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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, 2008
or
o
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from          to          
 
Commission File Number 000-21433
 
 
 
 
Forrester Research, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
     
Delaware
  04-2797789
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
     
400 Technology Square
  02139
Cambridge, Massachusetts
(Address of principal executive offices)
  (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(617) 613-6000
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
     
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
 
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
  Nasdaq Global Select Market
 
Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes 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 requirement for the past 90 days.  Yes þ     No o
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  Yes o     No þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer þ 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
 
The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2008 (based on the closing price as quoted by the Nasdaq National Market as of such date) was approximately $467,000,000.
 
As of March 9, 2009, 23,044,711 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement related to its 2009 Annual Stockholder’s Meeting to be filed subsequently — Part III of this Form 10-K.
 


 

 
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Reference is made in particular to our statements about possible acquisitions, our plans for international expansion and the adequacy of our cash, marketable investments and cash flows to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditures, These statements are based on our current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements are discussed below under “Risk Factors.” We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
PART I
 
General
 
Forrester Research, Inc. is an independent research company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global leaders in business and technology. Our products and services are targeted to 19 specific roles, including principally senior management, business strategists, and marketing and information technology professionals at $1 billion-plus companies who collaborate with us to accelerate achievement of their business goals.
 
Research serves as the foundation for all our offerings and consists primarily of annual memberships to our syndicated research offering RoleViewtm that provides access to our core research on a wide range of business and technology issues critical to the success of the individuals in the roles we serve. In addition to RoleView, we also provide a portfolio of products and services that allow our clients to interact directly with analysts and their peers and explore in greater detail the issues and topics covered by RoleView on a role and client-specific basis.
 
We were incorporated in Massachusetts on July 7, 1983 and reincorporated in Delaware on February 16, 1996.
 
Our Internet address is www.forrester.com. We make available free of charge, on or through the investor information section of our website, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
 
Industry Background
 
Technology plays a central role in companies’ and their employees’ efforts to remain both competitive and cost-efficient in an increasingly complex global business environment. Developing comprehensive and coordinated business strategies is difficult because as the economy and technology change, consumers and businesses adopt new methods of buying and selling, and markets grow increasingly dynamic.
 
Consequently, companies and the professionals who are in the roles we focus on rely on external sources of expertise that provide independent business advice spanning a variety of areas including but not limited to technology, business strategy, and consumer behavior. We believe there is a need for objective research that is thematic, prescriptive, and executable, and that provides a comprehensive perspective on the knowledge and skills required to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
 
Forrester’s Strategy
 
In 2007, Forrester accelerated execution of a role-based strategy to focus attention on serving leaders in key roles across its client base. Forrester’s syndicated RoleView research and other products and services provide clients with more relevant research and data, easier access to the insights individual leaders need to address the business challenges they face and make better informed and justified decisions.


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We seek to maintain and enhance our position as a leading independent technology and market research firm and to capitalize on demand for our research by:
 
Identifying and Defining New Business Models, Technologies, and Markets.  We seek to differentiate ourselves from other research firms by delivering pragmatic and forward-thinking research and analysis on the impact of technology on business models, business practices, and technology infrastructure. We believe that our research methodology and our creative culture allow us to identify and analyze rapid shifts in business and consumer use of technology before these changes appear on the horizons of most users, vendors, and other research firms. Our early identification of these shifts enables us to help our clients capitalize on emerging business models and technologies.
 
Leveraging our RoleView Research.  Our business model, technology platform, and research methodologies allow us to sell existing products and to rapidly introduce new products and services without incurring significant incremental costs. We intend to continue to use our business model, technology platform, and research methodologies to both increase sales of our existing RoleView research and introduce innovative new products. Our other offerings complement, enhance and supplement our RoleView research offering, and many are designed to address the specific needs and problems of our clients and the professionals in the roles on which we focus. We also may acquire, through acquisition or license from third parties, new products and services that complement and support our strategy and existing offerings. In July 2008, we acquired JupiterResearch, LLC and its parent company JUPR Holdings, Inc. to enhance our offerings to marketing and strategy professionals.
 
Using Targeted, Global Client Group Sales Channels.  Our business is organized into three principal global client groups that support our role-based strategy and are closely aligned with our client base: the Information Technology Client Group, the Marketing & Strategy Client Group, and the Technology Industry Client Group. We sell our products and services directly through each client group’s global sales force in various locations in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. We also sell our products and services through independent sales representatives in select international locations.
 
Growing Our Client Base Worldwide and Increasing Sales to Existing Clients.  We believe that our products and services can be successfully marketed and sold to new client companies worldwide and to new roles and additional units and divisions within our existing client companies. We believe that within our client base of over 2,600 client companies as of December 31, 2008 there is opportunity both to sell additional products and services to current users as well as to deliver our RoleView research and product portfolio to a greater number of professionals in our targeted roles. In addition, we intend to expand our international presence as the growing impact of technology on business innovation creates demand for external sources of objective research.
 
Developing and Retaining Outstanding Research Professionals.  The knowledge and experience of our analysts are critical elements of our ability to provide high-quality products and services. We employ outstanding research professionals from varied backgrounds and a wide range of industries. We believe that our culture, which emphasizes quality, cooperation, and creativity, helps us to develop and retain high-caliber research professionals. We provide a competitive compensation structure, as well as recognition and rewards for excellent individual and team performance.
 
Forrester’s Solution
 
Our broad range of expertise on business and the impact of technology enables us to offer our clients the best available and most relevant research on changing business models, best practices, technology investments, implementation advice, and customer trends. Our solution provides our clients with:
 
A Unified Set of Services to Help our Clients and to Make their Leaders Successful in their Roles.  We offer clients a comprehensive set of products and services to obtain access to the research, data, analysts, and peer insights they need to be successful in their professional roles, including, for example, to:
 
  •  Assess potential new markets, competitors, products, and services, and go-to-market strategies.
 
  •  Anticipate technology-driven business model shifts.


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  •  Understand trends in consumer behavior and how to capitalize on those trends for marketing and sales purposes.
 
  •  Educate, inform, and align strategic decision-makers in their organizations.
 
  •  Navigate technology purchase and implementation challenges and optimize technology investments.
 
  •  Capitalize on emerging technologies.
 
Expertise on Emerging Technologies.  We started our business in 1983 and have a long history of, and extensive experience in, identifying trends and providing research and executable advice on the impact of technology on business. Our research analysts have many years of industry experience, are frequent speakers at business and technology conferences, and are often quoted in the media. They enjoy direct access to the leaders and decision-makers within large enterprises and technology vendors. We provide our research analysts with training to ensure that they have the skills to challenge conventional viewpoints and provide prescriptive, executable insight and research to our clients.
 
Products and Services
 
We offer our clients a selection of engagement opportunities that are organized for and directed toward the multiple professional roles we cover.
 
Roleviewtm Research
 
Our primary syndicated research product, RoleView, provides clients with access to our core syndicated research designed to inform their strategic decision-making. RoleView consists of a library of cross-linked documents that interconnects our reports, data, product rankings, best practices, evaluation tools, and research archives. RoleView access is provided through role-based websites that facilitate client access to research and tools that are most relevant to their professional roles, including community tools that allow interaction between and among clients and our analysts. Through this access structure, RoleView addresses the interplay of an individual client’s responsibilities and goals, business demands, and organizational and technology capabilities.
 
Our RoleView research includes The Forrester Wavetm. The Forrester Wave provides a detailed analysis of vendors’ technologies and services based on transparent, fully accessible criteria, and measurement of characteristics weighted by us. The Forrester Wave includes an Excel spreadsheet that allows clients to compare products and get in-depth data and analysis about each one and tools to develop a custom shortlist based on the client’s unique requirements. The Forrester Wave is our primary mechanism for evaluating enterprise technologies.
 
Clients subscribing to RoleView may choose between two membership levels:
 
  •  RoleView Member Licenses.  RoleView Member Licenses include access to the written research, as well as Inquiry with analysts, one Event seat, and access to Forrester Teleconferences.
 
  •  Inquiry.  Inquiry enables clients to contact our analysts for quick feedback on projects they may have underway, to discuss ideas and models in the research, or for answers to questions about unfolding industry events. Typically, Inquiry sessions are 30-minute phone calls, scheduled upon client request, or e-mail responses coordinated through our research specialists.
 
  •  Event Seat.  Events bring together executives and other participants for one- or multi-day conferences to network with their peers and to hear business leaders discuss the issues and solutions most pertinent to their roles and responsibilities.
 
  •  Forrester Teleconferences.  Forrester Teleconferences are hour-long audio conferences on selected topics of interest to particular professional roles that typically are held several times a week. They consist of an analyst-led presentation followed by questions from participants. Members may access the analyst Web presentation and participate in the subsequent forum for questions and discussion among all attendees. Teleconferences are also made available for member download.
 
  •  RoleView Reader Licenses.  RoleView Reader Licenses provide access to our written research.


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Both Member and Reader clients receive access to our research specialists, who provide additional information about our research, methodologies, coverage areas, and sources. The research specialists are available to help clients navigate our website, find relevant information, and put clients in contact with the appropriate analyst for inquiries.
 
Forrester Leadership Boards
 
Our Forrester Leadership Boards are exclusive offerings for executives and other key employees at large companies worldwide. Clients may choose to participate in one or more Forrester Leadership Boards. Memberships are available in the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Group and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Group and in a number of additional IT, marketing, and executive programs and councils addressing issues of interest to the professional roles we cover. In addition to a Member license to access RoleView, members of our Forrester Leadership Boards receive access to the following:
 
  •  advisors to assist members with individual research-related questions, and topics of specific relevance to the challenges these clients face,
 
  •  membership-directed research which includes comprehensive coverage of industry trends and best practices,
 
  •  exclusive industry-specific benchmark data, and
 
  •  peer-to-peer networking through premier event meetings and group audio-conferences, individual member to member conversations, and virtual community activities.
 
Data Products & Services
 
Our Data products and services focus on consumers’ and business users’ attitudes about and behavior toward technology, including ownership, future purchases, and adoption trends. These products incorporate extensive survey research designed and analyzed by our staff. Clients can leverage our data products and services or choose to have us conduct data analysis on their behalf. Our data products and services include:
 
  •  Consumer Technographics® Data & Services.  Consumer Technographics delivers both primary data and quantitative research, based on surveys of over 275,000 households in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific which is analyzed and categorized into relevant market segments to help organizations and their leaders understand how consumers buy, think about, and use technology, and thereby capitalize on changing consumer behavior. We combine respondent data sets from our Consumer Technographics surveys into four offerings: North American Consumer Technology Adoption Study, European Consumer Technology Adoption Study, Hispanic American Technology Adoption Study, and Asia Pacific Consumer Technology Adoption Study. Additionally, clients have access to a Technographics data specialist to help them use the data effectively to meet their specific business needs.
 
  •  Business Data & Services.  Our Business Data Services is an ongoing quantitative research program that provides comprehensive, in-depth assessments of what motivates businesses to choose certain technologies and vendors over others. We annually survey more than 14,000 business and IT executives at North American, European, and other global markets large enterprises and small and midsize businesses. Our surveys reveal these firms’ technology adoption trends, budgets, business organization, decision processes, purchase plans, and brand preferences. Business Data and Services clients also have access to a data specialist and input into survey design.
 
Forrester Consulting
 
Our research-based advisory and project consulting services leverage RoleView and our data products and services to deliver focused insights and recommendations to assist clients in developing and executing technology and business strategy, informing critical decisions and reducing business risk, and making large technology investments. For example, we help IT professionals with vendor selection, compare best practices, analyze whether outsourcing is advisable, and validate technology infrastructure; marketing and strategy professionals with consumer product strategy, direct marketing technology investments, eBusiness strategy, and interactive marketing


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strategy, including Web 2.0; and technology industry professionals with market and competitive assessments, go-to-market strategy, custom market research, and product development.
 
Our consulting services include Website Reviews that provide targeted, action-oriented assessments of clients’ websites, extranets, or intranets. Feedback is based on comprehensive examination of the clients’ website and web strategies as well as reviews and comparisons with competitors’ websites, other channels and industry benchmarks.
 
Forrester Events
 
We host multiple Events in various locations in North America and Europe throughout the year. Events build upon our research and data products and services to bring together executives and other participants serving or interested in the particular professional role(s) in which an event focuses to network with their peers, meet with Forrester analysts, and to hear business leaders discuss business and technology issues of interest or significance to the professional roles in attendance and the impact of technology on the professionals and their businesses.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
Our business is organized into three principal global client groups that support our role-based strategy and closely align with our client base: the IT Client Group, the Marketing & Strategy Client Group, and the Technology Industry Client Group. We sell our products and services through each client group’s direct sales force in various locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. We also sell our products and services through independent sales representatives in select international locations. We employed 353 salespersons as of December 31, 2008, an increase of 15% from 308 as of December 31, 2007. We also sell certain of our research products directly online through our website.
 
For information on our operating segments and our international operations, see Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
 
Our marketing activities are designed to increase awareness of the Forrester brand and further our reputation as a leader in role-based business and technology research. We actively promote brand awareness via our website, Forrester Events, extensive worldwide press relations, and direct mail campaigns. We also employ an integrated direct marketing strategy that uses Internet, mail, and telephone channels for identifying and attracting high-quality sales leads. We encourage our analysts to increase our visibility by having their research ideas selectively distributed through various Internet, print, and television outlets.
 
As of December 31, 2008, our research was delivered to more than 2,600 client companies. No single client company accounted for more than 2% of our 2008 revenues.
 
Pricing and Contract Size
 
We report our revenue from client contracts in two categories of revenue: (1) research services and (2) advisory services and other. Research offerings principally generate research revenues, and Consulting offerings consist solely of advisory services revenues. We classify revenue from our Consumer Technographics Data & Services and Business Data Services as research services revenue. Revenue from memberships to the Forrester Leadership Boards is classified as research services revenue, and revenue from Forrester Events is classified as other revenue in our advisory services and other revenue classification.
 
Contract pricing for annual memberships for research only is principally a function of the number of licensed users at the client. Pricing of contracts for research and advisory services is a function of the number of licensed users, and the amount and type of advisory services. The average contract for annual memberships for research only in force at December 31, 2008 was approximately $47,900, an increase of 7% from $44,800 at December 31, 2007. The average contract for an annual membership for research services which also included advisory services in force at December 31, 2008 was approximately $88,200, a decrease of 2% from $89,800 at December 31, 2007.
 
We track the agreement value of contracts to purchase research and advisory services as a significant business indicator. We calculate agreement value as the total revenues recognizable from all research and advisory service contracts in force at a given time (but not including advisory-only contracts), without regard to how much revenue


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has already been recognized. Agreement value increased 13% to $222.5 million at December 31, 2008 from $197.2 million at December 31, 2007.
 
Research Analysts and Methodology
 
We employ a structured methodology in our research that enables us to identify and analyze technology trends, markets, and audiences and ensures consistent research quality and recommendations across all coverage areas. We seek to provide relevant research that will contribute to the success of our clients in their professional roles.
 
We ascertain the issues important to our clients and technology users through thousands of interactions and surveys with vendors and business, marketing, and IT professionals, and accordingly, the majority of our research is focused on the issues our clients face each day. We use the following primary research inputs:
 
  •  Confidential interviews with early adopters and mainstream users of new technologies.
 
  •  In-depth interviews with technology vendors and suppliers of related services.
 
  •  Ongoing briefings with vendors to review current positions and future directions.
 
  •  Continuous dialogue with our clients to identify technology issues in the marketplace.
 
Our Consumer Technographics® and Business Data Services research combines our qualitative research methodology with traditional survey research methodologies such as correlation, frequency distribution, cross-tabulation, and multivariate statistics to produce research reports, quantitative survey data, and data briefs. Third-party data vendors are frequently used for data collection and tabulation.
 
The Forrester Wavetm combines in-depth product test results and user interviews with market and strategic analysis to score attributes of emerging technologies. We then apply this research and strategic analysis to determine the weighting of each attribute and create interactive spreadsheets, databases, and reports.
 
