UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED March 31, 2016
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 000-51280
MORNINGSTAR, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Illinois | 36-3297908 | |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
Incorporation or Organization) | Identification Number) | |
22 West Washington Street | ||
Chicago, Illinois | 60602 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) | |
(312) 696-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
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 whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | |||
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of April 22, 2016, there were 42,911,386 shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value, outstanding.
MORNINGSTAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 | ||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 | ||||
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PART 1. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
3
Morningstar, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions except per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Revenue | $ | 192.1 | $ | 189.8 | ||||
Operating expense: | ||||||||
Cost of revenue | 85.3 | 78.7 | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 22.3 | 25.4 | ||||||
General and administrative | 25.6 | 26.1 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16.6 | 15.1 | ||||||
Total operating expense | 149.8 | 145.3 | ||||||
Operating income | 42.3 | 44.5 | ||||||
Non-operating income (expense): | ||||||||
Interest income, net | 0.2 | 0.2 | ||||||
Loss on sale of investments, reclassified from other comprehensive income | (0.1 | ) | — | |||||
Other income (expense), net | 0.4 | (0.6 | ) | |||||
Non-operating income (expense), net | 0.5 | (0.4 | ) | |||||
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated entities | 42.8 | 44.1 | ||||||
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 14.6 | 14.8 | ||||||
Consolidated net income | 28.7 | 29.8 | ||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc. | $ | 28.7 | $ | 29.7 | ||||
Net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.: | ||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.67 | ||||
Diluted | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.67 | ||||
Dividends per common share: | ||||||||
Dividends declared per common share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.19 | ||||
Dividends paid per common share | $ | 0.22 | $ | 0.19 | ||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||||||||
Basic | 43.0 | 44.3 | ||||||
Diluted | 43.1 | 44.5 | ||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Morningstar, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Consolidated net income | $ | 28.7 | $ | 29.8 | ||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | 4.5 | (19.8 | ) | |||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net of tax: | ||||||||
Unrealized holding gains arising during period | 0.5 | 0.1 | ||||||
Reclassification losses included in net income | 0.1 | — | ||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 5.1 | (19.7 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income | 33.8 | 10.1 | ||||||
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Comprehensive income attributable to Morningstar, Inc. | $ | 33.8 | $ | 10.0 | ||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Morningstar, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31 | As of December 31 | |||||||
(in millions except share amounts) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Current assets: | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 185.2 | $ | 207.1 | ||||
Investments | 41.5 | 41.5 | ||||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1.5 and $1.8, respectively | 148.1 | 139.3 | ||||||
Other current assets | 25.6 | 22.0 | ||||||
Total current assets | 400.4 | 409.9 | ||||||
Property, equipment, and capitalized software, less accumulated depreciation and amortization of $180.8 and $169.8, respectively | 134.0 | 134.5 | ||||||
Investments in unconsolidated entities | 49.3 | 35.6 | ||||||
Goodwill | 367.9 | 364.2 | ||||||
Intangible assets, net | 70.3 | 74.2 | ||||||
Other assets | 10.8 | 10.6 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,032.7 | $ | 1,029.0 | ||||
Liabilities and equity | ||||||||
Current liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 41.3 | $ | 39.2 | ||||
Accrued compensation | 38.9 | 80.9 | ||||||
Deferred revenue | 161.0 | 140.7 | ||||||
Short-term debt | 75.0 | 35.0 | ||||||
Other current liabilities | 7.6 | 8.6 | ||||||
Total current liabilities | 323.8 | 304.4 | ||||||
Accrued compensation | 9.4 | 8.9 | ||||||
Deferred tax liability, net | 17.7 | 19.8 | ||||||
Deferred rent | 24.6 | 25.4 | ||||||
Other long-term liabilities | 26.7 | 29.9 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 402.2 | 388.4 | ||||||
Equity: | ||||||||
Morningstar, Inc. shareholders’ equity: | ||||||||
Common stock, no par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, of which 42,911,386 and 43,403,076 shares were outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively | — | — | ||||||
Treasury stock at cost, 9,976,234 and 9,478,449 shares as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively | (658.6 | ) | (619.8 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 579.9 | 575.5 | ||||||
Retained earnings | 758.4 | 739.2 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss: | ||||||||
Currency translation adjustment | (49.0 | ) | (53.5 | ) | ||||
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments | (0.5 | ) | (1.1 | ) | ||||
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss | (49.5 | ) | (54.6 | ) | ||||
Total Morningstar, Inc. shareholders’ equity | 630.2 | 640.3 | ||||||
Noncontrolling interest | 0.3 | 0.3 | ||||||
Total equity | 630.5 | 640.6 | ||||||
Total liabilities and equity | $ | 1,032.7 | $ | 1,029.0 | ||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
Morningstar, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
For the three months ended March 31, 2016
Morningstar, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Non- Controlling Interest | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions, except share amounts) | Shares Outstanding | Par Value | Treasury Stock | Retained Earnings | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of December 31, 2015 | 43,403,076 | $ | — | $ | (619.8 | ) | $ | 575.5 | $ | 739.2 | $ | (54.6 | ) | $ | 0.3 | $ | 640.6 | ||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 28.7 | — | — | 28.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments, net of income tax of $0.3 | — | — | — | — | 0.5 | — | 0.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reclassification of adjustments for losses included in net income | — | — | — | — | 0.1 | — | 0.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net | — | — | — | — | 4.5 | — | 4.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net | — | — | — | — | 5.1 | — | 5.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock related to stock-option exercises | 6,095 | — | — | 0.4 | — | — | — | 0.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | — | 4.0 | — | — | — | 4.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares repurchased | (497,785 | ) | — | (38.8 | ) | — | — | — | — | (38.8 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared | — | — | — | (9.5 | ) | — | — | (9.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance as of March 31, 2016 | 42,911,386 | $ | — | $ | (658.6 | ) | $ | 579.9 | $ | 758.4 | $ | (49.5 | ) | $ | 0.3 | $ | 630.5 | ||||||||||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
