10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended May 31, 2015

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______to ______

Commission File Number: 1-11869

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	13-3362547
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

601 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut	06851
(Address of principal executive office)	(Zip Code)

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

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 ☒    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes ☒    No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller reporting company ☐

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

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $.01 par value, as of June 30, 2015 was 41,415,629.

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

Form 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended May 31, 2015

Index

		Page
Part I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014	4
	Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014	6
	Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	44
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	45
Part II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	46
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	46
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	46
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	46
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	46
Item 5.	Other Information	46
Item 6.	Exhibits	47
	Signatures	47

For additional information about FactSet Research Systems Inc. and access to its Annual Reports to Stockholders and Securities and Exchange Commission filings, free of charge, please visit the website at http://investor.factset.com. Any information on or linked from the website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q.

2

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME – Unaudited

	Three Months Ended May 31,				Nine Months Ended May 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2015		2014		2015		2014
Revenues	$	254,522	$	231,761	$	744,990	$	681,671
Operating expenses
Cost of services		100,686		90,661		297,745		261,165
Selling, general and administrative		68,480		68,063		200,980		197,673
Total operating expenses		169,166		158,724		498,725		458,838
Operating income		85,356		73,037		246,265		222,833
Other income		482		334		1,445		1,018
Income before income taxes		85,838		73,371		247,710		223,851
Provision for income taxes		24,429		21,839		68,843		67,715
Net income	$	61,409	$	51,532	$	178,867	$	156,136
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.48	$	1.22	$	4.29	$	3.66
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.45	$	1.21	$	4.23	$	3.62
Basic weighted average common shares		41,628		42,166		41,648		42,615
Diluted weighted average common shares		42,297		42,615		42,317		43,170

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

3

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME – Unaudited

	Three Months Ended May 31,					Nine Months Ended May 31,
(In thousands)	2015			2014		2015			2014
Net income	$	61,409		$	51,532	$	178,867		$	156,136
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges*		(1,020	)		2,341		(289	)		5,625
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(4,187	)		545		(25,753	)		12,199
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(5,207	)		2,886		(26,042	)		17,824
Comprehensive income	$	56,202		$	54,418	$	152,825		$	173,960

* For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, the unrealized loss on cash flow hedges were net of tax benefits of $606 and $172, respectively. The unrealized gain on cash flow hedges disclosed above for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014, was net of tax expense of $1,391 and $3,352, respectively.

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

4

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)	May 31, 2015			August 31, 2014
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	157,895		$	116,378
Investments		25,020			20,008
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,665 at May 31, 2015 and $1,662 at August 31, 2014		91,860			90,354
Prepaid taxes		12,190			6,532
Deferred taxes		1,770			1,841
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		15,479			14,662
Total current assets		304,214			249,775
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost		206,063			201,713
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(151,605	)		(144,072	)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net		54,458			57,641
Goodwill		307,231			285,608
Intangible assets, net		41,561			41,855
Deferred taxes		16,531			22,377
Other assets		4,081			5,956
TOTAL ASSETS	$	728,076		$	663,212
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	31,445		$	26,971
Accrued compensation		36,780			42,481
Deferred fees		44,323			36,504
Taxes payable		2,959			5,036
Deferred taxes		1,071			0
Dividends payable		18,274			16,299
Total current liabilities		134,852			127,291
Deferred taxes		1,711			2,921
Taxes payable		6,381			5,501
Long-term debt		35,000			0
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities		17,757			16,417
TOTAL LIABILITIES	$	195,701		$	152,130
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 17)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	$	0		$	0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 50,062,210 and 49,110,218 shares issued; 41,531,220 and 41,792,802 shares outstanding at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively		501			491
Additional paid-in capital		508,402			413,754
Treasury stock, at cost: 8,530,990 and 7,317,416 shares at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively		(910,210	)		(734,746	)
Retained earnings		977,645			849,504
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(43,963	)		(17,921	)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	532,375		$	511,082
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	728,076		$	663,212

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

5

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – Unaudited

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
(In thousands)	2015			2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	178,867		$	156,136
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		24,229			25,852
Stock-based compensation expense		17,112			17,425
Deferred income taxes		3,041			(2,038	)
Gain on sale of assets		(17	)		(62	)
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements		(23,926	)		(6,815	)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves		(1,159	)		(9,001	)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		5,973			(2,260	)
Accrued compensation		(5,496	)		(7,368	)
Deferred fees		5,951			4,709
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes		16,213			20,777
Prepaid expenses and other assets		78			(1,931	)
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities		1,873			(1,241	)
Other working capital accounts, net		103			(461	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		222,842			193,722
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired		(33,556	)		(46,873	)
Purchases of investments		(12,437	)		(7,818	)
Proceeds from sales of investments		7,535			6,871
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions		(15,391	)		(11,704	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(53,849	)		(59,524	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments		(48,404	)		(44,736	)
Repurchase of common stock		(177,556	)		(205,154	)
Proceeds from debt		35,000			0
Debt issuance costs		(32	)		0
Proceeds from employee stock plans		51,852			26,799
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements		23,926			6,815
Net cash used in financing activities		(115,214	)		(216,276	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(12,262	)		4,309
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		41,517			(77,769	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		116,378			196,627
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	157,895		$	118,858

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

6

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FactSet Research Systems Inc.

May 31, 2015

(Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. FactSet combines content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy- and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. The Company’s applications provide users access to company and industry analyses, multicompany comparisons, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, FactSet offers a complete financial workflow solution. The Company’s revenues are derived from subscriptions to services such as workstations, content and applications.

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying financial data as of May 31, 2015 and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The August 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related interim statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows include all normal adjustments in order to present fairly the results of the Company’s operations for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted

As of the beginning of fiscal 2015, FactSet implemented all applicable new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Reporting Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

7

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which provides clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will identify the contract with a client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Going Concern

In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires management to evaluate and disclose whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after financial statements are issued. The evaluation and disclosure will be required to be made for both annual and interim reporting periods, if applicable, along with an evaluation as to whether management’s plans alleviate that doubt. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Statement Presentation – Extraordinary and Unusual Items

In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The standard primarily involves presentation and disclosure and, therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows.

Simplification Guidance on Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the applicable financial statements. Under the accounting standard update, an entity should present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Customers’ Accounting for Cloud Computing Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on a customer’s accounting for cloud computing costs. Under the accounting standard update, a customer must determine whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license. If so, the customer would account for the fees related to the software license element in a manner consistent with how the accounting for software licenses is accounted for under previously issued guidance. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, the customer would account for the arrangement as a service contract. This guidance will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of May 31, 2015 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

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

8

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. FactSet has categorized its cash equivalents, investments and derivatives within the fair value hierarchy as follows:

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

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

Level 3 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by the Company as of May 31, 2015 or August 31, 2014.

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

The following tables shows by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
May 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds (1)	$	91,290	$	0	$	0	$	91,290
Certificates of deposit (2)		0		25,020		0		25,020
Derivative instruments (3)		0		972		0		972
Total assets measured at fair value	$	91,290	$	25,992	$	0	$	117,282
Liabilities
Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	620	$	0	$	620
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	620	$	0	$	620

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds (1)	$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit (2)		0		20,008		0		20,008
Derivative instruments (3)		0		1,406		0		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777
Liabilities
Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591

(1) The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company’s corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.

(2) The Company’s certificates of deposit are held to maturity are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

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

The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented.

9

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, and liabilities, including long-term debt, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of these non-financial assets and liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost exceeds its fair value, based upon the results of such valuations. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, no fair value adjustments were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

As of May 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $35.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount. FactSet did not have any long-term debt as of August 31, 2014. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was determined based on quoted market prices for debt with a similar maturity, and thus categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Cash Flow Hedges

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses related to changes in the value of the Company’s contracts were reclassified into earnings prior to settlement.

As of May 31, 2015, FactSet maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound and Euro exposure:

● Indian Rupee - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.

● Philippine Peso - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

● British Pound - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its British Pound exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

● Euro - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Euro exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values (in thousands):

	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value Asset (Liability)
Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	May 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014		May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Indian Rupee	$	47,860	$	38,479	$	453		$	700
Philippine Peso		3,000		6,500		26			115
Euro		14,737		0		(424	)		0
British Pound		22,618		0		297			0
Total	$	88,215	$	44,979	$	352		$	815

As of May 31, 2015, the gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 3.3 billion. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php 135.2 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound with U.S. dollars was £15.0 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was €13.0 million.

10

Counterparty Credit Risk

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions. The Company regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value amounts of derivative instruments and gains and losses on derivative instruments (in thousands):

Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	May 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	972	$	114
	Other assets	$	0	$	1,292
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	424	$	591
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	196		0

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 

The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Location of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income	(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2015			2014		(Effective Portion)	2015			2014
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(1,903	)	$	3,673	SG&A	$	(277	)	$	(59	)

The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Location of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income	(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2015			2014		(Effective Portion)	2015			2014
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(929	)	$	8,661	SG&A	$	(468	)	$	(316	)

No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss was included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As of May 31, 2015, FactSet estimates that approximately $0.5 million of net derivative gains related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments

FactSet’s master netting and other similar arrangements with its respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions. As of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
May 31, 2015	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,424		$	(452	)	$	972
Fair value of liabilities		(1,072	)		452			(620	)
Total	$	352		$	0		$	352

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	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2014	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,406		$	0	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

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

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2015						2014
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(4,187	)	$	(4,187	)	$	545	$	545
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		277			174			59		37
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,903	)		(1,194	)		3,673		2,304
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(5,813	)	$	(5,207	)	$	4,277	$	2,886

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015						2014
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(25,753	)	$	(25,753	)	$	12,199	$	12,199
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		468			294			316		199
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(929	)		(583	)		8,661		5,426
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26,214	)	$	(26,042	)	$	21,176	$	17,824

⁽¹⁾ Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands): 

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	221		$	510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(44,184	)		(18,431	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(43,963	)	$	(17,921	)

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. FactSet’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

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

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The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Dubai. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mumbai, India. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet services. Each segment records compensation expense, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, third party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $307.2 million of goodwill reported by the Company at May 31, 2015, 69% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 30% in the European segment and the remaining 1% in the Asia Pacific segment.

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

For the three months ended May 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	172,070	$	63,156	$	19,296	$	254,522
Segment operating profit		43,332		31,187		10,837		85,356
Total assets		433,177		232,171		62,728		728,076
Capital expenditures		2,977		142		508		3,627

For the three months ended May 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	156,241	$	58,265	$	17,255	$	231,761
Segment operating profit		39,081		24,732		9,224		73,037
Total assets		363,959		237,286		58,391		659,636
Capital expenditures		3,099		188		385		3,672

For the nine months ended May 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	502,271	$	186,320	$	56,399	$	744,990
Segment operating profit		130,271		85,675		30,319		246,265
Capital expenditures		13,808		350		1,233		15,391

For the nine months ended May 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	463,419	$	167,993	$	50,259	$	681,671
Segment operating profit		121,806		75,155		25,872		222,833
Capital expenditures		10,529		380		795		11,704

8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Code Red, Inc.

On February 6, 2015, FactSet acquired Code Red, Inc. (“Code Red”) for $34.8 million. At the time of acquisition, Code Red employed 32 individuals and had annual subscriptions of $9.3 million. Code Red provides research management technologies to the investment community, including endowments and foundations, institutional asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, pensions, and hedge funds. With the addition of Code Red to FactSet's existing Research Management Solutions (“RMS”), FactSet now offers an RMS for all its clients' workflows, which is consistent with the Company’s strategy of offering software and tools to make client workflows more efficient. This factor contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of Code Red’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill.

The total preliminary purchase price of the acquisition is as follows (in thousands):

Cash consideration	$	32,000
Fair value of FactSet stock issued		2,990
Adjustment for changes in working capital		(240	)
Total preliminary purchase price	$	34,750

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Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was not yet finalized as of May 31, 2015. The preliminary purchase price was allocated to Code Red net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. The purchase price is subject to finalizing working capital adjustments.

Based upon the purchase price and preliminary valuation, the allocation is as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired	$	2,514
Amortizable intangible assets
Software technology		4,728
Client relationships		3,089
Non-compete agreements		277
Trade name		127
Goodwill		29,627
Total assets acquired		40,362
Liabilities assumed		(5,612	)
Net assets acquired	$	34,750

Intangible assets of $8.2 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of software technology, amortized over six years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $29.6 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Code Red acquisition is included in the U.S. segment and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Code Red have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on February 6, 2015 and the results did not have a material impact on the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Matrix Data Limited

During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired Matrix Data Limited (“Matrix”) for a total purchase price of $31.8 million. Matrix’ primary line of business is a provider of intelligence to the UK financial services industry, covering market share of mutual fund distribution. Matrix has developed customer, channel and market benchmarking solutions that help clients optimize product distribution and improve marketing effectiveness to drive revenue growth. At the time of acquisition, Matrix had annual subscriptions of $7 million. The acquisition of Matrix allows FactSet to expand its current U.S. advisor-sold investments and insurance products to the UK, with the potential to ultimately expand this coverage throughout continental Europe. The opportunity for FactSet to develop an international presence and complement its existing U.S. product offerings contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Matrix net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill. The results of operations of Matrix have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition and did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Revere Data

On September 1, 2013, FactSet acquired the assets of Revere Data, LLC (“Revere”) to complement the Company's commitment to provide its clients with insightful content sets, for $15.3 million in cash. Revere classifies companies into a unique industry taxonomy and offers a database of supply chain relationships that helps investors identify companies’ interrelationships and mutual dependencies. As of the date of acquisition, Revere had annual subscriptions of $4.9 million. The opportunity for FactSet to offer this robust data to new and existing clients contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Revere net tangible and intangible assets. As a result, FactSet recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The results of the operations of Revere have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition on September 1, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

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9. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
Goodwill acquired during the period		32,435		0			0			32,435
Foreign currency translations		0		(10,300	)		(512	)		(10,812	)
Balance at May 31, 2015	$	211,869	$	92,732		$	2,630		$	307,231

Goodwill is not amortized as it has an estimated indefinite life. At least annually, the Company is required to test goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The Company has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, at which time it was determined that there were no indications of impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeding carrying value.

Goodwill acquired in fiscal 2015 of $32.4 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets from business acquisitions completed in the first nine months of 2015.

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of FactSet’s acquired identifiable intangible assets at May 31, 2015 was 10.4 years. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There have been no changes to the estimate of the remaining useful lives during fiscal 2015. If indicators of impairment appear to exist, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

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

At May 31, 2015	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	53,257	$	29,458	$	23,799
Client relationships		27,753		17,698		10,055
Software technology		26,768		20,216		6,552
Non-compete agreements		2,807		2,314		493
Trade names		1,801		1,139		662
Total	$	112,386	$	70,825	$	41,561

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,330
Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
Trade names		1,729		958		771
Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855

During nine months ended May 31, 2015, $9.1 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 6.3 years.

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Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $2.3 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $6.4 million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of May 31, 2015, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense
2015 (remaining three months)	$	1,772
2016		6,997
2017		6,915
2018		5,788
2019		4,467
Thereafter		15,622
Total	$	41,561

11. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 12, 2015, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, or $1.76 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $18.3 million was paid on June 16, 2015 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 29, 2015.

Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands): 

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Balance at September 1		41,793			43,324
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		951			562
Stock issued for acquisition of a business		20			0
Repurchase of common stock from employees*		(23	)		(41	)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(1,210	)		(1,829	)
Balance at May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively		41,531			42,016

*For the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company repurchased 23,192 and 41,093 shares, or $3.1 million and $4.4 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Common Share (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
For the three months ended May 31, 2015
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	61,409		41,628	$	1.48
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				669
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	61,409		42,297	$	1.45
For the three months ended May 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	51,532		42,166	$	1.22
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				449
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	51,532		42,615	$	1.21
For the nine months ended May 31, 2015
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	178,867		41,648	$	4.29
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				669
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	178,867		42,317	$	4.23
For the nine months ended May 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	156,136		42,615	$	3.66
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				555
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	156,136		43,170	$	3.62

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Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. No stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended May 31, 2015, while 49,571 were excluded for the three months ended May 31, 2014, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended May 31, 2015, the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 485,129. For the three months ended May 31, 2014 the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 1,389,674.

Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria are probable of being achieved. The criterion was not yet probable of being achieved as of May 31, 2015 and 2014 for these performance-based stock options.

12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.

Common Stock

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 50,062,210 and 49,110,218 shares were issued, respectively. The authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans.

Treasury Stock

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, there were 8,530,990 and 7,317,416 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively. As a result, 41,531,220 and 41,792,802 shares of FactSet common stock were outstanding at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. In connection with the acquisition of Code Red on February 6, 2015, FactSet issued 20,207 shares of treasury stock with a fair value of $3.0 million.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 15, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $300.0 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 1,209,954 shares for $174.3 million.

At May 31, 2015, $212.7 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, 68,178 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2015 (less 23,192 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During the same period in fiscal 2014, 135,205 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2014 (less 41,093 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).

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Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following historical dividends:

Declaration Date	Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount (in thousands)		Payment Date
May 12, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	May 29, 2015	$	18,274	June 16, 2015
February 11, 2015	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	February 27, 2015	$	16,236	March 17, 2015
November 12, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	November 28, 2014	$	16,216	December 16, 2014
August 14, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	August 29, 2014	$	16,299	September 16, 2014
May 5, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	May 30, 2014	$	16,386	June 17, 2014
February 11, 2014	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2014	$	14,827	March 18, 2014
November 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	November 29, 2013	$	15,046	December 17, 2013
August 15, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2013	$	15,164	September 17, 2013

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

13. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Option Awards

The FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the “Option Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of FactSet. The expiration date of the Option Plan is December 14, 2020. Stock options granted under the Option Plan expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest ratably over a period of five years. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, the options may be exercised only by the grantee.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 686,720 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $137.52 to existing employees of the Company.

As of May 31, 2015, a total of 3,253,586 stock options were outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $96.05. Unamortized stock-based compensation of $37.5 million is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.4 years.

A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
Granted – non-performance based		463			131.31
Exercised		(114	)		73.53
Forfeited		(33	)		98.28
Balance at November 30, 2014		3,798		$	85.98
Granted – non-performance-based		25			139.02
Granted – performance-based		138			148.52
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			138.48
Exercised		(403	)		61.63
Forfeited		(32	)		97.08
Balance at February 28, 2015		3,540		$	91.67
Granted – non-performance-based		61			159.14
Exercised		(319	)		57.30
Forfeited		(28	)		122.02
Balance at May 31, 2015		3,254		$	96.05

The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of May 31, 2015 was 1.4 million with a weighted average exercise price of $77.83. As of August 31, 2014, 1.9 million in-the-money outstanding options were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $68.78. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 was $118.8 million and $111.3 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $165.17 on May 29, 2015 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 was $32.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 was $70.9 million and $22.9 million, respectively.

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Performance-based Stock Options

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

July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant

In July 2012, FactSet granted 241,546 performance-based employee stock options, which are eligible to vest in 20% tranches depending upon future StreetAccount user growth through August 31, 2017. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the first growth target as outlined within the terms of the grant was achieved, thus 20% or 48,314 options vested on August 31, 2013. The second 20% tranche vested on August 31, 2014 as a result of accelerated expansion of Street Account users during fiscal 2014. As of May 31, 2015, the Company estimates that the third 20% tranche will vest by August 31, 2017, resulting in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.2 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by StreetAccount in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*		Remaining Expense to be Recognized
Third 20% (current expectation)	$	0	$	697
Fourth 20%	$	1,120	$	1,177
Fifth 20%	$	2,594	$	1,303

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2015. 

February 2015 Performance-based Option Grant

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 137,522 performance-based stock options. These performance-based options are eligible to vest four years from date of grant if certain Code Red ASV and operating margin targets are achieved over the measurement period. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet to be eligible to vest. Of the total grant, 68,761 performance-based options are eligible for vesting based on achieving the growth targets over a four year measurement period ending February 28, 2019 and the remaining 68,761 options are eligible to cliff vest based on a two year measurement period ending February 28, 2017. As of May 31, 2015, total unamortized stock-based compensation of $2.2 million will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.7 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by Code Red in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Remaining Expense to be Recognized
10%	$	(150	)	$	0
40% (current expectation)	$	0		$	2,213
70%	$	141		$	3,872
100%	$	281		$	5,531

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2015. 

Other Performance-based Option Grants

In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere, FactSet granted 165,949 and 36,695 performance-based stock options, respectively, during fiscal 2014. The performance-based options granted in connection with the acquisition of Matrix will vest only if ASV and operating margin targets related to the Matrix business are met during a five year measurement period ending December 23, 2018, and the option holders remain employed by FactSet. As of May 31, 2015 FactSet does not believe these targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be realized in connection with these options. Of the 36,695 performance-based stock options granted in connection with the Revere acquisition, FactSet currently estimates that 18,553 options will vest based upon the achievement of certain ASV and operating margins during the measurement period ending August 31, 2015. This results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.2 years.

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Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards

The Company’s Option Plan permits the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 49,158 restricted stock awards to employees of the Company at a weighted average grant date fair value of $135.96. These restricted stock awards vest over a weighted average period of 3.9 years from grant date.

As of May 31, 2015, a total of 339,298 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were unvested and outstanding, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation of $22.7 million to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.3 years.

A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows (in thousands, except per award data):

	Number  Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77
Granted		10		$	127.58
Vested		(53	)	$	62.85
Canceled/forfeited		(1	)	$	93.76
Balance at November 30, 2014		324		$	95.40
Granted		38		$	137.83
Canceled/forfeited		(5	)	$	95.43
Balance at February 28, 2015		357		$	99.85
Granted		1		$	152.77
Vested		(15	)	$	85.80
Canceled/forfeited		(4	)	$	113.57
Balance at May 31, 2015		339		$	100.43

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units

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

September 2013 Grant of Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the acquisition of Revere in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units on September 17, 2013. Of the 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units granted, 3,872 are estimated to vest based upon the Company’s belief that certain ASV and operating margin targets will be achieved during the measurement period ending August 31, 2017. As of May 31, 2015, unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.3 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.2 years. The remaining 3,872 performance-based restricted stock units are expected to be forfeited.

