Investor News

RiskMetrics Group Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results

Oct 30, 2008 at 12:00 AM EDT
RiskMetrics Group Reports Third Quarter 2008 Results

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2008--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 its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Earnings Highlights: GAAP results reflect the acquisition of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) on January 11, 2007 and the Center for Financial Research and Analysis (CFRA) acquisition of August 1, 2007. Pro forma results are presented as if ISS and CFRA were acquired on January 1, 2007 (see Tables D and E for a reconciliation of GAAP and Pro Forma financial results).

    --  Third quarter GAAP revenues increased 21.5% to $75.6 million,
        and 18.8% on a pro forma basis. GAAP revenues for the nine
        month period ended September 30, 2008 increased 27.9% to
        $220.9 million, and 19.1% on a pro forma basis.

    --  Third quarter Adjusted EBITDA increased 35.8% to $25.0
        million, and 32.7% on a pro forma basis with an Adjusted
        EBITDA margin of 33.1%. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine month
        period ended September 30, 2008 increased 40.2% to $72.0
        million, and 31.0% on a pro forma basis, with an Adjusted
        EBITDA margin of 32.6%.

    --  GAAP EPS (diluted) increased to $0.09 in the third quarter of
        2008 up from $0.01 in the third quarter of 2007. Adjusted EPS
        (before amortization of intangibles and stock-based
        compensation) for the third quarter of 2008 was $0.16, up from
        $0.09 in third quarter of 2007.

    --  GAAP cash flow from operations grew to $40.3 million in the
        third quarter of 2008 driving an increase of cash from $108.2
        million at June 30, 2008 to $151.7 million at September 30,
        2008.

"We continue to deliver strong revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion and cash flow growth despite the challenging market environment," said Ethan Berman, Chief Executive Officer of RiskMetrics Group. "Our 21.5% third quarter revenue growth is indicative of our strong multi-asset class market position, the resilience of our diverse global client base and the ever increasing importance of risk transparency."

All amounts (except share and per share information) are in thousands, unless indicated otherwise.

Selected Financial Information (unaudited)

Table A

                                               Three Months Ended
                                                  September 30,
                                           ---------------------------
                                                                  %
                                             2007      2008    Change
                                           --------- -----------------
Revenues:
Risk                                       $ 30,968  $ 40,846    31.9%
ISS                                          31,191    34,708    11.3%
                                           --------- --------- -------
  Total Revenues                           $ 62,159  $ 75,554    21.5%
                                           --------- --------- -------
Operating Cost and Expenses:
Adjusted EBITDA expenses (1)                 43,715    50,514    15.6%
Other operating expenses (2)                  8,388     9,853    17.5%
                                           --------- --------- -------
  Total operating costs and expenses         52,103    60,367    15.9%
                                           --------- --------- -------

Income from operations                       10,056    15,187    51.0%
                                           --------- --------- -------

Other expense                                (9,359)   (4,860)  -48.1%
                                           --------- --------- -------
Income before income taxes                      697    10,327  1382.5%
Provision for income taxes                      244     4,045  1557.8%
                                           --------- --------- -------
Net income - GAAP                          $    453  $  6,282  1286.8%
                                           ========= ========= =======

EPS (diluted) - GAAP                       $   0.01  $   0.09
                                           ========= =========
Adjusted Net income (3)                    $  4,686  $ 10,937   133.4%
                                           ========= ========= =======
Adjusted EPS (diluted) (3)                 $   0.09  $   0.16
                                           ========= =========
Adjusted EBITDA (4)                        $ 18,444  $ 25,040    35.8%
                                           ========= ========= =======
Adjusted EBITDA margin                         29.7%     33.1%

                                                Nine Months Ended
                                                  September 30,
                                           ---------------------------
                                                                  %
                                             2007      2008    Change
                                           --------- -----------------
Revenues:
Risk                                       $ 87,704  $114,110    30.1%
ISS                                          84,970   106,790    25.7%
                                           --------- --------- -------
  Total Revenues                           $172,674  $220,900    27.9%
                                           --------- --------- -------
Operating Cost and Expenses:
Adjusted EBITDA expenses (1)                121,345   148,914    22.7%
Other operating expenses (2)                 22,877    30,646    34.0%
                                           --------- --------- -------
  Total operating costs and expenses        144,222   179,560    24.5%
                                           --------- --------- -------

Income from operations                       28,452    41,340    45.3%
                                           --------- --------- -------

Other expense                               (26,198)  (21,337)  -18.6%
                                           --------- --------- -------
Income before income taxes                    2,254    20,003   787.5%
Provision for income taxes                    1,056     7,828   641.3%
                                           --------- --------- -------
Net income - GAAP                          $  1,198  $ 12,175   916.3%
                                           ========= ========= =======

EPS (diluted) - GAAP                       $   0.02  $   0.18
                                           ========= =========
Adjusted Net income (3)                    $ 10,600  $ 29,789   181.0%
                                           ========= ========= =======
Adjusted EPS (diluted) (3)                 $   0.20  $   0.44
                                           ========= =========
Adjusted EBITDA (4)                        $ 51,329  $ 71,986    40.2%
                                           ========= ========= =======
Adjusted EBITDA margin                         29.7%     32.6%

(1) Represents cost of revenues, research and development, selling and marketing and general and administrative expenses, excluding stock-based compensation and one time charges. Refer to tables I through L for a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure.

