Investor News

RiskMetrics Group Reports Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007

Mar 31, 2008 at 12:00 AM EDT
RiskMetrics Group Reports Results for Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007

NEW YORK, March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RiskMetrics Group Inc. (NYSE: RMG), a leading provider of risk management and corporate governance products and services to participants in the global financial markets, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2007.

Earnings Highlights (The following pro forma results give effect to the January 11, 2007, acquisition of Institutional Shareholder Services as if the transaction had closed on January 1, 2006. The ISS acquisition was material for the company and the pro forma results provide a better comparison of the ongoing business)

  • Fourth quarter 2007 revenue increased 28.5% on a pro forma basis to $67.6 million from $52.6 million in the comparable period of 2006. 2007 annual revenue increased 19.1% on a pro forma basis to $243.6 million from $204.5 million in 2006.


  • Fourth quarter Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 38.8% in the fourth quarter to $21.5 million from $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2006. For the year, Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was up 27.1% to $73.7 million in 2007, compared with $58.0 million in 2006.

  • Annualized contract value (ACV) increased 30.6% to approximately $250.2 million at December 31, 2007, on a pro forma basis.

  • Renewal rate stood at an all-time high at 91.4% for the year ended December 31, 2007.

"Our strong financial results reflect the market's continuing need for comprehensive risk systems, transparency in financial reporting and strong corporate governance" said Ethan Berman, Chief Executive Officer of RiskMetrics Group. "These factors, along with higher market volatility, have increased the demand for RiskMetrics' products, resulting in a more than 30% increase in average contract value and a renewal rate of 91.4%. We expect these trends to continue into the new year as institutions focus on implementing enhanced risk systems."

Selected Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Information**

The pro forma results below give effect to the acquisition of ISS as if the transaction had closed on January 1, 2006.



    Pro Forma Financial
     Information (1)**    Three months                 Year ended
                       ended December 31,              December 31,
                       2006     2007   % Change    2006     2007     % Change
                            (Unaudited and all amounts in thousands)
    Revenues:
      Risk (2)       $25,934   $33,422   28.9%   $101,235   $121,126   19.6%
      ISS (3)         26,696    34,205   28.2%    103,269    122,502   18.6%
      Total Revenues  52,629    67,627   28.5%    204,505    243,628   19.1%
    Operating Cost
     and Expenses:
      Adjusted EBITDA
       expenses (4)   37,160    46,155   24.2%    146,551    169,946   16.0%
      Other operating
       expenses (5)    7,369    10,454   41.8%     30,681     34,074   11.1%
      Total operating
       costs and
       expenses       44,529    56,609   27.1%    177,232    204,020   15.1%

      Income from
       operations      8,100    11,018   36.0%     27,272     39,608   45.2%
      Interest,
       dividend and
       investment
      Income (loss),
       net            (8,569)   (9,160)   6.9%    (34,222)  (36,451)    6.5%
      Income (loss)
       before income
       taxes            (469)    1,858      *      (6,948)    3,157       *
      Provision
       (benefit) for
       income taxes     (188)      655      *      (2,779)    1,263       *
      Net income
       (loss)          $(281)   $1,203      *     $(4,169)   $1,894       *

      Adjusted
       EBITDA (3)(6) $15,469   $21,472   38.8%    $57,954   $73,682    27.1%
      Adjusted EBITDA
       margin (7)       29.4%     31.8%              28.3%     30.2%

    *  Exceeds 100%
    ** See Notes in accompanying Table D


    Fourth Quarter 2007 Pro forma Financial Results

    Revenues

Total revenues for the fourth quarter of 2007 were $67.6 million, up 28.5% from $52.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 on a pro forma basis, assuming RiskMetrics' January 11, 2007, acquisition of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) occurred January 1, 2006. Excluding the contribution from Center for Financial Research and Analysis (CFRA) revenues in Q4 2007, total revenues grew by 20.2%.

On a business level, Risk revenues were $33.4 million, a 28.9% increase over Q4 2006 due mainly to a 33.0% increase in total Market Risk revenues. The Risk business experienced strong revenue growth in both the Americas and EMEA as a result of increased demand on the part of asset managers for RiskMetrics' Risk Manager solutions, which help firms meet both internal management and regulatory compliance requirements.

ISS revenues were $34.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, a 28.2% increase from Q4 2006 due mainly to growth of more than 100% in the Financial Research and Analysis (FR&A) product lines due to the inclusion of $4.4 million of revenue from the August 2007 CFRA acquisition, as well as strong growth in other FR&A product lines. ISS growth in the fourth quarter was particularly strong in the EMEA region. Excluding the contribution from CFRA revenues in Q4 2007, ISS revenues grew by 11.6%.

"RiskMetrics has a highly diversified business, both by customers and geography, with no single contract comprising more than one percent of our total revenues," Mr. Berman continued. "This balance helps ensure we mitigate our own risk while allowing us to take advantage of product and geographical cross-selling opportunities."

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses, which exclude interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense, increased 24.2% to $46.2 million for the fourth quarter. Excluding the $3.3 million of CFRA Adjusted EBITDA Expenses, expenses would have increased by 15.3%.

Compensation Expenses which accounted for 66.1% of total expenses, increased by 20.4% to $30.5 million. Compensation Expenses increased mainly due to the CFRA acquisition as well as an increase in headcount. Excluding CFRA, Compensation Expenses increased 9.5%. As a percentage of revenues, Compensation Expenses decreased to 45.1% of revenues in fourth quarter 2007 from 49.4% of revenues in fourth quarter 2006. Non-Compensation Expenses increased by 32.2% to $15.6 million from $11.8 million in fourth quarter 2006 mainly due to increases in marketing expenses due to rebranding efforts, increased occupancy costs related to the consolidation of the London office, and increased costs related to the Company's IPO. Excluding CFRA, Non- Compensation Expenses increased by 27.1%.