7
Morningstar, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Operating activities | ||||||||
Consolidated net income | $ | 28.7 | $ | 29.8 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16.6 | 15.1 | ||||||
Deferred income taxes | (2.2 | ) | (1.6 | ) | ||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 4.0 | 4.3 | ||||||
Provision for (recoveries of) bad debts | (0.2 | ) | 0.3 | |||||
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities | (0.5 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units | — | (1.1 | ) | |||||
Other, net | (0.3 | ) | 0.6 | |||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | (7.8 | ) | (8.6 | ) | ||||
Other assets | (5.2 | ) | (0.5 | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 2.2 | 2.2 | ||||||
Accrued compensation | (41.2 | ) | (36.4 | ) | ||||
Income taxes—current | (1.4 | ) | 13.9 | |||||
Deferred revenue | 19.3 | 17.4 | ||||||
Deferred rent | (0.8 | ) | 0.1 | |||||
Other liabilities | 0.2 | — | ||||||
Cash provided by operating activities | 11.4 | 35.0 | ||||||
Investing activities | ||||||||
Purchases of investments | (9.2 | ) | (5.5 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from maturities and sales of investments | 10.2 | 5.9 | ||||||
Capital expenditures | (13.5 | ) | (14.4 | ) | ||||
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (2.5 | ) | — | |||||
Purchases of equity- and cost-method investments | (13.1 | ) | — | |||||
Other, net | — | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Cash used for investing activities | (28.1 | ) | (14.1 | ) | ||||
Financing activities | ||||||||
Common shares repurchased | (38.8 | ) | (2.3 | ) | ||||
Dividends paid | (9.5 | ) | (8.4 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from short-term debt | 40.0 | 15.0 | ||||||
Proceeds from stock-option exercises | 0.4 | 1.8 | ||||||
Excess tax benefits from stock-option exercises and vesting of restricted stock units | — | 1.1 | ||||||
Other, net | — | (0.2 | ) | |||||
Cash provided by (used for) financing activities | (7.9 | ) | 7.0 | |||||
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | 2.7 | (8.5 | ) | |||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (21.9 | ) | 19.4 | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period | 207.1 | 185.2 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period | $ | 185.2 | $ | 204.6 | ||||
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
Cash paid for income taxes | $ | 18.2 | $ | 2.5 | ||||
Cash paid for interest | $ | 0.2 | $ | 0.1 | ||||
Supplemental information of non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||||||||
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale investments | $ | 0.8 | $ | 0.2 | ||||
Software obtained under long-term financing arrangement | $ | — | $ | 1.3 | ||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
MORNINGSTAR, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Presentation of Interim Financial Information
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Morningstar, Inc. and subsidiaries (Morningstar, we, our, the company) have been prepared to conform to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. In the opinion of management, the statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, equity, and cash flows. These financial statements and notes are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016.
The acronyms that appear in the Notes to our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements refer to the following:
ASU: Accounting Standards Update
FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
We discuss our significant accounting policies in Note 2 of our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016.
On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The original effective date for ASU 2014-09 would have required the Company to adopt beginning on January 1, 2017. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for one year and permits early adoption as early as the original effective date of ASU 2014-09. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2018. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
On March 17, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which provides guidance on assessing whether an entity is a principal or an agent in a revenue transaction and whether an entity reports revenue on a gross or net basis. On April 14, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which provides guidance on identifying performance obligations and accounting for licenses of intellectual property. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU No. 2016-08 and ASU No. 2016-10 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU No. 2014-09. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-08 and ASU No. 2016-10 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which will require lessees to recognize almost all leases on their balance sheet as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition, and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
9
On March 15, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting, which eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting retrospectively when a reporting entity obtains significant influence over a previously held investment. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The new standard should be applied prospectively for investments that qualify for the equity method of accounting after the effective date. We elected to early adopt ASU No. 2016-07 in the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The adoption of ASU No. 2016-07 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
On March 30, 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which includes amendments to accounting for income taxes at settlement, forfeitures, and net settlements to cover withholding taxes. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is permitted but requires all elements of the amendments to be adopted at once rather than individually. We are evaluating the effect that ASU No. 2016-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
3. Credit Arrangements
In March 2016, we increased our single-bank revolving credit facility from $75.0 million to $100.0 million. We drew on the credit facility during the first quarter of 2016 and had an outstanding principal balance of $75.0 million at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 100 basis points as of March 31, 2016, leaving borrowing availability of $25.0 million.