(2) Represents depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, loss on disposal of property and equipment, and stock-based compensation. Refer to tables I through L for a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure.

(3) Represents net income and EPS before amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation and one-time IPO costs. Refer to table D for a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure.

(4) Represents net income before interest expense interest income, income tax expense, depreciation, amortization, non-cash stock based compensation expense and extraordinary or non-recurring charges or expenses. Refer to table C for a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP measure.

    Third Quarter 2008 Results Compared to Third Quarter 2007 Results
    Third Quarter 2008 Revenues

Total GAAP revenues for the third quarter of 2008 ("Q3 2008") were $75.6 million, up 21.5% from $62.2 million in the third quarter of 2007 ("Q3 2007").

On a pro forma basis, revenues increased 18.8% from $63.6 million in the same period of 2007. Included in the Q3 2007 pro forma revenues are $1.4 million of CFRA revenues (refer to Table E).

On a business segment level, Q3 2008 Risk GAAP revenues were $40.8 million, a 31.9% increase over Q3 2007. Risk revenues continue to accelerate as revenues grew 5.2% sequentially over Q2 2008 due to RiskManager™ year over year revenue growth of 36.3% resulting from strong sales to both the asset management and hedge fund sectors. EMEA revenue grew by over 43% year over year while the Americas revenue growth accelerated to 26% for Q3 2008.

ISS GAAP revenues were $34.7 million in Q3 2008, an 11.3% increase from Q3 2007. On a pro forma basis, revenues grew by 6.3% compared to Q3 2007. ISS Q3 2008 Revenues declined $0.6 million relative to Q2 2008 due to a decline of non-recurring revenue caused by seasonality of the Company's Corporate Compensation Advisory Services products. On a pro forma basis, ISS recurring revenues increased 7.9% over Q3 2007 and were up 2.3% over Q2 2008.

Total Governance Services (mainly Proxy Research and Voting Services) GAAP revenue of $23.6 million for Q3 2008 increased 7.3% from Q3 2007. Financial Research and Analysis ("FR&A") revenues of $11.1 million for Q3 2008 grew by 4.2% over pro forma Q3 2007.

Mr. Berman continued, "We are particularly encouraged by the 29.3% growth in Annualized Contract Value (ACV) for our Risk business, especially with 24% and 39% ACV growth in the hedge fund segment and traditional asset management segments, respectively."

Third Quarter 2008 Adjusted EBITDA Expenses

Adjusted EBITDA expenses, which exclude depreciation and amortization of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, and non-cash stock-based compensation expense, interest, dividend and investment income (expense) and income tax expense, increased 15.6% to $50.5 million for Q3 2008 and remained flat compared to Q2 2008. On a pro forma basis, Adjusted EBITDA expenses increased by 12.9% from $44.7 million in Q3 2007.

Compensation expense, which accounted for 67.7% of total Adjusted EBITDA expenses, increased by 11.4% to $34.2 million for Q3 2008. On a pro forma basis, compensation expenses increased by 8.8% as headcount grew at a lower rate than revenues during the third quarter.



Non-compensation expenses increased to $16.3 million for Q3 2008. On a pro forma basis, non-compensation expenses increased by 22.6% for Q3 2008, due mainly to increases in travel, foreign currency transaction expense as well as data, telecommunications and hosting costs.

Adjusted EBITDA expenses represented approximately 66.9% of total revenues during Q3 2008, compared with 70.3% in Q3 2007.

Third Quarter 2008 Adjusted EBITDA

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 35.8% to $25.0 million in Q3 2008 from $18.4 million in Q3 2007. On a pro forma basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 32.7% from $18.9 million in Q3 2007. Pro forma Q3 2007 Adjusted EBITDA includes $0.4 million of CFRA Adjusted EBITDA.

EBITDA, including stock based compensation expense of $2.2 million, was $22.8 million in Q3 2008.

The Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 33.1% in Q3 2008, compared with 29.7% in Q3 2007 and 30.2% for full year 2007, as revenues continued to grow at a higher rate than Adjusted EBITDA expenses.

On a segment level, the Risk business generated Adjusted EBITDA of $14.4 million which was a 39.1% increase over Q3 2007. The Q3 2008 Risk Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 35.2% as compared to 33.4% in Q3 2007 as revenues grew by 31.9% and Adjusted EBITDA expenses grew by 28.3%. Risk margins declined relative to Q2 2008 margins of 36.3% due to increased compensation and foreign currency transaction expenses.

ISS generated Adjusted EBITDA of $10.6 million in Q3 2008 which was a 31.5% increase over Q3 2007. On a pro forma basis, ISS Adjusted EBITDA increased 24.9%. On a pro forma basis, the Q3 2008 ISS Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 30.7% as compared to 26.0% in Q3 2007 as revenues grew by 6.3% and Adjusted EBITDA expenses remained flat.

Third Quarter 2008 Other Operating Expenses and Income from Operations

On a GAAP basis, other operating expenses (stock based compensation, depreciation, amortization and loss on disposal of fixed assets) increased 17.5% to $9.9 million in Q3 2008 from $8.4 million in Q3 2007. This was primarily due to a $0.6 million increase in amortization and depreciation expense and a $0.8 million increase in stock based compensation expense. Income from operations increased 51.0% to $15.2 million in Q3 2008 from $10.1 million in Q3 2007.