Collaboration among analysts is an integral part of our process, leading to higher-quality research and a unified perspective. All RoleView research begins either with a client or vendor catalyst or with discussion sessions among analysts to generate ideas for research. Analysts test ideas throughout the research process at both informal and weekly research meetings. Our reports are consistent in format, and we require our analysts to write in a structure that combines graphics with easy-to-read text to deliver concise, decisive, relevant, and objective research to our clients. At the final stage of the research process, senior analysts meet to test the conclusions of each research report.
 
Competition
 
We believe that the principal competitive factors in our industry include the following:
 
  •  Quality of research and analysis and related services.
 
  •  The ability to offer products and services that meet the changing needs of organizations and executives for research and analysis.
 
  •  Customer service.
 
  •  Independent analysis and opinions
 
  •  Timely delivery of information.
 
  •  The ability to leverage new technologies.
 
  •  Price.
 
We believe that we compete favorably with respect to each of these factors. We believe that our role-based strategy and focus on emerging technologies are significant competitive advantages. Additionally, we believe that our role-based strategy, research methodology, easy-to-read formats, and portfolio of complementary product offerings distinguish us from our competitors.


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We compete principally in the market for research and advisory services about and relating to technology and its impact on business. Our principal direct competitors include other providers of similar services, such as Gartner Group, as well as providers of peer networking services and Internet and digital media measurement services. In addition, our indirect competitors include the internal planning and marketing staffs of our current and prospective clients, as well as other information providers such as electronic and print publishing companies, survey-based general market research firms, and general business consulting firms. Our indirect competitors could choose to compete directly against us in the future. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into our market, and new competitors could readily seek to compete against us in one or more market segments addressed by our research. Increased competition could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure and loss of market share. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete successfully against existing or new competitors.
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2008, we employed a total of 1048 persons, including 409 research staff and 353 sales personnel.
 
Our culture emphasizes certain key values — including client service, quality, and creativity — that we believe are critical to our future growth. We promote these values through training and frequent recognition for achievement. We encourage teamwork and promote and recognize individuals who foster these values. New employees participate in a three-day training process that focuses on our role-based strategy, our products and services, corporate culture, values and goals.
 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors
 
We are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in forward-looking statements made by us. These risks and uncertainties include:
 
Our Business may be Adversely Affected by the Current Economic Downturn.  Our business is in part dependent on technology spending and is impacted by economic conditions. The current global credit crisis and economic downturn may materially and adversely affect demand for our products and services. If current conditions in the United States and global economy were to lead to a decrease in technology spending, or, in demand for our research and advisory services, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
 
Fluctuations in Our Operating Results.  Our revenues and earnings may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may affect our stock price. These factors include, but are not limited to:
 
  •  Trends in technology spending in the marketplace and general economic conditions.
 
  •  The timing and size of new and renewal memberships for our research services from clients.
 
  •  The utilization of our advisory services by our clients.
 
  •  The timing of revenue-generating Events sponsored by us.
 
  •  The introduction and marketing of new products and services by us and our competitors.
 
  •  The hiring and training of new analysts and sales personnel.
 
  •  Changes in demand for our research and advisory services.
 
As a result, our operating results in future quarters may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which could have an adverse effect on the market price for our common stock. Factors such as announcements of new products, services, offices, acquisitions or strategic alliances by us or the technologies services industry may have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock. The market price for our common stock may also be affected by movements in prices of stocks in general.


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Our international operations expose us to a variety of operational risks which could negatively impact our results of operations.  We have clients in over 60 countries and a significant part of our revenue comes from international sales. Our operating results are subject to the risks inherent in international business activities, including general political and economic conditions in each country, changes in market demand as a result of tariffs and other trade barriers, challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, changes in regulatory requirements, compliance with numerous foreign laws and regulations, differences between U.S. and foreign tax rates and laws, and the difficulty of enforcing client agreements, collecting accounts receivable and protecting intellectual property rights in international jurisdictions. Furthermore, we rely on local independent sales representatives in some international locations. If any of these arrangements are terminated by our representative or us, we may not be able to replace the arrangement on beneficial terms or on a timely basis, or clients of the local sales representative may not want to continue to do business with us or our new representative .
 
A Decline in Renewals for Our Membership-Based Research Services.  Our success depends in large part upon retaining (on both a client company and dollar basis) and enriching existing memberships for our research products and services. Our client and dollar retention rates and enrichment rate declined in 2007 as compared with 2006 and in 2008 as compared with 2007. Any future declines in client retention, dollar retention, and enrichment could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
 
Ability To Develop and Offer New Products And Services.  Our future success will depend in part on our ability to offer new products and services. These new products and services must successfully gain market acceptance by addressing specific industry and business organization sectors and by anticipating and identifying changes in client requirements and changes in the technology industry. The process of internally researching, developing, launching and gaining client acceptance of a new product or service, or assimilating and marketing an acquired product or service, is risky and costly. We may not be able to introduce new, or assimilate acquired, products or services successfully. Our failure to do so would adversely affect our ability to maintain a competitive position in our market and continue to grow our business.
 
Loss of Key Management.  Our future success will depend in large part upon the continued services of a number of our key management employees. The loss of any one of them, in particular George F. Colony, our founder, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, could adversely affect our business.
 
The Ability To Attract and Retain Qualified Professional Staff.  Our future success will depend in large measure upon the continued contributions of our senior management team, research analysts, and experienced sales and marketing personnel. Thus, our future operating results will be largely dependent upon our ability to retain the services of these individuals and to attract additional professionals from a limited pool of qualified candidates. We experience competition in hiring and retaining professionals from developers of Internet and emerging-technology products, other research firms, management consulting firms, print and electronic publishing companies and financial services companies, many of which have substantially greater ability, either through cash or equity, to attract and compensate professionals. If we lose professionals or are unable to attract new talent, we will not be able to maintain our position in the market or grow our business.
 
Failure To Anticipate and Respond To Market Trends.  Our success depends in part upon our ability to anticipate rapidly changing technologies and market trends and to adapt our research to meet the changing information needs of our clients. The technology and commerce sectors that we analyze undergo frequent and often dramatic changes. The environment of rapid and continuous change presents significant challenges to our ability to provide our clients with current and timely analysis, strategies and advice on issues of importance to them. Meeting these challenges requires the commitment of substantial resources. Any failure to continue to provide insightful and timely analysis of developments, technologies, and trends in a manner that meets market needs could have an adverse effect on our market position and results of operations.
 
Competition.  We compete in the market for research products and services with other independent providers of similar services. We may also face increased competition from Internet-based research firms. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, information-gathering, and marketing resources than we do. In addition, our indirect competitors include the internal planning and marketing staffs of our current and prospective clients, as well as other information providers such as electronic and print publishing companies, survey-based general market research firms and general business consulting firms. Our indirect competitors may choose to


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compete directly against us in the future. In addition, there are relatively few barriers to entry into our market, and new competitors could readily seek to compete against us in one or more market segments addressed by our products and services. Increased competition could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure and loss of market share.
 
Material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could lead to errors in our financial statements and a lack of investor confidence in us and a resulting decline in our stock price.  We had material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2006 relating to the proper accounting for non-cash stock-based compensation expenses and the income tax accounting for goodwill that resulted in restatements of our historical financial statements. Internal controls that do not meet applicable accounting and auditing standards could result in errors in our financial statements and lead investors to question the reliability and accuracy of our reported financial information. Any such lack of confidence in the financial information that we produce could cause investors to sell our stock and result in a decline in our stock price.
 
We may realize losses on our investments or be unable to liquidate these investments at desired times and in desired amounts.  The investment of our substantial cash balance and our investment in available-for-sale securities are subject to risks which may cause losses and affect the liquidity of these investments. At December 31, 2008, we had $129.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and $130.5 million in investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. government agencies, municipal notes which may have an auction reset feature, corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, and money market funds meeting certain criteria. Certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks, which may be exacerbated by financial markets and cause credit and liquidity issues. During the year ended December 31, 2008, we determined that any declines in the fair value of our available-for-sale investments were temporary. There may be further declines in the value of these investments, which we may determine to be other-than-temporary. These market risks associated with our investment portfolio may have an adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.
 
At December 31, 2008, approximately 30% of our marketable investments were in municipal notes investments, classified as long-term investments, with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”). In February 2008, auctions had begun to fail for these securities, which means that the parties wishing to sell securities could not. Based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue and as a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or not exist.
 
Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments
 
We have not received written comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission that remain unresolved.
 
Item 2.   Properties
 
Our headquarters are located in approximately 145,000 square feet of office space in Cambridge, Massachusetts, substantially all of which is currently occupied by the Company. This facility accommodates research, marketing, sales, technology, and operations personnel. The lease term of this facility expires in September 2011. We have the option to extend this lease for an additional five-year term.
 
We also rent office space in Foster City and San Francisco, California, New York City, Dallas, McLean Virginia, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris. We also lease office space on a relatively short-term basis in various other locations in North America, Europe and Asia.
 
We believe that our existing facilities are adequate for our current needs and that additional facilities are available for lease to meet future needs.
 
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings
 
We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.


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On September 3, 2008, we received a “Wells Notice” from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with the previously disclosed ongoing SEC investigation into our historical stock option granting practices. The Wells Notice notified us that the staff of the SEC intended to recommend that the SEC file a civil action against us for possible violations of the securities laws. Under the process established by the SEC, we responded in writing to the Wells Notice before any formal recommendation was made by the staff to the SEC. By letter dated March 5, 2009, the staff of the SEC stated that it had completed its investigation into our historical stock option granting practices and that it does not intend to recommend any enforcement action by the SEC against us.
 
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
None.
 
PART II
 
Item 5(a).   Market For Registrant’s Common Equity And Related Stockholder Matters
 
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “FORR.” We did not declare or pay any dividends during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. We anticipate that future earnings, if any, will be retained for the development of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
 
As of March 9, 2009 there were approximately 49 stockholders of record of our common stock. On March 9, 2009 the closing price of our common stock was $16.49 per share.
 
The following table represents the ranges of high and low sale prices of our common stock for the years ended December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008:
 
                                 
    2007     2008  
    High     Low     High     Low  
 
First Quarter
  $ 29.57     $ 25.00     $ 28.39     $ 23.60  
Second Quarter
  $ 31.36     $ 25.35     $ 32.23     $ 25.03  
Third Quarter
  $ 28.07     $ 21.51     $ 35.66     $ 28.57  
Fourth Quarter
  $ 28.39     $ 20.28     $ 28.63     $ 19.55  


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The following graph contains the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock during the period from December 31, 2003 through December 31, 2008 with the cumulative return during the same period for the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) and the Russell 2000, and assumes that the dividends, if any, were reinvested.
 
(PERFORMANCE GRAPH)
 
 
                                                         
      Cumulative Total Return
      12/31/2003     12/31/2004     12/31/2005     12/31/2006     12/31/2007     12/31/2008  
Forrester Research
      100.00         101.07         105.63         152.73         157.86       157.86
 
Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies)
      100.00         108.84         111.16         122.11         132.42       63.80
 
Russell 2000
      100.00         117.00         120.88         141.43         137.55       89.68
                                                         
 
 
Item 5(c). Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Through 2008, our Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate $150.0 million to purchase common stock under the stock repurchase program. During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, we purchased the following shares of our common stock under the stock repurchase program:
 
                         
                Maximum Dollar
 
                Value that May
 
                Yet be Purchased
 
    Total Number of
    Average Price
    Under the Stock
 
Period
  Shares Purchased(1)     Paid per Share     Repurchase Program  
                (In thousands)  
 
October 1 — October 31
              $ 33,485  
November 1 — November 30
    114,558     $ 24.74     $ 30,651  
December 1 — December 31
    71,751     $ 20.92     $ 29,150  
                         
      186,309     $ 23.27     $ 29,150  
                         
 
 
(1) All purchases of our common stock were made under the previously announced stock repurchase program.


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Item 6.   Selected Consolidated Financial Data
 
The selected financial data presented below is derived from our consolidated financial statements and should be read in connection with those statements.
 
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006     2007     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share amounts)  
 
Income Statement data:
                                       
Revenues:
                                       
Research services
  $ 93,750     $ 96,699     $ 114,876     $ 131,163     $ 155,339  
Advisory services and other
    43,874       54,700       66,597       80,893       85,536  
                                         
Total revenues
    137,624       151,399       181,473       212,056       240,875  
                                         
Operating expenses:
                                       
Cost of services and fulfillment
    52,456       60,461       73,268       81,608       87,802  
Selling and marketing
    46,078       51,050       59,626       71,830       79,944  
General and administrative
    16,224       18,039       22,859       30,749       29,723  
Depreciation
    3,691       3,539       3,618       3,986       4,007  
Amortization of intangible assets
    6,461       3,527       2,060       1,232       1,435  
Reorganization costs
    8,396                          
                                         
Total operating expenses
    133,306       136,616       161,431       189,405       202,911  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    4,318       14,783       20,042       22,651       37,964  
Other income and realized gains on investments, net
    4,220       4,722       6,052       7,353       6,846  
                                         
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision
    8,538       19,505       26,094       30,004       44,810  
Income tax provision
    2,860       7,243       10,037       11,061       15,595  
                                         
Income from continuing operations
    5,678       12,262       16,057       18,943       29,215  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes
    (815 )     (318 )     300              
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
                1,399              
                                         
Net income
  $ 4,863     $ 11,944     $ 17,756     $ 18,943     $ 29,215  
                                         
Basic income per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.25     $ 0.58     $ 0.72     $ 0.82     $ 1.27  
Basic (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations
    (0.03 )     (0.02 )     0.08              
                                         
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.56     $ 0.80     $ 0.82     $ 1.27  
                                         
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.25     $ 0.56     $ 0.70     $ 0.80     $ 1.24  
Diluted (loss) income per common share from discontinued operations
    (0.03 )     (0.01 )     0.07              
                                         
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.55     $ 0.77     $ 0.80     $ 1.24  
                                         
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,024       21,413       22,195       23,074       23,062  
                                         
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,464       21,876       22,973       23,729       23,585  
                                         
 


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    Balance Sheet Data as of December 31,  
    2004     2005     2006     2007     2008  
 
Cash, cash equivalents and investments
  $ 127,440     $ 132,268     $ 207,833     $ 248,974     $ 259,929  
Working capital
  $ 82,457     $ 99,005     $ 166,274     $ 209,527     $ 166,001  
Deferred revenue
  $ 72,357     $ 86,663     $ 99,875     $ 111,418     $ 113,844  
Total assets
  $ 300,093     $ 308,342     $ 384,143     $ 426,357     $ 454,951  
Total stockholders’ equity
  $ 188,641     $ 189,347     $ 244,905     $ 275,016     $ 303,497  
 
The following items impact the comparability of our consolidated data:
 
  •  In September 2006, the Company sold its Ultimate Consumer Panel (“UCP”) product line and has reported the results of operations of this business as a discontinued operation (see Note 3 — Discontinued Operations in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). As a result, the statement of income and per share data for 2004 — 2006 were restated from the time of the sale to present the results of the UCP product line as a discontinued operation in order to be consistent with the current year presentation.
 
  •  The results of JupiterResearch, LLC, and its parent company, JUPR Holdings, Inc. (“JupiterResearch”) are included in our consolidated results beginning July 31, 2008, the date of acquisition.
 
Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Overview
 
We derive revenues from memberships to our research products and from our advisory services and events. We offer contracts for our research products that are typically renewable annually and payable in advance. Research revenues are recognized as revenue ratably over the term of the contract. Accordingly, a substantial portion of our billings are initially recorded as deferred revenue. Clients purchase advisory services independently and/or to supplement their memberships to our research. Billings attributable to advisory services are initially recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue when the services are performed. Event billings are also initially recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue upon completion of each event. Consequently, changes in the number and value of client contracts, both net decreases as well as net increases, impact our revenues and other results over the terms of the contracts.
 
Our primary operating expenses consist of cost of services and fulfillment, selling and marketing expenses, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, and amortization of intangible assets. Cost of services and fulfillment represents the costs associated with the production and delivery of our products and services, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits and non-cash stock-based compensation expense for research personnel and all associated editorial, travel, and support services. Selling and marketing expenses include salaries, bonuses, employee benefits, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, travel expenses, promotional costs, sales commissions, and other costs incurred in marketing and selling our products and services. General and administrative expenses include the costs of the technology, operations, finance, and strategy groups and our other administrative functions, including salaries, bonuses, employee benefits, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense. Overhead costs are allocated over these categories according to the number of employees in each group. Amortization of intangible assets represents the cost of amortizing acquired intangible assets such as customer relationships.
 
