UNITED

Table of Contents
UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


Form 10-K

☒  
Annual Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal yearended August 31, 2018

☐   Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

2021
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: 1-11869


FACTSET RESEARCHRESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

fds-20210831_g1.jpg

Delaware

13-3362547
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

13-3362547

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

601 Merritt 7,

45 Glover Avenue,Norwalk, Connecticut 06851

06850

(Address of principal executive office, including zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 810-1000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

Name of each exchange on which registered: New York Stock Exchange and The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Title of each classTrading Symbols(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par ValueFDSNew York Stock Exchange
NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes x    No 

o

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes o    No 

x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    No 

o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x    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.

o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller" "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company”company" and “emerging"emerging growth company”company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer 
Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Smaller reporting company
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.

   ☐  

o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.                               x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).      Yes o    No 

x

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based upon the closing price of a share of the registrant’s common stock on February 28, 2018,26, 2021, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date, was $7,767,417,390.

The numberwas $11,494,529,303.

As of October 15, 2021, there were 37,640,632 shares outstanding of the registrant’sregistrant's common stock asoutstanding.



Table of October 24, 2018, was 38,037,295.

Contents

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions

Certain information required by Part III of the registrant’sthis annual report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2018, for the 2018our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, towhich will be held on December 18, 2018, are incorporated by reference into Part IIIfiled with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after August 31, 2021.


Table of this Report on Form 10-K where indicated.

FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.

FORM 10-K

For The Fiscal Year Ended August 31, 2018

PART I

2021

Page

ITEM 1.

Business

4

Page

Risk Factors

13

18

Properties

18

ITEM 3.

Legal Proceedings

19

19

PART II

20

22

24

45

47

90

90

ITEM 9B.

Other Information

90

PART III

91

ITEM 11.

Executive Compensation

91

91

92

92

PART IV

93

Signatures

95




















3


Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
FactSet Research Systems Inc. has made statements under the captions Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "projects," "indicates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue," and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements, which are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions about us, may include projections of our future financial performance and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. There are many important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the numerous factors discussed under Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that should be specifically considered.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither we nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. We do not intend, and are under no duty, to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual results, future events or circumstances, or revised expectations.
We intend that all forward-looking statements we make will be subject to safe harbor protection of the federal securities laws as found in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

4

Part I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Business Overview

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company”and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "we," "our," "us," the "Company" or “FactSet”"FactSet") is a global provider of integrated financial information, analytical applicationsdata and industry-leading service foranalytics company with open and flexible technology and a purpose to drive the investment community.community to see more, think bigger, and do their best work. Our missionstrategy is to solvebecome the leading open content and financial analytics platform in the industry that delivers differentiated advantage for our clients’ greatest challenges throughsuccess.
For over 40 years, the FactSet platform has delivered expansive data, sophisticated analytics, and flexible technology that global financial professionals need to power of collaboration. We deliver insighttheir critical investment workflows. Over 160,000 asset managers and informationowners, bankers, wealth managers, corporate firms, including private equity and venture capital firms, and others, use our personalized solutions to investment professionals through our analytics, service, content,identify opportunities, explore ideas, and technology. These professionals include portfolio managers,gain a competitive advantage, in areas spanning investment research, professionals,portfolio construction and analysis, trade execution, performance measurement, risk management, and reporting across the investment bankers, risklifecycle.
We provide financial data and performance analysts,market intelligence on securities, companies and wealth advisors. From streaming real-timeindustries to enable our clients to research investment ideas, as well as offering them the capabilities to analyze, monitor and manage their portfolios. We combine dedicated client service with open and flexible technology offerings, such as a configurable desktop and mobile platform, comprehensive data to historical information, including quotes, estimates, newsfeeds, cloud-based digital solutions, and commentary, we offer proprietary and third-party content through desktop, web, mobile and off-platform solutions.application programming interfaces ("APIs"). Our broad application suite offers tools and resources including company and industry analyses, full screening tools, portfolio analysis, risk profiles, alpha-testing, portfolio optimization and research management solutions. Our revenues arerevenue is primarily derived from subscriptions to our products and services such as workstations, portfolio analytics, enterpriseand market data.
We advance our industry by comprehensively understanding our clients’ workflows, solving their most complex challenges, and helping them achieve their goals. By providing them with the leading open content and analytics platform, an expansive universe of concorded data research management,they can trust, next-generation workflow support designed to help them grow and trade execution.

see their next best action, and the industry’s most committed service specialists, FactSet puts our clients in a position to outperform.

We are focused on growing our business through three reportable segments ("segments"): the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Within each of our segments, we primarily deliver insight and information through our three workflow solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and Content & Technology ("CTS").
Corporate History

FactSet was founded in 1978 and has been publicly heldtraded since June 1996. We are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”("NYSE") and the NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”("NASDAQ") under the symbol “FDS.”"FDS". Fiscal 20182021 marked our 40th43rd year of operationoperations and, while much has changed in our marketboth markets and technologies,technology, our focus has always been to provide the best in classbest-in-class products and exceptional client service.

The following timeline depicts

Business Strategy
Client needs and market dynamics continue to evolve at an accelerated pace with an increasing demand for differentiated, personalized, and connected data, an ongoing shift to multi-asset class investing, and cost rationalization, as the Company’s history sinceshift from active to passive investing continues. Clients are seeking new cloud-based solutions that enable self-service and automation, open and flexible systems, and increased efficiencies when integrating and managing data as part of their own broader digital transformations.
FactSet’s strategy focuses on building the leading open content and analytics platform that delivers differentiated advantages for our foundingclients’ success – in 1978:


Business Strategy

keeping with our purpose of enabling the investment community to see more, think bigger and do their best work. We want to be the trusted partner of choice for clients, to anticipate their needs and provide them with the most innovative solutions to make them more efficient. This includes transforming the way our clients discover, decide, and act on an opportunity using our digital platform; purposefully increasing our pace and speed to market by streamlining how we work; and investing in our future workforce. To execute on our strategy, we plan on the following:

Growing our digital platform: Scaling up our content refinery by providing the most comprehensive and connected inventory of industry, proprietary, and third-party data for the financial community, including granular data for key industry verticals, private companies, wealth, and environmental social and governance ("ESG"). We are driving next-generation workflow solutions by creating personalized and integrated workflows which include targeted solutions for
5

asset managers, asset owners, sell side, wealth and corporate clients. Our goal is to deliver tangible efficiencies to our clients by connecting data and analytics with a cloud based eco-system, enabling them to manage work more effectively through an integrated investment lifecycle.
Delivering execution excellence: Building a more agile and digital first-minded organization that increases the global standard for delivery, integration and consumptionspeed of our financial data by the global investment community. We maintain flexible, openproduct creation and go-to-market strategy. To capitalize on market trends and give our clients innovative tools, we plan to release new products built on a cloud-based digital foundation as well as migrating our existing data and software solutionsapplications to bring the front, middle,cloud. Additionally, we expect to rationalize our existing product portfolio to reinvest in higher return products.
Driving a growth mindset: Recruiting, training and back office togetherempowering a diverse and operationally efficient workforce to drive productivitysustainable growth. To drive a more performance-based culture, we are investing in talent who can create leading technological solutions, efficiently execute our go-to-market strategy and performance throughoutachieve our growth targets.
At the center of our strategy is the relentless focus on our clients and their FactSet experience. We want to be a trusted partner and service provider, offering hyper-personalized digital products for clients to research ideas, uncover relevant insights, and leverage cognitive computing to help get the most out of their data and analytics. Additionally, we continually evaluate business opportunities such as acquisitions and partnerships to help us expand our capabilities and competitive differentiators across the investment portfolio lifecycle. Our strategy is
We are focused on growing our global business throughout each of ourin three segments which includesegments: the U.S., Europe,Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. We believe this geographical strategystrategic alignment helps us better manage our resources, target our solutions and concentrate on markets that demandinteract with our products. The U.S. segment services investment professionals, including financial institutions throughout the Americas. The European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and the Asia Pacific segment, respectively. Toclients. We further execute on our businessgrowth strategy of broad-based growth across each geographical segment, we continue to look at ways to create value for our clients by offering data, products, and analytical applications within our keythree workflow solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and CTS.
Research & Advisory
Our Research & Advisory workflow is designed to personalize and automate vital aspects of the research process, providing idea generation, company and market analysis, presentation building and distribution, and research management. Research offerings focus on providing tools that optimize workflows of portfolio managers, buy and sell side analysts, investments bankers, investment relationship professionals and other clients within our expanding user base. Our workstation, mobile, API, and Research Analytics, Wealth,Management Solutions ("RMS") easily integrate with our clients’ ecosystems, powering a streamlined workflow and Contentenabling users to focus more time on high-value tasks. Our RMS & advisory solutions also enable our wealth clients to provide market leading support across their entire enterprise, including home office, advisory, and Technology Solutions.

Research Solutions

Our Research Solutions (“Research”) workflow offers a powerful data solution that combinesclient engagement. These solutions deliver essential and integrated content into one flexible platform with global coverage, deep history, and transparency with thousands of FactSet-sourcedthrough both FactSet and third-party databases integrated in one flexible platform. Our Research workflow has a strong focus on growingsourced databases.

Analytics & Trading
Analytics & Trading provides solutions for institutional asset managers and asset owners across the number of usersinvestment portfolio lifecycle, connecting all essential front and client types includingmiddle office investment banking, sell-sidefunctions. Fundamental and quantitative research, buy-side research, private equity, capital markets, investor relations,portfolio construction, order management and media. This workflow offering is comprised of Core Applications, including Universal Screening, Company & Security Analytics, Industrytrade execution tie into advanced portfolio attribution and Markets, Filings, Ownership, Research, News and our Research Management Solutions (“RMS”).

Analytics Solutions

Our Analytics Solutions (“Analytics”) workflow addresses processes aroundperformance measurement, risk performancemanagement, and reporting. Our Analytics workflow provides investment professionals with in-depth insight, powerfulThe proprietary and third-party models, concorded data, analytics and comprehensive datasets integrated seamlessly into their portfolios. The Analytics workflow is driven by FactSet Portfolio Analysis (“PA”)reporting are in an open framework supporting flexible access through the platform and FactSet’s Multi-Asset Class (“MAC”) risk models. PA is aAPIs, and can be deployed as an enterprise system that meets evolving, holistic multi-asset class interactive global solutionneeds or as individual workflow components that includes a flexible, multi-tile interface of reports and charts to enable a user to make smarter decisions. MAC risk models analyze risk factors across different asset types and classes. We have enhancedcan connect into our Analytics workflow offering by leveraging client-requested functionality such as fixed income optimization and the Duration Times Spread attribution model.

Additionally, included in the Analytics workflow is our portfolio management and trading solutions which focus on workflows that are specific for the front office serving traders and portfolio managers. This offering includes a multi-asset execution management system (“EMS”) platform, as well as compliance and order management functionality. These products are aimed at large asset managers, hedge funds and mid-market customers to provide a combination of automated and intelligent trading workflows.

Wealth Solutions

Our Wealth Solutions (“Wealth”) workflow creates solutions that are specific to the wealth management industry and helps withclients’ investment portfolio management, advisory services, financial planning and other financial services. Our Wealth workflow offerings include providing end-to-end solutions, focusing on non-equity content and single security analytics, portfolio and risk analytics, and digital strategy.

Content and Technology Solutions

Our Content and Technology Solutions (“CTS”) workflow is focusedtechnology ecosystems.

CTS
CTS focuses on delivering valuedata directly to our clients in the way they want to consume it. Our goal is to reduce the number of customizations by standardizingleveraging FactSet's core content and bundling our proprietary data into data feeds.technology. Clients seamlessly discover, explore, and access organized and connected content via multiple delivery channels. Whether a client needs market, company, or alternative data, our data delivery servicesor customized client facing digital solutions, we provide normalizedstructured data through a variety of technologies, such as APIs and a direct deliverycloud infrastructures. Through our Data Management Services ("DMS"), we provide entity mapping and integration of local copies of standard data feeds.client data. Our symbology links and aggregates a varietydiverse set of content sources to ensure consistency, transparency, and data integrity across youra client’s business.

The CTS workflow also includes direct access By enabling our clients to insightutilize their preferred choice of cloud infrastructure and information outsideindustry standard databases, programming languages, and data visualization tools, our clients can centralize, integrate, and analyze disparate data sources for faster and more cost-effective decision making.

6

Table of the workstation through cloud-based application program interfaces and white label solutions. More specifically, our recent launch of Open:FactSet data marketplace provides access to 25 specialty datasets from FactSet and other data providers in flexible delivery formats.

FactSet Clients

Buy-side

We focus on the buy-side workflow across all firm and user types. These clients include portfolio managers, analysts, traders, wealth managers, performance teams and risk and compliance teams at a variety of firms, such as traditional asset managers, wealth advisors, corporations, hedge funds, insurance companies, plan sponsors and fund of funds.

As buy-side

Buy-side clients continue to shift increasingly towards multi-asset class investment strategies and we are positionedwell-positioned to be a partner of choice in the space, given ourthis space. Our ability to provide enterprise-wide solutions to our clients across their entire workflow. We provide solutions acrossworkflow, covering virtually every asset classesclass, enables us to compete for greater market share. Buy-side clients primarily include asset managers, asset owners, wealth managers, hedge funds, corporate firms and at nearly every stage of the investment processchannel partners. They access our multi-asset-class tools by utilizing our workstations, powerful analytics,Analytics & Trading tools, proprietary content, data feeds, APIs and portfolio services.

The buy-side annual subscription value (“ASV”("ASV") growth rate for fiscal 20182021 was 5.4%6.5%. Buy-side clients accounted for 83.9%83.2% of our ASV as of August 31, 2018.

Sell-side

We are a market leader on the sell-side and we are continuing to expand beyond investment banking into various other parts of banking institutions. Our clients represent banking & advisory, broker-dealers, consulting, independent research, institutional asset management, private equity, and venture capital firms. We believe that future growth may be derived from the breadth of solutions we provide to the sell-side across our geographic segments and workflow solutions.

Though historically we have focused on selling workstations to banks, over the last few years our emphasis has shifted to focus on selling more differentiated product offerings outside the workstation. We are also expanding our banking user base to commercial banking, equity and fixed income research teams, quantitative analysis groups, compliance and regulatory divisions and sales and trading teams.

The sell-side ASV growth rate for fiscal 2018 was 7.3%. Sell-side clients accounted for 16.1% of ASV as of August 31, 2018.

Client Subscription Growth

2021. ASV at any given point in time represents the forward-looking revenuesrevenue for the next twelve12 months from all subscription services currently being supplied to clients and excludes professional servicesservice fees, billedwhich are not subscription-based.

Sell-side
We deliver comprehensive solutions to sell-side clients including workstation, proprietary and third-party content, productivity tools for Microsoft® Office, web and mobile, and RMS for research authoring and publishing. Our focus remains on expanding the depth of content offered and increasing workflow efficiency for sell-side firms. These firms primarily include broker-dealers, banking and advisory, private equity and venture capital firms.
The sell-side ASV growth rate for fiscal 2021 was 12.0%. Sell-side clients accounted for 16.8% of our ASV as of August 31, 2021.
Client and User Additions
Our total client count as of August 31, 2021 was 6,453, representing a net increase of 578 or 9.8% in the last twelve12 months. primarily driven by an increase in wealth management and corporate clients as well as third-party data providers. The count includes clients with ASV of $10,000 and above. As of August 31, 2021 there were 160,932 professionals using FactSet, representing a net increase of 19,796 or 14.0% in the last 12 months, which are not subscription-based. primarily driven by an increase in research, wealth and corporate solutions users.
Annual ASV retention was greater than 95% for the period ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020. When expressed as a percentage of clients, annual retention increased to approximately 91% for the period ended August 31, 2021, compared with approximately 90% for the period ended August 31, 2020.
Organic ASV excludesplus Professional Services Growth
Organic ASV plus Professional Services at any point in time equals our forward-looking revenue for the next 12 months from all subscription services currently being supplied to clients, excluding ASV from acquisitions and dispositions completed within the last 12 months and the effects of foreign currency

movements on the current year period, plus professional services.

As of August 31, 2018,2021, our Organic ASV was $1.39plus Professional Services totaled $1.68 billion, up $74.4 million or 5.7% organically from a7.2% over the prior year ago.comparable period. Organic ASV increased across all our geographic segments, with the majority of the increase related to the Americas, followed by EMEA and Asia Pacific. This increase in ASV was driven by growth amongst our geographic segments and achievements across each ofadditional sales in our workflow solutions, which include Research,primarily in Analytics & Trading, CTS and Wealth.

During fiscal 2018, we added 398 new clients, increasing the numberResearch.


7

Table of clients by 8.4% over the prior year. We added 3,051 new users during fiscal 2018, leading to a healthy progression in the number of users in both our buy-side and sell-side clients.

The following chart provides a snapshot of FactSet’sour historic Organic ASV plus Professional Services growth:

fds-20210831_g2.jpg

Financial Information on Geographic Areas

Operating segments are defined as (i) components of an enterprise that have the following characteristics: (i) they engage in business activities from which they may earn revenuesrevenue and incur expenses,expense, (ii) withtheir operating results that are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker to make("CODM") for resource allocation decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance assessment, and (iii) for whichtheir discrete financial information is available. At FactSet, our Chief Executive management, along with the CEO, constituteOfficer ("CEO") functions as our chief operating decision making group (“CODMG”). Executive management consists of certain executives who directly report to the CEO, including the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology and Product Officer, Global Head of Sales and Client Solutions, General Counsel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of Analytics & Trading. The CODMG reviews financial information at the operating segment level and is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

CODM.

Our operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODMG,our CODM manages the business and the demographicgeographic markets in which we serve.serve, with a primary focus on providing integrated global financial and economic information. Our internal financial reporting structure is based on three reportable segments: the U.S., EuropeAmericas; EMEA; and Asia Pacific. We believe this alignment helps usThrough fiscal 2021, within each of our segments, we delivered insight and information based on four workflow solutions: Research; Analytics & Trading; CTS; and Wealth. Beginning with our 2022 fiscal year, we have reorganized our workflows into three solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and CTS, to better manage the businessalign our products and focus on markets that demand our products. Our primary functional groups within the U.S., Europe, and Asia Pacific segments include sales, consulting, data collection, product development and software engineering, whichgo-to-market strategy. These workflow solutions provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals.

The U.S.Americas segment services investment professionals, including financial institutionsserves our clients throughout the Americas. The EuropeanNorth, Central, and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and the Asia Pacific segment, respectively. Financial information, including revenues, operating income and long-lived assets related to our operations in each geographic area are presented in Note 7, Segment Information, and in the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.

The U.S. segment hasSouth America, with offices in fourteen13 states throughout the United States ("U.S."), including our corporate headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut, as well as two additional offices locatedand an office in both Brazil and Canada. The EuropeanEMEA segment serves our clients in countries in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and maintains office locations in Bulgaria, Dubai, England, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and Switzerland.the UAE. The Asia Pacific segment hasserves our clients in countries in Asia and Australia and includes office locations in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore. Segment revenues reflect directrevenue reflects sales to our clients based in theirthese respective geographic locations.

Each segment records compensation expense, including stock-based compensation, amortizationexpenses related to its individual operations with the exception of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses.


Expendituresexpenditures associated with our data centers, third-party data costs and corporate headquarters charges, which are recorded by the U.S.Americas segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The centers of excellence, which focus primarily on content collection and arecenters, located in India, and the Philippines, and Latvia, benefit all our operating segments, and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues.

revenue. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the results of operations and financial information for each of our segments.

8

The following charts depict revenuesrevenue related to our reportable segments.

(in millions)

Talent

Since

fds-20210831_g3.jpg

Human Capital Management
Who We Are
As of August 31, 2021, we had 37 offices across 20 countries with 10,892 employees, representing an increase of 3.9% in the last twelve months. Of our founding,total employees, 7,080 (65%) were located in Asia Pacific, 2,439 (22%) in the Americas and 1,373 (13%) in EMEA. In order to optimize productivity, we have invested in expanding our footprint and talent pool in India and the Philippines, where we now have a combined workforce of approximately 6,800 employees. Functionally, 22% of our employees are in Sales and Client Solutions; 30% are in Technology & Product Development; 44% are in Content Operations; and 4% are in Corporate Support. As of August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, 460 of our employees were represented by mandatory works councils within certain of our French and German subsidiaries. No other FactSet employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements.
Our Purpose and Values
Our purpose is to drive the investment community to see more, think bigger, and do their best work. Intense client focus and support is a critical component of our strategic aim and operational approach. Our employees are critical to our success and enable us to execute at a high level. We have built a collaborative culture that recognizes and rewards innovation and offers employees a variety of opportunities and experiences. Our employees are critical to our success and the reason we continue to execute at a high level. We believe that our continued focus on making employee engagementour employees a top priority will helphelps us provide high quality insights and information to clients globally.

fds-20210831_g4.jpg
Employee Engagement
We conduct an annual, anonymous and confidential global employee engagement survey administered by a third party to capture our employees’ constructive feedback on a broad range of topics. The survey's scores and comments provide insight on appropriate action to improve our employees’ experience and our overall effectiveness as an organization. Aggregated survey results are reviewed by executive and senior leadership and direct managers to analyze and identify company-wide and
9

individual operational unit focus areas and action plans for improvement. We share survey results with all employees to highlight areas that employees believe are strengths of FactSet and reflect on areas where employees feel there are opportunities for positive change. Progress on initiatives is tracked to ensure that the actions taken address the underlying issues and promote an environment of continuous improvement.
In our fiscal 2021 employee engagement survey, we achieved a 92% response rate, indicating that we heard from the vast majority of our employees. Our overall engagement at the Company level was our highest since we implemented this survey. We increased scores for all questions at the Company level, and in over 10,000 comments received, employees told us that they felt supported through the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to have pride in their work, colleagues, and company. Our highest scores were in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion and employee’s understanding of how they contribute to FactSet’s success, reflecting our culture where employees feel that they are treated fairly and are comfortable being themselves.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We recognize that our best ideas can come from anyone, anywhere, at any time, and help us provide the best solutions for our clients around the globe. We continually seek to expand our workforce with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. By fostering a globally inclusive culture, we enable our people to be themselves at work and to join in, be heard, contribute, and grow. Together, we work to recruit, advance, and engage talent at FactSet with an inclusive culture unified by the FactSet spirit of going above and beyond.
In fiscal 2021, we continued our strong commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion ("DE&I") in the following ways:
Governance & Leadership Commitment
DE&I at FactSet begins with a commitment from our CEO and the entire FactSet leadership team to improve diversity representation as part of our DE&I strategy. In Fiscal 2021, we strengthened our DE&I governance by creating the FactSet Global DE&I Council, consisting of over 20 senior leaders from across FactSet who are empowered to drive our DE&I progress and create strategic accountability for DE&I results. In addition, our senior leaders serve as Executive Sponsors for our Business Resource Groups ("BRGs"), or employee networks.
Global DE&I Strategy
In fiscal 2021 we refreshed our DE&I strategy and expanded its scope. Our new DE&I strategy consists of three impact areas - Workforce, Marketplace and Society - with twelve levers to drive these impact areas. For Workforce, the levers are leadership commitment, transparency and accountability, people processes, retention and advancement, recruitment, education and engagement, leading ultimately to inclusion, equity and belonging. For Marketplace, our levers are supplier diversity and collaboration with clients, with a goal to increase economic opportunity. For Society, our levers are investments, contributions and corporate voice, designed to drive social justice.
Investment in DE&I Resources
In order to optimize productivity,deliver on our commitments, we have investedsignificantly increased our investment in expandingDE&I, both in staffing and budget. This includes the appointment of our footprint and talent poolfirst ever Chief DE&I Officer who leads a team of five dedicated DE&I staff globally.
Key DE&I Actions Taken in India andFY2021
During fiscal 2021, for the Philippines, wherefirst time, we now havepublished our workforce demographics (including sharing our EEO-1 Federal data) in our annual Corporate Responsibility report. By reporting our workforce demographics, we made a combined workforcevisible step in our DE&I commitment as we aspire to change the composition of over 5,500 people.

As of August 31, 2018, our employee headcount was 9,571, andemographics by 2023 to better include underrepresented groups. For example, we aim to increase the percentage of 5.5%women at FactSet overall, and specifically the percentage of women in our leadership group (vice president level and above) and in our technical areas. We will continue to report on our progress annually to increase transparency and to facilitate accountability.

Other DE&I actions taken during Fiscal 2021 included: launching new BRGs globally; providing education on DE&I topics across our organization; joining the Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for the Equality Act and MLT Black Equity At Work; providing opportunities for two employees, on full pay/benefits, to join the CEO Action for Racial Equity Fellowship; holding all-staff DE&I events such as #StopAsianHate; launching our Racial Justice Allies initiative; creating a new Diversity Recruitment role and changing our recruitment processes to mandate diverse interview slates while developing relationships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs); and observing Juneteenth as a paid holiday in the last twelve months. OfU.S.

10

Supporting Our Employees Through COVID-19
As the onset and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty and anxiety, our totalhighest priority concern has been the health and safety of our employees, 2,471our families and our communities. During fiscal 2021, we required the vast majority of our employees at our offices across the globe (including corporate headquarters) to work remotely on a temporary basis, and provided them with support to be able to continue to work productively while being remote. We presented regular all-company meetings led by our CEO and offered extensive benefit resources and mental health support. Employees were offered additional paid time off for COVID-19 illness and family care and to receive and recover from COVID-19 vaccinations.
We have begun to re-open offices and welcome employees back, utilizing a three-phased approach to provide flexibility for employees with a focus on safety. Our offices will not re-open until local authorities permit us to do so and our own criteria and conditions to ensure employees health and safety are satisfied. Additionally, we have been implementing and will continue to support a variety of work options, such as flexible work arrangements permitting remote working or “hybrid” arrangements with the ability to split time between working remotely and in the U.S., 1,246office.
Learning & Development
At FactSet, we are lifelong learners. We believe that learning and development emboldens our employees, fosters outperformance with a growth mindset, demonstrates our commitment to core values, and contributes to the success of FactSet’s culture and business.
This year we centralized and expanded our Global Learning & Development department, allowing us to better leverage the training, content, product, and technology expertise that exists across our business lines to provide all employees with more opportunities to learn and grow their careers with FactSet. As a commitment to making learning accessible for employees around the world, our CEO and Executive Leadership Team strongly encourage all employees to set aside four hours each month for active learning.
During fiscal 2021, we launched LinkedIn Learning for all FactSet employees, providing curated content by experts in Europenumerous fields, allowing employees to take courses based on their interests, performance goals, and/or professional enrichment. In addition to LinkedIn Learning and 5,854other third-party eLearning providers, we create hundreds of in-house eLearnings each year to help our employees learn about our business, industry, clients, and products. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all employee education was quickly transitioned to virtual classrooms. As employees adjusted to remote work and a changing world, we offered eLearning on remote working, remote collaboration tools, and mental health.
Compensation, Benefits and Well-being
FactSet offers our employees a broad range of competitive compensation, benefits and well-being programs which are designed to meet the diverse needs of our global employee population and which are reflective of our Company’s values and culture. Offering competitive and performance-focused compensation is essential to our talent strategies regarding recruitment, development, and retention. Programs are designed to be competitive in the Asia Pacific segment.

In fiscal 2018, approximately 430markets in which we compete for talent and align with the short and long-term objectives of FactSet and our individual business units.

Our employee compensation may include one or more of the following elements: base salaries, annual incentive awards, sales incentive awards, and equity awards. We differentiate individual salary, bonus and equity awards based on performance against key objectives and how effectively our managers and employees within certain French and German subsidiaries were represented by mandatory works councils, an amountdemonstrate behaviors consistent with fiscal 2017. No otherour values and culture.
FactSet is committed to offering high-quality, affordable, locally competitive benefits options designed to meet the needs of our employees are represented by collective bargaining agreements.

and their families and to support our employees’ physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being at every stage of life. Employees in all FactSet locations globally have access to an Employee Assistance Program, providing employees and their immediate family members access to experienced professional counselors for personal and professional support. In May 2018,addition to offering access to professional counseling services, we announced that Maurizio Nicolelli, the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, would depart FactSet as of December 31, 2018. In July 2018, we announced that Helen L. Shan would join FactSet as the new Chief Financial Officer beginning in September 2018. Additionally, in July 2018, we announced that Edward Baker-Greene, the Company’s Chief Human Resources Officer would depart FactSet as of November 30, 2018.

provide our employees and families with education and resources. We provide regular updates on health coverage and resources available through our health plans.

Third-Party Content

We aggregate content from thousands of third-party data suppliers, news sources, exchanges, brokers and contributors into our own dedicated online service,managed database, which our clients access through our flexible delivery platforms to perform their analyses. We carry content from premier providers of major global exchanges and data providers.analysis. We seek to maintain contractual relationships with a minimum of two content providers for each major type of financial data, though certain data sets on which we rely have a limited number of suppliers. We make every effort whento assure that, where reasonable, to locate alternative sources to ensure that weare available. We are not dependent on any one third- partythird-party data supplier.supplier in order to meet the needs of our clients. We have entered into third-party content agreements atof varying lengths, which in some cases can be terminated on one
11

year’s notice, at predefined dates, and in other cases on shorter notice. No single vendor orWe are not dependent on any one third-party data supplier representedin order to meet the needs of our clients, with only two data suppliers representing more than 10% or more of our total data expenses in any fiscal year presented.

costs for the twelve months ended August 31, 2021.

Data Centers

and Cloud Computing

Our business is dependent on our ability to process substantial volumes of data and transactions rapidly and efficiently on our networks and systems. Our global technology infrastructure supports our operations and is designed to facilitate the reliable and efficient processing and delivery of data and analytics to our clients. Our data centers contain multiple layers of redundancy to enhance system performance, including maintaining, processing and storing data at multiple data centers. User connections are load balanced between data centers. In the event of a site failure, equipment problem or localized disaster, the remaining centers have the capacity to handle the additional load. We continue to be focused on maintaining a global technological infrastructure that allows us to support our growing business.

Several years ago, we launched Project NextGen

We continue to evolve away from large mainframe computers to a more distributed environment powered by a vast array of smaller, faster and more cost-effective machines. We operate fully redundant data centers in both Virginia and New Jersey in the U.S. that can handle our entire client capacity. In addition, as we maintain a vast private wide area network that provides a high-speed direct link betweenlook to host more of our infrastructure and products on the client’s local networkcloud, we are migrating select systems and the data content and powerful applications found on our mainframe machines.

to diverse cloud computing regions utilizing premier, market-leading cloud providers.   

The Competitive Landscape

We are a part of the financial information services industry, providing accurate financial informationdata, analytics and softwareworkflow solutions to the global investment community. This extremely competitive market is comprised of both large, well-capitalized companies and smaller, niche firms including market data suppliers, news and information providers and many of thethird-party content providers that supply us with financial information included in the FactSet workstation.our products. Our largest competitors are Bloomberg L.P., Refinitiv (formerly part of Thomson Reuters),(a London Stock Exchange Group business) and Market Intelligence (an S&P Global Market Intelligence.business). Other competitors and competitive products include online database suppliers and integrators and their applications, such as MSCI Inc., Morningstar Inc., BlackRock Solutions, Morningstar Inc. and RIMES Technologies Corporation.MSCI Inc. Many of these firms offerprovide products or services which are similar to those we sell. Our development of our own robust sets of proprietary content combined with our news and quotes offering have resulted in more direct competition with the largest financial data providers.

Despite competing products and services, we enjoyofferings.

We believe there are high barriers to entry and believewe expect it would be difficult for another vendor to quickly replicate the extensive databasesdata we currently offer. Through our in-depth analytics and client service, we believe we can offer clients a more completecomprehensive solution with one of the broadest sets of functionalities delivered through a desktop or mobile user interface or through a standardized or bespoke data feed.feed as well as an API. In addition, our applications, including our client support and service offerings, are entrenched in the workflow of many financial professionals given the downloading functionsdownloadable functionality, instant data refresh and portfolio analysis/screening capabilities offered. We are entrusted with significant amounts of our clients' own proprietary data, including portfolio holdings. As a result, we believe our products have becomeare central to our clients’ investment analysis and decision-making.

Intellectual Property

We have registered trademarks and copyrights for many of our products and services and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks and copyrights as appropriate. We enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, clients, data suppliers and vendors. We seek to protect our software,workflow solutions, documentation and other written materials under trade secret, copyright and patent laws. While we do not believe we are dependent on any one of our intellectual property rights, we do rely on the combination of intellectual property rights and other measures to protect our proprietary rights. Despite these efforts, existing intellectual property laws may afford only limited protection.

Research and& Product Development Costs

A key aspect of our growth strategy is to offer new solutions and enhance our existing products and applications by making them faster with more reliable data. We strive to rapidly to adopt new technology that can improve our products and services. At FactSet weWe do not have a separate research and product development department, but rather our Product Development and Engineeringrely on these departments to work closely with our strategists, product managers, sales and other client-facing specialists to identify areasdevelop new products and process innovations and enhance existing products. These costs primarily consist of improvement to provide increased value topersonnel-related expenses, such as salaries and related benefits for our clients.product development, software engineering and technical support departments and, if not capitalized, are included in employee compensation (found within of Cost of Services expense and Selling, general, and administrative ("SG&A") in the Consolidated Statements of Income). Research and product development costs relate toinclude the salary and benefits for our product development, software engineering and technical support staff. These costs are expensed asstaff working on these initiatives. We incurred within our cost of services as employee compensation. We expect to appropriate a similar percentage of our workforce and associated expenses in future years to continue to develop new products and enhancements, respond quickly to market changes and meet the needs of our clients efficiently. In fiscal 2018, we incurred $217.1 million of research and product development costs which was comparable to our spend on similar developmentof $250.1 million, $224.0 million, and $214.7 million during fiscal years 20172021, 2020, and 2016,2019, respectively.

12

Government Regulation

FactSet is

We are subject to reporting requirements, disclosure obligations and other recordkeeping requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”("SEC") and the various local authorities that regulate each location in which we operate. The Company’sOur P.A.N. Securities, LP subsidiary is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and is a registered broker-dealer under Section 15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. P.A.N. Securities, LP, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to Rule 15c3-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which requires that the Companywe maintain minimum net capital requirements. The Company claimsWe claim exemption under Rule 15c3-3(k)(2)(i). 


Corporate Contact Information

FactSet was founded as a Delaware corporation in 1978, and itsour principal executive office is in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Mailing address of the Company’sFactSet's headquarters: 601 Merritt 7,45 Glover Avenue Norwalk, Connecticut 06851 USA

CT 06850

Telephone number: +1 (203) 810-1000

Website address: www.factset.com

Available Information

Through the Investor Relations section of FactSet’sour website (https://investor.factset.com), we make available free of charge the following filings as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC: the Company’sour Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements for the annual stockholder meetings, Reports on Forms 3, 4 and 5, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All such filings are available free of charge.

The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information that we file with the SEC at www.sec.gov.

Additionally, we broadcast live our quarterly earnings calls live via the investor relations section of our website. We also provide notifications of news or announcements regarding our financial performance, including SEC filings, investor events and press and earnings releases and blogs as part ofon our investor relations website. The contents of this website section are not intended to be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other report or document we file with the Company filesSEC and any reference to this section of our website is intended to be inactive textual references only.

In addition, the FactSet Code

13

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table shows FactSet’s current executive officers:

Name of Officer

Age

Office Held with the Company 

Officer

Since

F. Philip Snow

54

Chief Executive Officer

2014

Helen L. Shan

50

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

2018

Edward Baker-Greene

55

Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

2015

Gene D. Fernandez

51

Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Product Officer

2017

Robert J. Robie

39

Executive Vice President, Head of Analytics and Trading Analytics Solutions

2018

Rachel R. Stern

53

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

2009

John W. Wiseman

50

Executive Vice President, Global Head of Sales and Client Solutions

2017

Name of OfficerAgeOffice Held with FactSet Officer Since
F. Philip Snow57Chief Executive Officer2014
Linda S. Huber63Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer2021
Rachel R. Stern56Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Global Head of Strategic Resources and Secretary2009
Gene D. Fernandez54Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and Content Officer2017
Robert J. Robie43Executive Vice President, Head of Analytics & Trading Solutions2018
Helen L. Shan54Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer2018
Daniel Viens64Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer2018
Goran Skoko60Executive Vice President, Managing Director EMEA and Asia Pacific, Head of Research & Advisory Solutions2019
Kristina W. Karnovsky42Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer2021
Jonathan Reeve53Executive Vice President, Head of Content & Technology Solutions2021

F.Philip SnowChief Executive Officer. Mr. Snow was named Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2015. Prior to that, Mr. Snow held the title of President. He began his career at FactSet in 1996 as a Consultant, before moving to Asia to hold positions in the Tokyo and Sydney offices. After movingFollowing his move back to the U.S. in 2000, Mr. Snow held various sales leadership roles beforeprior to assuming the role of Senior Vice President, Director of U.S. Investment Management Sales in 2013. Mr. Snow received a B.A.Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of International Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He holdshas earned the right to use the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.

Helen L. Shan – designation.

Linda S. Huber - Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer. Ms. ShanHuber was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of FactSet in October 2021. As Chief Financial Officer, she is responsible for FactSet’s global finance organization and oversees all financial functions, including accounting, corporate development, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), treasury, tax, and investor and media relations. Prior to joining FactSet, Ms. Huber served as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at MSCI Inc. Prior to joining MSCI, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Moody’s Corporation from May 2005 to June 2018. Earlier in her career, Ms. Huber served in several increasingly senior roles in financial services, including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at U.S. Trust Company, a subsidiary of Charles Schwab & Company, Inc.; Managing Director at Freeman & Co.; Vice President of Corporate Strategy and Development and Vice President and Assistant Treasurer at PepsiCo.; Vice President of Energy Investment Banking Group at Bankers Trust Co.; and Associate in the Natural Resources Group at The First Boston Corp. Ms. Huber also held the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army. Ms. Huber earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a B.S. degree in business and economics from Lehigh University.
Rachel R. SternExecutive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Global Head of Strategic Resources and Secretary. Ms. Stern was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Global Head of Strategic Resources and Secretary in October 2018. In addition to her role in the Legal Department, Ms. Stern is also responsible for Compliance, Facilities Management and Real Estate Planning and the administration of our offices in Hyderabad, Manila and Riga. Ms. Stern joined FactSet in September 2018January 2001 as General Counsel. Ms. Stern is admitted to practice in New York, Washington D.C., and as House Counsel in Connecticut. Ms. Stern received a Bachelor of Arts from Marsh and McLennan Companies, where she was CFO for Mercer, oneYale University, a Master of the world’s leading professional services firms. During her time at Mercer, Ms. Shan was responsible for global financial reporting and performance, operational finance, investments, and corporate strategy, leading a team of finance professionals supporting clients in over 130 countries. Prior to Mercer, Ms. Shan was a Vice President and Treasurer for both Marsh and McLennan Companies and Pitney Bowes Inc. and was also a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan. In September 2018, Ms. Shan joined the Board of Directors of EPAM Systems Inc., a leading global provider of digital platform engineering and software development services. Ms. Shan earned B.S. degreesArts from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and School of Engineering and Applied Science,London and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business.


Edward Baker-Greene – Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer. Mr. Baker-Greene joined FactSet in June 2015 from Voya Financial, formerly ING, U.S., where he was Head of Human Resources for Retirement Solutions, Operations, and Information Technology. Previously, Mr. Baker-Greene worked at Fidelity Investments for 13 years. At Fidelity, he was a part of the Personal and Workplace Investing division, where he held roles in business and human resources capacities, including Senior Vice President/Managing Director, Relationship Management. Mr. Baker-Greene began his professional career as a lawyer focusing on employment law, recruiting, talent management, and human capital management. Mr. Baker-Greene received a B.A. from Tufts University and a J.D.Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.

On July 5, 2018, the Company entered into a separation of employment and general release agreement with Edward Baker-Greene, pursuant to which Mr. Baker-Greene will remain in his current position as Chief Human Resources Officer until his successor is appointed and will remain an employee of FactSet until his separation date of November 30, 2018.

Pennsylvania Law School.

Gene D. Fernandez– Executive Vice President, Chief Technology and ProductContent Officer.Mr. Fernandez was appointed Chief Technology and Content Officer in July 2021. He joined FactSet as Chief Technology and Product Officer in November 2017 from J.P. Morgan, where he served as the Chief Technology Officer, New Product Development. In this role, he developed the strategy and built the engineering function responsible for new product innovation. During a decade at J.P. Morgan, Mr. Fernandez held various other roles, including Chief Technology Officer for Client Technology and Research and Banking
14

Information Technology. Prior to J.P. Morgan, he worked at Credit Suisse and Merrill Lynch. Mr. Fernandez received a B.S.Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Economics from Rutgers University.

RobertJ.Robie – Executive Vice President, Head of Analytics & Trading Solutions. Mr. Robie was appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Analytics & Tradition Solutions in September 2018. In his current role, he oversees strategy, research, development and engineering for Analytics & Trading Analytics Solutions. platforms. Mr. Robie joined FactSet in July 2000 as a Product Sales Specialist. During his tenure at FactSet, Mr. Robie has held several positions of increasingincreased responsibility, including Senior Director of Analytics and Director of Global Fixed Income and Analytics where he led sales and support efforts for FactSet’s fixed income product offering. Between 2004 and 2005,Income. Although Mr. Robie workedjoined FactSet in 2000, he did work at BTN Partners where he workedfrom 2004 through 2005 in their quantitative portfolio management and performance division, as an analyst.before returning to continue his career with FactSet. Mr. Robie holds a B.A.Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Fine Arts from Beloit College.

Rachel R. Stern

HelenL.Shan Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.Chief Revenue Officer. Ms. Stern joined FactSet in 2001 as General Counsel. In addition toShan was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue Officer effective May 3, 2021. As the Legal Department at FactSet,Chief Revenue Officer, she is responsible for Facilitiesdriving revenue growth by managing global sales, client solutions, and Real Estate Planning; Third-Party Contentmarketing. Ms. Shan joined FactSet as Chief Financial Officer in September 2018 where she oversaw all financial functions at FactSet. Prior to that, she was at Marsh McLennan Companies, where she served in a variety of roles, including as the company's Corporate Treasurer and Strategic Partnerships;also as Chief Financial Officer for Mercer, a professional services firm where she was responsible for global financial reporting and performance, operational finance, investments, and corporate strategy. Preceding that, Ms. Shan also served as the administrationVice President and Treasurer for Pitney Bowes Inc. and served as a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan. In September 2018, Ms. Shan joined the Board of our offices in HyderabadDirectors of EPAM Systems Inc., a global provider of digital platform engineering and Manila.software development services. Ms. Stern is admitted to practice in New York,Shan holds dual degrees with a Bachelor of Science and Washington D.C., and as House Counsel in Connecticut. Ms. Stern received a B.A.Bachelor of Applied Science from Yale University, an M.A. from thethe University of LondonPennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business and School of Applied Science and Engineering. Ms. Shan also has a J.D.Master of Business Administration from the UniversityCornell University’s SC Johnson College of Pennsylvania Law School.

John W. WisemanBusiness.

Daniel Viens Executive Vice President, Global Head of Sales and Client Solutions. Chief Human Resources Officer.Mr. WisemanViens was appointed Executive Vice President Chief Human Resources Officer in October 2021. Mr. Viens joined FactSet in 2004September 1998 as a Vice President, in the sales department. During his tenure at FactSet, Mr. WisemanDirector of Human Resources and has held several leadership positions of increased responsibility including Senior Vice President, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances.in Human Resources. Prior to his experience withjoining FactSet, Mr. WisemanViens was a Senior Managing Director at Bear Stearnsof Human Resources for First Data Solutions and Donnelly Marketing (a former company of Dun & Co. Inc.Bradstreet), where he developed significant Human Resources acumen. Mr. Wiseman receivedViens graduated from Boston University, and holds both a B.A.Master's Degree from Eastern Illinois University in Political Science and Management Science from Duke UniversityClinical Psychology and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University.
Goran Skoko – Executive Vice President, Managing Director EMEA and Asia Pacific, Head of Research & Advisory Solutions. Mr. Skoko was appointed Executive Vice President, Managing Director EMEA and Asia Pacific and Head of Research & Advisory in July 2021. In his current role, Mr. Skoko is responsible for providing direction to address the product and content needs for EMEA and Asia Pacific clients while also focusing on increased deployment and building community with our Research & Advisory solutions. Prior to that, Mr. Skoko was Executive Vice President, Managing Director EMEA and Asia Pacific and Head of Wealth Solutions. He joined FactSet in 2004 as a Senior Product developer and has held a number of positions of increased responsibility. Prior to FactSet, he spent 16 years in various engineering and product management roles at Thomson Financial. Mr. Skoko earned his B.S. in Physics and Computer Science from Fordham University.
Kristina W. Karnovsky – Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer. Ms. Karnovsky was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer in July 2021. In her current role she works across the entire product portfolio to deliver a differentiated advantage for clients and support their success. Prior to this role, Ms. Karnovsky was Head of Research Solutions. Ms. Karnovsky joined FactSet in 2001 as a Consultant and spent over a decade building FactSet's sell-side business in Sales leadership roles. Ms. Karnovsky earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Edinburgh.