4. Acquisitions, Goodwill, and Other Intangible Assets
Acquisitions
On March 31, 2016, we acquired RequiSight, LLC, which does business as RightPond, a provider of business
intelligence data and analytics on defined contribution and defined benefit plans for financial services firms. We
began consolidating the financial results of RightPond in our Consolidated Financial Statements on March 31, 2016.
Goodwill
The following table shows the changes in our goodwill balances from December 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016:
(in millions) | ||||
Balance as of December 31, 2015 | $ | 364.2 | ||
Acquisitions and foreign currency translation | 3.7 | |||
Balance as of March 31, 2016 | $ | 367.9 | ||
We did not record any impairment losses in the first three months of 2016 or 2015. We perform our annual impairment reviews in the fourth quarter.
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Intangible Assets
The following table summarizes our intangible assets:
As of March 31, 2016 | As of December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Gross | Accumulated Amortization | Net | Weighted Average Useful Life (years) | Gross | Accumulated Amortization | Net | Weighted Average Useful Life (years) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Intellectual property | $ | 28.6 | $ | (27.5 | ) | $ | 1.1 | 9 | $ | 28.3 | $ | (26.7 | ) | $ | 1.6 | 9 | ||||||||||||
Customer-related assets | 138.4 | (95.1 | ) | 43.3 | 12 | 137.5 | (92.3 | ) | 45.2 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||
Supplier relationships | 0.2 | (0.1 | ) | 0.1 | 20 | 0.2 | (0.1 | ) | 0.1 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||
Technology-based assets | 90.0 | (66.3 | ) | 23.7 | 8 | 89.5 | (64.4 | ) | 25.1 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||
Non-competition agreements | 4.7 | (2.6 | ) | 2.1 | 5 | 4.6 | (2.4 | ) | 2.2 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total intangible assets | $ | 261.9 | $ | (191.6 | ) | $ | 70.3 | 10 | $ | 260.1 | $ | (185.9 | ) | $ | 74.2 | 10 | ||||||||||||
The following table summarizes our amortization expense related to intangible assets:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Amortization expense | $ | 5.1 | $ | 5.5 | ||||
We amortize intangible assets using the straight-line method over their expected economic useful lives.
We expect intangible amortization expense for the remainder of 2016 and subsequent years as follows:
(in millions) | ||||
Remainder of 2016 (from April 1 through December 31) | $ | 12.8 | ||
2017 | 13.0 | |||
2018 | 10.9 | |||
2019 | 8.4 | |||
2020 | 4.8 | |||
Thereafter | 20.4 | |||
Our estimates of future amortization expense for intangible assets may be affected by acquisitions, divestitures, changes in the estimated average useful life, and foreign currency translation.
11
5. Income Per Share
The following table shows how we reconcile our net income and the number of shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per share:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions, except per share amounts) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.: | ||||||||
Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc. | $ | 28.7 | $ | 29.7 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 43.0 | 44.3 | ||||||
Basic net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc. | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.67 | ||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc.: | ||||||||
Net income attributable to Morningstar, Inc. | $ | 28.7 | $ | 29.7 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | 43.0 | 44.3 | ||||||
Net effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock units, and performance share awards | 0.1 | 0.2 | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding for computing diluted income per share | 43.1 | 44.5 | ||||||
Diluted net income per share attributable to Morningstar, Inc. | $ | 0.67 | $ | 0.67 | ||||
The following table shows the number of weighted average restricted stock units and performance share awards excluded from our calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||
(in thousands) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||
Weighted average restricted stock units | 25 | 32 | ||||
Weighted average performance share awards | 2 | 18 | ||||
Total | 27 | 50 | ||||
6. Segment and Geographical Area Information
Segment Information
We report our results in a single reportable segment, which reflects how our chief operating decision maker allocates resources and evaluates our financial results.
Because we have one reportable segment, all required financial segment information can be found directly in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The accounting policies for our single reportable segment are the same as those described in “Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. We evaluate the performance of our reporting segment based on revenue and operating income.