Deferred revenue, agreement value, client retention, dollar retention and enrichment are metrics we believe are important to understanding our business. We believe that the amount of deferred revenue, along with the agreement value of contracts to purchase research and advisory services, provide a significant measure of our business activity. Deferred revenue reflects billings in advance of revenue recognition as of the measurement date. We calculate agreement value as the total revenues recognizable from all research and advisory service contracts in force at a given time (but not including advisory-only contracts), without regard to how much revenue has already been recognized. No single client accounted for more than 2% of agreement value at December 31, 2008. We calculate client retention as the percentage of client companies with memberships expiring during the most recent twelve-month period who renewed one or more of those memberships during that same period. We calculate dollar

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retention as a percentage of the dollar value of all client membership contracts renewed during the most recent twelve-month period to the total dollar value of all client membership contracts that expired during the period. We calculate enrichment as a percentage of the dollar value of client membership contracts renewed during the period to the dollar value of the corresponding expiring contracts. Client retention, dollar retention, and enrichment are not necessarily indicative of the rate of future retention of our revenue base. A summary of our key metrics is as follows:
 
                                 
    Year Ended
    Absolute
    Percentage
 
    December 31,     Increase
    Increase
 
    2007     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Deferred Revenue (in millions at year-end)
  $ 111.4     $ 113.8     $ 2.4       2 %
Agreement Value (in millions at year-end)
  $ 197.2     $ 222.5     $ 25.3       13 %
Client Retention
    75.0 %     73.0 %     (2.0 )     (3 )%
Dollar Retention
    85.0 %     84.0 %     (1.0 )     (1 )%
Enrichment
    105.0 %     102.0 %     (3.0 )     (3 )%
Number of clients (at year-end)
    2,468       2,643       175       7 %
Average contract for annual memberships for research only in force at year-end (in thousands)
  $ 44.8     $ 47.9     $ 3.1       7 %
Average contract for annual memberships for research with advisory services in force at year-end (in thousands)
  $ 89.8     $ 88.2     $ 1.6       (2 )%
 
                                 
    Year Ended
    Absolute
    Percentage
 
    December 31,     Increase
    Increase
 
    2006     2007     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Deferred Revenue (in millions at year-end)
  $ 99.9     $ 111.4     $ 11.5       12 %
Agreement Value (in millions at year-end)
  $ 172.8     $ 197.2     $ 24.4       14 %
Client Retention
    77.0 %     75.0 %     (2.0 )     (2 )%
Dollar Retention
    86.0 %     85.0 %     (1.0 )     (1 )%
Enrichment
    112.0 %     105.0 %     (7.0 )     (6 )%
Number of clients (at year-end)
    2,312       2,468       156       7 %
Average contract for annual memberships for research only in force at year-end (in thousands)
  $ 43.5     $ 44.8     $ 1.3       3 %
Average contract for annual memberships for research with advisory services in force at year-end (in thousands)
  $ 87.9     $ 89.8     $ 1.9       2 %
 
The increase in deferred revenue from 2007 to 2008 is primarily due to the acquisition of JupiterResearch. The increase in agreement value from 2007 to 2008 is primarily due to an increase in the average contract size and to the acquisition of JupiterResearch. The acquisition of JupiterResearch accounted for $13.3 million of agreement value at December 31, 2008. The increase in average contract size for research only contracts and the decrease in average contract size for annual memberships for research which also included advisory services is a result of our objective to derive a higher percentage of our revenues from research services, which generally have higher operating margins because of the syndicated nature of these services. Client retention, dollar retention and enrichment all declined slightly year over year primarily due to the effects of a global economic downturn.
 
The increase in deferred revenue and agreement value from 2006 to 2007 is primarily due to increases in the number of clients and in the average contract size. The increase in average contract size was due to an increased demand for our products. The client retention decrease in 2007 compared to 2006 reflects a greater proportion of new business contracts in 2006 than previously experienced, which historically, and in 2007, have renewed at lower rates. The decrease in client retention as well as in enrichment in 2007 compared to 2006 also reflects lower than historical renewal and enrichment rates in Europe and Asia Pacific due in part to organizational re-alignment.


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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our policies and estimates, including but not limited to, those related to our revenue recognition, non-cash stock-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts, non-marketable investments, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes and valuation and impairment of marketable investments. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
We consider the following accounting policies to be those that require the most subjective judgment or those most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. If actual results differ significantly from management’s estimates and projections, there could be a material effect on our financial statements. This is not a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP, with no need for management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. For a discussion of our other accounting policies, see Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, beginning on page F-6.
 
  •  Revenue Recognition.  We generate revenues from licensing our research, performing advisory services, hosting events and conducting teleconferences. We execute contracts that govern the terms and conditions of each arrangement. Revenues from contracts that contain multiple deliverables are allocated among the separate units based on their relative fair values; however, the amount recognized is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future performance conditions. Research service revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the agreement. Advisory service revenues are recognized during the period in which the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable. Forrester Teleconferences revenue and reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as advisory service revenues. Events revenues are recognized upon completion of the event. Annual memberships which include access to our research, unlimited phone or email analyst inquiry, unlimited participation in Forrester Teleconferences, and the right to attend one event, are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the membership period. We offer our clients a money back guarantee, which gives them the right to cancel their contracts prior to the end of the contract term. For contracts that are terminating during the contract term, refunds would be issued for unused products or services. Furthermore, our revenue recognition determines the timing of commission expenses that are deferred and recorded as expense as the related revenue is recognized. We evaluate the recoverability of deferred commissions at each balance sheet date.
 
  •  Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation.  Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”) requires the recognition of the fair value of stock-based compensation in net income. To determine the fair value of stock- based compensation, SFAS No. 123R requires significant judgment and the use of estimates, particularly surrounding assumptions such as stock price volatility, expected option lives and forfeiture rates. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if circumstances change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future.
 
The development of an expected life assumption involves projecting employee exercise behaviors (expected period between stock option vesting dates and stock option exercise dates). We are also required to estimate future forfeitures for recognition of stock-based compensation expense. We will record additional expense if the actual forfeitures are lower than estimated and will record a recovery of prior expense if the actual forfeitures are higher than estimated. The actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for


16


 

those shares that vest. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, the actual stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period.
 
  •  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.  We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make contractually obligated payments. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, management makes judgments regarding the collectibility of accounts receivable by specifically analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, current economic trends, and changes in our customer payment terms. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required, and if the financial condition of our customers were to improve, the allowances may be reduced accordingly.
 
  •  Non-Marketable Investments.  We hold minority interests in technology-related companies and equity investment funds. These investments are in companies that are not publicly traded, and, therefore, because no established market for these securities exists, the estimate of the fair value of our investments requires significant judgment. Investments that are accounted for using the cost method are valued at cost unless an other than temporary impairment in its value occurs or the investment is liquidated. For investments that are accounted for using the equity method we record our share of the investee’s operating results each period. We have a policy in place to review the fair value of our investments on a regular basis to evaluate the carrying value of the investments in these companies, which consists primarily of reviewing the investee’s revenue and earnings trends relative to predefined milestones and overall business prospects. We record impairment charges when we believe that an investment has experienced a decline in value that is other than temporary. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.
 
  •  Goodwill and Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets.  We have goodwill and identified intangible assets with finite lives related to our acquisitions. SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives be measured for impairment at least annually or whenever events indicate that there may be an impairment. In order to determine if an impairment exists, we compare the reporting unit’s carrying value to the reporting unit’s fair value. Determining the reporting unit’s fair value requires us to make estimates on market conditions and operational performance. Absent an event that indicates a specific impairment may exist, we have selected November 30th as the date of performing the annual goodwill impairment test. Future events could cause us to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that goodwill associated with our acquired businesses is impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
Intangible assets with finite lives consist of acquired customer relationships, research content and trademarks and are valued according to the future cash flows they are estimated to produce. These assigned values are amortized on an accelerated basis which matches the periods in which the economic benefits are expected to be realized. Tangible assets with finite lives consist of property and equipment, which are depreciated and amortized over their estimated useful lives. We continually evaluate whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of our identifiable intangible and long-lived tangible assets may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether intangible assets have been impaired, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the assets are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to the estimated fair value of the asset.
 
  •  Income Taxes.  We have deferred tax assets related to temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards (primarily from the acquisitions of Giga Information Group, Inc. in 2003 and JupiterResearch, LLC, and its parent company, JUPR Holdings, Inc. (“JupiterResearch”) in 2008). Such amounts are adjusted as appropriate to reflect


17


 

  changes in the tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible and before the carryforwards expire. A valuation allowance is established for any deferred income tax asset for which realization is less than likely.
 
Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition. The impact of the adoption of FIN 48 is discussed in Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements. The Company records interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
 
  •  Valuation and Impairment of Marketable Investments.  Our investment portfolio may at any time contain investments in U.S. Treasury and U.S government agency securities, taxable and/or tax exempt municipal notes (some of which may have an auction reset feature), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds. In the current market environment, the assessment of the fair value of the debt securities can be difficult and subjective. The volume of trading activity of certain debt instruments has declined, and the rapid changes occurring in today’s financial markets can lead to changes in the fair value of financial instruments in relatively short periods of time. SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS No. 157) establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value (see Note 5 to the financial statements), each of which has different levels of difficulty and subjectivity involved in determining fair value.
 
Level 1 instruments generally represent quoted prices in active markets. Therefore, determining fair value for Level 1 instruments generally does not require significant management judgment, and the estimation is not difficult.
 
Level 2 instruments include inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical instruments in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
Level 3 instruments include unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The determination of fair value for Level 3 instruments requires the most management judgment and subjectivity.
 
We continually evaluate whether any available-for-sale securities have been impaired and, if so, whether such impairment is temporary or other than temporary. We consider various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market value.
 
As of December 31, 2008, we held $39.6 million of municipal bonds (or 19% of our total investment portfolio) with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”) with two investment advisors, both of which provided a valuation of Level 3 inputs for the ARS investments. One investment advisor utilized a discounted cash flow approach which resulted in a valuation of $28.6 million and which was corroborated by a separate and comparable discounted cash flow analysis prepared by us. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates, based on data available at December 31, 2008, of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, and expecting holding periods of the ARS. The discounted cash flow technique was used to value the ARS investments that


18


 

were principally backed by student loans, which has had virtually no market activity since the auction failure began in 2008. The other investment advisor provided a valuation at par value based on the limited market activity, which we consider to be a Level 3 input, in addition to the underlying credit rating of the ARS, which was generally related to municipalities. We corroborated the valuation by reviewing confirmations of the trades and the underlying credit ratings of the securities. The assumptions used in valuing both the ARS and the put option are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change, which may lead us in the future to take an impairment charge for these securities.
 
In November 2008, we accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”), one of our investment advisors, entitling us to sell at par value auction-rate securities originally purchased from UBS (approximately $35.5 million, par value) at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012 (“UBS ARS”). In accepting the Right, we also granted UBS the authority to sell or auction the UBS ARS at par at any time up until the expiration date of the offer and released UBS from any claims relating to the marketing and sale of the UBS ARS. Although the Company expects to sell its UBS ARS under the Right, if the Right is not exercised before July 2, 2012, it will expire and UBS will have no further rights or obligation to buy the Company’s UBS ARS. If the Company does not exercise the Right, the UBS ARS will continue to accrue interest as determined by the auction process or the terms outlined in the prospectus of the UBS ARS if the auction process fails. UBS’s obligations under the Right are not secured by its assets and do not require UBS to obtain any financing to support its performance obligations under the Rights. UBS has disclaimed any assurance that it will have sufficient financial resources to satisfy its obligations under the Rights. If UBS has insufficient funding to buy back the UBS ARS and the auction process continues to fail, then we may incur further losses on the carrying value of the UBS ARS.
 
The enforceability of the Right results in a put option and is recognized as a separate freestanding instrument that is accounted for separately from the underlying UBS ARS investment. We elected to account for this put option at fair value under FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (SFAS 159). We valued the put option using a discounted cash flow approach including estimates of interest rates and timing and amount of cash flow, based on data available at December 31, 2008 and adjusted for any bearer risk associated with UBS’s financial ability to repurchase the ARS beginning June 30, 2010. These assumptions are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change and any change in these assumptions and market conditions would affect the value of this Right. The value of the put option of $6.9 million, which largely offsets the unrealized loss on the UBS ARS securities subject to the Right, is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 as long-term investments and on the Statement of Income, together with the unrealized loss on the UBS ARS subject to the Right for the year ended December 31, 2008, as Other Income, net. We believe that subsequent changes in the value of the put option will largely offset the subsequent fair value movements of the UBS ARS, subject to the continued expected performance by the financial institution of its obligations under the agreement.
 
Our remaining ARS are held by another investment advisor, who has not made an offer similar to UBS and we continue to classify them as available-for-sale securities. Accordingly, any change in associated market value has been recorded against other comprehensive income during the year ended December 31, 2008. If the market conditions deteriorate further, we may be required to record unrealized losses in other comprehensive income or impairment charges. We may not be able to liquidate these investments unless the issuer calls the security, a successful auction occurs, a buyer is found outside of the auction process, or the security matures.


19


 

Results of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008
 
The following table sets forth selected financial data as a percentage of total revenues for the years noted.
 
                         
    Year Ended
 
    December 31,  
    2006     2007     2008  
 
Research services
    63 %     62 %     64 %
Advisory services and other
    37       38       36  
                         
Total revenues
    100       100       100  
Cost of services and fulfillment
    40       38       36  
Selling and marketing
    33       34       33  
General and administrative
    13       14       12  
Depreciation
    2       2       2  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1       1       1  
                         
Income from continuing operations
    11       11       16  
Other income, net
    3       4       2  
Gains on sales of marketable investments, net
                1  
Gains (impairments) from non-marketable investments
          (1 )      
                         
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision
    14       14       19  
Income tax provision
    5       5       7  
                         
Income from continuing operations
    9       9       12  
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes
    1              
                         
Net income
    10 %     9 %     12 %
                         
 
2008 compared to 2007
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
                Increase
    Increase
 
    2007     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Revenues (dollars in millions)
  $ 212.1     $ 240.9     $ 28.8       14 %
Revenues from research services (dollars in millions)
  $ 131.2     $ 155.3     $ 24.1       18 %
Revenues from advisory services and other (dollars in millions)
  $ 80.9     $ 85.5     $ 4.6       6 %
Revenues attributable to customers outside of the US (dollars in millions)
  $ 62.3     $ 67.9     $ 5.6       9 %
Percentage of revenue attributable to customers outside of the US
    29 %     28 %     (1 )     (3 )%
Number of clients (at end of period)
    2,468       2,643       175       7 %
Number of research employees (at end of period)
    336       409       73       22 %
Number of events
    13       14       1       8 %
 
The increase in total revenues, research services revenues and international revenues is primarily due to an increase in the number of clients, which resulted primarily from an increase in sales personnel, the acquisition of JupiterResearch, favorable exchange rates, reduced discounting and increased prices. Of the 14% increase in revenues, the acquisition of JupiterResearch accounted for 3% and the impact of exchange rates accounted for 1%. The increase in advisory services and other revenues is primarily attributable to an increased demand for these services and an increase in research personnel available to deliver such services. No single client company accounted for more than 2% of revenues during 2007 or 2008.


20


 

The decrease in international revenues as a percentage of total revenues is primarily attributable to demand for our products and services growing at a faster rate domestically than internationally.
 
Research services revenues as a percentage of total revenues increased from 62% in 2007 to 64% in 2008 as a result of our objective to drive a higher percentage of our total revenue from research services. In 2008 the Company modified its sales compensation plan for greater alignment with this objective.
 