February 2015 Grant of Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 1,724 performance-based restricted stock units. Of the 1,724 performance-based restricted stock units granted, 690 are estimated to vest based upon the Company’s belief that certain Code Red ASV and operating margin targets will be achieved during the measurement period ending February 28, 2017. As of May 31, 2015, unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.1 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 1.7 years. The remaining 1,034 performance-based restricted stock units are expected to be forfeited.

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Share-based Awards Available for Grant

A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in thousands):

	Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Employee Option Plan			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Non-Employee Directors Plan
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(463	)		0
Granted – performance-based options		0			0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(26	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		35			0
Balance at November 30, 2014		2,768			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(25	)		(14	)
Granted – performance-based options		(138	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(95	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		44			0
Balance at February 28, 2015		2,554			88
Granted – non performance-based options		(61	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(2	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		39			0
Balance at May 31, 2015		2,530			88

* Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company’s option plan.

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

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

At the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of FactSet held on December 16, 2014, the stockholders of FactSet voted on and approved the Amended and Restated FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”), including the reservation of an additional 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The amendment and restatement of the Purchase Plan was approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors on October 23, 2014, subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders, and became effective with such stockholder approval on December 16, 2014. As a result of such stockholder approval, the Purchase Plan was amended and modified to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance over the term of the Purchase Plan by 500,000 shares. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan.

Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period.

During the three months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 13,877 shares at a weighted average price of $132.48 as compared to 18,068 shares at a weighted average price of $88.55 in the same period a year ago. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 47,085 shares at a weighted average price of $118.82 as compared to 54,597 shares at a weighted average price of $88.33 in the same period a year ago. At May 31, 2015, 497,796 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

401(k) Plan

The Company established a 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of the Company and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the IRS annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by the Company. The Company contributed $6.3 million and $5.7 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $6.1 million and $17.1 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, respectively. Similarly, the Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $6.8 million and $17.4 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014, respectively. As of May 31, 2015, $60.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of May 31, 2015 or August 31, 2014, respectively.

Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

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

Fiscal 2015

– Q1 2015 – 462,913 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $131.31 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $37.67 per share.

– Q2 2015 – 25,075 non performance-based employee stock options and 137,522 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $147.05 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $43.05 per share.

– Q3 2015 – 61,210 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $159.14 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $44.95 per share.

Fiscal 2014

– Q1 2014 – 35,508 non performance-based employee stock options and 36,695 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $109.49 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $31.78 per share.

– Q2 2014 – 138,902 non performance-based employee stock options and 165,949 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $106.03 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $29.14 per share.

– Q3 2014 - There were no employee stock options granted during the three months ended May 31, 2014.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Three Months Ended May 31,			Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015		2014	2015		2014
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.01% - 2.12%	N/A		0.01% - 2.34%		0.01% - 2.61%
Expected life (in years)		8.2	N/A		8.2	7.6 – 7.8
Term structure of volatility		21% - 31%	N/A		21% - 31%		23% - 33%
Dividend yield		1.16%	N/A		1.33%		1.35%
Weighted average estimated fair value		$44.95	N/A		$39.59		$29.64
Weighted average exercise price		$159.14	N/A		$137.52		$106.69
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price		28.2%	N/A		28.8%		27.8%

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

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Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations

Restricted stock granted to employees entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards are measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s common stock by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. Restricted stock awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, there were 49,158 restricted stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $135.96. During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 204,124 restricted stock awards at a weighted average grant date fair value of $101.95.

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. An initial 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock were reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan, of which 88,590 remain available for future grant as of May 31, 2015. The expiration date of the Directors’ Plan is December 1, 2018.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of non-employee Director stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Fiscal 2015

On January 15, 2015, FactSet granted 13,842 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. All of the options granted on January 15, 2015 have a weighted average estimated fair value of $28.18 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.45	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	23.5	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Fiscal 2014

On January 15, 2014, FactSet granted 14,424 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. All of the options granted on January 15, 2014 have a weighted average estimated fair value of $27.04 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.66	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	28.9	%
Dividend yield	1.35	%

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and non-employee director terminations within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations

During the three months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 13,877 shares at a weighted average price of $132.48 as compared to 18,068 shares at a weighted average price of $88.55 in the same period a year ago. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 47,085 shares at a weighted average price of $118.82 as compared to 54,597 shares at a weighted average price of $88.33 in the same period a year ago. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

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The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan. The estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 were $25.11 and $17.81 per share, respectively, with the following assumptions:

	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2015		2014
Risk-free interest rate	0.02	%		0.04	%
Expected life (in months)	3			3
Expected volatility	7.2	%		13.3	%
Dividend yield	1.13	%		1.50	%

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 were $22.68 and $17.91 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

		Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Risk-free interest rate		0.02	%		0.04	%
Expected life (in months)		3			3
Expected volatility		8.0	%		10.8	%
Dividend yield		1.16	%		1.36	%

Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates

The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.

15. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
U.S. operations	$	72,816		$	58,943		$	203,655		$	181,631
Non-U.S. operations		13,022			14,428			44,055			42,220
Income before income taxes	$	85,838		$	73,371		$	247,710		$	223,851
U.S. operations	$	22,842		$	20,631		$	63,659		$	60,560
Non-U.S. operations		1,587			1,208			5,184			7,155
Total provision for income taxes	$	24,429		$	21,839		$	68,843		$	67,715
Effective tax rate		28.5	%*		29.8	%		27.8	%*		30.3	%

* On December 16, 2014, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the “ACT”), which President Obama signed into law on December 19, 2014. The ACT reinstated the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, which had previously expired on December 31, 2013. The reenactment of the tax credit was retroactive to January 1, 2014 and extended through the end of the 2014 calendar year. Prior to the reenactment of the tax credit, FactSet had not been permitted to factor it into its effective tax rate because it was not enacted tax law. The reenactment resulted in a discrete income tax benefit of $5.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

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FactSet’s effective tax rate is based on recurring factors and nonrecurring events, including the taxation of foreign income. The Company’s effective tax rate will vary based on, among other things, changes in levels of foreign income, as well as discrete and other nonrecurring events that may not be predictable. The effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35.0% in both periods presented above primarily due to foreign income, which is subject to lower statutory tax rates than in the U.S., income tax benefits from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, benefits from foreign tax credits and deductions due to U.S. production activities partially offset by additional state and local income taxes.

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Current
U.S. Federal	$	58,278		$	58,300
U.S. state and local		3,060			2,861
Non-U.S.		6,864			7,452
Total current taxes	$	68,202		$	68,613
Deferred
U.S. Federal	$	2,124		$	(631	)
U.S. state and local		197			29
Non-U.S.		(1,680	)		(296	)
Total deferred taxes	$	641		$	(898	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	68,843		$	67,715

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of deferred tax assets that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets
Current
Receivable reserve	$	588		$	597
Deferred rent		707			1,067
Other		475			177
Net current deferred tax assets	$	1,770		$	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,382		$	9,831
Deferred rent		4,640			3,572
Stock-based compensation		16,823			18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(16,928	)		(10,750	)
Other		1,614			1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	$	16,531		$	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	$	18,301		$	24,218

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The significant components of deferred tax liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities (current)
Other	$	1,071		$	0
Net current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,071		$	0
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	1,896		$	3,478
Stock-based compensation		0			(860	)
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(182	)		0
Other		(3	)		303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,711		$	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	2,782		$	2,921

A provision has not been made for additional U.S. Federal taxes as of May 31, 2015 on income earned by foreign subsidiaries as all undistributed earnings of such foreign subsidiaries are considered to be invested indefinitely or will be repatriated if it results in no additional U.S. tax liability. The amount of such undistributed earnings of these foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings was immaterial at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014. As such, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings was immaterial. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to FactSet, or upon sale of the subsidiary’s stock.

Unrecognized Tax Positions

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

As of May 31, 2015, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $6.4 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $0.7 million of these unrecognized tax benefits would have affected the current year effective tax rate if realized as of May 31, 2015. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is ultimately settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.

The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 (in thousands):

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		721
Additions for tax positions of prior years		968
Statute of limitations lapse		(809	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at May 31, 2015	$	6,381

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In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At May 31, 2015, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions:

Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Fiscal Years
U.S.
Federal	2013 through 2015
State (various)	2011 through 2015
Europe
France	2012 through 2015
United Kingdom	2013 through 2015

16. LONG-TERM DEBT

On February 6, 2015, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) between FactSet, as the borrower, and Bank of America, N.A., as the lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $35.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), under which the Company may request borrowings until its maturity date of February 6, 2018. The Credit Agreement allows FactSet to arrange for additional borrowings with the Lender for an aggregate amount of up to $265.0 million provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. At the Company’s option, the borrowing may be in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan, a base rate loan, or a LIBOR daily rate loan. On May 29, 2015, FactSet and the Lender entered into an agreement dated as of May 27, 2015, to amend the existing Credit Agreement. The amendment revised the definition of a change in control, but all of the other respective terms, conditions and provisions of the Credit Agreement remain the same.

On February 6, 2015, FactSet borrowed $35.0 million in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan (the “Loan”) under the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of the Loan made under the Credit Agreement may be used for permitted acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Loan matures on February 6, 2018. There are no prepayment penalties in the event that the Company elects to prepay the Loan prior to its scheduled maturity date. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date. The $35.0 million borrowed under the February 6, 2015 Loan bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate plus 0.50% and is reported as long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 31, 2015. The Eurodollar rate is defined in the Credit Agreement as the rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR. Interest on the Loan is payable quarterly in arrears and on the maturity date. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, the Company paid interest of less than $0.1 million on its outstanding Loan amount.

In addition, no commitment fee was owed by FactSet since it borrowed the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility on February 6, 2015. Other fees incurred by the Company, such as legal costs to draft and review the Credit Agreement, totaled less than $0.1 million and were capitalized as loan origination fees. These loan origination fees are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Loan (three years) using the effective interest method and totaled less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2015.

The Credit Agreement contains covenants restricting certain FactSet activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that FactSet must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio, as measured by total funded debt/EBITDA below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of May 31, 2015.

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

Lease Commitments

At May 31, 2015 the Company leases approximately 193,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. In addition, FactSet leases office space for its U.S. reportable segment in New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Newark, Ridgewood and Piscataway, New Jersey; Manchester, New Hampshire; Reston, Virginia, Youngstown, Ohio; and Toronto, Canada. The Company’s European segment operates in leased office space in London, England; Paris and Avon, France; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Milan, Italy; and Riga, Latvia. Office space in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Sydney, Australia are leased by FactSet for its Asia Pacific operating segment. The data content collection centers located in Hyderabad, India and Manila, the Philippines benefit all of the Companies operating segments. The leases expire on various dates through 2031. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms.

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Rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $9.6 million and $9.7 million during the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Rent expense for all operating leases for the nine months of fiscal 2015 and 2014 amounted to $28.7 million and $28.0 million, respectively. At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, deferred rent reported within the consolidated balance sheet totaled $19.3 million and $18.3 million, of which $16.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities. Approximately $1.4 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of May 31, 2015. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of May 31, 2015, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

At May 31, 2015, FactSet leases approximately 883,800 square feet of office space, which the Company believes is adequate for its current needs and that additional space is available for lease to meet any future needs. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, FactSet entered into the following new lease agreements:

● Boston, Massachusetts: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand the Company’s existing office space in Boston by 4,809 rentable square feet. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $6.6 million through June 2022.

● Hyderabad, India:

- A new lease amendment was entered into during November 2014 to renew the Company’s existing office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $2.2 million over the non-cancelable lease term through November 2019.

- A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 44,830 square feet of new office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.8 million over the lease term through September 2020.

● Manila, Philippines: A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 13,043 square feet of new office space in Manila. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.5 million over the non-cancelable lease term through June 2020.

The Company’s lease commitments for office space provide for the following future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year as of May 31, 2015 (in thousands):

Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2015 (remaining three months)	$	5,565
2016		21,101
2017		24,430
2018		23,277
2019		22,083
Thereafter		96,933
Total	$	193,389

Purchase Commitments with Suppliers

Purchase obligations represent payments due in future periods in respect of commitments to the Company’s various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication and computer maintenance services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on FactSet and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. At August 31, 2014, the Company had total purchase commitments of $53.3 million. There were no material changes in the Company’s purchase commitments during fiscal 2015.

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Contingencies

Legal Matters

FactSet accrues non income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. Based on currently available information at May 31, 2015, FactSet’s management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.

Income Taxes

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance (see Note 15). FactSet is currently under audit by tax authorities and has reserved for potential adjustments to its provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated settlements with, these tax authorities. The Company believes that the final outcome of these examinations or settlements will not have a material effect on its results of operations. If events occur which indicate payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in the recognition of tax benefits in the period FactSet determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the Company’s estimates of the federal, state, and foreign income tax liabilities are less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Indemnifications

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

Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and does not require collateral from its clients. The Company maintains reserves for potential write-offs and these losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet’s total revenues in any period presented. At May 31, 2015, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for 2% of total annual subscriptions and subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total annual subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2014. As of each of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the receivable reserve was $1.7 million.

Derivative Instruments - As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to CDS as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies as determined by FactSet. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions and regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties.

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2015, FactSet’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Philip Hadley, stepped down as CEO effective July 1, 2015. He will remain an employee of FactSet and continue to serve as the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Company’s President, 19-year FactSet veteran Philip Snow, was named the Company’s new CEO, effective July 1, 2015.

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ITEM 2.      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is designed to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Our MD&A is presented in the following sections:

• Executive Overview

• Results of Operations

• Liquidity

• Capital Resources

• Foreign Currency 

• Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

• Share Repurchase Program

• Contractual Obligations

• Dividends

• Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates 

• New Accounting Pronouncements

• Market Trends

• Management Changes

• Forward-Looking Factors

Executive Overview

FactSet is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. We combine content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. Our applications provide users access to company and industry analyses, multicompany comparisons, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, we offer a complete financial workflow solution. Our revenues are derived from month-to-month subscriptions to services, databases and financial applications. Investment management (buy-side) clients account for 82.8% of our annual subscription value (“ASV”), with the remainder from investment banking firms (sell-side) that perform Mergers & Acquisitions (“M&A”) advisory work, capital markets services and equity research.

FactSet continued its strong performance during the just completed third quarter as each key operating metric experienced healthy growth. We grew organic ASV growth by $17.0 million in the last three months compared to $12.3 million in the year ago third quarter, which resulted in driving up our ASV growth rate to 8.9%, up from 6.8% a year ago. Our ASV growth rate of 8.9% is our highest rate of growth in three years. Other key metrics such as revenues, adjusted EPS, free cash flow, user count and client count all grew to new highs. Our 13.6% increase in adjusted EPS represented our 20^th consecutive quarter of double-digit adjusted EPS growth. Excluding incremental revenue from acquisitions and the effects of foreign currency, revenues from our U.S and non-U.S. operations increased 8.6% and 10.5%, respectively. Our dividend increased this quarter by 12.8% and, including share repurchases, $317 million has been returned to shareholders over the last 12 months.

One of the keys to our growth and the enhancement of our applications and services is the continued investment in and development of our people. As of May 31, 2015, employee headcount was 6,951, up 9.1% from a year ago. Of our total employees, 2,124 were located in the U.S., 794 in Europe and 4,033 in Asia Pacific. Approximately 54% of our employees were involved with content collection, 24% work in product development, software and systems engineering, another 19% conduct sales and consulting services and the remaining 3% provided administrative support. FactSet was ranked #48 on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” marking the Company's seventh appearance on the list in the last eight years. FactSet was also recognized as one of the UK’s “Best Workplaces” by the Great Place to Work^® Institute UK for the seventh consecutive year, listed in Crain’s “Chicago’s Best Places to Work” for the third year in a row and included in the “2015 Best Places to Work in France” list for the fourth consecutive year.

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Results of Operations

For an understanding of the significant factors that influenced our performance during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, the following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

	Three Months Ended May 31,							Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2015		2014		Change			2015		2014		Change
Revenues	$	254,522	$	231,761		9.8	%	$	744,990	$	681,671		9.3	%
Cost of services		100,686		90,661		11.1	%		297,745		261,165		14.0	%
Selling, general and administrative		68,480		68,063		0.6	%		200,980		197,673		1.7	%
Operating income		85,356		73,037		16.9	%		246,265		222,833		10.5	%
Net income	$	61,409	$	51,532		19.2	%	$	178,867	$	156,136		14.6	%
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.45	$	1.21		19.8	%	$	4.23	$	3.62		16.9	%
Diluted weighted average common shares		42,297		42,615					42,317		43,170

Revenues

Revenues for the three months ended May 31, 2015 were $254.5 million, up 9.8% compared to the prior year. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, revenues increased 9.3% to $745.0 million. Our revenue growth drivers during fiscal 2015 were our Portfolio Analytics (“PA”) suite of products, client and user additions, an improvement in our client retention rate, sales of our wealth management workflow products, an uptick in our sell-side ASV growth rate, expansion of our proprietary content, broad-based growth globally from investment management clients, price increases and incremental revenue from the acquisition of Code Red, all partially offset by the impact of foreign currency.

Growth within our Portfolio Analytics Suite of Products

Our PA suite of products, including our Fixed Income in PA product, continues to be well received within our client base and was a source of revenue growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Our clients have recognized the value of these applications and their capabilities in analyzing securities and portfolios. The PA suite includes separate products and covers a range of workflows around portfolios. The number of clients and users subscribing to PA, Fixed Income in PA, Style, Performance and Risk (“SPAR”), Risk and Portfolio Publishing continued to grow as this suite is comprehensive and includes highly desired applications for portfolio attribution, risk, quantitative analysis, portfolio publishing and returns based, style analysis. We continue to see existing clients expand their use of our PA and buy more services that integrate within the PA suite. Clients continue to find value in our ability to serve as a single solution for their analytics, risk and publishing needs, over a variety of asset classes, which enables them to analyze securities and portfolios based on a variety of asset classes.

Client and User Additions

Net new client growth was strong in the just completed third quarter as we added 47 net new clients, which brought our total to 2,915 at May 31, 2015. At FactSet, we do not count every company that uses our services as a client. Companies that are on trial are excluded as well as clients with ASV of less than $24,000. Client growth during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 marks our 22^nd consecutive quarter in which we experienced net new client growth. Over the past 12 months, we have added 203 net new clients, which helped drive revenue growth in the current year. At May 31, 2015, our largest individual client accounted for 2% of total subscriptions. Annual subscriptions from our ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of our total client subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2014.

At May 31, 2015, there were 58,995 professionals using FactSet, an increase of 1,587 users in the past three months. Our user count increase of 1,587 represents our highest third quarter addition in five years. Year over year, our growth rate has risen from 6.0% to 12.4%. This growth came from both buy-side and sell-side firms, including within the corporate marketplace primarily through partnerships with third parties. During the just completed third quarter our investment management clients added 976 net new users, our highest third quarter ever for buy-side user additions. We also saw continued growth within our investment banking clients whose activities had previously languished over the past few years. Our investment banking clients added 611 users during the past three months. In the past 12 months, our investment management client base added 3,725 users, while our investment banking clients grew by 2,787 users.

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Improvement in our Client Retention Rate

Annual client retention as of May 31, 2015 was greater than 95% of ASV. When expressed as a percentage of clients, our retention rate increased to 94%, our highest ever client retention rate, which compared to 93% a year ago. The addition and retention of new clients is important as it helps to lay the groundwork for us to provide additional services in the future, consistent with our strategy of increasing sales of workstations, applications and content at existing clients. Our strong retention rate has also helped us increase user count each quarter.

Sales of our Wealth Management Workflow Products

Consistent with the past 12 months, wealth management continued to be a growing area for us during the just completed third quarter. We continue to find that our workstation can be well-tailored to the needs of our wealth management clients, who operate in both large teams and in small groups, depending on their needs. In the past year, we have focused our product suite and sales teams to address the workflows of these particular client types. We find that our wealth management clients are using more of our PA suite of products in a manner similar to institutional investors. This work flow has helped continue our trend of increasing quarterly wealth management users each quarter for the past five years. We believe our wealth management workstations have performed well against some of our competitors’ products on a number of occasions.

Uptick in our Sell-side ASV Growth Rate

Our investment banking (sell-side) client base continued to expand due to growth in sales to middle market firms. ASV from our sell-side clients grew at a rate of 10.9%, reflecting a healthy M&A backdrop and the strength of our banking workstation and incremental value added products.

Expansion of our Proprietary Content

We continue to be successful in licensing our proprietary FactSet data, especially FactSet Fundamentals and FactSet Estimates as our global content sales team expands the distribution of our content. Clients continue to value our industry leading content such as FactSet Fundamentals, FactSet Estimates, StreetAccount news, transcripts, takeover defense and entity mapping data. This type of data is licensed in feed form and also includes Ownership, Transcripts, M&A and Corporate Hierarchy data. Data feeds are consumed by a wide-range of clients, including existing large FactSet clients and some outside of our core client base that do not manage money or provide sell side services. StreetAccount news, our condensed news product, is an application that sells strongly across all FactSet user types and continues to be in demand due to the ability of our clients to receive up-to-the-minute news offered both through and outside the FactSet workstation.

Broad Based Growth Globally from Investment Management Clients

Revenue growth during the just completed third quarter was aided by broad based growth within our investment management clients globally. In the U.S., we saw demand for our fixed income portfolio products, expansion of users focused on credit analysis, sales of equity attribution and our new geographic revenue module in Portfolio Analytics. In Europe and Asia Pacific, we had similar client growth from our portfolio analytics suite of products including expanding the footprint of FactSet’s multi-asset class risk and stress test offerings.

