
 
In thousands
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
   
2009
      Q4 2009    
11/30/2009
 
                                             
Revenues:
                                           
Performance and Risk
  $ 185,032     $ 118,790     $ 172,425     $ 604,307     $ 442,948       55.8 %     36.4 %
Governance
    28,286       -       30,308       58,594       -       n/m       n/m  
Total Operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 118,790     $ 202,733     $ 662,901     $ 442,948       79.6 %     49.7 %
                                                         
Operating Income
                                                       
Performance and Risk
    67,743       43,756       38,672       200,369       150,992       54.8 %     32.7 %
Margin
    36.6 %     36.8 %     22.4 %     33.2 %     34.1 %                
Governance
    2,977       -       2,777       5,754       -       n/m       n/m  
Margin
    10.5 %             9.2 %     9.8 %                        
Total Operating Income
  $ 70,720     $ 43,756     $ 41,449     $ 206,123     $ 150,992       61.6 %     36.5 %
Margin
    33.2 %     36.8 %     20.4 %     31.1 %     34.1 %                
                                                         
Adjusted EBITDA
                                                       
Performance and Risk
    90,552       59,343       80,007       291,642       215,155       52.6 %     35.5 %
Margin
    48.9 %     50.0 %     46.4 %     48.3 %     48.6 %                
Governance
    8,362       -       7,599       15,961       -       n/m       n/m  
Margin
    29.6 %             25.1 %     27.2 %                        
Total Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 98,914     $ 59,343     $ 87,606     $ 307,603     $ 215,155       66.7 %     43.0 %
Margin
    46.4 %     50.0 %     43.2 %     46.4 %     48.6 %                


 
Table 9: Pro Forma Operating Revenues by Product Category
 
               
Fiscal Year Ended
   
Change from
 
   
Fourth Quarter
   
November 30,
      Q4    
Fiscal Year
 
In thousands
 
2010
      2009 1     2010 2     2009 3     2009       2009  
Index and ESG products
                                             
Subscriptions
  $ 61,143     $ 52,960     $ 233,667     $ 200,781       15.5 %     16.4 %
Asset-based fees
    30,045       22,874       105,799       71,966       31.4 %     47.0 %
Index and ESG products total
    91,188       75,834       339,466       272,747       20.2 %     24.5 %
Risk management analytics
    57,980       50,230       214,327       196,348       15.4 %     9.2 %
Portfolio management analytics
    30,993       31,883       123,159       129,270       (2.8 %)     (4.7 %)
Energy and commodity analytics
    4,871       4,939       16,226       15,525       (1.4 %)     4.5 %
Total Performance and Risk revenues
  $ 185,032     $ 162,886     $ 693,178     $ 613,890       13.6 %     12.9 %
                                                 
Total Governance revenues
    28,286       32,376       123,241       132,419       (12.6 %)     (6.9 %)
Total operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 195,262     $ 816,419     $ 746,309       9.2 %     9.4 %
                                                 
Subscriptions
  $ 176,791     $ 164,625     $ 678,968     $ 643,266       7.4 %     5.6 %
Asset-based fees
    28,330       22,874       104,084       71,966       23.9 %     44.6 %
Non-recurring revenues
    8,197       7,763       33,367       31,077       5.6 %     7.4 %
Total operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 195,262     $ 816,419     $ 746,309       9.2 %     9.4 %
                                                 
 
1MSCI's fourth quarter ended November 30, 2009 and RiskMetrics' fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009.
 
2Includes MSCI's results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2010 and RiskMetrics' fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 and first quarter ended March 31, 2010.
 
3Includes MSCI's results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009 and RiskMetrics' fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
 

 
 
 
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Table 10: Pro Forma Operating Expense Detail
 
 
             
Fiscal Year Ended
   
Change from
 
   
Fourth Quarter
   
November 30,
      Q4    
Fiscal Year
 
In thousands
 
2010
      2009 1     2010 2     2009 3     2009       2009  
Cost of services
                                             
Compensation
  $ 48,849     $ 47,277     $ 197,417     $ 184,523       3.3 %     7.0 %
Non-Recurring Stock Based Comp
    1,617       2,103       4,639       9,355       (23.1 %)     (50.4 %)
Total Compensation
  $ 50,466     $ 49,380     $ 202,056     $ 193,878       2.2 %     4.2 %
Non-compensation
    18,665       19,181       70,883       65,077       (2.7 %)     8.9 %
Total cost of services
  $ 69,131     $ 68,561     $ 272,939     $ 258,955       0.8 %     5.4 %
Selling, general and administrative
                                               
