UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-K
þ[X]ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
or
  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011
oor 
[  ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period fromto
For the transition period from _______________ to _______________
Commission file number:  0-29466

National Research Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Wisconsin
47-0634000
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
      47-0634000     
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1245 Q Street
Lincoln, Nebraska
68508
(Address of principal executive offices)
   68508   
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (402) 475-2525
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Class
Common Stock, $.001 par value
Title of Class                               
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.001 par valueThe NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yeso£    NoþT
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yeso£    NoþT
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.  YesþT   Noo£
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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes   T   No  £
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.o£
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated fileroLarge accelerated filer £            Accelerated filer  £            Non-accelerated filer x            Smaller reporting company  £Accelerated fileroNon-accelerated filerþSmaller reporting companyo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act.)  Yeso£    NoþT
Aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2008: $43,936,203.2011:  $70,192,505.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $.001$0.001 par value, outstanding as of March 30, 2009: 6,660,746February 20, 2012: 6,759,728 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 
 



TABLE OF CONTENTS
  Page
PART I
   
Item 1.BusinessPage1
Item 1A.Risk Factors6
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments10
Item 2.Properties10
Item 3.Legal Proceedings10
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures10
   
1PART II
   
6
11
11
11
11
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities1211
Selected Financial Data1413
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1514
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk23
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data2324
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure50
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures4550
Item 9B.Other Information50
   
45PART III
   
46
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant4751
Item 11.Executive Compensation51
47
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters51
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions4852
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services52
   
48PART IV
   
48
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules53
Signatures 49
52
Exhibit 21.1
Exhibit 23.1
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.156

i


i

PART I
Item 1.Business
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed below in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify forwithin the safe harbors from liability established bymeaning of Section 21E of the Private Securities Litigation ReformExchange Act of 1995.1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements can generally be identified as such because the context of the statements includestatement includes phrases such as National Research Corporation (“NRC,” the Company“Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms) “believes,” “expects”“expects,” or other words of similar import.  Similarly, statements that describe the Company’s future plans, objectives or goals are also forwarding-lookingforward-looking statements.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those currently anticipated.  Factors that could affect actual results or outcomes include, without limitation, the factors set forth in “Risk Factors.” following factors:
·The possibility of non-renewal of the Company’s client service contracts;
·The Company’s ability to compete in its markets, which are highly competitive, and the possibility of increased price pressure and expenses;
·The effects of an economic downturn;
·The possibility of consolidation in the healthcare industry;
·The impact of federal healthcare reform legislation or other regulatory changes;
·The Company’s ability to retain its limited number of key clients;
·The Company’s ability to attract and retain key managers and other personnel;
·The possibility that the Company’s intellectual property and other proprietary information technology could be copied or independently developed by its competitors;
·Regulatory developments; and
·The factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Shareholders, potential investors and other readers are urged to consider these and other factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements included are only made as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
1

General
National Research Corporation, (“NRC” or the “Company”)a Wisconsin corporation, believes it is a leading provider of ongoing survey-based performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education to the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada.  The Company believes it has achieved this leadership position based on 2831 years of industry experience and its relationships with many of the industry’s largest payers and providers.organizations.  The CompanyCompany’s portfolio of services addresses the growing needs of healthcare providers and payersorganizations to measure and improve satisfaction, quality and cost outcomes relative to the care outcomes, specifically experience and health status, of their patients and/or members. NRC develops tools that enable healthcare organizations to obtain performance measurement information necessary to comply with industry and regulatory standards, and to improve their business practices soservices that they can maximize new member and/or patient attraction, experience, member retention and profitability.
provide.  Since its founding 28 years ago in 1981 as ain Lincoln, Nebraska, corporation (the Company reincorporated in Wisconsin in September 1997), NRC has focused on meeting the information needs of the healthcare industry.  The Company’s primary typesservices, which are comprehensive, include data collection, healthcare analytics, best practice identification and effective delivery of value-added business intelligence that enables its clients to improve performance across key business metrics.  Through its extensive array of service capabilities and industry relationships, NRC is positioned to provide healthcare information services are renewable performance tracking services, custom research, subscription-based governance information and educational services, andto organizations across a renewable syndicated service.wide continuum of service delivery segments.
While performance data has always been of interest to healthcare providers and payers, such information has become increasingly important to these entities as a result of regulatory, industry and competitive requirements. In recent years, the healthcare industry has been under significant pressure from consumers, employers and the government to reduce costs. However, the same parties that demanded cost reductions are now concerned that healthcare service quality is being compromised under managed care. This concern has created a demand for consistent, objective performance information by which healthcare providers and payers can be measured and compared, and on which physicians’ compensation can, in part, be based.
The NRC Solution
The Company addresses the healthcare organizations’industry’s growing need to track theirmeasure and improve performance atacross the enterprise-wide, departmentalbroad and physician/caregiver levels.rapidly changing continuum of healthcare service delivery.  The Company has been developing toolsprovides services designed to enable its clients to collect, in an unobtrusive manner, a substantial amount of comparativeobtain and effectively utilize healthcare analytics and business intelligence to improve performance information in orderagainst key metrics relative to analyzesatisfaction, quality and improve their practices to maximize new member and/or patient attraction, experience, member retention and profitability. NRC’s performance assessments offer a tangible measurement of health service quality ofcost outcomes across the type currently demanded by consumers, employers, industry accreditation organizations and lawmakers.

1


organization.  The Company’s solutions are designed to respond to managed care’s redefined relationships among consumers, employers, payers and providers. Insteadthe rapidly changing needs of relying exclusively on static, mass-produced questionnaires,the healthcare industry. NRC utilizes a dynamic data collection, processanalysis and business intelligence delivery processes to create a personalized questionnaire which evaluates service issues specificoptimize its clients’ ability to each respondent’s healthcare experience.improve performance.  The flexibility of the Company’s data collection process allows healthcare organizations to add timely, market-driven questions relevant to matters such as industry performance mandates, employer performance guarantees and internal quality improvement initiatives.  In addition, the Company assesses core service factors relevant to all healthcare respondent groups (patients, members, employers, employees, physicians, residents, families, etc.) and to all service points of aacross the healthcare system (inpatient, emergency room, outpatient, home health, rehabilitation, behavioral health, long-term care, hospice, assisted living, dental, etc.).delivery continuum.
NRC offers renewable
The Company’s performance trackingmeasurement and improvement services custom research, subscription-based educational services, and a renewable syndicated service,healthcare analytics are delivered throughout the NRC Healthcare Market Guide (“Market Guide”). The Company has renewable performance tracking tools,healthcare industry under several brand names, including those produced and delivered under its NRC Picker, trade name, for gatheringMy InnerView (“MIV”), Ticker, Outcome Concept Systems (“OCS”), Illuminate and analyzing data from survey respondents on an ongoing basis with comparisons over time. These tools may be coupled with the improvement tool, eToolKit, to help clients not only measure performance, but know where to focus with ideas and solutions for making improvements. The Company has the capacity to measure performance beyond the enterprise-wide level. It has the ability and experience to determine key performance indicators at the department and individual physician/caregiver measurement levels, where the Company’s services can best guide the efforts of its clients to improve quality and enhance their market position. The educational services of NRC Picker provide a way of bridging the gap between measurement and improvement. Additional offerings under the Company’s Payer Solutions division include functional disease-specific and health status measurement tools. The syndicated Market Guide, a stand-alone market information and competitive intelligence source, as well as a comparative performance database, allows the Company’s clients to assess their performance relative to the industry, to access best practice examples, and to utilize competitive information for marketing purposes.Canada.
Through its division known as The Governance Institute (“TGI”), NRC offers subscription-based governance information services and educational conferences designed to improve the effectiveness of hospital and healthcare systems by continually strengthening their boards, medical leadership, and management performance in the United States.  TGI conducts timely conferences, produces publications, videos, white papers and research studies, and tracks industry trends showcasing the best practices of healthcare boards across the country.
On December 19, 2008, the Company acquired My InnerView, Inc. (“MIV”), a leading provider of quality and performance improvement solutions to the senior care profession. MIV offers resident, family and employee satisfaction measurement and improvement products to the long-term care, assisted and independent living markets in the United States. MIV works with over 8,000 senior care providers throughout the United States, housing what the Company believes is, the largest dataset of senior care satisfaction metrics in the nation.
Growth Strategy
The Company believes that it can continue to grow through (1) expanding the depth and breadthincreasing sales of existing services to its current clients’ performance tracking services programs, since healthcare organizations are increasingly interested in gathering performance information at deeper levels of their organizations and from more of their constituencies,existing clients, (2) increasing the cross-sellingnumber of its complementary services, including subscription-based governance information, (3) adding new clients through penetratingmarket share growth in existing market  segments, (3) expanding the sizeable portionsale of the healthcare industry which is not yet conducting performance assessments beyond the enterprise-wide level or is not yet outsourcing this function,existing services into new market segments, (4) introducing new services to new and (4)existing clients, and (5) pursuing acquisitions of, or investments in, firms providing products, services or technologies which complement those of the Company.

2


Product Offerings
Information Services
The Qualisys System (“Qualisys”) is NRC’s data collection process which provides ongoing, renewableCompany’s performance tracking and is the platform of the Company’s online tools. This performance tracking program efficiently coordinates and centralizes an organization’s satisfaction monitoring, thereby establishing a uniform methodology and survey instrument needed to obtain valid performance information and improve quality. Using the industry method of mail and/or telephone-based data collection, this assessment process monitors the patient’s or stakeholder’s experience across healthcare respondent groups (patients, members, employers, employees, physicians, etc.) and service settings (inpatient, emergency room, outpatient, etc.). Rather than be limited to only static, mass-produced questionnaires which provide limited flexibility and performance insights, NRC’s proprietary software generates individualized questionnaires, including personalization such as patient name, treating caregiver name, encounter date and, in some cases, the services received. To enhances the response rates and the relevance of performance data to be flexible and responsive to healthcare organizations’ changing information needs, NRC creates personalized questionnaires which evaluate service issues specific to each respondent’s healthcare experience and includes questions which address core service factors throughout a healthcare organization.
Unlike some of its competitors, which use multiple questionnaires often sent to the same respondents, the Company gathers data through one questionnaire, the contents of which are selected from the Company’s library of questions after a client’s needs are determined. As a result, the Company’s renewable performance tracking programs and data collection processes (1) realize higher response rates, obtain data more efficiently, and thereby provide healthcare organizations with more feedback, (2) eliminate over surveying (where one respondent receives multiple surveys), and (3) allow healthcare organizations to adapt questionnaire content to address management objectives and to assess quality improvement programs or other timely marketplace issues.
The Company recognizes that performance programs must do more than just measure the experiences; they must measure and facilitate improvement. The Company offers solutions designed to effectively measure and improve the most important aspects of the patient’s experience. By combining the measurement and improvement technology of Qualisys with the philosophy and family of surveys of the Picker Institute, eToolKit isservices are designed to allowenable its clients to actually act on their research resultseffectively collect, analyze and attain improvement in the care delivery process. The Companyutilize meaningful business intelligence to improve performance relative to satisfaction, quality, cost, clinical outcomes and other key performance metrics.  NRC has developed  online improvement tools including a one-page reporting format called Action Plan, which provides a basis on which improvements can be made. NRC Action Plans show healthcare organizations which service factors impact their customer group’s value, which have the greatest impact on satisfaction levels and how their performance in relationship to these key indicators changes over time. The Company has also developed online access to performance results, which the Company believes provides NRC’s clients the fastest and easiest way to access measurement results. NRC’s exclusiveproprietary web-based electronic delivery system, eReports, providessystems that provide clients the ability to review results and reports online, independently analyze data, query data sets, customize a number of reports and distribute reports electronically.  The Company has also developed business intelligence solutions which provide clients with current key metric results, as well as best practice benchmarking information.

3


Market Guide
2

The Company’s MIV division is a leading provider of performance measurement and improvement services to the senior care profession.  MIV works with over 8,000 senior-care providers throughout the United States, housing what the Company believes is the largest dataset of senior-care satisfaction metrics in the nation.
The OCS division is a leading provider of quality and performance improvement solutions to the home health market.  OCS provides performance measurement and improvement services, healthcare analytics and hosted software solutions to a large segment of the leading home healthcare providers in the United States.
Ticker serves as a stand-alone market information and competitive intelligence source, as well as a comparative performance database.  Market GuideTicker is the largest consumer-based assessmentstudy of consumers’ perceptions of, and satisfaction with, hospitals and health systems in more than 250300 markets across the country, representing the views of more than 300,000approximately 265,000 households across nearly every countyin the largest markets in the continental United States.  Market GuideTicker provides comprehensive assessments, including consumer quality perceptions, product-line preferences, service use and visit satisfaction for more than 3,2004,900 hospitals and health systems.  More than 250200 data items relevant to healthcare payers, providers and purchasers are reported in the Market Guide,Ticker, including hospital quality and image ratings, hospital selection factors, household preventative health behaviors, presence of chronic conditions, and contemporaryemerging market issues such as healthcare internet utilization. Clients can purchase customized versions specific to their local service areas, with the ability to benchmark performance results to over 250 metro areas, 48 states or nationally. Market Guide is delivered to clients via NRC’s exclusive web-based electronic delivery system, which features easy to use graphs, chartssocial media and various report formats for multiple users within the client’s organization. Another feature of the web-based system is a national name search, which is designed to allow a healthcare organization with a national or regional presence to simultaneously compare the performance of all its sites, and pinpoint where strengths and weaknesses exist. Clients who have renewed for multiple years of the study may utilize the system’s trending capability, which details how the performance of the healthcare organization changes over time. The proprietary Market Guide data results are also used to produce reports which are customized to meet the specific information needs of existing clients, as well as new healthcare markets beyond the Company’s traditional client base.retail mini clinics. 