12
Geographical Area Information
The tables below summarize our revenue and long-lived assets by geographical area:
External revenue by geographical area | ||||||||
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
United States | $ | 141.8 | $ | 140.9 | ||||
United Kingdom | 15.3 | 14.6 | ||||||
Continental Europe | 15.5 | 14.3 | ||||||
Australia | 6.9 | 7.7 | ||||||
Canada | 6.6 | 7.0 | ||||||
Asia | 5.1 | 4.4 | ||||||
Other | 0.9 | 0.9 | ||||||
Total International | 50.3 | 48.9 | ||||||
Consolidated revenue | $ | 192.1 | $ | 189.8 | ||||
Long-lived assets by geographical area | ||||||||
As of March 31 | As of December 31 | |||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
United States | $ | 117.5 | $ | 116.9 | ||||
United Kingdom | 7.9 | 8.6 | ||||||
Continental Europe | 2.1 | 2.2 | ||||||
Australia | 0.9 | 0.9 | ||||||
Canada | 0.7 | 0.7 | ||||||
Asia | 4.8 | 5.2 | ||||||
Other | 0.1 | — | ||||||
Total International | 16.5 | 17.6 | ||||||
Consolidated property, equipment, and capitalized software, net | $ | 134.0 | $ | 134.5 | ||||
7. Investments and Fair Value Measurements
We classify our investments into three categories: available-for-sale, held-to-maturity, and trading securities. Our investment portfolio consists of stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, money market funds, or exchange-traded products that replicate the model portfolios and strategies created by Morningstar. These investment accounts may also include exchange-traded products where Morningstar is an index provider. We classify our investment portfolio as shown below:
As of March 31 | As of December 31 | |||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Available-for-sale | $ | 25.9 | $ | 17.3 | ||||
Held-to-maturity | 14.2 | 15.3 | ||||||
Trading securities | 1.4 | 8.9 | ||||||
Total | $ | 41.5 | $ | 41.5 | ||||
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The following table shows the cost, unrealized gains (losses), and fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity:
As of March 31, 2016 | As of December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Cost | Unrealized Gain | Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Cost | Unrealized Gain | Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity securities and exchange-traded funds | $ | 24.7 | $ | 1.1 | $ | (1.6 | ) | $ | 24.2 | $ | 17.4 | $ | 0.3 | $ | (1.6 | ) | $ | 16.1 | ||||||||||||||
Mutual funds | 1.7 | 0.1 | (0.1 | ) | 1.7 | 1.3 | — | (0.1 | ) | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 26.4 | $ | 1.2 | $ | (1.7 | ) | $ | 25.9 | $ | 18.7 | $ | 0.3 | $ | (1.7 | ) | $ | 17.3 | ||||||||||||||
Held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Certificates of deposit | $ | 14.2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 14.2 | $ | 15.3 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 15.3 | ||||||||||||||||
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, investments with unrealized losses for greater than a 12-month period were not material to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and were not deemed to have other than temporary declines in value.
The table below shows the cost and fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity based on their contractual maturities as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The expected maturities of certain fixed-income securities may differ from their contractual maturities because some of these holdings have call features that allow the issuers the right to prepay obligations without penalties.
As of March 31, 2016 | As of December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
(in millions) | Cost | Fair Value | Cost | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities, exchange-traded funds, and mutual funds | $ | 26.4 | $ | 25.9 | $ | 18.7 | $ | 17.3 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 26.4 | $ | 25.9 | $ | 18.7 | $ | 17.3 | ||||||||
Held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||
Due in one year or less | $ | 14.2 | $ | 14.2 | $ | 15.3 | $ | 15.3 | ||||||||
Total | $ | 14.2 | $ | 14.2 | $ | 15.3 | $ | 15.3 | ||||||||
The following table shows the realized gains and losses arising from sales of our investments classified as available-for-sale recorded in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Realized gains | $ | 0.5 | $ | 0.2 | ||||
Realized losses | (0.6 | ) | (0.2 | ) | ||||
Realized losses, net | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | — | |||
We determine realized gains and losses using the specific identification method.
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The following table shows the net unrealized gains on trading securities as recorded in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Unrealized gains, net | $ | — | $ | 0.1 | ||||
The table below shows the fair value of our assets subject to fair value measurements that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
Fair Value | Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||
as of | Using Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||
(in millions) | March 31, 2016 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||
Available-for-sale investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities and exchange-traded funds | $ | 24.2 | $ | 24.2 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Mutual funds | 1.7 | 1.7 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Trading securities | 1.4 | 1.4 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Cash equivalents | 0.2 | 0.2 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 27.5 | $ | 27.5 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Fair Value | Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2015 | |||||||||||||||
as of | Using Fair Value Hierarchy | |||||||||||||||
(in millions) | December 31, 2015 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | ||||||||||||
Available-for-sale investments: | ||||||||||||||||
Equity securities and exchange-traded funds | $ | 16.1 | $ | 16.1 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Mutual funds | 1.2 | 1.2 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Trading securities | 8.9 | 8.9 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Cash equivalents | 0.2 | 0.2 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 26.4 | $ | 26.4 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||
Level 1: | Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. |
Level 2: | Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. |
Level 3: | Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. |
We measure the fair value of money market funds, mutual funds, equity securities, and exchange-traded funds based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. We did not hold any securities categorized as Level 2 or Level 3 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
8. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-Based Compensation Plans
All of our employees and our non-employee directors are eligible for awards under the Morningstar 2011 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2011 Plan), which provides for a variety of stock-based awards, including stock options, performance share awards, restricted stock units, and restricted stock.
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The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense included in each of our operating expense categories:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 2.0 | $ | 2.0 | ||||
Sales and marketing | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||
General and administrative | 1.5 | 1.8 | ||||||
Total stock-based compensation expense | $ | 4.0 | $ | 4.3 | ||||
As of March 31, 2016, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost related to outstanding restricted stock units and performance share awards expected to vest was $27.1 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted average period of 30 months.
9. Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The following table shows our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015:
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Income before income taxes and equity in net income of unconsolidated entities | $ | 42.8 | $ | 44.1 | ||||
Equity in net income of unconsolidated entities | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest | — | (0.1 | ) | |||||
Total | $ | 43.3 | $ | 44.5 | ||||
Income tax expense | $ | 14.6 | $ | 14.8 | ||||
Effective tax rate | 33.7 | % | 33.3 | % | ||||
In the first quarter of 2016, our effective tax rate was 33.7%, which was similar to the tax rate for the first quarter of 2015.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The table below provides information concerning our gross unrecognized tax benefits as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, as well as the effect these gross unrecognized tax benefits would have on our income tax expense, if they were recognized.
As of March 31 | As of December 31 | |||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Gross unrecognized tax benefits | $ | 15.6 | $ | 14.5 | ||||
Gross unrecognized tax benefits that would affect income tax expense | $ | 11.6 | $ | 10.5 | ||||
Decrease in income tax expense upon recognition of gross unrecognized tax benefits | $ | 10.3 | $ | 9.4 | ||||
Our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. These amounts include interest and penalties, less any associated tax benefits.
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As of March 31 | As of December 31 | |||||||
Liabilities for Unrecognized Tax Benefits (in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | ||||||
Current liability | $ | 4.6 | $ | 4.2 | ||||
Non-current liability | 6.6 | 6.0 | ||||||
Total liability for unrecognized tax benefits | $ | 11.2 | $ | 10.2 | ||||
We conduct business globally and, as a result, we file income tax returns in U.S. federal, state, local, and foreign jurisdictions. We are currently under audit by federal and various state and local tax authorities in the United States, as well as tax authorities in certain non-U.S. jurisdictions. It is possible, though not likely, that the examination phase of some of these audits will conclude in 2016. It is not possible to estimate the effect of current audits on previously recorded unrecognized tax benefits.
We have not provided federal and state income taxes on accumulated undistributed earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries because these earnings have been permanently reinvested. Approximately 75% of our cash, cash equivalents, and investments balance as of March 31, 2016 was held by our operations outside of the United States. We believe that our cash balances and investments in the United States, along with cash generated from our U.S. operations, will be sufficient to meet our U.S. operating and cash needs for the foreseeable future, without requiring us to repatriate earnings from these foreign subsidiaries. It is not practical to determine the amount of the unrecognized deferred tax liability related to the undistributed earnings.
Certain of our non-U.S. operations have incurred net operating losses (NOLs) which may become deductible to the extent these operations become profitable. For each of our operations, we evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the tax benefits related to NOLs will be realized. As part of this evaluation, we consider evidence such as tax planning strategies, historical operating results, forecasted taxable income, and recent financial performance. In the year that certain non-U.S. operations record a loss, we do not recognize a corresponding tax benefit, thus increasing our effective tax rate. Upon determining that it is more likely than not that the NOLs will be realized, we reduce the tax valuation allowances related to these NOLs, which results in a reduction to our income tax expense and our effective tax rate in the period.
10. Contingencies
We are involved in legal proceedings and litigation that have arisen in the normal course of our business. Although the outcome of a particular proceeding can never be predicted, we do not believe the result of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, or financial position.
11. Share Repurchase Program
We have an ongoing authorization, originally approved by our board of directors in September 2010, and subsequently amended, to repurchase up to $1.0 billion in shares of our outstanding common stock. The authorization expires on December 31, 2017. We may repurchase shares from time to time at prevailing market prices on the open market or in private transactions in amounts that we deem appropriate.
As of March 31, 2016, we had repurchased a total of 9,880,917 shares for $662.3 million under this authorization, leaving approximately $337.7 million available for future repurchases.
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Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The discussion included in this section, as well as other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, contains forward-looking statements as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on our current expectations about future events or future financial performance. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain, and often contain words such as “may,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” or “continue.” These statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the events we discuss not to occur or to differ significantly from what we expect. For us, these risks and uncertainties include, among others:
• | liability for any losses that result from an actual or claimed breach of our fiduciary duties; |
• | failing to maintain and protect our brand, independence, and reputation; |
• | failing to differentiate our products and continuously create innovative, proprietary research tools; |
• | failing to respond to technological change, keep pace with new technology developments, or adopt a successful technology strategy; |
• | liability related to our storage of personal information related to individuals as well as portfolio and account-level information; |
• | compliance failures, regulatory action, or changes in laws applicable to our investment advisory or credit rating operations; |
• | downturns in the financial sector, global financial markets, and global economy; |
• | the effect of market volatility on revenue from asset-based fees; |
• | the effect of changes in industry-wide issuance volume for commercial mortgage-backed securities; |
• | a prolonged outage of our database, technology-based products and services, or network facilities; |
• | challenges faced by our operations outside the United States, including the concentration of data and development work at our offshore facilities in China and India; and |
• | trends in the mutual fund industry, including the increasing popularity of passively managed investment vehicles. |
A more complete description of these risks and uncertainties can be found in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, our actual future results may vary significantly from what we expect. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events.
