8-K

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): April 25, 2017

 

 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   000-21433   04-2797789

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

60 Acorn Park Drive

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(617) 613-6000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changes since Last Report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 

 

Page 1 of 5

Exhibit Index appears on Page 5


ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.

The information contained in this current report on Form 8-K is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K “Results of Operations and Financial Condition”. This information and the exhibits hereto are being furnished and shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of, or otherwise regarded as filed under, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information contained in this report shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing of Forrester Research, Inc. with the SEC, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings.

On April 26, 2017, Forrester Research, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Forrester believes that pro forma financial results provide investors with consistent and comparable information to aid in the understanding of Forrester’s ongoing business. Forrester uses pro forma financial information to manage its business, including use of pro forma financial results as the basis for setting targets for various compensation programs. Our pro forma presentation excludes the following, as well as their related tax effects:

Amortization of intangibles—we exclude the effect of the amortization of intangibles from our pro forma results in order to more consistently present our ongoing results of operations.

Gains and losses from investments—we have consistently excluded both gains and losses related to our investments in non-marketable securities and sales of marketable securities from our pro forma results in order to keep quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year comparisons consistent.

Stock-based compensation expense—we exclude stock-based compensation from our pro forma results in order to keep quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year comparisons consistent.

Reorganization costs associated with the Company’s reductions in force are not included in our pro forma results in order to keep quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year comparisons consistent.

However, these measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or superior to, operating income or other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as more fully discussed in our financial statements and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

ITEM 8.01 Other Events.

On April 26, 2017, the Company also announced that its Board of Directors has approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share, to be paid on June 21, 2017 to shareholders of record on June 7, 2017.

 

2


ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

 

(d) Exhibits

 

99.1 Press Release dated April 26, 2017 with respect to financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 and the approval of the Company’s quarterly cash dividend.

 

3


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

FORRESTER RESEARCH, INC.

By

 

/s/ Michael A. Doyle

 

Name:

  Michael A. Doyle
 

Title:

  Chief Financial Officer

Date: April 26, 2017

 

4


Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

  

Description

  

Page

99.1    Press Release dated April 26, 2017    xx     

 

 

5

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forrester Research Reports 2017 First-Quarter Financial Results

Cambridge, Mass., April 26, 2017 . . . Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) today announced its 2017 first-quarter financial results.

First-Quarter Financial Performance

Total revenues were $77.2 million for the first quarter of 2017, compared with $77.4 million for the first quarter of 2016. Research revenues decreased 3%, and advisory services and events revenues increased 5%, compared with the first quarter of 2016.

On a GAAP basis, net income was $3.0 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2017, compared with a net income of $1.3 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the same period in 2016. The company recognized a $1.3 million income tax benefit during the first quarter of 2017 related to the closure of a tax audit during the period.

On a pro forma basis, net income was $3.2 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2017, which reflects a pro forma effective tax rate of 40%. Pro forma net income excludes stock-based compensation of $2.0 million, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $0.2 million, and investment losses of $0.2 million. This compares with pro forma net income of $3.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, for the same period in 2016, which reflects a pro forma tax rate of 40%. Pro forma net income for the first quarter of 2016 excludes stock-based compensation of $2.1 million, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of $0.2 million, and reorganization costs of $1.0 million.

“Forrester met revenue and pro forma operating margin guidance while exceeding EPS targets for the first quarter,” said George F. Colony, Forrester’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Our new selling model is showing results, and the continued digitization of our syndicated products continues to move forward. The year has kicked off well — we’re happy with where we are at the start of 2017.”

Forrester is providing second-quarter 2017 financial guidance as follows:

Second-Quarter 2017 (GAAP):

 

    Total revenues of approximately $86.0 million to $89.0 million.
    Operating margin of approximately 8.0% to 10.0%.
    Other income (expense), net of zero.
    An effective tax rate of 40%.
    Diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.23 to $0.27.


Second-Quarter 2017 (Pro Forma):

Pro forma financial guidance for the second quarter of 2017 excludes stock-based compensation expense of $1.8 million to $2.0 million, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of approximately $0.2 million, and any investment gains or losses.

 

    Pro forma operating margin of approximately 10.5% to 12.5%.
    Pro forma effective tax rate of 40%.
    Pro forma diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.30 to $0.34.

Our full-year 2017 guidance is as follows:

Full-Year 2017 (GAAP):

 

    Total revenues of approximately $324.0 million to $332.0 million.
    Operating margin of approximately 7.8% to 8.8%.
    Other income, net of zero.
    An effective tax rate of 36%.
    Diluted earnings per share of approximately $0.90 to $0.97.

Full-Year 2017 (Pro Forma):

Pro forma financial guidance for full-year 2017 excludes stock-based compensation expense of $7.8 million to $8.3 million, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets of approximately $0.8 million, and any investment gains or losses.

 

    Pro forma operating margin of approximately 10.5% to 11.5%.
    Pro forma effective tax rate of 40%.
    Pro forma diluted earnings per share of approximately $1.13 to $1.20.

Quarterly Dividend

Forrester also announced today that its board of directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.19 per share, payable June 21, 2017, to shareholders of record on June 7, 2017.

Adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-09

Effective January 1, 2017, Forrester adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU No. 2016-09), which changes the accounting for stock-based compensation awards. Among the changes in ASU No. 2016-09 that impacted Forrester is the requirement to recognize certain tax benefits that arise from the settlement/exercise of stock-based compensation awards in the income statement, whereas previously these benefits were recorded in stockholders’ equity. This change was applied on a prospective basis to settlements/exercises occurring on or after January 1, 2017, and had an insignificant effect on our financial results in the first quarter of 2017.