Through TGI, the Company offers subscription-based membershipgovernance education services.  The information andThese education services are provided for the boards of directors and medical leadership of hospitalhospitals and healthcare systems. These services are sold and delivered in the form of a twelve-month subscription membership and include accredited leadership conference and educational programs, customized research reports, board advisory services, videos, books, policy guidelines, board self-assessment tools, white papers, newsletters and fax surveys. The Company’s leadership conferences are available to all prospective members by paying the applicable conference fee. The Company also sellsprovides information regarding organization governance as well as emerging healthcare issues through online content, publications, periodicals, reference books, and associated videos through its resource catalog.  The Company also produces several executive healthcare leadership conferences each year which are exclusively available to clients.

Clients
The Company’s ten largest clients accounted for 24%20%, 29%19%, and 32%19% of the Company’s total revenue in 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, respectively.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accounted for 7%, 8% and 8% of total revenue in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Approximately 8%, 9% and 8% of the Company’s revenues wererevenue was derived from foreign customers in 2008, 20072011, 2010, and 2006, respectively.2009.
For financial information by geographic area, see Note 12 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Sales and Marketing
The Company generates the majority of its revenue from client renewals, supplemented by its internal marketing effortssales of new products and services to existing clients and the addition of new clients.  NRC sales activities are carried out by a direct sales force. Sales associates direct NRC’sorganization staffed with professional, trained sales efforts from Nebraska, Wisconsin and California in the United States and from Toronto in Canada.associates.  As compared to the typical industry practice of compensating sales peopleassociates with relatively high base pay and a relatively small sales commission, NRC compensates its sales associatesstaff with relatively low base pay and a relatively high per-sale commission.commission component.  The Company believes this compensation structure provides incentives to its sales associates to surpass sales goals and increases the Company’s ability to attract top qualitytop-quality sales associates.
Numerous marketing efforts support the
In addition to prospect leads generated by direct sales force’s new business generation and project renewal initiatives. NRC conducts an annual directassociates, the Company’s integrated marketing campaign around scheduled trade shows, including leading industry conferences.activities facilitate its ongoing receipt of prospect request-for-proposals.  NRC uses this lead generation mechanismmechanisms to track the effectiveness of marketing efforts and add generated leads to its database of current and potential client contacts.  Finally, the Company’sThe Company also maintains an active public relations program which includes (1) an ongoing presence in leading industry trade press and in the mainstream press, (2) public speaking at strategic industry conferences, (3) fostering relationships with key industry constituencies, and (4) the annual Consumer Choice Award program recognizing top-ranking hospitals in more than 200 markets.healthcare organizations.
The Company’s integrated marketing activities facilitate its ongoing receipt of project requests-for-proposals, as well as direct sales force initiated prospect contacts. The sales process typically spans a 120-day period encompassing the identification of a healthcare organization’s information needs, the education of prospects on NRC solutions (via proposals and in-person sales presentations), and the closing of the sale. The Company’s sales cycle varies depending on the particular service being marketed and the size of the potential project. The subscription-based services typically have a shorter sales cycle.

4


3

Competition
The healthcare information and market research services industry is highly competitive.  The Company has traditionally competed with healthcare organizations’ internal marketing, market research and/or quality improvement departments which create their own performance measurement tools, and with relatively small specialty research firms which provide survey-based healthcare market research and/or performance assessment.  The Company’s mainprimary competitors among such specialty firms areinclude Press Ganey, which NRC believes has revenue that is significantly largerhigher annual revenue than the Company’s revenue,Company, and three or four other companies whofirms that NRC believes have less annual revenue smaller than the Company’s revenue.Company.  The Company, to a certain degree, currently competes with, and anticipates that in the future it may increasingly compete with, (1) traditional market research firms which are significant providers of survey-based, general market research and (2) firms which provide services or products that complement healthcare performance assessments such as healthcare software or information systems.  Although only a few of these competitors have to date offered survey-based, healthcare market researchspecific services that competescompete directly with the Company’s services, many of these competitors have substantially greater financial, information gathering, and marketing resources than the Company and could decide to increase their resource commitments to the Company’s market.  There are relatively few barriers to entry into the Company’s market, and the Company expects increased competition in its market which could adversely affect the Company’s operating results through pricing pressure, increased marketing expenditures, and market share losses, among other factors.  There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to compete successfully against existing or new competitors.
The Company believes the primary competitive factors within its market include quality of service, timeliness of delivery, unique service uniqueness,capabilities, credibility of provider, industry experience, and price.  NRC believes that its industry leadership position, exclusive focus on the healthcare industry, dynamic questionnaire,survey tools, syndicated products,market research, accredited leadership conferences, educational programs, comparative performancebenchmarking database information, and relationships with leading healthcare payers and providers position the Company to compete in this market.
Intellectual Property and Other Proprietary Rights
The Company’s success depends in part upon its data collection processes, research methods, data analysis techniques and internal systems, and procedures that it has developed specifically to serve clients in the healthcare industry.  The Company has no patents.  Consequently, it relies on a combination of copyright and trade secret laws and associate nondisclosure agreements to protect its systems, survey instruments and procedures.  There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the Company to protect its rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of such rights or that third parties will not independently develop functionally equivalent or superior systems or procedures.  The Company believes that its systems and procedures and other proprietary rights do not infringe upon the proprietary rights of third parties.  There can be no assurance, however, that third parties will not assert infringement claims against the Company in the future or that any such claims will not result in protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the merits of such claims or whether the Company is ultimately successful in defending against such claims.
Associates
As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company employed a total of 260308 persons on a full-time basis.  In addition, as of such date, the Company had 7168 part-time associates primarily in its survey operations, representing approximately 4734 full-time equivalent associates.  None of the Company’s associates are represented by a collective bargaining unit.  The Company considers its relationship with its associates to be good.

5


4

Executive Officers of the Registrant
The following table sets forth certain information as of MarchFebruary 1, 2009,2012, regarding the executive officers of the Company:
NameAgePosition
Michael D. Hays57Chief Executive Officer
Susan L. Henricks61President and Chief Operating Officer
Kevin R. Karas54President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Patrick E. Beans51Senior Vice President Treasurer,Finance, Chief Financial Officer, SecretaryTreasurer and Director
Jona S. Raasch50President of The Governance Institute, a division of National Research CorporationSecretary
Michael D. Hays has served as Chief Executive Officer and a director since he founded the Company in 1981.  He was appointed to the additional role ofalso served as President of the Company in July 2008, a position in which he also served from 1981 to 2004.2004 and from July 2008 to July 2011.  Prior to founding the Company, Mr. Hays served for seven years as a Vice President and a director of SRI Research Center, Inc. (n/k/a the Gallup Organization).
Patrick E. Beans
Susan L. Henricks has served as Vice President Treasurer,and Chief Operating Officer of the Company since she joined the Company in July 2011.  Prior to joining the Company, she served as Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Arbor Capital, LLC, a private equity firm focused primarily on companies in the marketing and information services, payments technology and business process outsourcing sectors, from 2008.  Prior to starting Arbor Capital, Ms. Henricks served as President of the Financial Institution Services business of First Data Corporation, the largest processor of credit card, debit card and merchant transactions in the U.S., from 2006 to 2008, President of RRD Direct and then the directories business of RR Donnelley, a global leader in printing and print services, from 2000 to 2006, President of Donnelley Marketing, a direct marketing services company, from 1999 to 2000, and President of First Data Enterprises, the credit card issuing business of First Data Corporation, from 1997 to 1999.  Ms. Henricks also held various leadership positions with Metromail Corporation, a direct marketing services company, from 1985 to 1997, including President and CEO from 1993 to 1997.

Kevin R. Karas has served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company since September 2011, and a director since 1997. He has served as the principal financial officerSenior Vice President Finance since he joined the Company in August 1994. From June 1993 until joining the Company, Mr. Beans was the finance director for the Central Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Commission, a five-state compact developing a low-level radioactive waste disposal plan. From 1979 to 1988 and from June 1992 to June 1993, he practiced as a certified public accountant.
Jona S. Raasch has served as President of The Governance Institute, a division of National Research Corporation, since May 2006. Prior to May 2006, Ms. Raasch held various positions with the Company since September 1988, most recently as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer from September 1997 to May 2006.December 2010.  Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Raasch held various positions with A.C. Nielsen Corporation.he served as Vice President of Finance for Lifetouch Portrait Studios, Inc., a national retail photography company, from 2005 to 2010.  Mr. Karas also previously served as Chief Financial Officer at CARSTAR, Inc., an automobile collision repair franchise business, from 2000 to 2005, Chief Financial Officer at Rehab Designs of America, Inc., a provider of orthotic and prosthetic services, from 1993 to 2000, and as a regional Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Operations at Novacare, Inc., a provider of physical rehabilitation services, from 1988 to 1993.  He began his career as a Certified Public Accountant at Ernst & Young.

Executive officers of the Company are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.  There are no family relationships between any directors or executive officers of NRC.
5

Item 1A.Risk Factors
You should carefully consider each of the risks described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before making an investment decision with respect to our securities.  If any of the following risks develop into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We depend on contract renewals for a large share of our revenue and our operating results could be adversely affected.
We expect that a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future will continue to be derived from renewable service contracts.  Substantially all contracts are renewable annually at the option of our clients, although a client generally has no minimum purchase commitment under a contract and the contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty.  To the extent that clients fail to renew or defer their renewals, we anticipate our results may be materially adversely affected.  Our ability to secure renewals depends on, among other things, our ability to gather and analyze performance data in a consistent, high-quality, and timely fashion.  In addition, the service needs of our clients are affected by accreditation requirements, enrollment in managed care plans, the level of use of satisfaction measures in healthcare organizations’ overall management and compensation programs, the size of operating budgets, clients’ operating performance, industry and economic conditions, and changes in management or ownership.  As these factors are beyond our control, we cannot ensure that we will be able to maintain our renewal rates.  Any material decline in renewal rates from existing levels would have an adverse effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.
Our operating results may fluctuate and this may cause our stock price to decline.
Our overall operating results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including the size and timing of orders from clients, client demand for our services (which, in turn, is affected by factors such as accreditation requirements, enrollment in managed care plans, operating budgets and clients’ operating performance), the hiring and training of additional staff, expense increases, and industry and general economic conditions.  Because a significant portion of our overhead is fixed in the short-term, particularly some costs associated with owning and occupying our building and full-time personnel expenses, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected in any particular period if revenue falls below our expectations.  These factors, among others, make it possible that in some future period our operating results may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors which would have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
We operate in a highly competitive market and could experience increased price pressure and expenses as a result.
The healthcare information and market research services industry is highly competitive.  We have traditionally competed with healthcare organizations’ internal marketing, market research and/or quality improvement departments that create their own performance measurement tools, and with relatively small specialty research firms that provide survey-based healthcare market research and/or performance assessment.  The Company’s primary competitors among such specialty firms include Press Ganey, which we believe has significantly higher annual revenue than us, and three or four other firms that we believe have less annual revenue than us.  To a certain degree, we currently compete with, and anticipate that in the future we may increasingly compete with, (1) traditional market research firms which are significant providers of survey-based, general market research, and (2) firms which provide services or products that complement healthcare performance assessments, such as healthcare software or information systems.  Although only a few of these competitors have offered specific services that compete directly with our services, many of these competitors have substantially greater financial, information gathering, and marketing resources than the Company and could decide to increase their resource commitments to our market.  There are relatively few barriers to entry into the Company’s market, and we expect increased competition in our market which could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure, increased marketing expenditures, and market share losses, among other factors.  There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to compete successfully against existing or new competitors.
6

Because our clients are concentrated in the healthcare industry, our revenue and operating results may be adversely affected by changes in regulations, a business downturn or consolidation with respect to the healthcare industry.
Substantially all of our revenue is derived from clients in the healthcare industry.  As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations are influenced by conditions affecting this industry, including changing political, economic, competitive and regulatory influences that may affect the procurement practices and operation of healthcare providers and payers.  Recently, Congressional leaders enacted a comprehensive healthcare reform plan, including provisions to control healthcare costs, improve healthcare quality and expand access to affordable health insurance.  These programs could result in lower reimbursement rates and otherwise change the environment in which providers and payers operate.  In addition, large private purchasers of healthcare services are placing increasing cost pressure on providers.  Healthcare providers may react to these cost pressures and other uncertainties by curtailing or deferring purchases, including purchases of our services.  Moreover, there has been consolidation of companies in the healthcare industry, a trend which we believe will continue to grow.  Consolidation in this industry, including the potential acquisition of certain of our clients, could adversely affect aggregate client budgets for our services or could result in the termination of a client’s relationship with us.  The impact of these developments on the healthcare industry is difficult to predict and could have an adverse effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.
In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010.  The new legislation makes extensive changes to the current system of healthcare insurance and benefits that will include changes in Medicare and Medicaid payment policies and other healthcare delivery reforms aimed at improving quality and decreasing costs, comparative effectiveness research, and independent payment advisory boards, among other provisions.  These provisions could negatively impact our health care clients and could impact the services we provide our clients, the demand for the services we provide and the Company’s business.  At this time, it is difficult to estimate the impact of this legislation on the Company but there can be no assurances that health care reform will not adversely impact either our operating results or the manner in which we operate our business.
We rely on a limited number of key clients and a loss of one or more of these key clients will adversely affect our operating results.
We rely on a limited number of key clients for a substantial portion of our revenue.  The Company’s ten largest clients accounted for 24%20%, 29%19%, and 32%19% of the Company’s total revenue in 2008, 20072011, 2010, and 2006,2009, respectively. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accounted for 7%, 8% and 8% of total revenue in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
We cannot assure you that we will maintain our existing client base, maintain or increase the level of revenue or profits generated by our existing clients, or be able to attract new clients.  Furthermore, the healthcare industry continues to undergo consolidation and we cannot assure you that such consolidation will not cause us to lose clients.  The loss of one or more of our large clients or a significant reduction in business from such clients, regardless of the reason, willmay have a negative effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.  See “Risk Factors - Because our clients are concentrated in the healthcare industry, weour revenue and operating results may be adversely affected by changes in regulations, a business downturn or consolidation with respect to the healthcare industry.”