Scranton.
Jonathan Reeve – Executive Vice President, Head of Content & Technology Solutions.Mr. Reeve was appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Content & Technology Solutions at FactSet in October 2021. As Head of Content & Technology Solutions, he oversees and leads the development of FactSet’s off-platform products, including financial data solutions, application technologies, and the delivery of FactSet proprietary and third-party content over our data feeds, API’s, Open FactSet Marketplace, and cloud-delivery solutions. Mr. Reeve joined FactSet in April 2020 as Senior Vice President and Head of Content & Technology Solutions. Prior to joining FactSet, Mr. Reeve led Connectivity, Feeds and Desktop Businesses at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Earlier in his career, he held various positions at S&P Global, including Chief Data Officer and Head of Product & Content for the S&P Market Intelligence Division. Mr. Reeve earned a B.A in Economics from Concordia University in Montreal.

15


Additional Information

Additional information with respect to FactSet’sour business is included in the following pages and is incorporated herein by reference:

Page(s)

Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data

22

Page(s)

24-44

45

Note 1

56

Note 7 to Consolidated Financial Statements entitled Segment Information

67



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations, and cash flows and, as a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline. These risk factors do not identify all risks that we face; our operations could also be affected by factors that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial to our operations. Due to risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, our past financial results may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods. Investors should also refer to the other information set forth in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including “Management’sItem 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations and our financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements including the related notes.Notes. Investors should carefully consider all risks, including those disclosed here, before making an investment decision.

Technology & Data Security Risks
Loss, corruption and misappropriation of data and information relating to clients and others

Many of our products, as well as our internal systems and processes, involve the collection, retrieval, processing, storage and transmission through a variety of media channels of our own, as well as supplier and customer, proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data. We rely on, and continuously invest in, a complex system of internal processes and controls, along with policies, procedures and training, designed to protect data that we receive in the ordinary course of business, including information from client portfolios and strategies. BreachesHowever, these measures do not guarantee security, and improper access to or release of this confidentiality, should theyconfidential information may still occur could result in the loss of clients and termination of arrangements with suppliersthrough, for the use of their data. We rely on a complex network of internal controls to protect the privacy of data. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including anyexample, employee error or malfeasance, system error, other inadvertent release, failure to implement required newproperly purge and protect data, or improved controls, unauthorized access or misappropriation of client or supplier data by an employee or an external third-party could occur.cyberattack. Additionally, the maintenance and enhancement of our systems may not be completely effective in preventing loss, unauthorized access or misappropriation. Data misappropriation, unauthorized access or data loss could instill a lack of confidence in our products and systems and damage our brand, reputation and business. Breaches of security measures could expose us, our clients or the individuals affected to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, potentially resulting in litigation and liability for us, as well as the loss of existing or potential clients.clients and suppliers. Many jurisdictions in which we operate have laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection of personal information, including the European Union General Data Protection Regulation, (“GDPR”) which became effective May 25, 2018. GDPR requires companies to satisfy new2018, California's Consumer Privacy Act, which became effective January 1, 2020, and China's Personal Information Protection Law, which becomes effective November 1, 2021. These laws contain requirements regarding the handling of personal and sensitive data, including our use, protection and certain abilitiesthe ability of persons whose data is stored to correct or delete such data about themselves. Failure to comply with GDPR requirements could result in penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenues. The law in this area continues to develop and the changing nature of privacy laws in the European Union and elsewhere could impact our processing of personal and sensitive information related to our content, operations, employees, clients, and suppliers, and may expose us to claims of violations.

Successful prohibited data access and other cyber-attacks and the failure of cyber-security systems and procedures

In providing our software-enableddigital-enabled services to clients, we rely on information technology infrastructure that is primarily managed internally along with someplacing reliance placed on third-party service providers.providers for critical functions. We and these third-party service providers are subject to the risks of system failures and security breaches, including cyber-attacks (including those sponsored by nation-states, terrorist organizations, or global corporations seeking to illicitly obtain technology or other intellectual property), such as phishing scams, hacking, viruses, and denials of service attacks, tampering, intrusions, physical break-ins, ransomware and malware as well as employee errors or malfeasance. In some cases, these risks might be heightened when employees are working remotely. Our and our vendors' use of mobile and cloud technologies may increase our risk for such threats. Our protective systems and procedures and those of third parties to which we are connected, such as cloud computing providers, may not be effective against these threats. Our information technology systems must be constantly updated and patched to protect against known vulnerabilities and to optimize performance. While we have dedicated resources responsible for maintaining appropriate levels of cybersecurity and implemented systems and processes intended to help identify cyberattacks and protect and remediate our network infrastructure, we are aware that these attacks have become increasingly frequent, sophisticated, and difficult to
16

detect and, as a result, we may not be able to anticipate, prevent or detect all such attacks. We also may be impacted by a cyberattack targeting one of our vendors or within our technology supply chain or infrastructure. Our contracts with service providers typically require them to implement and maintain adequate security controls, but we may not have the ability to effectively monitor these security measures. As a result, inadequacies of the third-party security technologies and practices may not be detected until after a security breach has occurred. These risks may be heightened in connection with employees working from remote work environments, as our dependency on certain service providers, such as video conferencing and web conferencing services, has significantly increased. In addition, to access our network, products and services, customers and other third parties may use personal mobile devices or computing devices that are outside of our network environment and are subject to their own security risk. We could suffer significant damage to our brand and reputationreputation: if a cyber-attack or other security incident were to allow unauthorized access to, or modification of, clients’ or suppliers’ data, other external data, internal data or information technology systems; if the services provided to clients were disrupted; or if products or services were perceived as having security vulnerabilities. The costs we would incur to address and resolve these security incidents would increase our expenses. These types of security incidents could also lead to lawsuits, regulatory investigations and claims, loss of business and increased legal liability. Cyberattacks, security breaches or third-party reports of perceived security vulnerability to our systems, even if no breach has occurred, also could damage our brand and reputation, result in litigation, regulatory actions, loss of client confidence and increased legal liability. We also make acquisitions periodically. While significant effort is placed on addressing information technology security issues with respect to the acquired companies, we may inherit such risks when these acquisitions are integrated into our infrastructure.

A prolonged or recurring outage at our data centers and other business continuity disruptions at facilities could result in reduced service and the loss of clients

Our clients rely on us for the delivery of time-sensitive, up-to-date data and applications. Our business is dependent on our ability to process substantial volumes of data and transactions rapidly and efficiently on our computer-based networks, database storage facilities, and other network infrastructure, which are located across multiple facilities globally. If we experience significant growth of our customer base or increases in the number of products or services or in the speed at which we are required to provide products and services, it may strain our systems. Additionally, our systems and networks may become strained due to aging or end-of-life technology that we have not yet updated or replaced. Our computer operations, as well as our other business centers, and those of our suppliers and clients, are vulnerable to interruption by fire, natural disaster, power loss, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, acts of war, civil unrest, Internetinternet failures, computer viruses, and security breaches, and other events beyond our reasonable control. In addition, in the remote work environments, the daily activities and productivity of our workforce is now more closely tied to key vendors, such as video conferencing services, consistently delivering their services without material disruption. Our ability to deliver information using the internet and to operate in a remote working environment may be impaired because of infrastructure failures, service outages at third-party internet providers, malicious attacks, or other factors. We maintain back-up facilities and certain other redundancies for each of our major data centers to minimize the risk that any such event will disrupt those operations. However, a loss of our services involving our significant facilities may materially disrupt our business and may induce our clients to seek alternative data suppliers. Any such losses or damages we incur could have a material adverse effect on our business. Although we seek to minimize these risks through security measures, controls, back-up data centers and emergency planning, there can be no assurance that such efforts will be successful or effective.

Additionally, we may also face significant increases in our use of power and data storage and may experience a shortage of capacity and increased costs associated with such usage.
Transition to new technologies, applications and processes could expose us to unanticipated disruptions
The technology landscape is constantly evolving. To remain competitive, we must adapt and migrate to new technologies, applications and processes. Use of more advanced technologies and infrastructure is critical to the development of our products and services, the scaling of our business for future growth, and the accurate maintenance of our data and operations. The implementation of new technologies and infrastructure, such as migration to new cloud-based systems, is complex and can involve substantial expenditures as well as risks inherent in the conversion to any new system, including potential loss of information and disruption to operations. We may experience unanticipated interruption and delay in the performance and delivery of certain of our products and services. Certain of our technologies are also dependent upon third-party providers to maintain adequate systems to protect the security of our confidential information and data. Failure by our providers to maintain appropriate security could result in unauthorized access to our systems or a network disruption that could further lead to improper disclosure of confidential information or data, regulatory penalties and remedial costs. Any disruption to either the provider’s systems or the communication links between us and the provider could negatively affect our ability to operate our data systems and could impair our ability to provide services to our clients. If the services to our clients are disrupted, or if there is unauthorized access to the confidential information of our clients or our vendors, we could suffer significant damage to our brand and reputation and lose clients. We also may incur increased operating expenses to recover data, repair or remediate systems, equipment or facilities, and to protect ourselves from such disruptions. As we increase our reliance on third-party

17


systems, our exposure to damages from services disruptions may increase, and we may incur additional costs to remedy damages caused by these disruptions.
Use of open source software could introduce security vulnerabilities, impose unanticipated restrictions on our ability to commercialize our products and services, and subject us to increased costs
We use open source code in our software development and incorporate it into our products and internal systems. The use of open source code may entail greater risks than the use of third-party commercial software. Open source licensors generally do not provide warranties or other contractual protections regarding infringement claims or the quality or security of the code. Some open source licenses provide that if we combine our proprietary applications with the open source software in a certain manner, we could be required to release the source code of our proprietary applications to the public. This would allow our competitors to create similar products with less development effort and time and ultimately put us at a competitive disadvantage. We have implemented procedures to control the use of source code so as to mitigate this risk; however, the terms of many open source licenses are also ambiguous and have not been interpreted by U.S. or other courts. Therefore, there is a risk that our internal procedures controlling the use of open source code could fail, or that the licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on us. If any of this were to occur, we could be required to seek alternative third-party licenses at increased costs or reduced scope, to re-engineer products or systems, or potentially to discontinue the licensing of certain products. Any remedial actions could divert resources away from our development efforts, be time intensive and have a significant cost.
Strategy & Market Demand Risks
Competition in our industry may cause price reductions or loss of market share

We continue to experience intense competition across all markets for our products, with competitors ranging in size from smaller, highly specialized, single-product businesses to multi-billion-dollar companies. While we believe the breadth and depth of our suite of products and applications offer benefits to our clients that are a competitive advantage, our competitors may offer price incentives to attract new business. Future competitive pricing pressures may result in decreased sales volumes and price reductions, resulting in lower revenues.revenue and ASV. Weak economic conditions may also result in clients seeking to utilize lower-cost information that is available from alternative sources. The impact of cost-cutting pressures across the industries we serve could lower demand for our products. Clients within the financial services industry that strive to reduce their operating costs may seek to reduce their spending on financial market data and related services, such as ours. If our clients consolidate their spending with fewer suppliers, by selecting suppliers with lower-cost offerings or by self-sourcing their needs for financial market data, our business could be negatively affected.

The continued shift from active to passive investing could negatively impact user count growth and revenues

revenue

The predominant investment strategy today is still active investing, which attempts to outperform the market. The main advantage of active management is the expectation that the investment managers will be able to outperform market indices. They make informed investment decisions based on their experiences, insights, knowledge and ability to identify opportunities that can translate into superior performance. The main advantage of passive investing is that it closely matches the performance of market indices. Passive investing requires little decision-making by investment managers and low operating costs which result in lower fees for the investor. While the majority of assets under management are still actively managed, outflows to passively managed index funds have increased in recent years. A continued shift to passive investing, resulting in an increased outflow to passively managed index funds, could reduce demand for the services of active investment managers and consequently, the demand of our clients for our services.

A decline in equity and/or fixed income returns may impact the buying power of investment management clients

Approximately 83.9%83% of our ASV is derived from our investment management clients. The profitability and management fees of these clients are tied to assets under management. An equity market decline not only depresses the value of assets under management but also could cause a significant increase in redemption requests from our clients’ customers, further reducing their assets under management. Reduced client profits and management fees may cause our clients to cut costs. Moreover, extended declines in the equity and fixed income markets may reduce new fund or client creation. Each of these developments may result in lower demand from investment managers for our services and workstations, from investment managers thatwhich could negatively affect our business.

18

Uncertainty in the global economy and consolidation in the financial services industry may cause us to lose clients and users
Many of our clients are investment banks, asset managers, wealth advisors, and other financial services entities. Uncertainty in the global economy or a lack of confidence in the global financial system could negatively impact our clients, which could cause a corresponding negative impact on our business results. Mergers, consolidation or contraction of our clients in the financial services industry also could directly impact the number of clients and prospective clients and users of our products and services. If our clients merge with or are acquired by other entities that are not our clients, or that use fewer of our products and services, they may discontinue or reduce their use of our products and services. Thus, economic uncertainty, lack of confidence in the global financial system, and consolidation in this sector could adversely affect our business, financial results and future growth.
Volatility in the financial markets may delay the spending pattern of clients and reduce future ASV growth
The decision on the part of large institutional clients to purchase our services often requires management-level sponsorship and typically depends upon the size of the client, with larger clients having more complex and time-consuming purchasing processes. The process is also influenced by market volatility. These characteristics often lead us to engage in relatively lengthy sales efforts. Purchases (and incremental ASV) may therefore be delayed as uncertainties in the financial markets may cause clients to remain cautious about capital and data content expenditures, particularly in uncertain economic environments. The COVID-19 pandemic may increase this risk as it may curtail our client's spending and lead them to delay or defer purchasing decisions or product service implementations, or cause them to cancel or reduce their spending with us, which could negatively impact our revenues and future growth.
Failure to develop and market new products and enhancements that maintain our technological and competitive position and failure to anticipate and respond to changes in the marketplace for our products

and customer demands

The market for our products is characterized by rapid technological change, including methods and speed of delivery, changes in client demands, development of new investment instruments and evolving industry standards, whichstandards. The direction of these trends can render our existing products less competitive, obsolete or unmarketable. As a result, our future success will continue to depend upon our ability to identify and develop new products and enhancements that address the future needs of our target markets and to respond to their changing standards and practices. We may not be successful in developing, introducing, marketing, licensing and implementing new products and enhancements on a timely and cost-effective basis or without impacting the stability and efficiency of existing products and customer systems. Further, any new products and enhancements may not adequately meet the requirements of the marketplace or achieve market acceptance. We must make long-term investments and commit significant resources before knowing whether these investments will eventually result in products and services that satisfy our clients' needs and generate revenues required to provide the desired results. Our failure or inability to anticipate and respond to changes in the marketplace, including competitor and supplier developments, may also adversely affect our business, operations and growth.

Uncertainty, consolidation

Errors or defects can exist at any point in a product's life cycle, but are more frequently found after the introduction of new products or enhancements to existing products. Despite internal testing and business failurestesting by clients, our products may contain errors. We may also experience delays while developing and introducing new products for various reasons, such as difficulties in licensing data inputs. Defects, errors, or delays in our products that are significant, or are perceived to be significant, could result in rejection or delay in market acceptance, damage to our reputation, loss of revenue, lower rate of license renewals or upgrades, diversion of development resources, product liability claims or regulatory actions, or increases in service and support costs.
We have provisions in our client contracts to limit our exposure to potential liability claims brought by clients based on the global investment banking industry may cause us to lose clients and users

Our investment banking clients that perform Mergers and Acquisitions (“M&A”) advisory work, capital markets services and equity research, account for approximately 16.1%use of our ASV. A significant portionproducts or services or our delay or failure to provide services. Contracts with customers also increasingly include service level requirements and audit rights to review our security. Many of these revenues relate to services deployed by the largest banks. Consolidation or contraction in this industry directly impacts the number of prospective clients and users within the sector. Thus, economic uncertainty for our global investment banking clients, consolidation and business failures in this sector could adversely affect our financial results and future growth.


Volatilitycustomers in the financial marketsservices sector are also subject to regulations and requirements to adopt risk management processes commensurate with the level of risk and complexity of their third-party relationships, and provide rigorous oversight of relationships that involve certain "critical activities," some of which may delaybe deemed to be provided by us. Any failure on our part to comply with the spending pattern of clients and reduce future ASV growth

The decision on the part of large institutional clients to purchase our services often requires management-level sponsorship and typically depends upon the size of the client, with larger clients having more complex and time-consuming purchasing processes. The process is also influenced by market volatility. These characteristics often lead us to engagespecific provisions in relatively lengthy sales efforts. Purchases (and incremental ASV) may therefore be delayed as uncertaintiescustomer contracts could result in the financial marketsimposition of various penalties, which may cause clients to remain cautious about capitalinclude termination of contracts, service credits, suspension of payments, contractual penalties, adverse monetary judgments, and, data content expenditures, particularly in uncertain economic environments.

Additional cost due to tax assessments resultingthe case of government contracts, suspension from ongoingfuture government contracting. Even if the outcome of any claims brought against us were ultimately favorable, such a claim would require the time and future audits by tax authoritiesattention of our management, personnel, as well as changes in tax laws

In the ordinary course of business, we are subject to tax examinations by various governmental tax authorities. The global and diverse nature of our business means that there could be additional examinations by governmental tax authorities and the resolution of ongoingfinancial and other probable audits which could imposeresources and potentially pose a future risksignificant disruption to the resultsour normal business operations.

19

Failure to identify, integrate, or realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions and strains on resources as a result of growth

There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify suitable candidates for successful acquisition at acceptable prices. Additionally, there may be integration risks or other risks resulting from acquired businesses. As we continue to pursue selective acquisitions to support our business strategy, we seek to be a disciplined acquirer. Our ability to achieve the expected returns and synergies from past and future acquisitions and alliances depends in part upon our ability to integrate the offerings, technology, sales, administrative functions and personnel of these businesses effectively into our core business. We cannot guarantee that our acquired businesses will perform at the levels anticipated. In addition, past and future acquisitions may subject us to unanticipated risks or liabilities or disrupt operations.

Growth, such as the addition of new clients and acquisitions, puts demands on our resources, including our internal systems and infrastructure. These may require improvements or replacement to meet the additional demands of a larger organization. Further, the addition of new clients and the implementation of such improvements would require additional management time and resources. These needs may result in increased costs that could negatively impact results of operations. Failure to implement needed improvements, such as improved scalability, could result in a deterioration in the performance of our internal systems and negatively impact the performance of our business.

Failure to maintain reputation
We enjoy a positive reputation in the marketplace. Our ability to attract and retain clients and employees is affected by external perceptions of our brand and reputation. Reputational damage from negative perceptions or publicity could affect our ability to attract and retain clients and employees and our ability to maintain our pricing for our products. Although we monitor developments for areas of potential risk to our reputation and brand, negative perceptions or publicity could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Operational Risks
Failure to enter into, renew or renewcomply with contracts supplying new and existing data sets or products on competitive terms

We collect and aggregate third-party content from thousands of data suppliers, news sources, exchanges, brokers and contributors into our own dedicated online service, which clients access to perform their analyses. We combine the data from these sources into our own dedicated databases. Clients have access to the data and content found within our databases. These databases are important to our operations as they provide clients with key information. We have entered into third-party content agreements withof varying lengths, which in some cases can be terminated on one year’s notice at predefined dates, and in other cases on shorter notice. Some of our content provider agreements are with competitors, who may attempt to make renewals difficult or expensive. We seek to maintain favorable contractual relationships with our data suppliers, including those that are also competitors. We alsoHowever, we cannot control the actions and policies of our data suppliers and we may have data suppliers who provide us with notice of termination, or exclude or restrict us from use of their content, or only license such content at prohibitive cost. Additionally, despite our efforts to comply with our third-party data supplier agreements, there can be no assurances that third-parties may not challenge our use of their content, which could result in increased licensing costs, loss of rights, and costly legal actions. Certain data sets that we rely on have a limited number of suppliers, although we make efforts, whenevery effort to assure that, where reasonable, to locate alternative sources to ensure weare available. We are not dependent on any one third-party data supplier. We believe we are not dependent on any one significant third-partysupplier in order to meet the needs of our clients, with only two data supplier.suppliers representing more than 10% of our total data costs for the twelve months ended August 31, 2021. Our failure to be able to maintain these relationships, or the failure of our suppliers to deliver accurate data or in a timely manner, or the occurrence of a dispute with a vendor over use of their content, could increase our costs and reduce the type of content and products available to our clients, which could harm our reputation in the marketplace and adversely affect our business.


Inability to hire and retain key qualified personnel

Our business is based on successfully attracting, motivating and retaining talented employees. Competition for talent, especially engineering personnel, is strong. We need technical resources such as engineers to help develop new products and enhance existing services. We rely upon sales personnel to sell our products and services and maintain healthy business relationships. If we are unsuccessful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected and could have a material, adverse effect on our business.

Increased accessibility to free or relatively inexpensive information sources may reduce demand for our products

Each year, an increasing amount of free or relatively inexpensive information becomes available, particularly through the Internet,internet, and this trend may continue. The availability of free or relatively inexpensive information may reduce demand for our products. While we believe our service offering is distinguished by such factors as customization, timeliness, accuracy, ease-of-use, completeness and other value-added factors, if users choose to obtain the information they need from public or other sources, thenour business, results of operations, and cash flows could be adversely affected.
Inability to hire and retain key qualified personnel
Our business is based on successfully attracting, motivating and retaining talented and diverse employees. Creating a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes empowerment and engagement is key to our ability to attract, retain, and develop talent. Competition for talent, especially engineering personnel, is strong. We need technical resources such as engineers to help
20

develop new products and enhance existing services. We rely upon sales personnel to sell our products and services and maintain healthy business relationships. Our future success also is dependent on the continued service and performance of the members of our senior leadership team. All of these personnel possess business and technical capabilities that are difficult to replace. If we are unsuccessful in our recruiting efforts, or if we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to develop and deliver successful products and services may be adversely affected and could have a material, adverse effect on our business.
Operations outside the United States involve additional requirements and burdens that we may not be able to control or manage successfully
In fiscal 2021, approximately 40% of our revenue related to operations located outside the U.S. In addition, a significant number of our employees, approximately 78%, are located in offices outside the U.S. We expect our growth to continue outside the U.S., with non-U.S. revenues accounting for an increased portion of our total revenue in the future. Our non-U.S. operations involve risks that differ from or are in addition to those faced by our U.S. operations. These risks include difficulties in developing products, services and technology tailored to the needs of non-U.S. clients, including in emerging markets; different employment laws and rules; rising labor costs in lower-wage countries; difficulties in staffing and managing personnel that are located outside the U.S.; different regulatory, legal and compliance requirements, including in the areas of privacy and data protection, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, trade sanctions and currency controls, marketing and sales and other barriers to conducting business; social and cultural differences, such as language; diverse or less stable political, operating and economic environments and market fluctuations; civil disturbances or other catastrophic events that reduce business activity; limited recognition of our brand and intellectual property protection; differing accounting principles and standards; restrictions on or adverse tax consequences from entity management efforts; and changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws. If we are not able to adapt efficiently or manage the business effectively in markets outside the U.S., our business prospects and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.
The current COVID-19 pandemic and other global public health epidemics may adversely impact our business, our future results of operations and our overall financial performance
Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the risk, or the public perception of risk, related to a pandemic or widespread health crisis, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. A significant outbreak, epidemic or pandemic of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis adversely affecting the broader economies, financial markets and overall demand for our products. In addition, any preventative or protective actions that governments implement or that we take in respect of a global health crisis, such as travel restrictions, quarantines or site closures, may interfere with the ability of our employees, vendors, and data suppliers to perform their respective responsibilities and obligations relative to the conduct of our business, including our ability to gather content. Such results could have a material adverse effect on our operations, business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
Our operations have been affected by a range of external factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic that are not within our control. For example, many jurisdictions have imposed a wide range of restrictions on the physical movement of our employees and vendors to limit the spread of COVID-19. While to date the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material negative impact on our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows, due to the ongoing uncertainty related to the duration, magnitude and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, its potential effects on our business remain uncertain. The COVID-19 pandemic may still have a substantial impact on our employees' or vendors' productivity, which could result in our operations, including our ability to gather content, suffering, and in turn our results of operations, cash flows, and overall financial performance may be impacted. Furthermore, if our employees incur substantial medical expenses due to COVID-19, our expenses may increase due to our self-funded employee medical insurance model. Our management is focused on mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on our business, which has required and will continue to require a substantial investment of their time and may delay their other efforts. The continued impact of COVID-19 may also increase the severity or likelihood of the other risks described in this Item, any of which could have a material effect on us.
We continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and continually assess its potential effects on our business. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a business continuity plan with a dedicated incident management team to respond quickly and provide ongoing guidance. However, given the dynamic nature of these circumstances, the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The extent to which our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows are affected by COVID-19 will depend in part on future developments which cannot be accurately predicted and are uncertain, as there are no comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the potential effect of the spread of a global pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends upon various uncertainties, including the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the virus, the duration of the outbreak, and actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the virus. This situation is changing continually, and additional effects may arise that we are not presently aware of or that we currently do not consider to be significant risks to our operations. If we are not able to respond to and manage the impact of such events effectively, our business and financial
21

condition could be negatively impacted. Refer to Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - COVID-19 Update for additional information.
Legal & Regulatory Risks
Legislative and regulatory changes in the environments in which we and our clients operate
As a business, we are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the U.S. and in the other countries in which we operate. These laws, rules, and regulations, and their interpretations, may change in the future or conflict, and compliance with these changes may increase our costs or cause us to make changes in or otherwise limit our business practices. In addition, the global nature and scope of our business operations make it more difficult to monitor areas that may be subject to regulatory and compliance risk. If we fail to comply with any applicable law, rule, or regulation, we could be subject to claims and fines and suffer reputational damage. Uncertainty caused by political change globally, and complex relationships across countries, including the U.S. and nations in Europe and Asia, heightens the risk of regulatory uncertainty.
Many of our clients operate within a highly regulated environment and must comply with governmental legislation and regulations. The U.S. regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of the financial services industry. Increased regulation of our clients may increase their expenses, causing them to seek to limit or reduce their costs from outside services such as ours. Additionally, if our clients are subjected to investigations or legal proceedings they may be adversely impacted, possibly leading to their liquidation, bankruptcy, receivership, reduction in assets under management, or diminished operations, which would adversely affect our revenue. Recent regulatory changes that we believe might materially impact us and our clients include:
MiFID
In the European Union, the new version of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (recast), also known as "MiFID II" became effective in January 2018. Prior to the effectiveness of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union on January 1, 2021, the UK laws and regulations implementing MiFID II were modified to transpose aspects of EU law and address deficiencies that would have otherwise been created as a result of the withdrawal. MiFID II built upon many of the initiatives introduced through MiFID and is intended to help improve the functioning of the European Union single market by achieving a greater consistency of regulatory standards. MiFID originally became effective in 2007. We believe that compliance with MiFID II requirements is time-consuming and costly for the investment managers who are subject to it and will cause clients to adapt their pricing models and business practices significantly. These increased costs may impact our clients’ spending and may cause some investment managers to lose business or withdraw from the market, which may adversely affect demand for our services. However, MiFID II may also present us with new business opportunities for new service offerings. We continue to monitor the impact of MiFID II on the investment process and trade lifecycle. We also continue to review the application of key MiFID II requirements and plan to work with our clients to navigate through them.
Brexit
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom formally left the European Union when the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement became effective. Under the Withdrawal Agreement, a transition period began that ran until December 31, 2020. On January 1, 2021, the UK left the EU Single Market and Customs Union, as well as all EU policies and international agreements. As a result, the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital between the UK and the EU ended, and the EU and the UK formed two separate markets. On December 24, 2020, the EU reached a trade agreement with the UK (the "Trade Agreement") The Trade Agreement offers UK and EU companies preferential access to each other's markets, ensuring imported goods will be free of tariffs and quotas; however, economic relations between the UK and EU will now be on more restricted terms than existed previously. The Trade Agreement does not incorporate the full scope of the services sector, and businesses such as banking and finance face uncertainty. In March, 2021, the UK and EU have agreed on a framework for voluntary regulatory cooperation and dialogue on financial services issues between the two countries in a Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU"), which is expected to be signed after formal steps are completed, although this has not yet occurred. At this time, we cannot predict the impact that the Trade Agreement, the MOU or any future agreements on services, particularly financial services, will have on our business and our clients. It is possible that new terms may adversely affect our operations and financial results. We continue to evaluate our own risks and uncertainty related to Brexit, and partner with our clients to help them navigate the fluctuating international markets. This uncertainty may have an impact on our clients’ expansion or spending plans, which may in turn negatively impact our revenue or growth.
22

Adverse resolution of litigation or governmental investigations
We are party to lawsuits in the normal course of our business. Litigation and governmental investigations can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of operationscomplex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. Unfavorable resolution of lawsuits could be adversely affected.

have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. For additional information regarding legal matters, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Third parties may claim we infringe upon their intellectual property rights or may infringe upon our intellectual property rights

We may receive notice from others claiming that we have infringed upon their intellectual property rights. Responding to these claims may require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements on favorableunfavorable terms, incur litigation costs, enter into settlements, stop selling or redesign affected products, or pay damages and satisfy indemnification commitments with our clients or suppliers under contractual provisions of various license arrangements. Additionally, third parties may copy, infringe or otherwise profit from the unauthorized use of our intellectuallyintellectual property rights, requiring us to litigate to protect our rights. Certain countries may not offer adequate protection of proprietary rights. If we are required to defend ourselves or assert our rights or take such actions mentioned, our operating margins may decline as a result. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, expenditures to acquire the use of technology and intellectual property rights as part of our strategy to manage this risk.

Operations outside

Additional cost due to tax assessments resulting from ongoing and future audits by tax authorities as well as changes in tax laws
In the U.S. involveordinary course of business, we are subject to changes in tax laws as well as tax examinations by various governmental tax authorities. The global and diverse nature of our business means that there could be additional requirementsexaminations by governmental tax authorities and burdensthe resolution of ongoing and other probable audits which could impose a future risk to the results of our business. In August 2019 and July 2021, we received Notices of Intent to Assess (the "Notices") additional sales/use taxes, interest and underpayment penalties from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue relating to prior tax periods. Based upon a review of the Notices, we believe the Commonwealth may assess sales/use tax, interest and underpayment penalties on previously recorded sales transactions. We filed an appeal to the Notices and we intend to contest any such assessment, if assessed, and continue to cooperate with the Commonwealth’s inquiry. Further, on August 10, 2021, we received a letter (the “Letter”) from the Commonwealth relating to additional prior tax periods, requesting sales information to determine if a notice of intent to assess should be issued to FactSet with respect to these tax periods. Based upon a preliminary review of the Letter, we believe the Commonwealth might seek to assess sales/use tax, interest and underpayment penalties on previously recorded sales transactions. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the assessment process, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of these matters and, as such, have not recorded a liability as of August 31, 2021. We believe that we may not be able to control or manage successfully

In fiscal 2018, approximately 38% of our revenues related to operations located outside the U.S. In addition, a significant number of our employees, approximately 74%, are located in offices outside the U.S. We expect our growth to continue outside the U.S., with non-U.S. revenues accounting for an increased portion of total revenues in the future. Our non-U.S. operations involve risks that differ from or are in addition to those faced by our U.S. operations. These risks include: difficulties in developing products, services and technology tailored to the needs of non-U.S. clients, including in emerging markets; different employment laws and rules; rising labor costs in low-wage countries; difficulties in staffing and managing personnel that are located outside the U.S.; different regulatory, legal and compliance requirements, including in the areas of privacy and data protection, anti-bribery and anti-corruption, trade sanctions and currency controls, marketing and sales and other barriers to conducting business; social and cultural differences, such as languages; diverse or less stable political, operating and economic environments and market fluctuations; civil disturbances or other catastrophic events that reduce business activity; limited recognition of our brand and intellectual property protection; differing accounting principles and standards; restrictions on or adverse tax consequences from entity management efforts; and changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws. Ifultimately will prevail if we are presented with a formal assessment; however, if we do not ableprevail, the amount could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Changes in tax laws or the terms of tax treaties in a jurisdiction where we are subject to adapt efficiently to or manage the business effectively in markets outside the U.S.,tax could have an impact on our business prospects and operating results could be materially and adversely affected.

taxes payable.

Financial Market Risks
Exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates and the failure of hedging arrangements

Due to the global nature of our operations, we conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen, and Philippine Peso. To the extent that our international activities increase in the future, our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates may increase as well. To manage this exposure, we utilize derivative instruments (such as foreign currency forward contracts). By their nature, all derivative instruments involve elements of market and credit risk. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency exchange movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. Credit risk is managed through the continuous monitoring of exposure to the counterparties associated with these instruments. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings with changes in foreign currency. Although we believe that our foreign exchange hedging policies are reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, our attempt to hedge against these risks may not be successful, which could cause an adverse impact on both our results of operations.

operations and cash flows.

23

Legislative and regulatory changes in the environments in which we and


Business performance may not be sufficient to meet financial guidance or publicly disclosed long-term targets
We provide public, full-year financial guidance based upon assumptions regarding our clients operate

Many of our clients operate within a highly regulated environment and must comply with governmental legislation and regulations. The U.S. regulators have increased their focus on the regulation of theexpected financial services industry. Increased regulation of our clients may increase their expenses, causing them to seek to limit or reduce their costs from outside services such as ours. Additionally, if our clients are subjected to investigations or legal proceedings they may be adversely impacted, possibly leading to their liquidation, bankruptcy, receivership, reduction in assets under management, or diminished operations, which would adversely affect our revenues. In the European Union, the new version of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, also known as “MiFID II” became effective in January 2018. We believe that compliance with MiFID II requirements is time-consuming and costly for the investment managers who are subject to it and will cause clients to adapt their pricing models and business practices significantly. These increased costs may impact our clients’ spending and may cause some investment managers to lose business or withdraw from the market, which may adversely affect demand for our services. However, MiFID II may also present us with new business opportunities for new service offerings. In addition to the MiFID II requirements, we further believe the proposed withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union (also known as Brexit) on terms still being negotiated, has created economic uncertainty among our client base. This uncertainty may have an impact on our clients’ expansion or spending plans, which may in turn negatively impact our revenues or growth.

As a business, we are also subject to numerous laws and regulations in the U.S. and in the other countries in which we operate. These laws, rules, and regulations, and their interpretations, may change in the future, and compliance with these changes may increase our costs or cause us to make changes in or otherwise limit our business practices. In addition, the global nature and scope of our business operations make it more difficult to monitor areas that may be subject to regulatory and compliance risk. If we fail to comply with any applicable law, rule, or regulation, we could be subject to claims and fines and suffer reputational damage.

Adverse resolution of litigation or governmental investigations

We are party to lawsuits in the normal course of business. Litigation and governmental investigations can be expensive, lengthy and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. Unfavorable resolution of lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. For additional information regarding legal matters, see Item 3, Legal Proceedings, contained in Part I of this Report on Form 10-K.

Failure to maintain reputation

We enjoy a positive reputation in the marketplace. Our ability to attract and retain clients and employees is affected by external perceptions of our brand and reputation. Reputational damage from negative perceptions or publicity could affectperformance, including our ability to attractgrow revenue and retain clientsorganic ASV plus professional services, to meet our planned expenses and employeesmaintain a certain tax rate, and our ability to achieve our profitability targets. We can provide no assurances that we will be able to maintain the levels of growth and profitability that we have experienced in the past, or that our pricing for our products. Althoughgrowth strategies will be successful. If we monitor developments for areas of potential riskare unable to our reputation and brand, negative perceptions or publicity could have a material adverse effectsuccessfully execute on our businessstrategies to achieve our growth objectives and retain our existing clients, or if we experience higher than expected operating costs or taxes, we risk not meeting our full-year financial results.

guidance or may find it necessary to revise such guidance during the year.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of August 31, 2018, we leased approximately 202,000 square feet of office space at our headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. On February 14, 2018, we entered into a new lease agreement to relocate our

Our corporate headquarters tois located at 45 Glover Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. The newWe lease our headquarters location, will comprise approximately 173,000which is 173,164 square feet, of office space. We expect to take possession ofand also lease the newly leased property on or around January 1, 2019, for fit-out purposes. We will continue to occupy our existing headquarters space until the new headquarters is ready for occupancy, currently estimated to beother locations listed in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Including new lease agreements executed during fiscal 2018, our Company’s worldwide leased space increased to approximately 1,750,000 square feet as of August 31, 2018, up 607,000 square feet, or 53.1%, from August 31, 2017 and includes properties at the following locations:

Segment

Leased Location

United States

Atlanta, Georgia

Austin, Texas

Boston, Massachusetts

Chicago, Illinois

Jackson, Wyoming

Los Angeles, California

Manchester, New Hampshire 

Minneapolis, Minnesota 

New York, New York

Norwalk, Connecticut

Piscataway, New Jersey

Reston, Virginia

San Francisco, California

Sao Paulo, Brazil 

Toronto, Canada

Youngstown, Ohio

Europe

Avon, France

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Cologne, Germany

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Frankfurt, Germany

Gloucester, England

Johannesburg, South Africa

London, England

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Madrid, Spain

Milan, Italy

Paris, France

Riga, Latvia

Sofia, Bulgaria

Zurich, Switzerland

Asia Pacific

Chennai, India

Hong Kong, China

Hyderabad, India

Manila, the Philippines

Melbourne, Australia 

Mumbai, India

Shanghai, China 

Singapore 

Sydney, Australia

Tokyo, Japan


table below. We have data content collection offices located in Hyderabad, India, and Manila, the Philippines which benefit all our operating segments.and Latvia. Additionally, we have data centers that support our technological infrastructure located in Manchester, New Hampshire, Piscataway, New Jersey and Reston, Virginia. The other locations listed in the table above are leased office space. The leases expire on various dates through 2031.

24

We believe the amount of leased space as of August 31, 20182021 is adequate for our current needs and that additional space iscan be available for lease to meet any future needs.

Segment
LeasedLocation
AmericasAustin, Texas
Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Jackson, Wyoming
Lakewood, Colorado
Los Angeles, California
Minneapolis, Minnesota
New York, New York
Norwalk, Connecticut
Piscataway, New Jersey
Reston, Virginia
San Francisco, California
Toronto, Canada
Youngstown, Ohio
EMEAAmsterdam, the Netherlands
Avon, France
Cologne, Germany
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Frankfurt, Germany
Johannesburg, South Africa
London, England
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Milan, Italy
Paris, France
Riga, Latvia
Sofia, Bulgaria
Zurich, Switzerland
Asia PacificChennai, India
Hong Kong, China
Hyderabad, India
Manila, the Philippines
Melbourne, Australia 
Mumbai, India
Shanghai, China 
Singapore 
Sydney, Australia
Tokyo, Japan

25

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, the Company iswe are subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. Based on currently available information, the Company’sour management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against FactSet,us, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company'sour consolidated financial position, its annual results of operations or its annualand cash flows. However, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.


26


Part II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(a)

Market Information, Holders and Dividends

(a)Market Information, Holders and Dividends
Market Information – Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”)NYSE and the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol FDS. The following table sets forth, for each fiscal period indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NYSE:

  

First

  

Second

  

Third

  

Fourth

 

2018

                

High

 $200.31  $209.02  $217.36  $229.98 

Low

 $155.88  $183.89  $184.48  $195.69 
                 

2017

                

High

 $183.17  $183.64  $182.56  $172.22 

Low

 $150.95  $157.56  $156.92  $155.09 

 FirstSecondThirdFourth
2021
High$357.92 $357.69 $365.77 $383.21 
Low$303.11 $294.21 $302.92 $319.65 
2020
High$289.98 $310.25 $307.97 $363.64 
Low$233.09 $275.12 $195.22 $279.01 

Holdersof Record– As of October 24, 2018,15, 2021, we had approximately 177,7772,346 holders of record of our common stock. However, because many of our shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. The closing price of our common stock on October 24, 2018,15, 2021, was $215.30$380.22 per share as reported on the NYSE.

Dividends - During fiscal years 20182021 and 2017,2020, our Board of Directors declared the following dividends on our common stock:

Year Ended

 

Dividends per

Share of

Common Stock

 

Record Date

 

Total $ Amount

(in thousands)

 

Payment Date

Fiscal 2018

          

First Quarter

 $0.56 

November 30, 2017

 $21,902 

December 19, 2017

Second Quarter

 $0.56 

February 28, 2018

 $21,799 

March 20, 2018

Third Quarter

 $0.64 

May 31, 2018

 $24,566 

June 19, 2018

Fourth Quarter

 $0.64 

August 31, 2018

 $24,443 

September 18, 2018

           

Fiscal 2017

          

First Quarter

 $0.50 

November 30, 2016

 $19,852 

December 20, 2016

Second Quarter

 $0.50 

February 28, 2017

 $19,709 

March 21, 2017

Third Quarter

 $0.56 

May 31, 2017

 $21,951 

June 20, 2017

Fourth Quarter

 $0.56 

August 31, 2017

 $21,853 

September 19, 2017

All the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources on a quarterly basis.
Year EndedDividends per
Share of
Common Stock
Record Date
Total $ Amount
(in thousands)
Payment Date
Fiscal 2021    
First Quarter$0.77 November 30, 2020$29,266 December 17, 2020
Second Quarter$0.77 February 26, 2021$29,141 March 18, 2021
Third Quarter$0.82 May 31, 2021$30,972 June 17, 2021
Fourth Quarter$0.82 August 31, 2021$30,845 September 16, 2021
Fiscal 2020    
First Quarter$0.72 November 29, 2019$27,291 December 19, 2019
Second Quarter$0.72 February 28, 2020$27,251 March 19, 2020
Third Quarter$0.77 May 29, 2020$29,188 June 18, 2020
Fourth Quarter$0.77 August 31, 2020$29,283 September 17, 2020

Future dividend payments will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by us, and is subject to final determination by our Board of Directors.

(b)

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

(b) Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There were no sales of unregistered equity securities during fiscal 2018.

2021.
(c)Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

27

(c)

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities


The following table provides a month-to-month summary of the share repurchase activity under theour current stockshare repurchase program during the three months ended August 31, 2018 (in2021:
(in thousands, except per share data):

Period

 

Total number
of shares
purchased

  

Average
price paid per
share

  

Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs

  

Maximum number of shares

(or approximate dollar value) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (1)

 

June 2018

  49,975  $199.10   49,975  $299,325 

July 2018

  214,503  $204.09   214,503  $255,548 

August 2018

  65,000  $212.27   65,000  $241,750 
   329,478       329,478     

(1)

Repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions.No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Period
Total number
of shares
purchased(1)
Average
price paid per
share
Total number of shares purchased as part of
publicly announced plans or programs(2)
Maximum number of shares
(or approximate dollar value) that may yet be
purchased under the plans or programs(2)
June 20217,721 $336.66 5,000 $290,699 

July 2021173,398 $342.32 172,526 $231,635 
August 202189,870 $360.83 88,000 $199,893 (3)
 270,989  265,526  
(1)Includes 265,526 shares purchased under the existing share repurchase program, as well as 5,463 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes due upon the vesting or exercise of stock-based awards.
(2)Repurchasesmay be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions.No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the share repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.
(3)On March 23, 2021, the Board of Directors of FactSet approved a $205.6 million increase to the existing share repurchase program. As of August 31, 2021, a total of $199.9 million remained available for future share repurchases under the program.
Securities Authorized for Issuance underunder Equity Compensation Planssee Part IIIrefer to Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters of this Annual Report on Form 10-K

10-K.

StockPerformance Graph

PerformanceGraph

The annual changes for the five-year period shown in the graph below are based on the assumption thatassume $100 had been invested in our common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the NYSE Composite Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Financial Services Index, and the S&P 500 Financial Exchange and Data Index on August 31, 2013. 2016, or the origination date of each respective index.
The total cumulative dollar returns shown on the graph represent the value that such investments would have had on August 31, 2018.2021. Stockholder returns over the indicated period are based on historical data and should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.


  

2013

  

2014

  

2015

  

2016

  

2017

  

2018

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

 $100  $124  $154  $174  $154  $224 

S&P 500 Index

 $100  $123  $121  $133  $151  $178 

NYSE Composite Index

 $100  $119  $110  $116  $128  $140 

Dow Jones U.S. Financial Services Index

 $100  $119  $124  $125  $157  $191 

fds-20210831_g5.jpg
28


 201620172018201920202021
FactSet Research Systems Inc.$100 $88 $129 $153 $197 $214 
S&P 500 Index$100 $114 $134 $135 $161 $208 
Dow Jones U.S. Financial Services Index$100 $126 $153 $147 $142 $212 
S&P 500 Financial Exchanges and Data$100 $119 $155 $191 $222 $276 
The information contained in the above graph shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or filed or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that FactSetwe specificallyincorporatesincorporate it by reference into a document filedfiled under the Securities Actof 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial datainformation required by Item 301 and Item 302 of Regulation S-K has been derived from our consolidated financial statements. This financial data should be read in conjunction withomitted as we have adopted the changes to Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations301 and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,302 of this Report on Form 10-K.

