e10vq
 

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from            to
Commission file number 001-32548
NeuStar, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  52-2141938
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
46000 Center Oak Plaza
Sterling, Virginia 20166

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
(571) 434-5400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ      Accelerated filer o      Non-accelerated filer o.
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
     There were 76,900,652 shares of Class A common stock, $0.001 par value, and 4,538 shares of Class B common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding at October 31, 2007.
 
 

 


 

NeuStar, Inc.
Index
     
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.
  Financial Statements
 
   
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007 (unaudited)
 
   
 
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007
 
   
 
 
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007
 
   
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
 
   
Item 2.
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
   
Item 3.
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
   
Item 4.
  Controls and Procedures
 
   
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.
  Legal Proceedings
 
   
Item 1A.
  Risk Factors
 
   
Item 2.
  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
   
Item 3.
  Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
   
Item 4.
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
   
Item 5.
  Other Information
 
   
Item 6.
  Exhibits
 
   
Signatures
   

2


 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
NEUSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
    December 31,     September 30,  
    2006     2007  
            (unaudited)  
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 39,242     $ 118,381  
Restricted cash
          139  
Short-term investments
    19,010       27,625  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,103 and $1,276, respectively
    53,108       71,853  
Unbilled receivables
    810       247  
Notes receivable
    1,994       2,116  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    6,945       10,068  
Deferred costs
    6,032       7,813  
Income tax receivable
    893       3,081  
Deferred tax assets
    7,641       15,519  
 
           
Total current assets
    135,675       256,842  
 
               
Property and equipment, net
    42,678       51,727  
Goodwill
    205,855       203,629  
Intangible assets, net
    51,196       40,414  
Notes receivable, long-term
    2,918       1,315  
Deferred costs, long-term
    4,411       4,105  
Deferred tax assets, long-term
    4,500        
Other assets
    1,026       5,367  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 448,259     $ 563,399  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

3


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
                 
    December 31,     September 30,  
    2006     2007  
            (unaudited)  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 3,619     $ 6,627  
Accrued expenses
    49,460       41,494  
Deferred revenue
    22,923       32,384  
Notes payable
    768       2,471  
Capital lease obligations
    4,367       2,577  
Accrued restructuring reserve
    368       401  
Other liabilities
    200       100  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    81,705       86,054  
 
               
Deferred revenue, long-term
    17,921       18,023  
Notes payable, long-term
    174       6,037  
Capital lease obligations, long-term
    3,751       3,261  
Accrued restructuring reserve, long-term
    2,206       1,899  
Deferred tax liabilities, long-term
          1,912  
Other liabilities, long-term
    1,356       3,301  
 
           
Total liabilities
    107,113       120,487  
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
           
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding
           
Class A common stock, par value $0.001; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 74,351,200 and 76,822,350 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively
    74       77  
Class B common stock, par value $0.001; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 18,330 and 4,538 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively
           
Additional paid-in capital
    243,395       285,511  
Treasury stock, 756 and 98,509 shares at December 31, 2006 and September 30, 2007, respectively, at cost
    (22 )     (3,194 )
Retained earnings
    97,699       160,518  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    341,146       442,912  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 448,259     $ 563,399  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

4


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2007     2006     2007  
Revenue:
                               
Addressing
  $ 28,645     $ 28,451     $ 75,507     $ 82,311  
Interoperability
    13,550       15,191       40,911       43,153  
Infrastructure and other
    40,314       67,115       124,517       182,434  
 
                       
Total revenue
    82,509       110,757       240,935       307,898  
 
                               
Operating expense:
                               
Cost of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
    21,591       24,093       62,422       70,417  
Sales and marketing
    12,185       16,317       32,754       52,602  
Research and development
    4,625       5,977       12,782       19,297  
General and administrative
    9,966       12,978       25,551       35,018  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,212       9,498       16,493       27,937  
 
                       
 
    54,579       68,863       150,002       205,271  
 
                       
Income from operations
    27,930       41,894       90,933       102,627  
Other (expense) income:
                               
Interest expense
    (240 )     (504 )     (927 )     (1,218 )
Interest and other income
    1,328       1,123       2,729       3,196  
 
                       
Income before minority interest and income taxes
    29,018       42,513       92,735       104,605  
Minority interest
                (95 )      
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    29,018       42,513       92,640       104,605  
Provision for income taxes
    11,914       16,811       37,299       41,786  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 17,104     $ 25,702     $ 55,341     $ 62,819  
 
                       
 
                               
Net income per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.23     $ 0.34     $ 0.77     $ 0.83  
 
                       
Diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.32     $ 0.71     $ 0.79  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    73,042       76,461       71,849       75,664  
 
                       
Diluted
    78,399       79,272       78,096       79,120  
 
                       
See accompanying notes.

5


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2006     2007  
Operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 55,341     $ 62,819  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    16,493       27,937  
Stock-based compensation
    8,650       11,589  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    5       115  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (42,419 )     (17,997 )
Deferred income taxes
    2,852       1,737  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    1,070       1,876  
Minority interest
    95        
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Accounts receivable
    (15,926 )     (22,490 )
Unbilled receivables
    6,253       563  
Notes and securitized notes receivable
    (4,311 )     1,481  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    731       (519 )
Deferred costs
    (379 )     (1,475 )
Income tax receivable
    33,873       16,581  
Other assets
    393       (57 )
Other liabilities
          48  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (2,429 )     (1,774 )
Accrued restructuring reserve
    (416 )     (274 )
Deferred revenue
    1,485       8,889  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    61,361       89,049  
 
               
Investing activities:
               
Purchases of property and equipment
    (10,183 )     (20,718 )
Sales of investments, net
    (35,505 )     (8,615 )
Business acquired, net of cash
    (66,925 )     (1,569 )
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (112,613 )     (30,902 )
 
               
Financing activities:
               
Disbursement of restricted cash
    (14 )     (139 )
Principal repayments on notes payable
    (1,126 )     (2,522 )
Principal repayments on capital lease obligations
    (4,535 )     (3,705 )
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options
    14,034       12,533  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    42,419       17,997  
Repurchase of restricted stock awards
          (3,172 )
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    50,778       20,992  
 
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (474 )     79,139  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    27,529       39,242  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 27,055     $ 118,381  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

6


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 AND 2007
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION
     NeuStar, Inc. (the Company) was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1998. The Company provides the communications industry with essential clearinghouse services. Its customers use the databases the Company contractually maintains in its clearinghouse to obtain data required to successfully route telephone calls in North America, to exchange information with other communications service providers and to manage technological changes in their own networks. The Company operates the authoritative directories that manage virtually all telephone area codes and numbers, and it enables the dynamic routing of calls among thousands of competing communications service providers, or CSPs, in the United States and Canada. All CSPs that offer telecommunications services to the public at large, or telecommunications service providers, must access the Company’s clearinghouse to properly route virtually all of their customers’ calls. The Company also provides clearinghouse services to emerging CSPs, including Internet service providers, mobile network operators, cable television operators, and voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, service providers. In addition, the Company provides domain name services, including internal and external managed domain name systems (DNS) solutions that play a key role in directing and managing traffic on the Internet, and it also manages the authoritative directories for the .US and .BIZ Internet domains. The Company operates the authoritative directory for U.S. Common Short Codes, part of the short messaging service relied upon by the U.S. wireless industry, and provides solutions used by mobile network operators throughout Europe to enable mobile instant messaging for their end users.
     The Company was founded to meet the technical and operational challenges of the communications industry when the U.S. government mandated local number portability in 1996. While the Company remains the provider of the authoritative solution that the communications industry relies upon to meet this mandate, the Company has developed a broad range of innovative services to meet an expanded range of customer needs. The Company provides the communications industry with critical technology services that solve the addressing, interoperability and infrastructure needs of CSPs. These services are now used by CSPs to manage a range of their technical and operating requirements, including:
    Addressing. The Company enables CSPs to use critical, shared addressing resources, such as telephone numbers, Internet top-level domain names, and U.S. Common Short Codes.
 