Third Quarter 2008 Interest, Dividend, Investment and Other Income (Expense), Net

On a GAAP basis, net interest, dividend, investment and other expense decreased to $4.9 million for Q3 2008 from $9.4 million in Q3 2007. This decrease in expense was primarily due to decreased interest expense and increased interest income as a result of reduced debt borrowings and increased cash balances during 2008.

Third Quarter 2008 Net Income and EPS

GAAP net income increased to $6.3 million in Q3 2008 from $0.5 million in Q3 2007. GAAP EPS (diluted) increased to $0.09 for Q3 2008 from $0.01 in Q3 2007.

Adjusted net income, as defined in Table D, increased to $10.9 million in Q3 2008 from $4.7 million in Q3 2007. Adjusted EPS increased to $0.16 for Q3 2008 from $0.09 in Q3 2007.

Nine months ended September 30, 2008 Results Compared to Nine months ended September 30, 2007 Results

Nine months 2008 Revenues

Total GAAP revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $220.9 million, up 27.9% from $172.7 million in the comparable period in 2007.

On a pro forma basis revenues increased 19.1% from $185.4 million in the same period of 2007. Included in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 pro forma revenues are $3.3 million of revenues from the 11 day period before the ISS acquisition in January 2007 and $9.4 million of CFRA revenues for the seven months before the CFRA acquisition (refer to Table E).

On a business segment level, Risk GAAP revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $114.1 million, a 30.1% increase over the comparable period in 2007. Results were primarily due to RiskManager™ revenue growth of 38.9% over the year ago period resulting from strong sales to both the asset management and hedge fund sectors.

ISS GAAP revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $106.8 million, a 25.7% increase from the comparable period in 2007. On a pro forma basis, ISS revenues grew by 9.3% with recurring revenues increasing by 9.8%. Total Governance Services (mainly Proxy Research and Voting Services) revenue of $69.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased 7.9% from the prior year pro forma period. Financial Research and Analysis ("FR&A") revenues of $37.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 grew by 11.5 % over the prior year pro forma revenue.

Nine months 2008 Adjusted EBITDA Expenses

Adjusted EBITDA expenses increased 22.7% to $148.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a pro forma basis, Adjusted EBITDA expenses increased by 14.1% from $148.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Compensation expense, which accounted for 67.7% of total Adjusted EBITDA expenses, increased by 19.4% to $100.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a pro forma basis, compensation expenses increased by 10.8% as headcount grew at a lower rate than revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Non-compensation expenses increased to $48.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. On a pro forma basis, non-compensation expenses increased by 21.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, due mainly to increases in occupancy, data and travel expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA expenses represented approximately 67.4% of total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared with 70.3% in the year-ago period.

Nine months 2008 Adjusted EBITDA

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 40.2% to $72.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $51.3 million in the comparable period in 2007. On a pro forma basis, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31.0% from $55.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Pro forma Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes $0.9 million of Adjusted EBITDA related to the January 1-11 period before the acquisition of ISS, and $2.9 million of CFRA Adjusted EBITDA.

EBITDA, including stock based compensation expense of $7.6 million, was $64.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The stock-based compensation charge included a one-time charge of $1.8 million related to IPO stock option grants.

The Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 32.6% in the nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared with 29.6% in the comparable pro forma period of 2007, as revenues continued to grow at a higher rate than Adjusted EBITDA expenses.

On a segment level, the Risk business generated Adjusted EBITDA of $40.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 which was a 47.5% increase over the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The Risk Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 35.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to 31.3% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 as revenues grew by 30.1% and Adjusted EBITDA expenses grew by 22.2%.

ISS generated Adjusted EBITDA of $31.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 which was a 31.9% increase over the nine months ended September 30, 2007. On a pro forma basis, ISS Adjusted EBITDA increased 14.5%. The ISS Adjusted EBITDA Margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 29.5% as compared to 28.2% in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 on a pro forma basis, as Adjusted EBITDA expenses grew by 7.2%.

Mr. Berman added, "The Company expanded its Adjusted EBITDA margin by 300 basis points with continued margin growth of over 400 basis points in the Risk business. In addition, we are now beginning to realize benefits from our investments in the ISS business with Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 130 basis points."

Nine-months 2008 Other Operating Expenses and Income from Operations

On a GAAP basis, other operating expenses increased 34.0% to $30.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $22.9 million in the comparable period in 2007. This was primarily due to an increase in stock based compensation of $3.7 million as a result of stock based compensation expense from IPO stock option grants, and a $2.6 million increase in amortization expense. Income from operations increased 45.3% to $41.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $28.5 million in the prior year.

Nine months 2008 Interest, Dividend, Investment and Other Income (Expense), Net.