Incremental Revenue from the Acquisition of Code Red

On February 6, 2015, we acquired Code Red, whose primary line of business is to provide research management technologies to the investment community, including endowments and foundations, institutional asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, pensions, and hedge funds. With the addition of Code Red to FactSet's existing research management solutions, we now offer an RMS for all our clients' workflows. At the time of acquisition, Code Red had annual subscriptions of $9.3 million. For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, the acquisition of Code Red added incremental revenue of $2.8 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

Effect of Foreign Currency 

The positive revenue drivers disclosed above were partially offset by the impact of foreign currency, including a weaker Japanese Yen and British Pound Sterling. Foreign currency movements reduced revenues by $1.0 million, or 40 basis points, during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the year ago third quarter. Foreign currency movements reduced revenues by $2.3 million, or 30 basis points, during the first nine of fiscal 2015 compared to the same period a year ago.

Annual Subscription Value (ASV)

ASV, or annual subscription value, is a key metric for us, which we define as a snapshot view of services currently being supplied to clients. ASV at a given point in time represents the forward-looking expected revenues for the next 12 months from all subscription services being supplied to our clients. With proper notice to us, our clients are able to add to, delete portions of, or terminate service at any time, subject to certain contractual limitations.

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ASV totaled $1.021 billion at May 31, 2015, up 8.9% organically over the prior year. Organic ASV growth of 8.9% excludes ASV from acquisitions completed in the past 12 months and the effects of foreign currency. Our ASV growth rate has been on an upward trend over the last year, rising 210 basis points since May 2014. Drivers of this improvement have been broad based as our organic ASV growth rates from buy-side and sell-side clients rose to 8.5% and 10.6%, respectively. We continue to make gains in our sell-side business, which resulted in the percentage of our total ASV derived from sell-side clients increasing from 16.9% a year ago to 17.2% at May 31, 2015. ASV from our U.S. operations was $688.3 million, up 8.1% organically from a year ago. Non-U.S. ASV totaled $332.8 million as of May 31, 2015, up 10.6% organically from a year ago and represented 32.6% of our Company-wide total. Our European organic ASV achieved a growth rate of 9.3% over the last 12 months while Asia Pacific organic ASV grew by 14.7%.

Over the last three months organic ASV increased $17.0 million, which excludes the effects of foreign currency and an acquisition. ASV growth was driven by the addition of 47 net new clients and 1,587 net new users during the quarter, continued expansion of our PA suite of products, growth in our wealth management workflow solutions, sales of proprietary content and a price increase. As FactSet has done for the past several years, we issued an annual price increase for many of our non-U.S. investment management clients and a smaller percentage of our investment banking clients during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. This price increase increased ASV by $3.5 million compared to $3.4 million in the prior year third quarter. The annual price increase, as issued each third fiscal quarter, continues to apply to a smaller percentage of our client base as more of our clients experience a price increase at the time of contract renegotiation and renewal, which varies by client and occur throughout the year.

Revenues by Geographic Region

	Three Months Ended May 31,									Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			Change			2015			2014			Change
U.S.	$	172,070		$	156,241			10.1	%	$	502,271		$	463,419			8.4	%
% of revenues		67.6	%		67.4	%					67.4	%		68.4	%
Europe	$	63,156		$	58,265			8.4	%	$	186,320		$	167,993			10.9	%
Asia Pacific		19,296			17,255			11.8	%		56,399			50,259			12.2	%
International	$	82,452		$	75,520			9.2	%	$	242,719		$	218,252			11.2	%
% of revenues		32.4	%		32.6	%					32.6	%		32.0	%
Consolidated	$	254,522		$	231,761			9.8	%	$	744,990		$	681,671			9.3	%

Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

Revenues from our U.S. segment increased 10.1% to $172.1 million during the three months ended May 31, 2015 compared to the same period a year ago. Our fiscal 2015 third quarter U.S. revenue growth rate of 10.1% reflects increases in the number of users and clients of FactSet within the U.S., a rise in sales of our PA suite of products and wealth management solutions, $2.8 million of incremental revenue from the acquisition of Code Red and strong performance by our U.S. investment management sales team. Our U.S. buy-side sales team has seen sustained demand for our fixed income portfolio products, multi-asset class risk and stress testing, attribution and publishing products. Revenues from our U.S. operations accounted for 67.6% of our consolidated revenues during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, up from 67.4% in the year ago quarter. This increase was primarily due to the incremental revenue from the acquisition of Code Red in February 2015 and the negative effects of foreign currency which lowered international revenues by $1.0 million in the just completed quarter.

International revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were $82.5 million, an increase of 9.2% over the prior year period. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, our international revenue growth rate was 10.5%. The year over year rise in international revenues was primarily due to the following:

● European revenue growth of 8.4%, which was attributable to increases in client and user counts, continued growth in ASV from European sell-side clients and robust sales of PA subscriptions, partially offset by the negative effects of foreign currency. Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations reduced our European growth rate by 60 basis points.

● Asia Pacific revenues growth of 11.8%, which was primarily due to net new user and client growth, increased PA subscriptions and our proficiency in selling additional services to existing clients, partially offset by negative foreign currency impact attributable to the change in the value of the Japanese Yen compared to the U.S. dollar. Excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, Asia Pacific revenues grew 15.6% year-over-year.

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Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

U.S. segment revenue increased 8.4% to $502.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 compared to $463.4 million in the same period a year ago. This revenue growth reflects sales of our PA suite of products, the addition of new clients and users during the first nine months of fiscal 2015, increased demand for our proprietary content, and acquired revenues from Code Red. International revenues increased 11.2% to $242.7 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2015, compared to $218.3 million in the prior year period. European revenues grew 10.9% due to increases in users and clients, sales of global proprietary content, and continued growth in the number of PA subscriptions. Asia Pacific revenues increased 12.2% in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 as compared to a year ago due to user and client growth, increased PA subscriptions and our ability to sell additional services to existing clients.

Operating Expenses

	Three Months Ended May 31,									Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)	2015			2014			Change			2015			2014			Change
Cost of services	$	100,686		$	90,661			11.1	%	$	297,745		$	261,165			14.0	%
Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”)		68,480			68,063			0.6	%		200,980			197,673			1.7	%
Total operating expenses	$	169,166		$	158,724			6.6	%	$	498,725		$	458,838			8.7	%
Operating income	$	85,356		$	73,037			16.9	%	$	246,265		$	222,833			10.5	%
Operating Margin		33.5	%		31.5	%					33.1	%		32.7	%

Cost of Services

Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

For the three months ended May 31, 2015, cost of services increased 11.1% to $100.7 million compared to $90.7 million in the same period a year ago. Cost of services expressed as a percentage of revenues was 39.6% during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, an increase of 50 basis points over the same prior year period primarily due to higher employee compensation, partially offset by lower third-party data fees and a prior year stock-based compensation charge of $1.4 million from vesting performance-based stock options.

Employee compensation, when expressed as a percentage of revenues increased 160 basis points in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the same period a year ago due to new classes of consultants, engineers and product developers hired in the past 12 months, new additions at our proprietary content collection locations, the addition of 32 employees from the Code Red acquisition, and an increase in variable compensation. Over the last 12 months, we have added 213 net new engineering and product development employees and 97 net new employees in a sales and consulting capacity, as we continue to improve our applications and service our existing client base. In addition, we hired 264 net new employees to collect more content, primarily at our facilities in India and the Philippines. Expenses associated with the operation of the Code Red business increased cost of services, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, by 10 basis points during fiscal 2015 due to compensation paid to the acquired workforce including stock-based compensation from equity based awards granted.

Partially offsetting the growth in cost of services during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was a reduction in third-party data fees due to the refinement and automation of our conference call transcription process. Additionally, the year ago third quarter included a non-cash pre-tax charge of $1.4 million related to vesting performance-based stock options.

Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

Cost of services increased 14.0% to $297.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 compared to the same period a year ago. Expressed as a percentage of revenues, cost of services increased 170 basis points from fiscal 2014, which was driven by higher employee compensation partially offset by lower computer-related expenses.

During fiscal 2015, employee compensation increased 220 basis points, expressed as a percentage of revenues, as we continued to increase employee headcount, incurred higher employer payroll taxes and recorded incremental expenses from acquisitions completed in the past 12 months. Since June 1, 2014, we have hired 264 net new employees for our content collection operations, 213 net new software engineers and 97 net new consultants. Acquisition-related expenses during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 increased cost of services due to compensation paid to the acquired workforce including stock-based compensation from equity based awards granted.

Partially offsetting the growth in cost of services during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 was a reduction in computer-related expenses. Computer-related expenses, including computer depreciation and maintenance costs decreased 20 basis points in fiscal 2015 as compared to a year ago due to the transition to more efficient and cost-effective servers in our data centers. Additionally, the third quarter of fiscal 2014 included a non-cash pre-tax charge of $1.4 million from vesting performance-based stock options.

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Selling, General and Administrative

Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

For the three months ended May 31, 2015, SG&A expenses increased to $68.5 million, up 0.6% from $68.1 million in the same period a year ago. SG&A expenses, expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased from 29.4% to 26.9% during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily due to compensation from employees performing SG&A related roles, a reduction in professional expenses and lower occupancy costs, which includes rent and depreciation of furniture and fixtures.

Employee compensation, including stock-based compensation, when expressed as a percentage of revenues decreased 120 basis points from the year ago third quarter due to a higher percentage of our employee base working in a cost of services capacity compared to SG&A. Of our total employee headcount increase in the last 12 months, more than 75% was within our software engineering, consulting, content collection and product development teams, which are all included within cost of services. As such, employee compensation classified as SG&A expenses declined compared to the growth in cost of services. Professional fees, expressed as a percentage of revenues, decreased 40 basis points year over year primarily due to a $1.6 million pre-tax legal charge in the prior year resulting from a claim settlement. Occupancy costs when expressed as a percentage of revenues decreased 80 basis points. However, lower occupancy costs are temporary and are being driven by the timing of acquiring new space to support our growing employee population and foreign currency benefits.

Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

SG&A expenses increased 1.7% to $201.0 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 compared to the same period a year ago. However, when expressed as a percentage of revenues, SG&A expenses decreased 200 basis points primarily due to lower employee compensation and a reduction in occupancy costs.

Operating Income and Operating Margin

Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

Operating income increased 16.9% to $85.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2015 compared to the prior year period. Our operating margin during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was 33.5%, up from 31.5% a year ago. Operating income in the year ago third quarter includes $3.0 million of pre-tax charges related to vesting of performance-based stock options and the settlement of a legal claim. Excluding these two charges, our fiscal 2014 third quarter adjusted operating margin was 32.8% or 70 basis points lower than the current year operating margin. Revenue growth of 9.8% and foreign currency benefits totaling of $4.3 million helped grow our current year operating margin. Acquisitions completed in the past 12 months did not have a material impact on our operating income or margin during the just completed third quarter.

Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

Operating income increased 10.5% to $246.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 compared to the prior year period. Our operating margin during fiscal 2015 was 33.1%, up from 32.7% a year ago. Our operating margin in fiscal 2015 was positively impacted by a reduction in occupancy costs and year-to-date foreign currency benefits of $7.2 million, partially offset by a $3.2 million second quarter fiscal 2015 pre-tax charge primarily related to changes in the senior leadership of our sales teams.

Operating Income by Segment

	Three Months Ended May 31,							Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands)	2015		2014		Change			2015		2014		Change
U.S.	$	43,332	$	39,081		10.9	%	$	130,271	$	121,806		6.9	%
Europe		31,187		24,732		26.1	%		85,675		75,155		14.0	%
Asia Pacific		10,837		9,224		17.5	%		30,319		25,872		17.2	%
Consolidated	$	85,356	$	73,037		16.9	%	$	246,264	$	222,833		10.5	%

Our operating segments are aligned with how we manage the business and the demographic markets in which we serve. Our internal financial reporting structure is based on three reportable segments; U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which we believe helps us better manage the business and view the markets we serve. Sales, consulting, data collection, product development and software engineering are the primary functional groups within each segment. Each segment records compensation expense, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with our data centers, third party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of our segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues.

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Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

U.S. operating income increased 10.9% to $43.3 million during the three months ended May 31, 2015 compared to $39.1 million in the same period a year ago. The increase in U.S. operating income is attributed to revenue growth of 10.1%, lower professional fees, a reduction in occupancy costs and a decrease in computer-related expenses partially offset by an increase in employee compensation. U.S. revenue growth was driven by increases in the number of users and clients of FactSet, growth in our wealth management solutions, additional users of our PA products, increased data feed sales and the continued strong performance of our U.S. investment management sales team. Computer-related expenses decreased due to the transition to more efficient and cost-effective servers in our data centers. U.S. employee headcount increased 8.4% over the prior year leading to higher employee compensation costs during fiscal 2015.

European operating income increased 26.1% to $31.2 million during the three months ended May 31, 2015 compared to the same period a year ago. The significant increase in European operating income was due to revenue growth of 8.4% and benefits from a stronger U.S. dollar, partially offset by increases in employee compensation. The impact of foreign currency increased European operating income by $4.1 million year over year.

Asia Pacific operating income increased 17.5% to $10.8 million compared to $9.2 million a year ago. The increase in Asia Pacific operating income derived from incremental revenues of $2.0 million partially offset by higher employee compensation. Asia Pacific revenues growth of 11.8% during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was primarily due to expansion into new markets within Asia, sales of additional services to existing clients, and new client and user growth. The impact of foreign currency increased Asia Pacific operating income by $0.2 million year over year.

Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

For the nine months ended May 31, 2015, U.S. operating income was up 6.9% to $130.3 million compared to the year ago period. The increase in operating income was primarily due to revenue growth of $38.9 million and decreases in computer-related expenses, partially offset by increases in employee compensation and third party data costs.

European operating income rose 14.0% to $85.7 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 compared to the year ago period. The increase in operating income is attributed to $18.3 million of incremental revenues and benefits from foreign currency, partially offset by increases in employee compensation. European employee headcount increased 6.0% over the prior year leading to higher employee compensation costs during fiscal 2015.

Asia Pacific operating income advanced 17.2% to $30.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 compared to the year ago period. The increase in operating income was attributed to revenue growth of 12.2% year-over-year partially offset by increases in employee compensation. Asia Pacific employee headcount increased 10.1% over the prior year leading to higher employee compensation costs during fiscal 2015.

Income Taxes, Net Income and Diluted Earnings per Share  

	Three Months Ended May 31,									Nine Months Ended May 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2015			2014			Change			2015			2014			Change
Provision for income taxes	$	24,429		$	21,839			11.9	%	$	68,843		$	67,715			1.7	%
Net income	$	61,409		$	51,532			19.2	%	$	178,867		$	156,136			14.6	%
Diluted earnings per share	$	1.45		$	1.21			19.8	%	$	4.23		$	3.62			16.9	%
Effective tax rate		28.5	%		29.8	%					27.8	%*		30.3	%

* On December 16, 2014, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the “ACT”), which President Obama signed into law on December 19, 2014. The ACT reinstated the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, which had previously expired on December 31, 2013. The reenactment of the credit was retroactive to January 1, 2014 and extended through the end of the 2014 calendar year. Prior to the reenactment of the tax credit, we had not been permitted to factor it into our effective tax rate because it was not currently enacted tax law. The reenactment resulted in a discrete income tax benefit of $5.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and reduced our overall effective tax rate to 27.8% for the nine months ended May 31, 2015.

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Income Taxes

Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

For the three months ended May 31, 2015, the provision for income taxes was $24.4 million, up 11.9% from the same period a year ago. The third quarter fiscal 2015 effective tax rate was 28.5%, down from 29.8% a year ago due to $1.4 million in income tax benefits from finalizing prior years’ tax returns and other discrete tax items. In comparison, the year ago third quarter had $0.6 million in income tax benefits related to finalizing tax returns. Excluding income tax benefits from both periods, the current year annual effective tax rate was 30.1% compared to 30.5% in the prior period.

Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the provision for income taxes was $68.8 million, up 1.7% from $67.7 million in fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 was 27.8%, down from 30.3% a year ago primarily due to reenactment of the R&D tax credit in December 2014, which resulted in a discrete income tax benefit of $5.1 million during fiscal 2015.

Net Income and Earnings per Share

Three months ended May 31, 2015 (Quarter-to-date)

Net income increased 19.2% to $61.4 million and diluted earnings per share increased 19.8% to $1.45 for the three months ended May 31, 2015. As presented below in the table below, adjusted net income during the current year third quarter excludes $1.4 million in income tax benefits from finalizing prior years’ tax returns and other discrete items. Prior year adjusted net income excludes an after-tax stock-based compensation charge of $1.0 million, an after-tax legal charge of $1.1 million and $0.6 million in income tax benefits from finalizing tax returns. Fiscal 2015 third quarter adjusted diluted EPS of $1.42 excludes income tax benefits of $0.03 per share from finalizing prior years’ tax returns and other discrete tax items. The year ago third quarter adjusted diluted EPS of $1.25 excludes $0.02 from stock-based compensation, $0.03 from legal fees and $0.01 in income tax benefits.

Adjusted diluted EPS growth of 13.6% represents our 20th consecutive quarter of double-digit EPS growth. Drivers of adjusted net income and earnings per share during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 include organic ASV growth of 8.9%, an incremental $2.4 million of revenues from acquisitions completed since June 2014, foreign currency benefits, a decrease in diluted shares outstanding and lower SG&A expenses as a percentage of revenues partially offset by incremental employee compensation expense within cost of services due to the hiring of 574 net new employees during the last 12 months. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, foreign currency movements increased operating income by $4.3 million compared to a detriment of $1.0 million during the same period in the prior year.

Financial measures in accordance with U.S. GAAP including net income and diluted earnings per share have been adjusted. We use these adjusted financial measures, both in presenting our results to stockholders and the investment community, and in our internal evaluation and management of the business. We believe that these adjusted financial measures and the information they provide are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same tools that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals.

	Three Months Ended May 31,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2015			2014			Change
GAAP Net income	$	61,409		$	51,532
Vesting performance-based stock options		-			983
Legal charge primarily from settling a claim		-			1,134
Income tax benefits		(1,408	)		(554	)
Adjusted Net income (non-GAAP)	$	60,001		$	53,095			13.0	%
Adjusted Diluted earnings per common share (non-GAAP)	$	1.42		$	1.25			13.6	%
Weighted average common shares (Diluted)		42,297			42,615

The presentation of this financial information above is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

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Nine months ended May 31, 2015 (Year-to-date)

During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, net income rose 14.6% to $178.9 million and diluted earnings per share increased 16.9% to $4.23 compared to the same period a year ago. The 14.6% increase was primarily due to incremental revenues of $63.3 million or 9.3%, $5.1 million in income tax benefits from the reenactment of the R&D tax credit, a 2.0% decrease in diluted shares outstanding from share repurchases in the last 12 months and currency benefits from a stronger U.S. dollar. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, foreign currency movements increased operating income by $7.2 million compared to a detriment of $0.3 million in the same period in the prior year.

Liquidity

The table below, for the periods indicated, provides selected cash flow information (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	102,101		$	94.995		$	222,842		$	193,722
Capital expenditures (1)		(3,627	)		(3,672	)		(15,391	)		(11,704	)
Free cash flow (2)	$	98,474		$	91,323		$	207,451		$	182,018
Net cash used in investing activities	$	(7,050	)	$	(3,706	)	$	(53,849	)	$	(59,524	)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(57,715	)	$	(61,946	)	$	(115,214	)	$	(216,276	)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	157,895		$	118,858

(1)

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

(2)

We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating activities, which includes the cash cost for taxes and changes in working capital, less capital expenditures. The presentation of free cash flow is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. We use free cash flow, a non-GAAP measure, both in presenting our results to stockholders and the investment community, and in our internal evaluation and management of the business. Management believes that this financial measure and the information we provide are useful to investors because it permits investors to view our performance using the same metric that we use to gauge progress in achieving our goals. Free cash flow is also an indication of cash flow that may be available to fund further investments in future growth initiatives.

Cash and cash equivalents aggregated to $157.9 million or 22% of our total assets at May 31, 2015, compared with $118.9 million or 18% of our total assets at May 31, 2014 and $116.4 at August 31, 2014 or 18% of our total assets. We continued our strong commitment to capital return in the just completed third quarter while investing in the growth of our business. Our cash and cash equivalents increased $41.5 million during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 due to cash provided by operations of $222.8 million, $51.9 million in proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options, $35.0 million in proceeds from long-term debt, and $23.9 million in tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements. These cash inflows were partially offset by $177.6 million in share repurchases, $33.6 million in cash paid to acquire businesses, dividend payments of $48.4 million, capital expenditures of $15.4 million, purchases of investments, net of proceeds, of $4.9 million and $12.3 million from the effects of foreign currency.

Free cash flow generated in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 grew to an all-time quarterly high of $98.5 million, up 7.8% compared to a year ago. This quarterly free cash flow total of $98.5 million, which exceeded net income by 60.4%, was attributable to $61.4 million of net income, $2.2 million in non-cash items and $38.5 million of positive working capital changes less $3.6 million in capital expenditures. Working capital improvements of $38.5 million were derived from improved accounts receivable collections in the past three months, lower income tax payments and increased accrued compensation due to timing of payments. Consistent with prior years, our days sales outstanding (“DSO”) peaked in the second quarter of fiscal 2015, which resulted in our accounts receivable balance increasing by $11.6 million between November 30, 2014 and February 28, 2015. As we disclosed in the second quarter Form 10-Q, we expected accounts receivable to return to normal levels during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, which it did as evidenced by an $8.2 million decrease in the accounts receivable balance in the past three months. Our DSOs declined from 36 days as of February 28, 2015 to 33 days at May 31, 2015. DSO was 34 days at May 31, 2014, showing year over year improvement.

Free cash flow generated over the last 12 months was $272.7 million, growing 7.8% compared to the 12 months ended May 31, 2014. Included in this calculation was $222.8 million of net cash provided by operations less $15.4 million of capital expenditures. The increase in free cash flow compared to the year ago period is due to higher levels of net income, timing of payables, and a reduction in DSO from improved receivable collections partially offset by incremental capital expenditures and higher tax payments.

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Net cash used in investing activities of $7.1 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was an increase of $3.3 million from the same period in fiscal 2014 due to an increase in cash used for business acquisitions. An acquisition completed during the third fiscal quarter of 2015 resulted in a net cash outflow of $3.3 million. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, net cash used in investing activities was $5.7 million lower than a year ago as we paid $13.3 million more in fiscal 2014 to acquire businesses than in fiscal 2015.