Consolidated StatementsRegulation S-K contained in SEC Release No. 33-10890.

29

Table of Income Data

  

For the year ended August 31,

 

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

 

Revenues

 $1,350,145  $1,221,179  $1,127,092  $1,006,768  $920,335 

Operating income

 $366,204 (1) $352,135 (4) $349,676 (7) $331,918 (10) $302,219 (13)

Provision for income taxes

 $84,753  $86,053  $122,178  $92,703  $91,921 

Net income

 $267,085 (2) $258,259 (5) $338,815 (8) $241,051 (11) $211,543 (14)

Diluted earnings per common share

 $6.78 (3) $6.51 (6) $8.19 (9) $5.71 (12) $4.92 (15)

Weighted average common shares (diluted)

  39,377   39,642   41,365   42,235   42,970 

Cash dividends declared per common share

 $2.40  $2.12  $1.88  $1.66  $1.48 

Consolidated Balance Sheet Data

  

As of August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

  

2015

  

2014

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $208,623  $194,731  $228,407  $158,914  $116,378 

Accounts receivable, net of reserves

 $156,639  $148,331  $97,797  $95,064  $90,354 

Goodwill and intangible assets, net

 $850,768  $881,103  $546,076  $348,339  $327,463 

Total assets

 $1,419,447  $1,413,315  $1,019,161  $736,671  $663,212 

Non-current liabilities

 $672,413  $652,485  $343,570  $65,307  $24,839 

Total stockholders’ equity

 $525,900  $559,691  $517,381  $531,584  $511,082 

(1)

Operating income in fiscal 2018 included pre-tax charges of $17.4 million from restructuring actions, $4.7 million related to other corporate actions including stock-based compensation acceleration and $4.9 million in legal matters.

(2)

Net income in fiscal 2018 included $13.8 million (after-tax) expense related to restructuring actions, $3.8 million (after-tax) expense related to other corporate actions including stock-based compensation acceleration, $3.4 million (after-tax) expense related to legal matters and $21.3 million of tax charges primarily related to the one-time deemed repatriation tax on foreign earnings.

(3)

Diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) in fiscal 2018 included a $0.35 decrease in diluted EPS from restructuring actions, a $0.10 detriment due to other corporate actions including stock-based compensation, a $0.09 decrease from legal matters and a $0.53 decrease from tax charges primarily related to the one-time deemed repatriation tax on foreign earnings.

(4)

Operating income in fiscal 2017 included pre-tax charges of $5.6 million related to modifications of certain share-based compensation grants, $5.0 million related to restructuring actions and $7.4 million in acquisition-related expenses.

(5)

Net income in fiscal 2017 included $4.2 million (after-tax) related to modifications of certain share-based compensation grants, $3.7 million (after-tax) related to restructuring actions and $5.5 million (after-tax) of acquisition-related expenses. Fiscal 2017 net income also included a loss of $0.9 million (after-tax) from a final working capital adjustment related to the sale of FactSet’s Market Metrics business in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. These charges were offset by income tax benefits of $1.9 million related primarily to finalizing prior year tax returns and other discrete items.

(6)

Diluted EPS in fiscal 2017 included a $0.11 decrease in diluted EPS from the modifications of certain share-based compensation grants, a $0.09 decrease from the restructuring actions, a $0.13 decrease from acquisition-related expenses and $0.02 decrease from the working capital adjustment, partially offset by a $0.05 increase in diluted EPS from the income tax benefits.

(7)

Operating income in fiscal 2016 included pre-tax charges of $4.6 million related primarily to legal matters, $2.8 million from restructuring actions and $1.8 million related to a change in the vesting of performance-based equity options.

(8)

Net income in fiscal 2016 included $3.3 million (after-tax) related primarily to legal matters, $2.0 million (after-tax) from restructuring actions, $1.2 million (after-tax) related to a change in the vesting of performance-based equity instruments, partially offset by $10.5 million of income tax benefits primarily from the permanent reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit (“R&D Tax Credit”), finalizing the fiscal 2015 tax returns and other discrete items and a gain of $81.7 million (after-tax) related to the sale of FactSet’s Market Metrics business in July 2016.

(9)

Diluted EPS in fiscal 2016 included the net effect of a $2.01 increase in diluted EPS from the gain on sale and a $0.25 increase in diluted EPS from the income tax benefits, partially offset by a $0.08 decrease related primarily to legal matters, a $0.05 decrease from the restructuring actions and a $0.03 decrease from a change in the vesting of performance-based equity instruments.

(10)

Operating income in fiscal 2015 included pre-tax charges of $3.0 million related to the vesting of performance-based equity instruments and $3.2 million related primarily to changes in the senior leadership responsible for the Company’s sales force.

(11)

Net income in fiscal 2015 included $2.1 million (after-tax) of incremental expenses related to the vesting of performance-based equity instruments, $2.2 million (after-tax) related to the changes in the senior leadership responsible for the Company’s sales force and income tax benefits of $8.8 million primarily from the reenactment of the R&D Tax Credit in December 2014, and finalizing the fiscal 2014 tax returns and other discrete items.

(12)

Diluted EPS in fiscal 2015 included the net effect of a $0.21 increase in diluted EPS from the income tax benefits, partially offset by a $0.05 decrease from the vesting of performance-based equity instruments and a $0.05 decrease from the changes in the senior leadership responsible for the Company’s sales force.

(13)

Operating income in fiscal 2014 included pre-tax charges of $1.6 million related primarily to legal matters and $1.4 million related to a change in the vesting of performance-based equity options. 

(14)

Net income in fiscal 2014 included $1.1 million (after-tax) primarily related to legal matters, $1.0 million (after-tax) of incremental expenses related to the vesting of performance-based equity instruments and income tax benefits of $0.6 million finalizing the fiscal 2013 tax returns and other discrete items.

(15)

Diluted EPS in fiscal 2014 included the net effect of a $0.03 decrease in diluted EPS from the income tax benefits and $0.02 decrease from a change in the vesting of performance-based equity.


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“("MD&A”&A") should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. For a similar detailed discussion comparing fiscal 2020 and 2019, refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed below. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those identified below and those discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
MD&A is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:

Executive Overview
Annual Subscription Value ("ASV")
Client and User Additions
Employee Headcount
Results of Operations
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Foreign Currency
Critical Accounting Estimates
New Accounting Pronouncements
Executive Overview
FactSet Research Systems Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "we," "our," "us," the "Company" or "FactSet") is a global financial data and analytics company with open and flexible technology and a purpose to drive the investment community to see more, think bigger, and do their best work. Our strategy is to become the leading open content and financial analytics platform in the industry that delivers differentiated advantage for our clients’ success.
For over 40 years, the FactSet platform has delivered expansive data, sophisticated analytics, and flexible technology that global financial professionals need to power their critical investment workflows. Over 160,000 asset managers and owners, bankers, wealth managers, corporate firms, including private equity and venture capital firms, and others use our personalized solutions to identify opportunities, explore ideas, and gain a competitive advantage, in areas spanning investment research, portfolio construction and analysis, trade execution, performance measurement, risk management, and reporting across the investment lifecycle.
We provide financial data and market intelligence on securities, companies and industries to enable our clients to research investment ideas, as well as offering them the capabilities to analyze, monitor and manage their portfolios. We combine dedicated client service with open and flexible technology offerings, such as a configurable desktop and mobile platform, comprehensive data feeds, cloud-based digital solutions, and application programming interfaces ("APIs"). Our revenue is primarily derived from subscriptions to our products and services such as workstations, portfolio analytics, and market data.
We advance our industry by comprehensively understanding our clients’ workflows, solving their most complex challenges, and helping them achieve their goals. By providing them with the leading open content and analytics platform, an expansive universe of concorded data they can trust, next-generation workflow support designed to help them grow and see their next best action, and the industry’s most committed service specialists, FactSet puts our clients in a position to outperform.
We are focused on growing our business through three reportable segments ("segments"): the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Within each of our segments, we primarily deliver insight and information through our three workflow solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and Content & Technology ("CTS").
30

Business Strategy
Client needs and market dynamics continue to evolve at an accelerated pace with an increasing demand for differentiated, personalized, and connected data, an ongoing shift to multi-asset class investing, and cost rationalization as the shift from active to passive investing continues. Clients are seeking new cloud-based solutions that enable self-service and automation, open and flexible systems, and increased efficiencies when integrating and managing data as part of their own broader digital transformations.
FactSet’s strategy focuses on building the leading open content and analytics platform that delivers differentiated advantages for our clients’ success – in keeping with our purpose of enabling the investment community to see more, think bigger and do their best work. We want to be the trusted partner of choice for clients, to anticipate their needs and provide them with the most innovative solutions to make them more efficient. This includes transforming the way our clients discover, decide, and act on an opportunity using our digital platform; purposefully increasing our pace and speed to market by streamlining how we work; and investing in our future workforce. To execute on our strategy, we plan on the following:
Growing our digital platform: Scaling up our Content Refinery by providing the most comprehensive and connected inventory of industry, proprietary, and third-party data for the financial community, including granular data for key industry verticals, private companies, wealth, and environmental social and governance ("ESG"). Driving next-generation workflow solutions by creating personalized and integrated solutions to streamline workflows which includes solutions for asset managers, asset owners, sell side, wealth and corporate clients. Our goal is to deliver tangible efficiencies to our clients by connecting data and analytics with a cloud based eco-system, enabling them to manage work more effectively through an integrated investment lifecycle.
Delivering execution excellence: Building a more agile and digital first-minded organization that increases the speed of our product creation and go-to-market strategy. To capitalize on market trends and give our clients innovative tools, we plan to release new products built on a cloud-based digital foundation as well as migrating our existing data and applications to the cloud. Additionally, we expect to rationalize our existing product portfolio to reinvest in higher return products.
Driving a growth mindset: Recruiting, training and empowering a diverse and operationally efficient workforce to drive sustainable growth. To drive a more performance-based culture, we are investing in talent who can create leading technological solutions, efficiently execute our go-to-market strategy and achieve our growth targets.
At the center of our strategy is the relentless focus on our clients and their FactSet experience. We want to be a trusted partner and service provider, offering hyper-personalized digital products for clients to research ideas, uncover relevant insights, and leverage cognitive computing to help get the most out of their data and analytics. Additionally, we continually evaluate business opportunities such as acquisitions and partnerships to help us expand our capabilities and competitive differentiators across the investment portfolio lifecycle.
We are focused on growing our global business in three segments: the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. We believe this geographical strategic alignment helps us better manage our resources, target our solutions and interact with our clients. We further execute on our growth strategy by offering data, products, and analytical applications within our three workflow solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and CTS.
Fiscal 2021 Year in Review
Revenue for the fiscal year 2021 was $1.6 billion, an increase of 6.5% from the prior year. Revenue increased across our operating segments, primarily in the Americas, followed by EMEA and Asia Pacific, supported by increased revenue from each of our workflow solutions, mainly in Analytics & Trading, followed by CTS and Wealth. Revenue also grew due to the benefit from our annual price increase. The revenue growth of 6.5% was primarily attributed to organic revenue growth, which excludes the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months, changes in foreign currency rates in all periods presented and the deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting (Refer to Results of Operations, Non-GAAP Financial Measures in this MD&A for further discussion on organic revenue).
Operating income increased 7.8% and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") increased 7.4% compared with the prior year. This increase in operating income and EPS was primarily driven by revenue growth of 6.5%, a decrease in non-compensatory employee related expenses, an impairment of an investment that occurred in fiscal 2020 and a decrease in professional fees. This increase was partially offset by higher spend in employee compensation, including stock-based compensation and
31

increased computer-related expenses. Additionally, EPS benefited from a reduction in interest expense and diluted weighted average shares outstanding compared with the prior year period.
Our clients and users reached new highs of 6,453 and 160,932, respectively, in fiscal 2021. Over the last 12 months, we returned $382.6 million to stockholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.
As of August 31, 2021, our employee count was 10,892, up 3.9% in the past 12 months, due primarily to an increase in net new employees of 6.6% in Asia Pacific and 0.7% in EMEA, partially offset by a decrease of 1.5% in the Americas. Of our total employees, as of August 31, 2021, 7,080 were located in Asia Pacific, 2,439 were located in the Americas and 1,373 were located in EMEA. Our centers of excellence, located in India, the Philippines, and Latvia, primarily focus on content collection that benefits all our segments.
We garnered multiple awards during fiscal 2021, with honors spanning multiple workflows, including research, risk, performance, trading, and wealth management. Our expanding suite of datasets stood out, most notably in the ESG and alternative categories, for its depth and innovation in delivery mechanisms. We were recognized by over thirty industry awards and rankings reports, including winning three categories in WatersTechnology’s 2021 Inside Market Data & Inside Reference Data awards: best alternative data provider, best ESG data provider, and best overall data or service provider for 2021.
Client Service / Customer Success
Our client service teams are a critical component of our comprehensive value proposition, and include a versatile group of financial data and modeling experts, with extensive knowledge of financial markets and FactSet solutions. Our client service teams take a consultative approach to understand our clients’ challenges and objectives to strategically leverage our workflow solutions and deliver support of the highest standard. Our clients have continuous access to our support desk, trained to respond to both project and technical support questions. A client-centric approach is foundational to our ongoing achievements, therefore client satisfaction is critical to how we measure our success. According to our global client satisfaction survey, greater than 94% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with our support. We believe that these strong relationships help ensure continued high rates of retention and account expansion.
COVID-19 Update
A novel strain of coronavirus, now known as COVID-19 ("COVID-19"), was first reported in December 2019, and it has since extensively impacted the global health and economic environment, with the World Health Organization characterizing COVID-19 as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a business continuity plan with a dedicated incident management team to respond quickly and provide ongoing guidance so that we could continue offering our clients uninterrupted products, services and support while also protecting our employees. We believe these actions have been successful and that the pandemic, and our responses, have not significantly affected the financial results for our 2021 fiscal year.
At the outset of the pandemic, we required the vast majority of our employees at our offices across the globe (including our corporate headquarters) to work remotely and implemented global travel restrictions for our employees. Since that time, we have begun to re-open many of our offices globally, utilizing a three-phased approach to provide flexibility for employees wishing to work from our offices with a focus on social distancing and safety while acting consistently with applicable local regulations. We anticipate that the ability to open offices will vary significantly from region to region based on a number of factors, including the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the spread of COVID-19 variants. We have worked with local organizations to procure vaccines for our employees and encouraged them to get vaccinated. Our offices will not re-open fully until local authorities permit us to do so and our own criteria and conditions to ensure employee health and safety are satisfied.
As of August 31, 2021, there have been minimal interruptions in our ability to provide our products, services and support to our clients. Working remotely has had relatively little impact on the productivity of our employees, including our ability to gather content. We continue to work closely with our clients to provide consistent access to our products and services and have remained flexible to achieve client priorities.
Based on our success in working in a remote environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, we expect to implement a new work standard under which employees in many of our locations, where permitted by local laws and regulations, and where the role permits, will have the opportunity to choose between different work arrangements. These include working either in a hybrid arrangement, where an employee can split time between working from the office and working from a pre-approved remote location, or a fully remote arrangement, where an employee can work entirely from a pre-approved remote location.
32

Our revenue, earnings, and ASV are relatively stable and predictable as a result of our subscription-based business model. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has not had a material negative impact on our revenue, earnings or ASV. We incurred additional expenses at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly relating to equipment to enable our employees to support our clients while working remotely, which were not material to our fiscal 2021 results. As we have continued to work in remote and hybrid environments, reductions in discretionary spending, particularly travel and entertainment, have more than offset any related increased expenses. Given our transition to our new work standard, we anticipate that many of these expense reductions will continue going forward, as we incur less travel and entertainment spending than we did pre-pandemic and seek to reduce our spending on office space that is no longer necessary in our new work environment.
Refer to Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business.
Annual Subscription Value ("ASV")
As of August 31, 2021, organic annual subscription value ("organic ASV") plus Professional Services totaled $1.7 billion, an increase of 7.2% over August 31, 2020. Organic ASV increased across all our geographic segments with the majority of the increase related to the Americas, followed by EMEA and Asia Pacific.
We believe ASV reflects our ability to grow recurring revenue and generate positive cash flow and is the key indicator of the successful execution of our business strategy.

"ASV" at any point in time represents our forward-looking revenue for the next 12 months from all subscription services currently being supplied to client, excluding revenues from Professional Services.
"Organic ASV" at any point in time equals our ASV excluding ASV from acquisitions and dispositions completed within the last 12 months and the effects of foreign currency movements on the current year period.
"Professional Services" are revenues derived from project-based consulting and implementation.
"Organic ASV plus Professional Services" at any point in time equals the sum of Organic ASV and Professional Services.
Organic ASV plus Professional Service
The following table presents the calculation the calculation of Organic ASV plus Professional Services as of August 31, 2021. With proper notice provided as contractually required, our clients can add to, delete portions of, or terminate service, subject to certain limitations.

 Executive Overview

(in millions)As of August 31, 2021
As reported ASV plus Professional Services(1)
$1,688.3 
Currency impact(2)
1.6 
Acquisition ASV(3)
(11.4)
Organic ASV plus Professional Services$1,678.5 
Organic ASV plus Professional Services growth rate7.2 %

 Key Metrics

 Results of Operations

 Liquidity

 Capital Resources

 Foreign Currency

 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 Share Repurchase Program

 Contractual Obligations

 Dividends

 Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

 New Accounting Pronouncements

 Market Trends

 Forward-Looking Factors

(1)Includes $24.1 million in Professional Services fees as of August 31, 2021.
(2)The MD&Aimpact from foreign currency movements.
(3)Acquired ASV from acquisitions completed within the last 12 months.
As of August 31, 2021, Organic ASV plus Professional Services was $1.7 billion, an increase of 7.2% compared with August 31, 2020. The increase in year-over-year Organic ASV was largely attributed to existing clients, followed by new client sales and existing client price increases, partially offset by existing client cancellations.
Organic ASV increased across all our geographic segments with the majority of the increase related to the Americas, followed by EMEA and Asia Pacific. This increase was driven by additional sales in our workflow solutions, primarily in Research, followed by Analytics & Trading and CTS. Sales increased in Research mainly due to higher demand for our workstations. Sales increased in Analytics & Trading mainly from our portfolio analytics, portfolio reporting, performance and reporting, front office, and risk and quantitative solutions. CTS sales increased primarily due to core and premium content sets, specifically related to company financial data and data management solutions.
33

Segment ASV
As of August 31, 2021, ASV from the Americas was $1,039.4 million, an increase from $956.6 million as of August 31, 2020. Americas organic ASV increased to $1029.2 million as of August 31, 2021, a 7.4% increase compared with August 31, 2020.
As of August 31, 2021, ASV from EMEA was $450.0 million, an increase from $426.0 million as of August 31, 2020. EMEA organic ASV increased to $451.3 million as of August 31, 2021, a 5.6% increase compared with August 31, 2020.
As of August 31, 2021, Asia Pacific ASV was $174.7 million, an increase from $156.5 million as of August 31, 2020. Asia Pacific organic ASV increased to $174.6 million as of August 31, 2021, a 12.3% increase compared with August 31, 2020.
The increase in organic ASV across all our geographic segments was largely attributed to increased sales to existing clients, followed by new client sales and existing client price increases, partially offset by existing client cancellations. The increased organic ASV in the Americas was primarily driven by increased sales for Research, followed by higher sales of Analytics & Trading and CTS. The EMEA organic ASV increase was mainly driven by higher sales of CTS followed by Analytics & Trading. The Asia Pacific organic ASV increase was primarily due to increased sales of Research, Analytics & Trading, and CTS.
Buy-side and Sell-side Organic ASV Growth
Buy-side and sell-side Organic ASV growth rates at August 31, 2021, compared with August 31, 2020, were 6.5% and 12.0%, respectively. Buy-side clients account for approximately 83% of our Organic ASV, consistent with the prior year period, and primarily include asset managers, asset owners, wealth managers, hedge funds and corporate firms. The remainder of our Organic ASV is derived from sell-side firms and primarily include broker-dealers, banking and advisory, private equity and venture capital firms.
Client and User Additions
As of and for the
Year Ended August 31,
20212020Change
Clients(1)
6,453 5,875 9.8 %
Users(2)
160,932 141,136 14.0 %
(1)The client count includes clients with ASV of $10,000 and above.
(2)In the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we revised our user count methodology to include users across all our products, including workstations, StreetAccount and other workflow solutions. The prior year user count was adjusted to reflect this change for comparison purposes.
Our client count includes clients with ASV of $10,000 and above. Our total client count was 6,453 as of August 31, 2021, a net increase of 9.8%, or 578 clients in the last 12 months, mainly due to an increase in corporate and wealth management clients and third-party data providers. The client count increase was mainly driven by demand for our integrated content and workflow solutions, which are further enhanced by our continued investment in product innovation. As part of our long-term growth strategy, we continue to focus on expanding and cultivating relationships with our existing client base through sales of workstations, applications, services and content.
As of August 31, 2021, there were 160,932 professionals using FactSet, representing a net increase of 14.0%, or 19,796 users, in the last 12 months, primarily driven by an increase in wealth advisory professionals from our wealth management clients, as well as an increase in sell-side users from our banking clients. The increase in users was mainly due to a new wealth management client, improvement in our client retention and increased new hiring at our banking clients.
Annual ASV retention was greater than 95% of ASV for the period ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020. When expressed as a percentage of clients, annual retention was approximately 91.0% for the period ended August 31, 2021, an improvement from approximately 90% for the period ended August 31, 2020.
Employee Headcount
As of August 31, 2021, our employee headcount was 10,892, up 3.9% in the past 12 months, due primarily to an increase in net new employees of 6.6% in Asia Pacific and 0.7% in EMEA, partially offset by a decrease of 1.5% in the Americas. Of our total
34

employee headcount at August 31, 2021, 7,080 were located in Asia Pacific, 2,439 were located in the Americas and 1,373 were located in EMEA.
Results of Operations
For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during fiscal 2021 and 2020, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Overview

We are a global provider

The following table summarizes the results of integrated financial information, analytical applications and industry-leading serviceoperations for the global investment community. We deliver insight and informationperiods described:
 Years ended August 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)20212020$ Change% Change
Revenue$1,591,445 $1,494,111 $97,334 6.5 %
Cost of services$786,400 $695,446 $90,954 13.1 %
Selling, general and administrative$331,004 $359,005 $(28,001)(7.8)%
Operating income$474,041 $439,660 $34,381 7.8 %
Net income$399,590 $372,938 $26,652 7.1 %
Diluted earnings per common share$10.36 $9.65 $0.71 7.4 %
Diluted weighted average common shares38,570 38,646 
Revenue
Revenue increased 6.5% to investment professionals through our analytics, service, content, and technology. These professionals include portfolio managers, investment research professionals, investment bankers, risk and performance analysts, and wealth advisors. From streaming real-time data to historical information, including quotes, estimates, news and commentary, we offer proprietary and third-party content through desktop, web, mobile and off-platform solutions. Our broad application suite offers tools and resources including company and industry analyses, full screening tools, portfolio analysis, risk profiles, alpha-testing, portfolio optimization and research management solutions. With recent acquisitions, we have continued to expand our solutions across$1.6 billion in fiscal 2021, compared with $1.5 billion from the investment lifecycle from idea generation to performance and client reporting. Our revenues are derived from subscriptions to products and services such as workstations, analytics, enterprise data, research management, and trade execution.

2018 Yearsame period in Review

Fiscal 2018the prior year. The increase in revenue growth can bewas largely attributed to achievementsincreased sales to existing clients, followed by new client sales and existing client price increases, partially offset by existing client cancellations. Revenue increased across all our segments, primarily from the Americas, followed by EMEA and Asia Pacific, driven by increased revenue in all our workflow solutions, mainly in Analytics & Trading, CTS, and Research, compared with the delivery, integration and consumption of our financial data and analytical applications byprior year. Organic revenue increased to $1.6 billion for the global investment community. As of August 31, 2018, annual subscription value (“ASV”) totaled $1.39 billion, anfiscal year ended 2021, a 6.3% increase of 5.8% over the prior year and 5.7% organically. Revenues increased 10.6% year over year,period. (Refer to Item 7. Results of which, 5.6% of the increase can be attributed to organic revenue growth. In addition, clients and users reached new highs of 5,142 and 91,897, respectively, in fiscal 2018. We returned $393.4 million to stockholdersOperations, Non-GAAP Financial Measures in the formMD&A of share repurchases and dividends during the fiscal year.

We continued to diversity our suite of solutions through the integration of our acquisitions and new product investments. We enhanced our Multi-Asset Class (“MAC”) risk models, leading to several global client wins and strengthening our position in the analytics market. We expanded our Content and Technology Solutions (“CTS”) workflow and launched Open:FactSet Marketplace, a new platform to address the demand for integrating both financial and alternative data. We recently added Data Exploration, a platform for financial professionals to evaluate quickly alternative and financial datasets and build investment applications in a fully hosted environment.


FactSet released its first annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report (“CSR”), highlighting the Company’s commitments to our clients, employees, stockholders, and communities. The report covered the fiscal year ending August 31, 2017, highlighting our recent achievements and setting a trajectory for our future CSR goals.

Client Service / Consultants

A client-centric approach has always been a key foundation of our success at FactSet. We support our powerful information and analytical applications with a team of financial data and modeling experts. Client satisfaction is a key metric by which we measure the success of our service. According to our global client satisfaction survey, greater than 95% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with FactSet’s support. The depth of our knowledge, the data behind the models and the complex mathematics substantiating the answers each create an opportunity for us to forge close working relationships with our user community.

Our industry-leading customer care is largely due to the talent of our employee population. As of August 31, 2018, employee headcount was 9,571, up 5.5% from a year ago. This increase in headcount was primarily in client-focused positions with dedication to client loyalty, supporting our recent global client retention rate of greater than 95% of ASV as of August 31, 2018. Our consulting teams have been trained to listen to our clients’ needs and transfer this knowledge directly to the product development teams, helping us transform suggestions into new or enhanced product offerings.

Educating our clients is also an important component of our service. Not only do we teach our users the nuances of our software and content offerings, but also FactSet personnel are often thought-leaders in a particular area of financial modeling in our rapidly evolving industry. As a result, clients look to FactSet as a trusted partner to stay on the forefront of financial modeling and analysis.

Key Metrics

The following is a review of our key metrics:

  

As of and for the

Year ended August 31,

  
(in millions, except per share data, client and user counts) 2018  2017  Change  

Revenues

 $1,350.1  $1,221.2   10.6% 

Operating Income

 $366.2  $352.1   4.0% 

Net Income

 $267.1  $258.3   3.4% 

Diluted EPS

 $6.78  $6.51   4.1% 

ASV(1)

 $1,393.1  $1,316.6   5.8%(2) 

Clients(3)

  5,142   4,744   8.4% 

Users(4)

  91,897   88,846   3.4% 

(1)

During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, FactSet excluded professional services fees billed within the last 12 months, which are not subscription based. As such, ASV excludedprofessional service fees of $21.6 million and $17.2 million as of August 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(2)

ASV grew 5.8% year over year, of which, 5.7%represents organic ASV growth. Organic ASV excludes ASV from acquisitions and dispositions completed within the last 12 months and the effects of foreign currency.

(3)

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, wechanged ourclient count definition to capture clients with ASV greater than $10,000 versus the previous metric of clients with ASV greater than $24,000. The prior year client count was restated to reflect this change for comparison purposes.

(4)

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, wechanged ouruser count definition to include users from workstations previously not captured due to certain product bundling and users of the StreetAccount web product. The prior year user count was restated to reflect this change for comparison purposes.

Annual Subscription Value Growth

ASV at any given point in time represents the forward-looking revenues for the next twelve months from all subscription services currently being supplied to clients, and excludes professional services fees billed in the last twelve months, which are not subscription-based. With proper notice to us, our clients can add to, delete portions of, or terminate service at any time, subject to certain contractual limitations. As of August 31, 2018, our ASV totaled $1.39 billion, up 5.7% organically over the prior year. Organic ASV excludes ASV from acquisitions and dispositions completed within the last 12 months and the effects of foreign currency. The increase in ASV was driven by growth in our geographic segments and achievements across each of our workflow solutions which include Research, Analytics, CTS, and Wealth. Additionally, we have leveraged relationships with existing clients to increase year over year sales through cross-selling and upselling of our diversified product suite.


Buy-side and sell-side ASV growth rates for the last 12 months were 5.4% and 7.3% respectively. Buy-side clients account for 83.9% of ASV, while the remainder is derived from sell-side firms that perform mergers and acquisitions advisory work, capital markets services and equity research.

As of August 31, 2018, ASV from our U.S. operations was $868.7 million, an increase of 5.3% organically from a year ago. ASV from international operations was $524.4 million, an increase of 6.3% organically from a year ago. The growth in ASV in both the U.S. operations and international operations was driven primarily by higher sales across all workflow solutions and new business additions across the operations, primarily in the U.S segment.

Client and User Additions

Our total client count was 5,142 as of August 31, 2018, representing a net increase of 398 clients in the last twelve months. In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we changed our client count definition to capture clients with ASV greater than $10,000 versus the previous metric of clients with ASV greater than $24,000. The prior year client count was restated to reflect this change for comparison purposes. Client count has increased by 398 or 8.4% in the last twelve months primarily from wealth managers, corporate firms and institutional asset managers. These firm types contributed to over 60% of the net user additions during the fiscal 2018 year. We continue to focus on expanding and cultivating relationships with our current client base as it is essential to our long-term growth strategy and assists in our upsell of workstations, applications and content at our existing clients.

As of August 31, 2018, there were 91,897 professionals using FactSet. In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, FactSet changed its user count definition to include users from workstations previously not captured due to certain product bundling and users of the StreetAccount web product. The prior year user count was restated to reflect this change for comparison purposes. User count increased by 3,051 users in the past twelve months primarily driven by an increase in workstation sales.

Annual client retention as of August 31, 2018, was greater than 95% of ASV and 91% when expressed as a percentage of clients. Our successful client retention demonstrates that a majority of our clients maintain their subscriptions to FactSet year over year, highlighting the strength of our business strategy. As of August 31, 2018, our largest individual client accounted for approximately 2% of total subscriptions, and annual subscriptions from our ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total client subscriptions.

Returning Value to Stockholders

On August 10, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.64 per share. The cash dividend of $24.4 million was paid on September 18, 2018 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on August 31, 2018. We repurchased 1.5 million shares for $302.4 million during fiscal 2018 under our existing share repurchase program.

On March 26, 2018, our Board of Directors, approved a $300.0 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. Including this expansion, $241.7 million is available for future share repurchases as of August 31, 2018.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $33.5 million during fiscal 2018, compared to $36.9 million a year ago. Capital expenditures of $24.2 million or 72% of our capital expenditures during fiscal 2018 related to upgrades of existing computer systems in Norwalk, additional server equipment for our data centers located in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as laptop computers and peripherals for new and existing employees. The remainder of our capital expenditures was primarily for the build out of office space including $2.8 million at our Hong Kong location, $2.2 million at our India locations, and $1.5 million at our Netherlands location.


Results of Operations

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the past three fiscal years, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Report on Form 10-K.

  Years ended August 31, 
(in thousands, except per share data) 2018  2017  Change  2017  2016  Change 

Revenues

 $1,350,145  $1,221,179   10.6% $1,221,179  $1,127,092   8.3%

Cost of services

 $659,296  $566,580   16.4% $566,580  $487,409   16.2%

Selling, general and administrative

 $324,645  $302,464   7.3% $302,464  $290,007   4.3%

Operating income

 $366,204  $352,135   4.0% $352,135  $349,676   0.7%

Net income

 $267,085  $258,259   3.4% $258,259  $338,815   (23.8)%

Diluted earnings per common share

 $6.78  $6.51   4.1% $6.51  $8.19   (20.5)%

Diluted weighted average common shares

  39,377   39,642       39,642   41,365     

Revenues

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

Revenues in fiscal 2018 were $1.35 billion, increasing 10.6% compared to fiscal 2017. Our10-K for further discussion on organic revenue).

The revenue growth of 6.5% was composed of organic revenue growth rate for fiscal 2018 was 5.6% compared to the prior year period, with cancellations remaining relatively flat during fiscal 2018. Organic revenues exclude the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months and foreign currency in all periods. The6.3%, a 30 basis point increase in revenues was throughout our geographical segments and workflow solutions. The U.S. segment revenue was up 7.4% compared to the prior year period, primarily driven by additional clients, expansion from within our existing client base and an annual price increase, while holding client cancellations steady. Our international operations also grew as demonstrated by our 17.3% growth in Europe and a 13.1% increase in Asia Pacific. In addition to revenue growth amongst the geographic segments, achievements were also made across each workflow solution which include Research, Analytics, CTS, and Wealth. The Research workflow growth was driven by additional users due to banking new hires. The growth in the Analytics workflow was primarily attributed to increased sales in the portfolio analytics, reporting, and risk platforms, coupled with the enhancement of our multi-asset class risk model offerings, which strengthened our position in the analytics market. The CTS workflow growth was driven by increased demand for our proprietary content data feeds while new business sales drove the Wealth workflow growth.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

Revenues in fiscal 2017 were $1.22 billion, up 8.3% compared to fiscal 2016. Our organic revenue growth rate for fiscal 2017 increased 6.9% compared to fiscal 2016. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by organic ASV growth, continued momentum for our multi-asset class analytic solutions, workstations, data feeds products and the additions to our product offerings from our fiscal 2017 acquisitions. Offsetting these positive factors, we experienced cancellations due to firm consolidations and failures.

Revenues by Geographic Segment

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

U.S.

 $841,908  $784,146  $755,492 

% of revenues

  62.4%  64.2%  67.0%

Europe

 $387,589  $330,332  $277,682 

Asia Pacific

 $120,648  $106,701  $93,918 

International

 $508,237  $437,033  $371,600 

% of revenues

  37.6%  35.8%  33.0%

Consolidated

 $1,350,145  $1,221,179  $1,127,092 

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

Revenue from our U.S. segment increased 7.4% to $841.9 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $784.1 million in fiscal 2017, due to organic ASV growth across our workflow solutions and strong performance executing new business sales. Cancellations remained relatively flat for fiscal 2018 showing signs of stability. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions, organic revenue in the U.S. was up 5.1% compared to fiscal 2017. Revenue from our U.S. operations accounted for 62.4% of our consolidated revenues during fiscal 2018, a decrease from 64.2% in fiscal 2017.


Revenue from our international operations increased 16.3% in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017, due to growth across our workflow solutions, partially offset by higher cancellations compared to the prior year.

European revenue increased 17.3% to $387.6 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $330.3 in fiscal 2017. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months and foreign currency, European organic revenue grew 9.4% in fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations increased our European growth rate by 150 basis points.

Asia Pacific revenue increased 13.1% during fiscal 2018, compared with fiscal 2017. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months and foreign currency, Asia Pacific organic revenue grew 12.9% during fiscal 2018 compared to fiscal 2017, with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, remaining flat comparedpartially offset by a 10 basis point decrease from deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting and acquisition-related revenue.

Revenue by Segment
Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)20212020$ Change% Change
Americas$1,008,046 $943,649 $64,397 6.8 %
% of revenue63.3 %63.2 %
EMEA$427,700 $406,498 $21,202 5.2 %
% of revenue26.9 %27.2 %
Asia Pacific$155,699 $143,964 $11,735 8.2 %
% of revenue9.8 %9.6 %
Consolidated Revenue$1,591,445 $1,494,111 $97,334 6.5 %
Americas revenue increased 6.8% to prior year.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

Revenue from our U.S. segment increased 3.8% to $784.1$1,008.0 million in fiscal 20172021, compared with $943.6 million from the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenue was largely attributed to $755.5increased sales to existing clients, followed by new client sales and existing client price increases, partially offset by existing client cancellations. This revenue growth was mainly due to increased sales in all of our workflow solutions, primarily in Analytics & Trading and CTS. The revenue growth of 6.8% was due to

35

organic revenue growth of 6.3% and a 50 basis point increase in acquisition-related revenue and deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting.
EMEA revenue increased 5.2% to $427.7 million in fiscal 2016. Our U.S.2021, compared with $406.5 million from the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenue was largely attributed to increased sales to existing clients, followed by new client sales and existing client price increases, partially offset by existing client cancellations. This revenue growth reflected the performance from both our Analytics and CTS workflows, as well as revenue from acquisitions completedwas mainly due to increased sales in fiscal 2017. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months, organic revenue in the U.S. increased 6.2% compared to fiscal 2016. Revenue from our U.S. operations accounted for 64.2%all of our consolidated revenues during fiscal 2017, a decrease from 67.0%workflow solutions, primarily in fiscal 2016 due to the acquisitions completed in fiscal 2017 which primarily increased international revenue.

European revenue increased 19.0% in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 due to solid growth in both our CTS and Analytics workflows as well as, client price increases, and acquisitions completed in 2017, partially offset by the impact of foreign currency translation. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations reduced our European growth rate by 40 basis points. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months and foreign currency, European revenue grew 8.3% compared to fiscal 2016.

& Trading. The Asia Pacific revenue growth rate of 13.6%5.2% was primarily due to increased subscriptions to our content, analytic solutions and core workstation product offerings. Additionally,driven by organic revenue growth of 3.7%, a 110 basis point increase from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations increased our Asia Pacific growth rate by 46and a 40 basis points. Excluding the effects of acquisitions and dispositions completed in the last 12 months and foreign currency, point increase from deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting.

Asia Pacific revenue grew 12.7%increased 8.2% to $155.7 million in fiscal 2021, compared with $144.0 million from the same period in the prior year. The increase in revenue was largely attributed to increased sales to existing clients, followed by new client sales and existing client price increases, partially offset by existing client cancellations. The revenue growth was mainly due to increased sales in all of our workflow solutions, primarily in Analytics & Trading. The revenue growth of 8.2% was due mainly to organic revenue growth of 8.0% and a 20 basis point increase from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Revenue by Workflow Solution
Revenue increased 6.5% for fiscal 2016.

2021, compared with the same period in the prior, primarily driven by Analytics & Trading and CTS. The increase in Analytics & Trading was mainly driven by increased sales in our portfolio reporting, portfolio analytics, risk and quantitative solutions and performance and reporting. CTS sales increased primarily due to core and premium content sets, specifically related to company financial data and data management solutions.

Operating Expenses

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Cost of services

 $659,296  $566,580  $487,409 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”)

  324,645   302,464   290,007 

Total operating expenses

 $983,941  $869,044  $777,416 
             

Operating income

 $366,204  $352,135  $349,676 

Operating Margin

  27.1%  28.8%  31.0%

(in thousands)Years ended August 31,
20212020$ Change% Change
Cost of services$786,400 $695,446 $90,954 13.1 %
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A")331,004 359,005 (28,001)(7.8)%
Total operating expenses$1,117,404 $1,054,451 $62,953 6.0 %
Operating income$474,041 $439,660 $34,381 7.8 %
Operating Margin29.8 %29.4 %1.4 %

Cost of Services

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

Cost of services increased 16.4%13.1% to $659.3$786.4 million in fiscal 2021 compared towith $695.4 from the same period in the prior fiscal year. Cost of services, expressed as a percentage of revenues,revenue, was 48.8%49.4% during fiscal 2018,2021, an increase of 240290 basis points over the prior year period. This increase was primarily due to higheran increase in employee compensation costs, driven byincluding stock-based compensation, and computer-related expenses.
Employee compensation costs increased 150 basis points mainly due to higher annual base salaries and a net increase in employee headcount of 408 employees, with the majority of the compensation from new employee headcount included in cost of services, an increase in year-over-year variable compensation, and restructuring actions, incremental data costs from recent acquisitionsan increase in stock based compensation expense. Computer-related expenses increased by 150 basis points, primarily due to increased technology investments related to our migration to cloud-based hosting services, licensed software arrangements, and additional users as well asa 30 basis point increase in the amortization of intangible assets associated with our recent acquisitions.intangibles, due to a higher investment in capitalized software that has been placed into service. This increase was partially offset by increased capitalization of compensation costs related to development of our internal-use software projects, as well as a reductionshift in stock-based compensationheadcount to lower cost locations.
Selling, General and Administrative 
Selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses decreased 7.8% to $331.0 million during fiscal 2021, compared with $359.0 million from accelerated vestingthe same period in the prior year.

Employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, when expressed as a percentage of revenues increased 100 basis points in fiscal 2018, compared to fiscal 2017. The increase is primarily due to the hiring of 497 net new employees over the last 12 months, with the majority of their compensation recorded in cost of services due to their involvement with content collection, engineering and product development. Employee compensation expense further increased due to headcount expansion from prior year acquisitions that were included for a full year in fiscal 2018, while fiscal 2017 only included a partial year amount. In addition, during fiscal 2018 we incurred $17.4 million of restructuring charges primarily related to severance of which $8.5 million was recorded within cost of services. Data costs, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 60 basis points due primarily from our recent acquisitions and higher variable data costs associated with additional users. Amortization of acquired intangible assets, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 20 basis points in fiscal 2018 compared to the same period a year ago, primarily due to recent acquisitions, which added $93.2 million of intangible assets to be amortized over a weighted-average life of 11.5 years. These intangible assets were amortized for the full fiscal 2018, while, fiscal 2017 did not include a similar amount of acquisition amortization due to the dates of each acquisition.


Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

Cost of services increased 16.2% to $566.6 million in fiscal 2017, compared to fiscal 2016. Cost of services, expressed as a percentage of revenues, was 46.4% in fiscal 2017, an increase of 320 basis points compared to fiscal 2016. The increase was primarily driven by higher employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, computer related expenses, amortization of intangibles and acquisition-related costs.

Employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 200 basis points in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2017, 699 new employees were added, which included head count expansion from acquisitions of 498 new employees (primarily in the European segment), as well as base salary changes and incremental hires in our centers of excellence located in India and the Philippines. The increase was also due to new employees hired, of which a significant number were involved with content collection, engineering and product development. As of August 31, 2017, approximately 70% of our employees performed operational roles. Employee compensation also increased due to a charge of $5.9 million related to restructuring actions and a change in the vesting of performance-based stock options.

Computer-related expenses, which include depreciation, maintenance, software and other fees increased 30 basis points, when expressed as a percentage of revenues in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. The increase was due to added computer-related expenses, depreciation associated with the additional laptop computers and peripherals for new and existing employees, upgrades to existing computer systems, and improvements to our telecommunication equipment. Amortization of intangible assets increased 30 basis points, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 primarily due to our fiscal 2017 acquisitions, which added approximately $93.2 million of intangible assets to be amortized over a weighted-average life of 11.5 years. Additionally, acquisition-related costs increased cost of sales by approximately 40 basis points when expressed as a percentage of revenues year over year.

Selling, General and Administrative 

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

SG&A expenses increased 7.3% to $324.6 million during fiscal 2018 compared to $302.5 million in fiscal 2017. SG&A expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues,revenue, were 24.0%20.8% in fiscal 2018,2021, a decrease of 70320 basis points over the prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to revenue growth outpacing the growtha decrease in non-

36

compensatory employee related expenses, an impairment on an investment in a company in fiscal 2020, and a decrease in professional fees, partially offset by increased compensations costs.
Non-compensatory employee-related expenses, inclusive of travel, entertainment and office expenses, decreased 150 basis points, mainly due to restrictions and impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as most employees continued to work from home. The prior year over yearinvestment impairment resulted in a 110 basis foreign currency exchange gains on hedgingpoint decrease in the current year. Professional fees decreased 50 basis points, primarily due to the completion of certain projects to support our technology plan and business transformation activities of our Indian Rupee and lower overall employee compensation including stock-based compensation expense. Thistax consulting and accounting fees, compared with the prior year period. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in employee compensation costs of 70 basis points, primarily driven by higher legal costs, restructuring actionsannual base salaries and newa net increase in employee additions.

Employeeheadcount, as well as higher variable compensation including stock-based compensation, when expressed as a percentage of revenues decreased 50 basis points comparedexpense.

Operating Income and Operating Margin
Operating income increased 7.8% to fiscal 2017. The decrease is primarily related to a higher percentage of our employees working in a cost of services capacity compared to an SG&A role. Compensation for our employees within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups is recorded within cost of services while employees within our sales and various other support and administrative departments are reflected in SG&A. In fiscal 2018, the majority of our hiring has been in departments within cost of services, thus driving a higher percentage of our employee compensation in this area. Partially offsetting these decreases were higher legal expenses primarily from the settlement of a legal matter in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, a full year of employee compensation from recent acquisitions and $8.9 million of severance charges.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

SG&A expenses increased 4.3% to $302.5 million during fiscal 2017 compared to $290.0$474.0 million in fiscal 2016. SG&A expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues, was 24.8%2021 compared with $439.7 million in fiscal 2017, a decrease of 90 basis points compared to fiscal 2016the prior year. Operating income increased primarily due to lowerrevenue growth, inclusive of our annual price increase, a reduction in non-compensatory employee compensation expense partially offset by higherrelated expenses, a prior year investment impairment, decreased professional fees and occupancy costs, including rent expense and depreciation of furniture and fixtures. Additionally, fiscal 2016 included a charge of $3.3 million related primarily to legal matters.


Employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased 160 basis points in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 due to a continued shift in our employee base from SG&A to cost of service related roles. This decrease in employee compensation was offset by a charge of $4.4 million related to restructuring actions and a change in the vesting of performance-based stock options. Professional fees, expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 30 basis points from costs associated with acquisitions in fiscal 2017. Occupancy costs, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, increased 30 basis points due to the increase in the worldwide-leased office space of 71,000 square feet, which included expanded offices in Germany, Switzerland, Bulgaria, India and the Netherlands.

Operating Income and Operating Margin

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

Operating income increased 4.0% to $366.2 million in fiscal 2018 compared to $352.1 million in fiscal 2017. Our operating margin decreased in fiscal 2018 to 27.1%, compared to 28.8% for fiscal 2017. Operating income increased due to incremental revenue that outpaced the growth of SG&A expenses year over year partially offset by higher cost of services. The reduction in operating margin year over year was due to an increase in employee compensation costs, including restructuring actions, datastock-based compensation, and computer-related expenses. Operating income was negatively impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates on a year-over-year basis. Our operating margin increased in fiscal 2021 to 29.8%, compared with 29.4% for fiscal 2020. Operating margin increased primarily due to a decrease in non-compensatory employee related expenses, a prior year investment impairment, decreased professional fees and occupancy costs, from acquisitions and additional users, amortization of intangible assets associated with our recent acquisitions, and incremental legal fees partially offset by foreign currency exchange gains on hedging activities and lower stock-based compensation.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

Operating income increased 0.7% to $352.1 million in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. Our operating margin for fiscal 2017 was 28.8%, down from 31.0% in fiscal 2016. Expenses related tohigher employee compensation professional fees, computer related costs amortization of intangibles and acquisition-related costs all increased in fiscal 2017, which resulted in our total operating expenses increasing to 11.8% year over year. We also recognized charges of approximately $18.0 million related to restructuring actions, a change in the vesting of performance-based stock options and other acquisition-related costs, compared to $7.0 million in fiscal 2016. The higher expenses were offset partially by a year over year increase in revenues of 8.3%, driven partially by our recent acquisitions.

computer-related expenses.

Operating Income by Segment

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

U.S.

 $148,095  $137,105  $165,251 

Europe

  148,977   153,676   131,410 

Asia Pacific

  69,132   61,354   53,015 
             

Consolidated

 $366,204  $352,135  $349,676 

Our operating segments are aligned with how we manage the business, the demographic markets we serve, and how the CODMG assesses performance.

Our internal financial reporting structure is based on three reportable segments, the U.S.Americas, EuropeEMEA and Asia Pacific, which we believe helps us better manage the business and view the markets we serve. Sales, consulting, data collection, product development and software engineering are the primary functional groups within each segment. Each segment records compensation expense, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated withPacific. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information, for further discussion regarding our data centers, third-party data costs and corporate headquarter charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The centers of excellence, located in India and the Philippines, primarily focus on content collection that benefit all our segments. The expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues.

Fiscal 2018compared to Fiscal 2017

U.S.

 Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)20212020$ Change% Change
Americas$218,180 $182,037 $36,143 19.9 %
EMEA159,704 165,317 (5,613)(3.4)%
Asia Pacific96,157 92,306 $3,851 4.2 %
Total Operating Income$474,041 $439,660 $34,381 7.8 %
Americas
Americas operating income increased 8.0%19.9% to $148.1$218.2 million during fiscal 20182021, compared to $137.1with $182.0 million a year ago.from the prior year. The increase in U.S. operating income was primarily due to revenue growth of 7.4%6.8%, inclusive of our annual price increase, a reduction in non-compensatory employee related expenses, a prior year investment impairment and lower professional fees, partially offset by increasedan increase in employee compensation expense and computer-related expenses.
Non-compensatory employee related expenses, inclusive of travel, entertainment and office expenses, decreased mainly due to restrictions and impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional fees decreased, primarily due to the completion of certain projects to support our technology plan and business transformation activities, as well as lower tax consulting fees, compared with the prior year period. The expense decreases were partially offset by higher employee compensation computer equipmentexpense, mainly due to increased annual base salaries, an increase in year-over-year variable compensation, partially offset by higher capitalization of compensation costs related to development of our internal-use software projects, and data costs.increases in computer-related expenses, due to increased technology investments, including costs from cloud-based hosting and licensed software arrangements. Additionally, amortization of intangible assets increased, primarily due to a higher investment in capitalized software that has been placed into service.
37

EMEA
EMEA operating income decreased 3.4% to $159.7 million during fiscal 2021, compared with $165.3 million from the prior year. The decrease in EMEA operating income was primarily due to an increase in employee compensation costs, bad debt expense, and amortization of intangibles, partially offset by revenue growth of 5.2%, inclusive of our annual price increase and a reduction in non-compensatory employee related expenses. Operating income was negatively impacted by movements in foreign currency exchange rates on a year-over-year basis. Employee compensation increased primarily due to a net increase in employee headcount over the past 12 months, increased annual base salary increases, restructuring actions,salaries, higher variable compensation and higher vacation expense. Non-compensatory employee benefit costs including medical expenditures. Computer related expenses, which include depreciation, maintenance, softwareinclusive of travel, entertainment and other fees, increased year over yearoffice expenses, decreased, mainly due to expenses associated with upgradesrestrictions and impacts related to existing computer systems in Norwalk, additional server equipment in our data centers located in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as laptop computers and peripherals for new and existing employees. Data costs increased due to higher third-party data costs from our recent acquisitions and additional users.


European operating income decreased 3.1% to $149.0 million during fiscal 2018 compared to $153.7 million a year ago. The impact of foreign currency decreased European operating income by $4.9 million year over year. Additionally, the decrease in European operating income was due to a full year impact of fiscal 2017 acquisitions, contributing to higher employee compensation, amortization of intangible assets, and data costs,COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by revenue growth of 17.3%.

investment in technology to allow employees to work from home.

Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific operating income increased 12.7%4.2% to $69.1$96.2 million during fiscal 20182021, compared to $61.4with $92.3 million a year ago.from the prior year. The increase in Asia Pacific operating income was mainly due to revenue growth of 13.1%8.2%, inclusive of our annual price increase, and benefits from a stronger U.S. dollar,reduction in non-compensatory employee related expenses, partially offset by increasesan increase in employee compensation and occupancy costs. Employee compensationOperating income was higher year over year as result of a 9.2% increasefavorably impacted by movements in our Asia Pacific workforce. Occupancy costs increased due primarily to an increase in rent expense for additional office space in our Philippines location. The impact of foreign currency increased Asia Pacific operating income by $3.6 million year over year.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

U.S. operating incomeexchange rates on a year-over-year basis. Non-compensatory employee related expenses, inclusive of travel, entertainment and office expenses, decreased, 17.0% to $137.1 million during fiscal 2017 compared to $165.3 million in fiscal 2016. The decrease in U.S. operating income was primarilymainly due to increases in expensesrestrictions and impacts related to employee compensation, and occupancy costs,the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by revenue growth of 3.8%.investments in technology to allow employees to work from home. Employee compensation increased primarilymainly due to a 3.6% increase in U.S. employee headcount year over year and a change in the vesting of performance-based stock options. Occupancy costs including rent expense and depreciation of furniture and fixtures increased due primarily to an increase in rent expense at our New York location.

European operating income increased 16.9% to $153.7 million during fiscal 2017 compared to $131.4 million in fiscal 2016. The increase in European operating income was due to revenue growth of 19.0% and benefits from a stronger U.S. dollar, offset by higher employee compensation, occupancy costs, and amortization of intangibles. European revenue grew due to acquisitions completed in 2017, which had a significant sales presence in European markets. The impact of foreign currency increased European operating income by $6.2 million year over year. Employee compensation was higher in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 due to an increase of 473 net new employees in our European offices. These employees were primarily from acquisitions completed in 2017. Occupancy costs including rent expense and depreciation of furniture and fixtures increased due primarily to an increase in rent expense in Germany associated with the 2017 acquisitions. Amortization of intangibles increased due to the addition of $93.2 million of intangibles, the majority of which resided in our European segment.

Asia Pacific operating income increased 15.7% to $61.4 million during fiscal 2017 compared to $53.0 million in fiscal 2016. The increase in Asia Pacific operating income was due to revenue growth of 13.6% and benefits from a stronger U.S. dollar, partially offset by increases in employee compensation and occupancy costs. Employee compensation was higher year over year as a result of a 2.7%6.6% increase in our Asia Pacific workforce in fiscal 2017. Occupancy coststhe last 12 months and increased due to an increase in rent expense at our India locations. The impact of foreign currency increased Asia Pacific operating income by $1.4 million year over year.

annual base salaries.

Income Taxes, Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share 

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Provision for income taxes

 $84,753  $86,053  $122,178 

Net income

 $267,085  $258,259  $338,815 

Diluted earnings per common share

 $6.78  $6.51  $8.19 

 Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)20212020$ Change% Change
Provision for income taxes$68,027 $54,196 $13,831 25.5 %
Net income$399,590 $372,938 $26,652 7.1 %
Diluted earnings per common share$10.36 $9.65 $0.71 7.4 %

Income Taxes

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

The fiscal 20182021 provision for income taxes was $84.8$68.0 million, a decreasecompared with $54.2 million in fiscal 2020, an increase of 1.5% from the same period a year ago. 25.5%. The decreaseincrease was primarily attributabledue to the impacts associatednet changes in jurisdictional pre-tax book income in fiscal 2021, compared with the U.S.prior year. Additionally, the increase was driven by a $4.4 million lower windfall tax reform under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation through the TCJA. The TCJA, among other things, lowered the statutory U.S. corporate income tax ratebenefit from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. Due to our August 31 fiscal year-end, the lower tax rate was phased in, resulting in a blended U.S. statutory federal rate of 25.7%stock-based compensation for fiscal 2018.2021, compared with fiscal 2020, changes in tax rates in certain jurisdictions, and a lower benefit from finalizing prior year tax returns of $1.2 million. The TCJA also implemented a modified territorial tax system and imposed a mandatory one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings and profits (“E&P”) of foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes.


Our effective tax rateincrease was 24.1% for the full fiscal 2018 year compared to 25.0% a year ago due to higher foreign income taxed at rates lower than U.S. rates, incremental income tax benefits from R&D tax credits and increased excess tax benefits from stock option exercises. These benefits were partially offset by the one-time transition tax of $23.2 million and a $2.3 million tax expense associated with the remeasurement of our net U.S. deferred tax position, both of which related to the TCJA. We had approximately $250 million in undistributed foreign E&P generated prior to December 31, 2017, which resulted in the provisional amount for the one-time transition tax expense of $23.2 million, payable over an eight-year period. This amount may change as we finalize the calculation of foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation, as well as the analysis of available foreign tax credits. Due to the changes in taxation of undistributed foreign earnings under the TCJA, we will continue to analyze foreign subsidiary earnings, as well as global working capital requirements, and may repatriate earnings when the amounts are remitted substantially free of additional tax. In addition, the estimates may also be affected by changes in interpretations at the federal and state levels, and any additional regulatory guidance that may be issued.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

The fiscal 2017 provision for income taxes was $86.1 million, down 29.6% compared to fiscal 2016. The decrease was primarily due to tax expense of $30.8 million related to the gain on sale of our Market Metrics business that occurred in fiscal 2016. Excluding the tax impact of the gain, the provision for income taxes decreased by 5.9% year over year related primarily to our organizational realignment. Astrue-up of September 1, 2016, we realigned certain aspects of our global operations from FactSet Research Systems Inc., our U.S. parent company, to FactSet UK Limited, a U.K. operating company, to better serve our growing client base outside the U.S. Due to the realignment we recognized a 200 basis point benefit in our annualforeign deferred tax rate. Additionally, excluding the gain on sale in fiscal 2016, our provision for income taxes decreased due to a decrease in taxable income year over year. This decrease was due primarily tobalances, and higher interest expense incurred as a result of an increase in our outstanding debt borrowings by approximately $300 million.

research and development tax credits.

Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share

Fiscal 2018compared to Fiscal 2017

Net income increased 3.4%7.1% to $267.1$399.6 million while dilutedduring fiscal 2021 compared with $372.9 million in fiscal 2020. Diluted earnings per share increased 4.1%7.4% to $6.78 during$10.36 in fiscal 20182021 compared towith $9.65 in fiscal 2017.2020. Net income and diluted EPS grewincreased primarily due to higher revenues from strong performances across our segments and workflow solutions, gains earned from our foreign currency hedges,increased operating income and a decreasereduction in our effective tax rate due to the TCJA. These benefits wereinterest expense, partially offset by an increase in employee compensation expenses, data costs, amortization of intangible assets from acquisitions, occupancy costs, and interestthe provision for income taxes. Interest expense associated with our outstanding debt. Diluted EPS also benefited from a 0.3 million reduction in our weighted average shares outstanding due to share repurchases partially offset by stock option exercises during fiscal 2018.

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

Net income decreased 23.8% to $258.3 million and diluted earnings per share decreased 20.5% to $6.51 during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. A large component of the decrease year over year was related to the after-tax gain of $81.7 million from the sale of the Market Metrics business in fiscal 2016. This gain increased diluted earnings per share by $2.01. Excluding the fiscal 2016 after-tax gain on sale, net income increased 0.4% year over year, while diluted EPS increased by 5.3%. During fiscal 2017, net income and diluted earnings per share increased due to revenue growth of 8.3% year over year, coupled with a reduction to the income tax provision of 29.6% primarily related to the gain from the sale of our Market Metrics business along with an organizational realignment. Additionally, during fiscal 2017, foreign currency movements increased operating income by $7.1 million compared to a benefit of $11.6 million in the same period of fiscal 2016. These increases were partially offset by incremental employee compensation expense due to the hiring of 699 net new employees (including 498 employees from acquisitions completed in the last 12 months), an increase in professional fees, occupancy costs, computer related expenses, amortization of intangibles and acquisition-related costs. The increase in diluted earnings per share was also driven by a decrease in diluted shares outstanding as a result of continued share repurchasesa decrease in fiscal 2017.

LIBOR compared with the prior year, which reduced the interest rate under our 2019 Revolving Credit Facility. Refer to Note 13, Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on LIBOR and the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP,generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), we use non-GAAP financial measures including organic revenue, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share. The reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are shownshow in the tables below. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures reported in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, these non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect
38

all the items associated with the operations of the business as determined in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP financial measures differently thanthat we do, limiting the usefulness of those measures for comparative purposes.

Despite the limitations of these non-GAAP financial measures, we believe these adjusted financial measures and the information they provide are useful in viewing our performance using the same tools that management uses to gauge progress in achieving our goals. Adjusted measures may also facilitate comparisons to our historical performance.


The table below provides an unaudited reconciliation of revenuesrevenue to adjusted revenue and organic revenues.

  

Twelve Months Ended

August 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

Change

 

Revenues

 $1,350,145  $1,221,179   10.6%

Deferred revenue fair value adjustment(1)

  7,691   5,486     

Acquisitions and divestitures completed(2)

  (58,624)  (1,222)    

Currency impact (foreign currency movements)(3)

  (4,952)       

Organic revenues

 $1,294,260  $1,225,443   5.6%

(1)

Deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting.

(2)

Acquired revenues from acquisitions and divestitures completed within the last 12 months.

(3)

The impact from foreign currency movements over the past 12 months.

revenue.
 Twelve Months Ended
August 31,
(In thousands)20212020$ Change% Change
Revenue$1,591,445 $1,494,111 $97,334 6.5 %
     Deferred revenue fair value adjustment(1)
539 4,192 (3,653)(87.1)%
Adjusted revenue1,591,984 1,498,303 93,681 6.3 %
Acquired revenue(2)
(4,119)— (4,119)
Currency impact(3)
4,472 — 4,472 
Organic revenue$1,592,337 $1,498,303 $94,034 6.3 %

(1)The amortization effect of the purchase accounting adjustment on the fair value of acquired deferred revenue.
(2)Revenues from acquisitions completed within the last 12 months.
(3)The impact from foreign currency movements over the past 12 months.
39

The table below provides an unaudited reconciliation of operating income, operating margin, net income and diluted EPS to adjusted operating income, adjusted operating margin, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted EPS.

  

Twelve Months Ended

August 31,

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

  2018(1)   2017(2)  

Change

 

Operating income

 $366,204  $352,135   4.0%

Intangible asset amortization

  24,665   19,924     

Deferred revenue fair value adjustment

  7,691   5,486     

Other items

  26,950   17,969     

Adjusted operating income

 $425,510  $395,514   7.6%

Adjusted operating margin

  31.3%  32.2%    
             

Net income

 $267,085  $258,259   3.4%

Intangible asset amortization(3)

  19,723   14,845     

Deferred revenue fair value adjustment(4)

  6,084   4,093     

Other items(5)

  21,614   14,308     

Income tax items

  21,310   (1,918)    

Adjusted net income

 $335,816  $289,587   16.0%
             

Diluted earnings per common share

 $6.78  $6.51   4.1%

Intangible asset amortization

  0.50   0.37     

Deferred revenue fair value adjustment

  0.15   0.10     

Other items

  0.56   0.35     

Income tax items

  0.53   (0.05)    

Adjusted diluted earnings per common share(6)

 $8.53  $7.31   16.7%

Weighted average common shares (Diluted)

  39,377   39,642     

(1)

Operating income, net income and diluted EPS in fiscal 2018 were adjusted to exclude (i) intangible asset amortization(ii)deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting,and (iii) other

 Twelve Months Ended
August 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)20212020Change
Operating income$474,041 $439,660 7.8 %
Deferred revenue fair value adjustment539 4,192 
Intangible asset amortization23,257 22,269  
Impairment of Investment— 16,500 
Transformation costs(1)
14,113 16,478 
Restructuring / severance5,028 51 
Real estate charges716 4,253  
Adjusted operating income$517,694 $503,403 2.8 %
     Operating margin29.8 %29.4 %
     Adjusted operating margin(2)
32.5 %33.6 %
Net income$399,590 $372,938 7.1 %
Deferred revenue fair value adjustment456 3,385  
Intangible asset amortization19,672 17,773  
Impairment of Investment— 16,500 
Transformation costs(1)
11,938 13,171 
Restructuring / severance4,253 41 
Real estate charges606 3,399 
Income tax items(3)
(4,466)(7,085) 
Adjusted net income(2)
$432,049 $420,122 2.8 %
Diluted earnings per common share$10.36 $9.65 7.4 %
Deferred revenue fair value adjustment0.01 0.10  
Intangible asset amortization0.51 0.46  
Impairment of Investment— 0.42 
Transformation costs(1)
0.31 0.34 
Restructuring / severance0.11 — 
Real estate charges0.02 0.08 
Income tax items(3)
(0.12)(0.18) 
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share(4)
$11.20 $10.87 3.0 %
Weighted average common shares (Diluted)38,570 38,646  
(1)Costs primarily related to professional fees associated with the ongoing multi-year investment plan.
(2)Adjusted operating margin is calculated as adjusted operating income divided by adjusted revenue as shown in the organic revenue table above.
(3)Income tax items including restructuring, legal matters and other corporate actions. Net income and diluted EPS in fiscal 2018 were also adjusted to excludea one-time deemed repatriation tax on foreign earnings.

(2)

Operating income, net income and diluted EPS in fiscal 2017 were adjusted to exclude (i) intangible asset amortization (ii) deferred revenue fair value adjustments from purchase accounting, and (iii) other items including modifications of certain share-based compensation grants, restructuring actions and acquisition-related costs. Net income and diluted EPS in fiscal 2017 were also adjusted to excludebenefits related to finalizing fiscal 2016 tax returns and other discrete items.

(3)

The intangible asset amortization was recorded net of a tax impact of $4.9 million in fiscal 2018 compared with $5.1 million for fiscal 2017.

(4)

The deferred revenue fair value adjustment was recorded net of a tax impact of $1.6 million in fiscal 2018 compared with $1.4 million for fiscal 2017.

(5)

The other items were recorded net of a tax impact of $5.3 million in fiscal 2018 compared with $3.7 million for fiscal 2017.

(6)

Details may not sum to total due to rounding


Liquidity

The table below, for the periods indicated, provides selected cash flow information:

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 $385,668  $320,527  $331,140 

Capital expenditures (1)

  (33,520)  (36,862)  (47,740)

Free cash flow (2)

 $352,148  $283,665  $283,400 

Net cash used in investing activities

 $(48,531) $(347,306) $(158,408)

Net cash used in financing activities

 $(320,037) $(8,161) $(91,002)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 $208,623  $194,731  $228,407 

(1)

Included in net cash used in investing activities during each fiscal year reported.

(2)

Free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities, which includes the cash cost for taxes and changes in working capital, less capital expenditures.

Fiscal 2018 compared to Fiscal 2017

Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to $208.6 million, or 14.7% of our total assets atyear ended August 31, 2018, compared with $194.7 million, or 13.8%2021 reflects tax expenses primarily related to a reduction in the estimated foreign pre-tax book income as well as an increase in estimated U.S. pre-tax book income. This was partially offset by a benefit from the finalization of our total assets atthe prior year tax return. Income tax items for the year ended August 31, 2017. 2020 includes income tax expenses primarily due to finalization of the prior year tax return.

(4)For purposes of calculating adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, deferred revenue fair value adjustments and intangible asset amortization were taxed at the annual effective tax rates of 17.8% for fiscal 2021 and 17.7% for fiscal 2020.
40


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity have been our cash flows generated from our operations, existing cash and cash equivalents increased $13.9 million during fiscal 2018 dueand, when needed, our credit capacity under our existing credit facility. We use these sources of liquidity to, net cash provided by operating activities of $385.7 millionamong other things, service our existing and $71.6 million in proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options. These cash inflows were partially offset by $89.4 million infuture debt obligations, fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures, investments, acquisitions, dividend payments $33.5 million of capital expenditures, $15.0 million related to a business investment, $3.2 million from the effects of foreign currency translations and $303.9 million in share repurchases, which included $302.4 million under the existing share repurchase program and $1.5 million in shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of restricted stock.

Net cash used in investing activities was $48.5 million in fiscal 2018, representing a $298.8 million decrease from fiscal 2017. This reduction was primarily due to decreased acquisition activity with $15.0 million invested in fiscal 2018 compared to $303.1 million largely related to the BI-SAM Technologies (“BISAM”) and Vermilion Holdings Limited (“Vermilion”) acquisitions in fiscal 2017. Additionally, cash used in investing activities decreased year over year due to lower capital expenditures of $3.3 million and a decrease in the purchase of investments (net of proceeds) of $7.4 million year over year

During fiscal 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $320.0 million, representing a $311.9 million increase from fiscal 2017. This increase was due to $275.0 million in proceeds (net of repayment) from the issuance of long-term debt in fiscal 2017 that did not occur in fiscal 2018. In addition, the decrease was due to higher dividend payments of $8.5 million, an increase in share repurchases of $43.0 million,our common stock. Based on past performance and a change in the presentation of tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements due to the adoption of the accounting standard update, which required us to disclose benefits from stock option exercises as an operating cash inflow instead of a financing activity. This presentation change was adopted prospectively beginning with fiscal 2018. These cash outflows were partially offset by an increase in proceeds from employee stock plans of $21.6 million.

We expect that for at least the next 12 months, our operating expenses will continue to constitute a significant use of our cash. As of August 31, 2018, our total cash and cash equivalents worldwide was $208.6 million, with $574.8 million in outstanding borrowings (net of $0.2 million of unamortized debt issuance costs). Approximately $30.9 million of our total available cash and cash equivalents is held in bank accounts located within the U.S., $134.3 million in Europe (predominantly within the UK, France, and Germany) and the remaining $43.4 million is held in the Asia Pacific segment. Wecurrent expectations, we believe our liquidity, (including cash on hand, cash from operating activities and other cash flows that we expect to generate) within each geographic segment will be sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term operating requirements, as they occur, including working capital needs, capital expenditures, dividend payments, stock repurchases, growth objectives andalong with other financing activities. In addition, we expect existing foreign cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficientalternatives, will provide us the necessary capital to fund these transactions and achieve our foreign operating activities and cash commitmentsplanned growth for investing activities, such as capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future.

Free cash flow generated in fiscal 2018 was $352.1 million, an increase

Sources of 24.1% compared to $283.7 million in fiscal 2017. Free cash flow was attributable to $267.1 million of net income, $87.0 million of non-cash items, $31.6 million of working capital changes, less $33.5 million in capital expenditures. The year over year free cash flow growth was driven by positive working capital changes totaling $47.6 million and lower capital expenditures of $3.3 million. Working capital improved year over year due to timing of supplier payments and payroll, stabilization of our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) at 41 days and the adoption of an accounting standard update for share-based payments, which required the presentation of benefits from stock options exercised to be reported as an operating activity, when in prior periods it was reported as a financing activity.

Liquidity

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016

Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to $194.7 million, or 13.8% of our total assets at August 31, 2017, compared with $228.4 million, or 22.4% of our total assets at August 31, 2016. Our cash and cash equivalents decreased $33.7 million during fiscal 2017 due primarily to $303.1 million in cash paid for acquisitions (net of cash acquired), $252.8 million in share repurchases under the existing share repurchase program, dividend payments of $80.9 million, capital expenditures of $36.9 million and $7.4 million from the purchase of investments (net of proceeds). These cash outflows were partially offset by cash provided by operations of $320.5 million, $275.0 million in net proceeds from long-term debt, $50.0 million in proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, $10.3 million in tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements and $1.3 million from the effects of foreign currency translations.

Net cash used in investing activities was $347.3 million in fiscal 2017, which represented a $188.9 million increase from fiscal 2016 due primarily to an increase in the cash used in acquisitions and the purchases of investments (net of proceeds), partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures. Additionally, in fiscal 2016 we recognized proceeds from the sale of our Market Metrics business of $153.1 million. Acquisitions during fiscal 2017, largely related to BISAM and Vermilion, resulted in a cash outflow of $303.1 million compared to a net cash outflow of $262.9 million for the Portware acquisition during fiscal 2016. Purchase of investments (net of proceeds) resulted in an increased cash outflow of $6.5 million in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. The decrease in capital expenditures of $10.9 million was due from the fit-out of new space in New York, Chicago and at our corporate headquarters in Norwalk in fiscal 2016.Fiscal 2017 capital expenditures related primarily to computer equipment for our U.S. locations and additional expenses at our Chicago, New York, and India locations.

During fiscal 2017, net cash used in financing activities was $8.2 million compared to $91.0 million in fiscal 2016. This decrease was due primarily to FactSet entering into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”) to repurchase $120.0 million of our common stock in July 2016. We received 595,607 shares of common stock on July 5, 2016, which was approximately 80% of the total number of shares of common stock expected to be repurchased under the ASR Agreement. The final settlement of the ASR Agreement occurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2017 with our receiving an additional 102,916 shares of our common stock. Excluding cash used in the ASR Agreement, cash provided by financing activities in fiscal 2016 was $29.0 million, resulting in a fluctuation of $37.2 million in the current year. This fluctuation was due to an increase in cash used to repurchase common stock under our existing share repurchase program of $24.2 million, an increase in payments of regular quarterly dividends of $6.7 million, lower proceeds from employee stock plans of $6.8 million and lower tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements of $7.9 million. Cash used in share repurchases increased year over year as we repurchased 1.6 million shares for $252.8 million under the existing share repurchase program compared to 1.5 million shares for $232.3 million in fiscal 2016. Dividend payments increased as our Board of Directors approved a 12.0% increase in the regular quarterly dividend to $0.56 per share, or $2.24 per share per annum, beginning with the dividend payment in June 2017. The year over year fluctuation was also due to additional borrowings under our 2017 Credit Agreement (defined in Capital Needs) of $575.0 million, used to fund our acquisition of BISAM on March 17, 2017 and retire our existing debt of $365.0 million. In fiscal 2016 we borrowed $265.0 million under our previous credit agreement to fund our acquisition of Portware on October 16, 2015. Refer to the Capital Resources section of the MD&A for a discussion of our long-term debt borrowings.

Free cash flow for fiscal 2017 was $283.7 million compared to $283.4 million in fiscal 2016. Free cash flow generated during fiscal 2017 was attributable to $258.3 million of net income adjusted for $78.3 million of non-cash items partially offset by $36.9 million in capital expenditures and $16.0 million of negative working capital changes. Free cash flow increased slightly from the comparable year ago period, due primarily to a reduction in capital expenditures partially offset by a decrease in net cash provided by operating activities. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was the result of higher client receivables and the timing of taxes payments. Our DSO was 41 days as of August 31, 2017, representing an increase from 31 days at August 31, 2016. The increase in DSO was primarily related to the acquisitions made in the year.

Capital Resources

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $33.5 million during fiscal 2018, down from $36.9 million a year ago. Capital expenditures of $24.2 million, or 72% of our capital expenditures during fiscal 2018 related to upgrades to existing computer systems in Norwalk, additional server equipment in our data centers located in New Jersey and Virginia, as well as laptop computers and peripherals for new and existing employees. The remainder of our capital expenditures was primarily for the build out of office space including $2.2 million at our India location, $2.8 million at our Hong Kong location and $1.5 million at our Netherlands location.


Capital expenditures were $36.9 million during fiscal 2017, down from $47.7 million in fiscal 2016. Approximately $21.4 million, or 58%, of our capital expenditures was primarily for purchases of more servers for our existing data centers, additional laptop computers and peripherals for new employees, upgrades to existing computer systems and improvements to our telecommunication equipment. The remainder of our capital expenditures was primarily for the build out of office space including $4.4 million at our Chicago location, $4.4 million at our New York locations and $2.7 million at our India locations.

Capital Needs

Long-Term Debt

On March 17, 2017,29, 2019, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2017 Credit Agreement”) between FactSet, as the borrower, andcredit agreement with PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”("PNC") (the "2019 Credit Agreement"), as the administrative agent and lender. The 2017 Credit Agreementwhich provides for an unsecured $575.0a $750.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2017"2019 Revolving Credit Facility”Facility"). We may request borrowings under the 20172019 Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity date of March 17, 2020.29, 2024. The 20172019 Credit Agreement also allows us, subject to certain requirements, to arrange for additional borrowings with PNC for an aggregate amount of up to $225.0$500.0 million, provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. At our option,
As of August 31, 2021, we have borrowed $575.0 million of the available $750.0 million provided by the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in $175.0 million available to be withdrawn. We are required to pay a borrowing may becommitment fee using a pricing grid which was 0.10% as of August 31, 2021. This fee is based on the daily amount by which the available balance in the form of a base rate2019 Revolving Credit Facility exceeds the borrowed amount. All outstanding loan or a LIBOR rate loan. amounts are reported as Long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date.
Borrowings under the loan bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid, which was 0.875% as of August 31, 2021. The variable rate of interest on the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility can expose us to interest rate volatility due to changes in LIBOR. To mitigate this exposure, on March 5, 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $287.5 million to hedge the variable interest rate obligation on a portion of our outstanding balance under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, we will pay interest at a fixed rate of 0.7995% and receive variable interest payments based on the same one-month LIBOR utilized to calculate the interest expense from the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rate swap agreement matures on March 29, 2024. There is currently at 1.00%.a global transition, known as reference rate reform, away from referencing the LIBOR, and other interbank offered rates, and toward new reference rates. As a result of the reference rate reform initiative, these interbank offered rates, including LIBOR are expected to be discontinued. Refer to Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on our evaluation of reference rate reform on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Including the effects of the interest rate swap agreement, the weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under our 2019 Revolving Credit Facility was 1.38% and 2.20% for the twelve months ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, respectively. Interest on the loan outstanding balance under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility is payable quarterly, in arrears, and on the maturity date. There are no prepayment penalties if we elect to prepay the outstanding loan amounts prior to the scheduled maturity date.
The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date.

In conjunction with our entrance into the 20172019 Credit Agreement we borrowed $575.0 million in the form of a LIBOR rate loan under the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility. Proceeds from the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility were also used to fund our acquisition of BISAM.

All outstanding loan amounts are reported as Long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheet, presented net of related loan origination fees at August 31, 2018. The loan origination fees are amortized into interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method. During fiscal years 2018, 2017contains covenants and 2016, we recorded interest expense of $15.9 million, $8.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, on our outstanding debt amounts. As of August 31, 2018, no commitment fee was owed by us since we borrowed the full amount under the 2017 Credit Agreement.

In fiscal 2017, FactSet incurred approximately $0.4 million in legal costs to draft and review the 2017 Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized as loan origination fees and are amortized into interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.

The 2017 Credit Agreement contained covenantsrequirements restricting certain FactSetof our activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the 20172019 Credit Agreement requiredrequires that FactSetwe maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio, as measured by total net funded debt/EBITDA (as defined in the 2019 Credit Agreement) below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. We were in compliance with all of the covenants ofand requirements within the 20172019 Credit Agreement as of August 31, 2018 and 2017.

As of August 31, 2018, the fair value of our long-term debt was $575.0 million, which we believe approximated the carrying amount as the terms and interest rates approximate market rates given its floating interest rate basis.

2021.

Letters of Credit

From time to time, we are required to obtain letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. Approximately $2.0$2.8 million of standby letters of credit have been issued in connection with our leased office spaces as of August 31, 2018.2021. These standby letters of credit containutilize the same covenants included in the 2019 Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 13, Debt of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on these covenants.
41

Uses of Liquidity
Returning Value to Shareholders
For the year ended August 31, 2021, we returned $382.6 million to stockholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.
Share Repurchase Program
Under our share repurchase program, we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. In fiscal 2021, we repurchased 0.8 million shares for $264.7 million under our existing share repurchase program compared with 0.7 million shares for $199.6 million in fiscal 2020. A total of $199.9 million remains authorized for future share repurchases as of August 31, 2021. There is no defined number of shares to be repurchased over a specified timeframe through the life of the share repurchase program. It is expected that amongshare repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.
Capital Expenditures
For the year ended August 31, 2021, capital expenditures were $61.3 million, compared with $77.6 million during the same period a year ago, a decrease of $16.3 million. Capital expenditures decreased as the cost related to the build-out of our office space in the Philippines during the year ended August 31, 2021 was less than the cost related to the build-out of our new corporate headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut and office space in India during the prior year period. This decrease was partially offset by higher expenditures related to the development of capitalized internal-use software during the year ended August 31, 2021 compared with the prior year.
Dividends
On August 9, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.82 which was paid on September 16, 2021. During fiscal 2021, the quarterly dividend increased $0.05 per share or 6.5%, which marked the 22nd consecutive year we have increased dividends, highlighting our continued commitment to returning value to stockholders. Over the last 12 months, we have paid 117.9 million in cash dividends. Future cash dividends will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other things, requirefactors considered relevant by us and is subject to maintainfinal determination by our Board of Directors.
Acquisitions
During fiscal 2021, we completed acquisitions of businesses, with the most significant cash flows related to the acquisition of Truvalue Labs, Inc. ("TVL") on November 2, 2020. We acquired all of the outstanding shares of TVL for a purchase price of $41.9 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments. TVL is a leading provider of ESG information. TVL applies artificial intelligence driven technology to over 100,000 unstructured text sources in multiple languages, including news, trade journals, and non-governmental organizations and industry reports, to provide daily signals that identify positive and negative ESG behavior. The acquisition of TVL further enhances our commitment to providing industry leading access to ESG data across our platforms. Refer to Note 7, Acquisition, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor further discussion of the TVL acquisition.
Contractual Obligations
Purchase obligations represent committed payments due in future periods to our various data vendors and for other goods and services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and they specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum levelsquantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios.the transaction. As of August 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, we were in compliancehad total purchase commitments with all covenants contained in the standby letterssuppliers of credit.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency Exposure

Certain wholly owned subsidiaries within the European$191.9 million and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income as a component of stockholders’ equity.


Over the next 12 months, our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized are estimated to be $92.8$226.0 million, while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are estimated to be $324.5 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $231.7 million. Our foreign currency exchange exposure isrespectively. We also have contractual obligations related to our operating expense baselease liabilities and outstanding debt. Refer to Note 12, Leases and Note 13, Debt for information regarding lease commitments and outstanding debt obligations, respectively.

Our purchase obligations consist of two primary arrangements, data content and hosting services. Data content is an integral component of the value we provide to our clients. Hosting services support our technology investments related to our migration to cloud-based hosting services, the majority of which rely on third-party hosting providers. Of the $191.9 million in countries outsidepurchase commitments, $84.0 million relates to hosting services and $78.7 million relates to data content. Additional commitments relate primarily to third-party software providers.
42

Summary of Cash Flows
The table below, for the U.S., where 74% of our employees were locatedperiods indicated, provides selected cash flow information:
Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)20212020 $ Change% Change
Net cash provided by operating activities$555,226 $505,840 $49,386 9.8 %
Net cash used in investing activities(135,992)(73,632)(62,360)84.7 %
Net cash used in financing activities(322,711)(218,075)(104,636)48.0 %
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(263)11,673 (11,936)(102.3)%
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents$96,260 $225,806 $(129,546)(57.4)%
Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to $681.9 million as of August 31, 2018. During fiscal 2018, foreign currency movements decreased operating income by $1.32021, compared with $585.6 million compared to a $7.1 million increase to operating income for fiscal 2017.

Foreign Currency Hedges

As of August 31, 2018, we maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our exposures:

Philippine Peso – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Indian Rupee – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and 50% of its exposure from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Euro – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our Euro exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

British Pound Sterling – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our British Pound Sterling exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

As of August 31, 2018, the gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was PHP 2.8 billion, to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 3.6 billion, to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was € 22.0 million and to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars was £14.0 million.

There were no other outstanding foreign currency forward contracts as of August 31, 2018. A gain on derivatives2020. Our cash and cash equivalents increased $96.3 million during the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, primarily due to inflows of $3.1$555.2 million from net cash provided by operating activities and $64.2 million in proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, partially offset by cash outflows of $264.7 million in share repurchases, $117.9 million in dividend payments, $58.1 million for the acquisition of businesses and $61.3 million of capital expenditures.

Our cash and cash equivalents are held in numerous locations throughout the world, with $266.9 million within the Americas, $369.3 million within EMEA (predominantly within the UK, Germany, and France) and the remaining $45.8 million within Asia Pacific (predominantly within the Philippines and India) as of August 31, 2021. We intend to reinvest substantially all of our accumulated undistributed foreign earnings, except in instances where repatriation would result in minimal additional tax. As a result of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), we believe that the income tax impact if such earnings were repatriated would be minimal.
Operating
For fiscal 2021, net cash provided by operating activities was recorded into$555.2 million compared with $505.8 million for fiscal 2020, an increase of $49.4 million. This increase was primarily driven by higher net income and the timing of tax payments in certain jurisdictions, partially offset by certain working capital changes, inclusive of increases in variable compensation accruals.
Investing
For fiscal 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $136.0 million, representing a $62.4 million increase from the prior year. This increase was mainly due to the acquisition of businesses, primarily related to the acquisition of TVL for approximately $41.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, and a $16.3 million decrease in capital expenditures.
Financing
For fiscal 2021, net cash used by financing activities was $322.7 million, representing a $104.6 million increase in cash outflows compared with the prior year. Financing activities were impacted by a $65.1 million increase in share repurchases, a $31.3 million decrease in proceeds from employee stock plans, and an increase of $7.5 million in dividend payments.
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, as cash provided by operating incomeactivities less purchases of property, equipment, leasehold improvements and capitalized internal use software. We present free cash flow solely as a supplemental disclosure to provide useful information to investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after necessary capital expenditures. We consider free cash flow to be a liquidity measure that provides useful information to management and investors about the amount of cash generated by the business after necessary capital expenditures. The following table reconciles our net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:
43

Years ended August 31,
(in thousands)20212020
Net cash provided by operating activities$555,226 $505,840 
Capital expenditures(1)
(61,325)(77,642)
Free cash flow$493,901 $428,198 
(1)Capital expenditures are included in net cash used in investing activities during each fiscal 2018,period reported and include property, equipment, leasehold improvements and internal-use software.
For fiscal 2021, we generated free cash flow of $493.9 million compared to a loss of $2.9with $428.2 million in fiscal 2017.

2020, an increase of $65.7 million. This increase reflects an increase of $49.4 million in cash provided by operating activities and decreases in capital expenditures of $16.3 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At August 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, we had no off-balance sheet financing or other arrangements with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships (such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities) established for purposes of facilitating off-balance sheet financing or other debt arrangements, or for other contractually limited purposes.

Share Repurchase Program

Repurchases will be made

Foreign Currency
Foreign Currency Exposure
Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries, primarily within the EMEA and Asia Pacific segments, where approximately 78% of our employees are located, are exposed to volatility in currency exchange rates through translation of the foreign subsidiaries' net assets or liabilities from time their respective functional currencies into U.S. dollars, using an end of period exchange rate. The net translation gains and losses are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component of stockholders’ equity.
During fiscal 2021, foreign currency movements decreased operating income by $5.4 million, compared with a $5.0 million increaseto timeoperating income in the open marketprior year. To mitigate the foreign currency exposure, we entered into a series of forward contracts to hedge a portion of our British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, and privately negotiated transactions, subjectPhilippine Peso exposures ranging from 25% to market conditions. In75% over their respective hedged periods as of August 31, 2021. The current foreign currency forward contracts are set to mature at various points between the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we repurchased 1.5 million shares for $302.4 million compared to 1.6 million shares for $252.8 million in2022 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 under the existing share repurchase program. Over the last 12 months, we have returned $393.4 million to stockholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends. On March 26, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a $300.0 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. Subsequent to this expansion, $431.2 million is available for future share repurchases. 2022.
As of August 31, 2018, $241.72021, the gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos and Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was ₱1.4 billion and Rs2.6 billion, respectively. The gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase U.S. dollars with Euros and British Pound Sterling was €33.8 million is available for future share repurchases underand £37.7 million, respectively.
A loss on foreign currency forward contracts of $5.0 million was recorded into operating income during fiscal 2021, compared with a loss of $1.6 million in fiscal 2020.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We prepare the existing share repurchase program.

Contractual Obligations

FluctuationsConsolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP, which requires us to make certain estimates and apply judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures. We base our operating results, the degree of success of our accounts receivable collection efforts, the timing of taxestimates on historical experience and other payments as well as necessary capital expenditures to support growth of our operations will impact our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. The effect of our contractual obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be considered in conjunction with the factors mentioned here. As of August 31, 2018,assumptions that we had total purchase commitments of $79.0 million, which was comparable to the prior year commitments of $81.0 million, reflecting no material changes with suppliers during fiscal 2018.


The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations as of August 31, 2018 and the corresponding effect that these obligations will have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods:

  Payments due by period  

(in millions)

 

2019

   2020-2021   2022-2023  

2024 and thereafter

  

Total

  

Operating lease obligations(1)

 $41.1  $73.4  $63.3  $230.0  $407.8  

Purchase commitments(2)

  75.8   3.2         79.0  

Long-term debt obligations(3)

     575.0         575.0  

Total contractual obligations by period(4)

 $116.9  $651.6  $63.3  $230.0  $1,061.8  

(1)

Operating lease amounts include future minimum lease payments under all our non-cancelable operating leases with an initial term in excess of one year. For more information on our operating leases, see Note 19, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Report on Form 10-K.

(2)

Purchase commitments represent payments due in future periods in respect of obligations to our various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication, computer maintenance and consulting services.

(3)

Represents the amount due under the Company’s 2017 Credit Agreement.

(4)

Non-current income taxes payable of $11.5million and non-current deferred tax liabilities of $24.9 million have been excluded in the table above due to uncertainty regarding the timing of future payments.

Purchase orders do not necessarily reflect a binding commitment but are merely indicative of authorizations and intention to conclude purchases in the future. For the purpose of this tabular disclosure, purchase obligations for goods and services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on us and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantitiesbelieve to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions;reasonable at the time the Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared and, the approximate timing of the transaction. It is expected that all the contractual obligations noted in the table will be fundedas such, they may ultimately differ materially from existing cash and cash flows from operations. Expected timing pertaining to the contractual obligations included in the table above has been estimated based on information currently available. The amounts paid, and the timing of those payments may differ based on when the goods and services provided by our vendors to whom we are contractually obligated are received as well as due to changes to agreed-upon amounts for any of our obligations.

On February 14, 2018, we entered into a new lease to relocate our corporate headquarters to 45 Glover Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. The new location will comprise approximately 173,000 square feet of office space. We expect to take possession of the newly leased property on or around January 1, 2019 for fit-out purposes. We will continue to occupy our existing headquarters space until the new headquarters property is ready for occupancy, currently estimated to be in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Including new lease agreements executed during fiscal 2018, our worldwide leased office space increased to approximately 1,750,000 square feet at August 31, 2018, up 607,000 square feet, or 54.0% from August 31, 2017. This increase was primarily related to additional office space in the Philippines and the new headquarters lease signed in February 2018. Future minimum requirements for our operating leases in place as of August 31, 2018 totaled $407.8 million, an increase from $281.7 million as of August 31, 2017, primarily due to the additional office space in the Philippines and new leased space for headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut mentioned above.