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses represented approximately 68.2% of total revenues for the quarter, compared with 70.6% in the year-ago period.

Adjusted EBITDA

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 38.8% to $21.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 from $15.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 due to growth in both the Risk and ISS businesses, as well as the acquisition of CFRA. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 31.8% in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with 29.4% in the fourth quarter of 2006, as revenues grew at a higher rate than Adjusted EBITDA Expenses.

Fiscal Year 2007 Pro forma Financial Results

Revenues

Total pro forma revenues for the 2007 fiscal year were $243.6 million, up 19.1% from $204.5 million in 2006. Excluding revenues generated from the JP Morgan online agreement in 2006 and CFRA in 2007, revenues increased by 18.1%.

On a business level, Risk revenues increased 19.6% to $121.1 million in 2007 from $101.2 million in 2006. Excluding revenues generated from the JP Morgan online agreement, 2007 Risk revenues increased 24.9% for the year.

"Led by a 27.1% increase in revenues from our Market Risk solutions, RiskMetrics achieved strong growth in 2007," said David Obstler, Chief Financial Officer of RiskMetrics Group. "This trend is largely attributable to an increased need for regulatory, internal compliance and investor reporting by asset managers across all regions of the world. Revenue growth was also driven by our sales in the EMEA region as revenues increased 38.2% from 2007, driven by strong sales of Risk Manager as asset managers look to comply with regulatory requirements."

ISS revenues increased 19.6% to $122.5 million for the full-year 2007 from $103.3 million in 2006. The increase was primarily attributable to a 48.6% increase in FR&A revenues due the inclusion of $7.2 million of annual CFRA revenues, as well as growth in revenues from other FR&A product lines. Governance Services, largely consisting of Proxy Research and Voting Services, generated $86.8 million in revenues in 2007, which was a 10% increase over 2006. Revenue in Europe and Asia grew 31.5% as the Company invested in its international product lines and international customers increasingly adopted governance and research products. Excluding revenues from CFRA in 2007, ISS revenues grew by 11.6%.

Additionally, growth in both business segments was driven by increased contract renewal rates, growth in recurring revenue and an increase in ACV as discussed below.

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses increased 16.0% to $169.9 million in 2007 from $146.6 million in 2006. Excluding the $5.1 million of CFRA Adjusted EBITDA Expenses from August 1, 2007, Adjusted EBITDA Expenses would have increased by 12.5%.

Compensation Expenses, which accounted for 67.4% of total Adjusted EBITDA Expenses, increased by 17.4% to $114.6 million in 2007 from $97.7 million in 2006. Compensation Expenses increased mainly due to the CFRA acquisition as well as an increase in headcount. Excluding CFRA, Compensation Expenses increased 13.1%. As a percentage of revenues, Compensation Expenses decreased to 47.0% of revenues in 2007 from 48.2% of revenues in 2006. Non-Compensation Expenses increased by 15.2% to $55.3 million from $48.0 million in 2006 mainly due to increases in legal, accounting and consulting costs related to business integration and increased rent and technology infrastructure related to the growth of the business. As a percentage of revenue, non-compensation expenses decreased to 22.7% of revenues in 2007 from 23.5% in 2006.

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses represented approximately 69.8% of total revenues for 2007, compared with 71.7% in 2006.

Adjusted EBITDA

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 27.1% to $73.7 million for 2007 from $58.0 million in 2006, due to growth in both the Risk and Governance businesses, as well as the acquisition of CFRA. Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 30.2% in 2007, compared with 28.3% in 2006, as revenue grew at a higher rate than expenses.

"RiskMetrics experienced a 190 b.p. expansion in Adjusted EBITDA margins in 2007 as revenues grew in excess of both Compensation and Non-Compensation Expenses," said Mr. Obstler. "We have a highly leverageable cost structure because we deliver our products from a common data and technology infrastructure and have been growing our headcount at a lower rate than revenues. Despite continued investments in our products and technology, we expect these trends to continue in 2008."

Consolidated Fiscal 2007 Pro Forma Annual Operating Data

    The Company believes that the supplemental consolidated pro forma
financial information below, which reflects the results of the ISS acquisition
for all periods presented, is helpful in understanding the Company's overall
results.



                                                   Year Ended December 31,
    Operating Data                                    2006          2007
                                                    (amounts in thousands
                                                    except for percentages)
    Annualized Contract Value (1)

    Risk                                            101,686        131,716
    % Growth                                              -           28.9%

    ISS (1)                                          89,938        118,522
    % Growth                                              -           31.8%

    Annualized Contract Value                       191,624        250,238
     % Growth                                             -           30.6%

    Recurring Revenue as a % of total revenue (2)

    Risk                                               96.6%          97.6%
    ISS                                                85.8%          87.7%
      Recurring Revenue as a % of total revenue        91.7%          92.7%

    Renewal Rate (3)
      Risk (3)                                         85.9%          91.1%
      ISS                                              91.0%          91.8%
      Renewal Rate                                     88.3%          91.4%


    Notes to Operating Data Table:

    (1)  We define annualized contract value ("ACV") as the aggregate value,
         on an annualized basis, of all recurring subscription contracts in
         effect on a reporting date.   CFRA was acquired on August 1, 2007 and
         is not included in ISS ACV as of December 31, 2006.

    (2)  We define recurring revenue as a percentage of total revenue as
         revenue from subscription contracts divided by total revenue during
         the applicable period.