Compensation
    29,508       27,675       121,722       113,805       6.6 %     7.0 %
Non-Recurring Stock Based Comp
    2,410       4,151       7,727       17,297       (41.9 %)     (55.3 %)
Total Compensation
  $ 31,918     $ 31,826     $ 129,449     $ 131,102       0.3 %     (1.3 %)
Transaction expenses
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Non-compensation excl. transaction expenses
    17,382       16,535       69,841       70,323       5.1 %     (0.7 %)
Total selling, general and administrative
  $ 49,300     $ 48,361     $ 199,290     $ 201,425       1.9 %     (1.1 %)
Restructuring costs
    1,943       -       8,896       -       n/m       n/m  
Amortization of intangible assets
    16,230       18,171       64,477       73,164       (10.7 %)     (11.9 %)
Depreciation and amortization
    5,530       5,161       21,660       20,306       7.2 %     6.7 %
Total operating expenses
  $ 142,134     $ 140,254     $ 567,262     $ 553,850       1.3 %     2.4 %
                                                 
In thousands
                                               
Total non-recurring stock based comp
  $ 4,027     $ 6,254     $ 12,366     $ 26,652       (35.6 %)     (53.6 %)
Compensation excluding non-recurring comp
    78,357       74,952       319,139       298,328       4.5 %     7.0 %
Transaction expenses
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Non-compensation excluding transaction expenses
    36,047       35,716       140,724       135,400       0.9 %     3.9 %
Restructuring charges
    1,943       -       8,896       -       n/m       n/m  
Amortization of intangible assets
    16,230       18,171       64,477       73,164       (10.7 %)     (11.9 %)
Depreciation and amortization
    5,530       5,161       21,660       20,306       7.2 %     6.7 %
                                                 
Total operating expenses
  $ 142,134     $ 140,254     $ 567,262     $ 553,850       1.3 %     2.4 %
                                                 
 
1MSCI's fourth quarter ended November 30, 2009 and RiskMetrics' fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009.
2Includes MSCI's results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2010 and RiskMetrics' fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 and first quarter ended March 31, 2010.
3Includes MSCI's results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009 and RiskMetrics' fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
 
 
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Table 11: Pro Forma Summary Segment
 
               
Fiscal Year Ended
   
Change from
 
   
Fourth Quarter1
   
November 30,
      Q4    
Fiscal Year
 
In thousands
 
2010
      2009 1     2010 2     2009 3     2009       2009  
                                               
Revenues:
                                             
Performance and Risk
  $ 185,032     $ 162,886     $ 693,178     $ 613,890       13.6 %     12.9 %
Governance
    28,286       32,376       123,241       132,419       (12.6 %)     (6.9 %)
Total Operating revenues
  $ 213,318     $ 195,262     $ 816,419     $ 746,309       9.2 %     9.4 %
                                                 
Operating Income
                                               
Performance and Risk
    68,177       50,781       235,883       176,421       34.3 %     33.7 %
Margin
    36.8 %     31.2 %     34.0 %     28.7 %                
Governance
    3,007       4,227       13,274       16,038       (28.9 %)     (17.2 %)
Margin
    10.6 %     2.2 %     10.8 %     2.1 %                
Total Operating Income
  $ 71,184     $ 55,008     $ 249,157     $ 192,459       29.4 %     29.5 %
Margin
    33.4 %     28.2 %     30.5 %     25.8 %                
                                                 
Adjusted EBITDA
                                               
Performance and Risk
    90,552       76,004       324,283       279,230       19.1 %     16.1 %
Margin
    48.9 %     46.7 %     46.8 %     45.5 %                
Governance
    8,362       8,590       32,273       33,351       (2.7 %)     (3.2 %)
Margin
    29.6 %     26.5 %     26.2 %     25.2 %                
Total Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 98,914     $ 84,594     $ 356,556     $ 312,581       16.9 %     14.1 %
Margin
    46.4 %     43.3 %     43.7 %     41.9 %                
                                                 