    Interoperability. The Company enables CSPs to exchange and share critical operating data so that communications originating on one provider’s network can be delivered and received on the network of another CSP. The Company also facilitates order management and work flow processing among CSPs.
 
    Infrastructure and Other. The Company enables CSPs to manage their networks more efficiently by centrally managing certain critical data they use to route communications over their own networks.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2006 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
     These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

7


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Use of Estimates
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions are inherent in the evaluation of goodwill and intangible assets for potential impairment, including changes in market conditions which could affect the estimated fair values of our reporting units, the analysis and the measurement of deferred tax assets, the identification and quantification of income tax liabilities due to uncertain tax positions, and the determination of the allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Goodwill
     Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired, as well as other definite-lived intangible assets. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would reduce the fair value of such assets below their carrying amount. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually, or on an interim basis if circumstances change that would indicate the possibility of impairment. For purposes of the Company’s annual impairment test, the Company has identified and assigned goodwill to two reporting units, Clearinghouse Services and Next Generation Messaging (NGM) Services.
     Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets, including assigned goodwill, to the book value of its net assets, including assigned goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using both an income and market approach. To assist in the process of determining if a goodwill impairment exists, the Company performs internal valuation analyses and considers other market information that is publicly available, and the Company may obtain appraisals from external advisors. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its net book value, the assigned goodwill is not considered impaired. If the fair value is less than the reporting unit’s net book value, we perform a second step to measure the amount of the impairment, if any. The second step would be to compare the book value of the reporting unit’s assigned goodwill to the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, using a theoretical purchase price allocation based on this implied fair value to determine the magnitude of the impairment. If the Company determines that an impairment has occurred, the Company is required to record a write-down of the carrying value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period the determination is made. There were no impairment charges recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007.
Identifiable Intangible Assets
     Identifiable intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives using a method of amortization that reflects the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed or otherwise used and are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (SFAS No. 144).
     The Company’s identifiable intangible assets are amortized as follows:
             
    Years   Method
Acquired technologies
  3 to 4   Straight-line
Customer lists and relationships
  3 to 7   Various
Trade names
    3     Straight-line
     Amortization expense related to acquired technologies and customer lists and relationships is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
     In accordance with SFAS No. 144, a review of long-lived assets for impairment is performed when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If an indicator of impairment is present, the Company compares the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying amount. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company records an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its fair value. The fair value is determined using customary valuation techniques, such as a discounted cash flow analysis. There were no impairment charges recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007.
Revenue Recognition
     The Company provides the North American communications industry with essential clearinghouse services that address the industry’s addressing, interoperability, and infrastructure needs. The Company’s revenue recognition

8


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
policies are in accordance with the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition. The Company provides the following services pursuant to various private commercial and government contracts.
     Addressing
     The Company’s addressing services include telephone number administration, implementing the allocation of pooled blocks of telephone numbers, directory services for Internet domain names and U.S. Common Short Codes, and internal and external managed domain name services. The Company generates revenue from its telephone number administration services under two government contracts. Under its contract to serve as the North American Numbering Plan Administrator, the Company earns a fixed annual fee and recognizes this fee as revenue on a straight-line basis as services are provided. Under the Company’s contract to serve as the National Pooling Administrator, the Company is reimbursed for costs incurred plus a fixed fee associated with administration of the pooling system. The Company recognizes revenue for this contract based on costs incurred plus a pro rata amount of the fixed fee. In the event the Company estimates losses on any of its fixed fee contracts, the Company recognizes these losses in the period in which a loss becomes apparent.
     In addition to the administrative functions associated with its role as the National Pooling Administrator, the Company also generates revenue from implementing the allocation of pooled blocks of telephone numbers under its long-term contracts with North American Portability Management LLC, and the Company recognizes revenue on a per-transaction fee basis as the services are performed. For its Internet domain name services, the Company generates revenue for Internet domain registrations, which generally have contract terms between one and ten years. The Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related customer contracts.
     The Company generates revenue through internal and external managed DNS services. This revenue consists of customer set-up fees followed by transaction processing under contracts with terms ranging from one to three years. Customer set-up fees are not considered a separate deliverable and are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Under the Company’s contracts to provide its managed DNS services, customers have contractually established monthly transaction volumes for which they are charged a recurring monthly fee. Transactions processed in excess of the pre-established monthly volume are billed at a contractual per-transaction rate. Each month the Company recognizes the recurring monthly fee and usage in excess of the established monthly volume on a per-transaction basis as services are provided. The Company generates revenue from its U.S. Common Short Code services under short-term contracts ranging from three to twelve months, and the Company recognizes revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the customer contracts.
     Interoperability
     The Company’s interoperability services consist primarily of wireline and wireless number portability and order management services. The Company generates revenue from number portability under its long-term contracts with North American Portability Management LLC and Canadian LNP Consortium, Inc. The Company recognizes revenue on a per-transaction fee basis as the services are performed. The Company provides order management services, consisting of customer set-up and implementation followed by transaction processing, under contracts with terms ranging from one to three years. Customer set-up and implementation are not considered separate deliverables; accordingly, the fees are deferred and recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Per-transaction fees are recognized as the transactions are processed.
     Infrastructure and Other
     The Company’s infrastructure services consist primarily of network management and connection services. The Company generates revenue from network management services under its long-term contracts with North American Portability Management LLC. The Company recognizes revenue on a per-transaction fee basis as the services are performed. In addition, the Company generates revenue from connection fees and system enhancements under its contracts with North American Portability Management LLC. The Company recognizes its connection fee revenue as the service is performed. System enhancements are provided under contracts in which the Company is

9


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
reimbursed for costs incurred plus a fixed fee, and revenue is recognized based on costs incurred plus a pro rata amount of the fee.
     Significant Contracts
     The Company provides wireline and wireless number portability, implements the allocation of pooled blocks of telephone numbers and provides network management services pursuant to seven contracts with North American Portability Management LLC, an industry group that represents all telecommunications service providers in the United States. The Company recognizes revenue under its contracts with North American Portability Management LLC primarily on a per-transaction basis. The aggregate fees for transactions processed under these contracts are determined by the total number of transactions, and these fees are billed to telecommunications service providers based on their allocable share of the total transaction charges. This allocable share is based on each respective telecommunications service provider’s share of the aggregate end-user services revenues of all U.S. telecommunications service providers, as determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Under the Company’s contracts, the Company also bills a Revenue Recovery Collections (RRC) fee equal to a percentage of monthly billings to its customers, which is available to the Company if any telecommunications service provider fails to pay its allocable share of total transactions charges.
     The per-transaction pricing under these contracts prior to 2007 provided for annual volume-based credits that were earned on all transactions in excess of the pre-determined annual volume threshold. For 2006, the maximum aggregate volume-based credit was $7.5 million, which was applied via a reduction in per-transaction pricing once the pre-determined annual volume threshold was surpassed. When the aggregate credit was fully satisfied, the per-transaction pricing was restored to the prevailing contractual rate. The pre-determined annual transaction volume threshold under these contracts was exceeded in June 2006, which resulted in the issuance of $2.1 million and $5.4 million of volume-based credits for the three months ended June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006, respectively.
     In September 2006, these contracts were amended such that the expiration dates were extended from May 2011 to June 2015, the per-transaction fee charged to the Company’s customers over the term of the contracts was reduced and volume-based credits were eliminated. Pricing for 2006, including volume-based credits, remained unchanged. For 2007, pricing is $0.91 per transaction regardless of transaction volume.
     Service Level Standards
     Pursuant to certain of the Company’s contracts, the Company is subject to service level standards and to corresponding penalties for failure to meet those standards. The Company records a provision for these performance-related penalties when it becomes aware that required service levels that would trigger such a penalty have not been met, which results in a corresponding reduction to revenue.
Cost of Revenue and Deferred Costs
     Cost of revenue includes all direct materials, direct labor, and those indirect costs related to generation of revenue such as indirect labor, materials and supplies and facilities cost. The Company’s primary cost of revenue is related to personnel costs associated with service implementation, product maintenance, customer deployment and customer care, including salaries, stock-based compensation and other personnel-related expense. In addition, cost of revenue includes costs relating to maintaining the Company’s existing technology and services, as well as royalties paid related to the Company’s U.S. Common Short Code services. Cost of revenue also includes the costs incurred by the Company’s information technology and systems department, including network costs, data center maintenance, database management, data processing costs, and facilities costs.
     Deferred costs represent direct labor related to professional services incurred for the setup and implementation of contracts. These costs are recognized in cost of revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Deferred costs also include royalties paid related to the Company’s U.S. Common Short Code services, which are recognized in cost of revenue on a straight-line basis over the contract term. Deferred costs are classified as such on the