    (3)  We define renewal rate as the amount of annualized contract value
         that renews in a period divided by the amount of annualized contract
         value with an expiration date during that period.  Renewal rate for
         the year ended December 31, 2006 excludes the cancellation of the JP
         Morgan Online services agreement which was terminated in April 2006.
         Had the termination of the JP Morgan Online services agreement been
         included, the December 31, 2006 renewal rate would have been 75.5%.

Overall, renewal rates stood at an all time high of 91.4% in 2007 compared with 88.3% (excluding Morgan online) in 2006. Risk achieved a 2007 renewal rate of 91.1% while ISS had a renewal rate of 91.8%, both higher than in 2006. This increase was largely driven by investment in the Company's global account management function as well as strong customer acceptance of the Company's RiskManager and Proxy Research and Voting Products.

Recurring revenue as a percent of total revenue increased to 92.7% in 2007 from 91.7% in 2006. This increase is the result of RiskMetrics' strategy to emphasize its fully outsourced managed services offerings such as RiskManager.

Annualized Contract Value increased 30.6% in 2007 as compared to 2006 with Risk increasing 28.9% from $101.7 million to $131.2 million and Governance growing 31.8% from $89.9 million to $118.5 million. The total increase in ACV was driven by higher renewal rates, the CFRA acquisition as well as a 18.7% increase of new ACV from $49.1 million in 2006 to $58.2 million in 2007. Approximately 55% of RiskMetrics new ACV in 2007 was from existing clients.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2007 GAAP Financial Results -- Refer to Table A

Total GAAP revenues for the quarter was $67.6 million, up 160.8% from $25.9 million in 2006, including an increase of $34.2 million attributable to the acquisitions of ISS and CFRA as well as a $7.5 million, or 28.9% from an increase in Risk. For the full year, revenues increased 137.4% from $101.2 million in 2006, including an increase of $119.2 million attributable to ISS and CFRA as well as $19.9 million, or 19.6%, from Risk.

Total operating expenses increased $35.5 million to $56.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2007, consisting primarily of operating expenses of $32.6 million attributable to the acquisition of ISS and CFRA as well as a $2.9 million increase in Risk. Total operating expenses increased $121.3 million to $200.8 million for the full fiscal 2007 year, consisting primarily of $110.9 million attributable to the acquisition of ISS and CFRA as well as a $10.4 million increase in Risk. Operating expenses for the fourth quarter and full year 2007 include amortization expense of $5.4 million and $18.3 million, respectively, as a result of the ISS and CFRA acquisitions.

Income from operations increased $6.2 million to $11.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2007 primarily due increased revenue growth partially offset by a $6.5 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense and a $1.3 million increase in stock based compensation expense. Income from operations for the full year 2007 increased $17.7 million to $39.4 million primarily due to increased revenue growth that was partially offset by a $21.7 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense

Total interest, dividend and investment income, net, for the fourth quarter and full fiscal 2007 was an expense of $9.2 million and $35.4 million, respectively. The change from 2006 was due to interest expense incurred on the $425 million of debt incurred as a result of the ISS acquisition and $15.0 million of additional indebtedness under the Company's first lien revolving credit facility incurred in connection with the acquisition of CFRA.

The provision for income taxes represents an effective tax rate of 41.6% for the full fiscal 2007 year compared to an effective rate of 33.9% in the prior year. The effective rate changed from 2006 to 2007 mainly due to an increase in non-deductible stock-based compensation expense attributable to incentive stock options as well as a decline in pre-tax income.

Net income decreased to $1.2 million for the fourth quarter 2007 from $3.7 million in the year-ago period. For the full fiscal year, net income decreased to $2.4 million in 2007 compared with $16.0 million in 2006.

Diluted earnings per share decreased to $0.02 and $0.04 per share for the fourth quarter 2007 and full fiscal 2007, respectively, from $0.07 and $0.33 per share in the comparable year ago period.

Discussion of Cash Flow -Refer to Tables B, C and E

As of December 31, 2007, cash, cash equivalents and investments were $27.5 million compared to $105.4 million as of December 31, 2006. Operating activities for 2007 provided cash of $45.3 million and capital expenditures used $11.1 million, resulting in free cash flow (defined as cash provided from operations less capital expenditures) of $34.2 million. Cash flow from operations in 2007 was reduced by $36.0 million in interest and $0.9 million in payroll tax payments acquired and paid as a result of the ISS acquisition.

Contribution to cash from working capital for the fiscal 2007 year was $9.3 million and decreased compared to the prior year to the exclusion of 11 days of ISS working capital contributions and payment of ISS acquisition costs following the acquisition.

IPO Summary

In January 2008, RiskMetrics completed an initial public offering of 14,000,000 shares of common stock, including 4,035,816 shares sold by selling stockholders. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the selling stockholders. In addition, it granted the underwriters an option to purchase a maximum of 2,100,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, which was exercised in full in January 2008. Net proceeds from the offering, including the exercise of the underwriters' allotment, were $194.0 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and approximately $3.4 million of offering expenses.

A portion of IPO proceeds was used in January 2008 to prepay the entire outstanding indebtedness under the second loan lien, which amounted to $125.0 million. In addition, the Company paid a 1% prepayment penalty fee, or $1.25 million, as set forth in the credit agreement. In addition, it reduced the notional amount of its interest rate swap by $19.3 million which resulted in additional expense of $1.4 million in 2008. The interest expense on the second lien, which had an interest rate of approximately 10.7%, was $13.7 million for pro forma 2007.

2008 Outlook

As of March 31, 2008, the Company anticipates revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 to be in the range of $285 million to $295 million. Renewal rates are expected to be between 89% and 91%.

Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be $90 million to $95 million in 2008 with Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in the 150 to 200 basis points range. The Company further expects that its Unlevered Free Cash Flow (Adjusted EBITDA less Working Capital Changes less Capital Expenditures) will be in excess of Adjusted EBITDA. Working capital contribution from cash flow is expected to be weighted toward the second half of 2008 due to seasonality in RiskMetrics' business and the timing of the payment of employee bonuses. Capital expenditures are expected to be between $11.0 million and $12.0 million.

Intangible amortization expense is expected to be $21.5 million to $22.0 million, stock-based compensation charges are expected to be between $10.0 million and $11.0 million, fully diluted share count is anticipated to be 67 million to 69 million, and the tax rate is expected to be 38% to 40%.

Due to the timing of reporting for this quarter, the Company is also providing select information for the first quarter of 2008.

  • New ACV increased 24.2% to $14.0 million in the first two months of 2008 from $11.3 million in the comparable period of 2007.

  • Renewal rate was 90% with continued diversity among clients, products and geography. As in prior periods, no single contract represents more than 1% of RiskMetrics' revenues.
Conference Call Information

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss results for the fourth quarter and full year 2007 at 5 p.m. Eastern on March 31, 2008. The call will be hosted by Ethan Berman, Chief Executive Officer, and David Obstler, Chief Financial Officer, of RiskMetrics Group. Investors can participate in the conference call by using the following dial-in details:

     US Toll free dial-in      800.299.7098
     International dials-in    617.801.9715
     Pass code                 93432695

In addition, investors can access the conference call directly from the RiskMetrics Group Investor Relations Web Site at http://investor.riskmetrics.com and the call will be archived on this site for future access.

     RiskMetrics Group Media Contacts:
     Cheryl Gustitus                           Sarah Cohn
     301.556.0538                              212.354.4643
     cheryl.gustitus@riskmetrics.com           sarah.cohn@riskmetrics.com

     RiskMetrics Group Investor Relations Contact:
     Dan Concannon
     866-884-3450
     ir@riskmetrics.com


    About RiskMetrics Group

RiskMetrics Group is a leading provider of risk management and corporate governance products and services to participants in the global financial markets. By bringing transparency, expertise and access to the financial markets, RiskMetrics Group helps investors better understand and manage the risks associated with their financial holdings. Our solutions address a broad spectrum of risk across our clients' financial assets. Headquartered in New York with 19 global offices, RiskMetrics Group services some of the most prestigious institutions and corporations worldwide.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are, in some cases, beyond our control and that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements.

Other factors that could materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements can be found in the Company's Prospectus dated January 24, 2008 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 25, 2008. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from what we projected. Any forward-looking statement in this release reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Notes Regarding Pro forma Presentation

The pro forma results discussed above and presented in Tables D and F through I give effect to the January 11, 2007 acquisition of Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") closed on January 1, 2006. No pro forma financial information has been presented in Table D in respect of the acquisition of Center for Financial Research and Analysis ("CFRA"), which closed on August 1, 2007. On January 11, 2007, we acquired ISS for a purchase price of approximately $542.8 million. The unaudited pro forma statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 and the three months ended December 31, 2006 presented in Tables D and F through I give pro forma effect to the acquisition of ISS as if it had occurred on January 1, 2006.

The unaudited pro forma financial statements are based on estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are preliminary and have been made solely for purposes of developing this pro forma information. Unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have been achieved if the acquisition of ISS had been consummated as of the date indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of the results of future operations. The pro forma financial information does not give effect to any cost savings or restructuring and integration costs that may result from the integration of ISS' business.

Notes Regarding the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

RiskMetrics Group, Inc. (the "Company") has provided certain non-GAAP financial information as additional information for its operating results. These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative for, generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") and may be different from non-GAAP measures reported by other companies. The Company believes that its presentation of non-GAAP measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA expenses, other operating expenses and free cash flow, provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the Company's management uses these measures for reviewing the financial results of the Company and for budgeting and planning purposes.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our credit facilities, represents net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, non-cash stock-based compensation expense and extraordinary or non-recurring charges or expenses. It is a material metric used by our lenders in evaluating compliance with the maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant in our credit facilities. The maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant, as defined in our credit facilities, represents the ratio of total indebtedness as compared to Adjusted EBITDA, and can not exceed a maximum ratio range which declines from 8.50 to 3.00 over the life of the credit facilities. Non-compliance with this covenant could result in us being required to immediately repay our outstanding indebtedness under our credit facilities. Adjusted EBITDA is also a metric used by management to measure operating performance and for planning, including preparation of annual budgets, analyzing investment decisions and evaluating profitability.

We also present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental performance measure because we believe that this measure provides our board of directors, management and investors with additional information to measure our performance, provide comparisons from period to period by excluding potential differences caused by variations in capital structure (affecting interest expense), tax position (such as the impact on periods of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses), the age and book depreciation of fixed assets (affecting relative depreciation expense), acquisitions (affecting amortization expense) and compensation plans (affecting stock-based compensation expense).

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of our financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our profitability or liquidity.

Adjusted EBITDA Expenses

Adjusted EBITDA expenses represents cost of revenues, research and development, selling and marketing and general administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation. Adjusted EBITDA expenses represent expenses which are classified as reductions to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our credit facilities. Adjusted EBITDA is also a metric used by management to measure operating performance and for planning, including preparation of annual budgets, analyzing investment decisions and evaluating profitability.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses represent stock-based compensation, depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets and loss on disposal of property and equipment. Other operating expenses represent expenses which are classified as reductions to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in our credit facilities.

Free Cash Flow

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations minus capital expenditures. We believe free cash flow is an important non-GAAP measure as it provides useful cash flow information regarding our ability to service, incur or pay down indebtedness. We use free cash flow as a measure to reflect cash available to service our debt as well as to fund our expenditures. A limitation of using free cash flow versus the GAAP measure of net cash provided by operating activities is that free cash flow does not represent the total increase or decrease in the cash balance from operations for the period since it excludes cash used for capital expenditures during the period.