1MSCI's fourth quarter ended November 30, 2009 and RiskMetrics' fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009.
2Includes MSCI's results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2010 and RiskMetrics' fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009 and first quarter ended March 31, 2010.
3Includes MSCI's results for the fiscal year ended November 30, 2009 and RiskMetrics' fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

 
 
 
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Table 12: Key Operating Metrics1
 
   
As of or For the Quarter Ended
   
Change from
 
   
November
   
August
   
November
   
August
 
Dollars in thousands
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
 
Run Rates 2
                             
Index and ESG products
                             
Subscriptions
  $ 235,370     $ 202,785     $ 224,496       16.1 %     4.8 %
Asset-based fees
    114,233       95,201       100,577       20.0 %     13.6 %
Index and ESG products total
    349,603       297,986       325,073       17.3 %     7.5 %
Risk management analytics
    235,422       197,997       224,581       18.9 %     4.8 %
Portfolio management analytics
    117,256       122,192       121,795       (4.0 %)     (3.7 %)
Energy and commodity analytics
    15,330       15,365       15,254       (0.2 %)     0.5 %
Total Performance and Risk Run Rate
  $ 717,611     $ 633,540     $ 686,703       13.3 %     4.5 %
                                         
Governance Run Rate
    105,534       111,841       105,735       (5.6 %)     (0.2 %)
Total Run Rate
  $ 823,145     $ 745,381     $ 792,438       10.4 %     3.9 %
                                         
Subscription total
    708,912       650,180       691,861       9.0 %     2.5 %
Asset-based fees total
    114,233       95,201       100,577       20.0 %     13.6 %
Total Run Rate
  $ 823,145     $ 745,381     $ 792,438       10.4 %     3.9 %
                                         
Subscription Run Rate by region
                                       
     % Americas
    53 %     51 %     53 %                
     % non-Americas
    47 %     49 %     47 %                
                                         
Subscription Run Rate by client type
                                       
     % Asset Management
    56 %     57 %     57 %                
     % Banking & Trading
    16 %     16 %     15 %                
     % Alternative Invt Mgmt
    11 %     10 %     12 %                
     % Asset Owners & Consultants
    9 %     9 %     9 %                
     % Corporate
    2 %     2 %     2 %                
     % Others
    5 %     5 %     5 %                
                                         
New Recurring Sales
  $ 37,284     $ 27,757     $ 34,556       34.3 %     7.9 %
Subscription Cancellations
    (25,525 )     (28,640 )     (19,113 )     (10.9 %)     33.5 %
Net New Recurring Subscription Sales
  $ 11,759     $ (883 )   $ 15,443       n/m       (23.9 %)
Non-recurring sales
    11,147       8,500       6,575       31.1 %     69.5 %
                                         
Employees
    2,077       2,043       2,063       1.7 %     0.7 %
                                         
% Employees by location
                                       
High Cost Centers
    70 %     77 %     72 %                
Low Cost Centers
    30 %     23 %     28 %                

 
1 MSCI Inc. in August and November 2010 quarters and for combined legacy MSCI and RiskMetrics results in prior periods. Includes addition of $13.2 million in risk management analytics run rate as a result of Measurisk LLC acquisition, which was completed on July 31, 2010.
 
2 The run rate at a particular point in time represents the forward-looking fees for the next 12 months from all subscriptions and investment product licenses we currently provide to our clients under renewable contracts assuming all contracts that come up for renewal are renewed and assuming then-current exchange rates. For any subscription or license whose fees are linked to an investment product’s assets or trading volume, the run rate calculation reflects an annualization of the most recent periodic fee earned under such license or subscription. The run rate does not include fees associated with “one-time” and other non-recurring transactions. In addition, we remove from the run rate the fees associated with any subscription or investment product license agreement with respect to which we have received a notice of termination or non-renewal during the period and we have determined that such notice evidences the client's final decision to terminate or not renew the applicable subscription or agreement, even though the notice is not effective until a later date.