Cost of Services and Fulfillment
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
                Increase
    Increase
 
    2007     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)
  $ 81.6     $ 87.8     $ 6.2       8 %
Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues
    38 %     36 %     (2 )     (5 )%
Number of research and fulfillment employees (at end of period)
    412       495       83       20 %
 
The increase in cost of services and fulfillment in dollars is primarily attributable to increased compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of research and fulfillment employees, both as a result of the acquisition of JupiterResearch and organically, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation. The acquisition of JupiterResearch resulted in additional cost of services and fulfillment expense of $3.3 million. The decrease in cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues is primarily attributable to an increased revenue base and the focus on expense management in the second half of the year in light of the global economic downturn.
 
Selling and Marketing
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
                Increase
    Increase
 
    2007     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)
  $ 71.8     $ 79.9     $ 8.1       11 %
Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues
    34 %     33 %     (1 )     (3 )%
Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)
    357       403       46       13 %
 
The increase in selling and marketing expenses in dollars is primarily attributable to increased compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of selling and marketing employees, including as a result of the acquisition of JupiterResearch. The acquisition of JupiterResearch resulted in additional selling and marketing expense of $1.4 million. The decrease in selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues is primarily attributable to an increased revenue base and the focus on expense management in the second half of the year in light of the global economic downturn.
 
General and Administrative
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
                Increase
    Increase
 
    2007     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)
  $ 30.7     $ 29.7     $ (1.0 )     (3 )%
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues
    14 %     12 %     (2 )     (14 )%
General and administrative employees (at end of period)
    134       150       16       12 %
 
The decrease in general and administrative expenses in dollars and as a percentage of total revenues is primarily attributable to decreased professional services costs associated with the stock option investigation and restatement of our historical financial statements offset by increased compensation and benefits costs resulting from an increase in the number of general and administrative employees, including those added as a result of the


21


 

acquisition of JupiterResearch. The acquisition of JupiterResearch resulted in additional general and administrative expense of $400,000.
 
Depreciation
 
Depreciation expense remained consistent at $4.0 million for the year-ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year-ended December 31, 2007.
 
Amortization of Intangible Assets
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2007     2008     Increase     Increase  
 
Amortization expense (dollars in millions)
  $ 1.2     $ 1.4     $ 0.2       17 %
Amortization expense as a percentage of total revenues
    1 %     1 %            
 
The increase in amortization expense is primarily attributable to amortization of intangible assets from the acquisition of JupiterResearch on July 31, 2008, offset by a decrease resulting from the amortization of the intangible assets from the acquisition of Giga Information Group, Inc. (“Giga”) and Giga Group, S.A. (“Giga Group”) which became fully amortized in 2008.
 
Other Income, Net
 
Other income, net decreased 36% to $5.4 million in 2008 from $8.4 million in 2007. The decrease is primarily due to a net foreign exchange loss of $1.6 million resulting primarily from the remeasurement of certain intercompany payables and receivables. Of the net loss recognized, $1.9 million related to periods prior to 2008. Also contributing to the decrease in other income was lower interest income primarily attributable to lower returns on invested capital.
 
Gains on Sales of Marketable Investments
 
In 2007, we sold approximately 20,000 shares of comScore, Inc., receiving proceeds of approximately $655,000 and recognizing a gain of approximately $603,000 related to the sale. In 2008, we sold the remaining 106,000 shares of comScore, receiving proceeds of approximately $2.3 million and recording a gain of approximately $2.0 million related to the sale.
 
Gains (Impairments) from Non-Marketable Investments.
 
Gains on non-marketable investments resulted from distributions from our investments and totaled $537,000 during 2007 compared to $208,000 during 2008. Impairments of non-marketable investments resulted in net charges of $2.1 million during 2007 compared to $792,000 during 2008.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2007     2008     Increase     Increase  
 
Provision for Income Taxes (dollars in millions)
  $ 11.1     $ 15.6     $ 4.5       41 %
 
During 2008, our effective tax rate was 34.8% compared to 36.9% in 2007. The decrease in our effective tax rate for 2008 resulted primarily from a decrease in valuation allowance against foreign deferred tax asset and a decrease in nondeductible expenses including nondeductible stock compensation, offset by a decrease in tax exempt investment income.


22


 

2007 compared to 2006
 
Revenues
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2006     2007     Increase     Increase  
 
Revenues (dollars in millions)
  $ 181.5     $ 212.1     $ 30.6       17 %
Revenues from research services
  $ 114.9     $ 131.2     $ 16.3       14 %
Revenues from advisory services and other
  $ 66.6     $ 80.9     $ 14.3       22 %
Revenue Attributable to customers outside of the US
  $ 53.2     $ 62.3     $ 9.1       17 %
Percentage of Revenue Attributable to customers outside of the US
    29 %     29 %            
Number of clients (at end of period)
    2,312       2,468       156       7 %
Number of research employees (at end of period)
    291       336       45       15 %
Number of events
    9       13       4       44 %
 
The increase in total revenues and in research revenues is primarily due to an increase in the number of clients in 2007 as compared to 2006, increased demand for certain of our syndicated research products, an increase in sales personnel, favorable exchange rates, reduced discounting and increased prices. The increase in advisory services and other revenues is primarily attributable to increased demand for more customized services and increased research personnel available to deliver advisory services as well as to an increase in event sponsorship and attendance created in part by the increase in number of events. No single client company accounted for more than 2% of revenues during 2006 or 2007. The effects of foreign currency translation accounted for approximately 2% of the 17% increase in total revenues from 2006 to 2007
 
Research services revenues as a percentage of total revenues declined from 63% in 2006 to 62% in 2007 as customer demand continued to shift towards advisory services, which is reflected in the increase in advisory services and other revenues during 2007.
 
International revenues increased due to increased demand for our products internationally and to a lesser extent the effects of foreign currency translation.
 
Cost of Services and Fulfillment
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
                Increase
    Increase
 
    2006     2007     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Cost of services and fulfillment (dollars in millions)
  $ 73.3     $ 81.6     $ 8.3       11 %
Cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues
    40 %     38 %     (2 )     (5 )%
Number of research and fulfillment employees (at end of period)
    362       412       50       14 %
 
The increase in cost of services and fulfillment in 2007 as compared to 2006 is primarily attributable to increased compensation and benefit costs resulting from an increase in average headcount and an increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense. The decrease in cost of services and fulfillment as a percentage of total revenues is primarily attributable to an increased revenue base.
 
Selling and Marketing
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2006     2007     Increase     Increase  
 
Selling and marketing expenses (dollars in millions)
  $ 59.6     $ 71.8     $ 12.2       21 %
Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues
    33 %     34 %     1       3 %
Selling and marketing employees (at end of period)
    303       357       54       18 %


23


 

The increase in selling and marketing expenses, as well as the increase in selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of total revenues, in 2007 as compared to 2006 is primarily attributable to increased compensation and benefit costs resulting from an increase in new sales personnel, particularly in the second half of the year with full productivity generally not realized during 2007, annual increases in compensation costs, and to a lesser extent increase in travel costs related to the increase in average headcount.
 
General and Administrative
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2006     2007     Increase     Increase  
 
General and administrative expenses (dollars in millions)
  $ 22.9     $ 30.7     $ 7.8       35 %
General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues
    13 %     14 %     1       8 %
General and administrative employees (at end of period)
    114       134       20       18 %
 
The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2007 as compared to 2006, and in general and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues in 2007 as compared to 2006 is primarily attributable to increased professional costs associated with the stock option investigation and restatement of our financial statements. The increase in general and administrative expenses is also due to increased compensation expense resulting from an increase in average headcount.
 
Depreciation
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2006     2007     Increase     Increase  
 
Depreciation expense (dollars in millions)
  $ 3.6     $ 4.0     $ 0.4       11 %
Depreciation expense as a percentage of total revenues
    2 %     2 %            
 
The increase in depreciation expense is primarily attributable to purchases of computer equipment and software during 2006 and 2007.
 
Amortization of Intangible Assets.
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2006     2007     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
 
Amortization expense (dollars in millions)
  $ 2.1     $ 1.2     $ (0.9 )     (43 )%
Amortization expense as a percentage of total revenues
    1 %     1 %            
 
The decrease in amortization expense is primarily attributable to the accelerated method we are using to amortize our acquired intangible assets according to the expected cash flows to be received from these assets.
 
Other Income, Net.  Other income, net increased 47% to $8.4 million in 2007 from $5.7 million in 2006. The increase is primarily due to an increase in the average cash and investment balances available for investment in 2007 as compared to 2006 and to higher returns on invested capital.
 
Gains on Sales of Marketable Investments.
 
In 2007, we sold approximately 20,000 shares of comScore, Inc., received proceeds of approximately $655,000, and recognized a gain of approximately $603,000 related to the sale.
 
Gains (Impairments) from Non-Marketable Investments.
 
Gains on non-marketable investments resulted from distributions from our investments and totaled $537,000 during 2007 compared to $575,000 during 2006. Impairments of non-marketable investments resulted in net charges of $2.1 million during 2007 compared to $227,000 during 2006.


24


 

Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations, Net of Taxes.
 
In 2006, we completed the sale of our Ultimate Consumer Panel (“UCP”) product line to Lightspeed Online Research, Inc. for $2.5 million in cash, of which $2.25 million was paid at the closing date subject to a working capital adjustment, with the remainder paid nine months after the closing date. The sale resulted in a gain on the disposal of discontinued operations of $1.4 million, net of $1.0 million of taxes.
 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
                                 
                Absolute
    Percentage
 
    2006     2007     Increase     Increase  
 
Provision for Income Taxes (dollars in millions)
  $ 10.0     $ 11.1     $ 1.1       11 %
 
During 2007, our effective tax rate was 36.9% compared to 38.5% in 2006. The decrease in our effective tax rate for fiscal year 2007 resulted primarily from an increase in tax exempt investment income and a decrease in the tax rate in Germany offset by an increase in the state tax rate.
 
Results of Quarterly Operations
 
The following tables set forth a summary of our unaudited quarterly operating results for each of our eight most recently ended fiscal quarters. We have derived this information from our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of our management, have been prepared on a basis consistent with our financial statements contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States when read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. Historically, our total revenues, operating profit, and net income in the fourth quarter have reflected the significant positive contribution of revenues attributable to advisory services performed. As a result, we have historically experienced a decline in total revenues, operating profit, and net income from the quarter ended December 31 to the quarter ended March 31. Our quarterly operating results are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations.
 
                                                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2007     2007     2007     2008     2008     2008     2008  
    (Amounts in thousands, except per share data)  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
 
Research services
  $ 31,302     $ 32,065     $ 32,945     $ 34,851     $ 35,949     $ 37,861     $ 40,326     $ 41,203  
Advisory services and other
    16,015       23,120       18,190       23,568       19,025       25,613       19,180       21,718  
                                                                 
Total revenues
    47,317       55,185       51,135       58,419       54,974       63,474       59,506       62,921  
Cost of services and fulfillment
    19,838       21,620       18,648       21,501       21,148       22,894       21,806       21,954  
Selling and marketing
    17,117       17,783       17,913       19,017       18,850       20,987       20,282       19,825  
General and administrative
    7,758       7,773       7,002       8,216       7,226       8,190       7,529       6,778  
Depreciation
    923       932       1,026       1,105       1,036       950       1,012       1,009  
Amortization of intangible assets
    392       293       293       254       171       23       282       959  
                                                                 
Income from operations
    1,289       6,784       6,253       8,326       6,543       10,430       8,595       12,396  
Other income, net
    1,866       2,112       2,175       2,219       2,072       1,702       1,447       152  
Gains on sales of marketable investments
                      603       397       1,660              
Gains (loss) from non-marketable investments, net of impairments
    174       (1,962 )     98       68       100       (47 )     26       (663 )
                                                                 
Income before income tax provision
    3,329       6,934       8,526       11,216       9,112       13,745       10,068       11,885  
Income tax provision
    1,299       2,432       1,729       5,601       4,084       5,100       3,680       2,731  
                                                                 
Net income
  $ 2,030     $ 4,502     $ 6,797     $ 5,615     $ 5,028     $ 8,645     $ 6,388     $ 9,154  
                                                                 
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.09     $ 0.20     $ 0.29     $ 0.24     $ 0.22     $ 0.38     $ 0.28     $ 0.40  
                                                                 
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.09     $ 0.19     $ 0.29     $ 0.24     $ 0.21     $ 0.37     $ 0.27     $ 0.39  
                                                                 
 


25


 

                                                                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
    March 31,
    June 30,
    September 30,
    December 31,
 
    2007     2007     2007     2007     2008     2008     2008     2008  
    (As a percentage of revenues)  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
 
Research services
    66 %     58 %     64 %     60 %     65 %     60 %     68 %     65 %
Advisory services and other
    34       42       36       40       35       40       32       35  
                                                                 
Total revenues
    100       100       100       100       100       100       100       100  
Cost of services and fulfillment
    42       39       36       37       39       36       37       35  
Selling and marketing
    36       32       35       32       34       33       34       31  
General and administrative
    16       14       14       14       13       13       13       11  
Depreciation
    2       2       2       2       2       2       2       2  
Amortization of intangible assets
    1       1       1       1                         1  
                                                                 
Income from operations
    3       12       12       14       12       16       14       20  
Other income, net
    4       4       4       4       4       3       3        
Gains on sales of marketable investments
                      1                          
Gains (loss) from non-marketable investments, net of impairments
          (4 )                       3             (1 )
                                                                 
Income before income tax provision
    7       12       16       19       16       22       17       19  
Income tax provision
    3       4       3       9       7       8       6       4  
                                                                 
Net income
    4 %     8 %     13 %     10 %     9 %     14 %     11 %     15 %
                                                                 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We have financed our operations primarily through funds generated from operations. Memberships for research services, which constituted approximately 64% of our revenues during 2008, are annually renewable and are generally payable in advance. We generated cash from operating activities of $43.7 million during 2008 and $38.1 million during 2007. The increase in cash provided from operations is primarily attributable to improved net income and a decrease in accounts receivable in the fourth quarter of 2008 as compared with the fourth quarter of 2007 due to a slowdown in our business toward the end of 2008.
 
During 2008, we generated $38.6 million of cash from investing activities, consisting primarily of $63.7 million generated from net sales of marketable investments offset by $22.4 million for the purchase of JupiterResearch.
 
During 2007, we used $25.3 million of cash in investing activities, consisting primarily of $23.2 million used in net purchases of marketable investments. We regularly invest excess funds in short and intermediate-term interest-bearing obligations of investment grade.
 
In June 2000, we committed to invest $20.0 million in two technology-related private equity investment funds over an expected period of five years. As of December 31, 2008, we had contributed approximately $19.6 million to the funds. The timing and amount of future contributions are entirely within the discretion of the investment funds. In July 2000, we adopted a cash bonus plan to pay bonuses, after the return of invested capital, measured by the proceeds of a portion of the share of net profits from these investments, if any, to certain key employees who must remain employed with us at the time any bonuses become payable under the plan, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan. The principal purpose of this cash bonus plan was to retain key employees by allowing them to participate in a portion of the potential return from Forrester’s technology-related investments if they remained employed by the Company. The plan was established at a time when technology and internet companies were

26


 

growing significantly, and providing incentives to retain key employees during that time was important. To date, we have not paid any bonuses under this plan.
 
We used $3.4 million in cash from financing activities during 2008 and we generated $400,000 during 2007. The increased use of cash in financing activities is primarily attributable to an increase in purchases of our stock pursuant to our stock repurchase program, offset by an increase in proceeds from exercises of employee stock options.
 
Through 2008, our Board of Directors authorized an aggregate $150.0 million to purchase our common stock under the stock repurchase program. During 2007 and 2008, we repurchased 172,000 and 1.1 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $4.6 million and $30.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, we had cumulatively repurchased approximately 6.1 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of approximately $120.9 million.
 
As of December 31, 2008, we held approximately $39.6 million of state and municipal bonds with an auction reset feature (auction rate securities or “ARS”) whose underlying assets are generally student loans which are substantially backed by the federal government or municipalities. In February 2008, auctions began to fail for these securities. Based on current market conditions, auction failures have continued and, as a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or not exist. In November 2008, we accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”), one of our investment advisors, entitling us to sell at par ARS originally purchased from UBS (approximately $35.5 million, par value) at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 — July 2, 2012 (“UBS ARS”). We have the ability and intent to hold our UBS ARS, valued at $28.6 million at December 31, 2008, until a successful auction occurs and the UBS ARS are liquidated at par value or until we are able to sell our UBS ARS under the Right. Based on our expected operating cash flows and our cash resources, we do not anticipate the current lack of liquidity on our ARS investments will affect our ability to execute our current business plan.
 