6


We depend on performance tracking contract renewals for a large share of our revenue and our operating results could be adversely affected.
We expect that a substantial portion of our revenue for the foreseeable future will continue to be derived from written and oral contracts for renewable performance tracking services. Substantially all such written contracts are renewable annually at the option of our clients, although a client generally has no minimum purchase commitment under a contract and the contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty. To the extent that clients fail to renew or defer their renewals from the quarter we anticipate, our quarterly results may be materially adversely affected. Our ability to secure renewals depends on, among other things, our ability to gather and analyze performance data in a consistent, high-quality and timely fashion. In addition, the performance tracking and market research activities of our clients are affected by accreditation requirements, enrollment in managed care plans, the level of use of satisfaction measures in healthcare organizations’ overall management and compensation programs, the size of operating budgets, clients’ operating performance, industry and economic conditions, and changes in management or ownership. As these factors are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our renewal rates. Any material decline in renewal rates from existing levels would have an adverse effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.
7
Our operating results may fluctuate on a quarterly basis, and this may cause our stock price to decline.
Our operating results have fluctuated from period to period in the past and will likely fluctuate significantly in the future due to various factors. There has historically been fluctuation in our financial results related to the Market Guide, a stand-alone market information intelligence source and comparative performance database. In the future, we expect such fluctuations will continue, but to a lesser degree. Until May 2008, the Market Guides were deliverable on an annual basis, and historically we recognized revenue when they were delivered to the principal customers pursuant to their contracts, typically in the third quarter of the year. Substantially all of the related costs were deferred and subsequently charged to direct expenses contemporaneously with the recognition of the revenue. Starting in May of 2008, the Market Guide became deliverable on a monthly basis. Accordingly, we now recognize much of the Market Guide revenue ratably over a twelve-month period and, since October of 2008, all of the related costs are expensed in the month they are incurred. We will continue to have some annual sales which could increase fluctuation of operating results in the third quarter. A delay in completing and delivering the Market Guide, the timing of which is dependent upon our ability to access a third-party’s respondent panel on a timely basis, could delay recognition of such revenue and expenses, which could materially affect operating results for the affected periods. We generate additional revenue from incidental customers subsequent to the completion of each monthly edition. Revenue and costs for these subsequent services are recognized as the services are performed and completed.
In addition, our overall operating results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of other factors, including the size and timing of orders from clients, client demand for our services (which, in turn, is affected by factors such as accreditation requirements, enrollment in managed care plans, operating budgets and clients’ operating performance), the hiring and training of additional staff, postal rate changes, and industry and general economic conditions. Because a significant portion of our overhead, particularly some costs associated with owning and occupying our building and full-time personnel expenses, is fixed in the short-term, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected in any particular quarter if revenue falls below our expectations. These factors, among others, make it possible that in some future quarter our operating results may be below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, which would have a material adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.

7


We operate in a highly competitive market and we could experience increased price pressure and expenses as a result.
The healthcare information and market research industry is highly competitive. We compete with healthcare organizations’ internal marketing, market research and/or quality improvement departments that create their own performance measurement tools, and with relatively small specialty research firms that provide survey-based healthcare market research and/or performance assessment. Our main competitors among such specialty firms are Press Ganey, which we believe has revenue that is significantly larger than our revenue, and three or four other companies that we believe have revenue that is smaller than our revenues. We, to a certain degree, currently compete with, and we anticipate that in the future we may increasingly compete with, traditional market research firms that are significant providers of survey-based, general market research and firms that provide services or products that complement healthcare performance assessments, such as healthcare software or information systems. Although only a few of these competitors have to date offered survey-based, healthcare market research that competes directly with our services, many of these competitors have substantially greater financial, information gathering and marketing resources than we do and could decide to increase their resource commitments to our market. There are relatively few barriers to entry into our market, and we expect increased competition in our market, which could adversely affect our operating results through pricing pressure, increased client service and marketing expenditures and market share losses, among other factors. We cannot assure you that we will continue to compete successfully against existing or new competitors, and our revenue and operating net income could be adversely affected as a result.
Because our clients are concentrated in the healthcare industry, our revenue and operating results may be adversely affected by a business downturn or consolidation with respect to the healthcare industry.
Substantially all of our revenue is derived from clients in the healthcare industry. As a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations are influenced by conditions affecting this industry, including changing political, economic, competitive and regulatory influences that may affect the procurement practices and operation of healthcare providers and payers. Many federal and state legislators have proposed or have announced that they intend to propose programs to reform portions of the U.S. healthcare system. These programs could result in lower reimbursement rates and otherwise change the environment in which providers and payers operate. In addition, large private purchasers of healthcare services are placing increasing cost pressure on providers. Healthcare providers may react to these cost pressures and other uncertainties by curtailing or deferring purchases, including purchases of our services. Moreover, there has been consolidation of companies in the healthcare industry, a trend which we believe will continue. Consolidation in this industry, including the potential acquisition of certain of our clients, could adversely affect aggregate client budgets for our services, or could result in the termination of a client’s relationship with us. The impact of these developments on the healthcare industry is difficult to predict and could have an adverse effect on our revenue and a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.

8


Our future success depends on our ability to manage our growth, including identifying acquisition candidates and effectively integrating acquired companies.
Since our inception, our growth has placed significant demands on our management, administrative, operational and financial resources. In order to manage our growth, we will need to continue to implement and improve our operational, financial and management information systems and continue to expand, motivate and effectively manage an evolving workforce. If our management is unable to effectively manage under such circumstances, the quality of our services, our ability to retain key personnel and our results of operations could be materially adversely affected. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that our business will continue to expand. Reductions in clients’ spending on performance tracking and market research, increased competition, pricing pressures and other general economic and industry trends could adversely affect our growth.
We may achieve a portion of our future revenue growth, if any, through acquisitions of complimentary businesses, products, services or technologies, although we currently have no commitments or agreements with respect to any such acquisitions. Our management has limited experience dealing with the issues of product and service, systems, personnel and business strategy integration posed by acquisitions, and has encountered minor problems with integrating people and processes in connection with past acquisitions. We cannot assure you that the integration of any possible future acquisitions will be managed without incurring higher than expected costs and expenses. In addition, we cannot assure you that, as a result of such unexpected costs and expenses, any possible future acquisition will not negatively affect our operating and net income.
We face several risks relating to our ability to collect the data on which our business relies.
Our ability to provide timely and accurate performance trackingmeasurement and market researchimprovement services to our clients depends on our ability to collect large quantities of high qualityhigh-quality data through surveys and interviews.  If receptivity to our survey and interview methods by respondents declines, or for some other reason their willingness to complete and return surveys declines, or if we, for any reason, cannot rely on the integrity of the data we receive, then our revenue could be adversely affected, with a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.  In addition, we currently rely primarily on mail and telephone surveys for gathering information. If one or more of our competitors were to develop an online survey process that more effectively and efficiently gathers information, then we would be at a competitive disadvantage and our revenue could be adversely affected, with a corresponding effect on our operating and net income.
We also rely on a third-party panelpanels of pre-recruited consumer households to produce Ticker in a timely manner, the Market Guide.manner.  If we are not able to continue to use this panel,these panels, or the time period in which we use this panelthese panels is altered and we cannot find an alternative panelpanels on a timely, cost competitivecost-competitive basis, we could face an increase in our costs or an inability to effectively produce the Market Guide.Ticker.  In either case, our operating and net income wouldcould be negatively affected.
Our principal shareholder effectively controls our company.
Michael D. Hays, our President and Chief Executive Officer, beneficially owned 72.7%approximately 62% of our outstanding common stock as of March 30, 2009.February 20, 2012.  As a result, he is able toMr. Hays can control matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and the approval of significant corporate matters such as change of control transactions.  The effects of such influence could be to delay or prevent a change of control of our company unless the terms are approved by Mr. Hays.

9


Our business and operating results could be adversely affected if we are unable to attract or retain key managers and other personnel.
Our future performance willmay depend, to a significant extent, upon the efforts and ability of our key personnel who have expertise in gathering, interpreting and marketing survey-based performance information for healthcare markets.  Although client relationships are managed at many levels within our company, the loss of the services of Michael D. Hays, our President and Chief Executive Officer, or one or more of our other senior managers, could have a material adverse effect, at least in the short to medium term, on most significant aspects of our business, including strategic planning, product development, and sales and customer relations.  As of December 31, 2008,2011, we maintained $500,000 of key officer life insurance on Mr. Hays.  Our success will also depend on our ability to hire, train and retain skilled personnel in all areas of our business.  Currently, we do not have employment agreements with our officers or our other key personnel.  Competition for qualified personnel in our industry is intense, and many of the companies that compete with us for qualified personnel have substantially greater financial and other resources than us.  Furthermore, we expect competition for qualified personnel to become more intense as competition in our industry increases.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to recruit, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified personnel to compete successfully.
If intellectual property and other proprietary information technology were copied or independently developed by our competitors, our operating results could be negatively affected.
Our success depends in part upon our data collection process, research methods, data analysis techniques, and internal systems and procedures that we have developed specifically to serve clients in the healthcare industry.  We have no patents.  Consequently, we rely on a combination of copyright, trade secret laws and associate nondisclosure agreements to protect our systems, survey instruments and procedures.  We cannot assure you that the steps we have taken to protect our rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of such rights, or that third parties will not independently develop functionally equivalent or superior systems or procedures.  We believe that our systems and procedures and other proprietary rights do not infringe upon the proprietary rights of third parties.  We cannot assure you, however, that third parties will not assert infringement claims against us in the future, or that any such claims will not result in protracted and costly litigation, regardless of the merits of such claims, or whether we are ultimately successful in defending against such claims.
Errors in,
8

Our business and operating results could be adversely affected if we experience business interruptions or dissatisfaction with,failure of our information technology and communication systems.
Our ability to provide timely and accurate performance trackingmeasurement and other surveys could adversely affectimprovement services to our business.
Many healthcare providers, payersclients depends on the efficient and other entities or individuals use our renewable performance tracking and other healthcare surveys in promoting and/or operating their businesses, and as a factor in determining physician or employee compensation. Consequently, any errors in the data received or in the final surveys, as well as the actual results of such surveys, can have a significant impact on such providers’, payers’ or other entities’ businesses, and on any such individual’s compensation. In addition, parties who have not performed well in our surveys may be dissatisfied with the results of the surveys or the manner in which the results may be used by competitors or others. Although any such errors or dissatisfaction with the results of the surveys, or the manner in which the surveys have been used, has not resulted in litigation against us, we cannot assure you that we will not face future litigation, which may be costly, as a result of a healthcare provider’s, payer’s, other entity’s or individual’s allegation of errors in our surveys or dissatisfaction with the results thereof.
Regulatory developments could adversely affect our revenue and results of operations.
In theuninterrupted operation of our business,information technology and communication systems, and those of our external service providers.  Our systems and those of our external service providers, could be exposed to damage or interruption from fire, natural disasters, energy loss, telecommunication failure, security breach and computer viruses.  An operational failure or outage in our information technology and communication systems or those of our external service providers, could result in loss of customers, damage to customer relationships, reduced revenue and profits, refunds of customer charges and damage our reputation and may result in additional expense to repair or replace damaged equipment and recover data loss resulting from the interruption.  Although we have accesstaken steps to prevent system failures and have back-up systems and procedures to prevent or gather certain confidential information,reduce disruptions, such as medical historiessteps may not prevent an interruption of services and our respondents. As a result, wedisaster recovery planning may not account for all contingencies.  Additionally, our insurance may not adequately compensate us for all losses or failures that may occur.  Any one of the above situations could be subject to potential liability for any inappropriate disclosure or use of such information. Even if we do not improperly disclose confidential information, privacy laws, including the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, the U.S. Patriot Act and Canadian legislation relating to personal health information, have had, and could in the future have, the effect of increasing our costs and restricting our ability to gather and disseminate information which could ultimately have a negativematerial adverse effect on our revenue.business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation.
Security breaches or computer viruses could harm our business.
In addition, several years ago,connection with our client services, we receive, process, store and transmit sensitive business information electronically over the Centers for MedicareInternet.  Computer viruses could spread throughout our systems and Medicaid Services initiated a nationwide effortdisrupt operations and service delivery.  Unauthorized access to collectour computer systems or databases could result in the theft or publication of confidential information or the deletion or modification of records or could otherwise cause interruption in our operations.  We cannot be certain that the technology protecting our networks and publicly report hospital qualityinformation will successfully prevent computer viruses, data including the patient experiencethefts, release of care questionnaire. This questionnaire is called the HCAHPS questionnaireconfidential information or security breaches.  A compromise in our data security systems that results in inappropriate disclosure of our associates', customers' or vendors' confidential information, could harm our reputation and was developed by the Agency for Healthcare Researchexpose us to regulatory action and Quality. After several yearsclaims.  Changes in privacy and information security laws and standards may require we incur significant expense to ensure compliance due to increased technology investment and operational procedures.  An inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses or failure to comply with privacy and information security laws could result in litigation and regulatory risk, loss of developmentcustomers, damage to customer relationships, reduced revenue and consensus building, the HCAHPS survey program began in 2006. This survey program may increase competitionprofits, refunds of customer charges and pricing pressures,damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our operatingbusiness, financial condition, results of operations and net income.reputation.