All dollar and percentage comparisons, which are often accompanied by words such as “increase,” “decrease,” “grew,” “declined,” “was up,” “was down,” “was flat,” or “was similar” refer to a comparison with the same period in the previous year unless otherwise stated.
Understanding our Company
Our Business
Our mission is to create great products that help investors reach their financial goals. We offer an extensive line of products and services for financial advisors, asset managers, retirement plan providers and sponsors, and individual investors. Many of our products are sold through subscriptions or license agreements. As a result, we typically generate recurring revenue.
Industry Overview
Despite significant market volatility and uncertainty at the beginning of the year, equity markets managed to close out the first quarter with positive returns. The Morningstar U.S. Market Index, a broad market benchmark, was up 1.1% for the first quarter of 2016, while the Global Ex-U.S. Index finished the quarter up 0.5%.
U.S. mutual fund assets stood at $15.1 trillion in February 2016, based on data from the Investment Company Institute (ICI), compared with $16.3 trillion in February 2015. Based on Morningstar's estimated asset flow data, investors added about $49.8 billion to long-term open-end and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) during the first three months of 2016, compared with $147.9 billion in the first quarter of 2015. Fund flows to U.S. equity and sector-focused funds were negative in the quarter.
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Assets in exchange-traded funds totaled $2.0 trillion in February 2016, down slightly from $2.1 trillion in February 2015, based on data from the ICI.
Despite the very recent market upturn, we believe the business environment for the financial services industry remains challenging. Low interest rates and the industrywide shift to passive investment management have continued to put pressure on spending for many asset management firms. In addition, new issuance volume for commercial mortgage-backed securities has declined significantly in 2016.
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Supplemental Operating Metrics
The tables below summarize our key product metrics and other supplemental data.
As of March 31 | ||||||||||||
2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||||||
Our business | ||||||||||||
Morningstar.com Premium Membership subscriptions (U.S.) | 120,075 | 123,563 | (2.8 | )% | ||||||||
Morningstar.com registered users (U.S.) | 8,624,447 | 8,294,274 | 4.0 | % | ||||||||
Advisor Workstation clients (U.S.) | 184 | 187 | (1.6 | )% | ||||||||
Morningstar Office licenses (U.S.) | 4,231 | 4,321 | (2.1 | )% | ||||||||
Morningstar Direct licenses | 11,795 | 10,413 | 13.3 | % | ||||||||
Assets under advisement and management (approximate) ($bil) | ||||||||||||
Morningstar Investment Management | ||||||||||||
Investment Advisory (1) | $ | 78.2 | $ | 84.4 | (3) | (7.3 | )% | |||||
Morningstar Managed Portfolios | 13.2 | 12.9 | (3) | 2.3 | % | |||||||
Morningstar Investment Management (total) | $ | 91.4 | $ | 97.3 | (6.1 | )% | ||||||
Workplace Solutions | ||||||||||||
Managed Accounts (2) | $ | 41.9 | $ | 38.7 | 8.3 | % | ||||||
Plan Sponsor Advice | 27.9 | 28.1 | (0.7 | )% | ||||||||
Custom Models | 19.3 | 15.2 | 27.0 | % | ||||||||
Workplace Solutions (total) | $ | 89.1 | $ | 82.0 | 8.7 | % | ||||||
Our employees (approximate) | ||||||||||||
Worldwide headcount | 4,000 | 3,750 | 6.7 | % | ||||||||
Number of equity and credit analysts | 195 | 172 | 13.4 | % | ||||||||
Number of manager research analysts | 115 | 103 | 11.7 | % | ||||||||
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||||
Key product revenue (4) | ||||||||||||
Morningstar Data | $ | 36.6 | $ | 34.0 | 7.7 | % | ||||||
Morningstar Direct | $ | 27.1 | $ | 24.5 | 10.5 | % | ||||||
Morningstar Investment Management (5) | $ | 24.6 | $ | 24.8 | (0.8 | )% | ||||||
Morningstar Advisor Workstation | $ | 20.6 | $ | 20.0 | (6) | 3.2 | % | |||||
Workplace Solutions | $ | 16.3 | $ | 15.4 | 5.4 | % | ||||||
Other Metrics | ||||||||||||
Average assets under management and advisement ($bil) | $ | 180.5 | $ | 174.7 | 3.3 | % | ||||||
Number of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) new-issue ratings completed | 5 | 13 | (61.5 | )% | ||||||||
Asset value of CMBS new-issue ratings ($bil) | $ | 3.9 | $ | 10.5 | (62.9 | )% | ||||||
(1) The asset totals include relationships for which we receive basis-point fees, including consulting arrangements and other agreements where we act as a portfolio construction manager for a mutual fund or variable annuity. We also provide Investment Advisory services for some assets for which we receive a flat fee; we do not include these assets in the total reported above.