As of December 31, 2008, we had cash and cash equivalents of $129.5 million and marketable investments and long-term investments of $130.5 million. We do not have a line of credit and do not anticipate the need for one in the foreseeable future. We plan to continue to introduce new products and services and expect to make the requisite investments in our infrastructure during the next 12 months. We believe that our current cash balance, marketable investments, and cash flows from operations will satisfy working capital, financing activities, and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next two years.
 
As of December 31, 2008, we had future contractual obligations as follows for operating leases:
 
                                                         
Contractual
  Future Payments by Year  
Obligations
  Total     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013     Thereafter  
    (In thousands)  
 
Operating leases
  $ 26,924       9,793       9,177       5,697       903       441       913  
 
  •  The above table does not offset the operating lease payments by future minimum rentals of $157,000 we expect to receive under subleases. The above table also does not include the remaining $425,000 of capital commitments to the private equity funds described above due to the uncertainty as to the timing of capital calls made by such funds.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not maintain any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements including the respective expected dates of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial condition.


27


 

Item 7A.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
The following discussion about our market risk disclosures involves forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments.
 
The primary objective of our investment activities is to preserve principal while at the same time maximizing the income we receive from our investments without significantly increasing risk. To achieve this objective, we maintain our portfolio of cash equivalents and marketable investments in a variety of securities, including U.S. government agencies, municipal notes which may have an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities” or “ARS”), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper, and money market funds. The securities, other than money market funds, and the ARS for which we have accepted the Right from UBS and were reclassified to trading, are classified as available-for-sale and consequently are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If interest rates rise, the market value of our investments may decline, which could result in a realized loss if we are forced to sell an investment before its scheduled maturity. We have the ability to hold our fixed income investments until maturity (without giving effect to any future acquisitions or mergers). Therefore, we would not expect our operating results or cash flows to be affected to any significant degree by a sudden change in market interest rates on our securities portfolio.
 
At December 31, 2008, we held approximately $39.6 million of ARS. In February 2008, auctions began to fail for these securities. As the funds associated with the ARS may not be accessible for in excess of twelve months because of continued failed auctions or the inability to find a buyer outside of the auction process, these securities were classified as long-term investments as of December 31, 2008. Based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue and as a result, our ability to liquidate our investment and fully recover the carrying value of our investment in the near term may be limited or not exist. At December 31, 2008, the Company held ARS with two investment advisors, both of which provided a valuation based on Level 3 inputs for the ARS investments. One investment advisor utilized a discounted cash flow approach which resulted in a valuation of $28.6 million, reflecting a $6.9 million impairment during the year ended December 31, 2008 and which was corroborated by a separate and comparable discounted cash flow analysis prepared by the Company. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, and expected holding periods of the ARS, based on data available at December 31, 2008. The discounted cash flow technique was used to value the ARS that were principally backed by student loans, which has had virtually no market activity since the auction failure began in 2008. The other investment advisor provided a valuation at par value based on the limited market activity, which Forrester considered to be a Level 3 input in addition to the underlying credit rating of the ARS, which was generally related to municipalities. Forrester corroborated the valuation by reviewing confirmations of the trades and the underlying credit ratings of the securities. Of the $11.0 million held by this investment advisor, 68% of the investments are rated AAA while the remainder is rated A. If the issuers are unable to successfully close future auctions and their credit ratings deteriorate, we may in the future be required to record an additional impairment charge on these investments.
 
In November 2008, we accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”), one of our investment advisors, entitling us to sell at par value auction-rate securities originally purchased from UBS at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012 (“UBS ARS”). In accepting the Right, we granted UBS the authority to sell or auction the UBS ARS at par at any time up until the expiration date of the offer and released UBS from any claims relating to the marketing and sale of the UBS ARS. Although we expect to sell our UBS ARS under the Right, if the Right is not exercised before July 2, 2012 it will expire and UBS will have no further rights or obligation to buy our ARS. In lieu of our acceptance of the Right, the UBS ARS will continue to accrue and pay interest as determined by the auction process or the terms specified in the prospectus of the UBS ARS if the auction process fails. The value of the Right may largely offset the decline in fair value of the UBS ARS. The Company valued the Right as a put option asset using a discounted cash flow approach including estimates of, based on Level 3 data available at December 31, 2008, interest rates, timing and amount of cash flow, adjusted for any bearer risk associated with UBS’s financial ability to repurchase the ARS beginning June 30, 2010. The combined fair value of the right and the ARS is equal to the par value of the ARS. The assumptions used in valuing both the ARS and the put option are volatile and subject to


28


 

change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change, which could result in significant changes to the fair value of ARS.
 
The following table provides information about our investment portfolio. For investment securities, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates.
 
Principal amounts by expected maturity or auction reset date in US dollars (dollars in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ending
 
    December 31,  
    2009     2010     2011  
 
Cash equivalents
  $ 14,529     $     $  
Weighted average interest rate
    1.33 %     %     %
State and municipal agency obligations
    76,705       31,507       2,558  
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    71,433       11,078       1,016  
Total Investments
  $ 148,138     $ 42,585     $ 3,574  
Weighted average interest rate
    1.48 %     2.84 %     2.68 %
Total portfolio
  $ 162,667     $ 42,585     $ 3,574  
Weighted average interest rate
    1.47 %     2.84 %     2.68 %
 
Approximately $70.7 million of the federal agency and corporate obligations was reflected in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008 as the original maturities at the time of purchase for these investments was 90 days or less.
 
Foreign Currency Exchange.  On a global level, we face exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates. This exposure may change over time as business practices evolve and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. To date, the effect of changes in currency exchange rates has not had a significant impact on our financial position or our results of operations. Accordingly, we have not entered into any hedging agreements. However, we are prepared to hedge against fluctuations that the euro, or other foreign currencies, will have on foreign exchange exposure if this exposure becomes material. As of December 31, 2008, the total assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets, related to non-U.S. dollar denominated currencies were approximately $54.0 million.


29


 

Item 8.   Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
The financial statements listed in the following Index to Financial Statements are filed as a part of this 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
         
    Page
 
    F-1  
    F-2  
    F-3  
    F-4  
    F-5  
    F-6  


30


 

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Forrester Research, Inc.
Cambridge, MA
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Forrester Research, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s 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 also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Forrester Research, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 
As described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.”
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 13, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
 
/s/  BDO Seidman, LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
March 13, 2009


F-1


 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 53,163     $ 129,478  
Marketable investments (Note 5)
    195,811       83,951  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $727 and $485 in 2007 and 2008, respectively (Note 15)
    69,865       64,226  
Deferred income tax assets (Note 7)
    13,236       7,947  
Deferred commissions
    10,631       9,749  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    11,304       15,553  
                 
Total current assets
    354,010       310,904  
                 
LONG-TERM ASSETS:
               
Long-term investments (Note 5)
          46,500  
Property and equipment, net (Note 15)
    6,834       6,759  
Goodwill, net (Note 4)
    53,677       67,424  
Deferred income taxes, net (Note 7)
    2,274       8,523  
Intangible assets, net (Note 4)
    309       7,138  
Non-marketable investments (Note 6)
    8,414       7,000  
Other assets
    839       703  
                 
Total long-term assets
    72,347       144,047  
                 
Total assets
  $ 426,357     $ 454,951  
                 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 4,174     $ 3,532  
Accrued expenses (Note 15)
    28,891       27,527  
Deferred revenue
    111,418       113,844  
                 
Total current liabilities
    144,483       144,903  
                 
Non-current liabilities
    6,858       6,551  
                 
Total liabilities
    151,341       151,454  
                 
COMMITMENTS (NOTE 8) 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (NOTE 9):
               
Preferred stock, $.01 par value
Authorized — 500 shares
Issued and outstanding — none
           
Common stock, $.01 par value
Authorized — 125,000 shares
Issued — 28,165 and 29,146 shares in 2007 and 2008, respectively
Outstanding — 23,153 and 23,045 shares in 2007 and 2008, respectively
    282       291  
Additional paid-in capital
    284,431       315,149  
Retained earnings
    81,478       110,693  
Treasury stock — 5,011 and 6,101 shares in 2007 and 2008, respectively, at cost
    (90,428 )     (120,851 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (747 )     (1,785 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    275,016       303,497  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 426,357     $ 454,951  
                 
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-2


 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2006     2007     2008  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
 
REVENUES:
                       
Research services
  $ 114,876     $ 131,163     $ 155,339  
Advisory services and other
    66,597       80,893       85,536  
                         
Total revenues
    181,473       212,056       240,875  
                         
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                       
Cost of services and fulfillment
    73,268       81,608       87,802  
Selling and marketing
    59,626       71,830       79,944  
General and administrative
    22,859       30,749       29,723  
Depreciation
    3,618       3,986       4,007  
Amortization of intangible assets (Note 4)
    2,060       1,232       1,435  
                         
Total operating expenses
    161,431       189,405       202,911  
                         
Income from continuing operations
    20,042       22,651       37,964  
Other income, net
    5,704       8,372       5,373  
Gains on sales of marketable investments (Note 5)
          603       2,057  
Gains (impairments) from non-marketable investments, net (Note 6)
    348       (1,622 )     (584 )
                         
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision
    26,094       30,004       44,810  
Income tax provision (Note 7)
    10,037       11,061       15,595  
                         
Income from continuing operations
    16,057       18,943       29,215  
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes (Note 3)
    300              
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of taxes (Note 3)
    1,399              
                         
Net income
  $ 17,756     $ 18,943     $ 29,215  
                         
Basic income per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.72     $ 0.82     $ 1.27  
Basic income per common share from discontinued operations
    0.08              
                         
Basic income per common share
  $ 0.80     $ 0.82     $ 1.27  
                         
Diluted income per common share from continuing operations
  $ 0.70     $ 0.80     $ 1.24  
Diluted income per common share from discontinued operations
    0.07              
                         
Diluted income per common share
  $ 0.77     $ 0.80     $ 1.24  
                         
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,195       23,074       23,062  
                         
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,973       23,729       23,585  
                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-3


 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
                                                                         
                                        Accumulated
             
    Common Stock     Additional
          Treasury Stock     Other
    Total
       
    Number of
    $.01 Par
    Paid-in
    Retained
    Number of
          Comprehensive
    Stockholders’
    Comprehensive
 
    Shares     Value     Capital     Earnings     Shares     Cost     (Loss)     Equity     Income  
    (In thousands)  
 
Balance, December 31, 2005
    25,391     $ 254     $ 220,217     $ 45,010       4,368     $ (73,530 )   $ (2,604 )   $ 189,347          
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and under stock purchase plan, including tax benefit
    2,493       25       42,879                               42,904          
Stock-based compensation expense
                7,210                               7,210          
Purchase of common stock
                            471       (12,304 )           (12,304 )        
Net income
                      17,756                         17,756     $ 17,756  
Unrealized gain on marketable investments, net of tax provision
                                        271       271       271  
Cumulative translation adjustment
                                        (279 )     (279 )     (279 )
                                                                         
Total comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 17,748  
                                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2006
    27,884       279       270,306       62,766       4,839       (85,834 )     (2,612 )     244,905          
Cumulative effect of adoption of FIN 48
                      (231 )                       (231 )        
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and under stock purchase plan, including tax benefit
    281       3       5,800                               5,803          
Stock-based compensation expense
                8,325                               8,325          
Purchase of common stock
                              172       (4,594 )           (4,594 )        
Net income
                      18,943                         18,943       18,943  
Unrealized gain on marketable investments, net of tax provision
                                        2,196       2,196       2,196  
Cumulative translation adjustment
                                        (331 )     (331 )     (331 )
                                                                         
Total comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 20,808  
                                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2007
    28,165       282       284,431       81,478       5,011       (90,428 )     (747 )     275,016          
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of options and under stock purchase plan, including tax benefit
    981       9       25,429                               25,438          
Stock-based compensation expense
                5,289                               5,289          
Purchase of common stock
                            1,090       (30,423 )           (30,423 )        
Net income
                      29,215                         29,215       29,215  
Unrealized loss on marketable investments, net of tax benefit
                                        (1,724 )     (1,724 )     (1,724 )
Cumulative translation adjustment
                                        686       686       686  
                                                                         
Total comprehensive income
                                                                  $ 28,177  
                                                                         
Balance, December 31, 2008
    29,146     $ 291     $ 315,149     $ 110,693       6,101     $ (120,851 )   $ (1,785 )   $ 303,497          
                                                                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-4


 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
    2006     2007     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income
  $ 17,756     $ 18,943     $ 29,215  
Income from discontinued operations, net
    (300 )            
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net
    (1,399 )            
                         
Income from continuing operations
    16,057       18,943       29,215  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities —
                       
Depreciation
    3,618       3,986       4,007  
Amortization of intangible assets
    2,060       1,232       1,435  
Net (gains) impairments from non-marketable investments
    (348 )     1,622       584  
Realized gains on sales of marketable investments
          (603 )     (2,057 )
Tax benefit from exercises of employee stock options
    (308 )     (101 )     (8,476 )
Deferred income taxes
    9,636       6,878       1,503  
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
    7,210       8,326       5,358  
Increase in provision for doubtful accounts
    358       480       594  
Amortization of premium on marketable investments
    852       607       870  
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisition
                       
Accounts receivable
    (7,765 )     (9,966 )     6,806  
Deferred commissions
    (1,267 )     (514 )     881  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (1,906 )     (3,552 )     (4,184 )
Accounts payable
    1,171       1,171       (893 )
Accrued expenses
    3,318       (214 )     7,798  
Deferred revenue
    12,751       9,841       211  
                         
Net cash provided by continuing operations
    45,437       38,136       43,652  
                         
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
    325              
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    45,762       38,136       43,652  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Acquisition of JupiterResearch
                (22,406 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (3,334 )     (5,106 )     (3,698 )
Purchases of non-marketable investments
    (300 )            
Proceeds from non-marketable investments
    555       2,640       493  
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
    1,642       250        
Decrease in other assets
    391       146       444  
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
    (565,495 )     (1,240,584 )     (1,224,793 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of marketable investments
    480,166       1,217,367       1,288,532  
                         
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
    (86,375 )     (25,287 )     38,572  
                         
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under stock option plans and employee stock purchase plan
    42,526       4,896       18,577  
Tax benefits related to stock options
    308       101       8,476  
Repurchase of common stock
    (12,304 )     (4,594 )     (30,423 )
                         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    30,530       403       (3,370 )
                         
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    702       754       (2,539 )
                         
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (9,381 )     14,006       76,315  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
    48,538       39,157       53,163  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
  $ 39,157     $ 53,163     $ 129,478  
                         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 2,186     $ 3,719     $ 7,992  
                         
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


F-5


 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2008
 
(1)   Operations and Significant Accounting Policies
 
Business
 
Forrester Research, Inc. (“Forrester” or “the Company”) conducts independent research and provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global leaders in business and technology. Forrester’s products and services are targeted to specific roles, including principally senior management, business strategists, and marketing and technology professionals at $1 billion-plus companies who collaborate with Forrester to align their technology investments with their business goals.
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forrester and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Management Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Forrester considers the more significant of these estimates to be revenue recognition, non-cash stock-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts, non-marketable investments, goodwill and intangible assets, income taxes and valuation and impairment of marketable investments. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
 
Financial Instruments
 
Forrester’s financial instruments consist of cash equivalents, marketable investments, accounts receivable, non-marketable investments and accounts payable. The estimated fair values of these financial instruments approximate their carrying values. The fair market value of marketable investments is based on market quotes. Forrester’s cash equivalents and marketable investments are generally investment-grade corporate bonds and obligations of the federal government or municipal issuers.
 
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Investments
 
Forrester considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities at the time of purchase of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Investments with original maturities greater than 90 days and remaining maturities less than one year are classified as short-term investments. Investments with an auction reset feature are classified as long-term investments.
 