10


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
consolidated balance sheets.
Stock-Based Compensation
     The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans under the recognition and measurement provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)). The Company adopted SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 using the modified-prospective transition method. Under the modified-prospective transition method, compensation cost recognized includes: (a) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted prior to but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS No. 123) and (b) compensation cost for all stock-based awards granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R).
     In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Staff Position No. FAS 123(R)-3, Transition Election Related to Accounting for Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards, the Company has elected to adopt the alternative method provided in this FASB Staff Position for calculating the tax effects of stock-based compensation pursuant to SFAS No. 123(R). The alternative transition method includes a simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (APIC pool) related to the tax effects of employee stock-based compensation, which is available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company presented all benefits of tax deductions resulting from the exercise of stock-based compensation as an operating cash flow in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Company changed its cash flow presentation in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), which requires benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized (excess tax benefits) to be classified as a financing cash inflow with a corresponding operating cash outflow. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, the Company presented $42.4 million and $18.0 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits as a financing cash inflow with a corresponding operating cash outflow.
Basic and Diluted Net Income per Common Share
     Basic net income per common share excludes dilution for potential common stock issuances and is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.
Income Taxes
     The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (SFAS No. 109). Under SFAS No. 109, the liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax net operating loss carryforwards. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such amounts are expected to be reversed or utilized. The realization of total deferred tax assets is contingent upon the generation of future taxable income. Valuation allowances are provided to reduce such deferred tax assets to amounts more likely than not to be ultimately realized.
     Income tax provision includes U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes and is based on pre-tax income or loss. The interim period provision or benefit for income taxes is based upon the Company’s estimate of its annual effective income tax rate. In determining the estimated annual effective income tax rate, the Company analyzes various factors, including projections of the Company’s annual earnings and taxing jurisdictions in which the earnings will be generated, the impact of state and local income taxes and the ability of the Company to use tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards.
     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal

11


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
years beginning after December 15, 2006, and was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 provides a two-step approach to recognize and measure tax benefits when the realization of the benefits is uncertain. The first step is to determine whether the benefit is to be recognized; the second step is to determine the amount to be recognized. Income tax benefits should be recognized when, based on the technical merits of a tax position, the entity believes that if a dispute arose with the taxing authority and were taken to a court of last resort, it is more likely than not (i.e., a probability of greater than 50 percent) that the tax position would be sustained as filed. If a position is determined to be more likely than not of being sustained, the reporting enterprise should recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 upon adoption is to be reported as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company’s practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Comprehensive Net Income
     There were no material differences between net income and comprehensive net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. It clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its consolidated financial statements.
     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS No. 159), to permit all entities to choose to elect, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. An entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date, and recognize upfront costs and fees related to those items in earnings as incurred and not deferred. SFAS No. 159 applies to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted for an entity that has also elected to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. An entity is prohibited from retrospectively applying SFAS No. 159, unless it chooses early adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS No. 159 on its consolidated financial statements.
3. ACQUISITION
I-View.com, Inc. (d/b/a MetaInfo)
     On January 8, 2007, the Company acquired certain assets of I-View.com, Inc. (d/b/a MetaInfo) for cash consideration of $1.7 million. The acquisition of MetaInfo expands the Company’s enterprise DNS services. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141) and the results of operations of MetaInfo have been included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations since the date of acquisition. Of the total purchase price, a preliminary estimate of $0.1 million has been allocated to net tangible liabilities assumed, $0.5 million to definite-lived intangible assets and $1.3 million to goodwill. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer relationships and acquired technology. The Company is amortizing the value of the customer relationships in proportion to the discounted cash flows over an estimated useful life of 3 years. Acquired technology is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 years.

12


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     The Company has currently not identified any material pre-acquisition contingencies where a liability is probable and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. If information becomes available prior to the end of the purchase price allocation period which would indicate that such a liability is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, such items will be included in the final purchase price allocation.
4. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
     Goodwill consists of the following (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,     September 30,  
    2006     2007  
            (unaudited)  
 
               
Goodwill
  $ 205,855     $ 203,629  
 
           
     Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
                         
                    Weighted-Average  
    December 31,     September 30,     Amortization Period  
    2006     2007     (In Years)  
          (unaudited)     (unaudited)  
Intangible assets:
                       
Customer lists and relationships
  $ 43,467     $ 43,740       5.7  
Accumulated amortization
    (5,817 )     (13,156 )        
 
                   
Customer lists and relationships, net
    37,650       30,584          
 
                       
Acquired technology
    16,808       17,069       3.1  
Accumulated amortization
    (3,416 )     (7,343 )        
 
                   
Acquired technology, net
    13,392       9,726          
 
                       
Trade names
    200       200       3.0  
Accumulated amortization
    (46 )     (96 )        
 
                   
Trade names, net
    154       104          
 
                       
 
                   
Intangible assets, net
  $ 51,196     $ 40,414          
 
                   
     Amortization expense related to intangible assets, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense, was approximately $1.8 million and $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and $3.6 million and $11.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, is expected to be approximately $14.9 million, $13.2 million, $11.0 million, $6.5 million, and $5.0 million, respectively.
5. NOTES PAYABLE
     On February 6, 2007, the Company entered into a new credit agreement, which provides for a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million (2007 Credit Facility). Until February 6, 2007, the Company had a revolving credit facility, which provided it with up to $15 million in available credit. The commitments under this credit agreement were terminated simultaneous with the closing of the 2007 Credit Facility on February 6, 2007. Borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either a

13


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Eurodollar rate plus a spread ranging from 0.625% to 1.25%, or at a base rate plus a spread ranging from 0.0% to 0.25%, with such spread in each case depending on the ratio of the Company’s consolidated senior funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA. The 2007 Credit Facility expires on February 6, 2012. Borrowings under the 2007 Credit Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate purposes and to finance acquisitions. There were no borrowings outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility as of September 30, 2007, but available borrowings were reduced by letters of credit of $12.4 million outstanding on that date.
     The 2007 Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of default. The 2007 Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest charge ratio and a maximum consolidated senior funded indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA ratio. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, the Company may be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2007 Credit Facility. Lenders holding more than 50% of the loans and commitments under the 2007 Credit Facility may elect to accelerate the maturity of amounts due thereunder upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default.
     In May 2007, the Company entered into a note payable with a vendor for $9.7 million for the purchase of software and services. The note payable is non-interest bearing and payments of approximately $810,000 are due quarterly beginning July 1, 2007 over the three year term ending April 2010.
6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stock-Based Compensation
     The Company has two stock incentive plans: the NeuStar, Inc. 1999 Equity Incentive Plan (the 1999 Plan) and the NeuStar, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2005 Plan). The Company may grant to its directors, employees and consultants awards in the form of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance vested restricted stock units (PVRSUs), and other stock-based awards. The aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock with respect to which all awards may be granted under the 2005 Plan is 6,044,715, plus any shares that would otherwise be available for issuance under the 1999 Plan. As of September 30, 2007, 4,167,422 shares were available for grant or award under the 2005 Plan.
     Stock-based compensation expense recognized under SFAS No. 123(R) was $3.3 million and $4.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively, and $8.7 million and $11.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively. As of September 30, 2007, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, non-vested restricted stock and non-vested PVRSUs granted prior to that date is estimated at $30.7 million, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 2.3 years. Total unrecognized compensation expense as of September 30, 2007 is estimated based on outstanding non-vested stock options, non-vested restricted stock and non-vested PVRSUs and may be increased or decreased in future periods for subsequent grants or forfeitures.
Stock Options
     The Company has utilized the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for estimating the fair value of stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, as well as for option grants during all prior periods. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 was $12.18 and $11.59, respectively, and for options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 was $12.24 and $11.59, respectively.