Net cash used in financing activities was $57.7 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Of this total, $70.2 million related to the repurchase of 440,100 shares under the existing share repurchase program and $16.1 million was for the payment of quarterly dividends. During the just completed third quarter, we also increased our annual dividend by 12.8% to $1.76 per share, further increasing future return to stockholders. When aggregating regular quarterly dividends paid and shares repurchased over the past 12 months, we have returned $317 million stockholders. Partially offsetting the higher use of cash were cash inflows of $17.5 million from employee stock plans and related tax benefits of $12.2 million. Net cash used in financing activities was $4.2 million lower in the current year third quarter due to higher proceeds and tax benefits from employee stock option exercises. The number of options exercised during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased by 178,381 shares compared to the third quarter of 2014, which led to year over year growth of $17.9 million. Partially offsetting the higher cash inflows from stock option exercises was cash used in the repurchase of shares under the existing share repurchase program and an increase in our quarterly dividend payment. In the first nine months of fiscal 2015, net cash used in financing activities was $115.2 million, down from $216.3 million during fiscal 2014 due to proceeds from long-term debt, a reduction in share repurchases and higher proceeds from stock options exercised during fiscal 2015.

We expect that for at least the next 12 months, our operating expenses will continue to constitute a significant use of our cash. Furthermore, we expect existing domestic (U.S.) cash to continue to be sufficient to fund our domestic operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities for at least the next 12 months. However, if needed, our new revolving line of credit may be increased to a maximum of $300 million in order to enable us to manage our operational cash needs better between our U.S. and foreign entities. As of May 31, 2015, our total cash and cash equivalents worldwide was $157.9 million with $35.0 million in outstanding borrowings (under the credit agreement). Approximately $41.9 million of our total available cash and cash equivalents is held in bank accounts located within the U.S., $90.2 million in Europe (predominantly within the UK and France) and the remaining $25.8 million is held in Asia Pacific. We believe our liquidity (including cash on hand, cash from operating activities and other cash flows that we expect to generate) within each geographic segment and the ability to draw down on our revolving line of credit will be sufficient to meet our short-term and longer-term operating requirements, as they occur, including working capital needs, capital expenditures, dividend payments, stock repurchases and financing activities. In addition, we expect existing foreign cash, cash equivalent and cash flows from operations to continue to be sufficient to fund our foreign operating activities and cash commitments for investing activities, such as capital expenditures, for at least the next 12 months and thereafter for the foreseeable future.

Capital Resources

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures were $3.6 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2015, down slightly from $3.7 million in the same period a year ago. Capital expenditures for the third quarter 2015 primarily related to computer equipment purchases including more servers for our existing data centers and purchasing new laptop computers and peripherals for employees. The remaining $1.5 million, or 41%, of capital expenditures related to construction costs for office space in New York, New York, Austin, Texas and the Philippines as well as additional furnishings for office space in Norwalk, Connecticut.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2015 capital expenditures were $15.4 million as compared to $11.7 million in the comparable prior year period. Of the $15.4 million, approximately 52%, or $8.0 million, related to construction costs and furniture and fixtures primarily for the aforementioned Austin and New York office spaces, while the remaining $7.4 million, or 48%, was for computer equipment.

Capital Needs

Long-Term Debt (Credit Agreement)

On February 6, 2015, we entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) between FactSet, as the borrower, and Bank of America, N.A., as the lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $35.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), under which we may request borrowings until its maturity date of February 6, 2018. The Credit Agreement allows us to arrange for additional borrowings with the Lender for an aggregate amount of up to $265.0 million provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. At our option, the borrowing may be in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan, a base rate loan, or a LIBOR daily rate loan. On May 29, 2015, FactSet and the Lender entered into an agreement dated as of May 27, 2015, to amend the existing Credit Agreement. The amendment revised the definition of a change in control, but all the other respective terms, conditions and provisions of the Credit Agreement remain the same.

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On February 6, 2015, we borrowed $35.0 million in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan (the “Loan”) under the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of the Loan made under the Credit Agreement may be used for permitted acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Loan matures on February 6, 2018. There are no prepayment penalties in the event that we elect to prepay the Loan prior to its scheduled maturity date. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date. The $35.0 million borrowed under the February 6, 2015 Loan bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate plus 0.50% and is reported as long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 31, 2015. The Eurodollar rate is defined in the Credit Agreement as the rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR. Interest on the Loan is payable quarterly in arrears and on the maturity date. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, we paid interest of less than $0.1 million on the outstanding Loan amount.

In addition, we owed no commitment fee since we borrowed the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility on February 6, 2015. Other fees incurred, such as legal costs to draft and review the Credit Agreement, totaled less than $0.1 million and were capitalized as loan origination fees. These loan origination fees are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Loan (three years) using the effective interest method and totaled less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2015.

The Credit Agreement contains covenants restricting certain FactSet activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that we maintain a consolidated leverage ratio, as measured by total funded debt/EBITDA below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. We were in compliance with all of the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of May 31, 2015.

As of May 31, 2015, the fair value of our long-term debt was $35.0 million, which we believe approximates carrying amount as the terms and interest rates approximate market rates.

Letters of Credit

From time to time, we are required to obtain letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. Approximately $1.4 million of standby letters of credit have been issued in connection with our current leased office space as of May 31, 2015. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency Exposure

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

Our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $25.8 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $197.3 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $171.5 million. Our foreign currency exchange exposure is related to our operating expense base in countries outside the U.S., where 69% of our employees were located as of May 31, 2015. As a result of a stronger U.S. dollar year over year, our operating income was $4.3 million higher during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the year ago third quarter. In contrast, the third quarter of fiscal 2014 experienced a $1.0 million decrease in operating income due to the weaker U.S. dollar. For the first nine months of fiscal 2015, year over year foreign currency movements resulted in a benefit to operating income of $7.2 million, compared to a detriment of $0.3 million in the prior year period.

Foreign Currency Hedges

As of May 31, 2015, we maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure:

● Indian Rupee - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.

● Philippine Peso - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

● British Pound - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our British Pound exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

● Euro - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our Euro exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

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As of May 31, 2015, the gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 3.3 billion. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php 135.2 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound with U.S. dollars was £15.0 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was €13.0 million.

There were no other outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts as of May 31, 2015. A loss on derivatives of $0.3 million was recorded into operating income during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to a loss of $0.1 million a year ago. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, a loss on derivatives of $0.5 million was recorded into operating income, compared to a loss of $0.3 million a year ago.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, we had no off-balance sheet financing or other arrangements with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships (such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities) established for purposes of facilitating off-balance sheet financing or other debt arrangements or for other contractually limited purposes.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 15, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a $300 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid from existing and future cash generated by operations.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we repurchased 1,209,954 shares for $174.3 million under the existing share repurchase program compared to 1,870,000 shares for $200.7 million a year ago. Including the expansion, $212.7 million remains authorized for future share repurchases.

Contractual Obligations

Fluctuations in our operating results, the degree of success of our accounts receivable collection efforts, the timing of tax and other payments as well as necessary capital expenditures to support growth of our operations will impact our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. The effect of our contractual obligations on our liquidity and capital resources in future periods should be considered in conjunction with the factors mentioned here. As of August 31, 2014, we had total purchase commitments of $53.3 million. There were no material changes in our purchase commitments during the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

At May 31, 2015, FactSet leased approximately 883,800 square feet of office space, which we believe is adequate for our current needs and that additional space is available for lease to meet any future needs. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, we entered into the following new lease agreements:

● Boston, Massachusetts: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand our existing office space in Boston by 4,809 rentable square feet. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $6.6 million through June 2022.

● Hyderabad, India:

– A new lease amendment was entered into during November 2014 to renew our existing office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $2.2 million over the non-cancelable lease term through November 2019.

– A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 43,830 square feet of new office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.8 million over the lease term through September 2020.

● Manila, Philippines: A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 13,043 square feet of new office space in Manila. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.5 million over the non-cancelable lease term through June 2020.

As disclosed earlier in the Capital Needs section of this MD&A, we borrowed $35.0 million in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan to fund the acquisition of Code Red in February 2015. The $35.0 million loan matures on February 6, 2018 and there are no prepayment penalties in the event that we elect to prepay the loan prior to its scheduled maturity date. The amount borrowed bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate plus 0.50% and is reported as long-term debt within our Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 31, 2015.

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With the exception of the new leases entered into in the ordinary course of business and the $35.0 million borrowing to fund the acquisition of Code Red, there were no other significant changes to our contractual obligations during the first nine months of fiscal 2015.

Dividends

On May 12, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a 12.8% increase in the regular quarterly dividend, beginning with the dividend payment in June 2015 which was $0.44 per share, or $1.76 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $18.3 million was paid on June 16, 2015, to common stockholders of record on May 29, 2015. With our dividends and our share repurchases, in the aggregate, we have returned $317 million to shareholders over the past 12 months. Future cash dividends will depend on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by us and is subject to final determination by our Board of Directors.

Significant Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 3, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014. There were no significant changes in our accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since the end of fiscal 2014.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for a full description of recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption, which we include here by reference.

Market Trends

In the ordinary course of business, we are exposed to financial risks involving foreign currency and interest rate fluctuations. Major equity indices continue to experience volatility. Approximately 82.8% of our ASV is derived from our investment management clients. The prosperity of these clients is tied to equity assets under management. An equity market decline not only depresses assets under management but could cause a significant increase in redemption requests to move money out of equities and into other asset classes. Moreover, extended declines in the equity markets may reduce new fund or client creation, resulting in lower demand for services from investment managers.

Our investment banking clients that perform M&A advisory work, provide capital markets services and equity research, account for approximately 17.2% of our ASV. A significant portion of these revenues relate to services deployed by large, bulge bracket banks. Credit continues to impact many of the large banking clients due to the amount of leverage deployed in past operations. Clients could encounter similar problems. A lack of confidence in the global banking system could cause declines in merger and acquisitions funded by debt. Additional uncertainty, consolidation and business failures in the global investment banking sector could adversely affect our financial results and future growth.

We service M&A departments, capital markets and equity research. These are low risk businesses that do not deploy leverage and will likely continue to operate far into the future and should represent a larger percentage of the overall revenues of our clients. Regardless, the size of banks in general is shrinking as they deleverage their balance sheets and adjust their expense bases to future revenue opportunities. Our revenues may decline if banks including those involved in recent merger activity, significantly reduce headcount in the areas of corporate M&A, capital markets and equity research to compensate for the issues created by other departments.

Management Changes

Our Chairman and CEO, Philip Hadley, stepped down as CEO effective July 1, 2015. He will remain an employee of FactSet and continue to serve as our Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Hadley, age 52, has served as our CEO since September 2000, during which time we have grown ASV from $151 million to $1 billion. Our President, 19-year FactSet veteran Philip Snow, was named CEO, effective July 1, 2015. Mr. Snow was also elected to our Board of Directors, effective March 16, 2015.

In addition, we appointed Scott Miller as our Executive Vice President, Global Director of Sales, effective January 21, 2015 and promoted Mark Hale to Chief Operating Officer, effective March 16, 2015.

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Forward-Looking Factors

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to current and historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, forecast and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are statements that could be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These include statements about our strategy for growth, product development, market position, subscriptions and expected expenditures and financial results. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words like “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “projects,” “should,” “indicates,” “continues,” “ASV,” “subscriptions,” “believes,” “estimates,” “may” and similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of our future financial performance, our anticipated growth, trends in our business and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions and not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. We will publicly update forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events in accordance with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

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

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

Business Outlook

The following forward-looking statements reflect our expectations as of June 16, 2015. Given the number of risk factors, uncertainties and assumptions discussed above, actual results may differ materially. We do not intend to update our forward-looking statements until our next quarterly results announcement, other than in publicly available statements.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2015 Expectations

– Revenues are expected to range between $259 million and $263 million.

– Operating margin is expected to range between 33.0% and 34.0%.

– The annual effective tax rate is expected to range between 30.0% and 31.0%.

– Diluted EPS should range between $1.46 and $1.48.

43

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

We conduct business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. The financial statements of these foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using period-end rates of exchange for assets and liabilities and average rates for the period for revenues and expenses. Our non-U.S. dollar denominated revenues expected to be recognized over the next twelve months are estimated to be $25.8 million while our non-U.S. dollar denominated expenses are $197.3 million, which translates into a net foreign currency exposure of $171.5 million per year. To the extent that our international activities recorded in local currencies increase in the future, our exposure to fluctuations in currency exchange rates will correspondingly increase. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, we utilize derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). By their nature, all derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of market and credit risk. The market risk associated with these instruments resulting from currency exchange movements is expected to offset the market risk of the underlying transactions, assets and liabilities being hedged. We do not believe there is significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments because these transactions are executed with a major financial institution. Further, our policy is to deal with counterparties having a minimum investment grade or better credit rating. Credit risk is managed through the continuous monitoring of exposures to such counterparties. Our primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings associated with changes in foreign currency.

As of May 31, 2015, we maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge our foreign currency exposure:

● Indian Rupee - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of our Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.

● Philippine Peso - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

● British Pound - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our British Pound exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

● Euro - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of our Euro exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

As of May 31, 2015, the gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs.3.3 billion. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php 135.2 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound with U.S. dollars was £15.0 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was €13.0 million.

There were no other outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts at May 31, 2015. A loss on derivatives of $0.3 million was recorded into operating income during the third quarter of fiscal 2015, compared to a loss of $0.1 million a year ago. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, a loss on derivatives of $0.5 million was recorded into operating income, compared to a loss of $0.3 million a year ago. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts mitigate the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. These transactions are designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. The related cash flow impacts of all of our derivative activities are reflected as cash flows from operating activities.

A sensitivity analysis was performed based on the estimated fair value of all foreign currency forward contracts outstanding at May 31, 2015. If the U.S. dollar had been 10% weaker, the fair value of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts would have increased by $9.2 million, which would have had an immaterial impact on our consolidated balance sheet. Such a change in fair value of our financial instruments would be substantially offset by changes in our expense base. Had we not had any hedges in place as of May 31, 2015, a hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies from the quoted foreign currency exchange rates at May 31, 2015, would result in a decrease in operating income by $19.0 million over the next 12 months. A hypothetical 10% weaker U.S. dollar against all foreign currencies at May 31, 2015 would increase the fair value of total assets by $28.1 million and equity by $25.7 million.

44

Interest Rate Risk

The fair market value of our cash and investments at May 31, 2015 was $182.9 million. Our cash and cash equivalents consist of demand deposits and money market funds with original maturities of three months or less and are reported at fair value. Our investments consist of certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on our consolidated balance sheet. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our cash and investments will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Preservation of principal is the primary goal of our cash and investment policy. Pursuant to our established investment guidelines, we try to achieve high levels of credit quality, liquidity and diversification. Our investment guidelines do not permit us to invest in puts, calls, strips, short sales, straddles, options, commodities, precious metals, futures or investments on margin. Because we have a restrictive investment policy, our financial exposure to fluctuations in interest rates is expected to remain low. We do not believe that the value or liquidity of our cash and investments have been significantly impacted by current market events.

As of May 31, 2015, the fair value of our long-term debt was $35.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount and was determined based on quoted market prices for debt with a similar maturity. The debt bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to 0.50% plus the Eurodollar rate, which is defined in the agreement as the rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, we paid interest of less than $0.1 million on the outstanding Loan amount. It is anticipated that the fair market value of our debt will continue to be immaterially affected by fluctuations in interest rates and we do not believe that the value of our debt has been significantly impacted by current market events.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s third quarter of fiscal 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

The Company’s Chairman and CEO, Philip Hadley, stepped down as CEO effective July 1, 2015, and was replaced by Philip Snow. Other than in connection with the foregoing, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

45

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The information set forth under Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, contained in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference in answer to this Item.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 to the risk factors identified in the Company’s fiscal 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Items 2(a) and (b) are not applicable as there have been no unregistered sales of equity securities.

(c)	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities (in thousands, except per share data)
	The following table provides a month-to-month summary of the share repurchase activity under the current stock repurchase program during the three months ended May 31, 2015:

Period	Total number of shares purchased		Average price paid per share		Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs		Maximum number of shares (or approximate dollar value) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs (in thousands)
March 2015		50,000	$	157.20		50,000	$	275,014
April 2015		275,000	$	159.06		275,000	$	231,272
May 2015		115,100	$	161.29		115,100	$	212,707
Total		440,100	$	159.43		440,100

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

46

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) EXHIBITS:

EXBHIT NUMBER	DESCRIPTION
10.1	FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, As Amended and Restated (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2014)
31.1	Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2	Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32.1	Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
32.2	Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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.

	FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC.
	(Registrant)
Date: July 10, 2015	/s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
	Maurizio Nicolelli
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

/s/ MATTHEW J. MCNULTY

Matthew J. McNulty

Vice President, Controller

(Principal Accounting Officer)

47

EXHIBIT INDEX

EXBHIT NUMBER	DESCRIPTION
10.1	FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, As Amended and Restated (incorporated by reference as Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2014)
31.1	Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2	Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32.1	Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
32.2	Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

48

EX-31.1

 EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Philip Snow, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of FactSet Research Systems Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have any significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 10, 2015
	/s/ PHILIP SNOW
	Philip Snow
	Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Maurizio Nicolelli, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of FactSet Research Systems Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have any significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: July 10, 2015
	/s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI
	Maurizio Nicolelli
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Philip Snow, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ PHILIP SNOW

Philip Snow

Chief Executive Officer

July 10, 2015

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Maurizio Nicolelli, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ MAURIZIO NICOLELLI

Maurizio Nicolelli

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

July 10, 2015

XML

Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - USD ($)	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 117,282,000	$ 96,777,000
Long-term Debt	35,000,000	0
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	35,000,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) [Line Items]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0

XML

Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Segment - May. 31, 2015 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Total
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014		$ 285,608
Balance at May 31, 2015	$ 307,231	307,231
Foreign currency translations		(10,812)
UNITED STATES
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014		179,434
Balance at May 31, 2015	211,869	211,869
Foreign currency translations		0
Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014		103,032
Balance at May 31, 2015	92,732	92,732
Foreign currency translations		(10,300)
Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,142
Balance at May 31, 2015	2,630	2,630
Foreign currency translations		(512)
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at May 31, 2015	29,627	29,627
Goodwill acquired during the period	$ 32,400	32,435
Code Red, Inc. [Member] | UNITED STATES
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during the period		32,435
Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Europe [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during the period		0
Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Asia Pacific [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill acquired during the period		$ 0

XML

Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Operating Segments	3
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 307,231	$ 285,608
UNITED STATES
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 211,869	179,434
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	69.00%
Europe [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 92,732	103,032
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	30.00%
Asia Pacific [Member]
Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill (in Dollars)	$ 2,630	$ 3,142
Goodwill Percentage Per Segment	1.00%

XML

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options - Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]	Jan. 15, 2015	Jan. 15, 2014
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	1.45%	1.66%
Expected life (in years)	5 years 146 days	5 years 146 days
Expected volatility	23.50%	28.90%
Dividend yield	1.30%	1.35%

XML

Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				10 years 146 days
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)				$ 0	$ 0
Amortization of Intangible Assets		$ 2,300,000	$ 2,400,000	$ 6,400,000	$ 6,200,000
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life				6 years 109 days
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 8,200,000			$ 9,100,000

XML

Note 16 - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Note 16 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Debt		$ 35,000,000	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 16 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount of Additional Borrowings	265,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Minimum Borrowing Amount Required for Additional Borrowings	25,000,000
The Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 16 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 35,000,000
Long-term Debt		35,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount		0
Debt Instrument, Term	3 years
The Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Eurodollar [Member]
Note 16 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Maximum [Member] | The Loan [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note 16 - Long-term Debt (Details) [Line Items]
Interest Paid		100,000
Debt Issuance Cost	$ 100,000
Amortization of Financing Costs		$ 100,000

XML

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Components of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments		$ (4,187)	$ 545	$ (25,753)	$ 12,199
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(4,187)	545	(25,753)	12,199
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	[1]	277	59	468	316
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)	[1]	174	37	294	199
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,903)	3,673	(929)	8,661
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,194)	2,304	(583)	5,426
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(5,813)	4,277	(26,214)	21,176
Other comprehensive (loss) income		$ (5,207)	$ 2,886	$ (26,042)	$ 17,824

[1] Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

XML

Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block]

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Balance at September 1		41,793			43,324
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		951			562
Stock issued for acquisition of a business		20			0
Repurchase of common stock from employees*		(23	)		(41	)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(1,210	)		(1,829	)
Balance at May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively		41,531			42,016

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]

	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Common Share (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
For the three months ended May 31, 2015
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	61,409		41,628	$	1.48
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				669
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	61,409		42,297	$	1.45
For the three months ended May 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	51,532		42,166	$	1.22
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				449
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	51,532		42,615	$	1.21
For the nine months ended May 31, 2015
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	178,867		41,648	$	4.29
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				669
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	178,867		42,317	$	4.23
For the nine months ended May 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	156,136		42,615	$	3.66
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				555
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	156,136		43,170	$	3.62

XML

Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015 USD ($) ft² m²	May. 31, 2014 USD ($)	May. 31, 2015 USD ($) ft² m²	May. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	$ 9,600	$ 9,700	$ 28,700	$ 28,000
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	17,757		17,757		$ 16,417
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 193,389		$ 193,389
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount					53,300
Largest Individual Client Percent of Total Subscriptions	2.00%		2.00%
Percentage of Subscription from Ten Largest Clients	15.00%		15.00%
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 1,700		$ 1,700		1,700
Boston, Massachusetts [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	4,809		4,809
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 6,600		$ 6,600
Office Space [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	883,800		883,800
Existing Office [Member] | Hyderabad, India [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 2,200		$ 2,200
New Office [Member] | Hyderabad, India [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | m²	44,830		44,830
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,800		$ 1,800
New Office [Member] | Manila, Philippines [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | m²	13,043		13,043
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 1,500		$ 1,500
Deferred Rent [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Other Liabilities	19,300		19,300		18,300
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent	16,300		16,300		$ 14,900
Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 1,400		$ 1,400
Norwalk, Connecticut [Member]
Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Area of Real Estate Property | ft²	193,000		193,000

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Provision for Income Taxes by Geographic Operations [Abstract]
U.S. operations	$ 72,816	$ 58,943	$ 203,655	$ 181,631
Non-U.S. operations	13,022	14,428	44,055	42,220
Income before income taxes	85,838	73,371	247,710	223,851
U.S. operations	22,842	20,631	63,659	60,560
Non-U.S. operations	1,587	1,208	5,184	7,155
Total provision for income taxes	$ 24,429	$ 21,839	$ 68,843	$ 67,715
Effective tax rate	28.50%	29.80%	27.80%	30.30%

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Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Estimated Amortization Expense $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Estimated Amortization Expense [Abstract]
2015 (remaining three months)	$ 1,772
2016	6,997
2017	6,915
2018	5,788
2019	4,467
Thereafter	15,622
Total	$ 41,561

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 5,501
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	721
Additions for tax positions of prior years	968
Statute of limitations lapse	(809)
Unrecognized income tax benefits	$ 6,381

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Major Tax Jurisdictions in Which the Company and Affiliates Operate and the Earliest Tax Year Subject to Examination	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015
Minimum [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2013
Minimum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | State (Various) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2011
Minimum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2012
Minimum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2013
Maximum [Member] | Domestic Tax Authority [Member] | Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015
Maximum [Member] | State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] | State (Various) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015
Maximum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, France [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015
Maximum [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) [Member]
U.S.
Open Tax Years	2015

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Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan - 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions, Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	0.02%	0.04%	0.02%	0.04%
Expected life (in months)	3 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Expected volatility	7.20%	13.30%	8.00%	10.80%
Dividend yield	1.13%	1.50%	1.16%	1.36%

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Note 18 - Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

As previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2015, FactSet’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Philip Hadley, stepped down as CEO effective July 1, 2015. He will remain an employee of FactSet and continue to serve as the Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Company’s President, 19-year FactSet veteran Philip Snow, was named the Company’s new CEO, effective July 1, 2015.