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Excluding changes related to new contracts and cancellations, changes in the value of assets under advisement can come from two primary sources: gains or losses related to overall trends in market performance, and net inflows or outflows caused when investors add to or redeem shares from these portfolios.
Because we don't have custody of the underlying assets, it's difficult for us to quantify cash inflows and outflows for these portfolios. The information we receive from most of our clients does not separately identify the effect of cash inflows and outflows on asset balances for each period. We also cannot specify the effect of market appreciation or depreciation because the majority of our clients have discretionary authority to implement their own portfolio allocations.
(2) Many factors can cause changes in assets under management and advisement for our managed retirement accounts, including employer and employee contributions, plan administrative fees, market movements, and participant loans and hardship withdrawals. The information we receive from the plan providers does not separately identify these transactions or the changes in balances caused by market movement.
(3) Revised to include a minor classification change.
(4) Key product revenue includes the effect of foreign currency translations.
(5) New product classification consisting of Investment Advisory and Morningstar Managed Portfolios.
(6) Revised to exclude Morningstar Office.
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Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 vs. Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Consolidated Results
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||||||
Key Metrics (in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||||
Revenue | $ | 192.1 | $ | 189.8 | 1.2 | % | ||||||
Operating income | $ | 42.3 | $ | 44.5 | (5.0 | )% | ||||||
Operating margin | 22.0 | % | 23.5 | % | (1.5 | ) | pp | |||||
Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 11.4 | $ | 35.0 | (67.4 | )% | ||||||
Capital expenditures | (13.5 | ) | (14.4 | ) | (6.3 | )% | ||||||
Free cash flow | $ | (2.1 | ) | $ | 20.6 | (110.2 | )% | |||||
___________________________________________________________________________________________
pp — percentage points
To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), we use the following non-GAAP measures:
• | consolidated revenue excluding acquisitions and the effect of foreign currency translations (organic revenue); |
• | consolidated international organic revenue excluding acquisitions and the effect of foreign currency translations (international organic revenue); |
• | free cash flow. |
These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies and should not be considered an alternative to any measure of performance as promulgated under GAAP.
We define free cash flow as cash provided by or used for operating activities less capital expenditures. We present free cash flow solely as supplemental disclosure to help investors better understand how much cash is available after making capital expenditures. Our management team uses free cash flow to evaluate our business. Free cash flow is not equivalent to any measure required to be reported under GAAP.
Consolidated Revenue
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||||
Consolidated revenue | $ | 192.1 | $ | 189.8 | 1.2 | % | |||||
In the first quarter of 2016, consolidated revenue increased 1.2% to $192.1 million. Foreign currency movements had a negative effect in the quarter, lowering revenue by approximately $2.8 million.
Morningstar Direct revenue rose $2.6 million, reflecting strong growth in additional licenses for both new and existing clients. Revenue for Morningstar Data increased $2.6 million, mainly reflecting new contracts and renewals for managed products data.
Positive results for these products were partially offset by decreases in Morningstar Credit Ratings (our structured credit and research and ratings business) and our investment management business.
Revenue from Morningstar Credit Ratings decreased $3.7 million as a result of negative market trends. New issuance volume for commercial mortgage-backed securities, in particular, began declining in the second half of 2015 and remained sluggish during the first quarter of 2016. Our investment management business also suffered from market volatility during the first two months of 2016 and lower inflows across the industry during the quarter.
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Revenue from a few legacy products declined $1.2 million because we've been migrating subscribers to newer solutions.
Revenue from asset-based fees made up approximately 16% of consolidated revenue in the first quarter of 2016 and 15% in the first quarter of 2015.
Organic revenue
To allow for more meaningful comparisons of our results in different periods, we provide information about organic revenue, which reflects our underlying business excluding acquisitions, divestitures, and the effect of foreign currency translations. In the first quarter of 2016, organic revenue rose 2.6% after excluding an unfavorable effect of $2.8 million from foreign currency translations.
The table below reconciles consolidated revenue with organic revenue (revenue excluding acquisitions, divestitures, and the effect of foreign currency translations):
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||||
Consolidated revenue | $ | 192.1 | $ | 189.8 | 1.2 | % | |||||
Less: acquisitions | (0.2 | ) | — | NMF | |||||||
Less: divestitures | — | — | — | ||||||||
Unfavorable effect of foreign currency translations | 2.8 | — | NMF | ||||||||
Organic revenue | $ | 194.7 | $ | 189.8 | 2.6 | % | |||||
___________________________________________________________________________________________
NMF - not meaningful
Revenue by region
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||||
United States | $ | 141.8 | $ | 140.9 | 0.6 | % | |||||
United Kingdom | 15.3 | 14.6 | 4.8 | % | |||||||
Continental Europe | 15.5 | 14.3 | 8.4 | % | |||||||
Australia | 6.9 | 7.7 | (10.4 | )% | |||||||
Canada | 6.6 | 7.0 | (5.7 | )% | |||||||
Asia | 5.1 | 4.4 | 15.9 | % | |||||||
Other | 0.9 | 0.9 | — | % | |||||||
Total International | 50.3 | 48.9 | 2.9 | % | |||||||
Consolidated revenue | $ | 192.1 | $ | 189.8 | 1.2 | % | |||||
International revenue made up about 26% of our consolidated revenue in the first three months of 2016 and 2015. About 60% of this amount is from Continental Europe and the United Kingdom, with most of the remainder from Australia, Canada, and Asia.