14


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in valuing the stock options granted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007, and a discussion of the Company’s assumptions:
                                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30,   September 30,
    2006   2007   2006   2007
             
Dividend yield
    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %
Expected volatility
    39.11 %     32.81 %     38.68 %     33.25 %
Risk-free interest rate
    4.94 %     4.46 %     4.68 %     4.46 %
Expected life of options (in years)
    4.60       4.60       4.56       4.61  
     Dividend yield — The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its common stock and does not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
     Expected volatility — Volatility is a measure of the amount by which a financial variable such as a share price has fluctuated (historical volatility) or is expected to fluctuate (expected volatility) during a period. Given the Company’s limited historical stock data from its initial public offering in June 2005, the Company has used a blended volatility to estimate expected volatility. The blended volatility includes the average of the Company’s preceding weekly historical volatility from its initial public offering to the respective grant date, the Company’s preceding six-months market implied volatility and an average of the Company’s peer group preceding weekly historical volatility consistent with the expected life of the option. Market implied volatility is the volatility implied by the trading prices of publicly available stock options for the Company’s common stock. The Company’s peer group historical volatility includes the historical volatility of companies that are similar in revenue size, in the same industry or are competitors.
     Risk-free interest rate — This is the average U.S. Treasury rate (with a term that most closely resembles the expected life of the option) for the quarter in which the option was granted.
     Expected life of the options — This is the period of time that the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. This estimate is derived from the average midpoint between the weighted average vesting period and the contractual term as described in the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, Share-Based Payment.
     The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:
                 
            Weighted-Average
    Shares   Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    7,916,728     $ 10.83  
Options granted
    815,630       32.60  
Options exercised
    (2,235,525 )     5.61  
Options canceled
    (630,275 )     20.07  
 
               
Outstanding September 30, 2007
    5,866,558       14.85  
 
               
 
               
Exercisable at September 30, 2007
    3,475,089       7.90  
 
               
     The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007 was $135.0 million and $55.8 million, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for all options outstanding under the Company’s stock plans as of September 30, 2007 was $114.1 million. The aggregate intrinsic value for options exercisable under the Company’s stock plans as of September 30, 2007 was $91.7 million. The weighted-average remaining contractual life for all options outstanding under the Company’s stock plans as of September 30, 2007

15


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
was 5.42 years. The weighted-average remaining contractual life for options exercisable under the Company’s stock plans as of September 30, 2007 was 4.74 years.
Restricted Stock
     The following table summarizes the Company’s non-vested restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:
                 
            Weighted-Average
            Grant Date
    Shares   Fair Value
Non-vested December 31, 2006
    103,223     $ 31.41  
Granted
    13,300       30.84  
Vested
    (25,247 )     31.42  
Forfeited
    (15,850 )     30.78  
 
               
Non-vested September 30, 2007
    75,426       31.44  
 
               
     The aggregate intrinsic value for all non-vested restricted stock outstanding under the Company’s stock incentive plans at September 30, 2007 was $2.6 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 506 shares and 6,040 shares of common stock, respectively, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $15,900 and $183,000 pursuant to the participants’ rights under the Company’s stock incentive plans to elect to use common stock to satisfy their tax withholding obligations.
Performance Vested Restricted Stock Units
     During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company granted approximately 322,290 PVRSUs to certain employees with an aggregate fair value of $10.5 million. The vesting of these stock awards is contingent upon the Company achieving specified financial targets at the end of the specified performance period and an employee’s continued employment. The performance conditions affect the number of shares that will ultimately be issued. The range of possible stock-based award vesting is between 0% and 150% of the initial target. Under SFAS No. 123(R), compensation expense related to these awards is being recognized over the requisite service period based on the Company’s estimate of the achievement of the performance target. The Company has currently estimated that 125% of the target will be achieved. The fair value is measured by the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period based on those PVRSUs expected to vest.
     The following table summarizes the Company’s non-vested PVRSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:
                 
            Weighted-Average
            Grant Date
    Shares   Fair Value
Non-vested December 31, 2006
        $  
Granted
    322,290       32.59  
Vested
           
Forfeited
    (18,810 )     32.59  
 
               
Non-vested September 30, 2007
    303,480       32.59  
 
               
     The aggregate intrinsic value for all non-vested PVRSUs outstanding under the Company’s stock plans at September 30, 2007 was $9.9 million.

16


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Restricted Stock Units
     In July 2006, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors issued 27,170 restricted stock units to the Company’s non-management directors. The aggregate intrinsic value of the restricted stock units granted totaled $880,000. For those directors who were elected at the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, as well as incumbent directors whose term did not expire in 2006, these restricted stock units were granted on July 1, 2006. For those directors appointed by the Company’s board of directors on July 26, 2006, the date of grant was on July 27, 2006. In August 2007, the Company’s non-management directors were issued 30,828 restricted stock units, with an aggregate intrinsic value on the grant date of approximately $900,000.
     These restricted stock units fully vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Upon vesting, each director’s restricted stock units are automatically converted into deferred stock units, which will be delivered to the director in shares of the Company’s stock six months following the director’s termination of Board service. Following the resignation of two of the Company’s directors on July 26, 2006 and April 10, 2007, respectively, a total of 6,518 restricted stock units were forfeited.
     The aggregate intrinsic value for the remaining 51,480 non-vested restricted stock units as of September 30, 2007 was approximately $1.8 million.
Phantom Stock Units
     In July 2004, the board of directors granted 350,000 phantom stock units to one of the Company’s officers. Effective March 1, 2007, the officer was no longer employed with the Company. On that date, 224,383 phantom stock units vested in accordance with the terms of the officer’s phantom stock agreement, which had an aggregate intrinsic value of approximately $7.3 million. Of the 224,383 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable to the officer in respect of his vested phantom stock units, the Company repurchased 91,713 shares on March 1, 2007 for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.0 million pursuant to the officer’s right under the applicable stock incentive plan to elect to use common stock to satisfy his tax withholding obligations.
Treasury Stock
     Pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plans, employees may elect to satisfy their tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock awards by having the Company make such payments and withhold a number of vested shares having a value on the date of vesting equal to their tax withholding obligation. As a result of such employee elections, the Company withheld 506 shares and 97,753 shares during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, with a total market value of $15,900 and $3.2 million, respectively, from previously granted restricted stock awards and phantom stock units for settlement of employee tax liabilities pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plans as discussed previously in this Note 6, and these shares were accounted for as treasury stock.