On a GAAP basis, net interest, dividend, investment and other expense decreased to $21.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $26.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in other expense was due to decreased interest expense (net of debt issuance cost write-off) and increased interest income as a result of reduced debt borrowings and increased cash balances during 2008. The decrease in other expense was partially offset by one time IPO and debt repayment-related costs of $5.0 million, which consisted of a $1.25 million debt prepayment penalty fee and a $1.4 million loss on an interest rate swap settlement, both included in the Other Expense caption and a non-cash $2.4 million write-off of debt issuance costs, included in Interest Expense, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Nine months 2008 Net Income and EPS

On a GAAP basis, net income increased to $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. GAAP EPS (diluted) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased to $0.18 from $0.02 in the comparable period in 2007. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was 39.1%.

Adjusted net income, as defined in Table D, increased to $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from $10.6 million in the comparable period in 2007. Adjusted EPS increased to $0.44 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, from $0.20 in the comparable period in 2007. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 includes $6.3 million of one time IPO and debt repayment-related charges.

Selected Operating Data

    The Company believes that the following supplemental consolidated
financial information is helpful to understanding the Company's
overall financial results.

    Table B


                                                    As of and for the
                                                    Nine Months Ended
                                                      September 30
Operating Data                                       2007      2008
-------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------

Annualized Contract Value (1)
Risk                                               $123,463  $159,603
     % Growth                                                    29.3%
ISS                                                $117,450  $128,486
     % Growth                                                     9.4%
Annualized Contract Value                          $240,913  $288,089
                                                             ---------
     % Growth                                                    19.6%
                                                             ---------

Recurring Revenue as a % of total revenue (2)
   Risk                                                97.3%     98.6%
   ISS                                                 87.4%     88.4%
Recurring Revenue as a % of total revenue.             92.5%     93.6%

Renewal Rate
     Risk                                              90.1%     88.9%
     ISS (3)                                           91.1%     88.0%
        Renewal Rate                                   90.5%     88.5%

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.

(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) The September 30, 2007 renewal rate is not pro forma for CFRA renewals prior to the August 1, 2007 acquisition date.

Overall, renewal rates were 88.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared with 90.5% in the prior year. Risk achieved a renewal rate of 88.9% which decreased compared to prior year of 90.1%, while ISS had a renewal rate of 88.0% which decreased compared to the prior year of 91.1%. The Risk renewal rate declined mainly due to a lower renewal rate in the alternative investment segment offset by increased renewal rates in the asset management and banking segments. The ISS renewal rate declined due to lower renewal rates in the Corporate business and the inclusion of CFRA in 2008, which historically has lower average renewal rates than other ISS products. The Governance Services or Proxy products maintained a steady renewal rate of 91.5% in both the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.

Recurring revenue as a percent of total revenue increased to 93.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 from 92.5% in the comparable prior period. This increase was the result of the increase of Risk recurring revenues to 98.6% of total revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The percentage of recurring revenues for ISS also increased due to recurring revenue growing at a faster rate compared to non-recurring revenue.

Annualized Contract Value increased 19.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, with Risk increasing 29.3% (from $123.5 million to $159.6 million) and ISS growing 9.4% (from $117.5 million to $128.5 million). The increase in ACV was driven by strong growth of new Risk sales in both the alternative investment and asset management segments in the Americas and EMEA. Risk average ACV per client continued to increase to over $260,000 from $190,000 in 2007.

On a consolidated basis, the Company had $55.6 million of new ACV sales in nine months ended September 30, 2008, up 26.7% over the comparable period in 2007. The strong new sales performance was driven by a significant increase in the demand for Risk products as Risk new ACV sales were $38.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 an increase of 40.9% over 2007.

Consolidated Q3 2008 new ACV sales were $13.7 million, a $2.0 million decline compared to Q3 07 as a result of a $1.2 million decline in Risk Sales and $0.8 million decline in ISS Sales due to slowing market conditions, primarily in Europe. The new ACV sales for Q3 2008 do not include $2.9 million of contracts signed in that quarter with license dates starting after Q3.

RiskMetrics continued to have success in growing our relationship with existing clients with approximately 54% of new ACV sales coming from existing clients.

Discussion of Cash Flow

As of September 30, 2008, cash and cash equivalents were $151.7 million, up $43.4 million compared to June 30, 2008 and up $124.2 million as compared to December 31, 2007. Operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 provided cash of $58.8 million, compared to $17.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 with $40.3 million generated in Q3 alone. Cash flow from operations increased by $41.5 million in the first nine months of 2008 compared to 2007 due mainly to a $11.0 million increase in net income, higher non-cash charges and a $25.2 million increased contribution from working capital.

Our cash flow tends to be lower in the beginning of each year due to bonuses and commissions paid during this period. As a result, we typically generate more cash flows from operations during the second half of the year than during the first half of the year.

Capital expenditures decreased to $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 compared to $6.1 million in 2007. Financing Cash Flows generated cash of $74.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 primarily due to net proceeds received from the IPO partially offset by the pay down of $132.1 million in debt.

Free Cash Flow (operating cash flow minus capital expenditures) for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 increased to $53.0 million compared to $11.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

2008 Guidance

The Company continues to anticipate revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to be above the high end of our previous ranges for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 of $295 million and $95 million, respectively. Given the current market conditions, renewal rates are expected to be slightly below previous guidance of 89-91% and are expected to be in the 88-89% range. The Company now expects Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in 2008 to be significantly above previous guidance of 150-200 basis points.