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Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) $ in Thousands			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 01, 2013 USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2014 USD ($)	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill				$ 307,231	$ 285,608
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred	$ 34,750
Number of Employees	32
Subscription and Circulation Revenue	$ 9,300
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	8,200			9,100
Goodwill	$ 29,600			$ 29,627
Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 31,800
Subscription and Circulation Revenue			$ 7,000
Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred		$ 15,300
Subscription and Circulation Revenue		$ 4,900
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Customer Relationships [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	4 years
Trade Names [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] $ in Thousands, € in Millions, £ in Millions, PHP in Millions, ₨ in Billions	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May. 31, 2015 INR (₨)	May. 31, 2015 PHP	May. 31, 2015 GBP (£)	May. 31, 2015 EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$ 352					$ 815
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	88,215	₨ 3.3	PHP 135.2	£ 15.0	€ 13.0	44,979
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	352					815
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	47,860					38,479
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	453					700
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Philippines, Pesos
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	3,000					6,500
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	26					115
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	14,737					0
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	(424)					0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Hedging Positions and Corresponding Fair Values [Line Items]
Gross Notional Value	22,618					0
Fair Value Asset (Liability)	$ 297					$ 0

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Current
Receivable reserve	$ 588	$ 597
Deferred rent	707	1,067
Other	475	177
Net current deferred tax assets	1,770	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	10,382	9,831
Deferred rent	4,640	3,572
Stock-based compensation	16,823	18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	(16,928)	(10,750)
Other	1,614	1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	16,531	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	18,301	24,218
Deferred tax liabilities (current)
Other	1,071	0
Net current deferred tax liabilities	1,071	0
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	1,896	3,478
Stock-based compensation	0	(860)
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	(182)	0
Other	(3)	303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	1,711	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$ 2,782	$ 2,921

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
U.S. operations	$	72,816		$	58,943		$	203,655		$	181,631
Non-U.S. operations		13,022			14,428			44,055			42,220
Income before income taxes	$	85,838		$	73,371		$	247,710		$	223,851
U.S. operations	$	22,842		$	20,631		$	63,659		$	60,560
Non-U.S. operations		1,587			1,208			5,184			7,155
Total provision for income taxes	$	24,429		$	21,839		$	68,843		$	67,715
Effective tax rate		28.5	%*		29.8	%		27.8	%*		30.3	%

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Current
U.S. Federal	$	58,278		$	58,300
U.S. state and local		3,060			2,861
Non-U.S.		6,864			7,452
Total current taxes	$	68,202		$	68,613
Deferred
U.S. Federal	$	2,124		$	(631	)
U.S. state and local		197			29
Non-U.S.		(1,680	)		(296	)
Total deferred taxes	$	641		$	(898	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	68,843		$	67,715

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets
Current
Receivable reserve	$	588		$	597
Deferred rent		707			1,067
Other		475			177
Net current deferred tax assets	$	1,770		$	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,382		$	9,831
Deferred rent		4,640			3,572
Stock-based compensation		16,823			18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(16,928	)		(10,750	)
Other		1,614			1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	$	16,531		$	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	$	18,301		$	24,218

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities (current)
Other	$	1,071		$	0
Net current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,071		$	0
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	1,896		$	3,478
Stock-based compensation		0			(860	)
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(182	)		0
Other		(3	)		303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,711		$	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	2,782		$	2,921

Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		721
Additions for tax positions of prior years		968
Statute of limitations lapse		(809	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at May 31, 2015	$	6,381

Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block]

Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Fiscal Years
U.S.
Federal	2013 through 2015
State (various)	2011 through 2015
Europe
France	2012 through 2015
United Kingdom	2013 through 2015

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Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 06, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 307,231		$ 285,608
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Tangible assets acquired	2,514
Goodwill	29,627	$ 29,600
Total assets acquired	40,362
Liabilities assumed	(5,612)
Net assets acquired	34,750
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	4,728
Customer Relationships [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	3,089
Noncompete Agreements [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	277
Trade Names [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Assets Acquired [Line Items]
Amortizable intangible assets	$ 127

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Share-Based Awards Available For Grant - shares		3 Months Ended						6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015		Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014		Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance		2,554,000		2,768,000		3,222,000		3,222,000	3,222,000
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited	[1]	39,000		44,000		35,000
Balance		2,530,000		2,554,000		2,768,000		2,554,000	2,530,000
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Balance		88,000		102,000		102,000		102,000	102,000
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited	[1]	0		0		0
Balance		88,000		88,000		102,000		88,000	88,000
Non-performance Based [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted – options		(61,000)		(25,000)		(463,000)
Non-performance Based [Member] | Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted – options		0		(14,000)		0
Performance Shares [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted – options				(138,000)		0
Performance Shares [Member] | Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted – options				0		0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted		(38,000)		(1,000)		(10,000)			(49,158)	(204,124)
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted		(2,000)	[2]	(95,000)	[2]	(26,000)	[2]		(49,158)
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock awards granted	[2]	0		0		0

[1] Under the Company's option plan, for each restricted stock award canceled/forfeited, an equivalent of 2.5 shares is added back to the available share-based awardsbalance.

[2] Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company's option plan.

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Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Feb. 06, 2015	Dec. 15, 2014	May. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized			10,000,000		10,000,000		10,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)			$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized			150,000,000		150,000,000		150,000,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)			$ 0.01		$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Common Stock, Shares, Issued			50,062,210		50,062,210		49,110,218
Treasury Stock, Shares			8,530,990		8,530,990		7,317,416
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding			41,531,220		41,531,220	42,016,000	41,792,802	43,324,000
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares					20,000	0
Stock Repurchase Program, Additional Amount Authorized (in Dollars)		$ 300.0
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired					1,209,954
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method (in Dollars)					$ 174.3
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount (in Dollars)			$ 212.7		$ 212.7
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation					23,192	41,093
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period			15,000	53,000	68,178	135,205
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation					23,192	41,093
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) [Line Items]
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares	20,207
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned (in Dollars)	$ 3.0

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Note 6 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
The Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]
Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$ 221	$ 510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments	(44,184)	(18,431)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (43,963)	$ (17,921)

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Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

FactSet conducts business globally and is managed on a geographic basis. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany activity and balances have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying financial data as of May 31, 2015 and for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 has been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The August 31, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. However, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The information in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2014.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related interim statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows include all normal adjustments in order to present fairly the results of the Company’s operations for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

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Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jun. 16, 2015	Mar. 17, 2015	Dec. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Jun. 17, 2014	Mar. 18, 2014	Dec. 17, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.39	$ 0.35	$ 0.35	$ 0.35
Record Date		Feb. 27, 2015	Nov. 28, 2014	Aug. 29, 2014	May 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 29, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013
Total $ Amount		$ 16,236	$ 16,216	$ 16,299	$ 16,386	$ 14,827	$ 15,046	$ 15,164
Payment Date		Mar. 17, 2015	Dec. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Jun. 17, 2014	Mar. 18, 2014	Dec. 17, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Details) - Dividends Declared [Line Items]
Dividends Per Share of Common Stock	$ 0.44
Record Date	May 29, 2015
Total $ Amount	$ 18,274
Payment Date	Jun. 16, 2015

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Fair Value Amounts of Derivative Instruments and Gains - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	$ 1,424	$ 1,406
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	1,072	626
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	972	114
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives assets designated as hedging instruments	0	1,292
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	424	591
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Deferred Rent and Other Non-current Liabilities [Member]
Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
Derivatives liabilities designated as hedging instruments	$ 196	$ 0

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Note 7 - Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

For the three months ended May 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	172,070	$	63,156	$	19,296	$	254,522
Segment operating profit		43,332		31,187		10,837		85,356
Total assets		433,177		232,171		62,728		728,076
Capital expenditures		2,977		142		508		3,627

For the three months ended May 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	156,241	$	58,265	$	17,255	$	231,761
Segment operating profit		39,081		24,732		9,224		73,037
Total assets		363,959		237,286		58,391		659,636
Capital expenditures		3,099		188		385		3,672

For the nine months ended May 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	502,271	$	186,320	$	56,399	$	744,990
Segment operating profit		130,271		85,675		30,319		246,265
Capital expenditures		13,808		350		1,233		15,391

For the nine months ended May 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	463,419	$	167,993	$	50,259	$	681,671
Segment operating profit		121,806		75,155		25,872		222,833
Capital expenditures		10,529		380		795		11,704

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Note 6 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2015						2014
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(4,187	)	$	(4,187	)	$	545	$	545
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		277			174			59		37
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,903	)		(1,194	)		3,673		2,304
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(5,813	)	$	(5,207	)	$	4,277	$	2,886

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015						2014
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(25,753	)	$	(25,753	)	$	12,199	$	12,199
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		468			294			316		199
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(929	)		(583	)		8,661		5,426
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26,214	)	$	(26,042	)	$	21,176	$	17,824

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	221		$	510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(44,184	)		(18,431	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(43,963	)	$	(17,921	)

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Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Details) - Identifiable Intangible Assets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 112,386	$ 109,870
Accumulated amortization	70,825	68,015
Net carrying amount	41,561	41,855
Data Content [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	53,257	56,974
Accumulated amortization	29,458	27,644
Net carrying amount	23,799	29,330
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	27,753	25,821
Accumulated amortization	17,698	17,443
Net carrying amount	10,055	8,378
Computer Software, Intangible Asset [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	26,768	22,881
Accumulated amortization	20,216	20,089
Net carrying amount	6,552	2,792
Noncompete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	2,807	2,465
Accumulated amortization	2,314	1,881
Net carrying amount	493	584
Trade Names [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,801	1,729
Accumulated amortization	1,139	958
Net carrying amount	$ 662	$ 771

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships - Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] - Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] - Cash Flow Hedging [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships [Line Items]
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (1,903)	$ 3,673	$ (929)	$ 8,661
Foreign currency forward contracts	$ (277)	$ (59)	$ (468)	$ (316)

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Note 8 - Business Combinations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]

Cash consideration	$	32,000
Fair value of FactSet stock issued		2,990
Adjustment for changes in working capital		(240	)
Total preliminary purchase price	$	34,750

Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block]

Tangible assets acquired	$	2,514
Amortizable intangible assets
Software technology		4,728
Client relationships		3,089
Non-compete agreements		277
Trade name		127
Goodwill		29,627
Total assets acquired		40,362
Liabilities assumed		(5,612	)
Net assets acquired	$	34,750

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Note 9 - Goodwill (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
Goodwill acquired during the period		32,435		0			0			32,435
Foreign currency translations		0		(10,300	)		(512	)		(10,812	)
Balance at May 31, 2015	$	211,869	$	92,732		$	2,630		$	307,231

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Note 1 - Organization and Nature of Business

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Nature of Operations [Text Block]

1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the “Company” or “FactSet”) is a provider of integrated financial information and analytical applications to the global investment community. FactSet combines content regarding companies and securities from major markets all over the globe into a single online platform of information and analytics. By consolidating content from hundreds of databases with powerful analytics, FactSet supports the investment process from initial research to published results for buy- and sell-side professionals. These professionals include portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers and fixed income professionals. The Company’s applications provide users access to company and industry analyses, multicompany comparisons, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, real-time news and quotes and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. With Microsoft Office integration, wireless access and customizable options, FactSet offers a complete financial workflow solution. The Company’s revenues are derived from subscriptions to services such as workstations, content and applications.

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Note 10 - Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

At May 31, 2015	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	53,257	$	29,458	$	23,799
Client relationships		27,753		17,698		10,055
Software technology		26,768		20,216		6,552
Non-compete agreements		2,807		2,314		493
Trade names		1,801		1,139		662
Total	$	112,386	$	70,825	$	41,561

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,330
Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
Trade names		1,729		958		771
Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense
2015 (remaining three months)	$	1,772
2016		6,997
2017		6,915
2018		5,788
2019		4,467
Thereafter		15,622
Total	$	41,561

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Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Details) - Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value - USD ($)		May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Assets
Corporate money market funds	[1]	$ 91,290,000	$ 75,363,000
Certificates of deposit	[2]	25,020,000	20,008,000
Derivative instruments	[3]	972,000	1,406,000
Total assets measured at fair value		117,282,000	96,777,000
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	[3]	620,000	591,000
Total liabilities measured at fair value		620,000	591,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets
Corporate money market funds	[1]	91,290,000	75,363,000
Certificates of deposit	[2]	0	0
Derivative instruments	[3]	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value		91,290,000	75,363,000
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	[3]	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value		0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets
Corporate money market funds	[1]	0	0
Certificates of deposit	[2]	25,020,000	20,008,000
Derivative instruments	[3]	972,000	1,406,000
Total assets measured at fair value		25,992,000	21,414,000
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	[3]	620,000	591,000
Total liabilities measured at fair value		620,000	591,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets
Corporate money market funds	[1]	0	0
Certificates of deposit	[2]	0	0
Derivative instruments	[3]	0	0
Total assets measured at fair value		0	0
Liabilities
Derivative instruments	[3]	0	0
Total liabilities measured at fair value		$ 0	$ 0

[1] The Company's corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company's corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.

[2] The Company's certificates of deposit are held to maturity are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

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

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Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) - May. 31, 2015 $ in Thousands	USD ($)	USD ($)
Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	3
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 9 - Goodwill (Details) [Line Items]
Goodwill, Acquired During Period	$ 32,400	$ 32,435

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$ (5,100)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent		35.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		$ 6,381	$ 5,501
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued		1,100
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate		$ 700

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Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Revenues	$ 254,522	$ 231,761	$ 744,990	$ 681,671
Operating expenses
Cost of services	100,686	90,661	297,745	261,165
Selling, general and administrative	68,480	68,063	200,980	197,673
Total operating expenses	169,166	158,724	498,725	458,838
Operating income	85,356	73,037	246,265	222,833
Other income	482	334	1,445	1,018
Income before income taxes	85,838	73,371	247,710	223,851
Provision for income taxes	24,429	21,839	68,843	67,715
Net income	$ 61,409	$ 51,532	$ 178,867	$ 156,136
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.48	$ 1.22	$ 4.29	$ 3.66
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.45	$ 1.21	$ 4.23	$ 3.62
Basic weighted average common shares (in Shares)	41,628	42,166	41,648	42,615
Diluted weighted average common shares (in Shares)	42,297	42,615	42,317	43,170

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) - Offsetting of Derivative Instruments - USD ($) $ in Thousands		May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Net derivative asset amounts	[1]	$ 972	$ 1,406
Net derivative liability amounts	[1]	(620)	(591)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Gross derivative asset amounts		1,424	1,406
Gross derivative asset amounts offset in balance sheet		(452)	0
Net derivative asset amounts		972	1,406
Gross derivative liability amounts		(1,072)	(626)
Gross derivative liability amounts offset in balance sheet		452	35
Net derivative liability amounts		(620)	(591)
Gross derivative amounts		352	780
Gross derivative amounts offset in balance sheet		0	35
Net derivative amounts		$ 352	$ 815

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

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
Accounts receivable, reserves (in Dollars)	$ 1,665	$ 1,662
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	50,062,210	49,110,218
Common stock, shares outstanding	41,531,220	41,792,802
Treasury stock shares	8,530,990	7,317,416

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Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Shares of Common Stock Outstanding - shares		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Balance at September 1		41,792,802	43,324,000
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		951,000	562,000
Stock issued for acquisition of a business		20,000	0
Repurchase of common stock		(1,209,954)
Balance at May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively		41,531,220	42,016,000
Repurchase of Common Stock from Employees [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock	[1]	(23,000)	(41,000)
Share Repurchase Program [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Repurchase of common stock		(1,210,000)	(1,829,000)

[1] For the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company repurchased 23,192 and 41,093 shares, or $3.1 million and $4.4 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Award Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
Granted – non-performance based		463			131.31
Exercised		(114	)		73.53
Forfeited		(33	)		98.28
Balance at November 30, 2014		3,798		$	85.98
Granted – non-performance-based		25			139.02
Granted – performance-based		138			148.52
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			138.48
Exercised		(403	)		61.63
Forfeited		(32	)		97.08
Balance at February 28, 2015		3,540		$	91.67
Granted – non-performance-based		61			159.14
Exercised		(319	)		57.30
Forfeited		(28	)		122.02
Balance at May 31, 2015		3,254		$	96.05

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Vesting Percentage and Related Expenses [Table Text Block]

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*		Remaining Expense to be Recognized
Third 20% (current expectation)	$	0	$	697
Fourth 20%	$	1,120	$	1,177
Fifth 20%	$	2,594	$	1,303

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Remaining Expense to be Recognized
10%	$	(150	)	$	0
40% (current expectation)	$	0		$	2,213
70%	$	141		$	3,872
100%	$	281		$	5,531

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

	Number  Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77
Granted		10		$	127.58
Vested		(53	)	$	62.85
Canceled/forfeited		(1	)	$	93.76
Balance at November 30, 2014		324		$	95.40
Granted		38		$	137.83
Canceled/forfeited		(5	)	$	95.43
Balance at February 28, 2015		357		$	99.85
Granted		1		$	152.77
Vested		(15	)	$	85.80
Canceled/forfeited		(4	)	$	113.57
Balance at May 31, 2015		339		$	100.43

Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block]

	Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Employee Option Plan			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Non-Employee Directors Plan
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(463	)		0
Granted – performance-based options		0			0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(26	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		35			0
Balance at November 30, 2014		2,768			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(25	)		(14	)
Granted – performance-based options		(138	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(95	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		44			0
Balance at February 28, 2015		2,554			88
Granted – non performance-based options		(61	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(2	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		39			0
Balance at May 31, 2015		2,530			88

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense - Performance Shares [Member] - USD ($)		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	[1]		$ 0
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			697,000
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	[1]		1,120,000
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			1,177,000
Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	[1]		2,594,000
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			1,303,000
Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment		$ 1.00	281,000	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			5,531,000
Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment		0.10	(150,000)	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			0
Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment	[1]		0
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			2,213,000
Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Three [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Changes to the Current Estimate of the Vesting Percentage and Related Expense [Line Items]
Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment		$ 0.70	141,000	[1]
Remaining Expense to be Recognized			$ 3,872,000

[1] Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2015.

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Note 15 - Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

15. INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense is based on taxable income determined in accordance with current enacted laws and tax rates. Deferred income taxes are recorded for the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates.

Provision for Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended May 31,						Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014			2015			2014
U.S. operations	$	72,816		$	58,943		$	203,655		$	181,631
Non-U.S. operations		13,022			14,428			44,055			42,220
Income before income taxes	$	85,838		$	73,371		$	247,710		$	223,851
U.S. operations	$	22,842		$	20,631		$	63,659		$	60,560
Non-U.S. operations		1,587			1,208			5,184			7,155
Total provision for income taxes	$	24,429		$	21,839		$	68,843		$	67,715
Effective tax rate		28.5	%*		29.8	%		27.8	%*		30.3	%

* On December 16, 2014, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 (the “ACT”), which President Obama signed into law on December 19, 2014. The ACT reinstated the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, which had previously expired on December 31, 2013. The reenactment of the tax credit was retroactive to January 1, 2014 and extended through the end of the 2014 calendar year. Prior to the reenactment of the tax credit, FactSet had not been permitted to factor it into its effective tax rate because it was not enacted tax law. The reenactment resulted in a discrete income tax benefit of $5.1 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

FactSet’s effective tax rate is based on recurring factors and nonrecurring events, including the taxation of foreign income. The Company’s effective tax rate will vary based on, among other things, changes in levels of foreign income, as well as discrete and other nonrecurring events that may not be predictable. The effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 35.0% in both periods presented above primarily due to foreign income, which is subject to lower statutory tax rates than in the U.S., income tax benefits from the reenactment of the U.S. Federal R&D tax credit, benefits from foreign tax credits and deductions due to U.S. production activities partially offset by additional state and local income taxes.