    Table A - Consolidated Statements of Income


                           RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
              (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

                                    For the                  For the
                               three months ended          years ended
                                   December 31,            December 31,
                                   (unaudited)
                                2006         2007         2006         2007
    REVENUES                  $25,934       67,627     $101,236     $240,301
    OPERATING COSTS AND
     EXPENSES:
      Cost of revenues          6,690       20,651       25,618       77,317
      Research and
       development expenses     4,926        8,665       21,202       31,142
      Selling and marketing
       expenses                 4,165       10,091       14,977       35,420
      General and
       administrative
       expenses                 4,255        8,826       12,852       29,654
      Depreciation and
       amortization of
       property and equipment   1,075        2,227        4,081        7,419
      Amortization of
       intangible assets            -        5,417          770       19,145
      Loss on disposal of
       property and equipment       -          732           15          734
        Total operating costs
         and expenses          21,111       56,609       79,515      200,831
    INCOME FROM OPERATIONS      4,823       11,018       21,721       39,470
    INTEREST, DIVIDEND AND
     INVESTMENT INCOME, NET:
      Interest, dividend and
       investment income          818          449        2,549        2,159
      Interest expense            (11)      (9,609)         (49)     (37,517)
        Total interest, dividend
         and investment income,
         net                      807       (9,160)       2,500      (35,358)
    INCOME BEFORE PROVISION
     FOR INCOME TAXES           5,630        1,858       24,221        4,112
    PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES  1,907          655        8,200        1,711
    NET INCOME                 $3,723       $1,203      $16,021       $2,401
    INCOME PER SHARE:
    Basic                       $0.09        $0.03        $0.38        $0.05
    Diluted                     $0.07        $0.02        $0.33        $0.04
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER
     OF COMMON SHARES
     OUTSTANDING:
    Basic                  42,537,643   47,626,734   42,655,069   46,380,175
    Diluted                50,059,888   55,173,774   47,963,666   54,364,746



    Table B

                           RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.

                         CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                          DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2007

                     (In thousands, except share amounts)

                                                      2006           2007
    ASSETS
    CURRENT ASSETS:
      Cash and cash equivalents                      $37,313        $27,455
      Investments, at fair market value (cost of
       $68,075 at December 31,2006)                   68,071              -
      Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
       doubtful accounts of $265 and $405 at
       December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively       16,216         37,010
      Deferred tax asset                                  79            140
      Income taxes receivable                            938          8,300
      Other receivables and prepaid expenses           3,869          5,910
        Total current assets                         126,486         78,815
    Deferred Tax Asset - Noncurrent portion            1,168              -
    Intangibles - Net                                      -        174,154
    Goodwill                                               -        460,951
    Property and Equipment - Net                       8,047         16,225
    Deferred Financing Costs                               -          8,677
    Other Assets                                       1,246          4,361
    TOTAL ASSETS                                    $136,947       $743,183

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    CURRENT LIABILITIES:
      Trade accounts payable                          $2,841         $6,235
      Accrued expenses                                17,795         34,189
      Debt, current portion                                -          3,000
      Deferred revenue                                58,309        100,557
      Other current liabilities                            -            227
        Total current liabilities                     78,945        144,208
    LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    Debt                                                   -        419,750
      Deferred tax liabilities                             -         28,626
      Deferred revenue                                   533            722
      Other long term liabilities                        971         13,785
        Total liabilities                             80,449        607,091

    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
    STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
      Common stock, $.01 par value - 150,000,000
       authorized; 52,859,460 and 47,850,652 issued
       and 42,530,055 and 47,642,460 outstanding at
       December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively          529            479
      Treasury stock - 10,329,405 and 208,192 shares
       at December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively      (103)            (2)
      Additional paid-in capital                     130,765        217,355
      Accumulated other comprehensive loss              (508)        (7,262)
      Accumulated deficit                            (74,185)       (74,478)
        Total stockholders' equity                    56,498        136,092
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      $136,947       $743,183


    Table C

                           RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.

                    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, AND 2007

                            (Amounts in thousands)

                                                      2006            2007
    CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
      Net income                                     $16,021         $2,401
      Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
       cash provided by operating activities:
        Depreciation and amortization of property
         and equipment                                 4,081          7,419
      Provision (recovery) for bad debt                  (53)           140
      Amortization of intangible assets                  770         19,145
      Amortization of debt issuance costs                  -          1,397
      Impairment of goodwill                               -              -
      Stock-based compensation                         3,636          6,033
      Tax benefit associated with exercise of stock
       options                                        (1,236)          (201)
      Loss on disposal of property and equipment          15            734
      Decrease (increase) in deferred tax benefit        812         (1,115)
      Changes in assets and liabilities:
        (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable     3,923          8,599
        Increase in other receivables and prepaid
         expenses                                     (1,171)          (934)
        Increase in other assets                        (420)           (88)
        Increase in deferred revenue                   5,098         (4,370)
        (Increase) decrease in income taxes
         receivable                                      532          2,561
        Increase in trade accounts payable             1,771          2,631
        Increase in other accrued expenses and
         liabilities                                   2,303            996
        Net cash provided by operating activities     36,082         45,348

    CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

      Purchase of property and equipment              (3,724)       (11,091)
      Cash paid to acquire Institutional Shareholder
       Services Inc. ("ISS") and related acquisition
       costs (net of cash acquired of $12,250)             -       (471,764)
      Payment of acquired ISS acquisition related costs    -         (7,413)
      Cash paid to acquire CFRA and related
       acquisition costs (net of cash acquired of
       $1,213)                                             -        (45,946)
      Payment of deferred purchase price                   -           (128)
      Purchase of intangible asset                         -           (250)
      Purchase of investments                        (70,755)       (21,289)
      Proceeds from sale of investments               72,169         89,364
        Net cash used in investing activities         (2,310)      (468,517)

    CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
      Proceeds from debt borrowings                        -        440,000
      Repayment of debt                                    -        (17,250)
      Payment of debt issuance costs                       -        (10,074)
      Principal payments on capital lease obligations      -            (23)
      Equity offering expenses                             -         (1,928)
      Excess tax benefit associated with exercise of
       stock options                                   1,236            201
      Proceeds from exercise of stock options            255          5,944
      Repurchase of stock                             (9,018)        (3,257)
        Net cash (used in) provided by financing
         activities                                   (7,527)       413,613
    EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH              102           (302)
    NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
     EQUIVALENTS                                      26,347          9,858
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Beginning of year     10,966         37,313
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - End of year          $37,313        $27,455
    SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
     INFORMATION:
      Cash paid for interest                              $-        $35,973
      Cash paid for taxes (net of refunds)            $8,236           $(50)
    NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
      Issuance of common stock to purchase ISS            $-        $42,426
      Issuance of stock options to purchase ISS           $-        $16,331
      Retirement of treasury stock                        $-           $103
      Tax benefit associated with exercise of ISS stock
       options                                            $-         $3,061
      Issuance of common stock to purchase CFRA           $-        $16,634


    Supplemental Information and Non-GAAP Reconciliations


On the pages that follow, the Company has provided certain supplemental information that we believe will assist the reader in assessing our business operations and performance, including certain non-GAAP financial information and required reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measure.

Table D - Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Statement of Operations Data

The pro forma results below give effect to the acquisition of Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS") as if the transaction had closed on January 1, 2006.

    Pro Forma Financial Information (1)

                           Three months               Year ended
                        ended December 31,            December 31,

                      2006      2007   % Change   2006       2007  % Change
                           (Unaudited and all amounts in thousands)
    Revenues:
      Risk (2)      $25,934   $33,422   28.9%   $101,235   $121,126   19.6%
      ISS (3)        26,696    34,205   28.2%    103,269    122,502   18.6%
      Total Revenues 52,629    67,627   28.5%    204,505    243,628   19.1%
    Operating Cost
     and Expenses:
      Adjusted
      EBITDA
       expenses (4)  37,160    46,155   24.2%    146,551    169,946   16.0%
      Other operating
       expenses (5)   7,369    10,454   41.8%     30,681     34,074   11.1%
      Total operating
       costs and
       expenses      44,529    56,609   27.1%    177,232    204,020   15.1%

      Income from
       operations     8,100    11,018   36.0%     27,272     39,608   45.2%
      Interest,
       dividend and
       investment
      Income (loss),
       net           (8,569)   (9,160)   6.9%    (34,222)   (36,451)   6.5%
      Income (loss)
       before income
       taxes           (469)    1,858      *      (6,948)     3,157      *
      Provision
       (benefit) for
        income taxes   (188)      655      *      (2,779)     1,263      *
      Net income
       (loss)         $(281)   $1,203      *     $(4,169)    $1,894      *

      Adjusted EBITDA
       (3) (6)      $15,469   $21,472   38.8%    $57,954    $73,682   27.1%
      Adjusted EBITDA
       margin (7)      29.4%     31.8%              28.3%      30.2%


    * Exceeds 100%


    Notes to Table D:

    (1)  Refer to tables F, G, H and I, respectively, for a reconciliation of
         the condensed consolidated pro forma financial information for the
         three months ended December 31, 2006 and 2007 and years ended
         December 31, 2006 and 2007 to the historical financial statements.
         The three months ended December 31, 2007 does not include pro forma
         adjustments of ISS, which was acquired on January 11, 2007.

    (2)  For the year ended December 31, 2006, we derived $4.3 million of
         revenue from a JPMorgan online services agreement and no revenue in
         the year ended December 31, 2007.

    (3)  The acquisition of CFRA on August 1, 2007 generated additional
         revenues of $4.4 million and $7.2 million during the three months
         ended December 31, 2007 and year ended December 31, 2007,
         respectively. The pro forma financial information for the year ended
         December 31, 2007, includes $3.3 million of revenue and $0.9 million
         of Adjusted EBITDA generated from ISS during the period of January 1,
         2007 to January 11, 2007.

    (4)  Adjusted EBITDA expenses represents cost of revenues, research and
         development, selling and marketing and general administrative
         expenses, excluding stock-based compensation of $1,203 and $2,078 for
         the three months ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, respectively and
         $5,451 and $6,033 for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007,
         respectively.

    (5)  Other operating expenses represent stock-based compensation,
         depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization
         of intangible assets and loss on disposal of property and equipment.

    (6)  The table below sets forth a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net
         income (loss) for our pro forma results:


                                      Three months ended     Year ended
                                        December 31,         December 31,
                                      2006      2007       2006        2007
                                           (amounts in thousands)
    Net income (loss)                $(281)    $1,203    $(4,169)    $1,894
    Interest (income) expense, net   8,570      9,160     34,222     36,451
    Income tax expense (benefit)      (189)       655     (2,780)     1,263
    Depreciation and amortization
     of property and equipment       1,583      2,227      6,114      7,621
    Amortization of intangible
     assets                          4,583      5,417     19,101     19,686
    Stock -based compensation        1,203      2,078      5,451      6,033
    Loss on disposal of property
     and equipment                       -        732         15        734
    Adjusted EBITDA                $15,469    $21,472    $57,954    $73,682

    (7)  Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA divided by total
         revenues.