2009 Guidance

The Company anticipates revenue for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 to be in the range of $325 million to $340 million and Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $112 million to $120 million. Furthermore, we expect Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion in 2009 to be 150-200 basis points over 2008 and Unlevered Free Cash Flow to be in excess of Adjusted EBITDA.

The Company will hold a conference call to discuss results for the third quarter of 2008 today at 10 a.m. Eastern. 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  866.314.9013
International dial-in 617.213.8053
Pass code             24427095

In addition, investors can access the conference call (as well as a replay of the call) directly from the RiskMetrics Group Investor Relations Web Site at http://investor.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 20 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 December 31, 2007 Annual Form 10-K which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 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 the Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

RiskMetrics Group (the "Company") has provided certain non-GAAP financial information as supplemental information regarding 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, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EPS 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

The table below sets forth a reconciliation of Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA on our historical results:

Table C

                                  Three months ended Nine months ended
                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                  ------------------ -----------------
                                    2007      2008     2007     2008
                                  --------- -------- -------- --------
Net income                        $     453 $  6,282 $  1,198 $ 12,175
Interest, other expense, net          9,359    4,860   26,198   21,337
Income tax expense                      244    4,045    1,056    7,828
Depreciation and amortization of
 property and equipment               1,869    2,153    5,192    6,433
Amortization of intangible assets     5,105    5,398   13,728   16,310
Stock-based compensation.             1,414    2,245    3,955    7,622
Non-recurring expenses (a)               --       --       --      198
Loss on disposal of property and
 equipment                               --       57        2       83
                                  --------- -------- -------- --------
Adjusted EBITDA                   $  18,444 $ 25,040 $ 51,329 $ 71,986
                                  ========= ======== ======== ========

(a) Represents lease exit costs incurred from moving the Company's London operations.

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 represent 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.

Adjusted Net Income and EPS

We define adjusted net income and adjusted EPS as net income (earnings per share) before amortization of intangibles, one-time costs and stock-based compensation. A reconciliation from net income and EPS to Adjusted net income and EPS is set forth below:

Table D

                              Three months ended September 30,
                       -----------------------------------------------
                           2007        2007        2008        2008
                       ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
                         $ Amount   EPS Amount   $ Amount   EPS Amount

GAAP - Net Income      $       453  $    0.01  $     6,282  $    0.09
Plus: IPO Costs                  -          -            -          -
Plus: Non IPO Stock-
 Based Compensation          1,414       0.03        2,245       0.03
Plus: Amortization of
 Intangible Assets           5,105       0.09        5,398       0.08
Income tax effect           (2,286)     (0.04)      (2,988)     (0.04)
                       ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
Adjusted Net income
 before IPO costs,
 stock-based
 compensation and
 amortization of
 intangibles           $     4,686  $    0.09  $    10,937  $    0.16
                       ============ ========== ============ ==========

Adjusted EPS - diluted $      0.09             $      0.16
Diluted Shares          54,957,187              68,409,343
                               Nine months ended September 30,
                       -----------------------------------------------
                              2007       2007         2008       2008
                       ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
                           $ Amount EPS Amount     $ Amount EPS Amount

GAAP - Net Income      $     1,198  $    0.02  $    12,175       0.18
Plus: IPO Costs (1)              -          -        6,348       0.09
Plus: Non IPO Stock-
 Based Compensation          3,955       0.07        6,265       0.09
Plus: Amortization of
 Intangible Assets          13,728       0.25       16,310       0.24
Income tax effect           (8,281)     (0.14)     (11,309)     (0.16)
                       ------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
Adjusted Net income
 before IPO costs,
 stock-based
 compensation and
 amortization of
 intangibles           $    10,600  $    0.20  $    29,789  $    0.44
                       ============ ========== ============ ==========

Adjusted EPS - diluted $      0.20             $      0.44
Diluted Shares          54,024,994              67,040,712

(1) Includes one-time expenses incurred as a result of the IPO, which include $1.4 million of stock-based compensation related to IPO stock option grants, a $1.25 million debt prepayment penalty fee, a $2.4 million write-off of debt issuance costs and a $1.4 million loss on an interest rate swap settlement, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

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.

Notes Regarding Pro forma Presentation

The unaudited pro forma financial information below is 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 acquisitions of ISS and CFRA had been consummated as of the dates 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.

    The table below sets forth a reconciliation of historical GAAP
revenue, Adjusted EBITDA Expenses and Adjusted EBITDA to Pro Forma
Revenue, Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Expenses and Pro Forma Adjusted
EBITDA:

    Table E


                                              Three Months Ending
                                                  September 30,
                                                    Adjusted
                                                     EBITDA   Adjusted
                                           Revenue  Expenses   EBITDA
                                          --------- --------- --------
Q3 - 2007 (1)                             $ 62,159  $ 43,715  $18,444

Add: CFRA July 2007 (2)                      1,458     1,031      427
                                          --------- --------- --------

Q3 - 2007 Pro forma                       $ 63,617  $ 44,746  $18,871
                                          ========= ========= ========

Q3- 2008                                  $ 75,554  $ 50,514  $25,040
Pro forma Growth                              18.8%     12.9%    32.7%

                                          Nine Months Ending September
                                                       30,
                                                    Adjusted
                                                     EBITDA   Adjusted
                                           Revenue  Expenses   EBITDA
                                          --------- --------- --------
YTD - 2007 (1)                            $172,674  $121,345  $51,329

Add: 11 days of ISS (3)                      3,227     2,446      781

Add: CFRA YTD 2007 (4)                       9,536     6,675    2,861
                                          --------- --------- --------

YTD - 2007 Pro forma                      $185,437  $130,466  $54,971
                                          ========= ========= ========

YTD- 2008                                 $220,900  $148,914  $71,986
Pro forma Growth                              19.1%     14.1%    31.0%

(1) Represents Historical GAAP results for the three months and nine months ending September 30, 2007.