The components of the provision for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Current
U.S. Federal	$	58,278		$	58,300
U.S. state and local		3,060			2,861
Non-U.S.		6,864			7,452
Total current taxes	$	68,202		$	68,613
Deferred
U.S. Federal	$	2,124		$	(631	)
U.S. state and local		197			29
Non-U.S.		(1,680	)		(296	)
Total deferred taxes	$	641		$	(898	)
Total provision for income taxes	$	68,843		$	67,715

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

The significant components of deferred tax assets that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets
Current
Receivable reserve	$	588		$	597
Deferred rent		707			1,067
Other		475			177
Net current deferred tax assets	$	1,770		$	1,841
Non-current
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements	$	10,382		$	9,831
Deferred rent		4,640			3,572
Stock-based compensation		16,823			18,160
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology		(16,928	)		(10,750	)
Other		1,614			1,564
Net non-current deferred tax assets	$	16,531		$	22,377
Total deferred tax assets	$	18,301		$	24,218

The significant components of deferred tax liabilities that are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in thousands):

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Deferred tax liabilities (current)
Other	$	1,071		$	0
Net current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,071		$	0
Deferred tax liabilities (non-current)
Purchased intangible assets, including acquired technology	$	1,896		$	3,478
Stock-based compensation		0			(860	)
Depreciation on property, equipment and leasehold improvements		(182	)		0
Other		(3	)		303
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities	$	1,711		$	2,921
Total deferred tax liabilities	$	2,782		$	2,921

A provision has not been made for additional U.S. Federal taxes as of May 31, 2015 on income earned by foreign subsidiaries as all undistributed earnings of such foreign subsidiaries are considered to be invested indefinitely or will be repatriated if it results in no additional U.S. tax liability. The amount of such undistributed earnings of these foreign subsidiaries included in consolidated retained earnings was immaterial at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014. As such, the unrecognized deferred tax liability on those undistributed earnings was immaterial. These earnings could become subject to additional tax if they are remitted as dividends, loaned to FactSet, or upon sale of the subsidiary’s stock.

Unrecognized Tax Positions

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

As of May 31, 2015, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits totaling $6.4 million, including $1.1 million of accrued interest, recorded as non-current taxes payable in the consolidated balance sheet. Approximately $0.7 million of these unrecognized tax benefits would have affected the current year effective tax rate if realized as of May 31, 2015. Unrecognized tax benefits represent tax positions taken on tax returns but not yet recognized in the consolidated financial statements. When applicable, the Company adjusts the previously recorded tax expense to reflect examination results when the position is ultimately settled. The Company regularly engages in discussions and negotiations with tax authorities regarding tax matters in various jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain federal, foreign, and state tax matters may be concluded in the next 12 months. However, FactSet has no reason to believe that such audits will result in the payment of additional taxes and/or penalties that would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position, beyond current estimates. Any changes in accounting estimates resulting from new developments with respect to uncertain tax positions will be recorded as appropriate. The Company does not currently anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change within the next 12 months.

The following table summarizes the changes in the balance of gross unrecognized tax benefits during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 (in thousands):

Unrecognized income tax benefits at August 31, 2014	$	5,501
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		721
Additions for tax positions of prior years		968
Statute of limitations lapse		(809	)
Unrecognized income tax benefits at May 31, 2015	$	6,381

In the normal course of business, the Company’s tax filings are subject to audit by federal, state and foreign tax authorities. At May 31, 2015, the Company remained subject to examination in the following major tax jurisdictions:

Major Tax Jurisdictions	Open Fiscal Years
U.S.
Federal	2013 through 2015
State (various)	2011 through 2015
Europe
France	2012 through 2015
United Kingdom	2013 through 2015

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Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended May 31,			Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015		2014	2015		2014
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.01% - 2.12%	N/A		0.01% - 2.34%		0.01% - 2.61%
Expected life (in years)		8.2	N/A		8.2	7.6 – 7.8
Term structure of volatility		21% - 31%	N/A		21% - 31%		23% - 33%
Dividend yield		1.16%	N/A		1.33%		1.35%
Weighted average estimated fair value		$44.95	N/A		$39.59		$29.64
Weighted average exercise price		$159.14	N/A		$137.52		$106.69
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price		28.2%	N/A		28.8%		27.8%

Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

Risk-free interest rate	1.45	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	23.5	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Risk-free interest rate	1.66	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	28.9	%
Dividend yield	1.35	%

2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]

Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables) [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2015		2014
Risk-free interest rate	0.02	%		0.04	%
Expected life (in months)	3			3
Expected volatility	7.2	%		13.3	%
Dividend yield	1.13	%		1.50	%

		Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Risk-free interest rate		0.02	%		0.04	%
Expected life (in months)		3			3
Expected volatility		8.0	%		10.8	%
Dividend yield		1.16	%		1.36	%

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Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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

Lease Commitments

At May 31, 2015 the Company leases approximately 193,000 square feet of office space at its headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. In addition, FactSet leases office space for its U.S. reportable segment in New York, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Austin, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Newark, Ridgewood and Piscataway, New Jersey; Manchester, New Hampshire; Reston, Virginia, Youngstown, Ohio; and Toronto, Canada. The Company’s European segment operates in leased office space in London, England; Paris and Avon, France; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Frankfurt, Germany; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Milan, Italy; and Riga, Latvia. Office space in Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Singapore; Mumbai, India; and Sydney, Australia are leased by FactSet for its Asia Pacific operating segment. The data content collection centers located in Hyderabad, India and Manila, the Philippines benefit all of the Companies operating segments. The leases expire on various dates through 2031. Total minimum rental payments associated with the leases are recorded as rent expense (a component of selling, general and administrative expenses) on a straight-line basis over the periods of the respective non-cancelable lease terms.

Rent expense (including operating costs) for all operating leases amounted to $9.6 million and $9.7 million during the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Rent expense for all operating leases for the nine months of fiscal 2015 and 2014 amounted to $28.7 million and $28.0 million, respectively. At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, deferred rent reported within the consolidated balance sheet totaled $19.3 million and $18.3 million, of which $16.3 million and $14.9 million, respectively, was reported as a non-current liability within the line item Deferred Rent and Other Non-Current Liabilities. Approximately $1.4 million of standby letters of credit have been issued during the ordinary course of business in connection with the Company’s current leased office space as of May 31, 2015. These standby letters of credit contain covenants that, among other things, require the Company to maintain minimum levels of consolidated net worth and certain leverage and fixed charge ratios. As of May 31, 2015, FactSet was in compliance with all covenants contained in the standby letters of credit.

At May 31, 2015, FactSet leases approximately 883,800 square feet of office space, which the Company believes is adequate for its current needs and that additional space is available for lease to meet any future needs. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, FactSet entered into the following new lease agreements:

● Boston, Massachusetts: A new lease amendment was signed to extend and expand the Company’s existing office space in Boston by 4,809 rentable square feet. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $6.6 million through June 2022.

● Hyderabad, India:

- A new lease amendment was entered into during November 2014 to renew the Company’s existing office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the renewal resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $2.2 million over the non-cancelable lease term through November 2019.

- A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 44,830 square feet of new office space in Hyderabad. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.8 million over the lease term through September 2020.

● Manila, Philippines: A new lease agreement was entered into during April 2015 for 13,043 square feet of new office space in Manila. At the time of signing, the new lease agreement resulted in incremental future minimum rental payments of $1.5 million over the non-cancelable lease term through June 2020.

The Company’s lease commitments for office space provide for the following future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year as of May 31, 2015 (in thousands):

Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2015 (remaining three months)	$	5,565
2016		21,101
2017		24,430
2018		23,277
2019		22,083
Thereafter		96,933
Total	$	193,389

Purchase Commitments with Suppliers

Purchase obligations represent payments due in future periods in respect of commitments to the Company’s various data vendors as well as commitments to purchase goods and services such as telecommunication and computer maintenance services. These purchase commitments are agreements that are enforceable and legally binding on FactSet and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. At August 31, 2014, the Company had total purchase commitments of $53.3 million. There were no material changes in the Company’s purchase commitments during fiscal 2015.

Contingencies

Legal Matters

FactSet accrues non income-tax liabilities for contingencies when management believes that a loss is probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, while contingent gains are recognized only when realized. The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, including intellectual property litigation. Based on currently available information at May 31, 2015, FactSet’s management does not believe that the ultimate outcome of these unresolved matters against the Company, individually or in the aggregate, is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, its results of operations or its cash flows.

Income Taxes

Uncertain income tax positions are accounted for in accordance with applicable accounting guidance (see Note 15). FactSet is currently under audit by tax authorities and has reserved for potential adjustments to its provision for income taxes that may result from examinations by, or any negotiated settlements with, these tax authorities. The Company believes that the final outcome of these examinations or settlements will not have a material effect on its results of operations. If events occur which indicate payment of these amounts is unnecessary, the reversal of the liabilities would result in the recognition of tax benefits in the period FactSet determines the liabilities are no longer necessary. If the Company’s estimates of the federal, state, and foreign income tax liabilities are less than the ultimate assessment, a further charge to expense would result.

Indemnifications

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

Concentrations of Credit Risk

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

Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are unsecured and are derived from revenues earned from clients located around the globe. FactSet performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients and does not require collateral from its clients. The Company maintains reserves for potential write-offs and these losses have historically been within expectations. No single client represented 10% or more of FactSet’s total revenues in any period presented. At May 31, 2015, the Company’s largest individual client accounted for 2% of total annual subscriptions and subscriptions from the ten largest clients did not surpass 15% of total annual subscriptions, consistent with August 31, 2014. As of each of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, the receivable reserve was $1.7 million.

Derivative Instruments - As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to CDS as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies as determined by FactSet. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions and regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties.

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Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - USD ($)			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 15, 2015	Jan. 15, 2014	Jul. 31, 2012	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Dec. 16, 2014
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)				$ 6,100,000			$ 6,800,000			$ 17,100,000	$ 17,400,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)				$ 60,300,000						$ 60,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition										3 years 109 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount (in Dollars)										$ 0		$ 0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)				61,000		463,000				0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 159.14		$ 131.31
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)													500,000
Non-performance Based [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)				61,210	25,075	462,913		138,902	35,508
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 159.14	$ 139.02	$ 131.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 44.95		$ 37.67
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)				$ 700,000						$ 700,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition										2 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)			241,546		137,522			165,949	36,695
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price					$ 148.52
Performance and Non-performance [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price					147.05			$ 106.03	$ 109.49
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 43.05			$ 29.14	$ 31.78
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)				38,000	1,000	10,000				49,158	204,124
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value										$ 135.96	$ 101.95
Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross (in Shares)	13,842	14,424
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 28.18	$ 27.04
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)				250,000						250,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)				88,590						88,590
2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense (in Dollars)				$ 400,000			$ 300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price				$ 132.48			$ 88.55			$ 118.82	88.33
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value				$ 25.11			$ 17.81			$ 22.68	$ 17.91
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance (in Shares)				497,796						497,796
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans (in Shares)				13,877			18,068			47,085	54,597

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 178,867	$ 156,136
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	24,229	25,852
Stock-based compensation expense	17,112	17,425
Deferred income taxes	3,041	(2,038)
Gain on sale of assets	(17)	(62)
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	(23,926)	(6,815)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions
Accounts receivable, net of reserves	(1,159)	(9,001)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,973	(2,260)
Accrued compensation	(5,496)	(7,368)
Deferred fees	5,951	4,709
Taxes payable, net of prepaid taxes	16,213	20,777
Prepaid expenses and other assets	78	(1,931)
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	1,873	(1,241)
Other working capital accounts, net	103	(461)
Net cash provided by operating activities	222,842	193,722
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	(33,556)	(46,873)
Purchases of investments	(12,437)	(7,818)
Proceeds from sales of investments	7,535	6,871
Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net of proceeds from dispositions	(15,391)	(11,704)
Net cash used in investing activities	(53,849)	(59,524)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividend payments	(48,404)	(44,736)
Repurchase of common stock	(177,556)	(205,154)
Proceeds from debt	35,000	0
Debt issuance costs	(32)	0
Proceeds from employee stock plans	51,852	26,799
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements	23,926	6,815
Net cash used in financing activities	(115,214)	(216,276)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(12,262)	4,309
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	41,517	(77,769)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	116,378	196,627
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 157,895	$ 118,858

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Net income		$ 61,409	$ 51,532	$ 178,867	$ 156,136
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges*	[1]	(1,020)	2,341	(289)	5,625
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(4,187)	545	(25,753)	12,199
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(5,207)	2,886	(26,042)	17,824
Comprehensive income		$ 56,202	$ 54,418	$ 152,825	$ 173,960

[1] For the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, the unrealized loss on cash flow hedges were net of tax benefits of $606 and $172, respectively. The unrealizedgain on cash flow hedges disclosed above for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014, was net of tax expense of $1,391 and $3,352, respectively.

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Note 10 - Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

FactSet’s identifiable intangible assets consist of acquired content databases, client relationships, software technology, non-compete agreements and trade names resulting from acquisitions, which have been fully integrated into the Company’s operations. The weighted average useful life of FactSet’s acquired identifiable intangible assets at May 31, 2015 was 10.4 years. The Company amortizes intangible assets over their estimated useful lives, which are evaluated quarterly to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. There have been no changes to the estimate of the remaining useful lives during fiscal 2015. If indicators of impairment appear to exist, amortizable intangible assets are tested for impairment based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. No impairment of intangible assets has been identified during any of the periods presented. The intangible assets have no assigned residual values.

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

At May 31, 2015	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	53,257	$	29,458	$	23,799
Client relationships		27,753		17,698		10,055
Software technology		26,768		20,216		6,552
Non-compete agreements		2,807		2,314		493
Trade names		1,801		1,139		662
Total	$	112,386	$	70,825	$	41,561

At August 31, 2014	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Carrying Amount
Data content	$	56,974	$	27,644	$	29,330
Client relationships		25,821		17,443		8,378
Software technology		22,881		20,089		2,792
Non-compete agreements		2,465		1,881		584
Trade names		1,729		958		771
Total	$	109,870	$	68,015	$	41,855

During nine months ended May 31, 2015, $9.1 million of intangible assets were acquired with a weighted average useful life of 6.3 years.

Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $2.3 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Amortization expense recorded for intangible assets was $6.4 million and $6.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of May 31, 2015, estimated intangible asset amortization expense for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year	Estimated Amortization Expense
2015 (remaining three months)	$	1,772
2016		6,997
2017		6,915
2018		5,788
2019		4,467
Thereafter		15,622
Total	$	41,561

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Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	FACTSET RESEARCH SYSTEMS INC
Trading Symbol	fds
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--08-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		41,415,629
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001013237
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Document Period End Date	May 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

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Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

11. COMMON STOCK AND EARNINGS PER SHARE

On May 12, 2015, FactSet’s Board of Directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.44 per share, or $1.76 per share per annum. The cash dividend of $18.3 million was paid on June 16, 2015 to common stockholders of record at the close of business on May 29, 2015.

Shares of common stock outstanding were as follows (in thousands): 

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Balance at September 1		41,793			43,324
Common stock issued for employee stock plans		951			562
Stock issued for acquisition of a business		20			0
Repurchase of common stock from employees*		(23	)		(41	)
Repurchase of common stock under the share repurchase program		(1,210	)		(1,829	)
Balance at May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively		41,531			42,016

*For the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company repurchased 23,192 and 41,093 shares, or $3.1 million and $4.4 million, of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.

A reconciliation of the weighted average shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Net Income (Numerator)		Weighted Average Common Share (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
For the three months ended May 31, 2015
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	61,409		41,628	$	1.48
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				669
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	61,409		42,297	$	1.45
For the three months ended May 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	51,532		42,166	$	1.22
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				449
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	51,532		42,615	$	1.21
For the nine months ended May 31, 2015
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	178,867		41,648	$	4.29
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				669
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	178,867		42,317	$	4.23
For the nine months ended May 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders	$	156,136		42,615	$	3.66
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock				555
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	$	156,136		43,170	$	3.62

Dilutive potential common shares consist of stock options and unvested restricted stock awards. No stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS for the three months ended May 31, 2015, while 49,571 were excluded for the three months ended May 31, 2014, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended May 31, 2015, the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 485,129. For the three months ended May 31, 2014 the number of performance-based stock option grants excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 1,389,674.

Performance-based stock options are omitted from the calculation of diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria are probable of being achieved. The criterion was not yet probable of being achieved as of May 31, 2015 and 2014 for these performance-based stock options.

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Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Minimum Lease Commitments $ in Thousands	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Future Minimum Lease Commitments [Abstract]
2015 (remaining three months)	$ 5,565
2016	21,101
2017	24,430
2018	23,277
2019	22,083
Thereafter	96,933
Total	$ 193,389

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Tax expense on the net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges	$ 606	$ 1,391	$ 172	$ 3,352

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]

5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Cash Flow Hedges

FactSet conducts business outside the U.S. in several currencies including the British Pound Sterling, Euro, Japanese Yen, Indian Rupee and Philippine Peso. As such, it is exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates compared to the U.S. dollar. To manage the exposures related to the effects of foreign exchange rate fluctuations, the Company utilizes derivative instruments (foreign currency forward contracts). The Company’s primary objective in holding derivatives is to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flows associated with changes in foreign currency. The Company does not enter into foreign currency forward contracts for trading or speculative purposes. In designing a specific hedging approach, FactSet considered several factors, including offsetting exposures, significance of exposures, forecasting risk and potential effectiveness of the hedge. The gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts offset the variability in operating expenses associated with currency movements. The changes in fair value for these foreign currency forward contracts are initially reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”) and subsequently reclassified into operating expenses when the hedged exposure affects earnings. There was no discontinuance of cash flow hedges during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and as such, no corresponding gains or losses related to changes in the value of the Company’s contracts were reclassified into earnings prior to settlement.

As of May 31, 2015, FactSet maintained the following foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its Indian Rupee, Philippine Peso, British Pound and Euro exposure:

● Indian Rupee - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 75% of its Indian Rupee exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017.

● Philippine Peso - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Philippine Peso exposure through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

● British Pound - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its British Pound exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

● Euro - foreign currency forward contracts to hedge approximately 50% of its Euro exposure through the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

The following is a summary of all hedging positions and corresponding fair values (in thousands):

	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value Asset (Liability)
Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	May 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014		May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Indian Rupee	$	47,860	$	38,479	$	453		$	700
Philippine Peso		3,000		6,500		26			115
Euro		14,737		0		(424	)		0
British Pound		22,618		0		297			0
Total	$	88,215	$	44,979	$	352		$	815

As of May 31, 2015, the gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Indian Rupees with U.S. dollars was Rs. 3.3 billion. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Philippine Pesos with U.S. dollars was Php 135.2 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase British Pound with U.S. dollars was £15.0 million. The gross notional value of foreign exchange contracts to purchase Euros with U.S. dollars was €13.0 million.

Counterparty Credit Risk

As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. FactSet has incorporated counterparty risk into the fair value of its derivative assets and its own credit risk into the value of the Company’s derivative liabilities. FactSet calculates credit risk from observable data related to credit default swaps (“CDS”) as quoted by publicly available information. Counterparty risk is represented by CDS spreads related to the senior secured debt of the respective bank with whom FactSet has executed these derivative transactions. Because CDS spread information is not available for FactSet, the Company’s credit risk is determined based on using a simple average of CDS spreads for peer companies. To mitigate counterparty credit risk, FactSet enters into contracts with large financial institutions. The Company regularly reviews its credit exposure balances as well as the creditworthiness of the counterparties. The Company does not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value amounts of derivative instruments and gains and losses on derivative instruments (in thousands):

Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	May 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	972	$	114
	Other assets	$	0	$	1,292
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	424	$	591
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	196		0

All derivatives were designated as hedging instruments as of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively.

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships 

The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Location of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income	(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2015			2014		(Effective Portion)	2015			2014
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(1,903	)	$	3,673	SG&A	$	(277	)	$	(59	)

The following table provides the pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):

	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Location of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income	(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2015			2014		(Effective Portion)	2015			2014
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(929	)	$	8,661	SG&A	$	(468	)	$	(316	)

No amount of ineffectiveness was recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income for these designated cash flow hedges and all components of each derivative’s gain or loss was included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness. As of May 31, 2015, FactSet estimates that approximately $0.5 million of net derivative gains related to its cash flow hedges included in AOCL will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months.

Offsetting of Derivative Instruments

FactSet’s master netting and other similar arrangements with its respective counterparties allow for net settlement under certain conditions. As of May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, information related to these offsetting arrangements was as follows (in thousands):

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
May 31, 2015	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,424		$	(452	)	$	972
Fair value of liabilities		(1,072	)		452			(620	)
Total	$	352		$	0		$	352

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2014	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,406		$	0	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

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Note 4 - Fair Value Measures

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block]

4. FAIR VALUE MEASURES

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

(a) Fair Value Hierarchy

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value based on the reliability of inputs. A financial instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. FactSet has categorized its cash equivalents, investments and derivatives within the fair value hierarchy as follows:

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

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

Level 3 – applies to assets or liabilities for which there are unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the measurement of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. There were no Level 3 assets or liabilities held by the Company as of May 31, 2015 or August 31, 2014.

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

The following tables shows by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 (in thousands):

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
May 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds (1)	$	91,290	$	0	$	0	$	91,290
Certificates of deposit (2)		0		25,020		0		25,020
Derivative instruments (3)		0		972		0		972
Total assets measured at fair value	$	91,290	$	25,992	$	0	$	117,282
Liabilities
Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	620	$	0	$	620
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	620	$	0	$	620

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds (1)	$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit (2)		0		20,008		0		20,008
Derivative instruments (3)		0		1,406		0		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777
Liabilities
Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591

(1) The Company’s corporate money market funds are traded in an active market and the net asset value of each fund on the last day of the quarter is used to determine its fair value. As such, the Company’s corporate money market funds are classified as Level 1 and included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheet.

(2) The Company’s certificates of deposit are held to maturity are not debt securities and are classified as Level 2. These certificates of deposit have original maturities greater than three months, but less than one year and, as such, are classified as investments (short-term) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

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

The Company did not have any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the periods presented.