In addition, ASU No. 2016-09 requires that all income-tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments be reported as operating activities and that cash paid by directly withholding shares for tax withholding purposes be classified as a financing activity in the statement of cash flows. These changes were applied retrospectively and resulted in an increase in operating cash flows, with a corresponding decrease in financing cash flows, of $39,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

About Forrester Research

Forrester Research is one of the most influential research and advisory firms in the world. We work with business and technology leaders to develop customer-obsessed strategies that drive growth. Forrester’s unique insights are grounded in annual surveys of more than 675,000 consumers and business leaders worldwide, rigorous and objective methodologies, and the shared wisdom of our most innovative clients. Through proprietary research, data, custom consulting, exclusive executive peer groups, and events, the Forrester experience is about a singular and powerful purpose: to challenge the thinking of our clients to help them lead change in their organizations. For more information, visit forrester.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, Forrester’s financial guidance for the second quarter of and full-year 2017, statements about the success of operational improvements, and statements about Forrester’s future financial performance and financial condition. These statements are based on Forrester’s current plans and expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future activities and results of operations to be materially different from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual future activities and results to differ include, among others, Forrester’s ability to retain and enrich memberships for its research products and services, demand for advisory and consulting services, technology spending, Forrester’s ability to respond to business and economic conditions and market trends, Forrester’s ability to develop and offer new products and services, the risks and challenges inherent in international business activities, competition and industry consolidation, the ability to attract and retain professional staff, Forrester’s dependence on key personnel, Forrester’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits from recent internal reorganizations, the possibility of network disruptions and security breaches, Forrester’s ability to enforce and protect its intellectual property, and possible variations in Forrester’s quarterly operating results. Dividend declarations are at the discretion of Forrester’s board of directors, and plans for future dividends may be revised by the board at any time. Forrester undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. For further information, please refer to Forrester’s reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


The consolidated statements of income and the table of key financial data are attached.

Contact:

Michael Doyle

Chief Financial Officer

Forrester Research, Inc.

+1 617.613.6000

mdoyle@forrester.com

Meaghan Rhyasen

Public Relations

Forrester Research, Inc.

+ 1 617.613.6070

press@forrester.com

© 2017, Forrester Research, Inc. All rights reserved. Forrester is a trademark of Forrester Research, Inc.


Forrester Research, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

 

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Revenues:

    

Research services

   $ 51,743     $ 53,248  

Advisory services and events

     25,451       24,153  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     77,194       77,401  

Operating expenses:

    

Cost of services and fulfillment

     31,396       31,123  

Selling and marketing

     30,622       30,404  

General and administrative

     10,170       9,973  

Depreciation

     1,679       1,965  

Amortization of intangible assets

     191       209  

Reorganization costs

     —         1,015  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     74,058       74,689  

Income from operations

     3,136       2,712  

Other income (expense), net

     9       (328

Losses on investments, net

     (203     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     2,942       2,384  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     (88     1,095  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 3,030     $ 1,289  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted income per common share

   $ 0.16     $ 0.07  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     18,536       17,925  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic income per common share

   $ 0.17     $ 0.07  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

     18,230       17,762  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma data (1):

    

Income from operations

   $ 3,136     $ 2,712  

Amortization of intangible assets

     191       209  

Reorganization costs

     —         1,015  

Stock-based compensation included in the following expense categories:

    

Cost of services and fulfillment

     1,197       1,194  

Selling and marketing

     162       314  

General and administrative

     690       627  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma income from operations

     5,376       6,071  

Other income (expense), net

     9       (328
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma income before income taxes

     5,385       5,743  

Pro forma income tax provision

     2,154       2,297  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma net income

   $ 3,231     $ 3,446  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma diluted income per share

   $ 0.17     $ 0.19  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma diluted weighted average shares outstanding

     18,536       17,925  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Forrester believes that pro forma financial results provide investors with consistent and comparable information to aid in the understanding of Forrester's ongoing business, and are also used by Forrester in making compensation decisions. Our pro forma presentation excludes amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, stock-based compensation, reorganization costs and net gains or losses from investments, as well as their related tax effects. The pro forma data does not purport to be prepared in accordance with Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States.


Forrester Research, Inc.

Key Financial Data

 

(Unaudited, dollars thousands)

 

     March 31,
2017
    December 31,
2016
 

Balance sheet data:

    

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable investments

   $ 134,593     $ 138,105  

Accounts receivable, net

   $ 55,029     $ 58,812  

Deferred revenue

   $ 156,256     $ 134,265  
     March 31,  
     2017     2016  

Cash flow data:

    

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 19,454     $ 21,576  

Purchases of property and equipment

   $ (1,540   $ (1,144

Repurchases of common stock

   $ (21,453   $ —    

Dividends paid

   $ (3,462   $ (3,201
     As of
March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Metrics:

    

Agreement value

   $ 236,600     $ 240,500  

Client retention

     74     77

Dollar retention

     87     88

Enrichment

     94     97

Number of clients

     2,427       2,477  
     As of
March 31,
 
     2017     2016  

Headcount:

    

Total headcount

     1,375       1,322  

Research and consulting staff

     512       484  

Sales force

     535       516