17


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
7. BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE
     The following table reconciles the number of shares used in the basic and diluted net income per share calculation (in thousands, except per share data):
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2007     2006     2007  
Computation on basic net income per common share:
                               
Net income
  $ 17,104     $ 25,702     $ 55,341     $ 62,819  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    73,042       76,461       71,849       75,664  
 
                       
Basic net income per common share
  $ 0.23     $ 0.34     $ 0.77     $ 0.83  
 
                       
 
                               
Computation on diluted net income per common share:
                               
Net income
  $ 17,104     $ 25,702     $ 55,341     $ 62,819  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    73,042       76,461       71,849       75,664  
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Stock-based awards
    5,357       2,811       6,247       3,456  
 
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
    78,399       79,272       78,096       79,120  
 
                       
Diluted net income per common share
  $ 0.22     $ 0.32     $ 0.71     $ 0.79  
 
                       
8. SEGMENT INFORMATION
     Prior to January 1, 2007, the Company operated in one business segment; providing critical technology services to the communications industry. The Company was not organized by market and was managed and operated as one business. A single management team reported to the chief operating decision maker who comprehensively managed the business. The Company did not operate any material separate lines of business or separate business entities with respect to its services. Accordingly, the Company did not accumulate discrete financial information with respect to separate service lines and did not have separately reportable segments as defined by SFAS No. 131, Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (SFAS No. 131).
     On November 27, 2006, the Company acquired Followap Inc. (Followap) and became a provider of next-generation communications solutions for mobile network operators by delivering instant messaging, presence, multimedia gateways, and inter-carrier messaging hubs. As a result of the Followap acquisition, the Company began accumulating discrete financial information with respect to separate service lines with separate reportable segments as defined by SFAS No. 131. The Company operated in two reportable business segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, Clearinghouse Services and Next Generation Messaging (NGM) Services, and only one business segment, Clearinghouse Services, for the corresponding periods ended September 30, 2006.
     Information for the three months ended September 30, 2007 regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Clearinghouse        
    Services   NGM Services   Consolidated Total
Revenue
  $ 108,960     $ 1,797     $ 110,757  
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 51,506     $ (9,612 )   $ 41,894  

18


 

NEUSTAR, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
     Information for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Clearinghouse        
    Services   NGM Services   Consolidated Total
Revenue
  $ 304,013     $ 3,885     $ 307,898  
Income (loss) from operations
  $ 128,683     $ (26,056 )   $ 102,627  
     Information as of September 30, 2007 regarding the Company’s reportable operating segments is as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Clearinghouse        
    Services   NGM Services   Consolidated Total
Total assets
  $ 396,303     $ 167,096     $ 563,399  
Goodwill
  $ 87,821     $ 115,808     $ 203,629  
Intangible assets
  $ 16,669     $ 23,745     $ 40,414  
9. INCOME TAXES
     The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the adoption of FIN 48, the Company recognized no material adjustment in the liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. At the adoption date of January 1, 2007, the Company had $2.2 million of unrecognized tax benefits on a gross basis or $0.8 million on a tax effected basis. At September 30, 2007, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $1.4 million on a tax effected basis. All of the unrecognized tax benefits would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized.
     The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2007, there was approximately $202,000 of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. To the extent interest is not assessed with respect to uncertain tax positions, amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision.
     The Company files income tax returns in the United States Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. The tax years 2004 through 2006 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.
     The Company anticipates that total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $0.8 million over the next 12 months due to the expiration of certain statutes of limitations.

19


 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward-Looking Statements
     This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning the conditions in our industry, our operations and economic performance, and our business and growth strategy. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements relate to future events or our 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 differ materially from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of these risks are beyond our ability to control or predict. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions by our management that, although we believe to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain and subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and in subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.
Overview
     We experienced continued growth during the third quarter of 2007. Total revenue for the quarter increased 34% as compared to the third quarter of 2006. Under our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States, we processed 83.2 million transactions during the quarter, representing growth of 40% over the third quarter of 2006.
     During the third quarter, we continued to build upon our domain name systems (DNS) service offerings, especially NeuStar Ultra Services. We recognized $7.7 million of revenue from NeuStar Ultra Services in the third quarter of 2007, an increase of $2.3 million from the corresponding period in 2006 and increased our customer base to over 2,800 customers.
     We also continued to integrate the business we acquired from Followap Inc. in November 2006. This business, now known as NeuStar NGM Services, produced $1.8 million of revenue and $11.4 million of operating expenses in this quarter.
Recent Developments
     In September 2007, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, awarded us the contract to serve as the National Pooling Administrator, a role in which we have served since 2001. Under this new contract, we will continue to perform the administrative functions associated with the allocation of pooled blocks of telephone numbers in the United States. The terms of this new contract provide that we are reimbursed for costs incurred plus a fixed fee associated with the administration of the pooling system. The initial contract term is two years, commencing in August 2007, and provides three one-year extension options that are exercisable at the election of the FCC.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
     The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to utilize accounting policies and make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expense during a fiscal period. The Securities and Exchange Commission considers an accounting

20


 

policy to be critical if it is important to a company’s financial condition and results of operations, and if it requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. We have discussed the selection and development of the critical accounting policies with the audit committee of our board of directors, and the audit committee has reviewed our related disclosures in this report. Although we believe that our judgments and estimates are appropriate, actual results may differ from those estimates. See the information in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and as updated in our subsequent periodic and current reports, for certain matters that may bear on our future results of operations. We discuss our critical accounting policies and estimates in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and in our Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates in 2007, except as follows:
Deferred Income Taxes
     We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. The realization of deferred tax assets is contingent upon the generation of future taxable income. When appropriate, we recognize a valuation allowance to reduce such deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be ultimately realized. The calculation of deferred tax assets (including valuation allowances) and liabilities requires us to apply significant judgment related to such factors as the application of complex tax laws, changes in tax laws and our future operations. We review our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis to determine if a valuation allowance is required based upon these factors. Changes in our assessment of the need for a valuation allowance could give rise to a change in such allowance, potentially resulting in additional expense or benefit in the period of change.
     Income tax provision includes U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes and is based on pre-tax income or loss. The provision or benefit for income taxes is based upon our estimate of our annual effective income tax rate. In determining the estimated annual effective income tax rate, we analyze various factors, including projections of our annual earnings and taxing jurisdictions in which the earnings will be generated, the impact of state and local income taxes and our ability to use tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards.
     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, or FIN 48, which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and was adopted by us on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 provides a two-step approach to recognize and measure tax benefits when the benefits’ realization is uncertain. The first step is to determine whether the benefit is to be recognized; the second step is to determine the amount to be recognized. Income tax benefits should be recognized when, based on the technical merits of a tax position, the entity believes that if a dispute arose with the taxing authority and were taken to a court of last resort, it is more likely than not (i.e., a probability of greater than 50 percent) that the tax position would be sustained as filed. If a position is determined to be more likely than not of being sustained, the reporting enterprise should recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 upon adoption is to be reported as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. Our practice is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
     We have made numerous acquisitions, including the 2006 acquisitions of UltraDNS Corporation and Followap Inc., resulting in our recording of goodwill, which represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired, as well as other definite-lived intangible assets. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, or SFAS No. 142, goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would reduce the fair value of such assets below their carrying amount. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually, or on an interim basis if circumstances change that would indicate the possibility of impairment. For purposes of our annual impairment test, we have identified and assigned goodwill to two reporting units, our Clearinghouse segment and our NGM segment.

21


 

     Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach. The first step is to compare the fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets, including assigned goodwill, to the book value of its net assets, including assigned goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using both an income and market approach. To assist in the process of determining if a goodwill impairment exists, we perform internal valuation analyses and consider other market information that is publicly available, and we may obtain appraisals from external advisors. If the fair value of the reporting unit is greater than its net book value, the assigned goodwill is not considered impaired. If the fair value is less than the reporting unit’s net book value, we perform a second step to measure the amount of the impairment, if any. The second step would be to compare the book value of the reporting unit’s assigned goodwill to the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, using a theoretical purchase price allocation based on this implied fair value to determine the magnitude of the impairment. If we determine that an impairment has occurred, we are required to record a write-down of the carrying value and charge the impairment as an operating expense in the period the determination is made.
     The goodwill impairment test and the determination of the fair value of intangible assets involve the use of significant estimates and assumptions by management, and are inherently subjective. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether or not an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Any changes in key assumptions about our businesses and their prospects, or changes in market conditions, could result in an impairment charge, and such a charge could have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements because of the significance of goodwill and intangible assets to our consolidated balance sheet.
Acquisitions
   NeuLevel, Inc.
     In March 2006, we acquired 10% of NeuLevel, Inc. from Melbourne IT Limited for cash consideration of $4.3 million, raising the Company’s ownership interest from 90% to 100%. The acquisition of the remaining 10% of NeuLevel was accounted for as a purchase business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, or SFAS No. 141. We allocated the purchase price principally to customer lists ($4.1 million) based on their estimated fair values on the acquisition date. Customer lists are included in intangible assets and are being amortized on an accelerated basis over five years. In accordance with SFAS No. 109, we recorded a deferred tax liability of approximately $1.6 million with a corresponding increase to goodwill.
   UltraDNS Corporation
     On April 21, 2006, we acquired UltraDNS Corporation for $61.8 million in cash and acquisition costs of $0.8 million. The acquisition further expanded our domain name services and our Internet Protocol technologies. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141. Of the total cash consideration, approximately $6.1 million was distributed to an escrow account for indemnification claims as set forth in the acquisition agreement. Funds remaining in the account were distributed to the former stockholders of UltraDNS in accordance with the acquisition agreement on the first anniversary of the acquisition.
     Of the total purchase price, $9.3 million was allocated to net tangible assets acquired and $20.0 million was allocated to definite-lived intangible assets acquired. We utilized a third party valuation specialist to assist management in determining the fair value of the definite-lived intangible asset base. The income approach, which includes an analysis of cash flows and the risks associated with achieving such cash flows, was the primary technique utilized in valuing the identifiable intangible assets. The $20.0 million of definite-lived intangible assets acquired consists of the value assigned to UltraDNS’s direct customer relationships of $14.7 million, web customer relationships of $0.3 million, acquired technology of $4.8 million, and trade names of $0.2 million. We are amortizing the value of the UltraDNS direct and web customer relationships in proportion to the respective discounted cash flows over an estimated useful life of 7 and 5 years, respectively. Both acquired technology and trade names are being amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 years.
   Followap Inc.
     On November 27, 2006, we acquired Followap Inc. for $139.0 million in cash and acquisition costs of $1.8 million along with the assumption and payment of certain Followap debt and other liabilities of $5.6 million.

22


 

The acquisition further expanded our Internet Protocol technologies, which is a key strategic initiative for us. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141. Of the total cash consideration, approximately $14.1 million was distributed to an escrow account for indemnification claims as set forth in the acquisition agreement. Following resolution of any indemnification claims, all funds remaining in the account will be distributed to the former stockholders of Followap in accordance with the acquisition agreement on the first anniversary of the acquisition.
     Of the total estimated purchase price, a preliminary estimate of $0.1 million has been allocated to net tangible liabilities assumed and $30.6 million has been allocated to definite-lived intangible assets acquired. We utilized a third party valuation in determining the fair value of the definite-lived intangible asset base. The income approach, which includes an analysis of cash flows and the risks associated with achieving such cash flows, was the primary technique utilized in valuing the identifiable intangible assets. The $30.6 million of definite lived intangible assets acquired consists of the value assigned to Followap’s customer relationships of $20.8 million and acquired technology of $9.8 million. We are amortizing the value of the Followap customer relationships using an accelerated basis over five years and the value of the acquired technology on a straight-line basis over 3 years.
   I-View.com, Inc. (d/b/a MetaInfo)
     On January 8, 2007, we acquired certain assets of I-View.com, Inc. (d/b/a MetaInfo) for cash consideration of $1.7 million. The acquisition of MetaInfo expands our enterprise DNS services. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase business combination in accordance with SFAS No. 141 and the results of operations of MetaInfo have been included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations since the date of acquisition. Of the total purchase price, a preliminary estimate of $0.1 million has been allocated to net tangible liabilities assumed, $0.5 million to definite-lived intangible assets and $1.3 million to goodwill. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of customer intangibles and acquired technology. We are amortizing the value of the customer intangibles in proportion to the discounted cash flows over an estimated useful life of 3 years. Acquired technology is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 3 years.

23


 

Consolidated Results of Operations
     As a result of our acquisition of Followap on November 27, 2006, our financial results for the third quarter of 2007 contain segment information for our NGM business. Prior to 2007, we operated in one business segment. In the following comparison of financial results, we discuss the operations of both of our business segments on a consolidated basis. A separate discussion of the financial performance of our NGM business segment is set forth below under the heading “Additional Information Regarding NGM Segment.”
      Three Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
     The following table presents an overview of our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2007     2006 vs. 2007  
    $     $     $ Change     % Change  
            (unaudited)          
      (in thousands, except per share data)  
Revenue:
                               
Addressing
  $ 28,645     $ 28,451     $ (194 )     (0.7 )%
Interoperability
    13,550       15,191       1,641       12.1  
Infrastructure and other
    40,314       67,115       26,801       66.5  
 
                       
Total revenue
    82,509       110,757       28,248       34.2  
 
                               
Operating expense:
                               
Cost of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
    21,591       24,093       2,502       11.6  
Sales and marketing
    12,185       16,317       4,132       33.9  
Research and development
    4,625       5,977       1,352       29.2  
General and administrative
    9,966       12,978       3,012       30.2  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,212       9,498       3,286       52.9  
 
                       
 
    54,579       68,863       14,284       26.2  
 
                       
Income from operations
    27,930       41,894       13,964       50.0  
Other (expense) income:
                               
Interest expense
    (240 )     (504 )     (264 )     110.0  
Interest and other income
    1,328       1,123       (205 )     (15.4 )
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    29,018       42,513       13,495       46.5  
Provision for income taxes
    11,914       16,811       4,897       41.1  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 17,104     $ 25,702     $ 8,598       50.3 %
 
                       
 
                               
Net income attributable to common stockholders per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.23     $ 0.34                  
 
                           
Diluted
  $ 0.22     $ 0.32                  
 
                           
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    73,042       76,461                  
 
                           
Diluted
    78,399       79,272                  
 
                           

24


 

Revenue
     Total revenue. Total revenue increased $28.2 million due primarily to increased infrastructure transactions under our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States.
     Addressing. Addressing revenue decreased $0.2 million due primarily to a $5.7 million decrease in addressing revenue from our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States. We believe that this reduction in addressing revenue was due to a return to normal network expansion activities by carriers from unusually high levels in the third quarter of 2006, and the reduced pricing under these contracts that went into effect on January 1, 2007. This decrease in revenue was offset by increased revenue from DNS services of $3.2 million, consisting of a $2.3 million increase in revenue from increased use of our NeuStar Ultra Services, and a $0.9 million increase in revenue from increased domain names under management. In addition, revenue from U.S. Common Short Codes increased $1.9 million due to an increased number of subscribers for short codes.
     Interoperability. Interoperability revenue increased $1.6 million due primarily to a $0.7 million increase in revenue under our contracts to provide telephone number portability in Canada, which was driven by expansion of our services in Canada to include wireless number portability, and a $0.6 million increase from our order management services. These increases were offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in revenue from telephone number portability services in the United States. In addition, interoperability revenue from our NGM business segment was $0.6 million, for which there was no corresponding revenue in the third quarter of 2006.
     Infrastructure and other. Infrastructure and other revenue increased $26.8 million due primarily to an increase in the demand for our network management services. Of this increase, $24.8 million was attributable to customers making changes to their networks that required actions such as disconnects and modifications to network elements. We believe these changes were driven largely by trends in the industry, including the implementation of new technologies by our customers, wireless technology upgrades, carrier vendor changes and network optimization. In addition, infrastructure revenue from our NGM business segment was $1.2 million, for which there was no corresponding revenue in the third quarter of 2006.
      Expense
     Cost of revenue. Cost of revenue increased $2.5 million due to growth in personnel and royalties related to our U.S. Common Short Code services. Of this amount, personnel and personnel-related expense increased $0.8 million. Included in personnel and personnel-related expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is $0.5 million in stock-based compensation expense, which is unchanged from the stock-based compensation expense recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2006. In addition, royalty expenses related to U.S. Common Short Code services and revenue share costs associated with our Internet domain names and registry gateway services collectively increased $1.7 million as revenues from these services has increased.
     Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expense increased $4.1 million predominantly due to additions to our sales and marketing team to focus on branding, product launches, expanded DNS service offerings, NGM services and new business development opportunities, including international expansion. Personnel and personnel-related expense accounted for $3.1 million of this increase. Included in personnel-related expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is $1.4 million in stock-based compensation expense, as compared to $1.0 million in stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006. In addition, external costs related to branding and product launch accounted for $0.5 million of the increase.
     Research and development. Research and development expense increased $1.4 million due to additions to our research and development team to support our service offerings. Specifically, personnel and personnel-related expense increased $1.2 million over the comparable quarter in 2006. Included in personnel-related expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is $0.5 million in stock-based compensation expense, as compared to $0.3 million in stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