    Table E - Consolidated Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Data



    Balance Sheet Data - as of December 31,           2006           2007(1)
     (amounts in thousands)
    Cash and cash equivalents                        $37,313        $27,455
    Short-term investments                            68,071              -
    Goodwill and intangibles, net                          -        635,105
    Total assets                                     136,947        743,183
    Deferred revenue                                  58,842        101,279
    Total debt, including current portion                  -        422,750
    Stockholders' equity                              56,498        136,092

    Cash Flow Data - For the year ended December 31,
    Net cash provided by operating activities        $36,082        $45,348
    Capital expenditures                              (3,724)       (11,091)
    Free cash flow (2)                               $32,358        $34,257


    Notes to Table E:
    (1)  On January 11, 2007, we acquired ISS for $542.8 million and incurred
         indebtedness of $425.0 million to complete the acquisition, of which
         $2.25 million has been repaid. In addition, on August 1, 2007, we
         acquired CFRA for $63.8 million and incurred additional indebtedness
         of $15.0 million to complete the acquisition which was repaid in
         October and November of 2007.

    (2)  We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities
         less capital expenditures. Our management uses free cash flow, and we
         present it to investors, because it is an important measure of the
         cash generation of our business and our ability to repay indebtedness
         and invest in our business.

The following tables (F, G, H and I) reconcile the consolidated statements of income in Table A to the Condensed Consolidated Pro Forma Statement of Operations Data in Table D:


    Table F

                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006

                            (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)



                            Institutional                   Reclassif-
                             Shareholder                      ication
                              Services   Pro Forma           of Stock-
                RiskMetrics   Holdings, Adjustments Pro Forma  based
                Group, Inc.     Inc.      For ISS    for ISS  Compen-    Pro
                (Historical) (Historical) Acquis-    Acquis-  sation    forma
                                           ition      ition
    Revenues       $25,934      $26,695             $52,629           $52,629
      Operating
       costs and
       expenses:
        Cost of
         revenues    6,690        9,826     (18)(A)  16,498            16,498
        Research and
         development
         expenses    4,926        1,425        -      6,351             6,351
        Selling and
         marketing
         expenses    4,165        3,445      (5)(A)   7,605             7,605
        General and
         administrative
         expenses    4,255        4,687  (1,033)(A)   7,909             7,909
      Total Adjusted
       EBITDA
       expenses                                      38,363 (1,203)(G) 37,160
      Depreciation
       and amortization
       of property and
       equipment     1,075        1,274    (766)(B)   1,583             1,583
      Amortization
       of intangible
       assets            -          673   3,910 (C)   4,583             4,583
      Loss on disposal
       of property and
       equipment         -            -                   -                 -
      Total other
       operating
       expenses                                       6,166  1,203 (G)  7,369
      Total operating
       costs and
       expenses     21,111       21,330              44,529            44,529
    Income from
     operations      4,823        5,365               8,100             8,100
    Other income
     and expenses:
      Interest,
       dividend and
       investment
       income          818          111                 929               929
      Interest
       expense         (11)      (1,079) (8,109)(D)  (9,498)           (9,498)
                                           (299)(E)
    Total other
     income and
     expenses, net     807         (968)             (8,569)           (8,569)
    Income (loss)
     before income
     taxes           5,630        4,397                (469)             (469)
    Provision
     (benefit) for
     income taxes    1,907        1,811  (3,906)(F)    (188)             (188)
    Net income
     (loss)         $3,723       $2,586               $(281)            $(281)


    TABLE G

                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006

                            (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)



                            Institutional                   Reclassif-
                             Shareholder                      ication
                              Services   Pro Forma           of Stock-
                RiskMetrics   Holdings, Adjustments Pro Forma  based
                Group, Inc.     Inc.      For ISS    for ISS  Compen-    Pro
                (Historical) (Historical) Acquis-    acquis-  sation    forma
                                           ition      ition


    Revenues   $101,236        $103,269            $204,505          $204,505
      Operating
       costs
       and
       expenses:
      Cost of
       revenues  25,618          39,933      (18)(A) 65,533            65,533
      Research
       and
       develop-
       ment
       expenses  21,202           6,070        -     27,272            27,272
      Selling
       and
       marketing
       expenses  14,977          15,728       (5)(A) 30,700            30,700
      General
       and
       admini-
       strative
       expenses  12,852          16,678   (1,033)(A) 28,497            28,497
         Total
         Adjusted
         EBITDA
         expenses                                   152,002 (5,451)(G)146,551
      Depreciat-
       ion
       and amort-
       ization of
       property
       and
       equipment  4,081           3,578   (1,545)(B)   6,114            6,114
      Amortizat-
       ion of
       intang-
       ible
       assets       770           2,520   15,811 (C)  19,101           19,101
      Loss on
       disposal
       of prop-
       erty and
       equipment     15              -                    15               15
         Total
          other
          operat-
          ing
          expen-
          ses                                         25,230  5,451(G) 30,681
    Total
     operating
     costs and
     expenses    79,515          84,507              177,232          177,232
    Income from
     operations  21,721          18,762               27,273           27,273
    Other
     income and
     expenses:
      Interest,
       dividend
       and inv-
       estment
       income     2,549             419               2,968            2,968
    Interest
     expense        (49)         (4,042) (31,902)(D)(37,189)        (37,189)
                                          (1,196)(E)
    Total other
     income and
     expenses,
     net          2,500          (3,623)            (34,221)        (34,221)
    Income (loss)
     before
     income
     taxes       24,221          15,139              (6,948)         (6,948)
    Provision
     (benefit)
      for
      income
      taxes       8,200           6,236  (17,215)(F) (2,779)         (2,779)
    Net
    income
    (loss)      $16,021          $8,903             $(4,169)        $(4,169)