As disclosed earlier in the Capital Resources section of this MD&A, we entered into the 2017 Credit Agreement on March 17, 2017 and borrowed $575.0 million. In conjunction with the 2017 Credit Agreement, FactSet retired its outstanding loan amount of $365.0 million under the previous credit agreement.

With the exception of the new leases entered in the ordinary course of business, there were no other significant changes to our contractual obligations during fiscal 2018.

Dividends

On May 7, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a 14.3% increase in the regular quarterly dividend beginning with the dividend payment on June 19, 2018, which was $0.64 per share. With our dividends and our share repurchases, in the aggregate, we have returned $393.4 million to stockholders over the past 12 months. Future cash dividends will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors we consider relevant. Dividends must be authorized by our Board of Directors.

actual results.

During fiscal years 2018 and 2017, our Board of Directors declared the following dividends on our common stock:

Year Ended

 

Dividends per

Share of

Common Stock

 

Record Date

 

Total $ Amount

(in thousands)

 

Payment Date

Fiscal 2018

          

First Quarter

 $0.56 

November 30, 2017

 $21,902 

December 19, 2017

Second Quarter

 $0.56 

February 28, 2018

 $21,799 

March 20, 2018

Third Quarter

 $0.64 

May 31, 2018

 $24,566 

June 19, 2018

Fourth Quarter

 $0.64 

August 31, 2018

 $24,443 

September 18, 2018

           

Fiscal 2017

          

First Quarter

 $0.50 

November 30, 2016

 $19,852 

December 20, 2016

Second Quarter

 $0.50 

February 28, 2017

 $19,709 

March 21, 2017

Third Quarter

 $0.56 

May 31, 2017

 $21,951 

June 20, 2017

Fourth Quarter

 $0.56 

August 31, 2017

 $21,853 

September 19, 2017

All the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources on a quarterly basis.

Significant Accounting Policies

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of in the Notes to ourthe Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 below.

Critical Accounting Estimates

We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if: (i) the accounting estimate requires us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate was made, and (ii) changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, or use8. of different estimates that we reasonably could have used in the current period, would have a material impactthis Annual Report on our financial condition or results of operations.Form 10-K. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, there are other items within our consolidated financial statements that require estimation but are not deemedThe critical as defined above. Changes in estimates used in these and other items could have a material impact on our financial statements.

Business Combinations

We record acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. All the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies and contingent consideration are recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date. The application of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between assetsjudgments that are depreciated and amortized from goodwill. Our estimates are based on historical experience, information obtained from the management of the acquired companies, and when appropriate, include assistance from independent third-party appraisal firms. Our significant assumptions and estimates can include, but are not limited to, the cash flows that an asset is expected to generate in the future, the appropriate weighted-average cost of capital, and the cost savings expected to be derived from acquiring an asset. These estimates are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. In addition, unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such estimates.

Performance-based Equity Awards

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving our performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on us achieving performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Depending on the financial performance levels we achieve, a percentage of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. However, there is no current guarantee that such options will vest in whole or in part.

February 2015 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red, we granted 68,761 performance-based stock options during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 that are eligible to cliff vest based on a four-year measurement period ending February 28, 2019. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we modified the vesting criteria of the grant, which resulted in 40% of the options being deemed eligible to vest, with the remaining options forfeited. No cumulative catch-up adjustment was required because we had expected the 40% level to be achieved. The option holders must remain employed by FactSet through February 28, 2019 for the options to vest. As of August 31, 2018, total unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.4 million will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting period of 0.4 years.


January 2017 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of Vermilion, we granted 61,744 performance-based stock options in January 2017. These performance-based options will vest 40% on the second anniversary date of the grant and 20% on each subsequent anniversary date if certain Vermilion revenue and operating income targets are achieved by November 30, 2018. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet for the options to be eligible to vest. As of August 31, 2018, we do not believe these growth targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized in connection with these performance-based options. A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by Vermilion in future periods could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense:

(in thousands, except vesting percentage data)

 

Vesting Percentage

 

 

Cumulative

Catch-up Adjustment(1)

  

Remaining Expense

to be Recognized

 

0% (current expectation)

 $  $ 

100%

 $613  $1,272 

(1)

Amount represents the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2018

June 2017 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of BISAM, we granted 206,417 performance-based stock options in June 2017. These performance-based options will vest 40% on the second anniversary date of the grant and 20% on each subsequent anniversary date if certain BISAM revenue and operating income targets are achieved by March 31, 2019. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet for the options to be eligible to vest. As of August 31, 2018, we do not believe these growth targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized in connection with these performance-based options. A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by BISAM in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense:

(in thousands, except vesting percentage data)

 

Vesting Percentage

 

 

Cumulative

Catch-up Adjustment(1)

  

 

Remaining Expense

to be Recognized

 

0%(current expectation)

 $  $ 

80%

 $1,658  $5,449 

90%

 $1,866  $6,130 

100%

 $2,073  $6,811 

(1)

Amount represents the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2018.

Accrued Compensation

We make significant estimates in determining our accrued compensation. Annual cash-based awards that are variable and discretionary in nature represent approximately 10% of our Company’s employee incentive compensation program. We conduct a final review of Company, departmental and individual performance each year end to determine the amount of discretionary employee compensation. We also review compensation throughout the year to determine how overall performance tracks against management’s expectations. Management takes these and other factors, including historical performance, into account in reviewing accrued compensation estimates on a quarterly basis and adjusts accrual rates as appropriate. As of August 31, 2018, and 2017, the amount of the variable employee compensation recorded within accrued compensation was $43.6 million and $39.2 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is not amortized as it is estimated to have an indefinite life. At least annually, we are requiredthe most significant impacts to test goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment, and, if impaired, write down to fair value based on the present value of discounted cash flows. Our reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which is aligned with how the chief operating decision making group (“CODMG”), composed of the CEO and executive management, manages the business and the demographic markets we serve. The three reporting units are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries or business units within each operating segment. The impairment test requires management to make judgments in connection with these reporting units, including assigning assets, liabilities, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets to reporting units and determining the fair value of each reporting unit.


Our impairment analysis contains uncertainties as it requires management to make assumptions and apply judgment to estimate industry and economic factors including market conditions, legal and technological factors and the profitability of our business strategies. It is our policy to conduct impairment testing based on our current business strategies taking into consideration present industry and economic conditions, as well as future expectations. We have not made any material changes in our impairment analysis methodology during the past three fiscal years. While we do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to test for goodwill impairment losses, we may be exposed to an impairment charge that could be material if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions. Future events could cause us to conclude that indicators of impairment do exist, and that goodwill associated with our previous acquisitions is impaired, which could result in an impairment loss in our Consolidated Financial Statements of are described below.

Income and a write-down of the related asset.

We performed our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, consistent with the timing of previous years. It was determined that there was no impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeding carrying value. The carrying value of goodwill as of August 31, 2018 and 2017, was $701.8 million and $707.6 million, respectively.

Our identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into our operations. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. The weighted average useful life of our acquired identifiable intangible assets at August 31, 2018 was 11.5 years. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. There were no adjustments to the useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization during any of the periods presented. These intangible assets had no assigned residual values as of August 31, 2018 and 2017.

Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for intangible assets that management expects to hold, and use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset. No indicators of impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. Our ongoing consideration of the recoverability could result in impairment charges in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The carrying value of intangible assets as of August 31, 2018 and 2017, was $148.9 million and $173.5 million, respectively.

Long-lived Assets

Long-lived assets, comprised of property, equipment and leasehold improvements are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that may cause an impairment review include significant changes in technology that make current computer-related assets that we use in our operations obsolete or less useful, and significant changes in the way we use these assets in our operations. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment if impairment indicators are present, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the asset’s estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, we calculate an impairment loss. The impairment loss calculation compares the carrying value of the asset to the asset’s estimated fair value, which may be based on estimated future cash flows (discounted and with interest charges). We recognize an impairment loss if the amount of the asset’s carrying value exceeds the asset’s estimated fair value. If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. The new cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset. Using the impairment evaluation methodology described here, there have been no long-lived asset impairment charges for each of the last three years. The carrying value of long-lived assets was $100.5 million in both years ended August 31, 2018 and 2017.

Our impairment loss calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting useful lives of the assets and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. We have not made any material changes in our impairment loss assessment methodology during the past three fiscal years. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.

Taxes

Estimated Tax Provision and Tax Contingencies

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Our tax provision is an estimate based on our understanding of laws in Federal, state and foreign tax jurisdictions. These laws can be complicated and are difficult to apply to

44

Table of Contents
any business, including ours.business. The tax laws also require us to allocate our taxable income to many jurisdictions based on subjective allocation methodologies and information collection processes. Our effective tax rates differ from the statutory rate primarily due to the impact of state taxes, foreign operations, research and development ("R&D&D") and other tax credits, tax audit settlements, incentive-stock options and domestic production activities deductions.the foreign derived intangible income ("FDII") deduction. Our annual effective tax rate was 24.1%14.5%, 25.0%12.7% and 26.5%16.4% in fiscal 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively.

We recognize the benefit of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit can be recognized. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We will classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that we anticipate payment of cash within one year. Additionally, we accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements.

As of August 31, 2018, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $9.2 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes Payable (non-current) within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, we adjust the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is effectively settled. If recognized, the unrecognized tax benefits and related interest would be recorded as a benefit to tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Audits by multiple tax authorities are currently ongoing. Significant judgment is required in evaluating our uncertain tax positions and determining our provision for income taxes. For this reason, we regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. Although we believe our reserves are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different from that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions and accruals. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. The provision for income taxes includes the effect of reserve provisions and changes to reserves that are considered appropriate, as well as the related net interest.

Our provision for income taxes is subject to volatility and could be adversely impacted by numerous factors such as changes in tax laws, regulations, or accounting principles, including accounting for uncertain tax positions or interpretations of them. Significant judgment is required to determine recognition and measurement. Further, as a result of certain ongoing employment and capital investment actions and commitments, our income in certain countries is subject to reduced tax rates and in some cases is wholly exempt from tax. Our failure to meet these commitments could adversely affect our provision for income taxes. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. There can be no assurance that the outcomes from these continuous examinations will not have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See

To account for unrecognized tax benefits, we first determine whether it is more-likely-than-not (defined as a likelihood of more than fifty percent) that a tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits as of the reporting date. A tax position that meets this more-likely-than-not threshold is then measured and recognized at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority. The determination of liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits, including associated interest and penalties, requires significant estimates. There can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits, however, we have no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. For this reason and due to ongoing audits by multiple tax authorities, we regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. We do not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.
We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as Taxes Payable (non-current) and to the extent that we anticipate payment of cash within one year, the benefit will be classified as Taxes Payable (current). Additionally, we accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. This interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2021, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $14.9 million, including $1.3 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes Payable (non-current) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Refer to Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,11, Income Taxes in the Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Performance-based Equity Awards
Performance-based equity awards require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving performance targets. The number of performance-based awards that vest will be predicated on achieving performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained, a percentage of the performance-based awards will vest to the grantees. However, there is no current guarantee that such awards will vest in whole or in part. Refer to Note 17, Stock-Based Compensation in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is assigned to one or more reporting units on the date of acquisition. Our reporting units are the same as our reportable segments. Goodwill is not amortized as it is estimated to have an indefinite life. We review our goodwill for impairment annually during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of any one of our reporting units below its respective carrying amount.
We may elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units to determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative assessment, we consider such factors as macro-economic conditions, industry and market conditions in which we operate, including the competitive environment and significant changes in demand for our services. We also consider the share price both in absolute terms and in relation to peer companies. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its
45

Table of Contents
carrying amount or if we elect not to perform a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists.
The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount using an income approach, along with other relevant market information, derived from a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. An impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any, would be recognized. The loss recognized would not exceed total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.
We completed our annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2021. We determined, after performing a qualitative review of each reporting unit, that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit substantially exceeds their respective carrying amounts. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment and a quantitative goodwill impairment test was not performed.
Our identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into our operations, as well as internal-use software. We amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. The weighted average useful life of our identifiable intangible assets at August 31, 2021 was 9.1 years. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. There were no material adjustments to the useful lives of intangible assets subject to amortization during any of the periods presented. These intangible assets had no assigned residual values as of August 31, 2021 and 2020.
Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Measurement of any impairment loss for intangible assets that management expects to hold, and use is based on the amount the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, which may be based on estimated future cash flows (discounted). No indicators of impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. Our ongoing consideration of recoverability could result in impairment charges in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations. The carrying value of intangible assets as of August 31, 2021 and 2020 was $135.0 million and $121.1 million, respectively. Refer to Note 9, Goodwill and Note 10, Intangible Assets in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further details.
Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets, comprised of property, equipment and leasehold improvements and lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, we use our best estimate of future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest charges). If the estimated future cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that such asset's carrying value exceeds its fair value, based on the most appropriate valuation technique, including discounted cash flows.
In determining indicators for impairment, we take various factors into account, including, but not limited to, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; changes in expected useful life; unanticipated competition; slower growth rates, ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, or changes in the usage or operating performance. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred and in calculating the inputs to the impairment calculation such as estimates related to future cash flows and asset fair values, forecasting asset useful lives and selecting the discount rate that reflects the risk inherent in future cash flows. If actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions included in our impairment assessment, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.
There have been no long-lived asset impairment charges and no change to our impairment assessment methodology for each of the last three years. The carrying value of long-lived assets was $131.4 million as of August 31, 2021 and $133.1 million as of August 31, 2020. Refer to Note 8,Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information.
Contingencies
We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and litigation that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, which involve inherent uncertainties including, but not limited to, employment matters, and commercial and intellectual property litigation. Assessing the probability of loss for such contingencies and determining how to accrue the appropriate liabilities
46

Table of Contents
requires judgment. If actual results differ from our assessments, our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows would be affected.
Business Combinations
We account for business combinations using the purchase method of accounting. The acquisition purchase price is allocated to the underlying identified, tangible and intangible assets and liabilities assumed, based on their respective estimated fair values on the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair values of the identified assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill and assigned to one or more reporting units. The amounts and useful lives assigned to acquisition-related tangible and intangible assets impact the amount and timing of future amortization expense. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the expected useful life, requires management’s judgment and often involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs, if any, are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption, which we include here by reference.

Market Trends

In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to financial risks involving the volatility of equity markets as well as foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations.

Shift from Active to Passive Investment Management

Approximately 83.9% of our ASV is derived from our investment management clients. The prosperity of these clients is tied to equity assets under management. An equity market decline not only depresses assets under management but also could cause a significant increase in redemption requests to move money out of equities and into other asset classes. Moreover, a shift from active investment management to passive investment management can result in lower demand for our services. Our investment banking clients that provide M&A advisory work, capital markets services and equity research, account for approximately 16.1% of our ASV. A significant portion of these revenues relate to services deployed by large, bulge-bracket banks. Credit continues to impact many of the large banking clients due to the amount of leverage deployed in past operations. Our clients could also encounter similar issues. A lack of confidence in the global banking system could cause declines in M&A funded by debt. Additional uncertainty, consolidation and business failures in the global investment banking sector could adversely affect our financial results and future growth. Regardless, the size of banks in general is shrinking as they deleverage their balance sheets and adjust their expense bases to future revenue opportunities. Our revenues may decline if banks, including those involved in merger activity, significantly reduce headcount in the areas of corporate M&A, capital markets and equity research to compensate for the challenges faced by other departments.


Brexit

Volatility is expected to continue in the short term as the UK negotiates its exit from the European Union. The initial UK economic performance has been stronger than originally expected as the timeframe from the initial vote increases. Additionally, increased European confidence and UK consumer spending has contributed to the recovery of the economic outlook. The negotiation process is continuing, including the latest milestone of the UK and European Union developing a draft of the legal text for the transition deal. Any impact from Brexit on us will depend, in part, on the longer-term outcome of tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations. Although it is unknown what the result of those negotiations will be, it is possible that new terms may adversely affect our operations and financial results. While we evaluate our own risks and uncertainty related to Brexit, we will continue to partner with our clients to help them navigate the fluctuating international markets.

MiFID II

In the European Union, the new version of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, also known as "MiFID II", became effective in January 2018. The main purpose of this initiative was to ensure fairer, safe and more efficient markets and facilitate greater transparency for all participants. The Research workflow is one area where both buy-side and sell-side clients have seen and will continue to see significant change requirements as a result of the MiFID II inducement rules. The goal of the new legislative framework is to strengthen investor protection and improve the functioning of financial markets, making them more efficient, resilient and transparent. New reporting requirements and tests will increase the amount of information available and reduce the use of dark pools and OTC trading. MiFID II requirements have meant pricing models and business practices have had to adapt significantly. We will continue to evaluate our own risks and uncertainty related to MiFID II and partner with our clients to help them navigate these new rules. However, recently we have noticed a substantial interest in our Research workflow, which is part of the opportunity for us, but more importantly, allows our clients to leverage our technology solutions for MiFID II compliance.

Forward-Looking Factors

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to current and historical information, this Report on Form 10-K, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of management. All statements that address expectations, guidance, outlook or projections about the future, including statements about our strategy for growth, product development, revenues, future financial results, anticipated growth, market position, subscriptions, expected expenditures, trends in our business and financial results, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “indicates,” “continues,” “may” and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors, including those discussed more fully elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K or in any of our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause results to differ materially from those stated. These factors include, but are not limited to: the ability to integrate newly acquired companies, clients and businesses; strains on resources as a result of growth, the volatility and  stability of global securities markets, including declines in equity or fixed income returns impacting the buying power of investment management clients; the ability to hire and retain qualified personnel; the maintenance of our leading technological position and reputation; failure to maintain or improve our competitive position in the marketplace; fraudulent, misappropriation or unauthorized data access, including cyber-security and privacy breaches; failures or disruptions of telecommunications, data centers, network systems, facilities, or the Internet; uncertainty, consolidation and business failures in the global investment banking industry; the continued shift from active to passive investing, the negotiation of contract terms with vendors, data suppliers and landlords; the retention of clients and the attraction of new ones; the absence of U.S. or foreign governmental regulation restricting international business; the unfavorable resolution of tax assessments and legal proceedings; and legislative and regulatory changes in the environments in which we and our clients operate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no duty to and do not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance.


We intend that all forward-looking statements we make will be subject to safe harbor protection of the federal securities laws as found in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

These statements involve certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, those listed in Part 1 Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Report on Form 10-K. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any of our forward-looking statements after the date of this Report on Form 10-K to reflect actual results or future events or circumstances.

Business Outlook

The following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of September 25, 2018. Given the number of risk factors, uncertainties and assumptions discussed in this MD&A above and Part 1 Item 1A, Risk Factors, of this Report on Form 10-K, actual results may differ materially. We do not intend to update our forward-looking statements until our next quarterly results announcement, other than in publicly available statements.

Fiscal 2019 Expectations

Organic ASV plus professional services is expected to increase in the range of $75.0 million and $90.0 million over fiscal 2018.

GAAP Revenues are expected to be in the range of $1.41 billion and $1.45 billion.

GAAP operating margin is expected to be in the range of 29% and 30%. Adjusted operating margin is expected to be in the range of 31.5% and 32.5%.

FactSet’s annual effective tax rate is expected to be in the range of 17.5% and 18.5%, primarily as a result of the TCJA.

GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $8.70 and $8.90. Adjusted diluted EPS is expected to be in the range of $9.45 and $9.65. The midpoint of this guidance represents a 12% growth over the prior year.

Both GAAP operating margin and GAAP diluted EPS guidance do not include certain effects of any non-recurring benefits or charges that may arise in fiscal 2019.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk that could impact our financial position and results of operations.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

Weas we conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translatedChanges in the exchange rates for such currencies into U.S. dollars using period-end ratescan affect our revenues, earnings, and the carrying values of exchange forour assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Over the next 12 months,in our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized are estimated to be $92.8 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are estimated to be $324.5 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $231.7 million. To the extent that our international activities recorded in local currencies increase in the future, our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will correspondingly increase. consolidated balance sheet, either positively or negatively.

To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). By their nature, all derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency exchange movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. We do not believe there is significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments because these transactions are executed with a major financial institution. Further, our policy is to deal with counterparties having a minimum investment grade or better credit rating. Credit risk is managed through the continuous monitoring of exposures to such counterparties. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings associated with changes in foreign currency.

Foreign Currency Hedges

As of August 31, 2018, we maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our exposures:

Philippine Peso – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Indian Rupee – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and 50% of its exposure from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Euro – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our Euro exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

British Pound Sterling – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our British Pound sterling exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

As of August 31, 2018, the gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was PHP 2.8 billion, to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 3.6 billion, to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was € 22.0 million and to purchase British Pound Sterling with U.S. dollars was £14.0 million.

There were no other outstanding foreign currency forward contracts as of August 31, 2018. A gain on derivatives of $3.1 million was recorded into operating income during fiscal 2018, compared to a loss of $2.9 million in fiscal 2017.The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulatedAccumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The related cash flow impacts of all our derivative activities are reflected as cash flows from operating activities.

A sensitivity analysis was performed based on the estimated fair value of all foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at August 31, 2018.2021. If the U.S. dollar had been 10% weaker, the fair value of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts would have increased by $7.3$15.3 million, which would have had an immaterial impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Such a change in fair value of our financial instruments would be substantially offset by changes in our expense base. If we had no hedges in place as of August 31, 2018,2021, a hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at August 31, 2018,2021, with operating results held constant in local currencies, would result in a decrease in operating income by $28.8of $38.2 million over the next 12 months. A hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies at August 31, 20182021 would increasehave increased the fair value of total assets by $65.3$71.4 million and equity by $61.2$46.7 million.


VolatilityRefer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments in the British Pound Sterling exchange rate is expectedNotes to continuethe Consolidated Financial Statements included in the short term as the UK negotiates its exit from the European Union. In the longer term, any impact from Brexit will dependItem 8. of this Annual Report on in part,Form 10-K for more information on the outcome of tariff, regulatory,our foreign currency exposures and other negotiations.

our foreign currency forward contracts.

Interest Rate Risk

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

and Investments

The fair market value of our cash and cash equivalents and investments at August 31, 2018,2021 was $237.9$717.8 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. Our investments consistWe are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations of both mutual funds and certificates of deposits as both are part of our investment strategy. These mutual funds and certificates of deposits are included as Investments (short-term)interest rates on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as the mutual funds can be liquidated at our discretion and the certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year. The mutual funds and certificates are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our cash and investments will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our cash and investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we try to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Becauseinvestments. As we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. We do not believe thatRefer to Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the value or liquidityNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more information on our cash and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events.

cash equivalents.

47

Table of Contents
Debt

As of August 31, 2018,2021, we had long term debt outstanding under the fair value of our long-term debt was $575.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount and was determined based on quoted market prices for debt2019 Revolving Credit Facility with a similar maturity. It is anticipated that the fair market valueprincipal balance of our debt will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates and we do not believe that the value of our debt has been significantly impacted by current market events.$575.0 million. The debt bears interest on the outstanding principal amountprinciple at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread, using a debt leverage pricing grid currently at 1.00%. During fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recordedgrid. The variable rate of interest expense of $15.9 million, $8.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, on our long-term debt can expose us to interest rate volatility due to changes in LIBOR. To mitigate this exposure, on March 5, 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $287.5 million to hedge the variable interest rate obligation, effectively converting the floating interest rate to fixed for the hedged portion. Thus, we are only exposed to base interest rate risk on floating rate borrowings in excess of any amounts that are not hedged, or $287.5 million of our outstanding debt amounts.principal balance. Assuming all terms of our outstanding long-term debt remained the same, a hypothetical 25 basis point change (up or down) in the one-month LIBOR rate would result in a $1.4$0.7 million change into our annual interest expense.

expense for the portion of the long-term debt not hedged by the interest rate swap agreement. Refer to Note 13,
Debt in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our outstanding debt obligations.

48

Table of Contents

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated Financial Statements:

Statements

Page

48

48

49-50

Consolidated Financial Statements:

51

52

53

54

55

56

Financial Statement Schedule:

93



49


Management’s Statement of Responsibility for Financial Statements

FactSet’s consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements are prepared by management, which is responsible for their fairness, integrity and objectivity. The accompanying consolidated financial statementsConsolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts based on management’s estimates and judgments. All financial information in this Report on Form 10-K has been presented on a basis consistent with the information included in the accompanying financial statements.

FactSet’s policies and practices reflect corporate governance initiatives that are compliant with the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, the NASDAQ Stock Market and the corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Management, with oversight by the Company’sour Board of Directors, has established and maintains a strong ethical climate so that itsour affairs are conducted to the highest standards of personal and corporate conduct.

FactSet maintains accounting systems, including internal accounting controls, designed to provide reasonable assurance of the reliability of financial records and the protection of assets. The concept of reasonable assurance is based on recognition that the cost of a system should not exceed the related benefits. The effectiveness of those systems depends primarily upon the careful selection of financial and other managers, clear delegation of authority and assignment of accountability, inculcation of high business ethics and conflict-of-interest standards, policies and procedures for coordinating the management of corporate resources, and the leadership and commitment of top management. In compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, FactSet assessed its internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 20182021 and issued a report (see below).

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, which consists solely of independent non-employee directors, is responsible for overseeing the functioning of the accounting system and related controls and the preparation of annual financial statements. The Audit Committee periodically meets with management and the independent accountants to review and evaluate their accounting, auditing and financial reporting activities and responsibilities, including management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm has full and free access to the Audit Committee and has met with the committee, with and without management present.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for FactSet. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;FactSet; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and expenditures of the CompanyFactSet are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company;FactSet; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’sour assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management (with the participation of the principal executive officerChief Executive Officer and principal financial officer)Chief Financial Officer) conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of FactSet’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that FactSet’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of August 31, 2018.2021. Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the effectiveness of FactSet’s internal control over financial reporting and has issued a report on FactSet’s internal control over financial reporting, which is included in their report on the subsequent page.




/s/ F. PHILIP SNOW

/s/ Helen L. Shan

LINDA S. HUBER

F. Philip Snow

Helen L. Shan

Linda S. Huber

Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer

October 30, 2018

22, 2021

October 30, 2018

22, 2021



50


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the Company) as of August 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8 (collectively referred to as the “Consolidated Financial Statements”). In our opinion, the Consolidated Financial Statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at August 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated October 22, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02
As discussed in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases in 2020 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

51

Measurement of income tax provision
Description of the Matter
As discussed in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and 11, Income Taxes, of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company serves international markets and is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and numerous foreign jurisdictions, which affect the Company’s provision for income taxes. The tax provision is an estimate based on management’s understanding of current enacted tax laws and tax rates of each tax jurisdiction and the use of subjective allocation methodologies to allocate taxable income to tax jurisdictions based upon the structure of the Company’s operations and customer arrangements. For the year-ended August 31, 2021, the Company recognized a consolidated provision for income taxes of $68 million with $41 million related to its U.S. operations and $27 million related to its non-U.S. operations.

Management’s calculation of the provision for income taxes was significant to our audit because the provision for income taxes involved subjective estimation and complex audit judgement related to the evaluation of tax laws, including the methods used to allocate taxable income, and the amounts and disclosures are material to the financial statements.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our AuditWe obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls over management’s calculation of its provision for income taxes. For example, we tested controls over management’s evaluation of the allocation methodologies and management’s review of the assumptions and data utilized in determining the allocation of income to applicable tax jurisdictions.
Among other audit procedures performed, we evaluated the reasonableness of management’s allocation methodologies by analyzing the methodology based on the Company’s structure, operations and current tax law. We recalculated income tax expense using management’s methodology and agreed the data used in the calculations to the Company’s underlying books and records. We involved our tax professionals to evaluate the application of tax law to management’s allocation methodologies and tax positions. This included assessing the Company’s correspondence with the relevant tax authorities and evaluating third-party reports and advice obtained by the Company. We also performed a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the effect from changes in management’s allocation methodologies and assumptions. We have evaluated the Company’s income tax disclosures included in Note 11, Income Taxes, of the Consolidated Financial Statements in relation to these matters.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.
Stamford, CT
October 22, 2021
















52


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of FactSet Research Systems Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited FactSet Research System Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2018,2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2018,2021, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2018 consolidated financial statements2021 Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and our report dated October 30, 2018,22, 2021, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ ERNSTErnst & YOUNGYoung LLP

Stamford, CT

October 30, 2018

22, 2021


53

Report


FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the Company) as of August 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2018, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 8 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at August 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2018, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of August 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated October 30, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.

Stamford, CT

October 30, 2018


FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(in thousands, except per share data)For the years ended August 31,
202120202019
Revenues$1,591,445 $1,494,111 $1,435,351 
Operating expenses
Cost of services786,400 695,446 663,446 
Selling, general and administrative331,004 359,005 333,870 
Total operating expenses1,117,404 1,054,451 997,316 
Operating income474,041 439,660 438,035 
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net(6,394)(9,829)(16,624)
Other income (expense), net(30)(2,697)554 
Total other expense, net(6,424)(12,526)(16,070)
Income before income taxes467,617 427,134 421,965 
Provision for income taxes68,027 54,196 69,175 
Net income$399,590 $372,938 $352,790 
Basic earnings per common share$10.56 $9.83 $9.25 
Diluted earnings per common share$10.36 $9.65 $9.08 
Basic weighted average common shares37,856 37,936 38,144 
Diluted weighted average common shares38,570 38,646 38,873 

 

 

Years ended August 31,

 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Revenues

 $1,350,145  $1,221,179  $1,127,092 

Operating expenses

            

Cost of services

  659,296   566,580   487,409 

Selling, general and administrative

  324,645   302,464   290,007 

Total operating expenses

  983,941   869,044   777,416 
             

Operating income

  366,204   352,135   349,676 
             

Other (expense) income

            

(Loss) gain on sale of business

     (1,223)  112,453 

Interest (expense), net of interest income

  (14,366)  (6,600)  (1,136)

Total other (expense) income

  (14,366)  (7,823)  111,317 
             

Income before income taxes

  351,838   344,312   460,993 
             

Provision for income taxes

  84,753   86,053   122,178 

Net income

 $267,085  $258,259  $338,815 
             

Basic earnings per common share

 $6.90  $6.55  $8.29 

Diluted earnings per common share

 $6.78  $6.51  $8.19 
             

Basic weighted average common shares

  38,733   39,444   40,880 

Diluted weighted average common shares

  39,377   39,642   41,365 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

54


FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)For the years ended August 31,
202120202019
Net income$399,590 $372,938 $352,790 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges*(504)674 504 
Foreign currency translation adjustments835 34,577 (24,325)
Other comprehensive income (loss)331 35,251 (23,821)
Comprehensive income$399,921 $408,189 $328,969 

 

 

Years ended August 31,

 
(in thousands) 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Net income

 $267,085  $258,259  $338,815 
             

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

            

Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges*

  (7,288)  5,017   (857)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (9,431)  28,816   (23,644)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

  (16,719)  33,833   (24,501)

Comprehensive income

 $250,366  $292,092  $314,314 

* TheFor the fiscal years ended August 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the net unrealized (loss) gain (loss) on cash flow hedges disclosed above waswere net of a tax benefit (expense) of $3,518, ($3,049)$162 thousand, tax expense of $251 thousand, and $498 for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016,a tax expense of $387 thousand, respectively.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

55


FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share data)August 31,
20212020
ASSETS  
Cash and cash equivalents$681,865 $585,605 
Investments35,984 19,572 
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $6,431 at August 31, 2021 and $7,987 at August 31, 2020151,187 155,011 
Prepaid taxes13,917 38,067 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets50,625 43,675 
Total current assets933,578 841,930 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net131,377 133,102 
Goodwill754,205 709,703 
Intangible assets, net134,986 121,095 
Deferred taxes2,250 — 
Lease right-of-use assets, net239,064 248,929 
Other assets29,480 28,629 
TOTAL ASSETS$2,224,940 $2,083,388 
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$85,777 $82,094 
Current lease liabilities31,576 29,056 
Accrued compensation104,403 81,873 
Deferred revenue63,104 53,987 
Dividends payable30,845 29,283 
Total current liabilities315,705 276,293 
Long-term debt574,535 574,354 
Deferred taxes14,752 19,713 
Deferred revenue, non-current8,394 9,319 
Taxes payable30,279 27,739 
Long-term lease liabilities259,980 272,269 
Other liabilities4,942 7,326 
TOTAL LIABILITIES$1,208,587 $1,187,013 
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 14)00
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued$— $— 
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 41,163,192 and 40,767,708 shares issued, 37,615,419 and 38,030,252 shares outstanding at August 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively412 408 
Additional paid-in capital1,048,305 939,067 
Treasury stock, at cost: 3,547,773 and 2,737,456 shares at August 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively(905,917)(636,956)
Retained earnings912,515 633,149 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(38,962)(39,293)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$1,016,353 $896,375 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY$2,224,940 $2,083,388 
  

August 31,

 

(in thousands, except share data)

 

2018

  

2017

 

ASSETS

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $208,623  $194,731 

Investments

  29,259   32,444 

Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $3,490 and $2,738 at August 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively

  156,639   148,331 

Prepaid taxes

  6,274   7,076 

Deferred taxes

     2,668 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  30,121   24,127 

Total current assets

  430,916   409,376 
         

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

  100,545   100,454 
         

Goodwill

  701,833   707,560 

Intangible assets, net

  148,935   173,543 

Deferred taxes

  9,716   7,412 

Other assets

  27,502   14,970 

TOTAL ASSETS

 $1,419,447  $1,413,315 
         

LIABILITIES

        

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 $72,059  $59,214 

Accrued compensation

  66,479   61,083 

Deferred fees

  49,700   47,495 

Deferred taxes

     2,382 

Taxes payable

  8,453   9,112 

Dividends payable

  24,443   21,853 

Total current liabilities

  221,134   201,139 
         

Long-term debt

  574,775   575,000 

Deferred taxes

  21,190   24,892 

Deferred fees

  7,833   3,921 

Taxes payable

  29,626   11,484 

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities

  38,989   37,188 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 $893,547  $853,624 

Commitments and contingencies (See Note 19)

        
         

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

        

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

 $  $ 

Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 39,264,849 and 51,845,132 shares issued; 38,192,586 and 39,023,032 shares outstanding at August 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively

  393   518 

Additional paid-in capital

  667,531   741,748 

Treasury stock, at cost: 1,072,263 and 12,822,100 shares at August 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively

  (213,428)  (1,606,678)

Retained earnings

  122,843   1,458,823 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (51,439)  (34,720)

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 $525,900  $559,691 
         

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 $1,419,447  $1,413,315 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

56


FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)Years ended August 31,
202120202019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES   
Net income$399,590 $372,938 $352,790 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization64,476 57,614 60,463 
Amortization of lease right-of-use assets42,846 43,185 — 
Stock-based compensation expense45,065 36,579 32,400 
Deferred income taxes(4,602)10,626 (2,278)
Impairment Charge— 16,500 — 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves3,646 (8,608)10,205 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses2,068 12,427 (2,290)
Accrued compensation21,815 16,446 (1,743)
Deferred fees5,078 5,571 458 
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes26,298 (24,224)(19,238)
Lease liabilities, net(42,750)(33,340)— 
Other, net(8,304)126 (3,631)
Net cash provided by operating activities555,226 505,840 427,136 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property, equipment, leasehold improvements and internal-use software(61,325)(77,642)(59,370)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired(58,056)— — 
Purchases of investments(18,787)(2,736)(11,135)
Proceeds from maturity or sale of investments2,176 6,746 14,405 
Net cash used in investing activities(135,992)(73,632)(56,100)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repurchases of common stock(264,702)(199,625)(220,372)
Dividend payments(117,927)(110,439)(100,052)
Repayment of debt— — (575,000)
Proceeds from debt— — 575,000 
Proceeds from employee stock plans64,177 95,520 107,051 
Other financing activities(4,259)(3,531)(901)
Net cash used by financing activities(322,711)(218,075)(214,274)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(263)11,673 (5,586)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents96,260 225,806 151,176 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period585,605 359,799 208,623 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$681,865 $585,605 $359,799 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid during the year for interest$8,021 $12,876 $19,509 
Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds$46,588 $69,092 $89,997 
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions
Dividends declared, not paid$30,845 $29,283 $27,445 
  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

            

Net income

 $267,085  $258,259  $338,815 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

            

Depreciation and amortization

  57,285   48,294   38,052 

Stock-based compensation expense

  31,516   34,183   29,793 

Loss (gain) on sale of business

     1,223   (112,453)

Deferred income taxes

  (1,910)  4,879   4,528 

Loss (gain) on sale of assets

  140   59   8 

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     (10,331)  (18,205)

Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions

            

Accounts receivable, net of reserves

  (8,417)  (29,503)  (3,541)

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  12,077   (2,226)  5,525 

Accrued compensation

  5,735   6,427   3,961 

Deferred fees

  6,035   (229)  700 

Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes

  27,659   7,877   30,270 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  (11,224)  (850)  7 

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities

  (465)  2,331   13,674 

Other working capital accounts, net

  152   132   6 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  385,668   320,527   331,140 
             

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

            

Acquisition of businesses and investments, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired

  (15,000)  (303,086)  (262,909)

Proceeds from sale of business, net

        153,137 

Purchases of investments

  (12,470)  (30,757)  (18,137)

Proceeds from sales of investments

  12,459   23,399   17,241 

Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions

  (33,520)  (36,862)  (47,740)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (48,531)  (347,306)  (158,408)
             

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

            

Dividend payments

  (89,408)  (80,898)  (74,218)

Repurchase of common stock

  (303,955)  (260,978)  (356,828)

Proceeds from debt

     640,000   265,000 

Repayment of debt

     (365,000)   

Debt issuance costs

     (438)  (12)

Proceeds from employee stock plans

  71,610   50,045   56,851 

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     10,331   18,205 

Other financing activities

  1,716   (1,223)   

Net cash used in financing activities

  (320,037)  (8,161)  (91,002)
             

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

  (3,208)  1,264   (12,237)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

  13,892   (33,676)  69,493 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  194,731   228,407   158,914 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 $208,623  $194,731  $228,407 
             

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

            

Cash paid during the year for interest

 $15,676  $8,466  $3,010 

Cash paid during the year for income taxes, net of refunds

 $68,707  $74,788  $87,513 
             

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Transactions

            

Dividends declared, not paid

 $24,443  $21,853  $20,019 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

COMMON STOCK

            

Balance, beginning of year

 $518  $512  $503 

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

  8   6   9 

Retirement of Treasury shares

  (133)      

Balance, end of year

 $393  $518  $512 
             

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

            

Balance, beginning of year

 $741,748  $623,195  $542,355 

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

  80,983   50,039   57,784 

Retirement of Treasury shares

  (186,717)      

Stock-based compensation expense

  31,517   34,183   29,793 

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     10,331   18,205 

Accelerated share repurchase

     24,000   (24,000)

Stock-based compensation adjustment associated with disposition

        (942)

Balance, end of year

 $667,531  $741,748  $623,195 
             

TREASURY STOCK

            

Balance, beginning of year

 $(1,606,678) $(1,321,700) $(988,873)

Repurchases of common stock

  (302,441)  (253,131)  (328,283)

Retirement of Treasury shares

  1,697,205       

Accelerated share repurchase

     (24,000)   

Purchases of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

  (1,514)  (7,847)  (4,544)

Balance, end of year

 $(213,428) $(1,606,678) $(1,321,700)
             

RETAINED EARNINGS

            

Balance, beginning of year

 $1,458,823  $1,283,927  $1,021,651 

Net income

  267,085   258,259   338,815 

Dividends

  (92,710)  (83,363)  (76,539)

Retirement of Treasury Stock

  (1,510,355)      

Balance, end of year

 $122,843  $1,458,823  $1,283,927 
             

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

            

Balance, beginning of year

 $(34,720) $(68,553) $(44,052)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (9,431)  28,816   (23,644)

Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

  (7,288)  5,017   (857)

Balance, end of year

 $(51,439) $(34,720) $(68,553)
             

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

            

Balance, beginning of year

 $559,691  $517,381  $531,584 

Net income

  267,085   258,259   338,815 

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

  80,992   50,045   57,793 

Purchases of common stock upon restricted stock vesting

  (1,514)  (7,847)  (4,544)

Stock-based compensation expense

  31,516   34,183   29,793 

Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements

     10,331   18,205 

Repurchases of common stock

  (302,441)  (253,131)  (352,283)

Foreign currency translation adjustments

  (9,431)  28,816   (23,644)

Stock-based compensation adjustment associated with disposition

        (942)

Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges, net of tax

  (7,288)  5,017   (857)

Dividends

  (92,710)  (83,363)  (76,539)

Balance, end of year

 $525,900  $559,691  $517,381 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Consolidated Financial Statements.

57


FactSet Research Systems Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except share data)Common StockAdditional
Paid-in
Capital
Treasury StockRetained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
SharesPar ValueSharesAmount
Balance as of September 1, 201839,264,849 $393 $667,531 1,072,263 $(213,428)$122,843 $(51,439)$525,900 
Net income352,790 352,790 
Other comprehensive loss(23,821)(23,821)
Common stock issued for employee stock plans753,942 107,043 107,050 
Vesting of restricted stock85,401 1(1)31,644 (7,241)(7,241)
Repurchases of common stock882,445 (213,130)(213,130)
Stock-based compensation32,400 32,400 
Dividends declared(103,710)(103,710)
Cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standards*1,302 7162,018 
Balance as of August 31, 201940,104,192 $401 $806,973 1,986,352 $(433,799)$373,225 $(74,544)$672,256 
Net income372,938 372,938 
Other comprehensive loss35,251 35,251 
Common stock issued for employee stock plans630,520 95,515 75 (21)95,501 
Vesting of restricted stock32,996 11,945 (3,511)(3,511)
Repurchases of common stock739,084 (199,625)(199,625)
Stock-based compensation36,579 36,579 
Dividends declared(113,014)(113,014)
Balance as of August 31, 202040,767,708 $408 $939,067 2,737,456 $(636,956)$633,149 $(39,293)$896,375 
Net income399,590 399,590 
Other comprehensive income331 331 
Common stock issued for employee stock plans360,877 64,173 318(104)64,073 
Vesting of restricted stock34,607 — 12,614 (4,155)(4,155)
Repurchases of common stock797,385 (264,702)(264,702)
Stock-based compensation45,065 45,065 
Dividends declared(120,224)(120,224)
Balance as of August 31, 202141,163,192 $412 $1,048,305 3,547,773 $(905,917)$912,515 $(38,962)$1,016,353 

*Includes the cumulative effect of adoption of accounting standards primarily due to both the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard (ASC 606) resulting in a cumulative increase to retained earnings related to certain fulfillment costs and the accounting standard update related to the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") providing for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive loss to retained earnings for stranded tax effects.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
58

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements


1. ORGANIZATION AND NATUREDESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company”and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "we," "our," "us," the "Company" or “FactSet”"FactSet") is a global provider of integrated financial information, analytical applicationsdata and industry-leading service foranalytics company with open and flexible technology and a purpose to drive the global investment community. The Company delivers insightcommunity to see more, think bigger, and informationdo their best work. Our strategy is to investment professionals through its analytics, service,become the leading open content and technology. Thesefinancial analytics platform in the industry that delivers differentiated advantage for our clients’ success.
For over 40 years, the FactSet platform has delivered expansive data, sophisticated analytics, and flexible technology that global financial professionals include portfolioneed to power their critical investment workflows. Over 160,000 asset managers and owners, bankers, wealth managers, corporate firms, including private equity and venture capital firms, and others, use our personalized solutions to identify opportunities, explore ideas, and gain a competitive advantage, in areas spanning investment research, professionals, investment bankers,portfolio construction and analysis, trade execution, performance measurement, risk management, and performance analysts, and wealth advisors. From streaming real-time data to historical information, including quotes, estimates, news and commentary, FactSet offers proprietary and third-party content through desktop, web, mobile, and off-platform solutions. The Company’s broad application suite offers tools and resources including company and industry analyses, full screening tools, portfolio analysis, risk profiles, alpha-testing, portfolio optimization and research management solutions. With recent acquisitions, FactSet has continued to expand its solutionsreporting across the investment lifecycle from idea generationlifecycle.
We provide financial data and market intelligence on securities, companies and industries to performanceenable our clients to research investment ideas, as well as offering them the capabilities to analyze, monitor and manage their portfolios. We combine dedicated client reporting. The Company’s revenues areservice with open and flexible technology offerings, such as a configurable desktop and mobile platform, comprehensive data feeds, cloud-based digital solutions, and application programming interfaces ("APIs"). Our revenue is primarily derived from subscriptions to our products and services such as workstations, portfolio analytics, enterpriseand market data.
We advance our industry by comprehensively understanding our clients’ workflows, solving their most complex challenges, and helping them achieve their goals. By providing them with the leading open content and analytics platform, an expansive universe of concorded data research management,they can trust, next-generation workflow support designed to help them grow and trade execution.

see their next best action, and the industry’s most committed service specialists, FactSet puts our clients in a position to outperform.