25


 

     General and administrative. General and administrative expense increased $3.0 million primarily due to increased headcount and costs incurred to support business growth and ongoing operations. Specifically, personnel and personnel-related expense increased $2.0 million. Included in personnel-related expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 is $1.7 million in stock-based compensation expense, as compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006. In addition, general and administrative costs increased $1.0 million due to office expansion for increased headcount.
     Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $3.3 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006, primarily due to a $2.0 million increase in the amortization of identified intangibles resulting from our business acquisitions. In addition, we experienced a $1.3 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense relating to additional capital assets to support operations.
     Interest expense. Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $0.3 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 due primarily to higher average balances under notes payable.
     Interest and other income. Interest and other income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $0.2 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 due to lower average balances held for short-term investment.
     Provision for income taxes. Income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $4.9 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2006 due primarily to an increase in income from operations. Our annual effective statutory tax rate decreased to 39.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2007 from 41.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
Additional Information regarding NGM Segment
     The following discussion focuses on the performance of our NGM business segment for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The NGM business segment resulted from our acquisition of Followap in November 2006. As such, there are no comparable results for the three months ended September 30, 2006.
     NGM Revenue. NGM revenue totaled approximately $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.
     Operating expense. NGM operating expense is comprised primarily of cost of revenue, sales and marketing, research and development, general and administrative, and depreciation and amortization expenses. Operating expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 totaled approximately $11.4 million. The components of each of these categories of expense are identical to those in our Clearinghouse segment. For a description of the components of each category of expense, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Company” in Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
     Segment loss from operations. Segment loss from operations for the NGM segment totaled approximately $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

26


 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
     The following table presents an overview of our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2007.
                                 
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2006     2007     2006 vs. 2007  
    $     $     $ Change     % Change  
    (unaudited)  
    (in thousands, except per share data)  
Revenue:
                               
Addressing
  $ 75,507     $ 82,311     $ 6,804       9.0 %
Interoperability
    40,911       43,153       2,242       5.5  
Infrastructure and other
    124,517       182,434       57,917       46.5  
 
                       
Total revenue
    240,935       307,898       66,963       27.8  
 
                               
Operating expense:
                               
Cost of revenue (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below)
    62,422       70,417       7,995       12.8  
Sales and marketing
    32,754       52,602       19,848       60.6  
Research and development
    12,782       19,297       6,515       51.0  
General and administrative
    25,551       35,018       9,467       37.1  
Depreciation and amortization
    16,493       27,937       11,444       69.4  
 
                       
 
    150,002       205,271       55,269       36.8  
 
                       
Income from operations
    90,933       102,627       11,694       12.9  
Other (expense) income:
                               
Interest expense
    (927 )     (1,218 )     (291 )     31.4  
Interest and other income
    2,729       3,196       467       17.1  
 
                       
Income before minority interest and income taxes
    92,735       104,605       11,870       12.8  
Minority interest
    (95 )           95       100.0  
 
                       
Income before income taxes
    92,640       104,605       11,965       12.9  
Provision for income taxes
    37,299       41,786       4,487       12.0  
 
                       
Net income
  $ 55,341     $ 62,819     $ 7,478       13.5 %
 
                       
 
                               
Net income attributable to common stockholders per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.77     $ 0.83                  
 
                           
Diluted
  $ 0.71     $ 0.79                  
 
                           
 
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    71,849       75,664                  
 
                           
Diluted
    78,096       79,120                  
 
                           
     Revenue
     Total revenue. Total revenue increased $67.0 million due primarily to increases in infrastructure transactions under our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States, our expanded range of DNS services, and growth in the use of U.S. Common Short Codes.
     Addressing. Addressing revenue increased $6.8 million due to the expanded range of DNS services we offer as a result of our acquisition of UltraDNS Corporation in April 2006, and the continued increase in the use of U.S. Common Short Codes. Specifically, revenue from DNS services increased $15.3 million, consisting of a $12.8 million increase in revenue from increased use of our NeuStar Ultra Services, and a $2.5 million increase in

27


 

revenue from increased number of domain names under management. In addition, revenue from U.S. Common Short Codes increased $6.6 million due to an increased number of subscribers for U.S. Common Short Codes. These increases were offset by a decrease of $14.7 million in revenue under our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States. We believe that this reduction in addressing revenue was due to a return to normal network expansion activities by carriers from unusually high levels in 2006, and the reduced pricing under these contracts that went into effect on January 1, 2007.
     Interoperability. Interoperability revenue increased $2.2 million due predominantly to increased demand for telephone number portability services in Canada as we expanded our services in Canada to include wireless number portability. Specifically, revenue from telephone number portability services in Canada increased $5.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to the corresponding period in 2006. In addition, interoperability revenue from our NGM business segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $1.1 million, for which there was no corresponding revenue in 2006. These increases were offset by a decrease in revenue of $3.1 million under our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States, as well as a decrease in revenue of $1.3 million from our order management services.
     Infrastructure and other. Infrastructure and other revenue increased $57.9 million due primarily to an increase in the demand for our network management services. Of this increase, $56.0 million was attributable to customers making changes to their networks that required actions such as disconnects and modifications to network elements. We believe these changes were driven largely by trends in the industry, including the implementation of new technologies by our customers, such as wireless technology upgrades and network optimization. In addition, infrastructure revenue from our NGM business segment was $2.8 million for which there was no corresponding revenue in 2006. These increases were offset by a decrease of $0.9 million in revenue resulting from connection fees and other revenues under our contracts to provide telephone number portability services in the United States.
     Expense
     Cost of revenue. Cost of revenue increased $8.0 million due to growth in personnel and increased contractor costs to support higher transaction volumes and royalties related to our U.S. Common Short Code services. Of this increase, $2.2 million is due to personnel and personnel-related expense as a result of increased headcount to support our customer deployment, software engineering and operations groups. Included in personnel and personnel-related expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is $1.4 million in stock-based compensation expense, which is unchanged from the stock-based compensation expense recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Contractor costs for software maintenance activities and managing industry changes to our clearinghouse, as well as general data center facility costs, collectively increased $1.2 million. Cost of revenue increased $4.7 million due to royalty expenses related to U.S. Common Short Code services and revenue share cost associated with our Internet domain names and registry gateway services.
     Sales and marketing. Sales and marketing expense increased $19.8 million due primarily to additions to our sales and marketing team to focus on branding, product launches, expanded DNS service offerings, NGM services and new business development opportunities, including international expansion. Of this increase, $14.5 million is attributable to personnel and personnel-related expense. Included in personnel-related expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is $4.0 million in stock-based compensation expense, as compared to $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In addition, external costs related to branding, product launch and industry events and other general marketing expense accounted for $4.3 million of the increase.
     Research and development. Research and development expense increased $6.5 million due primarily to additions to our research and development team to support our service offerings. Of this increase, $5.9 million is attributable to personnel and personnel-related expense resulting from increased headcount. Included in personnel-related expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 is $1.4 million in stock-based compensation expense, as compared to $0.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. In addition, external costs to augment internal research and development resources increased $0.6 million.
     General and administrative. General and administrative expense increased $9.5 million primarily due to costs incurred to support business growth. Of this increase, $5.9 million was attributable to personnel and personnel-related expense resulting from increased headcount. Included in personnel-related expense for the nine months