 
 
 
 
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Table 13: Supplemental Operating Metrics
 
Recurring Subscription Sales & Subscription Cancellations
   
2009
   
2010
       
   
February
   
May
   
August
   
November
   
February
   
May
   
August
   
November
   
FY 2009
   
FY 2010
 
New Recurring Subscription Sales
  $ 24,711     $ 21,254     $ 23,469     $ 27,757     $ 30,273     $ 34,280     $ 34,556     $ 37,284     $ 97,191     $ 136,393  
Subscription Cancellations
    (22,692 )     (23,712 )     (28,690 )     (28,640 )     (22,434 )     (17,495 )     (19,113 )     (25,525 )     (103,734 )     (84,567 )
Net New Recurring Subscription Sales
  $ 2,019     $ (2,457 )   $ (5,221 )   $ (883 )   $ 7,839     $ 16,785     $ 15,443     $ 11,759     $ (6,543 )   $ 51,826  
 
                               
               
                               
Aggregate & Core Retention Rates
   
2009
   
2010
       
   
February
   
May
   
August
   
November
   
February
   
May
   
August
   
November
   
FY 2009
   
FY 2010
 
Aggregate Retention Rate 1
                                                           
Index and ESG products
    93.8 %     92.8 %     90.5 %     88.5 %     93.8 %     92.4 %     90.9 %     92.1 %     91.4 %     92.3 %
                                                                                 
Risk management analytics
    85.5 %     79.5 %     80.4 %     80.2 %     81.5 %     91.3 %     89.7 %     85.4 %     81.4 %     87.4 %
                                                                                 
Portfolio management analytics
    86.5 %     82.2 %     69.1 %     77.7 %     92.3 %     84.6 %     83.7 %     69.1 %     78.9 %     82.4 %
                                                                                 
Energy & commodity analytics
    90.5 %     91.3 %     84.5 %     88.5 %     85.5 %     80.5 %     90.5 %     83.4 %     88.7 %     85.0 %
                                                                                 
Total Performance and Risk
    88.8 %     85.0 %     81.0 %     82.5 %     88.7 %     89.9 %     88.8 %     84.2 %     84.3 %     88.0 %
                                                                                 
Total Governance
    73.0 %     84.6 %     85.4 %     78.7 %     74.2 %     86.0 %     86.4 %     86.3 %     80.4 %     83.3 %
                                                                                 
Total Aggregate Retention Rate
    85.6 %     85.1 %     81.9 %     82.0 %     86.2 %     89.2 %     88.4 %     84.6 %     83.7 %     87.2 %
                                                                                 
Core Retention Rate 2
                                                                               
Index and ESG products
    94.0 %     93.1 %     91.2 %     89.1 %     94.5 %     92.9 %     91.2 %     92.4 %     91.9 %     92.7 %
                                                                                 
Risk management analytics
    85.5 %     81.4 %     81.0 %     81.2 %     82.9 %     92.3 %     92.0 %     85.4 %     82.3 %     88.5 %
                                                                                 
Portfolio management analytics
    87.8 %     83.7 %     70.5 %     78.4 %     94.3 %     86.3 %     86.8 %     71.2 %     80.1 %     84.7 %
                                                                                 
Energy & commodity analytics
    90.6 %     91.3 %     84.5 %     89.9 %     85.5 %     80.5 %     90.5 %     83.4 %     89.1 %     85.0 %
                                                                                 
Total Performance and Risk
    89.2 %     86.3 %     81.8 %     83.4 %     89.9 %     90.8 %     90.5 %     84.8 %     85.2 %     88.9 %
                                                                                 
Total Governance
    73.0 %     84.6 %     85.4 %     78.7 %     74.2 %     86.0 %     86.4 %     86.3 %     80.4 %     83.3 %
                                                                                 
Total Core Retention Rate
    85.9 %     86.1 %     82.6 %     82.6 %     87.2 %     90.0 %     89.8 %     85.0 %     84.3 %     88.1 %
                                                                                 
1The quarterly Aggregate Retention Rates are calculated by annualizing the cancellations for which we have received a notice of termination or non-renewal during the quarter and we have determined that such notice evidences the client’s final decision to terminate or not renew the applicable subscription or agreement, even though such notice is not effective until a later date. This annualized cancellation figure is then divided by the subscription Run Rate at the beginning of the year to calculate a cancellation rate. This cancellation rate is then subtracted from 100% to derive the annualized Retention Rate for the quarter. The Aggregate Retention Rate is computed on a product-by-product basis. Therefore, if a client reduces the number of products to which it subscribes or switches between our products, we treat it as a cancellation. In addition, we treat any reduction in fees resulting from renegotiated contracts as a cancellation in the calculation to the extent of the reduction.  Aggregate Retention Rates are generally higher during the first three fiscal quarters and lower in the fourth fiscal quarter. For the calculation of the Core Retention Rate the same methodology is used except the amount of cancellations in the quarter is reduced by the amount of product swaps.
 