10


Our growth strategy includes future acquisitions which involve inherent risk.
In order to expand services or technologies to existing clients and increase our client base, we may make strategic business acquisitions that we believe complement our business.  Acquisitions have inherent risks which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations, including, among other things:  (1) failure to successfully integrate the purchased operations, technologies, products or services and maintain uniform standard controls, policies and procedures; (2) substantial unanticipated integration costs; (3) loss of key associates including those of the acquired business; (4) diversion of management’s attention from other operations; (5) failure to retain the customers of the acquired business; (6) failure to achieve any projected synergies and performance targets; (7) additional debt and/or assumption of known or unknown liabilities; (8) dilutive issuances of equity securities; and (9) a write-off of goodwill, software development costs, client lists, other intangibles and amortization of expenses.  If we fail to successfully complete acquisitions or integrate acquired businesses, we may not achieve projected results and there may be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
9


Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
The Company has no unresolved staff comments to report pursuant to this item.
Item 2.Properties
The Company’s headquarters is located in an owned office building in Lincoln, Nebraska, of which 62,000 square feet are used for the Company’s operations.  This facility houses all the capabilities necessary for NRC’s survey programming, printing and distribution, data processing, analysis and report generation, marketing, and corporate administration.  The Company’s Canadian officeterm notes are secured by this property, among other things.
The Company is located in a rentedleasing 2,600 square foot office building in Markham, Ontario. The operations of TGI are located in San Diego, California, where the Company leases 6,100 square feet of office space. MIV’s operations are located in Wausau, Wisconsin, and Minnetonka, Minnesota, where the Company leases 8,500 and 1,300 square feet of office space respectively.in Markham, Ontario, 5,100 square feet of office space in San Diego, California and 8,100 square feet of office space in Seattle, Washington.
Item 3.Legal Proceedings
The Company is not subject to any material pending litigation.
Item 4.SubmissionMine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
10

PART II
Item 5.                    Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Matters to a Vote of Security HoldersEquity Securities
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders during the fourth quarter of the Company’s 2008 fiscal year.

11


PART II
Item 5. 
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The Company’s Common Stock, $.001$0.001 par value (“Common Stock”), is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NRCI.”  The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices for, and dividends declared on, the Common Stock for the period from January 1, 2007,2010, through December 31, 2008:2011:
             
          Dividends 
          Declared Per 
  High  Low  Common Share 
             
2007 Quarter Ended:            
March 31 $24.24  $20.49  $.12 
June 30 $27.00  $21.24  $.12 
September 30 $26.50  $24.47  $.12 
December 31 $28.00  $25.00  $.12 
             
2008 Quarter Ended:            
March 31 $27.94  $24.75  $.14 
June 30 $32.06  $25.14  $.14 
September 30 $35.58  $23.01  $.14 
December 31 $34.93  $19.00  $.14 
  High  Low  
Dividends Declared Per Common Share
 
2010 Quarter Ended:         
March 31 $25.91  $19.00  $.19 
June 30 $27.50  $21.45  $.19 
September 30 $26.90  $22.07  $.19 
December 31 $35.33  $25.21  $.19 
2011 Quarter Ended:         
March 31 $34.25  $29.01  $.22 
June 30 $36.89  $33.63  $.22 
September 30 $44.44  $30.96  $.22 
December 31 $38.96  $28.00  $.22 
On March 30, 2009,February 20, 2012, there were approximately 1923 shareholders of record and approximately 5001,200 beneficial owners of the Common Stock.
In March 2005, the Company announced the commencement of a quarterly cash dividend.  Cash dividends of $3.8$5.9 million and $3.3$5.1 million in the aggregate were declared and paid during the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 20082011 and 2007,2010, respectively.  The payment and amount of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and will depend on the Company’s future earnings, financial condition, general business conditions and other factors.
In February 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of 750,000 shares of common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  As of February 20, 2012, 539,743 shares have been purchased under this authorization.
The table below summarizes the Company’sstock repurchases of its common stock during the three-month period ended December 31, 2008.2011.
                 
          Total Number    
          of Shares    
  Total      Purchased as Part  Maximum Number of 
  Number of  Average  of Publicly  Shares that May Yet Be 
  Shares  Price Paid  Announced Plans  Purchased Under the Plans or 
Period Purchased  Per Share  or Programs(1)  Programs 
October 1 – October 31, 2008  2,504  $27.82   2,504   391,961 
                 
November 1 – November 30, 2008  2,010  $23.65   2,010   389,951 
                 
December 1 – December 31, 2008  97,358  $26.36   97,358   292,593 

(1)In February 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan providing for the repurchase of an additional 750,000 shares. The plan has no expiration date.

12

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 that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
             
October 1 – October 31, 2011  --   --   --   256,376 
November 1 – November 30, 2011  --   --   --   256,376 
December 1 – December 31, 2011  4,947  $34.65   4,947   251,429 

11

The following graph below compares the Company’s cumulative five-year5-year total shareholder return provided shareholders on National Research Corporation's common stock withrelative to the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The graph tracks the performanceAn investment of a $100 investment(with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made in the Company’sour common stock and in each of the indexes (with the reinvestment of all dividends) fromon December 31, 2003, to2006, and its relative performance is tracked through December 31, 2008.2011.
The Russell 2000 Index is an index of companies with market capitalizations similar to the Company. The Company has selected this index because, at this time, the Company does not believe it can reasonably identify a peer group for comparison. The Company believes that an index of companies with similar market capitalizations provides a reasonable basis for comparing total shareholder returns.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN DATA
The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.performance.
*
Based on $100 invested on December 31, 2003, in stock of the Company or the index, including reinvestment of all dividends.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN DATA
                        
 12/03 12/04 12/05 12/06 12/07 12/08   12/06   12/07   12/08   12/09   12/10   12/11 
                         
National Research Corporation
 100.00 100.25 109.62 146.39 177.49 194.16   100.00   121.24   132.63   97.43   166.09   193.23 
 
NASDAQ Composite
 100.00 110.08 112.88 126.51 138.13 80.47   100.00   110.26   65.65   95.19   112.10   110.81 
 
Russell 2000
 100.00 118.33 123.72 146.44 144.15 95.44   100.00   98.43   65.18   82.89   105.14   100.75 

13



12


Item 6.     ��              Selected Financial Data
The selected statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010, and 2006,2009, and the selected balance sheet data at December 31, 20082011 and 2007,2010, are derived from, and are qualified by reference to, the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The selected statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 20052008 and 2004,2007, and the balance sheet data at December 31, 2006, 20052009, 2008, and 2004,2007, are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included herein.  The Company has made acquisitionsacquired OCS on August 3, 2010, MIV on December 19, 2009, and adopted SFAS No. 123RShare-Based Paymentduring the five years covered by the selected statement financial data.customer contracts of SQ Strategies on April 1, 2008.  See Note 2 and Note 87 to the Company’sCompany's consolidated financial statements.
                     
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004 
  (In thousands, except per share data) 
 
Statement of Income Data:
                    
Revenue $51,013  $48,923  $43,771  $32,437  $29,683 
Operating expenses:                    
Direct expenses  23,611   21,801   19,445   13,642   12,869 
Selling, general and administrative  12,728   13,173   12,158   8,617   7,394 
Depreciation and amortization  2,685   2,583   2,260   1,762   2,018 
                
Total operating expenses  39,024   37,557   33,863   24,021   22,281 
Operating income  11,989   11,366   9,908   8,416   7,402 
Other income (expenses)  (6)  (248)  (402)  99   (119)
                
Income before income taxes  11,983   11,118   9,506   8,515   7,283 
Provision for income taxes  4,538   4,278   3,622   3,279   2,732 
                
Net income $7,445  $6,840  $5,884  $5,236  $4,551 
                
                     
Net income per share — basic $1.11  $1.00  $0.86  $0.74  $0.63 
                
Net income per share — diluted $1.09  $0.98  $0.85  $0.74  $0.63 
                
Dividends per share $0.56  $0.48  $0.40  $0.32  $ 
                
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic  6,685   6,850   6,836   7,038   7,181 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted  6,831   7,011   6,954   7,118   7,249 
                     
  December 31, 
  2008  2007  2006  2005  2004 
  (In thousands) 
Balance Sheet Data:
                    
Working capital $(10,650) $(2,384) $(1,482) $8,058  $19,434 
Total assets  72,145   61,869   61,532   44,675   47,954 
Total debt, including current portion  12,954   2,993   11,093   1,471   4,901 
Total shareholders’ equity  38,598   42,286   36,751   32,593   35,018 
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007 
  (In thousands, except per share data) 
Statement of Income Data:               
Revenue $75,767  $63,398  $57,692  $51,013  $48,923 
Operating expenses:                    
Direct expenses  28,667   24,635   24,148   23,611   21,801 
Selling, general and administrative  23,300   20,202   16,016   12,728   13,173 
Depreciation and amortization  5,065   4,704   3,831   2,685   2,583 
Total operating expenses  57,032   49,541   43,995   39,024   37,557 
Operating income  18,735   13,857   13,697   11,989   11,366 
Other expense  (575)  (542)  (580)  (6)  (248)
Income before income taxes  18,160   13,315   13,117   11,983   11,118 
Provision for income taxes  6,596   4,816   4,626   4,538   4,278 
Net income $11,564  $8,499  $8,491  $7,445  $6,840 
                     
Net income per share - basic $1.73  $1.28  $1.28  $1.11  $1.00 
Net income per share - diluted $1.69  $1.26  $1.26  $1.09  $0.98 
Dividends per share $0.88  $0.76  $0.64  $0.56  $0.48 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic  6,672   6,637   6,637   6,685   6,850 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted  6,842   6,735   6,723   6,831   7,011 

14


  December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009  2008  2007 
  (In thousands) 
Balance Sheet Data:               
Working capital deficiency $(2,262) $(8,809) $(4,432) $(10,650) $(2,384)
Total assets  100,676   95,770   72,499   72,145   61,869 
Total debt and capital lease obligations, including current portion  14,912   16,599   7,719   12,954   2,993 
Total shareholders’ equity $55,554  $48,584  $44,171  $38,598  $42,286 
Item 7. 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13

Item 7.                    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
The Company believes it is a leading provider of ongoing survey-based performance measurement analysis, tracking,and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education to the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada.  Since 1981,The Company believes it has achieved this leadership position based on 31 years of industry experience and its relationships with many of the Company has provided theseindustry’s largest organizations.  The Company’s portfolio of services using traditional market research methodologies, such as direct mail, telephone-based surveys, focus groups and in-person interviews. Since 2002, the current primary data collection methodology used is direct mail, but the Company still uses other methodologies for certain types of studies. The Company addresses the growing needneeds of healthcare providers and payers to measure the care outcomes, specifically experience and health status of their patients and/or members, and provides information on governance issues. NRC develops tools that enable healthcare organizations to obtain performance measurementmeasure and improve satisfaction, quality and cost outcomes relative to the services that they provide.  Since its founding in 1981 in Lincoln, Nebraska, NRC has focused on meeting the information necessary to comply with industryneeds of the healthcare industry.  The Company’s services, which are comprehensive, include data collection, healthcare analytics, best practice identification and regulatory standards, andeffective delivery of value-added business intelligence that enables its clients to improve theirperformance across key business practices so that they can maximize new member and/or patient attraction, experience, member retentionmetrics.  Through its extensive array of service capabilities and profitability. The Company believes that a driver of its growth and the growth of its industry will be the increase in demand for performance measurement, improvement and educational services as a result of more public reporting programs. The Company’s primary types ofrelationships, NRC is positioned to provide healthcare information services are performance tracking services, custom research, subscription-based educational and improvement services, and its Market Guide.to organizations across a wide continuum of service delivery segments.
Acquisitions
On December 19, 2008,August 3, 2010, the Company acquired My InnerView, Inc. (“MIV”),all of the issued and outstanding shares of stock and stock rights of OCS, a leading provider of qualityclinical, financial and performance improvement solutionsoperational benchmarks and analytics to home care and hospice providers.  The acquisition provides the Company with an entry in the home health and hospice markets through OCS’s customer relationships with home healthcare and hospice providers and expands the Company's service offerings across the continuum of care.  Goodwill related to the senior care profession. MIV offers resident, familyacquisition of OCS primarily relates to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, including the depth and employee satisfaction measurement and improvement products to the long-term care, assisted and independent living markets in the United States. MIV works with over 8,000 senior care providers throughout the United States, housing what the Company believes is, the largest datasetknowledge of senior care satisfaction metrics in the nation.management.  The all-cash consideration paid at closing for MIV included paymentwas $15.3 million, net of $11,500,000 in$1.0 million cash and $440,000 of direct expenses capitalized as purchase price. The merger agreement under which the Company acquired MIV provided for contingent earn-out payments not included in these amounts.received.
On April 1, 2008, approximately 10 customer contracts were purchased from SQ Strategies for $249,473. The recording of this asset purchase increased customer related intangibles by $260,462 and deferred revenue by $10,989.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported therein.  The most significant of these areas involving difficult or complex judgments made by management with respect to the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for fiscal year 20082011 include:
   Revenue recognition;
 Valuation of long-lived assets;
Valuation of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets; and
 Income taxes.