We are focused on growing our business through 3 reportable segments ("segments"): the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion. Within each of our segments, we primarily deliver insight and

59

information through our three workflow solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and Content & Technology ("CTS").
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

FactSet conducts

We conduct business globally and is managedmanage our business on a geographic basis. The accompanying consolidatedConsolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for annual financial statementsinformation and the instructions to Form 10-K and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include theour accounts and those of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Allour wholly-owned subsidiaries; all intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). eliminated.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statementsour Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.GAAP 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 revenuesrevenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates may have been made in areas that include income taxes, stock-based compensation, the valuation of goodwill and allocation of purchase price to acquired assets and liabilities, stock-based compensation, income taxes, accrued compensation, valuation of goodwill, and useful lives and valuationimpairments of fixedlong-lived tangible and intangible assets. The Company bases itsassets and reserves for litigation and other contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that the financial statements were issued.

3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The

Our significant accounting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries are summarized below.

Revenue Recognition 

The majority of the Company’s revenues areour revenue is derived from subscriptionsclient access to our hosted proprietary data and analytics platform, which can include various combinations of products and services such asavailable over the contractual term. The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that consists primarily of providing access to products and services including workstations, (also referredanalytics, enterprise data, research management, and trade execution. We determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to as users), contentthe client. Based on the nature of the services and applications. The majorityproducts offered by us, we apply an output time-based measure of clients are invoiced monthly to reflect the actual services provided. The remaining clients are invoiced quarterly, annually or biannually in advance. Subscription revenue is earned each monthprogress as the serviceclient is rendered to clients on a monthly basis. FactSet recognizes revenue whensimultaneously receiving and consuming the client subscribes to FactSet services, the service has been rendered and earned during the month, the amountbenefits of the subscriptionplatform. We record revenue for our contracts using the over-time revenue recognition model as a client is fixedinvoiced or determinable based on established rates quoted on an annualized basis and collectabilityperformance is reasonably assured.satisfied. A provision for billing adjustments and cancellation of servicescurrent expected credit losses is estimated and accounted for as a reduction to revenue, with a corresponding reduction to accounts receivable.

Cost of Services
Cost of services is comprised of compensation for our employees within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups in addition to data costs, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, and client-related communication costs.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation for the sales and various other support and administrative departments in addition to travel and entertainment expenses, rent, professional fees, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and leasehold improvements, as well as marketing costs, office expenses,, travel and entertainment expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Stock-Based Compensation
Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock units, performance share units, and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. We use the straight-line attribution method for all awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only. Under this method, the amount of compensation expense that is recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. For all stock-based awards with performance conditions, the graded vesting attribution method is used by us to determine the monthly stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods.
60

As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based primarily on historical experience. Windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from operations.
Performance-based equity awards require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving company performance targets on a quarterly basis. The number of performance share units that vest will be predicated on us achieving certain performance levels. A change in the financial performance levels we achieve could result in changes to our current estimate of the vesting percentage and related stock-based compensation.
Research and Product Development Costs
Research and product development ("R&D") costs are expensed as incurred, unless they qualify as internal-use software development costs and are then capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life. These costs primarily consist of personnel-related expenses, such as salaries and related benefits for our product development, software engineering and technical support departments and, if not capitalized, are included in employee compensation (found within of Cost of services expense and SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income). We also utilize certain third parties to develop internal-use software. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life. If not capitalized, these costs are included in SG&A in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We do not have a separate research and product development department, but rather rely on these departments to work closely with our strategists, product managers, sales and other client-facing specialists to develop new products and process innovations and enhance existing products. We incurred research and product development costs of $250.1 million and $224.0 million during fiscal years 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current enacted tax rates. We recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, we accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2021, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $14.9 million, including $1.3 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes payable (non-current) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed, using the treasury stock method, by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding and issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards (including stock options and awards of restricted stock units) during the period. Performance-based awards are omitted from the calculation of diluted EPS until it is determined that the performance criteria has been met at the end of the reporting period.
Comprehensive Income
We disclose comprehensive income in accordance with applicable standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income in a set of financial statements. Comprehensive income is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Our cash equivalents consist of money market funds that are available for withdrawal without restriction and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
61

Accounts Receivable and Deferred Fees

Amounts that have been earned but not yet paid are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as Accounts receivable, net of reserves. Amounts invoiced in advance of client payments that are in excess of earned subscription revenue are reflected on the Consolidated Balance SheetSheets as Deferred fees. As of August 31, 2018,2021, the amount of accounts receivable that was unbilled totaled $6.4$18.3 million, which was subsequentlywill be billed in fiscal 2019.

The Company calculates its2022. As of August 31, 2020, the amount of accounts receivable reserve through analyzing aged client receivables, reviewing the recent historythat was unbilled totaled $17.1 million, which were billed in fiscal 2021.

Accounts receivable are recorded net of client receivable write-offsan allowance for credit losses based on a variety of factors, including our historical write-off activity, current economic environment, customer-specific information and understanding general market andexpectations of future economic conditions. We write-off account balances against our reserve when we have exhausted our collection efforts. In accordance with this policy, aour receivable reserve of $3.5reserves were $6.4 million and $2.7$8.0 million was recorded as of August 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively, within the Consolidated Balance Sheetsrecorded as a reduction to Accounts receivable.


Cost of Services

Cost of services is comprised of compensation for Company employeesreceivable, within the content collection, consulting, product development, software and systems engineering groups in addition to data costs, computer maintenance and depreciation expenses, amortization of identifiable intangible assets, and client-related communication costs.

Selling, General and Administrative

Selling, general and administrative expenses include compensation for the sales and various other support and administrative departments in addition to travel and entertainment expenses, marketing costs, rent, amortization of leasehold improvements, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, office expenses, professional fees and other miscellaneous expenses.

Research and Product Development Costs

FactSet does not have a separate research and product development department, but rather the Product Development and Engineering departments work closely with our strategists, product managers, sales and other client-facing specialists to identify areas of improvement with the goal of providing increased value to clients. As such, research and product development costs relate to the salary and benefits for the Company’s product development, software engineering and technical support staff and, as such, these costs are expensed when incurred within cost of services as employee compensation. The Company expects to allocate a similar percentage of its workforce in future years in order to continue to develop new products and enhancements, respond quickly to market changes and meet the needs of its clients efficiently. FactSet incurred $217.1 million of research and product development costs during fiscal 2018, which was comparable to its spend on similar development during fiscal years 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period increased by the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding during the period. The number of potential common shares outstanding has been determined in accordance with the treasury stock method to the extent they are dilutive. For the purpose of calculating EPS, common shares outstanding include common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding share-based compensation awards, including employee stock options and restricted stock. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price paid by the optionee and future stock-based compensation expense that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase shares.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company discloses comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with applicable standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income (loss) in a set of financial statements. Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in net assets of a business enterprise during a period from transactions generated from non-owner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. 

Fair Value Measures

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while the Company’s derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts) and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 2018 or 2017.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. The Company’s corporate money market funds are readily convertible into cash and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value.


Investments

Investments consist of both mutual funds and certificates of deposit as both are part of the Company’s investment strategy. These mutual funds and certificates of deposit are included as Investments (short-term) on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as the certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and the mutual funds can be liquidated at that Company’s discretion. The mutual funds and certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. Interest income earned from these investments during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $1.3 million, $1.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The Company’s cash, cash equivalents and investments portfolio did not experience any realized or unrealized losses as a result of counterparty credit risk or ratings change during fiscal 2018 and 2017.

Sheets.

Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. ComputersProperty and related equipment areis depreciated based on athe straight-line basismethod over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three years. Furniture to five years for computers and fixtures are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives ofrelated equipment and seven years.years for furniture and fixtures. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the termsshorter of their respective useful lives or the related leases or estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever period is shorter.lease term. Repairs and maintenance expenditures, which are not considered leasehold improvements and do not extend the useful life of the property and equipment, are expensed as incurred.

The Company performs

We perform a test for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an individual asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Should projected undiscounted future cash flows be less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment charge reducing the carrying amount to fair value is required. Fair value is determined based on the most appropriate valuation technique, including discounted cash flows.

Goodwill

If we recognize an impairment loss, the adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis. The Company is required to test goodwillnew cost basis will be depreciated (amortized) over the remaining useful life of that asset.

Goodwill
Goodwill at the reporting unit level is reviewed for potential impairment annually, orand more frequently if impairment indicators occur.exist. Goodwill is tested for impairment based ondeemed to be impaired and written-down in the presentperiod in which the carrying value of discounted cash flows,the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. We have 3 reporting units, Americas, EMEA and if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. FactSet has three reporting units,Asia Pacific, which are consistent with the operating segments reported, as there is no discrete financial information is not available for the subsidiaries within eachthe operating segment. Thesegments.
We may elect to perform a qualitative analysis for the reporting units evaluatedto determine whether it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its carrying value. In performing a qualitative assessment, we consider such factors as macro-economic conditions, industry and market conditions in which we operate, including the competitive environment and significant changes in demand for our services. We also consider the share price both in absolute terms and in relation to peer companies. If the qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount or if we elect not to perform a qualitative analysis, a quantitative analysis is performed to determine whether a goodwill impairment exists.
The quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is used to identify potential impairment wereby comparing the U.S., Europefair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount using an income approach, along with other relevant market information, derived from a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The annual review of carrying value of goodwill requires us to develop estimates of future business performance. These estimates are used to derive expected cash flows and Asia Pacific, which reflectinclude assumptions regarding future sales levels and the level of internalworking capital needed to support a given business. The discounted cash flow model also includes a determination of our weighted average cost of capital by reporting unit. Cost of capital is based on assumptions about interest rates, as well as a risk-adjusted rate of return required by our equity investors. Changes in these estimates can impact present value of expected cash flows used in determining fair value of a reporting unit. An impairment charge for the Company usesamount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, if any, would be recognized. The loss recognized would not exceed total amount of goodwill allocated to manage its business and operations. The Companythat reporting unit.
We performed itsour annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, consistent with the timing of previous years,2021 utilizing a qualitative analysis and concluded that thereit was no impairment, withmore likely than not the fair value of each reporting unit was greater than its respective carrying value and no impairment charge was required.
62

Intangible Assets

FactSet’s

Acquired Intangible Assets
Our identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’sour operations. The Company amortizesWe amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. If the estimate of the remaining useful life is changed, the remaining carrying amount of the intangible asset is amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life. Amortizable Intangible assets are tested for impairment, if indicators of impairment are present, based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the fiscal years presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

Internally Developed Software
We capitalize internal and external costs related to developing, modifying or obtaining software for internal use, incurred during the application development stage in accordance with ASC 350-40, Internal-Use Software. Costs related to software upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is determined that these upgrades or enhancements provide additional functionality to the software. The capitalized software is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the software, generally three to five years. These assets are subject to the impairment test guidance specified in the acquired intangible assets above.
Leases
We adopted the standard, ASC 842-10, Leases ("ASC 842") as of September 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach. Refer to Note 12, Leases, for further details.
We review new arrangements at inception to evaluate whether we obtain substantially all the economic benefits of and have the right to control the use of an asset. If we determine that an arrangement qualifies as a lease, with a lease term of greater than one year, we assess whether the leased asset is an operating or financing lease. Our lease portfolio is primarily related to our office space, under various operating lease agreements.
We record a lease ROU asset and lease liability as the present value of the future minimum lease payments (including fixed lease payments and certain qualifying index-based variable payments) over the reasonably certain lease term, beginning at the lease commencement date. As there is no rate implicit in our operating lease arrangements, these balances are initially recorded using our incremental borrowing rate ("IBR") within the geography where the leased asset is located. As we do not have any outstanding public debt, we estimate the IBR based on our estimated credit rating and available market information. The IBR is determined at lease commencement and subsequently reassessed upon a modification to the lease arrangement. Certain adjustments to our lease ROU assets may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.
We elected to not record operating lease right-of-use assets or operating lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. We elected the practical expedient not to separate lease components from non-lease components but, rather, to combine them into one single lease component, which we recognize over the expected term on a straight-line expense basis in occupancy costs (a component of SG&A expense).
As of August 31, 2021, our leases have remaining terms of less than one year to just over 14 years. The lease ROU assets and lease liabilities recognized did not include any renewal or termination options that were not yet reasonably certain to be exercised.
Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities include estimates relating to employee compensation, operating expenses and tax liabilities. Annual cash-based awards that are variable and discretionary in nature represent approximately 10% of our Company’s employee incentive compensation program. At the end of each fiscal year, FactSet conductswe conduct a final review of both the performance of the Company and individual performance within each department to determine the amount of discretionary employee compensation. The CompanyWe also reviewsreview compensation throughout the year to determine how overall performance tracks against management’s expectations. Management takes these and other factors, including historical performance, into account in reviewing accrued compensation estimates quarterly and adjusting accrual rates as appropriate. The amountmajority of the variable employee compensation recorded within accrued compensation related to the annual performance bonus, which was $75.1 million and $54.4 million as of August 31, 20182021 and 2017, was $43.6 million and $39.2 million,2020, respectively. During fiscal 2018 the Company incurred $17.4 million
63

Table of restructuring charges primarily related to employee compensation and severance of which $5.6 million was recorded as Accrued compensation as of August 31, 2018 which will be paid during fiscal 2019.

Derivative Instruments

FactSet conducts

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
We conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen and Philippine Peso. As such, the Company iswe are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates comparedrelative to the U.S. dollar. The Company utilizesWe utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company doesWe do not enter into foreign exchange forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considerswe consider several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements.
Interest Rate Swap Agreement
On March 29, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement with PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC") (the "2019 Credit Agreement"), which provides for a $750.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2019 Revolving Credit Facility"). The outstanding principal balance of $575.0 million bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a spread, using a debt leverage pricing grid. The variable rate of interest on our long-term debt can expose us to interest rate volatility due to changes in LIBOR. To mitigate this exposure, on March 5, 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $287.5 million to hedge the variable interest rate obligation, effectively converting the floating interest rate to fixed for the hedged portion. Thus, we are only exposed to base interest rate risk on floating rate borrowings in excess of any amounts that are not hedged, or $287.5 million of the outstanding principal balance.
Derivative Instrument Classification
The changes in fair value for these cash flow hedges are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. All derivatives are assessed for effectiveness at each reporting period.

Foreign Currency Translation

Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries within the European and Asia Pacific segments operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in AOCL as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $48.0 million and $38.5 million at August 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Income and Deferred Taxes

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using current enacted tax rates. FactSet recognizes the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position as of the reporting date. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, FactSet accrues interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. Interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2018, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $9.2 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes payable (non-current) on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Stock-Based Compensation

Accounting guidance requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including stock options, restricted stock and common shares acquired under employee stock purchases based on estimated fair values of the share awards that are scheduled to vest during the period. FactSet uses the straight-line attribution method for all awards with graded vesting features and service conditions only. Under this method, the amount of compensation expense that is recognized on any date is at least equal to the vested portion of the award on that date. For all stock-based awards with performance conditions, the graded vesting attribution method is used by the Company to determine the monthly stock-based compensation expense over the applicable vesting periods.

As stock-based compensation expense recognized is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Forfeitures are estimated based primarily on historical experience. Windfall tax benefits, defined as tax deductions that exceed recorded stock-based compensation, are classified as cash inflows from financing activities.

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets on a quarterly basis. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving certain performance levels. A change in the financial performance levels the Company achieves could result in changes to FactSet’s current estimate of the vesting percentage and related stock-based compensation.


Treasury Stock

The Company accounts

We account for repurchased common stock under the cost method and includes such treasury stock as a component of its stockholders’our Stockholders’ equity. The Company accountsWe account for the formal retirement of treasury stock by deducting its par value from common stock, reducing additional paid-in capital (“APIC”("APIC") by the average amount recorded in APIC when the stock was originally issued and any remaining excess of cost deducted from retained earnings.

Operating Leases

The Company conducts all of its operations in leased facilities which have minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable operating leases. Certain of these leases contain rent escalations based on specified percentages. Most of the leases contain renewal options and require payments for taxes, insurance and maintenance. Rent expense is charged to operations as incurred except for escalating rents, which are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Lease incentives, relating to allowances provided by landlords, are amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction of rent expense. Costs associated with acquiring a subtenant, including broker commissions and tenant allowances, are amortized over the sublease term as a reduction of sublease income.

Business Combinations

The Company records acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. All of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies and contingent consideration are recognized at their fair value on the acquisition date. The application of the purchase method of accounting for business combinations requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions in the determination of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in order to properly allocate purchase price consideration between assets that are depreciated and amortized from goodwill. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. Acquisition-related expenses and restructuring costs are recognized separately from the business combination and are expensed as incurred.

Concentrations of Risk

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with several financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seeks to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring the risk profiles of these counterparties.

New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted

As of the beginning of fiscal 2018, FactSet implemented all applicable new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the last three fiscal years that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in November 2015, to simplify the presentation of deferred taxes on the balance sheet. This accounting standard update required an entity to present all deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as non-current on the balance sheet. Under the previous guidance, entities were required to separately present deferred taxes as current or non-current. Netting deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities by tax jurisdiction is still required under the new guidance. This accounting standard update is a change to the balance sheet presentation only. The changes have been applied prospectively as permitted by the standard and prior periods have not been restated.

Share-Based Payments

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in March 2016, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. This accounting standard update increases the volatility within the Company’s provision for income taxes, as all excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments that were previously reported within equity will now be recognized in the consolidated statement of income. The adoption of this standard resulted in the recognition of $9.5 million of excess tax benefits to FactSet’s provision for income taxes during fiscal 2018. In addition, this standard changed the classification of excess tax benefits presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows from a financing activity to an operating activity, which was applied on a prospective basis as permitted by the standard. Prior periods were not restated. Share-based payment expense continues to reflect estimated forfeitures of share-based payment awards. The remaining provisions of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


Income Taxes

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet adopted the accounting standard update issued by the FASB in March 2018, which provides guidance related to income tax accounting implications under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) enacted on December 22, 2017, effective January 1, 2018. Areas of clarification under the update are the measurement period timeframe, changes in subsequent reporting periods, and reporting requirements as they relate to the TCJA. Due to the complexity of the TCJA, the standard update allows companies to record provisional amounts, or reasonable estimates of the tax effects of the TCJA during a measurement period not to exceed one year from the enactment date. As a result of the TCJA, FactSet recorded a one-time transition tax expense of $23.2 million and a $2.3 million tax expense related to the remeasurement of the net U.S. deferred tax position. The Company will continue to analyze the TCJA and related accounting guidance and interpretation in order to finalize any impacts within the one-year measurement period from the TCJA enactment date.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014 and July 2015, the FASB issued accounting standard updates which clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and superseded most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance also requires increased disclosures including the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows related to contracts with clients. 

The standard allows two methods of adoption: i) retrospectively to each prior period presented (“full retrospective method”), or ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings as of the date of adoption (“modified retrospective method”). FactSet will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective method at the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2019. 

FactSet’s implementation efforts include the identification of revenue within the scope of the standard and an evaluation of contract revenue under the new guidance. Additionally, an assessment of the qualitative and quantitative impacts of pricing changes during the contractual term and fulfillment costs was made.

Services and products offered by FactSet mostly result in the customer simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits. Thus, FactSet will be required to record revenue for its contracts using the over-time revenue recognition model which is comparable with how revenue is recognized today. The Company anticipates the new standard will impact the Company's accounting for certain fulfillment costs, which include up-front costs to allow for the delivery of services and products that are expected to be recovered. Under the new standard, such up-front costs would be recognized as an asset and amortized consistent with the associated revenue for providing the services. Currently, these costs are expensed as incurred. The Company does not expect the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard to result in a material change to its consolidated financial statements. 

Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities

In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to amend its current guidance on the classification and measurement of certain financial instruments. The accounting standard update significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. This guidance also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. This guidance will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Leases

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases. The guidance introduces a lessee model that requires most leases to be reported on the balance sheet. The accounting standard update aligns many of the underlying principles of the new lessor model with those in the FASB’s new revenue recognition standard. The guidance also eliminates the requirement in current GAAP for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption in fiscal 2019 permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update, including the transition method, but does expect the adoption to have a material impact to its balance sheet. However, it does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on the statements of income, comprehensive income or cash flows. See Note 19 for information regarding our undiscounted future lease commitments.


Cash Flow Simplification

In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which simplifies how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This includes revised guidance on the cash flow classification of debt prepayments and debt extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination and distributions received from equity method investments. The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice across all industries. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Taxes on Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets

In October 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update, which removes the prohibition against the immediate recognition of the current and deferred income tax effects of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory.  The guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice related to the tax consequences of certain types of intra-entity asset transfers, particularly those involving intellectual property.  This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill Impairment Test

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which removes the requirement for companies to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted for any impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company.

Hedge Accounting Simplification

In August 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to reduce the complexity of and simplify the application of hedging accounting. The guidance refines and expands hedge accounting for both financial and nonfinancial risk components, eliminates the need to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. This guidance will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update but is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Share-Based Payments

In May 2017, the FASB issued an accounting standard update, which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. The guidance focuses on changes to the terms or conditions of share-based payment awards that would require the application of modification accounting and specifies that an entity would not apply modification accounting if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

In February 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update, which allows companies to reclassify certain stranded income tax effects resulting from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement

In August 2018, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to a client’s accounting for implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This guidance aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs in a cloud computing service contract with the guidance for capitalizing implementation costs to develop or obtain internal-use software. Capitalized implementation costs will be expensed over the term of the arrangement. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2018, have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.


Fair Value Measurements

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the “exit price”"exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. The Company considersWe consider the principal or most advantageous market in which itwe would transact and considersconsider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 while our derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap) and certificates of deposit are classified as Level 2. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by us as of August 31, 2021 or 2020. Refer to Note 5, Fair Value Measures for the definition of the fair value hierarchy.

Foreign Currency Translation
Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries operate under a functional currency different from the U.S. dollar, such as the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities, and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Translation gains and losses that arise from translating assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of foreign operations are recorded in AOCL as a component of stockholders’ equity. The accumulated foreign currency translation loss totaled $36.9 million and $37.7 million at August 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
64

Concentrations of Risk
Refer to Note 20, Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk for areas that potentially subject us to a significant concentration of risk and credit risk.
New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted
As of the beginning of fiscal 2021, we implemented all applicable new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the last three fiscal years that had a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements other than the adoption of ASC 842.
Goodwill Impairment Test
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350); Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which removes the requirement for companies to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. We have adopted this standard effective September 1, 2020. The adoption of this accounting standard update had no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326); Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaces the "incurred loss" approach with an "expected loss" model for instruments measured at amortized cost. Subsequent to the adoption, the allowance for doubtful accounts is made when the financial asset is first recorded to the balance sheet (and periodically thereafter) and is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount. We have adopted this standard effective September 1, 2020. The adoption of this accounting standard update did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standard update related to accounting for leases, ASC 842. The update requires the recognition of lease ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements. The guidance also eliminates the requirement for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification. We adopted the new accounting standard effective September 1, 2019, using a modified retrospective approach to record the required cumulative effect adjustments to the opening balance sheet in the period of adoption. As such, our historical Consolidated Financial Statements were not restated and follow our previous policy under ASC 840, Leases. Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2019 for further details of the Company’s policy prior to adoption of ASC 842.
We have elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance, which permits us to not reassess the prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification, and initial direct costs. We did not elect the use-of-hindsight practical expedient in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment. We elected the practical expedient not to separate lease components from non-lease components but, rather, to combine them into one single lease component. We have also elected to apply the short-term lease exception not to recognize lease ROU assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of 12 months or less. We will recognize lease payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
As of November 30, 2019, the Company recognized Lease ROU assets, net of amortization of $217.0 million and corresponding Current and Long-term lease liabilities of $266.4 million, related primarily to the Company’s real estate leases. There was no material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income, Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity. Refer to Note 12, Leases for more information regarding the Company's lease accounting.
Hedge Accounting Simplification
During the first quarter of fiscal 2020, we adopted the accounting standard updated issued by the FASB in August 2017, which focused on reducing the complexity of and simplifying the application of hedge accounting. The guidance refines and expands hedge accounting for both financial and non-financial risk components, eliminates the need to separately measure and report
65

hedge ineffectiveness, and aligns the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective
Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848); Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, to provide optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the anticipated transition from LIBOR. As a result of the reference rate reform initiative, certain widely used reference rates such as LIBOR are expected to be discontinued. The guidance is designed to simplify how entities account for contracts, such as receivables, debt, leases, derivative instruments and hedging, that are modified to replace LIBOR or other benchmark interest rates with new rates. The guidance is effective upon issuance and may be applied through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard, but it is not expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income Tax Simplification
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740); Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes, eliminating certain exceptions to the general principles in accounting for income taxes related to intraperiod tax allocation, simplifying when companies recognize deferred taxes in an interim period, and clarifying certain aspects of the current guidance to promote consistent application. The guidance will be effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, with early adoption permitted. Most amendments are required to be applied on a prospective basis, while certain amendments must be applied on a retrospective or modified retrospective basis. We have evaluated the impact of adopting this accounting standard and have determined that adoption will not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of August 31, 2021 have had or are expected to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
4. REVENUE RECOGNITION
We derive most of our revenue by providing client access to our hosted proprietary data and analytics platform which can include various combinations of products and services available over the contractual term. The hosted platform is a subscription-based service that consists primarily of providing access to products and services including workstations, portfolio analytics, enterprise data and research management. We determined that the subscription-based service represents a single performance obligation covering a series of distinct products and services that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern of transfer to the client. We also determined the nature of the promise to the client is to provide daily access to one overall data and analytics platform. This platform provides integrated financial information, analytical applications and industry-leading service for the investment community. Based on the nature of the services and products offered by us, we apply an output time-based measure of progress as the client is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the platform. We record revenue for our contracts using the over-time revenue recognition model as a client is invoiced or performance is satisfied. We do not consider payment terms as a performance obligation for clients with contractual terms that are one year or less and we have elected the practical expedient.
Contracts with clients can include certain fulfillment costs, comprised of up-front costs to allow for the delivery of services and products, which are recoverable. In connection with the adoption of the revenue recognition standard, fulfillment costs are recognized as an asset, recorded in the Prepaid expenses and other current assets account for the current portion and Other assets for the non-current portion, based on the term of the license period, and amortized consistent with the associated revenue for providing the services. There are no significant judgments that would impact the timing of revenue recognition. The majority of client contracts have a duration of one year or less, or the amount we are entitled to receive corresponds directly with the value of performance obligations completed to date, and therefore, we do not disclose the value of the remaining unsatisfied performance obligations. 
Disaggregated Revenue 
We disaggregate revenue from contracts with clients by our reportable segments ("segments"), which consist of the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. We believe these segments are reflective of how we manage our business and the markets in which we serve and best depict the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows related to contracts with clients. Refer to Note 19, Segment Information for further information. 
66

The following table presents this disaggregation by segment:
 August 31,
(in thousands)202120202019
Americas$1,008,046 $943,649 $885,854 
EMEA$427,700 $406,498 $420,884 
Asia Pacific$155,699 $143,964 $128,613 
Total Revenue$1,591,445 $1,494,111 $1,435,351 
5. FAIR VALUE MEASURES
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the "exit price") in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the use of various valuation methodologies, including market, income and cost approaches is permissible. We consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability.
Fair Value Hierarchy
The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect theirits placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. FactSet hasWe have categorized itsour cash equivalents, investments and derivatives within the fair value hierarchy as follows:

Level 1 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. These Level 1 assets and liabilities include FactSet’sour corporate money market funds that are classified as cash equivalents.

Level 2 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets); or model-derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. The Company’sOur certificates of deposit, mutual funds and derivative instruments are classified as Level 2.

Level 3 - applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There wereWe held no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by FactSet as of August 31, 20182021 or 2017.

2020.

67

(a)


(a) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following tables showsshow, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’sour assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at August 31, 20182021 and 2017:

  

Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2018

 

(in thousands)

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Assets

                

Corporate money market funds(1)

 $75  $  $  $75 

Mutual Funds(2)

     18,668      18,668 

Certificates of deposit(3)

     10,591      10,591 

Derivative instruments(4)

     90      90 

Total assets measured at fair value

 $75  $29,349  $  $29,424 
                 

Liabilities

                

Derivative instruments(4)

 $  $4,036  $  $4,036 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

 $  $4,036  $  $4,036 

  

Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2017

 

(in thousands)

 

Level 1

  

Level 2

  

Level 3

  

Total

 

Assets

                

Corporate money market funds(1)

 $26,677  $  $  $26,677 

Mutual Funds(2)

     18,364      18,364 

Certificates of deposit(3)

     14,080      14,080 

Derivative instruments(4)

     6,142      6,142 

Total assets measured at fair value

 $26,677  $38,586  $  $65,263 
                 

Liabilities

                

Derivative instruments(4)

 $  $  $  $ 

Total liabilities measured at fair value

 $  $  $  $ 

(1)

The Company’s corporate money market funds are readily convertible into cash and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company’s corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in Cash and cash equivalents within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(2)

The Company’s mutual funds have a fair value based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the mutual funds allocated to each share of the mutual fund using a net asset value approach. The fair value of the underlying investments is based on observable inputs. As such, the Company’s mutual funds are classified as Level 2 and are classified as Investments (short-term) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(3)

The Company’s certificates of deposit held for investment are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as Investments (short-term) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(4)

The Company utilizes the income approach to measure fair value for its derivative instruments (foreign exchange forward contracts). The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as spot, forward and interest rates, as well as credit default swap spreads and therefore are classified as Level 2.

The Company2020. We did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2levels of fair value measurementsmeasurement during the periods presented.

(b)

(in thousands)Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Total
Assets   
Corporate money market funds(1)
$232,519 $— $232,519 
Mutual Funds(2)
— 35,984 35,984 
Derivative instruments(4)
— 1,384 1,384 
Total assets measured at fair value$232,519 $37,368 $269,887 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments(4)
$— $4,181 $4,181 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$— $4,181 $4,181 
(in thousands)Fair Value Measurements at August 31, 2020
Level 1Level 2Total
Assets   
Corporate money market funds(1)
$276,852 $— $276,852 
Mutual funds(2)
— 17,257 17,257 
Certificates of deposit(3)
— 2,315 2,315 
Derivative instruments(4)
— 3,644 3,644 
Total assets measured at fair value$276,852 $23,216 $300,068 
Liabilities
Derivative instruments(4)
$— $5,773 $5,773 
Total liabilities measured at fair value$— $5,773 $5,773 
(1)Our corporate money market fundsarereadily convertible into cashand the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. Our corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 assets and are included in Cash and cash equivalents withinthe Consolidated BalanceSheets.
(2)Our mutual funds have a fair value based on the fair value of the underlying investments held by the mutual funds, allocated to each share of the mutual fund using a net asset value approach. The fair value of the underlying investments is based on observable inputs. Our mutual funds are classified as Level 2 and are included inInvestments (short-term) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(3)Our certificates of deposit held for investment are classified as Level 2 assets. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months but less than one year and are included in Investments (short-term) withintheConsolidated Balance Sheets.
(4)We utilize the income approach to measure fair value for our foreign exchange forward contracts. The income approach uses pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such asspot, forward and interest rates,as well as credit default swap spreads, and are classified as Level 2 assets. To estimate fair value for the interest rate swap agreement, we utilize a present value of future cash flows, leveraging a model-derived valuation that uses Level 2 observable inputs such as interest rate yield curves. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments for more information on our derivative instruments designed as cash flow hedges and their classification within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(b) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-RecurringNon-Recurring Basis

Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets,

Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, thenonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets, goodwill and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired.intangible assets. The fair values of these non-financial assets and
68

liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparable information, and discounted cash flow projections. AnWe review goodwill and intangible assets for impairment charge is recorded whenannually, during the cost exceeds its fairfourth quarter of each fiscal year, or as circumstances indicate the possibility for impairment. We monitor the carrying value based uponof long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the results of such valuations.carrying amount may not be recoverable. During fiscal 20182021 and 2017,2020, no fair value adjustments or material fair value measurements were required for the Company’sour non-financial assets or liabilities.

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value for Disclosure Purposes only

Only

As of August 31, 2018,2021 and 2017,2020, the fair value of our 2019 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below in Note 13, Debt), included in Long-term debt within the Company’s long-term debtConsolidated Balance Sheets, was $575.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount given itsthe application of a floating interest rate basis. The fair value ofequal to LIBOR plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid. As the Company’sinterest rate is a variable rate, adjusted based on market conditions, it approximates the current market-rate for similar instruments available to companies with comparable credit quality and maturity, and therefore, the long-term debt was determined based on quoted market prices for debt with a similar maturity, and thusis categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.


5.6. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Cash Flow Hedges

FactSet conducts

Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
We conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen and Philippine Peso. As such, it iswe are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared towith the U.S. dollar. The Company utilizesWe utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts) to manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations and reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company doesWe do not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. purposes and limit counterparties to credit-worthy financial institutions. Refer to Note 20, Risks and Concentrations of Credit Risk, for further discussion on counterparty credit risk.
In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSetwe considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, the significance of exposures, the forecasting of risk and the potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of AOCLAccumulated other comprehensive loss ("AOCL") and subsequently reclassified into operatingOperating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings.hedge is settled. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during fiscal 20182021 or 2017,fiscal 2020, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses related to changes in the value of the Company’sour contracts were reclassified into earnings prior to settlement.

As of August 31, 2018, FactSet2021, we maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its exposures:

Philippine Peso – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

Indian Rupee – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019 and 50% of its exposure from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 through the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Euro – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Euro exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

British Pound Sterling – foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its British Pound Sterling exposure through the third quarter of fiscal 2019.

a portion of our British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, and Philippine Peso exposures. We entered into a series of forward contracts to mitigate our currency exposure ranging from 25% to 75% over their respective hedged periods. The following is a summarycurrent foreign currency forward contracts are set to mature at various points between the first quarter of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values:

fiscal
2022 through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
  

Gross Notional Value

  

Fair Value (Liability) Asset

 

Currency Hedged

(in thousands, in U.S. dollars)

 

August 31, 2018

  

August 31, 2017

  

August 31, 2018

  

August 31, 2017

 

Philippine Peso

 $52,000  $  $(1,230) $ 

Indian Rupee

  50,780   51,000   (1,490)  6,142 

Euro

  26,312      (503)   

British Pound Sterling

  18,995      (723)   

Total

 $148,087  $51,000  $(3,946) $6,142 

As of August 31, 2018,2021, the gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos and Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was PHP 2.8 billion.₱1.4 billion and Rs2.6 billion, respectively. The gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 3.6 billion. The gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchasewith Euros with U.S. dollars was € 22.0 million. The gross notional value of foreign currency forward contracts to purchaseand British Pound Sterling was €33.8 million and £37.7 million, respectively.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement
On March 5, 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with U.S. dollars was £14.0 million.

Counterpartya notional amount of $287.5 million to hedge the variable interest rate obligation on a portion of our outstanding debt under our 2019 Revolving Credit Risk

Facility (as defined below in Note 13, Debt). As a resultof August 31, 2021, we have borrowed $575.0 million of the useavailable $750.0 million under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility, which bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to a contractual one month LIBOR plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid, which was 0.875% as of derivative instruments,August 31, 2021. Refer to Note 13, Debt, for further discussion on the Company is exposed2019 Revolving Credit Facility The variable interest rate on our long-term debt can expose us to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk intointerest rate volatility arising from changes in LIBOR. Under the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the valueterms of the Company’s derivative liabilities, when applicable. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debtinterest rate swap agreement, we will pay interest at a fixed rate of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. As CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined0.7995% and receive variable interest payments based on using a simple averagethe same one-month LIBOR utilized to calculate the interest expense from the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rate swap agreement matures on March 29, 2024.

69

As the terms for peer companies. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contractsthe interest rate swap agreement align with large financial institutions and regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company does2019 Revolving Credit Facility, we do not expect any losseshedge ineffectiveness. We have designated and accounted for this instrument as a resultcash flow hedge with the unrealized gains or losses on the interest rate swap agreement recorded in AOCL in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Realized gains or losses are subsequently reclassified into Interest expense, net in the Consolidated Statement of defaultIncome when settled.
The following is a summary of its counterparties.

the gross notional values of the derivative instruments:

(in thousands, in U.S. dollars)
Gross Notional Value
August 31, 2021August 31, 2020
Foreign currency forward contracts$154,728 $129,649 
Interest rate swap agreement287,500 287,500 
Total cash flow hedges$442,228 $417,149 

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following tables provideis a summary of the fair value amountsvalues of derivative instruments and gains and losses onthe derivative instruments:

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
Derivative AssetsDerivative Liabilities
Derivatives designated as hedging instrumentsBalance Sheet ClassificationAugust 31, 2021August 31, 2020Balance Sheet ClassificationAugust 31, 2021August 31, 2020
Foreign currency forward contractsPrepaid expenses and other current assets$1,384 $3,644 Accounts payable and accrued expenses$1,201 $93 
Interest rate swap agreementPrepaid expenses and other current assets— — Accounts payable and accrued expenses1,934 1,861 
Other assets— — Other liabilities1,045 3,819 
Total cash flow hedges$1,384 $3,644 $4,181 $5,773 

Designation of Derivatives

(in thousands)

Balance Sheet Location

 

August 31,

2018

  

August 31,

2017

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

        
 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 $90  $3,796 
 

Other assets

 $  $2,346 
          
 

Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

        
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 $1,731  $ 
 

Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities

 $2,305  $ 

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of August 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the each of the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016:

2019:

(in thousands)

 

(Loss) Gain Recognized

in AOCL on Derivatives
(Effective Portion)

 

Location of Gain

(Loss) Reclassified

from AOCL

 

Gain (Loss) Reclassified
from AOCL into Income
(Effective Portion)

 (in thousands)Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into IncomeGain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

into Income

(Effective Portion)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships202120202019202120202019

Foreign currency forward contracts

 $(7,700) $5,183  $(1,806)

SG&A

 $3,106  $(2,883) $(451)Foreign currency forward contracts$1,660 $5,049 $(187)SG&A$5,027 $(1,556)$(1,794)
Interest rate swap agreementInterest rate swap agreement745 (6,138)— Interest expense, net(1,956)(458)— 
Total cash flow hedgesTotal cash flow hedges$2,405 $(1,089)$(187)$3,071 $(2,014)$(1,794)

As of August 31, 2021, we estimate that net pre-tax derivative losses of $1.8 million included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss waswere included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
70

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments
We enter into master netting arrangements designed to permit net settlement of derivative transactions among the respective counterparties, settled on the same date and in the same currency. As of August 31, 2018, FactSet estimates that $1.6 million of net derivative losses related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments

FactSet’s master netting2021 and other similar arrangements with its respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions. As of August 31, 2018 and 2017,2020, there were no material amounts recorded net settlements recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

6. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME AND ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income during the fiscal years ended August 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

  

August 31,

2018

  

August 31,

2017

  

August 31,

2016

 

(in thousands)

 

Pre-tax

  

Net of tax

  

Pre-tax

  

Net of tax

  

Pre-tax

  

Net of tax

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 $(9,431) $(9,431) $28,816  $28,816  $(23,644) $(23,644)

Realized (gain) loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)

  (3,106)  (2,128)  2,883   1,813   451   284 

Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in AOCL

  (7,700)  (5,160)  5,183   3,204   (1,806)  (1,141)

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 $(20,237) $(16,719) $36,882  $33,833  $(24,999) $(24,501)

(1)

Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The components of AOCL are as follows:

(in thousands)

 

August 31,

2018

  

August 31,

2017

 

Accumulated unrealized (gain) losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax

 $(3,486) $3,802 

Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments

  (47,953)  (38,522)

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

 $(51,439) $(34,720)


7. ACQUISITION

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as (i) components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenue and incur expense, (ii) with operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and (iii) for which discrete financial information is available. Executive management, along with the CEO, constitute FactSet’s chief operating decision making group (“CODMG”). Executive management consists of certain executives who directly report to the CEO, consistingTruvalue Labs, Inc.

On November 2, 2020, we acquired all of the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology and Product Officer, Global Headoutstanding shares of Sales and Client Solutions, General Counsel, Chief Human Resources Officer and Head of Analytics & Trading. The CODMG reviews financial information at the operating segment level and is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

FactSet’s operating segments are aligned with how the Company, including its CODMG, manages the business and the demographic markets in which FactSet serves. The Company’s internal financial reporting structure is based on three segments; the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific. FactSet believes this alignment helps it better manage the business and view the markets the Company serves, which are centered on providing integrated global financial and economic information. The primary functional groups within the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific segments include sales, consulting, data collection, product development and software engineering, which provide global financial and economic information to investment managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals.

The U.S. segment services investment professionals including financial institutions throughout the Americas. The European and Asia Pacific segments service investment professionals located throughout Europe and Asia Pacific, respectively. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. Each segment records compensation expense, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, office and other direct expenses.

Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, third-party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $701.8 million of goodwill reported by the Company at August 31, 2018, 54% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 45% in the European segment and the remaining 1% in the Asia Pacific segment.

The following reflects the results of operations of the segments consistent with the Company’s management system. These results are used, in part, by management, both in evaluating the performance of, and in allocating resources to, each of the segments.

(in thousands)

 

Year Ended August 31, 2018

 

U.S.

  

Europe

  

Asia Pacific

  

Total

 

Revenues from clients

 $841,908  $387,589  $120,648  $1,350,145 

Segment operating profit

  148,095   148,977   69,132   366,204 

Total assets

  724,259   585,497   109,692   1,419,448 

Depreciation and amortization

  37,453   15,710   4,122   57,285 

Stock-based compensation

  26,014   4,857   645   31,516 

Capital expenditures

  20,358   3,140   10,022   33,520 

Year Ended August 31, 2017

 

U.S.

  

Europe

  

Asia Pacific

  

Total

 

Revenues from clients

 $784,146  $330,332  $106,701  $1,221,179 

Segment operating profit

  137,104   153,676   61,355   352,135 

Total assets

  703,941   609,368   100,006   1,413,315 

Depreciation and amortization

  35,244   9,837   3,213   48,294 

Stock-based compensation

  30,247   3,320   616   34,183 

Capital expenditures

  29,561   2,385   4,916   36,862 


Year Ended August 31, 2016

 

U.S.

  

Europe

  

Asia Pacific

  

Total

 

Revenues from clients

 $755,492  $277,682  $93,918  $1,127,092 

Segment operating profit

  165,251   131,410   53,015   349,676 

Total assets

  654,796   279,864   84,501   1,019,161 

Depreciation and amortization

  31,529   4,220   2,303   38,052 

Stock-based compensation

  25,776   3,459   558   29,793 

Capital expenditures

  38,631   4,092   5,017   47,740 

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION - The following table sets forth information for those countries that are 10% or more of revenues:

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Revenues(1)

            

United States

 $841,908  $784,146  $755,492 

United Kingdom

  332,006   163,732   154,902 

All other European countries

  55,583   166,600   122,780 

Asia Pacific

  120,648   106,701   93,918 

Total revenues

 $1,350,145  $1,221,179  $1,127,092 

(1)

Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the client.

The following table sets forth long-lived assets by geographic area:

  

At August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Long-lived Assets(1)

            

United States

 $74,792  $79,299  $70,646 

United Kingdom

  5,806   6,012   5,772 

All other European countries

  5,774   6,306   1,018 

Asia Pacific

  14,173   8,837   7,186 

Total long-lived assets

 $100,545  $100,454�� $84,622 

(1)

Long-lived assets consist of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization and exclude goodwill, intangible assets, deferred taxes and other assets.

8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

BISAM

On March 17, 2017, FactSet acquired BI-SAM Technologies (“BISAM”Truvalue Labs, Inc. ("TVL") for a total purchase price of $217.6 million. BISAM$41.9 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments. TVL is a globalleading provider of portfolio performanceenvironmental, social, and attribution, multi-asset risk, GIPS composites managementgovernance ("ESG") information. TVL applies artificial intelligence driven technology to over 100,000 unstructured text sources in multiple languages, including news, trade journals, and reporting. BISAM’s product offerings include B-One, BISAM’s cross-asset solution, which will serve as a complementnon-governmental organizations and industry reports, to both FactSet’s portfolio analytics suiteprovide daily signals that identify positive and client reporting solutions, and Cognity, whichnegative ESG behavior. The acquisition of TVL further enhances FactSet’s risk analysis for derivatives and quantitative portfolio construction. These factors contributedour commitment to aproviding industry leading access to ESG data across our platforms. The TVL purchase price was in excess of the fair value of BISAM’s net tangible and intangible assets leading toacquired, resulting in the recognition of goodwill. AtWe finalized the timepurchase accounting for the TVL acquisition during the third quarter of acquisition, BISAM employed over 160 employees based primarily in its New York, Boston, Paris, Londonfiscal 2021 and Sofia offices. Total transaction costs of $3.2 million were recorded within Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) expenses indid not record any material changes to the Consolidated Statements of Income during fiscal 2017.


The totalpreliminary purchase price was allocated to BISAM’s net tangibleallocation.