(2) Unaudited results of CFRA for the month ended July 31, 2007.



(3) Unaudited results of ISS for the period of January 1, 2007 - January 11, 2007.

(4) Unaudited results of CFRA for period of January 1, 2007-July 31, 2007.

Historical GAAP Financial Statements

    Tables F through H presents the historical GAAP financial
statements of RiskMetrics Group as of and for the period ended
September 30, 2008.

    TABLE F


                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                             (UNAUDITED)
                 (In thousands, except share amounts)

                                          December 31,  September 30,
                                              2007          2008
                                          ------------  -------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents               $     27,455  $     151,661
  Accounts receivable, net                      37,010         48,028
  Deferred tax asset                               140            128
  Income taxes receivable                        8,300          2,397
  Other receivables and prepaid expenses         5,910          5,953
                                          ------------  -------------
   Total current assets                         78,815        208,167
Intangibles--net                               174,154        157,844
Goodwill                                       460,951        461,218
Property and equipment--net                     16,225         15,103
Deferred financing costs                         8,677          5,487
Other assets                                     4,361          1,814
                                          ------------  -------------
TOTAL ASSETS                              $    743,183  $     849,633
                                          ============  =============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Trade accounts payable                  $      6,235  $       3,070
  Accrued expenses                              34,189         38,233
  Debt, current portion                          3,000          1,483
  Deferred revenue, current portion            100,557        114,181
  Other current liabilities                        227            237
                                          ------------  -------------
   Total current liabilities                   144,208        157,204
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
  Debt                                         419,750        289,137
  Deferred tax liabilities                      28,626         29,129
  Deferred revenue                                 722            462
  Other long-term liabilities                   13,785         14,088
                                          ------------  -------------
   Total liabilities                      $    607,091  $     490,020
                                          ============  =============

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Common stock, $.01 par value--
   150,000,000 and 200,000,000 authorized
   at December 31, 2007 and September 30,
   2008, respectively; 47,850,652 and
   61,502,885 issued and 47,642,460 and
   61,259,731 outstanding at December 31,
   2007 and September 30, 2008,
   respectively                           $        479  $         615
  Treasury stock--208,192 and 243,154
   shares at December 31, 2007 and
   September 30, 2008, respectively                 (2)          (579)
  Additional paid-in capital                   217,355        429,485
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss          (7,262)        (7,605)
  Accumulated deficit                          (74,478)       (62,303)
                                          ------------  -------------
   Total stockholders' equity                  136,092        359,613
                                          ------------  -------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS'
 EQUITY                                   $    743,183  $     849,633
                                          ============  =============

TABLE G


                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
             CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
   FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2008
                             (UNAUDITED)
          (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

                         Three months ended       Nine months ended
                            September 30,           September 30,
                       ----------------------- -----------------------
                          2007        2008        2007        2008
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
REVENUES               $   62,159  $   75,554  $  172,674  $  220,900
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING COSTS AND
 EXPENSES:
  Cost of revenues (1)     20,706      23,507      56,667      69,387
  Research and
   development (1)          7,678      11,248      22,477      32,114
  Selling and
   marketing (1)            8,873       9,045      25,328      27,531
  General and
   administrative (1)       7,872       8,959      20,828      27,702
  Depreciation and
   amortization of
   property and
   equipment                1,869       2,153       5,192       6,433
  Amortization of
   intangible assets        5,105       5,398      13,728      16,310
  Loss on disposal of
   fixed assets                --          57           2          83
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
   Total operating
    costs and expenses     52,103      60,367     144,222     179,560
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS     10,056      15,187      28,452      41,340

INTEREST, DIVIDEND,
 INVESTMENT, AND OTHER
 INCOME (EXPENSE),
 NET:

  Interest, dividend
   and investment
   income                     343         686       1,196       1,927
  Interest expense         (9,702)     (5,546)    (27,394)    (20,651)
  Other expenses               --          --          --      (2,613)
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
    Total interest,
     dividend,
     investment, and
     other income
     (expense), net        (9,359)     (4,860)    (26,198)    (21,337)
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME BEFORE
 PROVISION FOR INCOME
 TAXES                        697      10,327       2,254      20,003
PROVISION FOR INCOME
 TAXES                        244       4,045       1,056       7,828
                       ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME             $      453  $    6,282  $    1,198  $   12,175
                       =========== =========== =========== ===========

NET INCOME PER SHARE:
Basic                  $     0.01  $     0.10  $     0.03  $     0.20
                       =========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted                $     0.01  $     0.09  $     0.02  $     0.18
                       =========== =========== =========== ===========

WEIGHTED AVERAGE
 NUMBER OF COMMON
 SHARES OUTSTANDING:

Basic                  47,239,323  60,780,651  45,960,089  59,493,052
Diluted                54,957,187  68,409,343  54,024,994  67,040,711

(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of:

                                  Three months ended Nine months ended
                                    September 30,      September 30,
                                  ------------------ -----------------
                                    2007      2008     2007     2008
                                  --------- -------- -------- --------

  Cost of revenues                $     393 $    721 $    968 $  2,719
  Research and development
   expenses                             311      608      971    2,060
  Selling and marketing expenses        298      422      851    1,375
  General and administrative
   expenses                             412      494    1,165    1,468
                                  --------- -------- -------- --------
Total stock-based compensation
 expense                          $   1,414 $  2,245 $  3,955 $  7,622
                                  ========= ======== ======== ========

TABLE H

                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
           CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
        FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2008
                  (UNAUDITED) (Amounts in thousands)

                                                     2007      2008
                                                   --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income                                       $  1,198  $ 12,175
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization of property and
    equipment                                         5,192     6,433
   Provision for bad debts                              151       713
   Amortization of intangible assets                 13,728    16,310
   Amortization of debt issuance costs                1,037     3,190
   Stock-based compensation                           3,955     7,622
   Tax benefit associated with exercise of stock
    options                                            (201)   (5,075)
   Loss on disposal of fixed assets                       2        83
   Changes in assets and liabilities:
     Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable         914   (12,507)
     Decrease (increase) in income and deferred
      taxes                                          (1,042)   11,330
     (Increase) decrease in other receivables and
      prepaid expenses                                  (71)       72
     Increase in other assets                        (1,567)     (136)
     (Decrease) increase in deferred revenue         (1,033)   14,258
     Decrease in trade accounts payable              (1,190)   (2,875)
     (Decrease) increase in accrued expenses and
      other liabilities                              (3,812)    7,217
                                                   --------- --------
       Net cash provided by operating activities     17,261    58,810
                                                   --------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of property and equipment                (6,054)   (5,804)
  Cash paid to acquire Institutional Shareholder
   Services Inc. ("ISS") and related acquisition
   costs                                           (471,925)       --
  Payment of acquired ISS acquisition related
   costs                                             (7,413)       --
  Cash paid to acquire CFRA and related
   acquisition costs                                (45,904)      223
  Payment of deferred purchase price                   (128)     (127)
  Purchase of investments                           (21,289)       --
  Purchase of intangible asset                           --    (1,000)
  Proceeds from sale of investments                  89,364        --
                                                   --------- --------
       Net cash used in investing activities       (463,349)   (6,708)
                                                   --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from debt borrowings                     440,000        --
  Repayment of debt                                  (1,500) (132,131)
  Payment of debt issuance costs                    (10,074)       --
  Principal payments on capital lease obligations       (13)       --
  Gross proceeds from equity offering                    --   197,400
  Equity offering expenses                               --    (1,581)
  Excess tax benefit associated with exercise of
   stock options                                        201     5,075
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options             5,427     5,679
  Repurchase of stock                                (2,239)       --
                                                   --------- --------
       Net cash provided by financing activities    431,802    74,442
                                                             --------
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH                 (10)   (2,338)
                                                   --------- ---------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
 EQUIVALENTS                                        (14,296)  124,206
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS--Beginning of period       37,313    27,455
                                                   --------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS--End of period           $ 23,017  $151,661
                                                   ========= ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid for interest                           $ 26,602  $ 17,215
  Cash paid (refunded) for taxes                   $  1,470  $ (4,907)
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  $    616
  Issuance of common stock to purchase CFRA        $ 16,634  $   (577)


Supplemental Information and Non-GAAP Reconciliations

    The tables below set forth a reconciliation of GAAP costs of
revenues, research and development, selling and marketing and general
and administrative expenses to Adjusted EBITDA expenses and other
operating expenses:

    Table I


                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
            UNAUDITED AS ADJUSTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
                        (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                                 RISKMETRICS
                                 GROUP, INC.
                                  JULY 1 TO
                                SEPTEMBER 30, STOCK BASED
                                    2007      COMPENSATION AS ADJUSTED
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Revenues                        $     62,159  $            $   62,159
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Operating cost and expenses:
     Cost of revenues                 20,706         (393)     20,313
     Research and development          7,678         (311)      7,367
     Selling and marketing             8,873         (298)      8,575
     General and administrative        7,872         (412)      7,460
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
     Total adjusted EBITDA
      expenses                        45,129       (1,414)     43,715

     Depreciation and
      amortization of property
      and equipment                    1,869                    1,869
     Amortization of intangible
      assets                           5,105                    5,105
     Loss on disposal of
      property and equipment              --                       --
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
     Total other operating
      expenses                         6,974        1,414       8,388
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

     Total operating expenses         52,103                   52,103
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Income from operations                10,056                   10,056

Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense), net
     Interest, dividend and
      investment income                  343                      343
     Interest expense                 (9,702)                  (9,702)
     Other expenses                       --                       --
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense), net      (9,359)                  (9,359)
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Income before provision for
 income taxes                            697                      697

Provision for income taxes               244                      244
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Net income                      $        453  $            $      453
                                ============= ============ ===========