2Our Core Retention Rate is calculated similarly to our Aggregate Retention Rate except that the Core Retention Rate does not treat switches between our products as a cancellation.
 

 
 
 
 
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Table 14: ETF Assets Linked to MSCI Indices1
 
   
2009
   
2010
             
In Billions
 
February
   
May
   
August
   
November
   
February
   
May
   
August
   
November
   
FY 2009
   
FY 2010
 
Quarterly Average AUM in ETFs linked to MSCI Indices
  $ 126.4     $ 134.7     $ 180.3     $ 216.8     $ 239.3     $ 252.3     $ 252.0     $ 300.7     $ 164.5     $ 261.1  
Quarter-End AUM in ETFs linked to MSCI Indices
    107.8       175.9       199.2       234.2       233.5       238.1       258.7       311.0       234.2       311.0  
                                                                                 
Sequential Change ($ Growth in Billions)
                                                                               
Appreciation/Depreciation
  $ (13.6 )   $ 42.2     $ 20.1     $ 18.0     $ (8.6 )   $ (4.4 )   $ 6.8     $ 28.2     $ 66.7     $ 22.0  
Cash Inflow/ Outflow
    2.4       25.9       3.2       17.0       8.3       9.0       13.8       24.1       48.5       55.2  
Total Change
  $ (11.2 )   $ 68.1     $ 23.3     $ 35.0     $ (0.3 )   $ 4.6     $ 20.6     $ 52.3     $ 115.2     $ 77.2  
                                                                                 
1Our ETF assets under management calculation methodology is ETF net asset value (NAV) multiplied by shares outstanding.  The numbers in the tables are presented on this basis beginning with the February 2010 quarter. Periods prior to the February 2010 quarter have not been restated and are therefore not directly comparable.
 

 
 

 
 
Table 15: Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income
 
   
Three Months Ended November 30, 2010
   
Three Months Ended November 30, 2009
 
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
 
Net Income
              $ 30,266                 $ 24,535  
Plus:  Other expense (income), net
                19,641                   4,103  
Plus:  Provision for income taxes
                20,813                   15,118  
Operating income
  $ 67,743     $ 2,977     $ 70,720     $ 43,756     $ -     $ 43,756  
Plus:  Non-recurring stock based comp
    4,027       -       4,027       6,254       -       6,254  
Plus:  Transaction costs
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Plus:  Depreciation and amortization
    4,797       733       5,530       3,065       -       3,065  
Plus:  Amortization of intangible assets
    13,344       3,350       16,694       6,268       -       6,268  
Plus:  Restructuring costs
    641       1,302       1,943       -       -       -  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 90,552     $ 8,362     $ 98,914     $ 59,343     $ -     $ 59,343  
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
                                                 
   
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2010
   
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2009
 
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
 
Net Income
                  $ 92,170                     $ 81,801  
Plus:  Other expense (income), net
                    52,632                       19,271  
Plus:  Provision for income taxes
                    61,321                       49,920  
Operating income
  $ 200,369     $ 5,754     $ 206,123     $ 150,992     $ -     $ 150,992  
Plus:  Non-recurring stock based comp
    12,366       -       12,366       26,652       -       26,652  
Plus:  Transaction costs
    21,206       -       21,206       -       -       -  
Plus:  Depreciation and amortization
    16,129       1,284       17,413       11,957       -       11,957  
Plus:  Amortization of intangible assets
    34,899       6,700       41,599       25,554       -       25,554  
Plus: Restructuring costs
    6,673       2,223       8,896       -       -       -  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 291,642     $ 15,961     $ 307,603     $ 215,155     $ -     $ 215,155  

 
 
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Table 16: Reconciliation of Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA to Pro Forma Net Income
 