The acquisition date fair values of major classes of assets acquired and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair valueliabilities assumed are as of the date of acquisition. Based upon the purchase price and the valuation, the allocation is as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Tangible assets acquired

 $27,583 

Amortizable intangible assets

    

Software technology

  18,261 

Client relationships

  37,597 

Trade name

  741 

Goodwill

  173,898 

Total assets acquired

 $258,080 

Liabilities assumed

  (40,443)

Net assets acquired

 $217,637 
Acquisition Date Fair ValueAcquisition Date Useful LifeAmortization Method
(in thousands)(in years)
Current assets$812 
Amortizable intangible assets
Software technology8,100 7 yearsStraight-line
Client relationships900 12 yearsStraight-line
Trade names2,800 15 yearsStraight-line
Goodwill30,058 
Other assets5,299 
Current liabilities(3,069)
Other liabilities(2,984)
Total purchase price$41,916 

Intangible assets of $56.6 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of client relationships, amortized over 16 years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method; and a trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $173.9$30.1 million represents the excess of the TVL purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and is included in the net tangible and intangible assets acquired.Americas segment. Goodwill generated from the BISAMTVL acquisition is included in the US and European segments and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of TVL's operations of BISAM have been included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of theAmericas segment, beginning with its acquisition on March 17, 2017.November 2, 2020. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of the BISAMTVL acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Vermilion

On November 8, 2016, FactSet acquired Vermilion Holdings Limited (“Vermilion”) for a total purchase price of $67.9 million. Vermilion is a global provider of client reportingour Consolidated Financial Statements.

8. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS
Property, equipment and communications software and services to the financial services industry. Client reporting is a growing arealeasehold improvements consist of the market as regulatory requirements risefollowing:
(in thousands)August 31,
20212020
Leasehold improvements$197,719 $182,899 
Computers and related equipment136,213 127,794 
Furniture and fixtures58,212 56,269 
Subtotal$392,144 $366,962 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(260,767)(233,860)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net$131,377 $133,102 
Depreciation expense was $30.4 million, $32.2 million and with the acquisition of Vermilion and its Vermilion Reporting Suite (“VRS”), FactSet now offers a workflow around all elements of the client reporting process, which it expects will expand as investors grow increasingly sophisticated. This factor contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of Vermilion’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill. At the time of acquisition, Vermilion employed 59 individuals in its London, Boston and Singapore offices. Total transaction costs related to the acquisition were $0.7 million in fiscal 2017 and recorded within SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income during fiscal 2017.

The total purchase price was allocated to Vermilion’s net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. Based upon the purchase price and the valuation, the allocation is as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Tangible assets acquired

 $7,916 

Amortizable intangible assets

    

Software technology

  10,916 

Client relationships

  5,954 

Non-compete agreements

  806 

Trade name

  571 

Goodwill

  51,157 

Total assets acquired

 $77,320 

Liabilities assumed

  (9,434)

Net assets acquired

 $67,886 

Intangible assets of $18.2 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of client relationships, amortized over 15 years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over six years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method; and a trade name, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $51.2 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Vermilion acquisition is included in the European segment and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Vermilion have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on November 8, 2016. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of the Vermilion acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.


Portware LLC

On October 16, 2015, FactSet acquired Portware LLC (“Portware”) for a total purchase price of $263.6 million. At the time of acquisition, Portware employed 166 individuals in its New York, London, Hong Kong, and Hyderabad, India offices. Portware is a global provider of multi-asset trade automation solutions for mega and large asset managers. With the acquisition of Portware, FactSet now offers a platform that it expects will increase value to global asset managers by expanding its capabilities to include multi-asset trade automation. This factor contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of Portware’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill. Total transaction costs related to the acquisition were $0.7$35.4 million for the year ended August 31, 2016. These transaction expenses were recorded within SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The total purchase price was allocated to Portware’s net tangiblefiscal years 2021, 2020 and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. Based upon the purchase price and the valuation, the allocation is as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Tangible assets acquired

 $9,656 

Amortizable intangible assets

    

Software technology

  43,000 

Client relationships

  27,000 

Non-compete agreements

  3,500 

Trade name

  2,000 

Goodwill

  187,378 

Total assets acquired

 $272,534 

Liabilities assumed

  (8,951)

Net assets acquired

 $263,583 

Intangible assets of $75.5 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of client relationships, amortized over 16 years using an accelerated amortization method; software technology, amortized over eight years using a straight-line amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over seven years using a straight-line amortization method; and a trade name, amortized over five years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $187.4 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and is included in the U.S. segment. Approximately 77% of the total goodwill generated from the Portware acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Portware have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on October 16, 2015. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of the Portware acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

2019, respectively.

9. DISPOSITIONS

During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a definitive stock purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell its market research business, consisting of Market Metrics LLC and Matrix-Data Limited (collectively “Market Metrics” or the “disposal group”) and associated assets (the “Transaction”). On July 1, 2016, FactSet completed the Transaction and received $165.0 million in cash, less estimated working capital and certain adjustments set forth in the Purchase Agreement, including a $9.7 million bonus adjustment amount. The Company recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of $112.5 million in fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, which is recorded within other (expense)income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company finalized the working capital adjustment and recognized a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million within other (expense)income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company assessed the Transaction and the disposal group and determined that the sale does not represent a strategic shift in its business that has a major effect on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Accordingly, the disposal group is not presented in the consolidated financial statements as a discontinued operation. The results of the disposal group through the date the Transaction closed are reported within the U.S. segment (for Market Metrics LLC) and the European segment (for Matrix-Data Limited).


71


10.9. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for fiscal years ended August 31, 20182021 and 20172020 are as follows:

(in thousands)AmericasEMEAAsia PacificTotal
Balance at August 31, 2019$386,195 $296,459 $3,075 $685,729 
Foreign currency translations— 23,968 23,974 
Balance at August 31, 2020$386,195 $320,427 $3,081 $709,703 
Acquisitions43,893 — — 43,893 
Foreign currency translations— 723 (114)609 
Balance at August 31, 2021$430,088 $321,150 $2,967 $754,205 

(in thousands)

 

U.S.

  

Europe

  

Asia Pacific

  

Total

 

Balance at August 31, 2016

 $367,480  $82,280  $3,155  $452,915 

Acquisitions and other adjustments

  19,355   216,047      235,402 

Foreign currency translations

     19,432   (189)  19,243 

Balance at August 31, 2017

 $386,835  $317,759  $2,966  $707,560 

Acquisitions and other adjustments

  (640)  (1,562)     (2,202)

Foreign currency translations

     (3,503)  (22)  (3,525)

Balance at August 31, 2018

 $386,195  $312,694  $2,944  $701,833 

Goodwill is not amortized as it is estimated to have an indefinite life. At least annually, the Company iswe are required to test goodwill at the reporting unit level, which is consistent with our segments, for potential impairment, and, if impaired, write down to fair value based on the present value of discounted cash flows. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflect the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The three reporting units are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The CompanyWe performed itsour annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018,2021 utilizing a qualitative analysis, consistent with the timing of previous years. ItWe concluded it was determinedmore likely than not that there was no impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceedingour segments was greater than its respective carrying value. During fiscal 2017 the Company acquired goodwill of $235.4 million representing the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets from acquisitions completed in fiscal 2017.

0 impairment charge was required.

11.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

FactSet’s

Our identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, acquired software technology, internally developed software, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from previous acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’sour operations. We amortize intangible assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful life, gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to our identifiable intangible assets are as follows:
August 31, 2021August 31, 2020
(in thousands, except useful lives)Estimated Useful Life (years)Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Amount
Data content4 to 20$36,681 $26,835 $9,846 $35,872 $24,847 $11,025 
Client relationships8 to 18101,077 49,139 51,938 100,316 43,026 57,290 
Software technology3 to 9121,556 87,207 34,349 108,384 72,396 35,988 
Developed technology3 to 557,666 21,278 36,388 30,276 13,689 16,587 
Non-compete agreements2 to 4— — — 1,388 1,355 33 
Trade names15 to 156,900 4,435 2,465 4,106 3,934 172 
Total$323,880 $188,894 $134,986 $280,342 $159,247 $121,095 
The weighted average useful life of the Company’s acquiredour intangible assets at August 31, 20182021 was 11.59.1 years. The Company amortizesWe assess intangible assets over their estimatedfor indicators of impairment on a quarterly basis, including an evaluation of our useful lives which are evaluated quarterly to determine whetherif events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There have been no changes to the estimateIf indicators of the remaining useful lives during fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016. Amortizableimpairment are present, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment if indicators are present, based onby comparing the carrying value to undiscounted cash flows and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. NoWe have not identified a material impairment, nor a material change to the estimated remaining useful lives of our intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented.fiscal years 2021 and 2020. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

During fiscal 2017, $93.2 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 11.5 years.

The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization totals related to the Company’s identifiable intangible assets are as follows:

At August 31, 2018 (in thousands)

 

Gross Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Net Carrying Amount

 

Data content

 $33,992  $20,990  $13,002 

Client relationships

  98,882   29,387   69,495 

Software technology

  106,505   44,231   62,274 

Non-compete agreements

  4,840   2,381   2,459 

Trade names

  4,070   2,365   1,705 

Total

 $248,289  $99,354  $148,935 

At August 31, 2017 (in thousands)

 

Gross Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated Amortization

  

Net Carrying Amount

 

Data content

 $34,116  $18,899  $15,217 

Client relationships

  99,779   22,339   77,440 

Software technology

  105,963   30,889   75,074 

Non-compete agreements

  4,833   1,518   3,315 

Trade names

  4,080   1,583   2,497 

Total

 $248,771  $75,228  $173,543 


Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $31.5 million, $25.4 million, and $25.1 million during fiscal years 2018, 20172021, 2020, and 2016 was $24.7 million, $19.9 million and $14.8 million,2019 , respectively.

72

As of August 31, 2018,2021, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:

Fiscal Year (in thousands)

 

Estimated Amortization Expense

 

2019

 $23,940 

2020

  23,192 

2021

  21,284 

2022

  18,718 

2023

  13,890 

Thereafter

  47,911 

Total

 $148,935 

Fiscal Year (in thousands)
Estimated Amortization Expense
2022$34,433 
202328,910 
202419,375 
202510,586 
20269,179 
Thereafter32,503 
Total$134,986 

12. PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS

Property, equipment

11. INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and leasehold improvementstax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.
Provision for Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is as follows:
(in thousands)Years ended August 31,
202120202019
U.S. operations$311,767 $280,283 $288,860 
Non-U.S. operations155,850 146,851 133,105 
Income before income taxes$467,617 $427,134 $421,965 
U.S. operations$40,595 $31,926 $55,824 
Non-U.S. operations27,432 22,270 13,351 
Total provision for income taxes$68,027 $54,196 $69,175 
Effective tax rate14.5 %12.7 %16.4 %
The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following:

  August 31, 
(in thousands) 2018  2017 

Leasehold improvements

 $119,479  $113,760 

Computers and related equipment

  181,623   138,195 

Furniture and fixtures

  44,699   42,532 

Subtotal

 $345,801  $294,487 

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (245,256)  (194,033)

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 $100,545  $100,454 
(in thousands)Years ended August 31,
202120202019
Current
U.S. federal$26,734 $9,332 $35,688 
U.S. state and local13,894 8,034 18,389 
Non-U.S.32,001 27,640 17,376 
Total current taxes$72,629 $45,006 $71,453 
Deferred
U.S. federal$1,031 $11,896 $1,813 
U.S. state and local(1,064)2,665 (217)
Non-U.S.(4,569)(5,371)(3,874)
Total deferred taxes$(4,602)$9,190 $(2,278)
Total provision for income taxes$68,027 $54,196 $69,175 

Depreciation

73

Our effective tax rate will vary based on, among other things, changes in levels of foreign income, as well as discrete and other non-recurring events that may not be predictable. The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes as a result of the following recurring factors and non-recurring events, including the taxation of foreign income:
 Years ended August 31, 
(expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes)202120202019
Tax at U.S. Federal statutory tax rate21.0 %21.0 %21.0 %
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:
State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit2.1 3.1 4.0 
Foreign income at other than U.S. rates(1.0)(1.4)(1.4)

Foreign derived intangible income ("FDII") deduction(1.9)(1.8)(1.7)
Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits(3.9)(3.8)(3.5)
Share-based payments(2.2)(3.7)(3.2)
One-time transition tax from TCJA— — (0.4)(1)
Other, net0.4 (0.7)1.6 
Effective tax rate14.5 %12.7 %16.4 %
1.The enactment of the TCJA resulted in a $3.4 million net benefit revision recorded during fiscal 2019 associated with finalizing the accounting for the tax effects of the TCJA during fiscal 2019.

The fiscal 2021 provision for income taxes was $68.0 million, compared with $54.2 million in fiscal 2020, an increase of 25.5%. The increase was primarily due to net changes in jurisdictional pre-tax book income in fiscal 2021, compared with the same period in the prior year. Additionally, the increase was driven by a $4.4 million lower windfall tax benefit from stock-based compensation for fiscal 2021, compared with fiscal 2020, changes in tax rates in certain jurisdictions, and a lower benefit from finalizing prior year tax returns of $1.2 million. The increase was partially offset by the impact of the true-up of certain foreign deferred tax balances, and higher research and development tax credits.
Due to the changes in taxation of undistributed foreign earnings under the TCJA, we will continue to analyze foreign subsidiary earnings, as well as global working capital requirements, and may repatriate earnings when the amounts are remitted substantially free of additional tax.
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
The significant components of deferred tax assets recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(in thousands)At August 31,
20212020
Deferred tax assets:
Lease Liabilities$55,416 $56,280 
Stock-based compensation22,847 16,341 
Unrealized tax loss on investment4,135 4,172 
Other11,199 8,840 
Total deferred tax assets$93,597 $85,633 
74

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows:
(in thousands)At August 31,
20212020
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements$17,133 $15,291 
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology44,773 43,088 
Lease right-of-use assets43,904 45,344 
Other289 1,623 
Total deferred tax liabilities$106,099 $105,346 
Unrecognized Tax Positions
Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. We recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will be sustained based on its technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit or expense was $32.6can be recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The tax benefits recognized are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority. Additionally, we accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.
The determination of liabilities related to unrecognizedtaxbenefits, including associated interest and penalties, requires significant estimates. There can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the audit outcomes, however, we have no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. For this reason and due to ongoing audits by multiple tax authorities, we will regularly engage in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. We adjust these reserves in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the closing of a tax audit or the refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made. We do not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.
We classify the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as Taxes Payable (non-current) and to the extent that we anticipate payment of cash within one year, the benefit will be classified as Taxes Payable (current). Additionally, we accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws. This interest is classified as income tax expense in the financial statements. As of August 31, 2021, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $14.9 million, $28.0including $1.3 million of accrued interest, recorded as Taxes Payable (non-current) within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
75

The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits:
(in thousands)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2018$9,223 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year3,133 
Additions for tax positions of prior years507 
Statute of limitations lapse(1,979)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2019$10,884 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year3,533 
Release for tax positions of prior years(2,086)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2020$12,331 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year4,259 
Release for tax positions of prior years(1,720)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2021$14,870 
In the normal course of business, our tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At August 31, 2021, we remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:
Major Tax JurisdictionsOpen Tax Years
U.S.
Federal2018through2020
State (various)2018through2020
Europe
United Kingdom2018through2020
France2018through2020
Germany2017through2020

12. LEASES
On September 1, 2019, we adopted ASC 842,Leases ("ASC 842"). As part of this adoption, we elected to not record operating lease right-of-use assets or operating lease liabilities for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. We elected the practical expedient not to separate lease components from non-lease components but, rather, to combine them into one single lease component, which we recognize over the expected term on a straight-line expense basis in occupancy costs (a component of SG&A expense).We review new arrangements at inception to evaluate whether we obtain substantially all the economic benefits of and have the right to control the use of an asset.
Our lease portfolio is primarily related to our office space, under various operating lease agreements.Our lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments at lease commencement (which includes fixed lease payments and certain qualifying index-based variable payments) over the reasonably certain lease term. leveraging an estimated IBR. Certain adjustments to our lease ROU assets may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.
As of August 31, 2021, we recognized $239.1 million of Lease right-of-use assets, net and $291.6 million of combined Current and Long-term lease liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such leases have a remaining lease term ranging from less than one year to just over 14 years and did not include any renewal or termination options that were not yet reasonably certain to be exercised.
76

The following table reconciles our future undiscounted cash flows related to our operating leases and the reconciliation to the Current and Long-term lease liabilities as of August 31, 2021:
(in thousands)Minimum Lease
Payments
Fiscal Years Ended August 31,
2022$43,177 
202339,892 
202438,050 
202536,203 
202635,541 
Thereafter161,849 
Total354,712 
Imputed Interest63,156 
Present Value$291,556 
(in thousands)
The components of lease cost related to the operating leases were as follows:
At August 31,
(in millions)
20212020
Operating lease cost1
$42.8 $43.0 
Variable lease cost2
$14.6 $17.9 
1.Operating lease costs included costs associated with fixed lease payments and index-based variable payments that qualified for lease accounting under ASC 842, Leases and complied with the practical expedients and exceptions elected by us.
2.Variable lease costs were not included in the measurement of lease liabilities. These costs primarily included variable non-lease costs and leases that qualified for the short-term lease exception. Our variable non-lease costs included costs that were not fixed at the lease commencement date and are not dependent on an index or rate. These costs relate to utilities, real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance.
The following table summarizes our lease term and discount rate assumptions related to the operating leases recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
At August 31,
20212020
Weighted average remaining lease term (in years)
9.410.1
Weighted average discount rate (IBR)
4.3 %4.2 %
The following table summarizes supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases:
At August 31,
(in millions)
20212020
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities$42.1 $39.7 
Lease ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities$5.7 $43.7 

77

13. DEBT
Our debt obligations consisted of the following:
(in thousands)At August 31,
20212020
2019 Revolving Credit Facility$575,000 $575,000 
2019 Revolving Credit Facility debt issuance costs(465)(646)
Long-term debt$574,535 $574,354 
2019 Credit Agreement
On March 29, 2019, we entered into a credit agreement, as the borrower, with PNC Bank, National Association ("PNC"), as the administrative agent and lender (the "2019 Credit Agreement"). The 2019 Credit Agreement provides for a $750.0 million revolving credit facility (the "2019 Revolving Credit Facility"). We may request borrowings under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity date of March 29, 2024. The 2019 Credit Agreement also allows us, subject to certain requirements, to arrange for additional borrowings with PNC for an aggregate amount up to $500.0 million, provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million.
We borrowed $575.0 million of the available $750.0 million provided by the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility, resulting in $175.0 million available to be withdrawn. We are required to pay a commitment fee using a pricing grid currently at 0.10% based on the daily amount by which the available balance in the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility exceeds the borrowed amount. All outstanding loan amounts are reported as Long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheets at August 31, 2021. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date.
Borrowings under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR plus a spread using a debt leverage pricing grid, currently at 0.875%. During fiscal 2021 and 2020, we recorded interest expense on our outstanding debt, including the amortization of debt issuance costs, net of the effects of the interest rate swap agreement of $8.1 million and $23.3$12.9 million, respectively. Including the effects of the interest rate swap agreement, the year-to-date weighted average interest rate on amounts outstanding under our 2019 Revolving Credit Facility was 1.38% and 2.20% as of August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020, respectively. Refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments for further discussion on the interest rate swap agreement. Interest on the loan outstanding under the 2019 Revolving Credit Facility is payable quarterly, in arrears, and on the maturity date.
During fiscal 2019, we incurred approximately $0.9 million in debt issuance costs related to the 2019 Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized as debt issuance costs and are amortized into interest expense ratably over the term of the 2019 Credit Agreement.
The 2019 Credit Agreement contains covenants and requirements restricting certain of our activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the 2019 Credit Agreement requires that we maintain a consolidated net leverage ratio, as measured by total net funded debt/EBITDA (as defined in the 2019 Credit Agreement) below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. We were in compliance with all covenants and requirements within the 2019 Credit Agreement as of August 31, 2021.
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments represent obligations, such as those for future purchases of goods or services that are not yet recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities. We record liabilities for commitments when incurred (i.e., when the goods or services are received).
Purchase Commitments with Suppliers and Vendors
Purchase obligations represent payments due in future periods in respect of commitments to our various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on us, and they specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. As of August 31, 2021 and 2020, we had total purchase commitments with suppliers of $191.9 million and $226.0 million, respectively. We also have contractual obligations related to our lease liabilities and outstanding debt. Refer to Note 12, Leases and Note 13, Debt for information regarding lease commitments and outstanding debt obligations, respectively.
78

Letters of Credit
From time to time, we are required to obtain letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As of August 31, 2021 we had approximately $2.8 million of standby letters of credit outstanding. These standby letters of credit utilize the same covenants included in the 2019 Credit Agreement. Refer to Note 13, Debt for more information on these covenants.
Contingencies
Income Taxes
Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance, refer to Note 11, Income Taxes for further details. We are currently under audit by tax authorities and have reserved for potential adjustments to our provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated settlements with, these tax authorities. We believe that the final outcome of these examinations or settlements will not have a material effect on our results of operations nor our cash flows. If events occur which indicate payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in the recognition of tax benefits in the period we determine the liabilities are no longer necessary. If our estimates of the federal, state, and foreign income tax liabilities are less than the ultimate assessment, additional expense would result.
Legal Matters
We accrue non-income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable, and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. Contingent gains are recognized only when realized. We are engaged in various legal proceedings, claims and litigation that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, including employment matters, commercial and intellectual property litigation. The outcome of all the matters against us are subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information available at August 31, 2021, our management believes that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against us, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, our results of operations or our cash flows.
Sales Tax Matters
On August 8, 2019, we received a Notice of Intent to Assess (the "First Notice") additional sales taxes, interest and underpayment penalties from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Revenue (the "Commonwealth") relating to the tax periods from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2013. On July 20, 2021, we received a Notice of Intent to Assess (the "Second Notice", cumulatively with the First Notice, the "Notices") additional sales taxes, interest and underpayment penalties from the Commonwealth relating to the tax periods from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2018. Based upon the Notices, it is the Commonwealth's intention to assess sales tax, interest and underpayment penalties on previously recorded sales transactions. We have filed an appeal to the Notices and intend to contest any such assessment, if assessed. We continue to cooperate with the Commonwealth's inquiry with respect to the Notices.
On August 10, 2021, we received a letter (the “Letter”) from the Commonwealth relating to the tax periods from January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021, requesting additional sales information to determine if a notice of intent to assess should be issued to FactSet with respect to these tax periods. Based upon a preliminary review of the Letter, we believe the Commonwealth might seek to assess sales tax, interest and underpayment penalties on previously recorded sales transactions. We are cooperating with the Commonwealth's inquiry with respect to the Letter.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the assessment process for both the Notices and Letter, we are unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of these matters and, as such, have not recorded a liability for any of these matters as of August 31, 2021. We believe that we will ultimately prevail if we are presented with a formal assessment for any of these matters; however, if we do not prevail, the amount of any assessment could have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Indemnifications
As permitted or required under Delaware law and to the maximum extent allowable under that law, we have certain obligations to indemnify our current and former officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at our request in such capacity. These indemnification obligations are valid as long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of FactSet, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification obligations is unlimited; however, we have a director and officer insurance policy that we believe mitigates our exposure and may enable us
79

to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. We believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is immaterial.
15. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows:
(in thousands)Years ended August 31,
202120202019
Balance, beginning of year at September 1, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively38,030 38,118 38,193 
Common stock issued for employee stock plans395 663 839 
Repurchase of common stock from employees(1)
(13)(12)(32)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program(797)(739)(882)
Balance, end of year at August 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively37,615 38,030 38,118 
(1)For fiscal years 2021, 2020 and 2019, we repurchased 12,932, 11,945 and 31,644 shares, or $4.3 million, $3.5 million and $7.2 million, of common stock, respectively, primarily to satisfy tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of stock-based awards.
Share Repurchase Program
Under our share repurchase program, we may repurchase shares of our common stock from time-to-time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. For the year ended August 31, 2021, we repurchased 0.8 million shares for $264.7 million compared with 0.7 million shares for $199.6 million for fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

the year ended August 31, 2020.

13. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 7, 2018, FactSet’sMarch 23, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a 14.3%$205.6 million increase to our existing share repurchase program. As of August 31, 2021, a total of $199.9 million remained authorized for future share repurchases under this program. It is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Restricted Stock
Restricted stock awards entitle the holders to receive shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. For the year ended August 31, 2021, 34,607 shares of previously granted restricted stock vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2021 (recorded net of 12,932 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $4.3 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). For the year ended August 31, 2020, 32,996 shares of previously granted restricted stock vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2020 (recorded net of 11,945 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $3.5 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).
80

Dividends
Our Board of Directors declared dividends on our common stock for the full years ended August 31, 2021 and August 31, 2020 as follows:
Year EndedDividends per
Share of
Common Stock
Record Date
Total amount
(in thousands)
Payment Date
Fiscal 2021
First Quarter$0.77 November 30, 2020$29,266 December 17, 2020
Second Quarter$0.77 February 26, 2021$29,141 March 18, 2021
Third Quarter$0.82 May 31, 2021$30,972 June 17, 2021
Fourth Quarter$0.82 August 31, 2021$30,845 September 16, 2021
Fiscal 2020
First Quarter$0.72 November 29, 2019$27,291 December 19, 2019
Second Quarter$0.72 February 28, 2020$27,251 March 19, 2020
Third Quarter$0.77 May 29, 2020$29,188 June 18, 2020
Fourth Quarter$0.77 August 31, 2020$29,283 September 17, 2020
Future cash dividend payments will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by us and are subject to final determination by our Board of Directors.
On May 5, 2021, our Board of Directors approved a 6.5% increase in the regular quarterly dividend from $0.56$0.77 to $0.64$0.82 per share.

Shares

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of common stock outstanding wereAOCL are as follows:

(in thousands)August 31, 2021August 31, 2020
Accumulated unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax$(2,095)$(1,591)
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments(36,867)(37,702)
Total AOCL$(38,962)$(39,293)
  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Balance, beginning of year (September 1)

  39,023   40,038   41,317 

Common stock issued for employee stock plans

  711   693   823 

Repurchase of common stock from employees(1)

  (8

)

  (50

)

  (28

)

Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program

  (1,534

)

  (1,555

)

  (1,478

)

Repurchase of common stock under accelerated share repurchase agreement

     (103

)

  (596

)

Balance, end of year (August 31)

  38,192   39,023   40,038 

(1)

For fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company repurchased 8,070, 49,771 and 27,625 shares, or $1.5 million, $7.8 million and $4.5 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.


16. EARNINGS PER SHARE

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”("EPS") computations is as follows:

computations.

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Net Income

(Numerator)

  

Weighted Average Common Shares (Denominator)

  

Per Share Amount

 

For the year ended August 31, 2018

            

Basic EPS

            

Income available to common stockholders

 $267,085   38,733  $6.90 

Diluted EPS

            

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

      644     

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

 $267,085   39,377  $6.78 

For the year ended August 31, 2017

            

Basic EPS

            

Income available to common stockholders

 $258,259   39,444  $6.55 

Diluted EPS

            

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

      198     

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

 $258,259   39,642  $6.51 

For the year ended August 31, 2016

            

Basic EPS

            

Income available to common stockholders

 $338,815   40,880  $8.29 

Diluted EPS

            

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock

      485     

Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions

 $338,815   41,365  $8.19 
Twelve Months Ended
August 31,
(in thousands, except per share data))202120202019
Numerator
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted income per share$399,590 $372,938 $352,790 
Denominator
Weighted average common shares used in the calculation of basic income per share37,856 37,936 38,144 
Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plan714 710 729 
Shares used in the calculation of diluted income per share38,570 38,646 38,873 
Basic income per share$10.56 $9.83 $9.25 
Diluted income per share$10.36 $9.65 $9.08 

81

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stockperformance-based awards. There were no stock options excluded from the Fiscal 2018 calculation of diluted EPS. There were 704,786 and 507,658 stock options excluded from fiscal 2017 and 2016 calculations of diluted EPS, respectively, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

As of August 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the number of performance-based1,750 stock options excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS was 249,443, 415,061as of August 31, 2021 and 782,843, respectively. 2020, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Performance-based stock optionsawards are omitted from the calculation of diluted EPS until it is determined that the performance criteria is considered probable of being achieved.

14. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At August 31, 2018 and 2017, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorizehas been met at the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictionsend of the series.

Common Stock

At August 31, 2018 and 2017, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 39,264,849 and 51,845,132 shares were issued, respectively. The authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans.

Treasury Stock

On January 31, 2018, FactSet retired 13,292,689 shares of treasury stock. These retired shares are now included in the Company’s pool of authorized but unissued shares. The retired treasury stock was initially recorded using the cost method and had a carrying value of $1.7 billion at January 31, 2018. The Company’s accounting policy upon the formal retirement of treasury stock is to deduct its par value from common stock ($0.1 million), reduce additional paid-in capital (“APIC”) by the average amount recorded in APIC when stock was originally issued ($186.7 million) and any remaining excess of cost as a deduction from retained earnings ($1.5 billion).reporting period. As of August 31, 2018,2021, there were 1,072,263 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, a decrease compared to 12,822,100 as of August 31, 2017 due to the aforementioned treasury stock retirement on January 31, 2018.


Share Repurchase Program

Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. During fiscal 2018, the Company repurchased 1,534,398 shares for $302.4 million compared to 1,554,822 shares for $252.8 million in fiscal 2017.

On March 26, 2018, the Board of Directors of FactSet approved a $300.0 million expansion to the existing share repurchase program. Subsequent to this expansion $241.7 million remain authorized for future share repurchases as of August 31, 2018. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock68,990 performance-based awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During fiscal 2018, 26,599 shares of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2018 (less 8,070 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $1.5 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During fiscal 2017, 132,194 shares of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of August 31, 2017 (less 49,771 shares repurchased from employees at a cost of $7.8 million to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following dividends on our common stock during the periods presented: 

Year Ended

 

Dividends per

Share of

Common Stock

 

Record Date

 

Total amount

(in thousands)

 

Payment Date

Fiscal 2018

          

First Quarter

 $0.56 

November 30, 2017

 $21,902 

December 19, 2017

Second Quarter

 $0.56 

February 28, 2018

 $21,799 

March 20, 2018

Third Quarter

 $0.64 

May 31, 2018

 $24,566 

June 19, 2018

Fourth Quarter

 $0.64 

August 31, 2018

 $24,443 

September 18, 2018

           

Fiscal 2017

          

First Quarter

 $0.50 

November 30, 2016

 $19,852 

December 20, 2016

Second Quarter

 $0.50 

February 28, 2017

 $19,709 

March 21, 2017

Third Quarter

 $0.56 

May 31, 2017

 $21,951 

June 20, 2017

Fourth Quarter

 $0.56 

August 31, 2017

 $21,853 

September 19, 2017

All the above cash dividends were paid from existing cash resources. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Company and is subject to final determination by the Company’s Board of Directors.

15. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Options Awards

On December 19, 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved the amended and restated FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated, which was renamed the Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the “Long Term Incentive Plan” or “LTIP”). As part of the approved amendment, an additional 5,750,000 shares of common stock were added to the LTIP’s share reserve and the expiration date was extended to December 19, 2027. The LTIP provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of FactSet. Stock options granted under the LTIP expire not more than ten yearsexcluded from the datecalculation of grant and the majority vest ratably over a period of five years. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, the options may be exercised only by the grantee.

diluted EPS. As of August 31, 2018, a total2020 there were 35,666 performance-based awards excluded from the calculation of 3,143,417 stock options were outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $153.05. Unamortized stock-based compensation of $59.7 million is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 3.1 years.


Stock Option Activity

In fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, FactSet granted 610,628, 1,026,984 and 1,195,649 stock options, respectively. These stock options have a weighted average exercise price of $190.65, $157.09 and $168.14 to existing employees of the Company, respectively. A summary of stock option activity is as follows:

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

Number

Outstanding

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price Per Share

 

Balance at August 31, 2015

  3,117  $100.71 

Granted – non performance-based

  622  $171.18 

Granted – performance-based

  551  $165.59 

Granted – non-employee Directors grant

  23  $146.82 

Exercised

  (681

)

 $71.52 

Forfeited

  (268

)

 $113.70 

Balance at August 31, 2016

  3,364  $129.54 

Granted – non performance-based

  713  $152.89 

Granted – performance-based

  291  $166.29 

Granted – non-employee Directors grant

  24  $170.24 

Exercised

  (487

)

 $86.17 

Forfeited

  (539

)

 $160.31 

Balance at August 31, 2017

  3,366  $139.29 

Granted – non performance-based

  575  $190.14 

Granted – performance-based

  17  $200.20 

Granted – non-employee Directors grant

  19  $197.75 

Exercised

  (622

)

 $113.73 

Forfeited

  (212

)

 $158.14 

Balance at August 31, 2018

  3,143  $153.05 

Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable

The following table summarizes ranges of outstanding and exercisable options as of August 31, 2018 (in thousands, except per share data and the weighted average remaining years of contractual life):

    

Outstanding

  

Exercisable

 

Range of Exercise Prices Per Share

 

Number

Outstanding

  

Weighted Average Remaining Years of Contractual Life

  

Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

  

Number Exercisable

  

Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

$87.26

-$92.22  333   3.9  $91.75  $45,794   333  $91.75  $45,794 

$94.84

-$110.31  180   4.1  $99.24  $23,459   137  $98.18  $17,914 

$131.31

-$148.52  403   6.1  $134.93  $38,071   173  $131.54  $16,889 

$150.81

-$152.28  637   8.1  $152.25  $49,139   124  $152.23  $9,551 

$159.14

-$170.24  627   7.8  $165.23  $40,227   110  $163.55  $7,262 

$171.22

-$175.20  383   7.2  $175.06  $20,816   145  $175.06  $7,887 

$189.98

-$200.20  580   9.2  $190.68  $22,462     $  $ 
                               

Total Fiscal 2018

  3,143          $239,9684   1,022      $105,297 

The following table summarizes outstanding and exercisable options as of August 31, 2017 and 2016 (in thousands, except the weighted average exercise price per share):

      

August 31, 2017

      

August 31, 2016

 
  

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price Per Share

  

Number of Shares

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price Per Share

 

Outstanding at fiscal year end

  3,366  $139.29   3,364  $129.54 

Exercisable at fiscal year end

  918  $105.14   970  $89.42 

The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at August 31, 2018 and 2017 was $105.3 million and $49.7 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $229.39 at August 31, 2018 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date. The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options exercisable at August 31, 2018 and 2017 was 5.6 years and 5.1 years, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $50.1 million, $38.0 million and $60.8 million, respectively.


Performance-based Stock Options

Performance-based stock options require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving Company performance targets. The number of performance-based options that vest will be predicated on the Company achieving performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained by FactSet, a percentage of the performance-based stock options will vest to the grantees of those stock options. However, there is no current guarantee that such options will vest in whole or in part.

February 2015 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red, FactSet granted 68,761 performance-based stock options during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 that are eligible to cliff vest based on a four-year measurement period ending February 28, 2019. In the second quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet modified the vesting criteria of the grant, which resulted in 40% of the options deemed eligible to vest, with the remaining options forfeited. No cumulative catch-up adjustment was required because FactSet had expected the 40% level to be achieved. The option holders must remain employed by FactSet through February 28, 2019 for the options to vest. As of August 31, 2018, total unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.4 million will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting period of 0.4 years.

January 2017 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of Vermilion, FactSet granted 61,744 performance-based stock options in January 2017. These performance-based options will vest 40% on the second anniversary date of the grant and 20% on each subsequent anniversary date if certain Vermilion revenue and operating income targets are achieved by November 30, 2018. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet for the options to be eligible to vest. As of August 31, 2018, FactSet does not believe these growth targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized in connection with these performance-based options. A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by Vermilion in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense:

(in thousands, except vesting percentage data)

 

Vesting Percentage

 

Cumulative

Catch-up Adjustment(1)

  

Remaining Expense

to be Recognized

 

0% (current expectation)

 $  $ 

100%

 $613  $1,272 

(1)

Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2018

June 2017 Performance-based Option Grant Review

In connection with the acquisition of BISAM, FactSet granted 206,417 performance-based stock options in June 2017. These performance-based options will vest 40% on the second anniversary date of the grant and 20% on each subsequent anniversary date if certain BISAM revenue and operating income targets are achieved by March 31, 2019. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet for the options to be eligible to vest. As of August 31, 2018, FactSet does not believe these growth targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized in connection with these performance-based options. A change in the actual financial performance levels achieved by BISAM in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense:

(in thousands, except vesting percentage data)

 

Vesting Percentage

 

 

Cumulative

Catch-up Adjustment(1)

  

 

Remaining Expense

to be Recognized

 

0%(current expectation)

 $  $ 

80%

 $1,658  $5,449 

90%

 $1,866  $6,130 

100%

 $2,073  $6,811 

(1)

Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of August 31, 2018.

Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards

The Company’s Option Plan plans permit the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period.


Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards Activity

In fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, FactSet granted 3,497, 62,400 and 97,319 restricted stock awards to employees of the Company, respectively. These awards have a weighted average grant date fair value of $189.28, $158.26 and $159.64 for fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

As of August 31, 2018, a total of 143,003 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were unvested and outstanding, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation of $12.0 million to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.0 years.

A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows:

(in thousands, except per award data)

 

Number Outstanding

  

Weighted Average Grant

Date Fair Value Per Award

 

Balance at August 31, 2015

  313  $103.34 

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

  97  $159.64 

Vested(1)

  (69) $85.04 

Canceled/forfeited

  (79) $112.51 

Balance at August 31, 2016

  262  $126.27 

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

  62  $158.26 

Vested(2)

  (132) $123.28 

Canceled/forfeited

  (10) $130.32 

Balance at August 31, 2017

  182  $138.62 

Granted (restricted stock and stock units)

  4  $189.28 

Vested(3)

  (27) $155.95 

Canceled/forfeited

  (16) $116.29 

Balance at August 31, 2018

  143  $139.34 

(1)

The 69,244 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2016 were comprised of: 37,079 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 8, 2010 (remaining 40%) and 14,683 restricted stock awards that were granted on April 8, 2013, which cliff vest 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant. Additionally, 17,482 awards vested related to other grants.

(2)

The 132,194 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2017 were comprised of: 73,522 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on November 1, 2013, which cliff vested 60% after three years, 17,328 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which vested 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant and 30,162 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015, which were modified to accelerate vest 100% in conjunction with employee severance. Additionally, 11,182 awards vested related to other grants.

(3)

The 26,599 restricted stock awards that vested during fiscal 2018 were comprised of:9,765 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on October 16, 2015 and 8,600 of awards relating to restricted stock granted on June 30, 2017 which vest at a rate of 20% annually upon the anniversary date of the grant, respectively.Additionally, 8,234 awards vested related to other grants.


Share-based Awards Available for Grant

A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows:

(in thousands)

 

Share-based Awards

Available for Grant under the

Employee Stock Option Plan

  

Share-based Awards

Available for Grant under the

Non-Employee Stock Option Plan

 

Balance at August 31, 2015

  2,441   88 

Granted – non performance-based options

  (622)   

Granted – performance-based options

  (551)   

Granted – non-employee Directors grant

     (22)

Restricted stock awards granted(1)

  (243)   

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited(2)

  466    

Balance at August 31, 2016

  1,491   66 

Granted – non performance-based options

  (713)   

Granted – performance-based options

  (291)   

Granted – non-employee Directors grant

     (24)

Restricted stock awards granted(1)

  (156)   

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited(2)

  566    

Balance at August 31, 2017

  897   42 

Increase in the number of shares available for issuance

  5,750   250 

Granted – non performance-based options

  (575)   

Granted – performance-based options

  (17)   

Granted – non-employee Directors grant

     (19)

Restricted stock awards granted(1)

  (9)   

Share-based awards canceled/forfeited(2)

  252   9 

Balance at August 31, 2018

  6,298   282 

(1)

Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company’s Option Plan.

(2)

Under the Company’s Option Plan, for each restricted stock award canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awards balance.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

On December 19, 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved and amended and restated 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as Amended and Restated, which was renamed the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as Amended and Restated (the “ESPP”). Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under ESPP in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation and a $25,000 contribution limit during an offering period.

During fiscal 2018, employees purchased 64,230 shares at a weighted average price of $160.34 as compared to 75,372 shares at a weighted average price of $136.34 for fiscal 2017. At August 31, 2018, the ESPP had 268,942 shares reserved for future issuance.

401(k) Plan

The Company established its 401(k) Plan in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of the Company and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“IRC”). Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the IRC. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the Internal Revenue Service annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five-year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by the Company. The Company contributed $11.6 million, $10.1 million, and $9.7 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

diluted EPS.

16.

17. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company

We recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $31.5$45.1 million, $34.2$36.6 million and $29.8$32.4 million in fiscal 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, respectively. As of August 31, 2018, $71.72021, $89.8 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.02.9 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of August 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, respectively.

Stock Option Awards
A summary of stock option activity is as follows:
Number OutstandingWeighted Average
Exercise Price Per Share
Aggregate Intrinsic ValueWeighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)
Outstanding as of August 31, 20183,143 $153.05 
Granted – non-performance-based482 $224.35 
Granted – non-employee Directors grant20 $207.88 
Exercised(705)$137.61 
Forfeited(416)$170.54 
Outstanding as of August 31, 20192,524 $168.50 
Granted – non-performance-based424 $256.43 
Granted – non-employee Directors grant16 $271.51 
Exercised(588)$145.54 
Forfeited(122)$218.36 
Outstanding as of August 31, 20202,254 $189.32 
Granted – non-performance-based418 $317.17 
Granted – non-employee Directors grant12 $318.20 
Exercised(322)$166.36 
Forfeited(85)$237.23 
Outstanding as of August 31, 20212,277 $214.89 $161.9 6.4
Options vested and exercisable as of August 31, 20211,019 $170.25 $214.0 4.9
Options expected to vest as of August 31, 20211,148 $248.91 $150.8 7.6
The aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between our closing stock price as of August 31, 2021 of $380.22 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date.
The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019 was $54.3 million, $85.0 million and $73.0 million, respectively.

82


Employee Stock Option Awards
During the twelve months ended August 31, 2021, we granted 417,546 stock options under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Stock Option and Award Plan as Amended and Restated (the "LTIP") with a weighted average exercise price of $317.17 to existing employees of FactSet, using the lattice-binomial option-pricing model. The majority of the stock options granted during the twelve months ended August 31, 2021 are related to the annual employee grant on November 9, 2020 under the LTIP. The stock option awards granted on November 9, 2020 vest 20% annually on the anniversary date of the grant and are fully vested after five years, expiring ten years from the date of grant.
Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

The Company utilizes

We utilize the lattice-binomial option-pricing model (“("binomial model”model") to estimate the fair value of new employee stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the binomial model is affected by the Company’sour stock price, as well as, assumptions regarding a number of variables. Theseseveral variables, includewhich nclude, but are not limited to the Company’sour expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Q1 2018

553,942 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $189.98 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $48.27 per share.

Q2 2018

15,363 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $192.11 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $48.82 per share.

Q3 2018

There were no employee stock options granted during the three-month ended May 31, 2018.

Q4 2018

5,848 non performance-based employee stock options and 16,512 performance-based employee stock options were both granted at a weighted average exercise price of $200.20 with a weighted average estimated fair value of $50.87 per share.

Q1 2017

671,263 non performance-based employee stock options and 22,460 performance-based employee stock options were both granted at a weighted average exercise price of $152.51 with a weighted average estimated fair value of $39.60 per share.

Q2 2017

61,744 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $169.16 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $43.81 per share.

Q3 2017

11,604 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $163.05 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $42.23 per share.

Q4 2017

29,650 non performance-based employee stock options and 206,417 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $165.75 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $42.93 per share.

Q1 2016

513,785 non performance-based employee stock options and 530,418 performance-based employee stock options were both granted at a weighted average exercise price of $170.21 with a weighted average estimated fair value of $46.62 per share.

Q2 2016

4,073 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at an exercise price of $150.81 and an estimated fair value of $40.51 per share.

Q3 2016

103,903 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at an exercise price of $152.10 and an estimated fair value of $40.57 per share.