28


 

ended September 30, 2007 is $4.8 million in stock-based compensation expense, as compared to $3.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This increase was further augmented by the reversal of a legal contingency accrual of $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2006 for which there was no comparable expense in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. In addition, general and administrative facility costs increased $1.6 million due to office expansion for the increased headcount.
     Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $11.4 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006, due predominantly to a $7.8 million increase in the amortization of identified intangibles as a result of our acquisitions of UltraDNS and Followap, and a $3.6 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense relating to additional capital assets to support operations.
     Interest expense. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $0.3 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due primarily to higher average balances under notes payable.
     Interest and other income. Interest and other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $0.5 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due to higher yields on average combined cash and short-term investment balances.
     Provision for income taxes. Income tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 increased $4.5 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006 due primarily to an increase in income from operations. Our annual effective statutory tax rate decreased to 39.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 from 40.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
Additional Information regarding NGM Segment
     The following discussion focuses on the performance of our NGM business segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The NGM business segment resulted from our acquisition of Followap in November 2006. As such, there are no comparable results for the nine months ended September 30, 2006.
     NGM Revenue. NGM revenue totaled approximately $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
     Operating expense. NGM operating expense is comprised primarily of cost of revenue, sales and marketing, research and development, general and administrative, and depreciation and amortization expenses. Operating expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 totaled approximately $29.9 million. The components of each of these categories of expense are identical to those in our Clearinghouse segment. For a description of the components of each category of expense, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Our Company” in Item 7 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
     Segment loss from operations. Segment loss from operations for the NGM segment totaled approximately $26.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     Prior to 2006, our principal source of liquidity was cash provided by operations. Following our adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, the benefits of tax deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized for the exercise of common stock options (excess tax benefits) have been classified as a financing cash inflow and a corresponding operating cash outflow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). As a result, currently our principal sources of liquidity are cash provided by operating activities and cash inflows relating to excess tax benefits.

29


 

     Our principal uses of cash have been to fund acquisitions, facility expansions, capital expenditures, working capital and debt service requirements. We anticipate that our principal uses of cash in the future will be acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures and facility expansion.
     Total cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were $146.0 million at September 30, 2007, an increase from $58.3 million at December 31, 2006. This increase was due primarily to cash provided by operating activities and cash provided by financing activities.
     On February 6, 2007, we entered into a new credit agreement, which provides for a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million. As of September 30, 2007, there were no borrowings outstanding under the new credit agreement, but available borrowings were reduced by outstanding letters of credit of $12.4 million. This credit facility replaced our previous $15 million revolving credit facility.
     We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash from operations and excess tax benefits included in financing activities will be sufficient to fund our operations for the next twelve months.
Discussion of Cash Flows
     Cash flows from operations
     Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $89.0 million, as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $61.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This $27.7 million increase was principally the result of a $24.4 million reduction to the cash outflow relating to excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation, an increase in other non-cash adjustments of $14.1 million, and a $7.5 million increase in net income. These increases were offset by a decrease of net changes in operating assets and liabilities of $18.3 million.
      Cash flows from investing
     Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $30.9 million, as compared to $112.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This $81.7 million decrease in net cash used in investing activities was principally due to a decrease of $65.4 million in cash paid for acquisitions and a $26.9 decrease in the purchase of short-term investments. This net decrease was offset by a $10.5 million increase in purchases of property and equipment.
      Cash flows from financing
     Net cash provided by financing activities was $21.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, as compared to $50.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. This $29.8 million decrease in net cash provided by financing activities was principally the result of a decrease of $24.4 million of excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation and a decrease of $1.5 million of proceeds from the exercise of common stock options. In addition, the overall decrease in net cash provided by financing activities resulted from $3.2 million of shares repurchased by us during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 pursuant to the exercise by stock incentive plan participants of their right to elect to use common stock to satisfy their tax withholding obligations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 provides enhanced guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. It clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 157 on our consolidated financial statements.

30


 

     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (SFAS No. 159), to permit all entities to choose to elect, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. An entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date, and recognize upfront costs and fees related to those items in earnings as incurred and not deferred. SFAS No. 159 applies to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted for an entity that has also elected to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157. An entity is prohibited from retrospectively applying SFAS No. 159, unless it chooses early adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of SFAS No. 159 on our consolidated financial statements.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     We had no off-balance sheet arrangements as of or for the period ended September 30, 2007.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
     For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting NeuStar, see “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in Item 7A of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Our exposure to market risk has not changed materially since December 31, 2006.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
     We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
     As of September 30, 2007, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and were operating at the reasonable assurance level.
     In addition, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the third quarter of 2007 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

31


 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
     From time to time, we are subject to claims in legal proceedings arising in the normal course of our business. We do not believe that we are party to any pending legal action that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business or operating results.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
     In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and as updated in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Form 10-K and subsequent reports are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
     The following table is a summary of our repurchases of common stock during each of the three months in the quarter ended September 30, 2007:
                                 
                    Total Number of   Maximum Number of
                    Shares Purchased as   Shares that May Yet
                    Part of Publicly   Be Purchased Under
    Total Number of   Average Price Paid   Announced Plans or   the Plans or
Month   Shares Purchased(1)   per Share   Programs   Programs
July 1 through 31, 2007
                       
August 1 through 31, 2007
                       
September 1 through 30, 2007
    506       31.38              
Total
    506       31.38              
 
(1)   The number of shares purchased consists of shares of common stock tendered by employees to the Company to satisfy the employees’ tax withholding obligations arising as a result of vesting of restricted stock grants under the Company’s stock incentive plan, which shares were purchased by the Company based on their fair market value on the vesting date. None of these share purchases were part of a publicly announced program to purchase common stock of the Company.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
     None.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
     None.
Item 5. Other Information
     None.

32


 

Item 6. Exhibits
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
3.1
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 7 to NeuStar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 28, 2005 (File No. 333-123635).
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to NeuStar’s report on Form 8-K, filed July 13, 2007 (File No. 001-32548).
 
   
10.1.2
  Amendment to the contractor services agreement by and between NeuStar, Inc. and North American Portability Management LLC, as amended.**
 
   
10.3
  National Thousands-Block Pooling Administration agreement awarded to NeuStar, Inc. by the Federal Communications Commission.**
 
   
10.4.4
  Amendments to North American Numbering Plan Administrator agreement awarded to NeuStar, Inc. by the Federal Communications Commission.
 
   
10.31.1
  Amendment to Credit Agreement among NeuStar, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and other lenders.
 
   
10.99
  Amendments to National Thousands-Block Pooling Administration Agreement awarded to NeuStar, Inc. by the Federal Communications Commission which expired as of August 14, 2007.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
**   Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this document. The omitted portions of this document have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

33


 

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  NeuStar, Inc.
 
 
Date: November 5, 2007  By:   /s/ Jeffrey A. Babka    
    Jeffrey A. Babka   
    Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) 
 
 

34


 

EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit No.   Description
 
   
3.1
  Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 7 to NeuStar’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, filed June 28, 2005 (File No. 333-123635).
 
   
3.2
  Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to NeuStar’s report on Form 8-K, filed July 13, 2007 (File No. 001-32548).
 
   
10.1.2
  Amendment to the contractor services agreement by and between NeuStar, Inc. and North American Portability Management LLC, as amended.**
 
   
10.3
  National Thousands-Block Pooling Administration agreement awarded to NeuStar, Inc. by the Federal Communications Commission.**
 
   
10.4.4
  Amendments to North American Numbering Plan Administrator agreement awarded to NeuStar, Inc. by the Federal Communications Commission.
 
   
10.31.1
  Amendment to Credit Agreement among NeuStar, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and other lenders.
 
   
10.99
  Amendments to National Thousands-Block Pooling Administration Agreement awarded to NeuStar, Inc. by the Federal Communications Commission which expired as of August 14, 2007.
 
   
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
   
32.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
**   Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this document. The omitted portions of this document have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.