The Company’s investments are comprised of securities of U.S. government agencies, municipal notes which mature on auction reset feature (Auction Rate Securities or ARS), corporate notes and bonds, commercial paper and money market funds meeting certain criteria. Forrester accounts for all marketable investments, except for ARS subject to the right offering with UBS as discussed further in Note 5, as available-for-sale securities in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities” (“SFAS No. 115”). Under SFAS No. 115, securities purchased to be held for indefinite periods of time and not intended at the time of purchase to be held until maturity are classified as available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on securities are included in earnings and are determined using the specific identification method. Forrester continually evaluates whether any available-for-sale securities have been impaired and, if so, whether such impairment is temporary or other than temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the length of time and extent to which


F-6


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the fair value has been less than the Company’s cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in the market value. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 the Company did not record any other-than- temporary impairment charges on its available-for-sale securities.
 
During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company reclassified ARS held by UBS from available-for-sale to trading securities. As the funds associated with the ARS may not be accessible for in excess of twelve months because of continued failed auctions or the inability to find a buyer outside of the auction process, these securities were classified as long-term investments as of December 31, 2008. Investments that the Company designates as trading assets are reported at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized in Other income, net. See Note 5 for further detailed discussion.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
 
Forrester has no significant off-balance sheet or concentration of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts, or other foreign hedging arrangements. Financial instruments that potentially subject Forrester to concentrations of credit risk are principally cash equivalents, marketable investments, and accounts receivable. Forrester places its investments in highly rated securities. No single customer accounted for greater than 2% of revenues or accounts receivable in any of the periods presented.
 
Deferred Commissions
 
Commissions incurred in acquiring new or renewing existing contracts are deferred and expensed to operations as the related revenue is recognized. Forrester evaluates the recoverability of deferred commissions at each balance sheet date.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives
 
Forrester accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives in accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, which establishes financial accounting and reporting standards for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are required to be tested for impairment annually, in lieu of being amortized, using a fair value approach at the reporting unit level. Furthermore, testing for impairment is required on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely than not an impairment loss has been incurred. An impairment loss shall be recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill or any indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its implied fair value. Impairment losses shall be recognized in operating results.
 
Impairment of Other Long-Lived Tangible and Intangible Assets
 
Forrester continually evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets may warrant revision or if events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether assets have been impaired, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the assets are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the future cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to the estimated fair value of the asset.
 
Foreign Currency
 
The functional currencies of Forrester’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, with the exception of the German holding companies where the functional currency is the U.S. dollar, are their respective local currencies. The financial statements of the subsidiaries other than the German holding companies are translated to United States dollars using period-end exchange rates for assets and liabilities and average exchange rates during the corresponding period for


F-7


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
revenues and expenses, with translation gains and losses accumulated as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses related to the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency (principally certain intercompany payables and receivables) are included in Other income, net in the Consolidated Statement of Income, except for the translation gains and losses related to deferred tax liabilities in the German holding companies, which are recorded as components of income tax expense. Forrester recorded a total net foreign exchange loss related to remeasurement of intercompany transactions of $1.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2008, of which $1.9 million related to prior years. For the three years ended December 31, 2008, the only material translation gains and (losses) arising from the German holding companies were related to deferred tax liabilities and gains of $671,000, $767,000 and $597,000 were included in income tax expense in 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively.
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    2007     2008  
 
Net unrealized gain on marketable investments, net of taxes
  $ 2,088     $ 365  
Cumulative translation adjustment
    (2,835 )     (2,150 )
                 
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss
  $ (747 )   $ (1,785 )
                 
 
The components of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2006     2007     2008  
 
Net income
  $ 17,756     $ 18,943     $ 29,215  
Cumulative translation adjustment
    (279 )     (331 )     686  
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable investments:
                       
Change in unrealized gain (loss) on marketable investments, net of taxes
    271       2,552       (4,699 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains in net income, net of taxes
          (356 )     (1,095 )
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss from transfer of ARS from available-for-sale securities to trading securities, net of taxes
                4,070  
                         
Total other comprehensive income
  $ 17,748     $ 20,808     $ 28,177  
                         
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Forrester generates revenues from licensing research, performing advisory services, hosting events and conducting teleconferences. Forrester executes contracts that govern the terms and conditions of each arrangement. Revenues from contracts that contain multiple deliverables are allocated among the separate units based on their relative fair values; however, the amount recognized is limited to the amount that is not contingent on future performance conditions. Research service revenues are recognized ratably over the term of the agreement. Advisory service revenues are recognized during the period in which the customer receives the agreed upon deliverable. Forrester Teleconferences revenue and reimbursed out-of-pocket expenses are recorded as advisory service revenues. Events revenues are recognized upon completion of the event. Annual memberships which include access to research, unlimited phone or email analyst inquiry, unlimited participation in Forrester Teleconferences, and the right to attend one event, are accounted for as one unit of accounting and recognized ratably as research services revenue over the membership period. Clients are offered a money back guarantee, which gives them the right to cancel their contracts prior to the end of the contract term. For contracts that are terminating during the


F-8


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
contract term, refunds would be issued for unused products or services. Furthermore, revenue recognition determines the timing of commission expenses that are deferred and recorded as expense as the related revenue is recognized. The recoverability of deferred commissions is evaluated at each balance sheet date.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”) requires the recognition of the fair value of stock-based compensation in net income. All of Forrester’s stock-based compensation is accounted for as equity instruments and Forrester has five equity plans required to be evaluated under SFAS No. 123R: two equity incentive plans, two directors’ stock option plans and an employee stock purchase plan. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Forrester recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation in net income over the requisite service period of the individual grantee, which generally equals the vesting period. SFAS No. 123R requires the cash flows resulting from the tax benefits due to tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for those options (excess tax benefits) to be classified as financing cash flows. Certain amounts in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended 2006 and 2007 have been reclassified to reflect this presentation.
 
Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Forrester recorded approximately $7.2 million, $8.3 million and $5.4 million of non-cash stock-based compensation in the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively, included in the following expense categories (in thousands):
 
                         
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
    December 31,
    December 31,
    December 31,
 
    2006     2007     2008  
 
Cost of services and fulfillment
  $ 3,185     $ 4,245     $ 2,776  
Selling and marketing
    1,885       1,730       988  
General and administrative
    2,140       2,351       1,594  
                         
Total
  $ 7,210     $ 8,326     $ 5,358  
                         
 
The assumptions underlying this computation are included in Note 11 to these consolidated financial statements.
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
Forrester maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make contractually obligated payments. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, the Company makes judgments regarding the collectibility of accounts receivable by specifically analyzing historical bad debts, customer concentrations, current economic trends, and changes in the customer payment terms. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required and if the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to improve, the allowances may be reduced accordingly.
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
Forrester provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, computed using the straight-line method, over estimated useful lives of assets as follows:
 
     
    Estimated
   
Useful Life
 
Computers and equipment
  2 to 5 Years
Computer software
  3 Years
Furniture and fixtures
  7 Years
Leasehold improvements
  Shorter of Life of the Asset or Life of Lease


F-9


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Forrester provides for amortization of intangible assets, computed using an accelerated method according to the expected cash flows to be received from the underlying assets over the respective lives as follows:
 
     
    Estimated
    Useful
    Life
 
Customer relationships
  5 to 10 Years
Research content
  1 Year
Registered trademarks
  1 Year
 
Income Taxes
 
Forrester accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards.
 
Forrester’s provision for income taxes is comprised of a current and a deferred provision. The current provision is calculated as the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. The deferred income tax provision is calculated for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences and carryforwards using expected enacted tax rates in effect in the years during which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
 
Net Income Per Common Share
 
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the diluted weighted average number of common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The weighted average number of common equivalent shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury-stock method. Common stock equivalents consist of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
 
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares are as follows:
 
                         
    2006     2007     2008  
    (In thousands)  
 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,195       23,074       23,062  
Weighted average common equivalent shares
    778       655       523  
                         
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    22,973       23,729       23,585  
                         
 
As of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, options to purchase approximately 1,095,000, 1,282,000 and 1,503,000 shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the diluted weighted average common share calculation as the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised), “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS No. 141R”). The standard changes the accounting for business combinations including the measurement of acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination, the recognition of contingent consideration, the accounting for pre-acquisition gain and loss contingencies, the recognition of capitalized in-process research and development, the accounting for acquisition-related restructuring cost accruals, the treatment of acquisition related transaction costs and the recognition of changes in the acquirer’s income tax valuation allowance. SFAS No. 141R is effective for


F-10


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 141R for any business combinations entered into beginning in fiscal 2009. The Company has not completed the evaluation of the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS No. 141R on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Adoption is prospective and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of SFAS No. 141R is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements for acquisitions prior to January 1, 2009.
 
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement under Statement 13” (FSP 157-1) and FSP 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-1 amends SFAS No. 157 to remove certain leasing transactions from its scope, and was effective upon initial adoption of SFAS No. 157. FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements when it is applied to non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities that are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis, beginning in the first quarter of 2009.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 amends ARB 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary by requiring all non-controlling interests in subsidiaries be reported in the same way in the consolidated financial statements and eliminates the diversity in accounting for transactions between an entity and non-controlling interests by requiring they be treated as equity transactions. SFAS No. 160 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be applied before that date. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.’’ SFAS No. 162 has an objective to identify accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (the GAAP hierarchy). The statement was issued to provide companies with guidance regarding the hierarchy of the accounting promulgation when researching the accounting treatment for a transaction or event. The Statement will be effective 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.” The adoption of SFAS No. 162 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
(2)   Acquisition of JupiterResearch
 
On July 31, 2008, Forrester acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of JUPR Holdings, Inc., (“Holdings”) the parent company of JupiterResearch, LLC (“JupiterResearch”). JupiterResearch provided business professionals with syndicated research, analysis, and advice backed by proprietary data. The acquisition supported the Company’s role-based strategy and added greater depth and breadth to the marketing and strategy syndicated product offering, increased the number of client companies and is expected to reduce operating expenses of the combined entity through economies of scale. The total consideration was $22.0 million which consisted of initial cash consideration of $23.0 million less a working capital adjustment of $1.0 million which was received in the fourth quarter of 2008. The aggregate purchase price of $22.6 million consisted of $22.0 million for the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Holdings common stock, $398,000 of direct acquisition costs and $154,000 for severance related to 14 employees of JupiterResearch terminated as a result of the acquisition, of which $8,000 was


F-11


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
paid during the year ended December 31, 2008. A summary of the preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows (table in thousands):
 
         
Assets:
       
Accounts receivable
  $ 2,636  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    500  
Property and equipment, net
    398  
Deferred tax asset, net
    1,364  
Goodwill
    15,404  
Intangible assets
    8,267  
         
Total assets
  $ 28,569  
         
Liabilities:
       
Accounts payable
  $ 419  
Accrued expenses
    1,219  
Deferred revenue
    4,378  
         
Total liabilities
    6,016  
         
Net assets acquired
  $ 22,553  
         
 
A portion of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
 
Acquired customer relationships are amortized based upon patterns in which the economic benefits are expected to be realized. Other finite-lived identifiable intangible assets are amortized according to the expected cash flows to be received. The following are the identifiable intangible assets acquired and their respective weighted average lives (dollars in thousands):
 
             
    Assigned
    Useful
    Value     Life
 
Customer relationships
  $ 6,918     10 years
Research content
    1,116     1 year
Trademarks
    233     1 year
             
    $ 8,267      
             
 
Amortization expense during the year ended December 31, 2008 related to the intangible assets acquired from JupiterResearch was approximately $1.1 million. In addition, Forrester recorded $69,000 of stock compensation expense related to options to be cashed out in 2009. The unamortized fair value of these options as of December 31, 2008 was $97,000 with a remaining recognition period of approximately .5 years.
 
The results of JupiterResearch’s operations have been included in Forrester’s consolidated financial statements since July 31, 2008, in the Marketing and Strategy Client Group segment, and the Company has not furnished financial information or pro forma financial information relating to the acquisition because such information is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
(3)   Discontinued Operations
 
On September 26, 2006, Forrester completed the sale of its Ultimate Consumer Panel (“UCP”) product line to Lightspeed Online Research, Inc. for $2.5 million in cash of which $2.25 million was paid at the closing date subject to a working capital adjustment, with the remainder paid in June 2007. The sale resulted in a gain on the disposal of discontinued operations of $1.4 million net of $1.0 million of taxes. The sale included the transfer of certain assets,


F-12


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
including all UCP customer contracts, historical data, intellectual property, six employees, and licenses as well as certain liabilities arising in the normal course of business. Forrester sold the product line as it was no longer a strategic fit with its core focus on broad, global business and consumer technology data.
 
During 2006, the UCP product line had gross revenues of $1.8 million. Net income from the discontinued operations was $300,000 (net of $204,000 of income tax expense) for the year ended December 31, 2006. The gross revenue and net income numbers noted above for UCP for 2006 only include amounts recorded through September 26, 2006 as UCP was disposed of on that date. The operating results of the UCP product line previously would have been included in the marketing and strategy operating segment.
 
(4)   Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 
SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives no longer be amortized but instead be measured for impairment at least annually or whenever events indicate that there may be an impairment. Forrester has selected November 30th as its date for performing the annual goodwill impairment test. Forrester compared each reporting unit’s carrying value to its estimated fair value as of November 30, 2008 and determined that no impairment of its goodwill had occurred.
 
In January 2007, Forrester reorganized its business and Goodwill was reallocated using a relative fair value approach as required under SFAS No. 142. A summary of the goodwill by segment and the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the Information Technology Client Group (“IT”), Technology Industry Client Group (“TI”), Marketing and Strategy Client Group (“M&S”) and Events segments is as follows:
 
                                         
    IT     TI     M&S     Events     Total  
 
Balance January 1, 2007
  $ 22,784     $ 23,877     $ 4,555     $ 1,955     $ 53,171  
Other
    217       227       43       19       506  
                                         
Balance December 31, 2007
  $ 23,001     $ 24,104     $ 4,598     $ 1,974     $ 53,677  
Acquisition of JupiterResearch
                15,404             15,404  
Purchase accounting adjustments(1)
    (472 )     (494 )     (94 )     (40 )     (1,100 )
Other
    (238 )     (250 )     (48 )     (21 )     (557 )
                                         
Balance December 31, 2008
  $ 22,291     $ 23,360     $ 19,860     $ 1,913     $ 67,424  
                                         
 
 
(1) The Company reduced goodwill due to a Giga tax purchase accounting adjustment. The adjustment relates to the utilization or anticipated utilization of net operating losses for which a valuation was recorded at the acquisition date.
 
A summary of Forrester’s intangible assets as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 is as follows:
 
                         
    December 31, 2007  
    Gross
          Net
 
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
 
    Amount     Amortization     Amount  
    (In thousands)  
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
                       
Customer relationships
  $ 20,424     $ 20,115     $ 309  
Research content
    2,444       2,444        
Trademarks
    570       570        
                         
Total
  $ 23,438     $ 23,129     $ 309  
                         
 


F-13


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
                         
    December 31, 2008  
    Gross
          Net
 
    Carrying
    Accumulated
    Carrying
 
    Amount     Amortization     Amount  
    (In thousands)  
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
                       
Customer relationships
  $ 27,239     $ 20,862     $ 6,377  
Research content
    3,560       2,909       651  
Trademarks
    802       692       110  
                         
Total
  $ 31,601     $ 24,463     $ 7,138  
                         
 
Amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets was approximately $2.1 million, $1.2 million and $1.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively. Estimated amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets that will continue to be amortized is as follows (in thousands):
 
         
Year ending December 31, 2009
  $ 1,693  
Year ending December 31, 2010
    872  
Year ending December 31, 2011
    818  
Year ending December 31, 2012
    731  
Year ending December 31, 2013
    654  
Thereafter
    2,370  
         
Total
  $ 7,138  
         
 
(5)   Marketable investments
 
The following table summarizes the Company’s marketable investments, excluding the Right from UBS (in thousands):
 
                                 
          Gross
    Gross
       
    Amortized
    Unrealized
    Unrealized
    Market
 
    Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
 
December 31, 2007
                               
State and municipal bonds
  $ 192,052     $ 340     $ (40 )   $ 192,352  
comScore, Inc. common stock
    271       3,188             3,459  
                                 
Total short-term investments
  $ 192,323     $ 3,528     $ (40 )   $ 195,811  
                                 
December 31, 2008
                               
State and municipal obligations, short-term
  $ 70,455     $ 701     $     $ 71,156  
Federal agency and corporate obligations, short-term(1)
    83,550       64       (86 )     83,528  
                                 
Total short-term investments
  $ 154,005     $ 765     $ (86 )   $ 154,684  
UBS ARS
    35,500             (6,887 )     28,613  
Non-UBS ARS
    11,000                   11,000  
                                 
Total short and long-term investments
  $ 200,505     $ 765     $ (6,973 )   $ 194,297  
                                 
 
 
(1) $70.7 million included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008.