15


Revenue Recognition
The Company derives a majority of its operating revenue from its annually renewable services, which include performance trackingmeasurement and improvement services, subscription-based educational serviceshealthcare analytics and Market Guide.governance education services.  The Company provides interim and annual performance trackingthese services to its clients under annual client service contracts, although such contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty.  The Company provides subscription-based educational services to clients generally under annual service contracts over a twelve-month period and publishes healthcare market information for its clients through its Market Guide. Starting in May 2008, the Company began providing Market Guide subscription-based services to clients on a monthly basis generally over a twelve-month period, however, some Market Guides will continue to be sold and delivered on an annual basis. The Company also derives revenuessome revenue from its custom and other research projects.
The Company’s performance tracking services are performance tracking and improvement tools for gathering and analyzing data from survey respondents. Such services are provided pursuant to contracts which are generally renewable annually, and that provide for a customer-specific study which is conducted via a series of surveys and delivered via a series of updates or reports, the timing and frequency of which vary by contract (such as monthly or weekly). These contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty and, since progress on these contracts can be tracked and regular updates and reports are made, clients are entitled to any work-in-process, but are obligated to pay for all services performed through cancellation. Typically, these
14

Certain contracts are fixed-fee arrangements andwith a portion of the project fee is billed in advance and the remainder is billed periodically over the duration of the project.  The Company conducts custom research which measures and monitors market issues specific to individual healthcare organizations. The majority of the Company’s custom research is performed under contracts which provide for advance billing of 65% of the total project fee with the remainder due upon delivery. Revenue and direct expenses for the Company’s performance tracking services provided under these contracts are recognized under the proportional performance method.
Under the proportional performance method, the Company recognizes revenue based on output measures or key milestones such as survey set up,set-up, survey mailings, survey returns and reporting.  The Company measures its progress based on the level of completion of these output measures and recognizes revenue accordingly.  Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized using the proportional performance method.  If management made different judgments and estimates, then the amount and timing of revenue for any period could differ materially from the reported revenue.
Services are also provided under subscription-based service agreements.  The Company recognizes subscription-based educational service revenue over the period of time the service is provided.  Generally, the subscription periods are for twelve months and revenue is recognized equally over the subscription period.
The Market Guide was published by NRC solely on an annual basis from 1996 to September 2008.
The Company recognizesalso derives revenue on Market Guide contracts upon deliveryfrom hosting arrangements where our propriety software is offered as a service to our customers through our data processing facilities.  The Company’s revenue also includes software-related revenue for software license revenue, installation services, post-contract support (maintenance) and training.  Software-related revenue is recognized in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 985-605, Software-Revenue Recognition.
Hosting arrangements to provide customers with access to the principal customers. RevenueCompany’s propriety software are marketed under some annual contracts which dolong-term arrangements, generally over periods of one to three years.  Under these arrangements, the customer is not include monthly updates is fully recognized upon delivery, typically inprovided the third quartercontractual right to take possession of the year. Starting in May 2008,licensed software at any time during the Company added subscription-based serviceshosting period without significant penalty, and the revenue from whichcustomer is generally recognized on a monthly basis over a twelve-month period. Until September 2008, the Company would defer costs of preparing the survey data for Market Guide and expense these at the time the annual contract revenue was recognized. These costs are primarily incremental external direct costs solely related to fulfilling the Company’s obligations under Market Guide contracts. Starting in October 2008, these costs were expensed monthly. The Company generates additional revenue from incidental customers subsequent to the completion of each monthly edition. Revenue and costs for these subsequent services are recognized as the services are performed and completed. Market Guide is generallynot provided pursuant to contracts that provide for the receipt of survey results that are customized to meet an individual client’s specific information needs. Typically, these contracts are not cancelable by clients, clients receive no rights in the comprehensive healthcare database which results from this survey, other than the right to userun the customized reports purchased pursuant thereto,software on their own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to us to host the software.  Upfront fees for set-up services are typically billed for our hosting arrangements.  However, these arrangements do not qualify for separation from the ongoing hosting services due to the absence of standalone value for the set-up services.  Therefore, we account for these arrangements as service contracts and amounts due for Market Guiderecognize revenue ratably over the hosting service period when all other conditions to revenue are billed prior to or at delivery.

16


As a resultmet.  Other conditions that must be met before the commencement of revenue recognition include achieving evidence of an arrangement, determining that the collection of the timing of recognition of revenue is probable, and costs associated with Market Guide, the Company’s margins vary throughout the year. determining that fees are fixed and determinable.
The Company’s revenue recognition policysoftware arrangements typically involve the sale of a time-based license bundled with installation services, post-contract support (“PCS”) and training.  License terms range from one year to three years and require an annual fee for Market Guidebundled elements of the arrangement.  PCS is also contractually provided for a period that is co-terminus with the term of the time-based license.  The Company’s installation services are not sensitiveconsidered to significant estimates and judgments.
Valuationbe essential to the functionality of Long-Lived Assets
Under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144,Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company monitors events and changes in circumstances that may require the Company to review the carrying value of its long-lived assets.software license.  The Company assesses whether an impairmentdoes not achieve vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of assets held and used may have occurred using undiscounted future operating cash flows. Impairments, if they occur, are measured using the fair value of the assets. undelivered elements of its software arrangements (primarily PCS) and, therefore, these arrangements are accounted for as a single unit of accounting with revenue recognized ratably over the minimum bundled PCS period.
The assessmentCompany’s revenue arrangements (not involving software elements) may include multiple elements.   In assessing the separation of revenue for elements of such arrangements, we first determine whether each delivered element has standalone value based on whether we or other vendors sell the services separately.   We also consider whether there is sufficient evidence of the recoverability of long-lived assets may be adversely impacted if estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved.
The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carryingfair value of such assets maythe elements in allocating the fees in the arrangement to each element.  Revenue allocated to an element is limited to revenue that is not be recoverable. Among others, management believessubject to refund or otherwise represents contingent revenue.
15

On January 1, 2011, the following circumstances are important indicatorsCompany prospectively adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (ASU 2009-13).  For arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning January 1, 2011, we allocated revenue to arrangements with multiple elements based on relative selling price using a selling price hierarchy.  The selling price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence of potential impairmentselling price.  If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of such assetsthe selling price is used for that deliverable based on list price, representing a component of management’s market strategy, and as a result, may trigger an impairment review:analysis of historical prices for bundled and standalone arrangements.
Significant underperformance in comparison to historical or projected operating results;
Significant changes in the manner or use of acquired assets or the Company’s overall strategy;
Significant negative trends in the Company’s industry or the overall economy;
A significant decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock for a sustained period; and
The Company’s market capitalization falling below the book value of the Company’s net assets.

Valuation of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade namenames, non-compete agreements and goodwill.  Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment.
Goodwill representsis an asset representing the difference betweenfuture economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.  Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually.  The goodwill impairment test is a two-step test.  Under the purchase price paid in acquisitions, using the purchase method of accounting, andfirst step, the fair value of the net assets acquired.
reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill).  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the entity must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement).  Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill.  The Company adoptedfair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the provisionsfair value of SFAS No. 142,Goodwillthe reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and Other Intangible Assets,the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.  Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and as a result,comparable market multiples.  If the Companyfair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not amortize goodwill.need to be performed.
As
All of December 31, 2008, the Company had netCompany’s goodwill of $39.3 million.is allocated to its reporting units.  As of October 1 of each year (or more frequently as changes in circumstances indicate), the Company evaluatestests goodwill for impairment.  Under the estimatedincome approach, there are a number of inputs used to calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow model, including operating results, business plans, projected cash flows and a discount rate.  Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.  Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital, which considers market and industry data.  Operational management develop growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit considering industry and Company-specific historical and projected information.  Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant weighted average cost of capital and low long-term growth rates.  Under the market approach, the Company considers its market capitalization, comparisons to other public companies’ data and recent transactions of similar businesses within the Company’s goodwill. On these evaluation dates, toindustry. No impairments were recorded during the extent that the carrying value of the net assets of the Company’s reporting units having goodwill is greater than the estimated fair value, impairment charges will be recorded. The Company’s analysis has not resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss on goodwill in 2008, 2007years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 or 2006.2009.
Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under that method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases using enacted tax rates.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Valuation allowances, if any, are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained.  Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.  Management judgment is required to determine the provision for income taxes and to determine whether deferred income taxes will be realized in full or in part.  Such judgments include, but are not limited to, the likelihood we would realize the benefits of net operating loss carryforwards, the adequacy of valuation allowances, the election to capitalize or expense costs incurred, and the probability of outcomes of uncertain tax positions.  It is possible that the various taxing authorities could challenge those judgments or positions and reach conclusions that would cause us to incur tax liabilities in excess of, or realize benefits less than, those currently recorded.  In addition, changes in the geographical mix or estimated amount of annual pretax income could impact our overall effective tax rate.

17


16

Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected financial information derived from the Company’s consolidated financial statements, expressed as a percentage of total revenue and the percentage change in such items versus the prior comparable period.  The trends illustrated in the following table may not necessarily be indicative of future results.  The discussion that follows the table should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
                     
  Percentage of Total Revenue  Percentage 
  Year Ended December 31,  Increase 
              2008  2007 
              over  over 
  2008  2007  2006  2007  2006 
                     
Revenue  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  4.3%  11.8%
Operating expenses:                    
Direct expenses  46.3   44.6   44.4   8.3   12.1 
Selling, general and administrative  25.0   26.9   27.8   (3.4)  8.4 
Depreciation and amortization  5.3   5.3   5.2   4.0   14.3 
                
Total operating expenses  76.5   76.8   77.4   3.9   10.9 
                
Operating income  23.5%  23.2%  22.6%  5.5%  14.7%
                
  
Percentage of Total Revenue
Year Ended December 31,
  
Percentage
Increase (Decrease)
 
  2011  2010  2009  
2011 over
 2010
  
2010 over
2009
 
                
Revenue  100.0%  100.0%  100.0%  19.5%  9.9%
Operating expenses:                    
Direct expenses  37.8   38.8   41.9   16.4   2.0 
Selling, general and administrative  30.8   31.9   27.8   15.3   26.1 
Depreciation and amortization  6.7   7.4   6.6   7.7   22.8 
Total operating expenses  75.3   78.1   76.3   15.1   12.6 
Operating income  24.7%  21.9%  23.7%  35.2%  1.2%
Year Ended December 31, 2008,2011, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20072010
Revenue.  Revenue increased 4.3%19.5% in 20082011 to $51.0$75.8 million from $48.9$63.4 million in 2007.2010.  This increase was primarily due to increases in the scope of work from existing clients and the addition of new clients.OCS (increasing revenue by $4.5 million), market share growth, increased pricing from enhanced offerings, and vertical growth in the existing client base from successful cross-selling activities.   The Company expects revenue to continue to grow in 2012 by 15% to 20%.

Direct expenses.  Direct expenses increased 8.3%16.4% to $23.6$28.7 million in 20082011 from $21.8$24.6 million in 2007.2010.  Direct variable expenses are costs that vary with volumes, and consist mainly of printing, postage, hourly labor, and contracted survey work.  Direct fixed expenses consist mainly of salaries and  benefits, and contracted services for client service, analytical,  research,  and information technology development functions.  The changeprimary reason for the increase in direct expenses was primarily due to an increase in salaries, benefitsvariable expenses of $2.4 million, including postage of $1.1 million and travelcontracted survey related costs of $1.2$1.1 million to service the resulthigher volume of the changebusiness, and an increase in the business modelfixed expenses of $675,000 from additional staffing and the allocationrelated expenses in information technology development and client service functions.  The addition of responsibilities related to salesOCS also increased variable expenses by $106,000 and servicing clients. In 2008, the Company divided its sales force into two groups, one focused only on bringing in prospective new clients and the second focused exclusively on servicing current clients. As a result, salaries, benefits and travel attributable to the group focused on current clients are now classified as directfixed expenses rather than selling, general and administrative expenses.by $809,000.  Direct expenses increaseddecreased as a percentage of total revenue to 46.3%37.8% in 20082011 from 44.6%38.8% during 2010, mainly due to leveraging revenue growth and expanded use of more cost-efficient survey methodologies.  The Company increased direct expense in 2007.the fourth quarter of 2011 and will continue to increase direct expenses as a percentage of revenue in the short term, as we increased staffing to support new clients added in late 2011.
17


Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 3.4%increased $3.1 million or 15.3% to $12.7$23.3 million in 20082011 from $13.2$20.2 million in 2007. The change2010.  Of the increase, $2.0 million was largelyprimarily due to the 2008 change inexpansion of the business modelsales force, increased sales commissions, and the allocationaddition of responsibilities related to sales and servicing clients.several executives in various leadership roles.  The addition of OCS accounted for the remaining $1.1 million of the increase.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 25.0%30.8% for 2011 from 31.9% for 2010, primarily due to 2011 sales and revenue growth from the sales expansion in 2008 from 26.9%2010, decreases in 2007.acquisition and transition-related expenses for OCS and the consolidation of MIV sales and operations activities into the Lincoln location incurred in 2010 compared to 2011.  The Company expects selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue to continue to decline as we continue to leverage revenue growth in 2012 against selling, general and adminstrative expenses.
Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 4.0%7.7% to $2.7$5.1 million in 20082011 from $2.6$4.7 million in 2007.2010, primarily due to the addition of OCS in 2010.  Depreciation and amortization expenses as a percentage of revenue remaineddecreased to 6.7% in 2011 from 7.4% in 2010.  The Company expects depreciation expense in 2012 to continue at 5.3% in 2008 and 2007 respectively.a comparable rate as a percentage of revenue.

18



Provision for income taxes.  The provision for income taxes totaled $4.5$6.6 million (37.9%(36.3% effective tax rate) for 20082011 compared to $4.3$4.8 million (38.5%(36.2% effective tax rate) for 2007.2010.  The increase in the effective tax rate was lower in 2008 due to decreaseshigher state taxes, partially offset by increased research and development credits and a decrease in provincial incomeunrecognized tax rates.benefits.

Year Ended December 31, 2007,2010, Compared to Year Ended December 31, 20062009
Revenue.  Revenue increased 11.8%9.9% in 20072010 to $48.9$63.4 million from $43.8$57.7 million in 2006. This was primarily2009.  The acquisition of OCS accounted for $3.0 million of the increase with the remainder due to increases in the scope of work from existing clients, the addition of new clients and the acquisition of TGI in May 2006, which generated $4.1 million more of revenue in 2007 compared to 2006.expanded sales from existing clients.