Q4 2016

20,911 performance-based employee stock options were granted at an exercise price of $171.22 and an estimated fair value of $47.82 per share.

behaviors, to determine the grant date stock option award fair value.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during fiscal 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

  

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Term structure of risk-free interest rate

  1.28%2.41%   0.07%2.09%   0.07%2.1% 

Expected life (years)

  7.47.4   7.48.1   7.38.1 

Term structure of volatility

  19%29%   21%30%   21%30% 

Dividend yield

   1.32%     1.18%     1.09%  

Weighted average estimated fair value

   $48.39     $40.68     $46.08  

Weighted average exercise price

   $190.42     $156.77     $168.55  

Fair value as a percentage of exercise price

   25.4%     25.9%     27.3%  
(Weighted average assumptions)
202120202019
Term structure of risk-free interest rate0.04 %1.67%0.10 %1.79%1.28 %3.14%
Expected life (years)7.17.17.27.27.17.1
Term structure of volatility26 %27%25 %25%18 %29%
Dividend yield0.12%1.09%1.15%
Weighted average estimated fair value$78.31$60.33$57.12
Weighted average exercise price$317.17$256.43$224.35
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price24.7%23.5%25.5%

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of the Company’sour stock and implied volatilities of publicly traded options to buy FactSet common stock with contractual terms closest to the expected life of options granted to employees. The approach to utilize a mix of historical and implied volatility was based upon the availability of actively traded options on the Company’sour stock and the Company’sour assessment that a combination of implied volatility and historical volatility is best representative of future stock price trends. The Company usesWe use historical data to estimate option exercises and employee termination within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’sour history and expectation of dividend payouts. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding and is a derived output of the binomial model. The binomial model estimates employees exercise behavior based on the option’s remaining vested life and the extent to which the option is in-the-money. The binomial model estimates the probability of exercise as a function of these two variables based on the entire history of exercises and cancellations of all past option grants made by the Company.

us.

Non-Employee DirectorDirectors' Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

On December 19, 2017, the Company’s stockholders approved the Director Plan. Awards

The DirectorFactSet Research Systems Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option and Award Plan as Amended and Restated (the “Director Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. As part of the stockholder approval, theThe expiration date of the Director Plan was extended tois December 19, 20272027. The non-qualified stock options granted to directors vest 100% after three years on the anniversary date of the grant and expire seven years from the numberdate the options were granted. As of August 31, 2021, shares reservedavailable for issuancefuture grant under the Director Plan was increased by 250,000. As of August 31, 2018, shares available for future grant were 282,398.

The Company utilizes237,749.

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Fair Value Determinations
We utilize the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of new non-employee Director stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grantBlack-Scholes model is affected by the Company’sour stock price, as well as, assumptions regarding a number of variables. Theseseveral variables, which include, but are not limited to, the Company’sour expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Fiscal 2018

behaviors, to determine the grant date stock-based payment award fair value.

83

On January 12, 2018, FactSet15, 2021, January 15, 2020 and January 15, 2019, we granted 18,963 stock12,137, 16,080, and 20,576 stock options, respectively, to the Company’sour non-employee Directors. AllDirectors using the options granted on January 12, 2018, have a weighted average estimated fair value of $38.76 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model withvalues, based on the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

2.34%

Expected life (years)

5.4

Expected volatility

19.7%

Dividend yield

1.16%


Fiscal 2017

On January 13, 2017, FactSet granted 23,846 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors, including one-time new director grants of 2,104 for both Malcolm Frank and Sheila B. Jordan, who were elected to FactSet’s Board of Directors on December 20, 2016. All the options granted on January 13, 2017, have a weighted average estimated fair value of $35.65 per share, usingassumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model withmodel:

(Weighted average assumptions)
Years ended August 31,
202120202019
Fair value$82.01 $54.74 $42.77 
Risk-free interest rate0.77 %1.64 %2.51 %
Expected life (years)6.95.45.4
Expected volatility27.2 %22.0 %20.5 %
Dividend yield0.93 %1.11 %1.17 %
Restricted Stock Units
Our LTIP provides for the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

1.95%

Expected life (years)

5.4

Expected volatility

22.7%

Dividend yield

1.24%

Fiscal 2016

On January 15, 2016, FactSet granted 22,559 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors, including a one-time new director grant of 2,417 for Laurie Siegel, who was elected to FactSet’s Boardshare-based awards, including awards of Directors on December 15, 2015. All the options granted on January 15, 2016, have a weighted average estimated fair value of $31.03 perrestricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance share using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

1.62%

Expected life (years)

5.4

Expected volatility

23.0%

Dividend yield

1.05%

units ("PSUs"; RSUs and PSUs, collectively, "Restricted Stock Awards"). The Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations

Awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. The Restricted stockStock Awards granted to employees entitlesentitle the holderholders to shares of common stock as the award vestsRestricted Stock Awards vest over time, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares, while the restricted stock subject to the Restricted Stock Awards is unvested. Vesting of the shares underlying the PSUs are also subject to achieving certain specified performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant.

The grant date fair value of restricted stock awardsRestricted Stock Awards is measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s shareour common stock by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. The expense associated with Restricted stock awards areStock Awards is amortized over the vesting period.
As of August 31, 2021, a total of 196,621 shares underlying Restricted Stock Awards were unvested and outstanding, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation of $37.8 million to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period. period of 2.6 years.
A summary of Stock Award activity is as follows:
(in thousands, except per award data)Number OutstandingWeighted Average Grant
Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2018143 $139.34 
Granted - RSUs(1)
73 $239.03 
Vested - RSUs(85)$125.04 
Forfeited(7)$181.32 
Balance at August 31, 2019124 $205.47 
Granted - Restricted Stock Awards(1) (2)
74 $252.17 
Vested - RSUs(33)$197.37 
Forfeited(19)$198.53 
Balance at August 31, 2020146 $231.55 
Granted - Restricted Stock Awards(1)(2)
99 $312.86 
Vested - Restricted Stock Awards(35)$208.67 
Forfeited(13)$267.23 
Balance at August 31, 2021197 $274.1 
(1)Each Restricted Stock Award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the LTIP.
(2)During the fiscal 2018,year ended August 31, 2021 we granted 62,960 RSUs and 36,424 PSUs, During the fiscal year ended August 31, 2020 we granted 36,709 RSUs and 36,888 PSUs.
84

Performance-based Equity Awards
Performance-based equity awards require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving our performance targets. The number of performance-based awards that vest will be predicated on us achieving performance levels during the measurement period subsequent to the date of grant. Dependent on the financial performance levels attained, a percentage of the performance-based awards will vest to the grantees. However, there were 3,497 restrictedis no current guarantee that such awards will vest in whole or in part.
Share-based Awards Available for Grant
A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows:
(in thousands)Share-based Awards
Available for Grant under the
Employee Stock Option Plan
Share-based Awards
Available for Grant under the
Non-Employee Stock Option Plan
Balance at August 31, 20186,298 282 
Granted – non-performance-based options(481)— 
Granted – non-employee Directors options— (20)
Granted – RSUs(1)
(183)— 
Forfeited - Share-based awards(2)
433 
Balance at August 31, 20196,067 264 
Granted – non-performance-based options(424)— 
Granted – non-employee Directors options— (16)
Granted – RSUs(1)
(93)— 
Granted – PSUs(1)(91)— 
Forfeited – Share-based awards(2)
167 
Balance at August 31, 20205,626 250 
Granted – non-performance-based options(418)— 
Granted – non-employee Directors options— (12)
   Granted – RSUs(1)
(157)— 
Granted – PSUs(1)
(91)— 
Forfeited – Share-based awards(2)
120 — 
Balance at August 31, 20215,080 238 
(1)Each Restricted Stock Award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the LTIP.
(2)Under the LTIP, for each Restricted Stock Award canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awards balance.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Shares of FactSet common stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $189.28 compared to 62,400 restricted stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $158.26 in fiscal 2017.

Q1 2018

961 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $182.17 per share.

Q2 2018

No restricted stock granted.

Q3 2018

No restricted stock granted.

Q4 2018

2,536 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $191.97 per share.

Q1 2017

5,084 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $151.63 per share.

Q2 2017

7,843 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $161.31 per share.

Q3 2017

No restricted stock granted.

Q4 2017

49,473 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $158.46 per share.

Q1 2016

93,120 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $159.46 per share.

Q2 2016

No restricted stock granted.

Q3 2016

255 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $146.20 per share.

Q4 2016

3,944 shares of restricted stock were granted at a weighted average estimated fair value of $164.77 per share.


may be purchased by eligible employees under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Fair Value Determinations

as Amended and Restated (the "ESPP") in three-month intervals. The purchase price is equal to 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of our common stock on the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation and there is a $25,000 contribution limit per employee during an offering period. Dividends paid on shares held in the ESPP are used to purchase additional ESPP shares at the market price on the dividend payment date.

During fiscal 2018,2021, employees purchased 64,23038,848 shares at a weighted average price of $160.34$273.59 compared to 75,372with 42,606 shares at a weighted average price of $136.34$234.41 in fiscal 20172020 and 73,07248,532 shares at a weighted average price of $131.14$205.64 in fiscal 2016.2019. Stock-based compensation expense recorded during fiscal 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 relating to the employee stock purchase planESPP was $1.6$2.0 million, $2.1 million and $1.9$2.0 million, respectively.

The Company uses At August 31, 2021, the ESPP had 138,956 shares reserved for future issuance.

85

We use the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan.ESPP shares. The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grantsthe ESPP shares during fiscal years 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 2016,2019, was $31.83, $28.16$54.00, $50.69 and $26.87$41.06 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

  

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Risk-free interest rate

  1.55

%

  0.69

%

  0.22

%

Expected life (months)

  3   3   3 

Expected volatility

  10.19

%

  8.6

%

  10.7

%

Dividend yield

  1.27

%

  1.25

%

  1.18

%

(Weighted average assumptions)

Accuracy

202120202019
Risk-free interest rate0.26 %0.95 %2.33 %
Expected life (months)333
Expected volatility11.69 %20.04 %10.89 %
Dividend yield1.00 %1.08 %1.12 %

18. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plan
We established our 401(k) Plan in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of Fair Value Estimates

The CompanyFactSet and is responsible for determiningsubject to the assumptions used in estimatingprovisions of the fair valueEmployee Retirement Income Security Act of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of fair value1986 ("IRC"). Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affectedtheir eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the Company’s stock priceIRC. We matched up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the Internal Revenue Service annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five-year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by FactSet. We contributed $11.6 million, $11.3 million, and $10.9 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during fiscal 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

19. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Operating segments are defined as well as assumptions regarding a numbercomponents of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded optionsan enterprise that have no vesting or hedging restrictionsthe following characteristics: (i) they engage in business activities from which they may earn revenue and incur expense, (ii) their operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") for resource allocation decisions and performance assessment, and (iii) their discrete financial information is available. At FactSet, our Chief Executive Officer functions as our CODM.
Our operating segments are consistent with our reportable segments and are fully transferable.

17. INCOME TAXES  

Income tax expensehow we, including our CODM, manage our business and the geographic markets in which we serve. Our internal financial reporting structure is based on taxable income determined3 segments: the Americas; EMEA; and Asia Pacific. Within each of the segments, we primarily deliver insight and information through four workflow solutions: Research; Analytics & Trading; Content & Technology Solutions ("CTS"); and Wealth. Commencing with the our 2022 fiscal year, we have reorganized our workflows into three solutions: Research & Advisory; Analytics & Trading; and CTS, to better align our products and go-to-market strategy. These workflow solutions provide global financial and economic information to asset managers, investment banks and other financial services professionals.

The Americas segment serves our clients throughout North, Central, and South America. The EMEA segment serves our clients in accordanceEurope, the Middle East, and Africa. The Asia Pacific segment serves our clients in Asia and Australia. Segment revenue reflects sales to clients based in these respective geographic locations.
Each segment records expenses related to its individual operations with current enacted lawsthe exception of expenditures associated with our data centers, third-party data costs and tax rates. Deferred income taxescorporate headquarters charges, which are recorded forby the temporary differences betweenAmericas segment and are not allocated to the financial statementother segments. The content collection centers, located in India, the Philippines, and tax bases of assetsLatvia, benefit all our segments and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is as follows:

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

U.S. operations

 $199,654  $218,650  $353,434 

Non-U.S. operations

  152,184   125,662   107,559 

Income before income taxes

 $351,838  $344,312  $460,993 
             

U.S. operations

 $65,778  $65,403  $106,671 

Non-U.S. operations

  18,975   20,650   15,507 

Total provision for income taxes

 $84,753  $86,053  $122,178 

Effective tax rate

  24.1%  25.0%  26.5%


The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following:

  

Years ended August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

  

2016

 

Current

            

U.S. federal

 $58,835  $58,057  $97,703 

U.S. state and local

  5,159   5,659   4,917 

Non-U.S.

  22,669   17,458   15,030 

Total current taxes

 $86,663  $81,174  $117,650 
             

Deferred

            

U.S. federal

 $2,079  $4,320  $3,915 

U.S. state and local

  (295)  (77)  136 

Non-U.S.

  (3,694)  636   477 

Total deferred taxes

 $(1,910) $4,879  $4,528 

Total provision for income taxes

 $84,753  $86,053  $122,178 

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount of income tax determined by applying the U.S. statutory federal income tax rateexpenses incurred at these locations are allocated to income before income taxes as a result of the following factors:

  

Years ended August 31,

  

(expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes)

 

2018

  

2017

   

2016

  

Tax at U.S. Federal statutory tax rate

  25.7

%

  35.0

%

   35.0

%

 

Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from:

              

State and local taxes, net of U.S. federal income tax benefit

  2.9   1.8    1.5  

Foreign income at other than U.S. rates

  (3.2

)

  (7.0

)

(3)   (5.0

)

(4) 

Domestic production activities deduction

  (1.6

)

  (2.1

)

   (1.5

)

 

Income tax benefits from R&D tax credits

  (3.7

)

  (3.3

)

   (3.6

)

 

Income tax benefits from foreign tax credits

     (0.3

)

   (0.2

)

 

Share-Based Payments(1)

  (2.7

)

        

One-time transition tax from TCJA(2)

  6.6         

Other, net

  0.1   0.9    0.3  

Effective tax rate

  24.1

%

  25.0

%

   26.5

%

(5) 

(1)

During the first quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet adopted an accounting standard that requires all excess tax benefits or deficiencies related to share-based payments to be reported within the consolidated statement of incomethat were previously reported within equity. The adoption of this standard resulted in the recognition of $9.5 million of excess tax benefits to FactSet’s provision for income taxes during fiscal 2018.

(2)

The enactment of the TCJA resulted in a one-time transition tax expense of $23.2 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2018.

(3)

Includes a 200 basis point benefit as a result of FactSet’s global realignment. Effective September 1, 2016, FactSet realigned certain aspects of its global operations from FactSet Research Systems Inc., its U.S. parent company, to FactSet UK Limited, a U.K. operating company, to better position the Company to serve its growing client base outside the U.S. This realignment allows the Company to further implement strategic corporate objectives and helps achieve operational and financial efficiencies, while complementing FactSet’s increasing global growth and reach.

(4)

Includes a portion of the gain from the sale of the Market Metrics business that was not taxable in the UK

(5)

The fiscal 2016 effective tax rate of 26.5% includes income tax benefits of $10.5 million primarily from the permanent reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D Tax Credit (“R&D tax credit”) in December 2015, finalizing the fiscal 2015 tax returns and other discrete items.The reenactment of the R&D tax credit was retroactive to January 1, 2015, and eliminates the yearly uncertainty surrounding the extension of the credit.

FactSet’s effective tax rate iseach segment based on recurring factorsa percentage of revenue.

86

The following tables reflect the results of operations of our segments:
(in thousands)
Year Ended August 31, 2021AmericasEMEAAsia PacificTotal
Revenue$1,008,046 $427,700 $155,699 $1,591,445 
Operating income$218,180 $159,704 $96,157 $474,041 
Depreciation and amortization$39,415 $14,847 $10,214 $64,476 
Stock-based compensation$35,113 $8,401 $1,551 $45,065 
Capital expenditures$38,146 $1,424 $21,755 $61,325 
Year Ended August 31, 2020AmericasEMEAAsia PacificTotal
Revenue$943,649 $406,498 $143,964 $1,494,111 
Operating income$182,037 $165,317 $92,306 $439,660 
Depreciation and amortization$36,128 $14,338 $7,148 $57,614 
Stock-based compensation$28,780 $6,576 $1,223 $36,579 
Capital expenditures$60,204 $2,079 $15,359 $77,642 
Year Ended August 31, 2019AmericasEMEAAsia PacificTotal
Revenue$885,854 $420,884 $128,613 $1,435,351 
Operating income$171,237 $191,230 $75,568 $438,035 
Depreciation and amortization$40,018 $14,703 $5,742 $60,463 
Stock-based compensation$26,152 $5,320 $928 $32,400 
Capital expenditures$43,647 $2,595 $13,128 $59,370 
Segment Total Assets
The following table reflects the total assets for our segments:
As of August 31,
(in thousands)20212020
Segment Assets
Americas$1,144,693 $1,111,600 
EMEA842,652 757,524 
Asia Pacific237,595 214,264 
Total assets$2,224,940 $2,083,388 

Geographic Information
The following tables reflect our revenues and nonrecurring events, including the taxationlong-lived assets, split geographically by our country of foreign income. The Company’s effective tax rate will vary based on, among other things, changes in levels of foreign income, as well as discretedomicile (the United States) and other nonrecurring events that may not be predictable. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation through the TCJA. countries where major subsidiaries are domiciled.
87

Geographic Revenue
The TCJA significantly revises the U.S. corporate income tax including, lowering the statutory U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35%following table sets forth revenue by geography, attributed to 21%, effective January 1, 2018, implementing a modified territorial tax system and imposing a mandatory one-time transition tax on accumulated earnings and profits (“E&P”) of foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. While the company has not finalized the accounting for the tax effects of the enactment of the TCJA, FactSet has made a reasonable estimate of the effects on the existing U.S. deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. The Company will continue to refine its calculations as additional analyses are completed. In addition, the estimates may also be affected by changes in interpretations at the federal and state levels, and any additional regulatory guidance that may be issued.

FactSet had approximately $250.0 million in undistributed foreign E&P generated prior to December 31, 2017, which resulted in a one-time transition tax expense of $23.2 million recorded during the second quarter of fiscal 2018, payable over an eight-year period. This amount may change as the Company finalizes the calculation of foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation, as well as the analysis of available foreign tax credits. Due to the changes in taxation of undistributed foreign earnings under the TCJA, FactSet will continue to analyze foreign subsidiary earnings, as well as global working capital requirements, and may repatriate earnings when the amounts are remitted substantially free of additional tax.


Due to FactSet’s August 31st fiscal year-end, the lower tax rate was phased in, resulting in a blended U.S. statutory federal rate of 25.7% for the full fiscal 2018 year and a 21% rate for subsequent years. The reduction in the statutory federal rate also required the remeasurement of the Company’s net U.S. deferred tax position, which resulted in a non-recurring tax charge of $2.3 million. The provisional expense related to the one-time transition tax on the undistributed foreign earnings and the non-recurring tax charge from the remeasurement of deferred taxes were partially offset by the lower blended U.S. statutory rate and the recognition of excess tax benefits from the adoption of the employee share-based payment accounting standard.

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of deferred tax assets that recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:

  

At August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

 

Deferred tax assets:

        

Receivable reserve

 $599  $811 

Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements

  1,032   2,220 

Deferred rent

  7,711   11,615 

Stock-based compensation

  14,827   20,117 

Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology

  (24,059

)

  (32,742)

Other

  9,606   8,059 

Total deferred tax assets

 $9,716  $10,080 

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities recorded within the Consolidated Balance Sheet were as follows:

  

At August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

 

Deferred tax liabilities:

        

Stock-based compensation

 $(946) $(815)

Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology

  22,429   26,231 

Other

  (293)  1,858 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 $21,190  $27,274 

Unrecognized Tax Positions

Applicable accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, classification and disclosure of uncertain tax positions that a company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. A company can recognize the financial effect of an income tax position only if it is more likely than not (greater than 50%) that the tax position will prevail upon tax examination, based solely on the technical merits of the tax position. Otherwise, no benefit or expense can be recognized in the consolidated financial statements. The tax benefits recognized are measuredcountries based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihoodlocation of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Additionally, companies are required to accrue interest on all tax exposures for which reserves have been established consistent with jurisdictional tax laws.

As of August 31, 2018, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $9.2 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as Non-current taxes payable within the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is ultimately settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.

client:
(in thousands)Years ended August 31,
202120202019
Revenues
United States$952,423 $898,609 $846,362 
United Kingdom190,044 179,966 166,944 
Other European Countries237,656 226,532 253,940 
All Other Countries211,322 189,004 168,105 
Total revenue$1,591,445 $1,494,111 $1,435,351 
Geographic Long-Lived Assets

The following table summarizes the changes in the balancesets forth long-lived assets by geographic area. Long-lived assets consist of gross unrecognized tax benefits:

(in thousands)

    

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2015

 $6,776 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

  1,779 

Additions for tax positions of prior years

  1,436 

Statute of limitations lapse

  (1,209)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2016

 $8,782 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

  3,896 

Additions for tax positions of prior years

  628 

Statute of limitations lapse

  (1,822)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2017

 $11,484 

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

  2,954 

Additions for tax positions of prior years

  531 

Statute of limitations lapse

  (3,146)

Reductions from settlements with Taxing Authorities

  (2,600)

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2018

 $9,223 

In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, stateProperty, equipment and foreign tax authorities. At August 31, 2018, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions for the tax years as indicated below:

Major Tax Jurisdictions

 

Open Tax Years

 

U.S.

      

Federal

  2015through2018 

State (various)

  2015through2018 
       

Europe

      

United Kingdom

  2015through2018 

France

  2016through2018 

Germany

  2017through2018 

leasehold improvements, net and Lease right-of-use assets, net and excludes goodwill, intangible assets, deferred taxes and other assets.
(in thousands)At August 31,
20212020
Long-lived Assets
United States$179,864 $205,929 
Philippines80,320 53,124 
India36,902 42,923 
United Kingdom30,976 32,184 
All Other Countries42,379 47,871 
Total long-lived assets$370,441 $382,031 

18. DEBT

FactSet’s debt obligations consisted of the following:

  

At August 31,

 

(in thousands)

 

2018

  

2017

 

2017 Revolving Credit Facility (maturity date of March 17, 2020)

 $575,000  $575,000 

On March 17, 2017, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “2017 Credit Agreement”) between FactSet, as the borrower, and PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), as the administrative agent and lender. The 2017 Credit Agreement provides for a $575.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2017 Revolving Credit Facility”). FactSet may request borrowings under the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility until its maturity date of March 17, 2020. The 2017 Credit Agreement also allows FactSet, subject to certain requirements, to arrange for additional borrowings with PNC for an aggregate amount of up to $225.0 million, provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. Borrowings under the loan bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus 1.00%. Interest on the loan outstanding is payable quarterly in arrears and on the maturity date. There are no prepayment penalties if the Company elects to prepay the outstanding loan amounts prior to the scheduled maturity date. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date.

In conjunction with FactSet’s entrance into the 2017 Credit Agreement, the Company borrowed $575.0 million in the form of a LIBOR rate loan under the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility and retired the outstanding debt under its previous credit agreement between FactSet, as the borrower, and Bank of America, N.A., as the lender. The total principal amount of the debt outstanding at the time of retirement was $365.0 million and there were no prepayment penalties. Proceeds from the 2017 Revolving Credit Facility were also used to fund FactSet’s acquisition of BISAM.

All outstanding loan amounts are reported as Long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at August 31, 2018. During fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016, FactSet recorded interest expense of $15.9 million, $8.4 million and $3.0 million, respectively, on its outstanding debt amounts. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date.


As of August 31, 2018, no commitment fee was owed by FactSet since it borrowed the full amount under the 2017 Credit Agreement. In fiscal 2017, FactSet incurred approximately $0.4 million in legal costs to draft and review the 2017 Credit Agreement. These costs were capitalized as loan origination fees and are amortized into interest expense over the term of the loan using the effective interest method.

The 2017 Credit Agreement contained covenants restricting certain FactSet activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan.

In addition, the 2017 Credit Agreement required that FactSet maintain a consolidated leverage ratio, as measured by total funded debt/EBITDA below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants of the 2017 Credit Agreement as of August 31, 2018.

19. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments represent obligations, such as those for future purchases of goods or services that are not yet recorded on the balance sheet as liabilities. FactSet records liabilities for commitments when incurred (i.e., when the goods or services are received).

Lease Commitments

At August 31, 2018, FactSet was leasing approximately 202,000 square feet of existing office space for its headquarters at 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut. On February 14, 2018, the Company entered a new lease to relocate its corporate headquarters to 45 Glover Avenue in Norwalk, Connecticut. The new location will comprise approximately 173,000 square feet of office space. FactSet expects to take possession of the newly leased property on or around January 1, 2019, for fit-out purposes. The Company will continue to occupy its existing headquarters space until the new headquarters property is ready for occupancy, currently estimated to be in the second quarter of fiscal 2020.

Including new lease agreements executed during fiscal 2018, the Company’s worldwide leased office space increased to approximately 1,750,000 square feet of office space under various non-cancelable operating leases which expire on various dates through 2031. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of Selling, General & Administrative expense) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms. Future minimum commitments for the Company’s operating leases in place as of August 31, 2018, including the fully executed lease for its new headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut are as follows:

(in thousands)

Years ended August 31,

 

Minimum Lease

Payments

 

2019

 $41,094 

2020

  37,846 

2021

  35,505 

2022

  32,819 

2023

  30,524 

Thereafter

  229,977 

Total

 $407,765 

During fiscal 2018, 2017 and 2016, rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $54.6 million, $48.4 million and $43.2 million, respectively. At August 31, 2018 and 2017, deferred rent reported within the Consolidated Balance Sheets totaled $39.4 million and $37.4 million, of which $33.6 million and $33.5 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities.

Approximately $2.0 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of August 31, 2018. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require FactSet to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of August 31, 2018 and 2017, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

Purchase Commitments with Suppliers

Purchase obligations represent payments due in future periods in respect of commitments to the Company’s various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication and computer maintenance services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on FactSet, and they specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. As of August 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had total purchase commitments with suppliers of $79.0 million and $81.0 million, respectively. There were no material changes in the Company’s purchase commitments with suppliers during fiscal 2018.


Contingencies

Income Taxes

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance (see Note 17). FactSet is currently under audit by tax authorities and has reserved for potential adjustments to its provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated settlements with, these tax authorities. The Company believes that the final outcome of these examinations or settlements will not have a material effect on its results of operations. If events occur which indicate payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in the recognition of tax benefits in the period FactSet determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the Company’s estimates of the federal, state, and foreign income tax liabilities are less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Legal Matters

FactSet accrues non income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable, and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is engaged in various legal proceedings, claims and litigation that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, including employment matters, commercial and intellectual property litigation. The outcome of all the matters against the Company is subject to future resolution, including the uncertainties of litigation. Based on information available at August 31, 2018, FactSet’s management believes that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.

Sales Tax Matters

In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, FactSet received a letter from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue relating to prior tax periods. The letter requested additional sales information in order to determine if a notice of intent to assess should be issued to FactSet. Based upon a preliminary review of their request, the Company believes the state may assess sales tax, and underpayment penalties and interest, on previously recorded sales transactions. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the assessment process, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the ultimate outcome of this matter and, as such, has not recorded a liability as of August 31, 2018. While FactSet believes that it will ultimately prevail if the Company is presented with a formal assessment and is required to pay it, the amount could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations.

Indemnifications

As permitted or required under Delaware law and to the maximum extent allowable under that law, FactSet has certain obligations to indemnify its current and former officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was serving, at FactSet’s request in such capacity. These indemnification obligations are valid as long as the director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. The maximum potential amount of future payments FactSet could be required to make under these indemnification obligations is unlimited; however, FactSet has a director and officer insurance policy that it believes mitigates FactSet's exposure and may enable FactSet to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. The Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification obligations is immaterial.

20. RISKS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK

Financial Risk Management

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The Company

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange risk as we conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Indian Rupee, Japanese Yen and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translatedChanges in the exchange rates for such currencies into U.S. dollars using period-end ratescan affect our revenues, earnings, and the carrying values of exchange forour assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. in our consolidated balance sheet, either positively or negatively.
To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizeswe utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of AOCL and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings.
By their nature, all derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency exchange movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. FactSet doesWe do not believe there is significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments because these transactions are executed with a major financial institution.institutions. Further, the Company’sour policy is to deal with counterparties having a minimum investment grade or better credit rating. Credit risk is managed through the continuous monitoring of exposures to such counterparties. FactSet’sOur primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings associated with changes in foreign currency.

Refer to Note 6, Derivative Instruments for more information on our foreign currency exposures and our foreign currency forward contracts.


88


Interest Rate Risk

Cash and Cash Equivalents - and Investments
The fair market value of FactSet’sour cash and cash equivalents and investments at August 31, 20182021 was $237.9$717.8 million. The Company’sOur cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. The Company’s investments consistWe are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations of both mutual funds and certificates of deposit as both are part of the Company’s investment strategy. These mutual funds and certificates of deposit are included as Investments (short term)interest rates on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as the certificates of depositour investments. As we have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and the mutual funds can be liquidated at the Company’s discretion. The mutual funds and certificates of deposit are held for investment and are not considered debt securities. It is anticipated that the fair market value of the Company’s cash and investments will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of FactSet’s cash and investment policy. Pursuant to established investment guidelines, the Company tries to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Its investment guidelines do not permit FactSet to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Because the Company has a restrictive investment policy, itsour financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. The Company does not believe that the value or liquidity
Refer to Note 3, Summary of itsSignificant Accounting Policies for more information on our cash and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events.

cash equivalents.

Debt-
As of August 31, 2018,2021, we had long term debt outstanding under the fair value of FactSet’s long-term debt was $575.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount and was determined based on quoted market prices for debt2019 Revolving Credit Facility with a similar maturity. It is anticipated that the fair market valueprincipal balance of FactSet’s debt will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates and the Company does not believe that the value of its debt has been significantly impacted by current market events.$575.0 million. The debt bears interest on the outstanding principal amountprinciple at a rate equal to the daily LIBOR rate plus a spread, using a debt leverage pricing grid currently at 1.00%. During fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017, the Company recorded interest expensegrid. The variable rate of $15.9 million and $8.4 million in interest on itsour long-term debt can expose us to interest rate volatility due to changes in LIBOR. To mitigate this exposure, on March 5, 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $287.5 million to hedge the variable interest rate obligation, effectively converting the floating interest rate to fixed for the hedged portion. Thus, we are only exposed to base interest rate risk on floating rate borrowings in excess of any amounts that are not hedged, or $287.5 million of our outstanding debt amounts, respectively.principal balance. Assuming all terms of the Company’sour outstanding long-term debt remained the same, a hypothetical 25 basis point change (up or down) in the one-month LIBOR rate would result in a $1.4$0.7 million change in itsour annual interest expense.

Refer to Note 13, Debt for additional information regarding our outstanding debt obligations.
Current market events have not required the Companyus to modify materially or change itsour financial risk management strategies with respect to itsour exposures to foreign currency exchange risk and interest rate risk.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Cash equivalents

Cash

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. We are exposed to credit risk for cash and cash equivalents held in financial institutions in the event of a default, to the extent that such amounts are maintained primarily with fivein excess of applicable insurance limits. We have not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. We do not believe our concentration of cash and cash equivalents present a significant credit risk as the counterparties to the instruments consist of multiple high-quality, credit-worthy financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. These deposits may be redeemed upon demand and
Accounts Receivable
Our accounts receivable are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company seekssubject to mitigate its credit risks by spreading such risks across multiple counterparties and monitoring thecollection risk profiles of these counterparties.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivableas they are unsecured and are derived from revenuesrevenue earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet doesWe do not require collateral from its clients but performs credit evaluations on an ongoing basis. The Company maintainsour clients. We maintain reserves for potential write-offs and evaluatesevaluate the adequacy of the reserves periodically. These losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more than 3% of FactSet'sour total revenuessubscription revenue in any fiscal yearperiod presented. At August 31, 2018, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for approximately 2% of total annual subscriptions, and subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total annual subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2017. As of August 31, 20182021 and 2017,2020, the receivable reserve was $3.5$6.4 million and $2.7$8.0 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments

As a result of the

Our use of derivative instruments the Company is exposedexposes us to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk intoto the valueextent counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the Company’s derivative liabilities, when applicable. FactSet calculatestheir agreements. To mitigate credit risk, from observable data relatedwe limit counterparties to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. As CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with largecredit-worthy financial institutions and regularly reviews itsdistribute contracts among these institutions to reduce the concentration of credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company doesrisk. We do not expect any losses as a result of default by our counterparties.
89

Tableof its counterparties.

Concentrations

Concentration of Other Risk

Data Content Providers

Certain

We integrate data sets that FactSet relies onfrom various third-party sources into our hosted propriety data and analytics platform, which our clients access to perform their analyses. As certain data sources have a limited number of suppliers, although the Company makeswe make every effort to assure that, where reasonable, alternative sources are available. However, FactSet isWe are not dependent on any oneindividual third-party data supplier in order to meet the needs of its clients. FactSet combines theour clients, with only two data from these commercial databases into its own dedicated single online service, which the client accesses to perform their analysis. No single vendor or data supplier representedsuppliers representing more than 10% of FactSet'sour total data expenses in any fiscalcosts for the year presented.

21. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The following table presents selected unaudited financial information for each of the quarterly periods in the years ended August 31, 20182021.

21. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
As previously announced, on October 12, 2021, we completed our acquisition of Cobalt Software, Inc. (“Cobalt”), and 2017.its subsidiaries, for approximately $51.0 million, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. Cobalt is a leading portfolio monitoring solutions provider for the private capital industry. The results for any quarteracquisition of Cobaltadvances our strategy to scale our data and workflow solutions and expands our private market offering. Results of Operations from Cobalt will be recognized based on geographic business activities in accordance with how our operating segments are not necessarily indicativecurrently aligned. We expect the majority of future quarterly resultsthe Cobalt purchase price to be allocated to goodwill and accordingly, period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.

acquired intangible assets.

Fiscal 2018 (in thousands, except per share data)

 

First

Quarter

  

Second

Quarter

  

Third

Quarter

  

Fourth

Quarter

 

Revenues

 $329,141  $335,231  $339,911  $345,861 

Cost of services

 $161,524  $163,232  $165,073  $169,467 

Selling, general and administrative

 $78,519  $76,514  $81,573  $88,038 

Operating income

 $89,098  $95,485  $93,265  $88,356 

Net income

 $70,379  $53,137  $74,746  $68,823 

Diluted EPS(1)

 $1.77  $1.33  $1.91  $1.77 

Diluted weighted average common shares

  39,680   39,846   39,104   38,879 

Fiscal 2017 (in thousands, except per share data)

 

First

Quarter

  

Second

Quarter

  

Third

Quarter

  

Fourth

Quarter

 

Revenues

 $288,063  $294,354  $312,120  $326,642 

Cost of services

 $127,250  $131,635  $146,426  $161,269 

Selling, general and administrative

 $70,494  $70,973  $78,052  $82,945 

Operating income

 $90,319  $91,746  $87,642  $82,428 

Net income

 $66,583  $66,710  $65,414  $59,552 

Diluted EPS(1)

 $1.66  $1.68  $1.66  $1.52 

Diluted weighted average common shares

  40,100   39,700   39,457   39,281 

(1)

Diluted earnings per common share is calculated independently for each of the periods presented. Accordingly, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the total for the fiscal year.


90


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTINGAND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our

Our management, including theour principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as of the end of the annual period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosedas of the end of the annual period covered by us in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

this report.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during theour fourth quarter of fiscal 20182021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

See Item 8. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

See Item 8. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

In the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 6, 2018, the Company reported in connection with her hiring that Helen L. Shan, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, would be granted an annual equity award with a grant date value

None.
91

Table of $400,000 in conjunction with the Company’s fiscal 2019 equity grant and that such grant was estimated to be made in early November 2018. In fact, this grant is expected to be made in November 2019 in connection with the Company’s 2019 equity grants at the same time as all other annual option grants are made to executives in calendar year 2019.

 PART

Part III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required to be furnished by this item relating to our directors and nominees, relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1934, and relating to our Audit Committee is included under the captions “Corporate Governance” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2018, and all such informationItem 10. is incorporated herein by reference.

reference to our Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of August 31, 2021 (the "Proxy Statement").

Pursuant to General Instruction G(3) of Form 10-K, the information required by this item relating to our executive officers is included under the caption “Executivein Item 1. Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part IRegistrant of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, including the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, all other officers and the Company’s directors. A copy of this code is available on the Company’s website at https://investor.factset.com on the Leadership and Corporate Governance page. The Company intends to satisfy any disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of this code of ethics by posting such information on our website at the address and general location specified above.

The Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of the committees of our Board of Directors, including the Audit Committee, Compensation and Talent Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are also available on our website at https://investor.factset.com on the Leadership and Corporate Governance page. The guidelines, charters and code of ethics are also available in print free of charge to any stockholder who submits a written request to our Investor Relations department at our corporate headquarters at 601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required to be furnished by this item relating to compensation is included under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation and Talent Committee Report,” “Director Compensation Program,” including “Equity Compensation,” and “Director Compensation Table” of the definitive Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2018, and all such informationItem 11. is incorporated herein by reference.

reference to our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required to be furnished by this item relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, in the definitive Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2018, and such informationItem 12. is incorporated herein by reference.

reference to our Proxy Statement.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes as of August 31, 2018,2021, the number of outstanding equity awards granted to employees and non-employee directors, as well as the number of equity awards remaining available for future issuance, under FactSet’sour equity compensation plans:

(In thousands, except per share data)

            
  

(a)

      

(c)

 
  

Number of securities

  

(b)

  

Number of securities remaining

 
  

to be issued upon exercise

  

Weighted-average

  

available for future issuances under

 
  

of outstanding options and

  

exercise price of

  

equity compensation plans (excluding

 

Plan category

 

restricted stock vesting

  

outstanding options

  

securities reflected in column (a))

 

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

  3,286 (1) $153.05 (2)  6,850 (3)
             

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

         
             

Total

  3,286 (1) $153.05 (2)  6,850 (3)

(1)

Includes shares of FactSet common stock subject to outstanding restricted stock that will entitle each holder to the issuance of one share of common stock as they vest.

(In thousands, except per share data)
Plan category
Number of securities
to be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options, warrants and rights
(a)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
(b)
Number of securities remaining
available for future issuances under
equity compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders2,474 (1)$214.89 (2)5,456 (3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders— — — 
Total2,474 (1)$214.89 (2)5,456 (3)
(1)Includes 2,277 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options, 128 shares issuable upon vesting of awards of restricted stock units and 69 shares issuable upon the conversion of outstanding performance share units.
(2)Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options only.
(3)Includes 5,079,693 shares available for future issuance under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated, 237,749 shares available for future issuance under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated,and 138,956shares available forpurchaseunder theFactSet Research Systems Inc.2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan,asAmended and Restated.


92

(2)

Calculated without taking into account shares of FactSet common stock subject to outstanding restricted stock that will become issuable as they vest, without any cash consideration or other payment required for such shares.

(3)

Includes 282,398 shares available for future issuance under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated and 268,942 shares available for purchase under the FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as Amended and Restated.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required to be furnished by this item relating to review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons is included under the caption “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and all the information required by this item relating to director independence is included under the caption “Corporate Governance” contained in the definitive Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2018, all of which informationItem 13. is incorporated herein by reference.

reference to our Proxy Statement.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required to be furnished by this item is included under the caption “Proposal 2: Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the definitive Proxy Statement dated October 30, 2018, all of which informationItem 14. is incorporated herein by reference.

reference to our Proxy Statement.

93

PART


Part IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

Documents filed as part of this Report on Form 10-K:

1.

Financial Statements

The information required by this item is included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, which is incorporated herein.

2.

Financial Statements Schedule

(a)Documents filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

1.Financial Statements
The information required by this item is included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of this Annual Report on Form 10-K which is incorporated herein.
2.Financial Statements Schedule
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Years ended August 31, 2018, 20172021, 2020 and 20162019 (in thousands):

Receivable reserve
and billing adjustments
Balance at Beginning of Year
Charged to Expense/
Against Revenue(1)
Write-offs,
Net of Recoveries
Balance at
End of Year
2021$7,987 $918 $(2,474)$6,431 
2020$10,511 $754 $(3,278)$7,987 
2019$3,490 $11,474 $(4,453)$10,511 

Receivable reserve

and billing adjustments

 

Balance at Beginning of Year

  

Charged to Expense/

Against Revenue(1)

  

Write-offs,

Net of Recoveries

  

Balance at

End of Year

 

2018

 $2,738  $4,737  $3,985  $3,490 

2017

 $1,521  $3,381  $2,164  $2,738 

2016

 $1,580  $1,917  $1,976  $1,521 
(1) Additions to the receivable reserve for doubtful accounts are charged to bad debt expense. Additions to the receivable reserve for billing adjustments are charged against revenue.

(1)  Additions to the receivable reserve for doubtful accounts are charged to bad debt expense. Additions to the receivable reserve for billing adjustments are charged against revenues.

Additional financial statement schedules are omitted since they are either not required, not applicable, or the information is otherwise included.

3.Exhibits
94

DEF-14A001-11869Appendix A10/30/2008
8-K001-1186910.212/21/2017
10-Q001-1186910.14/9/2018
8-K001-1186910.13/29/2019
8-K001-1186910.19/25/2020
8-K001-1186910.13/5/2020
8-K001-1186910.23/5/2020
X
X
X
X
X
X
101.INSXBRL Instance DocumentX
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension SchemaX
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation LinkbaseX
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label LinkbaseX
95

3.

Exhibits

101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation LinkbaseX
104Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101X

The information required by this Item is set forth below.

 

 

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Exhibit

Description

Form

File No.

Exhibit No.

Filing Date

Filed

Herewith

3.1

 

Restated Certificate of Incorporation

S-1/A

333-04238

3.1

6/26/1996

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation

10-K

333-22319

 3.12

11/20/2001

 

3.3

 

Second Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation

8-K

001-11869

3.1

12/16/2011

 

3.4

 

Amended and Restated By-laws of FactSet Research Systems Inc. as amended September 1, 2018

8-K

001-11869

3.1

9/06/2018

 

4.0

 

Form of Common Stock

S-1/A

  333-04238

4.1

6/26/1996

 

10.1

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Employee Stock Option and Award Plan(1)

DEF-14A

  001-11869

Exhibit A

11/10/2004

 

10.2

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated(1)

DEFR-14A

001-11869

Appendix A

12/06/2010

 

10.3

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc. Stock Option and Award Plan as Amended and Restated(1)

8-K

 001-11869

10.1

12/21/2017

 

10.4

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan(1)

DEF-14A

 001-11869

Appendix A

10/30/2008

 

10.5

 

FactSet Research Systems Inc. Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated(1)

8-K

  001-11869

10.2

12/21/2017

 

10.6

 

Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims with Mark Hale as of November 13, 2017(1)

10-Q

  001-11869

10.1

1/09/2018

 

10.7

 

Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims with Maurizio Nicolelli as of May 8, 2018(1)

10-Q

  001-11869

10.1

7/10/2018

 

10.8

 

Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims with Edward Baker-Greene as of July 5, 2018(1)

10-Q

  001-11869

10.2

7/10/2018

 

10.9

 

Lease, dated February 14, 2018, between FactSet Research Systems Inc. and 45 Glover Partners, LLC(2)

10-Q

001-11869

10.1

4/09/2018

 

(1)Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
(2)Confidential treatment has been granted for portions of this exhibit.

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.


96

10.10

 

Credit Agreement with PNC Bank as of March 17, 2017

8-K

001-11869

10.1

3/20/2017

 

21

 

Subsidiaries of FactSet Research Systems Inc.

 

 

 

 

X

23

 

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

 

 

X

31.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 

 

 

 

X

31.2

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended.

 

 

 

 

X

32.1

 

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

X

32.2

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

 

X

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

 

X

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

 

 

X

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

 

 

 

X

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

 

 

 

 

X

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

 

 

 

X

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

 

 

 

X

(1)

Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement

(2)

Confidential treatment has been granted for portions of this exhibit.




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.

(Registrant)

Date: October 30, 2018

22, 2021

/s/ F. PHILIP SNOW

F. Philip Snow

Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 Name

Title

Date

Name

TitleDate
/s/ F. PHILIP SNOW

Chief Executive Officer and Director 

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
F. Philip Snow(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ HELEN L. SHAN

LINDA S. HUBER

Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Helen L. ShanLinda S. Huber(Principal Financial Officer) 

/s/ MATTHEW J. MCNULTY

GREGORY T. MOSKOFF

Senior Vice President, Controller 

and Chief Accounting Officer

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Matthew J. McNultyGregory T. Moskoff(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ PHILIP A. HADLEY   

Chairman

October 30, 2018

Philip A. Hadley

/s/ ROBIN A. ABRAMS

Director

Chair

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Robin A. Abrams

/s/ SCOTT A. BILLEADEAU

SIEW KAI CHOY

Director

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Scott A. BilleadeauSiew Kai Choy

/s/ MALCOLM FRANK 

Director

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Malcolm Frank

/s/ SHEILA B. JORDAN

Director

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Sheila B. Jordan

/s/ JAMES J. MCGONIGLE

Director

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
James J. McGonigle

/s/ LEE SHAVEL

DirectorOctober 22, 2021
Lee Shavel
/s/ LAURIE SIEGEL

Director

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Laurie Siegel

/s/ JOSEPH R. ZIMMEL

Director

October 30, 2018

22, 2021
Joseph R. Zimmel

95


97