F-14


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
 
In 2007, Forrester owned an approximately 1.2% ownership interest in comScore, Inc. (“comScore”), a provider of infrastructure services which utilizes proprietary technology to accumulate comprehensive information on consumer buying behavior. In June 2007, comScore (NASDAQ: SCOR) completed an initial public offering in which Forrester’s ownership interest was converted to approximately 126,000 shares. In December 2007, Forrester sold approximately 20,000 shares receiving proceeds of approximately $655,000 and recognizing a gain of approximately $603,000 related to the sale. As of December 31, 2007, the investment of approximately $3.5 million was recorded as an available-for-sale investment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, stated at fair market value with any unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income. At December 31, 2007, approximately $3.2 million of unrealized gain was recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. In 2008, Forrester sold the remaining 106,000 shares of comScore, receiving proceeds of approximately $2.3 million and recording a gain of approximately $2.0 million related to the sale.
 
The following table summarizes the maturity periods of the short- and long-term investments in the Company’s portfolio as of December 31, 2008, excluding the Right from UBS. In February 2008, certain ARS that Forrester holds experienced failed auctions that limited the liquidity of these securities. Based on current market conditions, it is likely that auction failures will continue. As the funds associated with the ARS may not be accessible for in excess of twelve months because of continued failed auctions or the inability to find a buyer outside of the auction process, these securities were classified as long-term investments as of December 31, 2008. The ARS were classified as short-term investments as of December 31, 2007. The following table reflects the ARS at their current reset dates. The actual contractual maturities of these investments were they not to reset would occur at various dates between 2009 and 2041 with $1.2 million maturing in one to five years, $900,000 maturing in five to ten years and $44.4 million maturing after ten years.
 
                                 
    FY 2009     FY 2010     FY 2011     Total  
    (In thousands)  
 
Non-ARS state and municipal obligations
  $ 37,092     $ 31,507     $ 2,558     $ 71,157  
UBS ARS
    28,613                   28,613  
Non-UBS ARS
    11,000                   11,000  
Federal agency and corporate obligations
    700       11,078       1,016       12,794  
                                 
Total short and long-term
  $ 77,405     $ 42,585     $ 3,574     $ 123,564  
                                 
 
The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and market value of Forrester’s investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized position (in thousands):
 
                                 
    As of December 31, 2007  
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater  
    Market
    Unrealized
    Market
    Unrealized
 
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
 
State and municipal bonds
  $ 1,584     $ 1     $ 2,301     $ 39  
                                 
 
                                 
    As of December 31, 2008  
    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Greater  
    Market
    Unrealized
    Market
    Unrealized
 
    Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
 
Federal agency and corporate obligations
  $ 8,533     $ 86     $     $  
                                 
 
The unrealized losses on the federal agency and corporate obligations were the result of overall market risk aversion and lack of demand for securities that are non-government guaranteed. The Company believes it will be able to collect all principal and interest amounts due at maturity given the high credit quality of these investments. Since the decline in the market value is attributable to changes in market conditions and not credit quality, and since


F-15


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
the Company has the ability and intent to hold those investments until a recovery of par value, which may be maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2008.
 
In November 2008, the Company accepted an offer (the “Right”) from UBS AG (“UBS”), one of its investment advisors, entitling the Company to sell at par value auction-rate securities originally purchased from UBS (approximately $35.5 million, par value) at anytime during a two-year period from June 30, 2010 through July 2, 2012 (“UBS ARS”). In accepting the Right, the Company also granted UBS the authority to sell or auction the UBS ARS at par at any time up until the expiration date of the offer and released UBS from any claims relating to the marketing and sale of the UBS ARS. Although the Company expects to sell its UBS ARS under the Right, if the Right is not exercised before July 2, 2012, it will expire and UBS will have no further rights or obligation to buy the Company’s UBS ARS. If the Company does not exercise the Right, the UBS ARS will continue to accrue interest as determined by the auction process or the terms outlined in the prospectus of the UBS ARS if the auction process fails.
 
UBS’s obligations under the Right are not secured by its assets and do not require UBS to obtain any financing to support its performance obligations under the Right. UBS has disclaimed any assurance that it will have sufficient financial resources to satisfy its obligations under the Right.
 
The enforceability of the Right results in a put option and should be recognized as a separate freestanding asset and is accounted for separately from the ARS investment. As of December 31, 2008, the Company recorded approximately $6.9 million as the fair value of the put option asset, classified as long-term investment on the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008, with a corresponding credit to other income, net, in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2008. The put option does not meet the definition of a derivative instrument under SFAS 133. Therefore, the Company elected to measure the put option at fair value under SFAS 159, which permits an entity to elect the fair value option for recognized financial assets, in order to match the changes in the fair value of the ARS. The Company valued the Right using a discounted cash flow approach including estimates of interest rates and timing and amount of cash flow, based on data available as of December 31, 2008 and adjusted for any bearer risk associated with UBS’s financial ability to repurchase the UBS ARS beginning June 30, 2010. These assumptions are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change.
 
Prior to accepting the UBS offer, the Company classified its ARS as available-for-sale investments, and therefore recorded resulting unrealized gains or losses, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income in Stockholders’ Equity. In connection with the acceptance of the UBS offer in November 2008, resulting in a right to require UBS to purchase the UBS ARS at par value beginning on June 30, 2010, the Company has reclassified its ARS subject to the Right and held by UBS from available-for-sale to trading securities in accordance with SFAS 115. The transfer to trading securities reflects management’s intent to exercise its put option during the period June 30, 2010 to July 3, 2012. Prior to its agreement with UBS, management’s intent was to hold the UBS ARS until the earlier of anticipated recovery in market value or maturity. In connection with the transfer to trading securities, the Company recognized an unrealized loss of approximately $6.9 million, included in Other income, net for the year ended December 31, 2008, for the amount of the unrealized loss not previously recognized in earnings. No additional gain or loss was reported on these securities for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company holds additional ARS with another investment advisor who has not made an offer similar to UBS. These ARS will continue to be held as available-for-sale. The Company intends to retain its investment in the issuer of these ARS until the earlier of anticipated recovery in market value or maturity and as a result has not recorded an other-than-temporary loss on these ARS.
 
There were no gross realized gains or losses on sales of the Company’s federal obligations, state and municipal bonds and corporate bonds for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 or 2008.


F-16


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Fair Value
 
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). In February 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157”, which provides a one year deferral of the effective date of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed in the financial statements at fair value at least annually. Therefore, the Company has adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 with respect to its financial assets and liabilities only. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under SFAS 157 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 on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under SFAS 157 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:
 
  •  Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
  •  Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
 
  •  Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
 
The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
 
In accordance with SFAS 157, the following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and marketable investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
 
                                 
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
 
Money market funds(1)
  $ 14,529     $     $     $ 14,529  
Federal agency and corporate obligations(2)
          83,527             83,527  
State and municipal obligations
          71,156       39,613       110,769  
UBS put option
                6,887       6,887  
                                 
Total
  $ 14,529     $ 154,683     $ 46,500     $ 215,712  
                                 
 
 
(1) included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008.
 
(2) $70.7 million included in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2008.
 
Historically, the fair value of the ARS investments approximated par value due to the frequent resets through the auction process. While the Company continues to earn interest on its ARS investment at the contractual rate, these investments are not currently trading and therefore do not have a readily determinable market value. Accordingly, the estimated fair value of the majority of the ARS no longer approximates par value. At December 31, 2008, the Company held ARS with two investment advisors, both of which provided a valuation of Level 3 inputs for the ARS investments. One investment advisor utilized a discounted cash flow approach to arrive at this valuation, which was corroborated by a separate and comparable discounted cash flow analysis prepared by the Company. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates, based on data available at December 31, 2008, of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, and expected holding periods of the ARS. The discounted cash flow technique was used to value the ARS


F-17


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
investments that were principally backed by student loans, which has had virtually no market activity since the auction failures began in 2008. The Company valued the Right as a put option asset using a discounted cash flow approach including estimates of interest rates, timing and amount of cash flow, adjusted for any bearer risk associated with UBS’s financial ability to repurchase the ARS beginning June 30, 2010, based on Level 3 data available at December 31, 2008. The combined fair value of the Right and the UBS ARS is equal to the par value of the UBS ARS. The other investment advisor provided a valuation at par value based on the limited market activity, which Forrester considered to be a Level 3 input in addition to the underlying credit rating of the ARS, which was generally related to municipalities. Forrester believed these Level 3 inputs to be the most appropriate for determining the fair value of the ARS due to greater liquidity in the market for municipal auction rate securities. Forrester corroborated the valuation by reviewing confirmations of the trades and the underlying credit ratings of the securities. Of the $11.0 million held by this investment advisor, 68% of the investments are rated AAA while the remainder is rated A. The assumptions used in valuing both the ARS and the put option are volatile and subject to change as the underlying sources of these assumptions and market conditions change.
 
The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets as of December 31, 2008 (in thousands):
 
                 
    UBS Put
       
    Option     ARS  
 
Balance at January 1, 2008
  $     $  
Transferred to Level 3
        $ 120,200  
Settlements
          (73,700 )
Issuance of put
    6,887        
Total loss included in earnings
          (6,887 )
                 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ 6,887     $ 39,613  
                 
 
(6)   Non-Marketable Investments
 
At December 31, 2007 and 2008, the carrying value of non-marketable investments is as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    2007     2008  
 
Private equity funds
  $ 8,328     $ 6,914  
Doculabs, Inc. 
    86       86  
                 
    $ 8,414     $ 7,000  
                 
 
In June 2000, Forrester committed to invest $20.0 million in two technology-related private equity investment funds with capital contributions required to be funded over an expected period of five years. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, Forrester contributed approximately $625,000, $138,000, and $75,000 respectively, to these investment funds, resulting in total cumulative contributions of approximately $19.6 million to date. One of these investments is being accounted for using the cost method and, accordingly, is valued at cost unless an other than temporary impairment in its value occurs or the investment is liquidated. The other investment is being accounted for using the equity method as the investment is a limited partnership and Forrester has an ownership interest in the limited partnership in excess of 5% and, accordingly, Forrester records its share of the investee’s operating results each period. As a result of these accounting methods, during 2007 and 2008, the Company recorded impairments of approximately $2.2 million and $792,000, respectively, which are included in the consolidated statements of income. There were no impairments recorded in 2006. During the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, gross distributions of $861,000, $1.6 million and $542,000, respectively, were recorded and resulted in gains of $575,000, $537,000 and $208,000, respectively in the consolidated statements of income. During each of the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, fund management charges of


F-18


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
approximately $338,000 were included in other income, net in the consolidated statements of income. Fund management charges are recorded as a reduction of the investment’s carrying value.
 
Forrester has adopted a cash bonus plan to pay bonuses, after the return of invested capital, measured by the proceeds of a portion of its share of net profits from these investments, if any, to certain key employees, subject to the terms and conditions of the plan. The payment of such bonuses would result in compensation expense with respect to the amounts so paid. To date, no bonuses have been paid under this plan. The principal purpose of this cash bonus plan was to retain key employees by allowing them to participate in a portion of the potential return from Forrester’s technology-related investments if they remained employed by the Company. The plan was established at a time when technology and internet companies were growing significantly, and providing incentives to retain key employees during that time was important. The purpose of this cash bonus plan is the retention of key employees.
 
In December 2003, Forrester committed to invest an additional $2.0 million over an expected capital contribution period of 2 years in an annex fund of one of the two private equity investment funds. The annex fund investment is outside of the scope of the previously mentioned bonus plan. This investment is being accounted for using the equity method as the investment is a limited partnership and Forrester has an ownership interest in the limited partnership in excess of 5% and, accordingly, Forrester records its share of the investee’s operating results each period. During 2007 and 2008, gross distributions of $344,000 and $26,000, respectively, were recorded and accounted for as a return of capital. During 2006, 2007 and 2008, the Company recorded impairments of approximately $227,000, $123,000 and $4,000, respectively, which are included in the consolidated statements of income.
 
The timing of the recognition of future gains or losses from these investment funds is beyond Forrester’s control. As a result, it is not possible to predict when Forrester will recognize such gains or losses, if Forrester will award cash bonuses based on the net profit from such investments, or when Forrester will incur compensation expense in connection with the payment of such bonuses. If the investment funds realize large gains or losses on their investments, Forrester could experience significant variations in its quarterly results unrelated to its business operations. These variations could be due to significant gains or losses or to significant compensation expenses. While gains may offset compensation expenses in a particular quarter, there can be no assurance that related gains and compensation expenses will occur in the same quarters.
 
During the year ended December 31, 2006, Forrester recognized revenues of approximately $200,000 related to a core research and advisory services contract purchased by one of the private equity investment firms.
 
In March 2000, Forrester invested $1.0 million in the common stock of Doculabs, Inc. (“Doculabs”), an independent technology research firm and in March 2001, Forrester invested an additional $2.0 million. Forrester currently has an approximately 13.9% ownership interest in Doculabs. This investment is being accounted for using the cost method and, accordingly, is being valued at cost unless an impairment in its value that is other than temporary occurs or the investment is liquidated. There were no impairments recorded in 2006, 2007 or 2008. In 2006 and 2007, Forrester received dividends of $67,000 and $22,000, respectively which were recorded as a reduction of the investment’s carrying value.
 
In July 2000, Forrester invested $1.6 million to purchase preferred shares of comScore Networks, Inc. (“comScore”), a provider of infrastructure services which utilizes proprietary technology to accumulate comprehensive information on consumer buying behavior, resulting in approximately a 1.2% ownership interest. This investment was being accounted for using the cost method and, accordingly, was valued at cost unless a permanent impairment in its value occurred or the investment was liquidated. No impairments were recorded for 2006 or 2007. In June 2007, comScore (NASDAQ: SCOR) completed an initial public offering in which Forrester’s ownership interest was converted to approximately 126,000 shares and as a result the investment was reclassified to an available-for-sale security and recorded as a marketable investment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.


F-19


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
(7)   Income Taxes
 
Forrester accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS No. 109”). SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as operating loss carryforwards. Forrester measures deferred taxes based on enacted tax rates assumed to be in effect when these differences reverse.
 