    Table H

                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
                            (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)


                            Institutional
                             Shareholder
                              Services
                RiskMetrics   Holdings,    Pro               Reclassif-
                Group, Inc.     Inc.      Forma               ication
                January 1 to January 1 to Adjust-    Pro    of Stock-
                December 31, January 11,  ments     Forma    based
                   2007         2007      For ISS  for ISS   Compen-    Pro
                (Historical) (Historical) Acquis-   acquis-  sation    forma
                                           ition     ition

     Revenues       240,301    $3,327       $      $243,628           $243,628
      Operating
       costs and
       expenses:
      Cost of
       revenues      77,317     2,350      (867)(A)  78,800             78,800
      Research and
       development
       expenses      31,142       597      (226)(A)  31,513             31,513
      Selling and
       marketing
       expenses      35,420       823      (281)(A)  35,962             35,962
      General and
       administrative
       expenses      29,654    13,698    (13,648)(A) 29,704             29,704
        Total
         Adjusted
         EBITDA
         expenses                                   175,979 (6,033)(G) 169,946
      Depreciation
       and
       amortization
       of property
       and
       equipment      7,419       132         70(B)   7,621              7,621
      Amortization
       of
       intangible
       assets        19,145       84         457(C)  19,686             19,686
      Loss on
       disposal of
       property and
       equipment       734         -                   734                 734
        Total other
         operating
         expenses                                   28,041   6,033(G)   34,074
    Total operating
     costs and
     expenses      200,831    17,684                204,020            204,020
    Income from
     operations     39,470   (14,357)                39,608             39,608
    Other income
     and expenses:
      Interest,
       dividend
       and
       investment
       income       2,159         20                  2,179              2,179
      Interest
       expense   (37,517)      (112)     (965)(D)   (38,630)          (38,630)
                                          (36)(E)
    Total other
     income and
     expenses,
     net         (35,358)      (92)                 (36,451)          (36,451)
    Income (loss)
     before income
     taxes         4,112   (14,449)                    3,157             3,157
    Provision
     (benefit)
     for income
     taxes         1,711    (5,951)     5,503(F)       1,263             1,263
    Net income
     (loss)       $2,401   $(8,498)                   $1,894            $1,894



    Table I
                 UNAUDITED PRO FORMA STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2007
          (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

                                      RiskMetrics
                                      Group, Inc.
                                      October 1 to
                                        December   Reclassification
                                        31, 2007    of Stock Based     Pro
                                      (Historical)   Compensation     Forma

    Revenues                             $67,627                     $67,627
    Operating costs and expenses:
      Cost of revenue                     20,651                      20,651
      Research and development expenses    8,665                       8,665
      Selling and marketing expenses      10,091                      10,091
      General and administrative
       expenses                            8,826                       8,826
        Total Adjusted EBITDA expenses    48,233      (2,078)(G)      46,155
      Depreciation and amortization of
       property and equipment              2,227                       2,227
      Amortization of intangible assets    5,417                       5,417
      Loss on disposal of property
       and equipment                         732                         732
        Total other operating expenses     8,376       2,078 (G)      10,454
    Total operating costs and expenses    56,609                      56,609
    Income (loss) from operations         11,018                      11,018
    Other income and expenses:
      Interest, dividend and investment
       income                                449                         449
      Interest expense                    (9,609)                     (9,609)
        Total other income and expenses,
         net                              (9,160)                     (9,160)
    Income (loss) before income taxes      1,858                       1,858
    Provision (benefit) for income taxes     655                         655
    Net income (loss)                     $1,203                      $1,203



    Notes for Tables F, G, H and I:

The following pro forma adjustments for the ISS acquisition are included in the preparation of the pro forma statement of operations:

    (A) Adjustment to exclude ISS non-recurring expenses associated with the
        ISS acquisition, which constitute non-recurring items as defined in
        our credit facilities. These costs were incurred by ISS prior to the
        acquisition and include legal costs of $0.8 million and other charges
        of $0.3 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2006. Non-
        recurring expenses for the period of January 1, 2007 through
        January 11, 2007 consist of: a transaction fee of $6.7 million, non-
        cash stock based compensation of $3.0 million and cash compensation
        and other charges of $5.3 million.

    (B) Adjustment to historical depreciation and amortization of property and
        equipment to reflect the incremental expense from the preliminary
        allocation of fair market value of such assets.

    (C) Adjustment to historical amortization of intangible assets expense to
        reflect the incremental expense for the preliminary purchase price
        allocation and estimated lives.

    (D) ISS had pre-existing debt which was repaid upon the consummation of
        our acquisition of ISS. This adjustment reflects the additional
        interest expense on debt incurred in connection with the ISS
        acquisition in excess of ISS' historical interest on its then existing
        indebtedness.

    (E) This entry reflects the additional amortization of debt issuance costs
        over the amounts that ISS historically recognized on its pre-existing
        outstanding indebtedness:

    (F) Pro forma provision for income taxes represents our statutory rate of
        40%, comprised of 35% federal and 5% blended state, foreign and local
        income tax applied against income (loss) before income taxes.

Adjustment G reflects the reclassification of stock-based compensation from Adjusted EBITDA expenses to other operating expenses.

SOURCE RiskMetrics Group

CONTACT: Media, Cheryl Gustitus, +1-301-556-0538, cheryl.gustitus@riskmetrics.com , or Sarah Cohn, +1-212-354-4643 sarah.cohn@riskmetrics.com , or Investor Relations, Dan Concannon, +1-866-884-3450, ir@riskmetrics.com, all for RiskMetrics Group