Direct expenses.  Direct expenses increased 12.1%2% to $21.8$24.6 million in 20072010 from $19.4$24.1 million in 2006 primarily2009.  The primary reason for the increase in direct expenses was due to increasesthe acquisition of OCS, which added approximately $1.4 million, and investment in conference costsa new business unit, Illuminate, offset by increased use of $990,000, postage of $421,000, fieldwork of $291,000, and printing of $241,000 to support the increased revenue from TGI, and new clients and growth in the scope of work from existing clients.more cost-efficient survey methodology, as well as staffing reductions.  Direct expenses increaseddecreased as a percentage of total revenue to 44.6%38.8% in 20072010 from 44.4% in 2006.41.9% during 2009.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 8.4%26.1% to $13.2$20.2 million in 20072010 from $12.2$16.0 million in 2006. The change was primarily due to increases in salary and benefits and contracted services of $1,071,000. The salary increases were primarily attributed to the acquisition of TGI. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of total revenue to 26.9% in 2007 from 27.8% in 2006.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased 14.3% to $2.6 million in 2007 from $2.3 million in 2006.2009.  The increase was primarily due to the amortizationaddition of intangible assetsOCS (adding $1.0 million), $312,000 in acquisition and transition costs associated with the acquisition of TGI. DepreciationOCS, investment in a new product development, expansion of the sales force, and amortizationthe addition of several executives in various leadership roles.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of revenue to 31.9% in 2010 from 27.8% in 2009, mainly due to sales expansion efforts in 2010 throughout the Company, acquisition and transition costs associated with OCS and investment in a new product development.
Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expenses increased slightly22.8% to 5.3%$4.7 million in 20072010 from 5.2%$3.8 million in 2006.2009.  Depreciation and amortization increased as a percentage of revenue to   7.4% in 2010 from 6.6% in 2009.  Approximately $351,000 of the increase was related to the acquisition of OCS, with the remainder primarily due to a large software project that was placed into service at the end of 2009.
Provision for income taxes.  The provision for income taxes totaled $4.3$4.8 million (38.5%(36.2% effective tax rate) for 20072010 compared to $3.6$4.6 million (38.1%(35.3% effective tax rate) for 2006.2009.  The effective tax rate was lowerhigher in 20062010 due to differencesan adjustment to deferred tax balances based on higher projected federal taxable rates and a decrease in stateresearch and development tax credits.
18


Inflation and Changing Prices
Inflation and changing prices have not had a material impact on revenue or net income taxes.in the last three years.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2011, our principal sources of liquidity included $8.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and up to $6.5 million of unused borrowings under our revolving credit note.  The amount of unused borrowings actually available under the revolving credit note varies in accordance with the terms of the agreement.  The Company believes it has adequate capital resourcesthat our existing sources of liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents, borrowing availability, and operating cash flow will be sufficient to meet its projected capital and debt maturity needs and dividend policy for the foreseeable future. Requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, and debt maturities will continue to be funded by operations and the Company’s borrowing arrangements.
Working Capital
The Company had a working capital deficiency of $10.7$2.3 million on December 31, 2008, as2011, compared to a $2.4$8.8 million working capital deficiency on December 31, 2007.2010.  The increase in the working capital deficiency wasbalance is primarily due to billings in excessa deferred revenue balance of revenue earned increasing by $3.0$16.5 million unbilled revenue decreasing by $600,000 and increased debt of $3.5 million to fund the MIV acquisition in December 2008. Cash and cash equivalents also decreased by $2.2$17.7 million as a result of funding 2008 share repurchasesDecember 31, 2011 and paying off in 2008 the remainder of the term note2010, respectively.
The deferred revenue balance from 2007.
Billings in excess of revenue earned increasedis primarily due to timing of initial billings on new and renewal contracts.  The Company typically invoices clients for performance tracking services and custom research projects before they have been completed.  Billed amounts are recorded as billings in excess of revenue earned, or deferred revenue, on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and are recognized as income when earned.  In addition, when work is performed in advance of billing, the Company records this work as revenue earned in excess of billings, or unbilled revenue.  With the change in Market Guide, billings in excess of revenue earned increased $1.5 million as of December 31, 2008. Substantially all deferred revenue and all unbilled revenue will be earned and billed respectively, within 12 months of the respective period ends.

19



Cash Flow Analysis
A summary of operating, investing, and financing activities are shown in the following table:
  For the Year Ended December 31, 
  2011  2010  2009 
  (In thousands) 
Provided by operating activities $18,481  $14,603  $13,666 
Used in investing activities  (6,927)  (16,980)  (3,002)
(Used in) provided by financing activities  (6,886)  3,254   (9,548)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (105)  130   287 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  4,563   1,007   1,403 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $8,082  $3,519  $2,512 
19

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities consist of net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, deferred taxes, and the effect of working capital changes.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, which included net income of $11.6 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, tax benefit from exercise of stock options and non-cash stock compensation totaling
$7.2 million.  Changes in working capital decreased 2011 cash flows from operating activities by $273,000, primarily due to timing of initial billings on new or renewal contracts decreasing cash flows provided from trade accounts receivable and deferred revenue, partially offset by timing of payments on accrued expenses and income taxes.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $14.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, which included net income of $8.5 million, plus non cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization and non-cash stock compensation totaling $6.1 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $13.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, which included net income of $8.5 million, plus non-cash charges (benefits) for deferred tax expense, depreciation and amortization, and non-cash stock compensation totaling $6.2 million.  Changes in working capital reduced 2009 cash flows from operating activities by $1.0 million.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Net cash of $6.9 million was used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2011.  Earn-out payments related to the MIV acquisition approximated $4.1 million, and purchases of property and equipment totaled $2.8 million.
Net cash of $17.0 million was used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2010.  Cash of $15.3 million was used for the acquisition of OCS and $172,000 was paid under the earn-out related to the MIV acquisition.  Cash of $1.5 million was used for the purchase of property and equipment.
Net cash of $3.0 million was used for investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2009.  Earn-out payments related to the MIV acquisition approximated $93,000 and purchases of property and equipment totaled $2.9 million.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $6.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2011.  Cash was generated from borrowings under the Company’s term note and revolving credit note totaling $4.5 million.  Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the excess tax benefit of share-based compensation provided cash of $568,000 and $407,000, respectively, partially offset by repurchases of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation of $146,000.  Cash was used to pay dividends of $5.9 million, repay borrowings under the term note and revolving credit note totaling $6.2 million, and repay capital lease obligations of $130,000.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.  Cash was generated from borrowings under the term note and revolving credit note totaling $11.3 million.  Proceeds from the exercise of stock options provided cash of $274,000.  Cash was used to pay dividends of $5.1 million, repay borrowings under the term note and revolving credit note totaling $2.8 million, and repurchases of the Company’s common stock for $399,000.
20

Net cash used in financing activities was $9.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2009.  Cash was generated from borrowings under the term note and revolving credit note totaling $4.9 million.  Cash was used to pay dividends of $4.3 million and repay borrowings under the term note and revolving credit note totaling $10.1 million.
The effect of changes in foreign exchange rates increased (decreased) cash and cash equivalents by ($105,000), $130,000, and $287,000 in the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 20082011, were $2.8 million. These expenditures consisted mainly of computer software, computer hardware, furniture and other equipment.  The Company expects similar capital expenditure purchases in 2012 consisting primarily of computer software and building improvements,hardware and the addition of $846,000 with the acquisition of MIV.
The Company has budgeted approximately $2.0 million for capital expenditures in 2009other equipment, to be funded through cash generated from operations. The Company expects that these expenditures will be primarily for computer hardware and software, and equipment.
Debt and Equity
On May 26, 2006, the Company entered into a credit facility pursuant to which it borrowed $9.0 million under a term note and $3.5 million under a revolving credit note in order to partially finance the acquisition of TGI. The term note was refinanced on February 25, 2008, for the remaining balance of the term note of $1,602,675. The refinanced term note required payments of principal and interest in 17 monthly installments of $92,821, beginning March 31, 2008, and ending August 31, 2009. Borrowings under the refinanced term note bore interest at an annual rate of 5.14%. The Company made additional payments and paid off the term note in October 2008.
The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note was originally $3.5 million, but an addendum to the revolving credit note dated March 26, 2008, changed the revolving credit note amount to $6.5 million. The revolving credit note was renewed in July 2008 to extend the term to July 31, 2009. The Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow amounts under the revolving credit note from time to time until its maturity on July 31, 2009. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $6.5 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to 75% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the revolving credit note bear interest at a variable rate equal to (1) prime (as defined in the credit facility) less 0.50% or (2) one-, two-, three-, six- or twelve-month LIBOR. The Company expects to extend the term of the revolving credit note for at least one year beyond the maturity date. As of December 31, 2008, the balance of the revolving credit note was $3.9 million.
On December 19, 2008, the Company borrowed $9.0 million under a term note to partially finance the acquisition of MIV.  In July 2010, the Company refinanced the existing term loan with a $6.9 million fixed rate term loan.  The new term noteloan is payable in 35 equalmonthly installments of $96,829,$80,104 with the balance of principal and interest payable in a balloon payment for the remaining principal balance and interest due on DecemberJuly 31, 2011.2013.  Borrowings under the term note bear interest at aan annual rate of 5.2% per year.3.79%.  The outstanding balance of the term note at December 31, 2011, was $6.0 million.
On July 31, 2010, the Company borrowed $10.0 million under a fixed rate term note to partially finance the acquisition of OCS.  The term loan is payable in 35 monthly installments of $121,190 with a balloon payment for the remaining principal balance and interest due on July 31, 2013.  Borrowings under the term note bear interest at an annual rate of 3.79%.  The outstanding balance of the term note at December 31, 2010, was $8.5 million.
The term note isnotes are secured by certain of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s land, building, accounts receivable and intangibles.intangible assets.  The term note containsnotes contain various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Company, including requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions on the ability of the Company to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or dispose of assets.  As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company was in compliance with these restrictions and covenants.
Debt
The Company entered into a revolving credit note in 2006.  The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note, following an addendum to the note in March 2008, is $6.5 million.  The revolving credit note was renewed in June 2011 to extend the term to June 30, 2012.  The Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow amounts under the revolving credit note from time to time until its maturity on June 30, 2012.  The Company expects to extend the term of the revolving credit note for at least one year beyond the maturity date.  If, however, the note cannot be extended, the Company believes it has adequate cash flows from operations to meet its debt and capital needs. 
The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note of $6.5 million is subject to a borrowing base equal to 75% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable.  Borrowings under the renewed revolving credit note bear interest at a variable annual rate, with three rate options at the discretion of management as follows:  (1) 2.5% plus the daily reset one-month LIBOR rate, or (2) 2.2% plus the one-, two-, three-, six- or twelve-month LIBOR rate, or (3) the bank’s Money Market Loan Rate.  The rate at December 31, 2011 was 2.79%.  As of December 31, 2011, the revolving credit note did not have a balance.  According to borrowing base requirements, the Company had the capacity to borrow $6.5 million as of December 31, 2011.
21

The agreement under which the Company acquired throughMIV provided for contingent earn-out payments over three years based on growth in revenue and earnings.  The 2010 and 2009 earn-out payments paid in February 2011 and 2010, were $1.6 million and $172,000 respectively, net of closing valuation adjustments, and were recorded as additions to goodwill.  In April 2011, the Company reached an agreement which limited the final earn-out payment associated with the MIV acquisition included $89,741at $2.6 million.  Of this amount, $2.5 million was paid during April 2011 and a final payment of $117,000 was paid in capital leases.September 2011.  The capital leases are for production and mailing equipment meeting capitalization requirements where the lease term exceeds more than 75% of the estimated useful life. The equipment is being depreciated over the lease term of 4.25 years ending in 2011.payments have been recorded as additions to goodwill.

20


Contractual Obligations

The Company had contractual obligations to make cash payments in the following amounts in the future as of December 31, 2008:2011:
                     
  Total  Less than  One to  Three to  After 
Contractual Obligations Payments  One Year  Three Years  Five Years  Five Years 
                     
Operating leases $2,197,826  $626,201  $1,400,867  $170,758  $ 
Revolving credit note  3,850,000   3,850,000          
Other debt  14,148   14,148          
Capital leases  101,871   37,044   64,827       
Long-term debt  10,274,496   1,161,946   9,112,550       
                
Total $16,438,341  $5,689,339  $10,578,244  $170,758  $ 
                
The balance of the Company’s revolving credit note as of December 31, 2008, is shown in the contractual obligations table as a cash payment obligation during the year in which the note’s term expires. Interest related to the revolving credit note is dependent on the level of borrowing and variable interest rates as more fully described in Note 7 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and is not shown in this table.
Contractual Obligations 
Total
Payments
  
Less than
One Year
  
One to
Three Years
  
Three to
Five Years
  
After
Five Years
 
(In thousands)               
Operating leases $2,058  $676  $1,155  $227  $-- 
Capital leases  519   147   365   7   -- 
Uncertain tax positions(1)
  266   --   --   --   -- 
Long-term debt  15,319   2,617   12,702   --   -- 
Total $18,162  $3,440  $14,222  $234  $-- 
                     
(1) We have $266,000 in liabilities associated with uncertain tax positions. We are unable to reasonably estimate the expected cash settlement dates of these uncertain tax positions with the taxing authorities.
 
The Company generally does not make unconditional, non-cancelable purchase commitments. The Company enters into purchase orders in the normal course of business, but these purchase obligations do not exceed one year.year.