Income from continuing operations before income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 consists of the following (in thousands):
 
                         
    2006     2007     2008  
 
Domestic
  $ 23,622     $ 25,886     $ 40,076  
Foreign
    2,472       4,118       4,734  
                         
Total
  $ 26,094     $ 30,004     $ 44,810  
                         
 
The components of the income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
 
                         
    2006     2007     2008  
 
Current —
                       
Federal
  $ 375     $ 334     $ 9,238  
State
    855       2,238       3,325  
Foreign
    720       1,611       1,515  
                         
      1,950       4,183       14,078  
                         
Deferred —
                       
Federal
    7,180       7,513       2,059  
State
    220       151       (43 )
Foreign
    687       (786 )     (499 )
                         
      8,087       6,878       1,517  
                         
Income tax provision
  $ 10,037     $ 11,061     $ 15,595  
                         
 
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to Forrester’s effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 is as follows:
 
                         
    2006     2007     2008  
 
Income tax provision at federal statutory rate
    35.0 %     35.0 %     35.0 %
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from —
                       
State tax provision, net of federal benefit
    2.7       6.2       4.7  
Non-deductible expenses
    0.9       1.5       0.4  
Tax-exempt interest income
    (5.0 )     (8.1 )     (3.8 )
Stock compensation deduction
    3.0       2.7       (0.3 )
Other, net
          2.2       (0.1 )
Change in tax rate
          (5.8 )      
Change in valuation allowance
    1.9       3.2       (1.1 )
                         
Effective income tax rate
    38.5 %     36.9 %     34.8 %
                         


F-20


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The components of deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 are as follows (in thousands):
 
                 
    2007     2008  
 
Non-deductible reserves and accruals
  $ 2,192     $ 3,645  
Stock compensation
    3,347       3,996  
Other depreciation and amortization
    1,910       820  
Net operating loss and other carryforwards
    25,135       22,072  
                 
Gross deferred tax asset
  $ 32,584     $ 30,533  
Less — Valuation allowance
    (12,794 )     (10,922 )
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 19,790     $ 19,611  
                 
Goodwill Amortization
    (5,848 )     (5,291 )
Deferred commissions
    (4,331 )     (3,831 )
                 
Net deferred tax asset
  $ 9,611     $ 10,489  
                 
 
The Company considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is needed for some portion or all of a net deferred income tax asset. Judgment is used in considering the relative impact of negative and positive evidence. In arriving at these judgments, the weight given to the potential effect of negative and positive evidence is commensurate with the extent to which it can be objectively verified. Although realization is not assured, based upon projections of Forrester’s future taxable income over the periods during which the deferred tax assets are deductible and the carryforwards expire, management believes it is more likely than not that Forrester will realize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the existing valuation allowances.
 
As of December 31, 2008, the Company maintained a valuation allowance of approximately $10.9 million, which primarily relates to federal NOL carryforwards from the Giga acquisition and foreign NOL carryforwards that the Company does not believe it is more likely than not to realize. During the year ended December 31, 2008, Forrester’s valuation allowance decreased by approximately $1.9 million. As of December 31, 2007, the Company maintained a valuation allowance of approximately $12.8 million, which primarily related to federal NOL carryforward from the Giga acquisition and foreign NOL carryforwards.
 
As of December 31, 2008, the Company had federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $34.3 million. If unused, the NOL carryforwards would expire on various dates from 2013 through 2028. Included in the federal NOL carryover is $6.0 million of NOLs that were acquired as part of the Jupiter acquisition. The Company is currently assessing its ability to utilize these NOLs when considering potential limitations under IRC Section 382 and the final determination of purchase accounting.
 
The Company also has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $33.4 million, which can be carried forward indefinitely. Approximately $6.1 million of the foreign net operating loss carryforwards were acquired from Giga Information Group, Inc. (“Giga”), the utilization of which is subject to limitation under the tax law of the United Kingdom.
 
Upon the January 1, 2009 adoption of SFAS No. 141(R), changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense, including charges and uncertainties associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 141(R).
 
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized approximately $8.5 million of tax benefits from excess tax deductions resulting from employee stock option exercises during 2008 and in prior years. The tax benefit was recorded as an increase to additional paid-in-capital. Pursuant to footnote 82 of SFAS No. 123(R), excess tax benefits from share-based payments is recognized in the year that the deduction reduces cash tax payable.


F-21


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
As of December 31, 2008, the Company has not provided for U.S. deferred income taxes on the undistributed earnings of approximately $8.1 million for its foreign subsidiaries, since these earnings are to be indefinitely reinvested. Determination of the amount of U.S. income tax liability that would be incurred is not practicable.
 
On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which applies to all tax positions accounted for under SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 prescribes a two step process for the measurement of uncertain tax positions that have been taken or are expected to be taken in a tax return. The first step is a determination of whether the tax position should be recognized in the financial statements. The second step determines the measurement of the tax position. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition of such tax positions, classification, potential interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods and disclosure. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operation.
 
The following table summarizes the activity of the unrecognized tax benefits:
 
                 
    2007     2008  
 
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1
  $ 1,110     $ 1,409  
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years
    320       398  
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years
          (12 )
Settlements
          (320 )
Lapse of applicable statute of limitations
    (21 )     (253 )
                 
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31
  $ 1,409     $ 1,222  
                 
 
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States and various state and international jurisdictions. Major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S., the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. state or local and non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major jurisdictions for years before 2002, except to the extent of net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards from those years.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2007 and 2008, the Company had approximately $283,000 and $164,000 of accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, respectively.
 
It is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized benefits will be decreased by a range of zero to $271,000 within the next twelve months due primarily to the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitations.
 
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized is $676,000 as of December 31, 2007 and $861,000 as of December 31, 2008.
 
(8)   Commitments
 
As of December 31, 2008, Forrester had future contractual obligations as follows for operating leases (in thousands):
 
         
2009
  $ 9,793  
2010
    9,177  
2011
    5,697  
2012
    903  
2013
    441  
Thereafter
    913  
         
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 26,924  
         


F-22


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The above table does not include an offset for future minimum rentals expected to be received under subleases of $157,000. The above table also does not include the remaining $425,000 of capital commitments to the private equity funds described in Note 6 due to the uncertainty as to the timing of capital calls made by such funds.
 
Sublease income was approximately $721,000 in 2006, $330,000 in 2007 and $238,000 in 2008.
 
Aggregate rent expenses, net of sublease income, were approximately $7.7 million, $9.4 million and $9.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007, and 2008, respectively.
 
(9)   Stockholders’ Equity
 
Preferred Stock
 
Forrester has authorized 500,000 shares of $.01 par value preferred stock. The Board of Directors has full authority to issue this stock and to fix the voting powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption privileges and liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series or designation of such series.
 
Treasury Stock
 
Through 2008, Forrester’s Board of Directors authorized an aggregate $150 million to purchase common stock under the stock repurchase program. The shares repurchased may be used, among other things, in connection with Forrester’s employee stock option and purchase plans. As of December 31, 2008, Forrester had repurchased approximately 6.1 million shares of common stock at an aggregate cost of $120.8 million, including commissions paid for the acquisition of the common stock.
 
(10)   Stock Option Investigation; Restatement of Historical Financial Statements
 
In 2006, as a result of the inquiry into the Company’s historical stock option granting practices, the Company determined that the vesting and/or exercise of certain stock options that were granted on a discounted basis (exercise price is less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant) could be subject to Internal Revenue Code section 409A. In February 2007, the Company filed a notice of participation in the voluntary program described in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Announcement 2007-18, called the Compliance Resolution Program for Employees other than Corporate Insiders for Additional 2006 Taxes Arising under Section 409A due to the Exercise of Stock Rights. The Company also participated in the similar program prescribed by the California Franchise Tax Board. Under these programs, employers elected to pay the requisite additional tax and associated interest and penalties on behalf of employees (and former employees) who exercised discounted stock options in 2006.
 
During 2007, Forrester paid a total of $362,000 to the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board under these programs. Also, during 2007, the Board of Directors approved a tender offer to amend or replace certain previously granted stock options that had exercises prices less than the market value of Forrester stock on the correct measurement date and therefore would have been subject to tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. In the tender offer, the Company adjusted the exercise prices of the affected options to the same prices used to calculate compensation expense in the consolidated financial statements. The Company agreed to compensate the employees who elected to participate in the tender offer by paying to each such person in January 2008 an amount equal to 105% of the difference between the original exercise price and the corrected exercise price for each affected option. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had $434,000 (related to the tender offer) included in accrued expenses, which was paid in 2008.
 
During 2007 and 2008, the Company incurred approximately $4.6 million and $877,000 of costs (primarily professional fees), respectively, related to the stock option investigation, the SEC inquiry and the restatement of the Company’s historical financial statements, which have been recorded in the consolidated statements of income under the caption General and Administrative Expense.


F-23


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
(11)   Stock Option Plans
 
In February 1996, Forrester adopted the Forrester Research, Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated and approved by the stockholders in September 1996 (the “1996 Plan”). The 1996 Plan provided for the issuance of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) and non-qualified stock options (“NSOs”) to purchase up to 13,500,000 shares of common stock. Under the terms of the 1996 Plan, ISOs may not be granted at less than fair market value on the date of grant (and in no event less than par value). ISO grants to holders of 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of Forrester stock must be granted at an exercise price not less than 110% of the fair market value at the date of grant. Options generally vest ratably over two to four years and expire after 10 years. Options granted under the 1996 Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the 1996 Plan. Upon adoption of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan described below, the 1996 Plan was terminated.
 
In May 2006, the Forrester Research, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) was approved by the stockholders of the Company. The 2006 Plan provides for the issuance of stock-based awards, including ISOs and NSOs, to purchase up to 4,350,000 shares authorized in the 2006 Plan plus up to 2,500,000 returned 1996 Plan shares. Under the terms of the 2006 Plan, ISOs may not be granted at less than fair market value on the date of grant (and in no event less than par value). Options generally vest annually over two to four years and expire after 10 years. Options granted under the 2006 Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the 2006 Plan.
 
In September 1996, Forrester adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “1996 Directors’ Plan”), which provided for the issuance of options to purchase up to 600,000 shares of common stock. The 1996 Directors’ Plan provided that each non-employee director shall be awarded an option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock upon his or her election as a director. These options vest in four equal annual installments, with the first installment vested on the date of grant. In addition, the 1996 Directors’ Plan provided that each non-employee director will also receive an option to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock at time of grant, each year immediately following Forrester’s annual stockholders’ meeting. These options vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. Options granted under the 1996 Directors’ Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the 1996 Directors’ Plan. Upon adoption of the 2006 Directors’ Plan described below, the 1996 Directors’ Plan terminated.
 
In May 2006, the Forrester Research, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan for Directors’ (the “2006 Directors’ Plan”) was approved by the stockholders of the Company. The 2006 Directors’ Plan provides for the issuance of options to purchase up to 450,000 shares of common stock. Under the 2006 Directors’ Plan, each non-employee director shall be awarded an option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock upon his or her election as a director. These options vest in four equal annual installments, with the first installment vested on the date of grant. In addition, each non-employee director will also receive an option to purchase 12,500 shares of common stock, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, each year immediately following Forrester’s annual stockholders’ meeting. These options vest in four equal installments on the first, second, third, and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. Options granted under the 2006 Directors’ Plan immediately vest upon certain events, as described in the 2006 Directors’ Plan.


F-24


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
Stock option activity from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2008 was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
 
                                 
                Weighted
       
                Average
       
          Exercise
    Exercise
    Aggregate
 
    Number
    Price Per
    Price Per
    Intrinsic
 
    of Shares     Share     Share     Value  
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
    5,236     $ 9.57-$70.84     $ 18.57        
Granted
    1,146       18.75-31.54       24.92          
Exercised
    (2,409 )     9.57-28.47       17.01     $ 22,283  
Forfeited
    (653 )     13.94-70.84       20.38          
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    3,320       9.57-67.97       21.52        
Granted
    641       23.11-28.62       27.70          
Exercised
    (281 )     9.57-25.16       17.45     $ 2,458  
Forfeited
    (216 )     11.69-67.97       21.35          
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2007
    3,464       11.69-65.59       23.15        
Granted
    528       24.14-35.54       29.90          
Exercised
    (913 )     11.69-31.42       18.59     $ 10,388  
Forfeited
    (145 )     15.97-62.97       29.03          
                                 
Outstanding at December 31, 2008
    2,934     $ 11.69-$65.59     $ 25.16     $ 13,230  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2008
    1,790     $ 11.69-$65.59     $ 23.70     $ 11,660  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2007
    2,000     $ 11.69-$65.59     $ 21.57     $ 16,562  
                                 
Exercisable at December 31, 2006
    1,310     $ 9.57-$67.97     $ 22.52     $ 9,597  
                                 
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2008:
 
                                         
                Weighted
             
                Average
             
          Weighted
    Remaining
    Options
    Weighted
 
    Options
    Average
    Contractual
    Exercisable
    Average
 
    Outstanding
    Exercise
    Life of
    At
    Exercise
 
    At December 31,
    Price of
    Options
    December 31,
    Price of
 
    2008
    Options
    Outstanding
    2008
    Options
 
Range of Exercise Prices
  (In thousands)     Outstanding     (in years)     (In thousands)     Exercisable  
 
$11.69-$15.67
    345     $ 14.69       5.38       330     $ 14.66  
15.78-18.42
    358       17.56       4.91       349       17.57  
18.47-22.19
    432       21.29       6.39       391       21.35  
22.22-26.30
    315       25.01       4.79       215       25.17  
26.40-26.98
    144       26.59       7.74       57       26.54  
27.11-27.11
    363       27.11       9.25             0.00  
27.17-28.62
    488       28.22       8.11       153       28.24  
28.63-31.42
    347       31.09       7.83       180       31.26  
31.54-65.00
    137       50.00       3.07       110       53.85  
65.01-65.59
    5       65.59       1.65       5       65.59  
                                         
      2,934     $ 25.16       6.63       1,790     $ 23.70  
                                         


F-25


 

 
FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
 
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable as of December 31, 2008 was 5.38 years. As of December 31, 2008, shares available for future grant of awards under the 2006 Plan and the 2006 Directors’ Plan were approximately 3,600,000 and 263,000, respectively.
 
The option period under the employee stock purchase plan that would have resulted in the purchase of shares at the end of June 2007 was terminated and no option period was authorized for the remainder of the year. As a result no compensation expense was recognized related to the employee stock purchase plan for the year ended December 31, 2007. (See Note 13 for further discussion of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan). The options granted under the stock option plans and shares subject to the employee stock purchase plan were valued utilizing the Black Scholes model using the following assumptions and had the following fair values:
 
                                         
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
    Year Ended
 
    December 31, 2006     December 31, 2007     December 31, 2008  
    Stock Option
    Employee Stock
    Stock Option
    Stock Option
    Employee Stock
 
    Plans     Purchase Plan     Plans     Plans     Purchase Plan  
 
Average risk-free interest rate
    4.69 %     5.27 %     4.50 %     2.59 %     2.41 %
Expected dividend yield
    None       None       None       None       None  
Expected life
    6.25 Years       0.5 Years       3.24 Years       3.5 Years       0.5 Years  
Expected volatility
    35 %     26 %     35 %     35 %     35 %
Weighted average fair value
  $ 9.18     $ 5.12     $ 8.28     $ 8.00     $ 7.27  
 
The dividend yield of zero is based on the fact that Forrester has never paid cash dividends and has no present intention to pay cash dividends. Expected volatility is based, in part, on the historical volatility of Forrester’s common stock as well as management’s expectations of future volatility over the expected term of the awards granted. The risk-free interest rate used is based on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity rate with an equivalent remaining term. Where the expected term of a stock-based award does not correspond with a term for which the interest rates are quoted, Forrester uses the rate with the maturity closest to the award’s expected term. The expected term calculation is based upon Forrester’s historical experience of exercise patterns.
 
Based on Forrester’s historical experience for grants with varying vesting terms, an estimated forfeiture rate of 10% was used to determine current period expense. Forrester evaluated various employee groups and determined that the forfeiture experience and expectations were not materially different amongst employee groups and therefore concluded that one forfeiture rate was appropriate. Forrester will record additional expense if the actual forfeiture rate is lower than estimated, and will record recovery of prior expense if the actual forfeiture rate is higher than estimated.
 
On April 3, 2006, Forrester issued to its employees options to purchase 587,500 shares of common stock. These options were subject to performance criteria and would vest only if certain pro forma operating margin targets related to full year 2006 performance were achieved. The vesting of these options was over 24 or 36 months, or the options could be forfeited, depending on the actual pro forma operating margin achieved for 2006. During 2006, operating performance was expected to result in the options vesting over 36 months and expense was recognized assuming that vesting period. Based on historical exercise patterns for options with similar vesting and the expected vesting period at the time of grant, Forrester used an expected option term of 2 years for the year one vest, 3 years for the year two vest and 4 years for the year three vest to value these options. The actual pro forma operating margin for 2006 resulted in accelerated vesting of the options over 24 months and the compensation expense associated with the accelerated vesting was recognized on a prospective basis in accordance with SFAS No. 123R. The expense related to these options was recognized on a graded basis.
 
On April 2, 2007, Forrester issued to its employees options to purchase 293,600 shares of common stock. These options were subject to performance criteria and would vest on