   
Three Months Ended November 30, 2010
   
Three Months Ended November 30, 2009
 
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
 
Net Income
              $ 30,557                 $ 23,703  
Plus:  Other expense (income), net
                19,340                   17,553  
Plus:  Provision for income taxes
                21,287                   13,752  
Operating income
  $ 68,177     $ 3,007     $ 71,184     $ 50,781     $ 4,227     $ 55,008  
Plus:  Non-recurring stock based comp
    4,027       -       4,027       6,254       -       6,254  
Plus:  Transaction costs
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Plus:  Depreciation and amortization
    4,797       733       5,530       4,148       1,013       5,161  
Plus:  Amortization of intangible assets
    12,910       3,320       16,230       14,821       3,350       18,171  
Plus: Restructuring costs
    641       1,302       1,943       -       -       -  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 90,552     $ 8,362     $ 98,914     $ 76,004     $ 8,590     $ 84,594  
                                                 
                                                 
   
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2010
   
Fiscal Year Ended November 30, 2009
 
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
   
Performance and Risk
   
Governance
   
Total
 
Net Income
                  $ 110,831                     $ 79,852  
Plus:  Other expense (income), net
                    71,430                       67,744  
Plus:  Provision for income taxes
                    66,896                       44,863  
Operating income
  $ 235,883     $ 13,274     $ 249,157     $ 176,421     $ 16,038     $ 192,459  
Plus:  Non-recurring stock based comp
    12,366       -       12,366       26,652       -       26,652  
Plus:  Transaction costs
    -       -       -       -       -       -  
Plus:  Depreciation and amortization
    18,224       3,436       21,660       16,393       3,913       20,306  
Plus:  Amortization of intangible assets
    51,137       13,340       64,477       59,764       13,400       73,164  
Plus: Restructuring costs
    6,673       2,223       8,896       -       -       -  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 324,283     $ 32,273     $ 356,556     $ 279,230     $ 33,351     $ 312,581  

 
 
 

 
 

 
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Table 17: Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS to Net Income and EPS
 
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Fiscal Year Ended
 
   
November 30,
   
August 31,
   
November 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2010
   
2009
 
GAAP - Net income
  $ 30,266     $ 24,535     $ 10,319     $ 92,170     $ 81,801  
Plus: Non-recurring stock based comp
    4,027       6,254       4,227       12,366       26,652  
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets
    16,694       6,268       16,350       41,599       25,554  
Plus: Transaction costs1
    -       -       14,526       22,040       -  
Plus: Debt repayment expenses
    -       -       1,994       8,274       -  
Plus:  Restructuring costs
  $ 1,943       -       6,953     $ 8,896       -  
Less: Income tax effect2
    (8,610 )     (4,771 )     (13,880 )     (31,015 )     (19,786 )
Adjusted net income
  $ 44,320     $ 32,286     $ 40,489     $ 154,330     $ 114,221  
                                         
GAAP - EPS
  $ 0.25     $ 0.24     $ 0.08     $ 0.81     $ 0.80  
Plus: Non-recurring stock based comp
    0.03       0.06       0.03       0.11       0.26  
Plus: Amortization of intangible assets
    0.14       0.06       0.13       0.36       0.25  
Plus: Transaction costs1
    0.00       0.00       0.12       0.19       0.00  
Plus: Debt repayment expenses
    0.00       0.00       0.02       0.07       0.00  
Plus:  Restructuring costs
    0.02       0.00       0.06       0.08       0.00  
Less: Income tax effect2
    (0.08 )     (0.05 )     (0.11 )     (0.27 )     (0.19 )
Adjusted EPS
  $ 0.36     $ 0.31     $ 0.33     $ 1.35     $ 1.12  
                                         

1For the third quarter of 2010, includes $13.7 million in third party transaction expense included in SG&A expense and $0.8 million of expense included in interest expense.  For the fiscal year 2010, includes $21.2 million in third party transaction expense included in SG&A expense and $0.8 million of expense included in interest expense.
2For the purposes of calculating Adjusted EPS, non-recurring stock based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, debt repayment expenses, and restructuring costs are assumed to be taxed at the effective tax rate excluding transaction costs. For the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010, the rates are 39.9% and 37.4%, respectively. For the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2009, the rates are 38.1% and 37.9%, respectively.

 
 

 
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