Shareholders’ equity decreased $3.7increased $7.0 million to $38.6$55.6 million in 20082011 from $42.3$48.6 million in 2007.2010.  The decreaseincrease was primarily due to the purchasenet income of treasury stock, including stock used to pay the exercise price of options exercised, of $10.1$11.6 million and payment of cash dividends of $3.8 million. This was$2.1 million related share-based compensation, partially offset by an increase in net income and the exercisedividends paid of stock options.$5.9 million.
Stock Repurchase Program
In February 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of an additional 750,000 shares of common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  As of December 31, 2008,2011, the remaining number of shares that cancould be purchased are 292,593.under this authorization was 251,429.
Off-Balance Sheet Obligations
The Company has no significant off-balance sheet obligations other than the operating lease commitments disclosed in “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
22

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Effective
On January 1, 2008,2011, the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2009-13.  This guidance eliminates the provisionsresidual method under the current guidance and replaces it with the “relative selling price” method when allocating revenue in a multiple deliverable arrangement.  Additionally, it requires that revenue be allocated to each deliverable based on estimated selling price, even though such deliverables are not sold separately either by the Company or other vendors.  The selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor-specific objective evidence of SFAS No. 157,Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS 157”),selling price, if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence of selling price.  If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of the selling price is used for that deliverable.  As a result, the new guidance allows some revenue to be recognized earlier and in different amounts than previous requirements.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial assetsstatements during the year ended December 31, 2011, and financial liabilities. is not expected to materially impact subsequent periods.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In accordance withJune and December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, the Company delayed application of SFAS 157 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, until January 1, 2009. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment. As stated above, SFAS 157 will be applicable to these fair value measurements beginning January 1, 2009. Management believes that adoption of SFAS 157-2 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities will not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

21


In February 2007, the FASB(“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“No. 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 were effective as of January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) in EITF Issue No. 07-3,Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for Use in Future Research and Development Activities(“EITF 07-3”),guidance which requires that nonrefundable advance payments for goodscomprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities be deferred and amortized overin two separate but consecutive statements.  The option to present the period that the goods are delivered or the related services are performed, subject to an assessmentcomponents of recoverability. EITF 07-3 is effectiveother comprehensive income as part of the beginningstatement of a company’s first fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2007. The adoption of EITF 07-3 has had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162,The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles(“SFAS 162”). This statement identifies the sources of, and framework for, selecting the accounting principles to be usedchanges in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“GAAP hierarchy”). Because the current GAAP hierarchy is set forth in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, it is directed to the auditor rather than to the entity responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements presented in conformity with GAAP. Accordingly, the FASB concluded the GAAP hierarchy should reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB and issued this statement to achieve that result. The provisions of SFAS 162 are effective November 15, 2008,stockholders’ equity, which is 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411,The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The adoption of SFAS 162 has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations(“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces SFAS 141,Business Combinations. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R)Company’s current presentation, will no longer be allowed. This guidance is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. Management will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if, and when, a future acquisition occurs.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51(“SFAS 160”). This statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within thosebeginning after December 15, 2011.  The guidance will change the Company’s financial statement presentation but is not expected to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance that simplified how entities test for goodwill impairment. This guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Management believes that the adoption of SFAS 160 will2011.  The guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

22


Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
The impact of financialCompany’s primary market risk exposure is changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the country in which it operates.  It translates its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.  It translates its revenue and expenses at the average exchange rate during the period.  The Company includes translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity.  Foreign currency translation gains (losses) were ($201,000), $339,000, and $775,000 in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the countries in which the Company is not significant. The Company’s primary financial market risk exposure consistedoperates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income.
We are exposed to interest rate risk related towith both our fixed-rate term debt and variable rate revolving line of credit facility. At December 31, 2011, our fixed rate term debt totaled $14.5 million.  We estimate that a one percent change in market interest expense from the Company’s revolving credit note with a variable interest rate. See Note 7 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The balance on the revolving credit note was $3,850,000rates as of December 31, 2008, with an interest rate2011 would change the fair value of 2.75%. If the balance on the revolving credit note remains the same and interest rates increase .5%, interest expense for the year would increase $19,000. The Company plans on paying off the revolving credit note in one year.
The Company also had limited interest rate risk related to interest income from the Company’s investments in United States government securities with maturities of three years or less. The Company exited its investments in such securities during 2008 and, as a result, did not have investments in such securitiesour fixed-rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2008. See Note 3 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Generally, if the overall average return on such securities would have decreased .5% from the average return during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, then the Company’s interest income and pre-tax income would have decreased2011, by approximately $3,000 and $10,000, respectively. These amounts were determined by considering the impact of$12,000.  We performed a sensitivity analysis assuming a hypothetical change100 basis point movement in interest rates applied to the average daily borrowings of the revolving line of credit facility.  The analysis indicated that such a movement would change interest expense on the Company’s interest income.an annual basis by approximately $3,000.
23


Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth selected financial information for each of the eight quarters in the two-year period ended December 31, 2008.2011.  This unaudited information has been prepared by the Company on the same basis as the consolidated financial statements and includes all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly this information when read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
                                 
  (In thousands, except per share data) 
  Quarter Ended 
  Dec. 31,  Sept 30,  June 30,  Mar. 31,  Dec. 31,  Sept 30,  June 30,  Mar. 31, 
  2008  2008  2008  2008  2007  2007  2007  2007 
                                 
Revenue $12,189  $13,469  $11,901  $13,454  $10,821  $13,952  $11,945  $12,205 
Direct expenses  5,766   6,598   5,320   5,927   5,057   5,930   5,366   5,448 
Selling, general and administrative  2,768   3,053   3,348   3,559   3,283   3,240   3,250   3,400 
Depreciation and amortization  682   661   676   666   661   672   623   627 
                         
Operating income  2,973   3,157   2,557   3,302   1,820   4,110   2,706   2,730 
Other income (expense)  70   14   (58)  (32)  (25)  (57)  (30)  (137)
Provision for income taxes  1,148   1,205   918   1,267   686   1,558   1,035   999 
                         
Net income $1,895  $1,966  $1,581  $2,003  $1,109  $2,495  $1,641  $1,594 
                         
Net income per share — basic $0.29  $0.30  $0.24  $0.29  $0.16  $0.36  $0.24  $0.23 
Net income per share — diluted $0.28  $0.29  $0.23  $0.29  $0.16  $0.36  $0.23  $0.23 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic  6,642   6,644   6,637   6,818   6,861   6,851   6,845   6,842 
Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted  6,782   6,803   6,793   6,970   7,034   7,013   7,002   6,964 

23

  (In thousands, except per share data) 
  
 
Quarter Ended
 
  
Dec. 31, 2011
  
Sept 30, 2011
  
June 30, 2011
  
Mar. 31, 2011
  
Dec. 31, 2010
  
Sept 30, 2010
  
June 30, 2010
  
Mar. 31, 2010
 
                         
Revenue $19,111  $18,549  $18.316  $19,791  $15,883  $16,006  $14,139  $17,370 
Direct expenses  7,178   7,471   7,260   6,758   6,264   6,038   5,877   6,456 
Selling, general and administrative  5,648   5,572   5,990   6,090   5,938   5,250   4,545   4,469 
Depreciation and amortization  1,275   1,312   1,235   1,243   1,322   1,225   1,059   1,098 
Operating income  5,010   4,194   3,831   5,700   2,359   3,493   2,658   5,347 
Other expense  (158)  (77)  (144)  (196)  (200)  (160)  (42)  (140)
Provision for income taxes  1,720   1,470   1,358   2,048   590   1,191   956   2,079 
Net income $3,132  $2,647  $2,329  $3,456  $1,569  $2,142  $1,660  $3,128 
Net income per share – basic $0.47  $0.40  $0.35  $0.52  $0.24  $0.32  $0.25  $0.47 
Net income per share – diluted $0.46  $0.39  $0.34  $0.51  $0.23  $0.32  $0.25  $0.47 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic  6,691   6,679   6,665   6,654   6,644   6,632   6,634   6,640 
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted  6,847   6,850   6,855   6,809   6,780   6,727   6,732   6,711 


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
24
To the Shareholders and
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
and Shareholders
National Research Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Research Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company)subsidiary as of December 31, 20082011 and 2007,2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008.2011.  In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have also audited the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2)15(2) of this Form 10-K.  These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of National Research Corporation and subsidiariessubsidiary as of December 31, 20082011 and 2007,2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2008,2011, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Lincoln, Nebraska
March 31, 20091, 2012

24



25

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 2008 AND 2007
         
  2008  2007 
Assets
        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,108,853  $3,355,141 
Investments in marketable debt securities     99,497 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $240,653 and $70,212 in 2008 and 2007, respectively  6,531,125   6,378,914 
Unbilled revenue  809,596   1,377,427 
Prepaid expenses and other  1,299,975   1,068,446 
Recoverable income taxes  573,676   272,219 
Deferred income taxes  115,421   48,657 
       
Total current assets  10,438,646   12,600,301 
         
Net property and equipment  13,746,787   11,974,029 
Intangible assets, net  8,056,367   5,615,910 
Goodwill  39,275,939   31,051,202 
Deferred income taxes     590,034 
Other  626,871   37,317 
       
         
Total assets $72,144,610  $61,868,793 
       
         
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
        
Current liabilities:        
Current portion of note payable $4,580,719  $1,092,754 
Accounts payable  863,273   1,106,317 
Accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing  1,374,744   1,477,021 
Accrued expenses  1,344,032   1,386,133 
Billings in excess of revenue earned  12,926,119   9,921,763 
       
Total current liabilities  21,088,887   14,983,988 
         
Note payable, net of current portion  8,373,170   1,900,598 
Deferred income taxes  4,084,241   2,697,774 
       
Total liabilities  33,546,298   19,582,360 
         
Shareholders’ equity:        
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued 8,019,922 in 2008 and 7,883,289 in 2007, outstanding 6,667,517 in 2008 and 6,926,442 in 2007  8,020   7,883 
Additional paid-in capital  27,216,769   23,508,717 
Retained earnings  33,677,381   30,003,606 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes  (6,010)  931,655 
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,352,405 shares in 2008 and 956,847 shares in 2007  (22,297,848)  (12,165,428)
       
Total shareholders’ equity  38,598,312   42,286,433 
       
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $72,144,610  $61,868,793 
       
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Assets 
2011
  
2010
 
Current assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents $8,082  $3,519 
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $289 and $337, respectively  11,187   9,172 
Unbilled revenue  913   1,115 
Prepaid expenses and other  1,166   1,347 
Recoverable income taxes  -   1,277 
Deferred income taxes  789   911 
Total current assets  22,137   17,341 
         
Net property and equipment  13,613   14,482 
Intangible assets, net  7,073   8,638 
Goodwill  57,730   55,133 
Other  123   176 
         
Total assets $100,676  $95,770 
         
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity        
Current liabilities:        
Current portion of notes payable $1,861  $1,827 
Accounts payable  783   956 
Accrued wages, bonus and profit sharing  3,591   4,315 
Accrued expenses  1,519   1,351 
Income taxes payable  145   - 
Deferred revenue  16,500   17,701 
Total current liabilities  24,399   26,150 
         
Notes payable, net of current portion  12,625   14,333 
Deferred income taxes  7,588   6,193 
Deferred revenue  185   184 
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion  325   326 
Total liabilities  45,122   47,186 
         
Shareholders’ equity:        
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued 8,117,849 in 2011 and 8,044,855 in 2010, outstanding 6,724,280 in 2011 and 6,668,574 in 2010  8   8 
Additional paid-in capital  31,080   28,970 
Retained earnings  46,995   41,343 
Accumulated other comprehensive income  907   1,108 
Treasury stock, at cost; 1,393,569 shares in 2011 and 1,376,281 shares in 2010  (23,436)  (22,845)
Total shareholders’ equity  55,554   48,584 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $100,676  $95,770 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

25


26

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
             
  2008  2007  2006 
             
Revenue $51,013,417  $48,922,884  $43,771,455 
          
             
Operating expenses:            
Direct expenses  23,610,922   21,801,039   19,445,925 
Selling, general and administrative  12,728,081   13,173,431   12,158,004 
Depreciation and amortization  2,685,641   2,582,866   2,259,669 
          
Total operating expenses  39,024,644   37,557,336   33,863,598 
          
             
Operating income  11,988,773   11,365,548   9,907,857 
          
             
Other income (expense):            
Interest income  41,841   138,702   171,273 
Interest expense  (138,901)  (483,135)  (517,482)
Other, net  90,852   96,269   (55,893)
          
             
Total other expense  (6,208)  (248,164)  (402,102)
          
             
Income before income taxes  11,982,565   11,117,384   9,505,755 
             
Provision for income taxes  4,537,704   4,278,372   3,621,687 
          
             
Net income $7,444,861  $6,839,012  $5,884,068 
          
             
Net income per share — basic $1.11  $1.00  $0.86 
          
Net income per share — diluted $1.09  $0.98  $0.85 
          
(In thousands, except for per share amounts)
  2011  2010  2009 
          
Revenue $75,767  $63,398  $57,692 
             
Operating expenses:            
Direct expenses  28,667   24,635   24,148 
Selling, general and administrative  23,300   20,202   16,016 
Depreciation and amortization  5,065   4,704   3,831 
Total operating expenses  57,032   49,541   43,995 
             
Operating income  18,735   13,857   13,697 
             
Other income (expense):            
Interest income  13   6   2 
Interest expense  (629)  (491)  (405)
Other, net  41   (57)  (177)
             
Total other expense  (575)  (542)  (580)
             
Income before income taxes  18,160   13,315   13,117 
             
Provision for income taxes  6,596   4,816   4,626 
             
Net income $11,564  $8,499  $8,491 
             
Net income per share - basic $1.73  $1.28  $1.28 
Net income per share - diluted $1.69  $1.26  $1.26 
             
Weighted average shares and shares equivalent outstanding - basic  6,672   6,637   6,637 
Weighted average shares and shares equivalent outstanding - diluted  6,842   6,736   6,723 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

26


27

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AS OF AND FOR THE
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
                             
                  Accumulated       
      Additional          Other       
  Common  Paid-in  Retained  Unearned  Comprehensive  Treasury    
  Stock  Capital  Earnings  Compensation  Income  Stock  Total 
Balances at December 31, 2005  7,741   20,046,027   23,360,297   (432,631)  300,369   (10,688,312)  32,593,491 
                      
Purchase of 52,217 shares of treasury stock                 (1,236,055)  (1,236,055)
Issuance of 89,307 common shares for the exercise of stock options  89   926,102               926,191 
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock     404,535               404,535 
Issuance of 13,218 restricted common shares, net of 5,250 cancelled  8   (8)               
Non-cash stock compensation expense     875,684               875,684 
Reclassify unearned compensation     (432,631)     432,631          
Dividends declared of $0.40 per common share        (2,756,057)           (2,756,057)
Comprehensive income                            
Change in unrealized gain/(loss) on marketable securities, net of tax              67,436      67,436 
Change in cumulative translation adjustment              (8,780)     (8,780)
Net income        5,884,068            5,884,068 
                      
Total comprehensive income                          5,942,724 
                            
Balances at December 31, 2006  7,838   21,819,709   26,488,308      359,025   (11,924,367)  36,750,513 
                      