Revenue from international operations increased $1.4 million, or 2.9%, in the first quarter, and international organic revenue increased 8.6%. Our business in Continental Europe and the United Kingdom were the main contributors to the organic revenue increase, followed by Japan and Canada.
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The table below presents a reconciliation from international revenue to international organic revenue (international revenue excluding acquisitions, divestitures, and the effect of foreign currency translations):
Three months ended March 31 | |||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | ||||||||
International revenue | $ | 50.3 | $ | 48.9 | 2.9 | % | |||||
Less: acquisitions | — | — | — | ||||||||
Less: divestitures | — | — | — | ||||||||
Unfavorable effect of foreign currency translations | 2.8 | — | NMF | ||||||||
International organic revenue | $ | 53.1 | $ | 48.9 | 8.6 | % | |||||
Consolidated Operating Expense
Three months ended March 31 | ||||||||||||
(in millions) | 2016 | 2015 | Change | |||||||||
Cost of revenue | $ | 85.3 | $ | 78.7 | 8.4 | % | ||||||
% of consolidated revenue | 44.4 | % | 41.5 | % | 2.9 | pp | ||||||
Sales and marketing | 22.3 | 25.4 | (12.3 | )% | ||||||||
% of consolidated revenue | 11.6 | % | 13.4 | % | (1.8 | ) | pp | |||||
General and administrative | 25.6 | 26.1 | (1.8 | )% | ||||||||
% of consolidated revenue | 13.3 | % | 13.8 | % | (0.5 | ) | pp | |||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16.6 | 15.1 | 9.8 | % | ||||||||
% of consolidated revenue | 8.6 | % | 8.0 | % | 0.6 | pp | ||||||
Total operating expense | $ | 149.8 | $ | 145.3 | 3.1 | % | ||||||
% of consolidated revenue | 78.0 | % | 76.5 | % | 1.5 | pp | ||||||
Consolidated operating expense increased $4.5 million, or 3.1%, in the first quarter of 2016. Because of the continued strength in the U.S. dollar, foreign currency translations had a favorable effect of $2.7 million on operating expense during the first quarter of 2016.
Compensation expense (including salaries and other company-sponsored benefits) increased $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2016. We had approximately 4,000 employees worldwide as of March 31, 2016, compared with 3,750 as of March 31, 2015. This increase reflects our continued investment in our key growth initiatives and mainly includes technology, client support, sales, and analyst roles in the United States, India, and China. The increase in compensation expense was partially offset by lower bonus expense of $2.9 million. Bonus expense was lower mainly because of modest year-over-year revenue growth, which is a major part of our bonus funding formula.
Depreciation expense was up $1.9 million in the first quarter of 2016, mainly reflecting additional capitalized software development and computer software purchases for our U.S. operations. Production expense, software subscriptions, and professional fees were also higher during the first three months of 2016.
Sales commission expense decreased $1.8 million in the first quarter. Advertising and marketing expense was down $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2016.
Cost of revenue
Cost of revenue is our largest category of operating expense, representing about one-half of our total operating expense. Our business relies heavily on human capital, and cost of revenue includes the compensation expense for employees who produce our products and services. We include compensation expense for approximately 80% of our employees in this category.
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Cost of revenue increased $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2016. Higher salary expense of $4.2 million was the primary contributor to the increase and was mainly driven by additional headcount. Higher production expense, software subscriptions, and professional fees also contributed to the change in this category.
Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in bonus expense of $1.4 million.
As a percentage of revenue, cost of revenue increased by 2.9 percentage points in the first quarter of 2016.
Sales and marketing
Sales and marketing expense decreased $3.1 million in the first three months of 2016, reflecting a $1.4 million decrease in sales commission expense and a $0.9 million decrease in advertising and marketing expense. Compensation expense (including salaries, bonus, and other company-sponsored benefits) included in this category was down $0.7 million.
As a percentage of revenue, sales and marketing expense decreased 1.8 percentage points in the first quarter of 2016.
General and administrative
General and administrative expense decreased $0.5 million this quarter, mainly because of a $1.1 million decline in bonus expense, partially offset by a $0.5 million increase in salary and other compensation expense.
As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expense decreased 0.5 percentage points in the first quarter of 2016.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation expense rose $1.9 million this quarter, primarily driven by higher capital expenditures for computer software and incremental capitalized software development costs from the prior year. Intangible amortization expense decreased $0.4 million.
We expect that amortization of intangible assets will be an ongoing cost for the remaining lives of the assets. We estimate that aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets will be approximately $12.8 million for the remainder of 2016. These estimates may be affected by additional acquisitions, dispositions, changes in the estimated average useful lives, and foreign currency translation.
As a percentage of revenue, depreciation and amortization expense increased 0.6 percentage points in the first quarter of 2016.
Consolidated Operating Income