(c) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Certain assets, including goodwill and intangible assets, and liabilities, including long-term debt, are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when they are deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values of these non-financial assets and liabilities are determined based on valuation techniques using the best information available, and may include quoted market prices, market comparables, and discounted cash flow projections. An impairment charge is recorded when the cost exceeds its fair value, based upon the results of such valuations. During the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, no fair value adjustments were required for the Company’s non-financial assets or liabilities.

As of May 31, 2015, the fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was $35.0 million, which approximated its carrying amount. FactSet did not have any long-term debt as of August 31, 2014. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt was determined based on quoted market prices for debt with a similar maturity, and thus categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

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Note 16 - Long-term Debt

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Long-term Debt [Text Block]

16. LONG-TERM DEBT

On February 6, 2015, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) between FactSet, as the borrower, and Bank of America, N.A., as the lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement provides for a $35.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), under which the Company may request borrowings until its maturity date of February 6, 2018. The Credit Agreement allows FactSet to arrange for additional borrowings with the Lender for an aggregate amount of up to $265.0 million provided that any such request for additional borrowings must be in a minimum amount of $25.0 million. At the Company’s option, the borrowing may be in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan, a base rate loan, or a LIBOR daily rate loan. On May 29, 2015, FactSet and the Lender entered into an agreement dated as of May 27, 2015, to amend the existing Credit Agreement. The amendment revised the definition of a change in control, but all of the other respective terms, conditions and provisions of the Credit Agreement remain the same.

On February 6, 2015, FactSet borrowed $35.0 million in the form of a Eurodollar rate loan (the “Loan”) under the Revolving Credit Facility. The proceeds of the Loan made under the Credit Agreement may be used for permitted acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Loan matures on February 6, 2018. There are no prepayment penalties in the event that the Company elects to prepay the Loan prior to its scheduled maturity date. The principal balance is payable in full on the maturity date. The $35.0 million borrowed under the February 6, 2015 Loan bears interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to the Eurodollar rate plus 0.50% and is reported as long-term debt within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at May 31, 2015. The Eurodollar rate is defined in the Credit Agreement as the rate per annum equal to one-month LIBOR. Interest on the Loan is payable quarterly in arrears and on the maturity date. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, the Company paid interest of less than $0.1 million on its outstanding Loan amount.

In addition, no commitment fee was owed by FactSet since it borrowed the full amount of the Revolving Credit Facility on February 6, 2015. Other fees incurred by the Company, such as legal costs to draft and review the Credit Agreement, totaled less than $0.1 million and were capitalized as loan origination fees. These loan origination fees are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Loan (three years) using the effective interest method and totaled less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended May 31, 2015.

The Credit Agreement contains covenants restricting certain FactSet activities, which are usual and customary for this type of loan. In addition, the Credit Agreement requires that FactSet must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio, as measured by total funded debt/EBITDA below a specified level as of the end of each fiscal quarter. The Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of the Credit Agreement as of May 31, 2015.

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Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]

12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred Stock

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, there were 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which no shares were issued and outstanding. FactSet’s Board of Directors may from time to time authorize the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock and, in connection with the creation of such series, determine the characteristics of each such series including, without limitation, the preference and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the series.

Common Stock

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, there were 150,000,000 shares of common stock ($.01 par value per share) authorized, of which 50,062,210 and 49,110,218 shares were issued, respectively. The authorized shares of common stock are issuable for any proper corporate purpose, including future stock splits, stock dividends, acquisitions, raising equity capital or to adopt additional employee benefit plans.

Treasury Stock

At May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, there were 8,530,990 and 7,317,416 shares of treasury stock (at cost) outstanding, respectively. As a result, 41,531,220 and 41,792,802 shares of FactSet common stock were outstanding at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. In connection with the acquisition of Code Red on February 6, 2015, FactSet issued 20,207 shares of treasury stock with a fair value of $3.0 million.

Share Repurchase Program

On December 15, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a $300.0 million expansion of the existing share repurchase program. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, the Company repurchased 1,209,954 shares for $174.3 million.

At May 31, 2015, $212.7 million remains authorized for future share repurchases. Repurchases will be made from time to time in the open market and privately negotiated transactions, subject to market conditions. No minimum number of shares to be repurchased has been fixed. There is no timeframe to complete the repurchase program and it is expected that share repurchases will be paid using existing and future cash generated by operations.

Restricted Stock

Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest over time. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, 68,178 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2015 (less 23,192 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock). During the same period in fiscal 2014, 135,205 of previously granted restricted stock awards vested and were included in common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2014 (less 41,093 shares repurchased from employees to cover their cost of taxes upon vesting of the restricted stock).

Dividends

The Company’s Board of Directors declared the following historical dividends:

Declaration Date	Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount (in thousands)		Payment Date
May 12, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	May 29, 2015	$	18,274	June 16, 2015
February 11, 2015	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	February 27, 2015	$	16,236	March 17, 2015
November 12, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	November 28, 2014	$	16,216	December 16, 2014
August 14, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	August 29, 2014	$	16,299	September 16, 2014
May 5, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	May 30, 2014	$	16,386	June 17, 2014
February 11, 2014	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2014	$	14,827	March 18, 2014
November 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	November 29, 2013	$	15,046	December 17, 2013
August 15, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2013	$	15,164	September 17, 2013

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

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Note 8 - Business Combinations

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]

8. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

Code Red, Inc.

On February 6, 2015, FactSet acquired Code Red, Inc. (“Code Red”) for $34.8 million. At the time of acquisition, Code Red employed 32 individuals and had annual subscriptions of $9.3 million. Code Red provides research management technologies to the investment community, including endowments and foundations, institutional asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, pensions, and hedge funds. With the addition of Code Red to FactSet's existing Research Management Solutions (“RMS”), FactSet now offers an RMS for all its clients' workflows, which is consistent with the Company’s strategy of offering software and tools to make client workflows more efficient. This factor contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of Code Red’s net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill.

The total preliminary purchase price of the acquisition is as follows (in thousands):

Cash consideration	$	32,000
Fair value of FactSet stock issued		2,990
Adjustment for changes in working capital		(240	)
Total preliminary purchase price	$	34,750

Allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was not yet finalized as of May 31, 2015. The preliminary purchase price was allocated to Code Red net tangible and intangible assets based upon their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition. The purchase price is subject to finalizing working capital adjustments.

Based upon the purchase price and preliminary valuation, the allocation is as follows (in thousands):

Tangible assets acquired	$	2,514
Amortizable intangible assets
Software technology		4,728
Client relationships		3,089
Non-compete agreements		277
Trade name		127
Goodwill		29,627
Total assets acquired		40,362
Liabilities assumed		(5,612	)
Net assets acquired	$	34,750

Intangible assets of $8.2 million have been allocated to amortizable intangible assets consisting of software technology, amortized over six years using a straight-line amortization method; client relationships, amortized over seven years using an accelerated amortization method; non-compete agreements, amortized over four years using a straight-line amortization method; and trade name, amortized over three years using a straight-line amortization method.

Goodwill totaling $29.6 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from the Code Red acquisition is included in the U.S. segment and is not deductible for income tax purposes. The results of operations of Code Red have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition on February 6, 2015 and the results did not have a material impact on the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Matrix Data Limited

During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet acquired Matrix Data Limited (“Matrix”) for a total purchase price of $31.8 million. Matrix’ primary line of business is a provider of intelligence to the UK financial services industry, covering market share of mutual fund distribution. Matrix has developed customer, channel and market benchmarking solutions that help clients optimize product distribution and improve marketing effectiveness to drive revenue growth. At the time of acquisition, Matrix had annual subscriptions of $7 million. The acquisition of Matrix allows FactSet to expand its current U.S. advisor-sold investments and insurance products to the UK, with the potential to ultimately expand this coverage throughout continental Europe. The opportunity for FactSet to develop an international presence and complement its existing U.S. product offerings contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Matrix net tangible and intangible assets, leading to the recognition of goodwill. The results of operations of Matrix have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income since the completion of the acquisition and did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material on the Company’s consolidated financial results.

Revere Data

On September 1, 2013, FactSet acquired the assets of Revere Data, LLC (“Revere”) to complement the Company's commitment to provide its clients with insightful content sets, for $15.3 million in cash. Revere classifies companies into a unique industry taxonomy and offers a database of supply chain relationships that helps investors identify companies’ interrelationships and mutual dependencies. As of the date of acquisition, Revere had annual subscriptions of $4.9 million. The opportunity for FactSet to offer this robust data to new and existing clients contributed to a purchase price in excess of fair value of the Revere net tangible and intangible assets. As a result, FactSet recorded goodwill in connection with this transaction. The results of the operations of Revere have been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income since the completion of the acquisition on September 1, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s operations. Pro forma information has not been presented because the effects of this acquisition were not material to the Company’s consolidated financial results.

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Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Basic EPS
Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars)	$ 61,409	$ 51,532	$ 178,867	$ 156,136
Income available to common stockholders	41,628	42,166	41,648	42,615
Income available to common stockholders (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.48	$ 1.22	$ 4.29	$ 3.66
Diluted EPS
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock	669	449	669	555
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions (in Dollars)	$ 61,409	$ 51,532	$ 178,867	$ 156,136
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions	42,297	42,615	42,317	43,170
Income available to common stockholders plus assumed conversions (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.45	$ 1.21	$ 4.23	$ 3.62

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Note 6 - Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

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

The components of other comprehensive (loss) income and amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2015						2014
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(4,187	)	$	(4,187	)	$	545	$	545
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		277			174			59		37
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(1,903	)		(1,194	)		3,673		2,304
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(5,813	)	$	(5,207	)	$	4,277	$	2,886

	Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015						2014
	Pre-tax			Net of tax			Pre-tax		Net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$	(25,753	)	$	(25,753	)	$	12,199	$	12,199
Realized loss on cash flow hedges reclassified to earnings (1)		468			294			316		199
Unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss		(929	)		(583	)		8,661		5,426
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(26,214	)	$	(26,042	)	$	21,176	$	17,824

⁽¹⁾ Reclassified to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss is as follows (in thousands): 

	May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Accumulated unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax	$	221		$	510
Accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments		(44,184	)		(18,431	)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(43,963	)	$	(17,921	)

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Note 7 - Segment Information

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

7. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which they may earn revenues and incur expenses, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the enterprise’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available. FactSet’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer, who is responsible for making decisions about resources allocated amongst the operating segments based on actual results.

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

The European segment is headquartered in London, England and maintains office locations in France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, Sweden and Dubai. The Asia Pacific segment is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with office locations in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mumbai, India. Segment revenues reflect direct sales to clients based in their respective geographic locations. There are no intersegment or intercompany sales of the FactSet services. Each segment records compensation expense, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, depreciation of furniture and fixtures, amortization of leasehold improvements, communication costs, professional fees, rent expense, travel, marketing, office and other direct expenses. Expenditures associated with the Company’s data centers, third party data costs and corporate headquarters charges are recorded by the U.S. segment and are not allocated to the other segments. The content collection centers located in India and the Philippines benefit all of the Company’s operating segments and thus the expenses incurred at these locations are allocated to each segment based on a percentage of revenues. Of the total $307.2 million of goodwill reported by the Company at May 31, 2015, 69% was recorded in the U.S. segment, 30% in the European segment and the remaining 1% in the Asia Pacific segment.

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

For the three months ended May 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	172,070	$	63,156	$	19,296	$	254,522
Segment operating profit		43,332		31,187		10,837		85,356
Total assets		433,177		232,171		62,728		728,076
Capital expenditures		2,977		142		508		3,627

For the three months ended May 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	156,241	$	58,265	$	17,255	$	231,761
Segment operating profit		39,081		24,732		9,224		73,037
Total assets		363,959		237,286		58,391		659,636
Capital expenditures		3,099		188		385		3,672

For the nine months ended May 31, 2015	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	502,271	$	186,320	$	56,399	$	744,990
Segment operating profit		130,271		85,675		30,319		246,265
Capital expenditures		13,808		350		1,233		15,391

For the nine months ended May 31, 2014	U.S.		Europe		Asia Pacific		Total
Revenues from clients	$	463,419	$	167,993	$	50,259	$	681,671
Segment operating profit		121,806		75,155		25,872		222,833
Capital expenditures		10,529		380		795		11,704

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Note 9 - Goodwill

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block]

9. GOODWILL

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the nine months ended May 31, 2015 are as follows (in thousands):

	U.S.		Europe			Asia Pacific			Total
Balance at August 31, 2014	$	179,434	$	103,032		$	3,142		$	285,608
Goodwill acquired during the period		32,435		0			0			32,435
Foreign currency translations		0		(10,300	)		(512	)		(10,812	)
Balance at May 31, 2015	$	211,869	$	92,732		$	2,630		$	307,231

Goodwill is not amortized as it has an estimated indefinite life. At least annually, the Company is required to test goodwill at the reporting unit level for potential impairment. Goodwill is tested for impairment based on the present value of discounted cash flows, and, if impaired, written down to fair value based on discounted cash flows. The Company has three reporting units, which are consistent with the operating segments reported as there is no discrete financial information available for the subsidiaries within each operating segment. The Company’s reporting units evaluated for potential impairment were the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific, which reflects the level of internal reporting the Company uses to manage its business and operations. The Company performed an annual goodwill impairment test during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, at which time it was determined that there were no indications of impairment, with the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units significantly exceeding carrying value.

Goodwill acquired in fiscal 2015 of $32.4 million represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets from business acquisitions completed in the first nine months of 2015.

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity - $ / shares	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended					9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	May. 31, 2015
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Number outstanding		3,540,000	3,798,000	3,482,000			3,482,000
Weighted average exercise price per share		$ 91.67	$ 85.98	$ 79.67			$ 79.67
Granted, number outstanding		61,000		463,000			0
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share		$ 159.14		$ 131.31
Exercised, number outstanding		(319,000)	(403,000)	(114,000)
Exercised, weighted average exercise price per share		$ 57.30	$ 61.63	$ 73.53
Forfeited, number outstanding		(28,000)	(32,000)	(33,000)
Forfeited, weighted average exercise price per share		$ 122.02	$ 97.08	$ 98.28
Number outstanding		3,254,000	3,540,000	3,798,000			3,254,000
Weighted average exercise price per share		$ 96.05	$ 91.67	$ 85.98			$ 96.05
Non-performance Based [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Granted, number outstanding		61,210	25,075	462,913	138,902	35,508
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share		$ 159.14	$ 139.02	$ 131.31
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Granted, number outstanding	241,546		137,522		165,949	36,695
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share			$ 148.52
Non-employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Granted, number outstanding			14,000
Granted, weighted average exercise price per share			$ 138.48

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Award - Restricted Stock [Member] - shares	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - Summary of Restricted Stock Award [Line Items]
Balance	357,000	324,000	368,000	368,000	368,000
Granted (restricted stock and stock units)	38,000	1,000	10,000		49,158	204,124
Vested	(15,000)		(53,000)		(68,178)	(135,205)
Canceled/forfeited	(4,000)	(5,000)	(1,000)
Balance	339,000	357,000	324,000	357,000	339,000

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions				1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended										6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 23, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Sep. 17, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	May. 31, 2015		Feb. 28, 2015		Nov. 30, 2014		May. 31, 2014	Feb. 28, 2014	Nov. 30, 2013	Aug. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2015	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	May. 29, 2015	Dec. 16, 2014
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross					61,000				463,000							0
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)					$ 159.14				$ 131.31
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number		3,482,000			3,254,000		3,540,000		3,798,000						3,540,000	3,254,000		3,482,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)		$ 79.67			$ 96.05		$ 91.67		$ 85.98						$ 91.67	$ 96.05		$ 79.67
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					$ 60.3											$ 60.3
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years 109 days
Share Price (in Dollars per share)																			$ 165.17
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance																				500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent																85.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate					10.00%											10.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Annual Contributions Per Employee, Percent																60.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Vesting Period																5 years
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount (in Dollars)																$ 6.3	$ 5.7
2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross																686,720
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)																$ 137.52
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number					3,253,586											3,253,586
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)					$ 96.05											$ 96.05
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)					$ 32.1						$ 6.9					$ 70.9	$ 22.9
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)					$ 159.14											$ 137.52	$ 106.69
Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period																5 years
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					$ 37.5											$ 37.5
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years 146 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number		1,900,000			1,400,000											1,400,000		1,900,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)		$ 68.78			$ 77.83											$ 77.83		$ 68.78
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value (in Dollars)		$ 111.3			$ 118.8											$ 118.8		$ 111.3
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross				241,546			137,522					165,949	36,695
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)							$ 148.52
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					0.7											$ 0.7
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																2 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage				20.00%
Performance Shares [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage														20.00%		20.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares														48,314
Performance Shares [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage		20.00%
Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period							4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross							137,522
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					2.2											$ 2.2
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years 255 days
Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche One [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period							4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross							68,761
Performance Shares [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member] | Share-based Compensation Award, Tranche Two [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period							2 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross							68,761
Performance Shares [Member] | Matrix Data Limited [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross																		165,949
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Options Measurement Period																		5 years
Performance Shares [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross																		36,695
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					$ 0.4											$ 0.4
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number					18,553											18,553
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					38,000		1,000		10,000							49,158	204,124
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)																$ 135.96	$ 101.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number		368,000			339,000		357,000		324,000						357,000	339,000		368,000
Restricted Stock [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period																3 years 328 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					$ 22.7											$ 22.7
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years 109 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period					2,000	[1]	95,000	[1]	26,000	[1]						49,158
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)																$ 135.96
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number					339,298											339,298
Restricted Stock [Member] | Code Red, Inc. [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					$ 0.1											$ 0.1
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																1 year 255 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number							690								690
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period															1,724
Performance Based Stock Options Outstanding Expected to be Forfeited					1,034											1,034
Restricted Stock [Member] | Revere Data, LLC [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized (in Dollars)					$ 0.3											$ 0.3
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition																3 years 73 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number			3,872
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period			7,744
Performance Based Stock Options Outstanding Expected to be Forfeited					3,872											3,872
2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)					$ 132.48						$ 88.55					$ 118.82	$ 88.33
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance					497,796											497,796
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	500,000
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans					13,877						18,068					47,085	54,597
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share (in Dollars per share)					$ 132.48						$ 88.55					$ 118.82	$ 88.33
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period																7 years
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan [Member]
Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period																10 years

[1] Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company's option plan.

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Note 12 - Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Dividends Declared [Table Text Block]

Declaration Date	Dividends Per Share of Common Stock		Type	Record Date	Total $ Amount (in thousands)		Payment Date
May 12, 2015	$	0.44	Regular (cash)	May 29, 2015	$	18,274	June 16, 2015
February 11, 2015	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	February 27, 2015	$	16,236	March 17, 2015
November 12, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	November 28, 2014	$	16,216	December 16, 2014
August 14, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	August 29, 2014	$	16,299	September 16, 2014
May 5, 2014	$	0.39	Regular (cash)	May 30, 2014	$	16,386	June 17, 2014
February 11, 2014	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	February 28, 2014	$	14,827	March 18, 2014
November 14, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	November 29, 2013	$	15,046	December 17, 2013
August 15, 2013	$	0.35	Regular (cash)	August 31, 2013	$	15,164	September 17, 2013

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Note 8 - Business Combinations (Details) - Purchase Price of Acquisition - Code Red, Inc. [Member] $ in Thousands	Feb. 06, 2015 USD ($)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash consideration	$ 32,000
Fair value of FactSet stock issued	2,990
Adjustment for changes in working capital	(240)
Total preliminary purchase price	$ 34,750

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Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

14. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $6.1 million and $17.1 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015, respectively. Similarly, the Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $6.8 million and $17.4 million during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2014, respectively. As of May 31, 2015, $60.3 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested equity awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.3 years. There was no stock-based compensation capitalized as of May 31, 2015 or August 31, 2014, respectively.

Employee Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

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

Fiscal 2015

– Q1 2015 – 462,913 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $131.31 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $37.67 per share.

– Q2 2015 – 25,075 non performance-based employee stock options and 137,522 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $147.05 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $43.05 per share.

– Q3 2015 – 61,210 non performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $159.14 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $44.95 per share.

Fiscal 2014

– Q1 2014 – 35,508 non performance-based employee stock options and 36,695 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $109.49 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $31.78 per share.

– Q2 2014 – 138,902 non performance-based employee stock options and 165,949 performance-based employee stock options were granted at a weighted average exercise price of $106.03 and a weighted average estimated fair value of $29.14 per share.

– Q3 2014 - There were no employee stock options granted during the three months ended May 31, 2014.

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock options granted during the three and nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 was determined using the binomial model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Three Months Ended May 31,			Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015		2014	2015		2014
Term structure of risk-free interest rate		0.01% - 2.12%	N/A		0.01% - 2.34%		0.01% - 2.61%
Expected life (in years)		8.2	N/A		8.2	7.6 – 7.8
Term structure of volatility		21% - 31%	N/A		21% - 31%		23% - 33%
Dividend yield		1.16%	N/A		1.33%		1.35%
Weighted average estimated fair value		$44.95	N/A		$39.59		$29.64
Weighted average exercise price		$159.14	N/A		$137.52		$106.69
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price		28.2%	N/A		28.8%		27.8%

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

Restricted Stock Fair Value Determinations

Restricted stock granted to employees entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the award vests over time, but not to dividends declared on the underlying shares while the restricted stock is unvested. The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards are measured by reducing the grant date price of FactSet’s common stock by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying stock during the requisite service period, discounted at the appropriate risk-free interest rate. Restricted stock awards are amortized to expense over the vesting period. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, there were 49,158 restricted stock awards granted with a weighted average grant date fair value of $135.96. During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 204,124 restricted stock awards at a weighted average grant date fair value of $101.95.

Non-Employee Director Stock Option Fair Value Determinations

The 2008 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan (the “Directors’ Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options, to non-employee directors of FactSet. An initial 250,000 shares of FactSet common stock were reserved for issuance under the Directors’ Plan, of which 88,590 remain available for future grant as of May 31, 2015. The expiration date of the Directors’ Plan is December 1, 2018.

The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of non-employee Director stock option grants. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeitures and employee stock option exercise behaviors.