Table J

                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
            UNAUDITED AS ADJUSTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007
                        (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                                 RISKMETRICS
                                 GROUP, INC.
                                JANUARY 1 TO
                                SEPTEMBER 30, STOCK BASED
                                    2007      COMPENSATION AS ADJUSTED
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Revenues                        $    172,674  $            $  172,674
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Operating cost and expenses:
     Cost of revenues                 56,667         (968)     55,699
     Research and development         22,477         (971)     21,506
     Selling and marketing            25,328         (851)     24,477
     General and administrative       20,828       (1,165)     19,663
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
     Total adjusted EBITDA
      expenses                       125,300       (3,955)    121,345

     Depreciation and
      amortization of property
      and equipment                    5,192                    5,192
     Amortization of intangible
      assets                          13,728                   13,728
     Loss on disposal of
      property and equipment               2                        2
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
     Total other operating
      expenses                        18,922        3,955      22,877
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

     Total operating expenses        144,222                  144,222
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Income from operations                28,452                   28,452

Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense),
 net
     Interest, dividend and
      investment income                1,196                    1,196
     Interest expense                (27,394)                 (27,394)
     Other expenses                        -                        -
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense),
 net                                 (26,198)                 (26,198)
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Income before provision for
 income taxes                          2,254                    2,254

Provision for income taxes             1,056                    1,056
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Net income                      $      1,198  $            $    1,198
                                ============= ============ ===========

Table K



                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
            UNAUDITED AS ADJUSTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
                        (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                                 RISKMETRICS
                                 GROUP, INC.
                                  JULY 1 TO
                                SEPTEMBER 30, STOCK BASED
                                    2008      COMPENSATION AS ADJUSTED
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Revenues                        $     75,554  $            $   75,554
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Operating cost and expenses:
     Cost of revenues                 23,507         (721)     22,786
     Research and development         11,248         (608)     10,640
     Selling and marketing             9,045         (422)      8,623
     General and administrative        8,959         (494)      8,465
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
     Total adjusted EBITDA
      expenses                        52,759       (2,245)     50,514

     Depreciation and
      amortization of property
      and equipment                    2,153                    2,153
     Amortization of intangible
      assets                           5,398                    5,398
     Loss on disposal of
      property and equipment              57                       57
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
     Total other operating
      expenses                         7,608        2,245       9,853
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

     Total operating expenses         60,367                   60,367
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Income from operations                15,187                   15,187

Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense),
 net
     Interest, dividend and
      investment income                  686                      686
     Interest expense                 (5,546)                  (5,546)
     Other expenses
                                ------------- ------------ -----------
Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense),
 net                                  (4,860)                  (4,860)
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Income before provision for
 income taxes                         10,327                   10,327

Provision for income taxes             4,045                    4,045
                                ------------- ------------ -----------

Net income                      $      6,282  $            $    6,282
                                ============= ============ ===========

Table L

                       RISKMETRICS GROUP, INC.
            UNAUDITED AS ADJUSTED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
             FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
                        (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)

                               RISKMETRICS
                               GROUP, INC.
                              JANUARY 1 TO
                              SEPTEMBER 30, STOCK BASED
                                  2008      COMPENSATION   AS ADJUSTED
                              ------------- ------------   -----------

Revenues                      $    220,900  $              $  220,900
                              ------------- ------------   -----------

Operating cost and expenses:
     Cost of revenues               69,387       (2,719)(A)    66,668
     Research and development       32,114       (2,060)(A)    30,054
     Selling and marketing          27,531       (1,375)(A)    26,156
     General and                                        (A)
      administrative                27,702       (1,468)       26,036
                              ------------- ------------   -----------
                                                   (198)(B)
                              ------------- ------------   -----------
     Total adjusted EBITDA
      expenses                     156,734       (7,820)      148,914

     Depreciation and
      amortization of property
      and equipment                  6,433                      6,433
     Amortization of
      intangible assets             16,310                     16,310
     Loss on disposal of
      property and equipment            83                         83
                              ------------- ------------   -----------
     Total other operating
      expenses                      22,826        7,820        30,646
                              ------------- ------------   -----------

     Total operating expenses      179,560                    179,560
                              ------------- ------------   -----------

Income from operations              41,340                     41,340

Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense),
 net
     Interest, dividend and
      investment income              1,927                      1,927
     Interest expense              (20,651)                   (20,651)
     Other expenses                 (2,613)                    (2,613)
                              ------------- ------------   -----------
Interest, dividend, investment
 and other income (expense),
 net                               (21,337)                   (21,337)
                              ------------- ------------   -----------

Income before provision for
 income taxes                       20,003                     20,003

Provision for income taxes           7,828                      7,828
                              ------------- ------------   -----------

Net income                    $     12,175  $              $   12,175
                              ============= ============   ===========

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

(A): Reclassification of stock-based compensation from adjusted EBITDA expenses to other operating expenses.

(B): Reclassification of non-recurring lease exit costs from adjusted EBITDA expenses to other operating expense.

CONTACT:
RiskMetrics Group Inc.
Cheryl Gustitus, 301-556-0538
cheryl.gustitus@riskmetrics.com
or
Sarah Cohn, 212-354-4643
sarah.cohn@riskmetrics.com SOURCE: RiskMetrics Group Inc.