Fiscal 2015

On January 15, 2015, FactSet granted 13,842 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. All of the options granted on January 15, 2015 have a weighted average estimated fair value of $28.18 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.45	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	23.5	%
Dividend yield	1.30	%

Fiscal 2014

On January 15, 2014, FactSet granted 14,424 stock options to the Company’s non-employee Directors. All of the options granted on January 15, 2014 have a weighted average estimated fair value of $27.04 per share, using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate	1.66	%
Expected life (in years)	5.4
Expected volatility	28.9	%
Dividend yield	1.35	%

The risk-free interest rate assumption for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to estimate option exercises and non-employee director terminations within the valuation model. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan Fair Value Determinations

During the three months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 13,877 shares at a weighted average price of $132.48 as compared to 18,068 shares at a weighted average price of $88.55 in the same period a year ago. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 47,085 shares at a weighted average price of $118.82 as compared to 54,597 shares at a weighted average price of $88.33 in the same period a year ago. Stock-based compensation expense recorded for the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, relating to the employee stock purchase plan was $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to calculate the estimated fair value for the employee stock purchase plan. The estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 were $25.11 and $17.81 per share, respectively, with the following assumptions:

	Three Months Ended May 31,
	2015		2014
Risk-free interest rate	0.02	%		0.04	%
Expected life (in months)	3			3
Expected volatility	7.2	%		13.3	%
Dividend yield	1.13	%		1.50	%

The weighted average estimated fair value of employee stock purchase plan grants during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 were $22.68 and $17.91 per share, respectively, with the following weighted average assumptions:

		Nine Months Ended May 31,
	2015			2014
Risk-free interest rate		0.02	%		0.04	%
Expected life (in months)		3			3
Expected volatility		8.0	%		10.8	%
Dividend yield		1.16	%		1.36	%

Accuracy of Fair Value Estimates

The Company is responsible for determining the assumptions used in estimating the fair value of its share-based payment awards. The Company’s determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, interest rates, option forfeiture rates and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable.

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Note 4 - Fair Value Measures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
May 31, 2015	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds (1)	$	91,290	$	0	$	0	$	91,290
Certificates of deposit (2)		0		25,020		0		25,020
Derivative instruments (3)		0		972		0		972
Total assets measured at fair value	$	91,290	$	25,992	$	0	$	117,282
Liabilities
Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	620	$	0	$	620
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	620	$	0	$	620

	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
August 31, 2014	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Corporate money market funds (1)	$	75,363	$	0	$	0	$	75,363
Certificates of deposit (2)		0		20,008		0		20,008
Derivative instruments (3)		0		1,406		0		1,406
Total assets measured at fair value	$	75,363	$	21,414	$	0	$	96,777
Liabilities
Derivative instruments (3)	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591
Total liabilities measured at fair value	$	0	$	591	$	0	$	591

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Note 7 - Segment Information (Details) - Results of Operations - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	$ 254,522	$ 231,761	$ 744,990	$ 681,671
Segment operating profit	85,356	73,037	246,265	222,833
Total assets	728,076	659,636	728,076	659,636	$ 663,212
Capital expenditures	3,627	3,672	15,391	11,704
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	172,070	156,241	502,271	463,419
Segment operating profit	43,332	39,081	130,271	121,806
Total assets	433,177	363,959	433,177	363,959
Capital expenditures	2,977	3,099	13,808	10,529
Europe [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	63,156	58,265	186,320	167,993
Segment operating profit	31,187	24,732	85,675	75,155
Total assets	232,171	237,286	232,171	237,286
Capital expenditures	142	188	350	380
Asia Pacific [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues from clients	19,296	17,255	56,399	50,259
Segment operating profit	10,837	9,224	30,319	25,872
Total assets	62,728	58,391	62,728	58,391
Capital expenditures	$ 508	$ 385	$ 1,233	$ 795

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) € in Millions, £ in Millions, PHP in Millions, ₨ in Billions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May. 31, 2014 USD ($)	May. 31, 2015 USD ($)	May. 31, 2014 USD ($)	May. 31, 2015 INR (₨)	May. 31, 2015 PHP	May. 31, 2015 GBP (£)	May. 31, 2015 EUR (€)	Aug. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Through the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2017 [Member] | India, Rupees
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged			75.00%
Through the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2015 [Member] | Philippines, Pesos
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged			50.00%
Through the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2016 [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged			50.00%
Through the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2016 [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Percent of Foreign Exchange Contracts Hedged			50.00%
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	88,215,000		$ 88,215,000		₨ 3.3	PHP 135.2	£ 15.0	€ 13.0	$ 44,979,000
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred			500,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | India, Rupees | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	47,860,000		47,860,000						38,479,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Philippines, Pesos | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	3,000,000		3,000,000						6,500,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | United Kingdom, Pounds | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	22,618,000		22,618,000						0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Euro Member Countries, Euro | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	$ 14,737,000		$ 14,737,000						$ 0

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Current Period Unaudited) - USD ($)	May. 31, 2015	Aug. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 157,895,000	$ 116,378,000
Investments	25,020,000	20,008,000
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $1,665 at May 31, 2015 and $1,662 at August 31, 2014	91,860,000	90,354,000
Prepaid taxes	12,190,000	6,532,000
Deferred taxes	1,770,000	1,841,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	15,479,000	14,662,000
Total current assets	304,214,000	249,775,000
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, at cost	206,063,000	201,713,000
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(151,605,000)	(144,072,000)
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	54,458,000	57,641,000
Goodwill	307,231,000	285,608,000
Intangible assets, net	41,561,000	41,855,000
Deferred taxes	16,531,000	22,377,000
Other assets	4,081,000	5,956,000
TOTAL ASSETS	728,076,000	663,212,000
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	31,445,000	26,971,000
Accrued compensation	36,780,000	42,481,000
Deferred fees	44,323,000	36,504,000
Taxes payable	2,959,000	5,036,000
Deferred taxes	1,071,000	0
Dividends payable	18,274,000	16,299,000
Total current liabilities	134,852,000	127,291,000
Deferred taxes	1,711,000	2,921,000
Taxes payable	6,381,000	5,501,000
Long-term debt	35,000,000	0
Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	17,757,000	16,417,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES	$ 195,701,000	$ 152,130,000
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 17)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, $.01 par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized, 50,062,210 and 49,110,218 shares issued; 41,531,220 and 41,792,802 shares outstanding at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively	501,000	491,000
Additional paid-in capital	508,402,000	413,754,000
Treasury stock, at cost: 8,530,990 and 7,317,416 shares at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively	(910,210,000)	(734,746,000)
Retained earnings	977,645,000	849,504,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(43,963,000)	(17,921,000)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	532,375,000	511,082,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 728,076,000	$ 663,212,000

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Note 3 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]

3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Standards or Updates Recently Adopted

As of the beginning of fiscal 2015, FactSet implemented all applicable new accounting standards and updates issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) that were in effect. There were no new standards or updates adopted during the first nine months of fiscal 2015 that had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Standards or Updates Not Yet Effective

Reporting Discontinued Operations

In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. Under the accounting standard update, a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity is required to be reported in discontinued operations if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity's operations and financial results when either it qualifies as held for sale, disposed of by sale, or disposed of other than by sale. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which provides clarified principles for recognizing revenue arising from contracts with clients and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to clients in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In applying the revenue model to contracts within its scope, an entity will identify the contract with a client, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

Going Concern

In August 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that requires management to evaluate and disclose whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after financial statements are issued. The evaluation and disclosure will be required to be made for both annual and interim reporting periods, if applicable, along with an evaluation as to whether management’s plans alleviate that doubt. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Income Statement Presentation – Extraordinary and Unusual Items

In January 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The standard primarily involves presentation and disclosure and, therefore, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or its cash flows.

Simplification Guidance on Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the applicable financial statements. Under the accounting standard update, an entity should present such costs in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. This accounting standard update will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Customers’ Accounting for Cloud Computing Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued an accounting standard update to provide guidance on a customer’s accounting for cloud computing costs. Under the accounting standard update, a customer must determine whether a cloud computing arrangement contains a software license. If so, the customer would account for the fees related to the software license element in a manner consistent with how the accounting for software licenses is accounted for under previously issued guidance. If the arrangement does not contain a software license, the customer would account for the arrangement as a service contract. This guidance will be effective for FactSet beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company does not believe this new accounting standard update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

No other new accounting pronouncements issued or effective as of May 31, 2015 have had or are expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands										3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 16, 2015	May. 12, 2015	Mar. 17, 2015	Dec. 16, 2014	Sep. 16, 2014	Jun. 17, 2014	Mar. 18, 2014	Dec. 17, 2013	Sep. 17, 2013	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)		$ 0.44
Dividends, Cash (in Dollars)			$ 16,236	$ 16,216	$ 16,299	$ 16,386	$ 14,827	$ 15,046	$ 15,164
Shares Paid for Tax Withholding for Share Based Compensation												23,192	41,093
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation (in Dollars)												$ 3,100	$ 4,400
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount										0	49,571
Performance Shares [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount										485,129	1,389,674
Per Annum [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid (in Dollars per share)		$ 1.76
Subsequent Event [Member]
Note 11 - Common Stock and Earnings Per Share (Details) [Line Items]
Dividends, Cash (in Dollars)	$ 18,274

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Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options - $ / shares	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	Nov. 30, 2014	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)	$ 159.14	$ 131.31
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate
Expected life (in years)	8 years 73 days			8 years 73 days
Term structure of volatility
Dividend yield	1.16%			1.33%	1.35%
Weighted average estimated fair value (in Dollars per share)	$ 44.95			$ 39.59	$ 29.64
Weighted average exercise price (in Dollars per share)	$ 159.14			$ 137.52	$ 106.69
Fair value as a percentage of exercise price	28.20%			28.80%	27.80%
Minimum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate	0.01%			0.01%	0.01%
Expected life (in years)					7 years 219 days
Term structure of volatility	21.00%			21.00%	23.00%
Maximum [Member] | Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note 14 - Stock-based Compensation (Details) - Summary of Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions of Employee Stock Options [Line Items]
Term structure of risk-free interest rate	2.12%			2.34%	2.61%
Expected life (in years)					7 years 292 days
Term structure of volatility	31.00%			31.00%	33.00%

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Note 5 - Derivative Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Foreign Exchange Contracts, Statement of Financial Position [Table Text Block]

	Gross Notional Value				Fair Value Asset (Liability)
Currency Hedged (in U.S. dollars)	May 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014		May 31, 2015			Aug 31, 2014
Indian Rupee	$	47,860	$	38,479	$	453		$	700
Philippine Peso		3,000		6,500		26			115
Euro		14,737		0		(424	)		0
British Pound		22,618		0		297			0
Total	$	88,215	$	44,979	$	352		$	815

Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block]

Designation of Derivatives	Balance Sheet Location	May 31, 2015		Aug 31, 2014
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments	Assets: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$	972	$	114
	Other assets	$	0	$	1,292
	Liabilities: Foreign Currency Forward Contracts
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	424	$	591
	Deferred rent and other non-current liabilities	$	196		0

Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Location of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income	(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2015			2014		(Effective Portion)	2015			2014
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(1,903	)	$	3,673	SG&A	$	(277	)	$	(59	)

	(Loss) Gain Recognized in AOCL on Derivatives (Effective Portion)					Location of (Loss) Gain Reclassified from AOCL into Income	(Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2015			2014		(Effective Portion)	2015			2014
Foreign currency forward contracts	$	(929	)	$	8,661	SG&A	$	(468	)	$	(316	)

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
May 31, 2015	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet			Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,424		$	(452	)	$	972
Fair value of liabilities		(1,072	)		452			(620	)
Total	$	352		$	0		$	352

	Derivatives Offset in Consolidated Balance Sheets
August 31, 2014	Gross Derivative Amounts			Gross Derivative Amounts Offset in Balance Sheet		Net Amounts
Fair value of assets	$	1,406		$	0	$	1,406
Fair value of liabilities		(626	)		35		(591	)
Total	$	780		$	35	$	815

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Note 15 - Income Taxes (Details) - Components of the Provision for Income Taxes - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014	May. 31, 2015	May. 31, 2014
Current
U.S. Federal			$ 58,278	$ 58,300
U.S. state and local			3,060	2,861
Non-U.S.			6,864	7,452
Total current taxes			68,202	68,613
Deferred
U.S. Federal			2,124	(631)
U.S. state and local			197	29
Non-U.S.			(1,680)	(296)
Total deferred taxes			641	(898)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 24,429	$ 21,839	$ 68,843	$ 67,715

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Note 17 - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]

Years Ended August 31,	Minimum Lease Payments
2015 (remaining three months)	$	5,565
2016		21,101
2017		24,430
2018		23,277
2019		22,083
Thereafter		96,933
Total	$	193,389

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Note 13 - Employee Stock Option and Retirement Plans

9 Months Ended

May. 31, 2015

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

13. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

Stock Option Awards

The FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2004 Stock Option and Award Plan, as Amended and Restated (the “Option Plan”) provides for the grant of share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock awards to employees of FactSet. The expiration date of the Option Plan is December 14, 2020. Stock options granted under the Option Plan expire either seven or ten years from the date of grant and the majority vest ratably over a period of five years. Options become vested and exercisable provided the employee continues employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date and remain exercisable until expiration or cancellation. Options are not transferable or assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. During the grantee’s lifetime, the options may be exercised only by the grantee.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 686,720 stock options at a weighted average exercise price of $137.52 to existing employees of the Company.

As of May 31, 2015, a total of 3,253,586 stock options were outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $96.05. Unamortized stock-based compensation of $37.5 million is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.4 years.

A summary of stock option activity is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	Number Outstanding			Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,482		$	79.67
Granted – non-performance based		463			131.31
Exercised		(114	)		73.53
Forfeited		(33	)		98.28
Balance at November 30, 2014		3,798		$	85.98
Granted – non-performance-based		25			139.02
Granted – performance-based		138			148.52
Granted – non-employee Directors grant		14			138.48
Exercised		(403	)		61.63
Forfeited		(32	)		97.08
Balance at February 28, 2015		3,540		$	91.67
Granted – non-performance-based		61			159.14
Exercised		(319	)		57.30
Forfeited		(28	)		122.02
Balance at May 31, 2015		3,254		$	96.05

The total number of in-the-money options exercisable as of May 31, 2015 was 1.4 million with a weighted average exercise price of $77.83. As of August 31, 2014, 1.9 million in-the-money outstanding options were exercisable with a weighted average exercise price of $68.78. The aggregate intrinsic value of in-the-money stock options exercisable at May 31, 2015 and August 31, 2014 was $118.8 million and $111.3 million, respectively. Aggregate intrinsic value represents the difference between the Company’s closing stock price of $165.17 on May 29, 2015 and the exercise price multiplied by the number of options exercisable as of that date. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the three months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 was $32.1 million and $6.9 million, respectively. The total pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014 was $70.9 million and $22.9 million, respectively.

Performance-based Stock Options

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

July 2012 Performance-based Option Grant

In July 2012, FactSet granted 241,546 performance-based employee stock options, which are eligible to vest in 20% tranches depending upon future StreetAccount user growth through August 31, 2017. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the first growth target as outlined within the terms of the grant was achieved, thus 20% or 48,314 options vested on August 31, 2013. The second 20% tranche vested on August 31, 2014 as a result of accelerated expansion of Street Account users during fiscal 2014. As of May 31, 2015, the Company estimates that the third 20% tranche will vest by August 31, 2017, resulting in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 2.2 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by StreetAccount in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*		Remaining Expense to be Recognized
Third 20% (current expectation)	$	0	$	697
Fourth 20%	$	1,120	$	1,177
Fifth 20%	$	2,594	$	1,303

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2015. 

February 2015 Performance-based Option Grant

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 137,522 performance-based stock options. These performance-based options are eligible to vest four years from date of grant if certain Code Red ASV and operating margin targets are achieved over the measurement period. The option holders must also remain employed by FactSet to be eligible to vest. Of the total grant, 68,761 performance-based options are eligible for vesting based on achieving the growth targets over a four year measurement period ending February 28, 2019 and the remaining 68,761 options are eligible to cliff vest based on a two year measurement period ending February 28, 2017. As of May 31, 2015, total unamortized stock-based compensation of $2.2 million will be recognized as expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.7 years. A change, up or down, in the actual financial performance levels achieved by Code Red in future fiscal years could result in the following changes to the current estimate of the vesting percentage and related expense (in thousands):

Vesting Percentage	Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment*			Remaining Expense to be Recognized
10%	$	(150	)	$	0
40% (current expectation)	$	0		$	2,213
70%	$	141		$	3,872
100%	$	281		$	5,531

* Amounts represent the cumulative catch-up adjustment to be recorded if there was a change in the vesting percentage as of May 31, 2015. 

Other Performance-based Option Grants

In connection with the acquisitions of Matrix and Revere, FactSet granted 165,949 and 36,695 performance-based stock options, respectively, during fiscal 2014. The performance-based options granted in connection with the acquisition of Matrix will vest only if ASV and operating margin targets related to the Matrix business are met during a five year measurement period ending December 23, 2018, and the option holders remain employed by FactSet. As of May 31, 2015 FactSet does not believe these targets are probable of being achieved, and as such, no stock-based compensation expense is expected to be realized in connection with these options. Of the 36,695 performance-based stock options granted in connection with the Revere acquisition, FactSet currently estimates that 18,553 options will vest based upon the achievement of certain ASV and operating margins during the measurement period ending August 31, 2015. This results in unamortized stock-based compensation expense of $0.4 million to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 3.2 years.

Restricted Stock and Stock Unit Awards

The Company’s Option Plan permits the issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units. Restricted stock awards are subject to continued employment over a specified period. During the first nine months of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 49,158 restricted stock awards to employees of the Company at a weighted average grant date fair value of $135.96. These restricted stock awards vest over a weighted average period of 3.9 years from grant date.

As of May 31, 2015, a total of 339,298 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units were unvested and outstanding, which results in unamortized stock-based compensation of $22.7 million to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.3 years.

A summary of restricted stock award activity is as follows (in thousands, except per award data):

	Number  Outstanding			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Award
Balance at August 31, 2014		368		$	89.77
Granted		10		$	127.58
Vested		(53	)	$	62.85
Canceled/forfeited		(1	)	$	93.76
Balance at November 30, 2014		324		$	95.40
Granted		38		$	137.83
Canceled/forfeited		(5	)	$	95.43
Balance at February 28, 2015		357		$	99.85
Granted		1		$	152.77
Vested		(15	)	$	85.80
Canceled/forfeited		(4	)	$	113.57
Balance at May 31, 2015		339		$	100.43

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units

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

September 2013 Grant of Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the acquisition of Revere in the first quarter of fiscal 2014, FactSet granted 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units on September 17, 2013. Of the 7,744 performance-based restricted stock units granted, 3,872 are estimated to vest based upon the Company’s belief that certain ASV and operating margin targets will be achieved during the measurement period ending August 31, 2017. As of May 31, 2015, unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.3 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 3.2 years. The remaining 3,872 performance-based restricted stock units are expected to be forfeited.

February 2015 Grant of Restricted Stock Units

In connection with the acquisition of Code Red during the second quarter of fiscal 2015, FactSet granted 1,724 performance-based restricted stock units. Of the 1,724 performance-based restricted stock units granted, 690 are estimated to vest based upon the Company’s belief that certain Code Red ASV and operating margin targets will be achieved during the measurement period ending February 28, 2017. As of May 31, 2015, unamortized stock-based compensation of $0.1 million will be amortized to compensation expense over the remaining vesting period of 1.7 years. The remaining 1,034 performance-based restricted stock units are expected to be forfeited.

Share-based Awards Available for Grant

A summary of share-based awards available for grant is as follows (in thousands):

	Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Employee Option Plan			Share-based Awards Available for Grant under the Non-Employee Directors Plan
Balance at August 31, 2014		3,222			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(463	)		0
Granted – performance-based options		0			0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(26	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		35			0
Balance at November 30, 2014		2,768			102
Granted – non performance-based options		(25	)		(14	)
Granted – performance-based options		(138	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(95	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		44			0
Balance at February 28, 2015		2,554			88
Granted – non performance-based options		(61	)		0
Restricted stock awards granted*		(2	)		0
Share-based awards canceled/forfeited**		39			0
Balance at May 31, 2015		2,530			88

* Each restricted stock award granted is equivalent to 2.5 shares granted under the Company’s option plan.

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

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

At the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of FactSet held on December 16, 2014, the stockholders of FactSet voted on and approved the Amended and Restated FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Purchase Plan”), including the reservation of an additional 500,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The amendment and restatement of the Purchase Plan was approved by FactSet’s Board of Directors on October 23, 2014, subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders, and became effective with such stockholder approval on December 16, 2014. As a result of such stockholder approval, the Purchase Plan was amended and modified to increase the maximum number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance over the term of the Purchase Plan by 500,000 shares. There is no expiration date for the Purchase Plan.

Shares of FactSet common stock may be purchased by eligible employees under the Purchase Plan in three-month intervals at a purchase price equal to at least 85% of the lesser of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on either the first day or the last day of each three-month offering period. Employee purchases may not exceed 10% of their gross compensation during an offering period.

During the three months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 13,877 shares at a weighted average price of $132.48 as compared to 18,068 shares at a weighted average price of $88.55 in the same period a year ago. During the nine months ended May 31, 2015, employees purchased 47,085 shares at a weighted average price of $118.82 as compared to 54,597 shares at a weighted average price of $88.33 in the same period a year ago. At May 31, 2015, 497,796 shares were reserved for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.

401(k) Plan

The Company established a 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) in fiscal 1993. The 401(k) Plan is a defined contribution plan covering all full-time, U.S. employees of the Company and is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Each year, participants may contribute up to 60% of their eligible annual compensation, subject to annual limitations established by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches up to 4% of employees’ earnings, capped at the IRS annual maximum. Company matching contributions are subject to a five year graduated vesting schedule. All full-time, U.S. employees are eligible for the matching contribution by the Company. The Company contributed $6.3 million and $5.7 million in matching contributions to employee 401(k) accounts during the nine months ended May 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.