Purchase of 61,849 shares of treasury stock                 (241,061)  (241,061)
Issuance of 22,829 common shares for the exercise of stock options  22   337,764               337,786 
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock     111,551               111,551 
Issuance of 32,115 restricted common shares, net of 9,109 cancelled  23   (23)               
Non-cash stock compensation expense     1,239,716               1,239,716 
Dividends declared of $0.48 per common share        (3,323,714)           (3,323,714)
Comprehensive income                            
Change in unrealized gain/(loss) on marketable securities, net of tax              4,085      4,085 
Change in cumulative translation adjustment              568,545      568,545 
Net income        6,839,012            6,839,012 
                      
Total comprehensive income                          7,411,642 
                            
Balances at December 31, 2007 $7,883  $23,508,717  $30,003,606  $  $931,655  $(12,165,428) $42,286,433 
                      
Purchase of 395,558 shares of treasury stock                 (10,132,420)  (10,132,420)
Issuance of 144,614 common shares for the exercise of stock options  145   1,856,160               1,856,305 
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock     835,682               835,682 
Cancellation of 7,981 restricted common shares  (8)  8                
Non-cash stock compensation expense     1,016,202               1,016,202 
Dividends declared of $0.56 per common share        (3,771,086)           (3,771,086)
Comprehensive income                            
Change in unrealized gain/(loss) on marketable securities, net of tax              133      133 
Change in cumulative translation adjustment              (937,798)     (937,798)
Total comprehensive income                          6,507,196 
                            
Net income        7,444,861            7,444,861 
                      
Balances at December 31, 2008 $8,020  $27,216,769  $33,677,381  $  $(6,010) $(22,297,848) $38,598,312 
                      
(In thousands except share and per share amounts)
  
Common
Stock
  
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  
Retained
Earnings
  
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
  
Treasury
Stock
  Total 
Balances at December 31, 2008 $8  $27,217  $33,677  $(6) $(22,298) $38,598 
Purchase of 3,528 shares of treasury stock  --   --   --   --   (84)  (84)
Issuance of 2,023 common shares for the exercise of stock options  --   18   --   --   --   18 
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock  --   17   --   --   --   17 
Cancellation of 3,901 restricted common shares  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
Non-cash stock compensation expense  --   619   --   --   --   619 
Dividends declared of $0.64 per common share  --   --   (4,263)  --   --   (4,263)
Comprehensive income                        
Change in cumulative translation adjustment  --   --   --   775   --   775 
Net income  --   --   8,491   --   --   8,491 
Total comprehensive income  --   --   --   --   --   9,266 
Balances at December 31, 2009 $8  $27,871  $37,905  $769  $(22,382) $44,171 
Purchase of 20,349 shares of treasury stock  --   --   --   --   (463)  (463)
Issuance of 17,573 common shares for the exercise of stock options  --   274   --   --   --   274 
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock  --   46   --   --   --   46 
Issuance of 9,238 restricted common shares  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
Non-cash stock compensation expense  --   779   --   --   --   779 
Dividends declared of $0.76 per common share  --   --   (5,061)  --   --   (5,061)
Comprehensive income                        
Change in cumulative translation adjustment  --   --   --   339   --   339 
Net income  --   --   8,499   --   --   8,499 
Total comprehensive income  --   --   --   --   --   8,838 
Balances at December 31, 2010 $8  $28,970  $41,343  $1,108  $(22,845) $48,584 
Purchase of 17,288 shares of treasury stock  --   --   --   --   (591)  (591)
Issuance of 58,671 common shares for the exercise of stock options  --   940   --   --   --   940 
Tax benefit from the exercise of options and vested restricted stock  --   407   --   --   --   407 
Issuance of 14,323 restricted common shares, net of forfeitures  --   --   --   --   --   -- 
Non-cash stock compensation expense  --   763   --   --   --   763 
Dividends declared of $0.88 per common share  --   --   (5,912)  --   --   (5,912)
Comprehensive income                        
Change in cumulative translation adjustment  --   --   --   (201)  --   (201)
Net income  --   --   11,564   --   --   11,564 
Total comprehensive income  --   --   --   --   --   11,363 
Balances at December 31, 2011 $8  $31,080  $46,995  $907  $(23,436) $55,554 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

27


28

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
             
  2008  2007  2006 
Cash flows from operating activities:            
Net income $7,444,861  $6,839,012  $5,884,068 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  2,685,641   2,582,866   2,259,669 
Deferred income taxes  430,359   117,046   99,135 
Gain on sale of property and equipment     (3,587)  (50)
Gain on sale of other investments        47,616 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  155,808   31,245   63,005 
Non-cash stock compensation expense  1,016,202   1,092,776   1,022,624 
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:            
Trade accounts receivable  636,344   616,423   (884,575)
Unbilled revenue  603,196   900,397   (1,089,431)
Prepaid expenses and other  (154,580)  30,190   256,809 
Accounts payable  (407,716)  (73,154)  22,006 
Accrued expenses, wages, bonus and profit sharing  6,237   329,845   (58,680)
Income taxes payable and recoverable  (249,135)  562,797   (714,293)
Billings in excess of revenue earned  3,008,164   1,540,258   (95,723)
          
Net cash provided by operating activities  15,175,381   14,566,114   6,812,180 
          
             
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of property and equipment  (2,812,350)  (1,956,204)  (1,453,128)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment     200   50 
Acquisition, net of cash acquired and earn-out on acquisition  (12,551,194)     (20,620,521)
Purchases of securities available-for-sale     (2,990,012)  (1,378,523)
Proceeds from the maturities of securities available-for-sale  99,477   4,007,262   9,784,215 
          
Net cash used in investing activities  (15,264,067)  (938,754)  (13,667,907)
          
             
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Proceeds from notes payable  18,564,148   375,000   14,795,000 
Payments on notes payable  (8,951,785)  (8,474,621)  (5,173,310)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  731,319   337,786   926,191 
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options and vested restricted stock  679,874   80,306   341,530 
Purchase of treasury stock  (9,007,434)  (241,061)  (1,236,055)
Payment of dividends on common stock  (3,771,086)  (3,323,714)  (2,756,057)
          
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  (1,754,964)  (11,246,304)  6,897,299 
          
             
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (402,638)  97,726   (9,171)
             
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (2,246,288)  2,478,782   32,401 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  3,355,141   876,360   843,959 
          
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $1,108,853  $3,355,142  $876,360 
          
             
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:            
Interest expense $122,468  $483,135  $600,719 
Income taxes $3,501,958  $3,457,478  $3,839,192 
(In thousands)
  2011  2010  2009 
Cash flows from operating activities:         
Net income $11,564  $8,499  $8,491 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization  5,065   4,704   3,831 
Deferred income taxes  1,297   614   1,733 
(Gain) Loss on sale of property and equipment  (1)  1   1 
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options  66   33   -- 
Non-cash stock compensation expense  763   779   619 
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:            
Trade accounts receivable  (2,064)  (2,489)  1,396 
Unbilled revenue  194   91   (315)
Prepaid expenses and other  132   1,854   (516)
Accounts payable  52   (1,391)  (278)
Accrued expenses, wages, bonus and profit sharing  1,176   113   (73)
Income taxes payable and recoverable  1,420   (442)  (326)
Deferred revenue  (1,183)  2,237   (897)
Net cash provided by operating activities  18,481   14,603   13,666 
             
Cash flows from investing activities:            
Purchases of property and equipment  (2,812)  (1,539)  (2,909)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired and earn-out on acquisitions  (4,115)  (15,441)  (93)
Net cash used in investing activities  (6,927)  (16,980)  (3,002)
             
Cash flows from financing activities:            
Proceeds from notes payable  4,545   11,300   4,916 
Payments on notes payable  (6,218)  (2,799)  (10,108)
Payments on capital lease obligations  (130)  (43)  (44)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  568   274   18 
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation  407   46   17 
Purchase of treasury stock  --   (399)  (84)
Repurchase of shares for payroll tax withholdings related to share-based compensation  (146)  (64)  -- 
Payment of dividends on common stock  (5,912)  (5,061)  (4,263)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (6,886)  3,254   (9,548)
             
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash  (105)  130   287 
             
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  4,563   1,007   1,403 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period  3,519   2,512   1,109 
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $8,082  $3,519  $2,512 
             
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:            
Interest expense, net of capitalized amounts $542  $497  $498 
Income taxes $3,383  $4,549  $2,999 
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activities:

Capital lease obligations for property and equipment originating during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $115,000, $389,000 and $0, respectively.

In connection with the Company’s Equity Incentiveequity incentive plans, certain optionees tendered to the Company previously owned shares to pay for the option strike price.  The total non-cash stock options exercised was $1,124,986$445,000, $-0- and $-0- for the yearyears ended December 31, 2008.2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

28


29

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1)           Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
National Research Corporation (the(“NRC” or the “Company”) believes it is a leading provider of ongoing survey-based performance measurement analysis, tracking,and improvement services, healthcare analytics and governance education to the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada.  The Company provides market research services to hospitals and insurance companies on an unsecured credit basis. The Company’s ten largest clients accounted for 24%20%, 29%19%, and 32%19% of the Company’s total revenue in 2008, 20072011, 2010, and 2006, respectively. One client accounted for 7%, 8% and 8% of total revenue in 2008, 2007 and 2006,2009, respectively.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries.subsidiary.  All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Translation of Foreign Currencies
The Company’s Canadian subsidiary uses as its functional currency the local currency of the country in which it operates.  It translates its assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.  It translates its revenue and expenses at the average exchange rate during the period.  The Company includes translation gains and losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a component of shareholders’ equity.  Gains and losses related to transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the countries in which the Company operates and short-term intercompany accounts are included in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of income.
Revenue Recognition
The Company derives a majority of its operating revenue from its annually renewable services, which include the performance trackingmeasurement and improvement services, subscription-based educational serviceshealthcare analytics and subscription-based and annual contracts of the Market Guide.governance education services.  The Company provides interim and annual performance trackingthese services to its clients under annual client service contracts, although such contracts are generally cancelable on short or no notice without penalty.  The Company provides subscription-based educational services to clients generally under annual service contracts over a twelve-month period and publishes healthcare market information for its clients through its Market Guide on an annual or monthly basis. The Company also derives some revenue from its custom and other research projects. Sales taxes collected from customers
Certain contracts are fixed-fee arrangements with a portion of the project fee billed in advance and remitted to governmental authoritiesthe remainder billed periodically over the duration of the project.  Revenue and direct expenses for services provided under these contracts are accounted for on a net basis and, therefore, are excluded from revenue inrecognized under the consolidated statements of income.
The Company recognizes revenue from itsproportional performance tracking services and its custom and other research projects usingmethod.   Under the proportional performance method, of accounting. These services typically include a series of surveys and deliverable reports in which the timing and frequency vary by contract.

29


Progress on a contract can be tracked reliably, and customers are obligated to pay as services are performed. The Company recognizes revenue based on output measures or key milestones such as survey set up,set-up, survey mailings, survey returns and reporting.  The Company measures its progress based on the level of completion of these output measures and recognizes revenue accordingly.  Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with revenue recognized using the revenue related to output measures. Losses expected to be incurred, if any, on jobs in progress are charged to income as soon as such losses are known. Revenue earned on contracts in progress in excess of billings is classified as a current asset. Amounts billed in excessproportional performance method.  If management made different judgments and estimates, then the amount and timing of revenue earnedfor any period could differ materially from the reported revenue.
30

Services are classified as a current liability. Client projects are generally completed within a twelve-month period.
also provided under subscription-based service agreements.  The Company recognizes subscription-based educational service revenue over the period of time the service is provided.  Generally, the subscription periods are for twelve months and revenue is recognized equally over the subscription period.
The Company recognizesalso derives revenue on Market Guide contracts upon deliveryfrom hosting arrangements where our propriety software is offered as a service to our customers through our data processing facilities.  The Company’s revenue also includes software-related revenue for software license revenue, installation services, post-contract support (maintenance) and training.  Software-related revenue is recognized in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 985-605, Software-Revenue Recognition.
Hosting arrangements to provide customers with access to the principal customers. RevenueCompany’s propriety software are marketed under some annual contracts whichlong-term arrangements generally over periods of one to three years.  Under these arrangements, the customer is not provided the contractual right to take possession of the licensed software at any time during the hosting period without significant penalty, and the customer is not provided the right to run the software on their own hardware or contract with another party unrelated to us to host the software.  Upfront fees for set-up services are typically billed for our hosting arrangements,  however, these arrangements do not qualify for separation from the ongoing hosting services due to the absence of standalone value for the set-up services.  Therefore, we account for these arrangements as service contracts and recognize revenue ratably over the hosting service period when all other conditions to revenue are met.  Other conditions that must be met before the commencement of revenue recognition include monthly updatesachieving evidence of an arrangement, determining that the collection of the revenue is fullyprobable, and determining that fees are fixed and determinable.
The Company’s software arrangements typically involve the sale of a time-based license bundled with installation services, post-contract support (“PCS”) and training.  License terms range from one year to three years, and require an annual fee for bundled elements of the arrangement.  PCS is also contractually provided for a period that is co-terminus with the term of the time-based license.  The Company’s installation services are not considered to be essential to the functionality of the software license.  The Company does not achieve vendor-specific objective evidence (“VSOE”) of the fair value of the undelivered elements of its software arrangements (primarily PCS) and, therefore, these arrangements are accounted for as a single unit of accounting with revenue recognized upon delivery, typicallyratably over the minimum bundled PCS period.
The Company’s revenue arrangements (not involving software elements) may include multiple elements.  In assessing the separation of revenue for elements of such arrangements, we first determine whether each delivered element has standalone value based on whether we, or other vendors, sell the services separately.  We also consider whether there is sufficient evidence of the fair value of the elements in allocating the fees in the third quarterarrangement to each element.  Revenue allocated to an element is limited to revenue that is not subject to refund or otherwise represent contingent revenue.
On January 1, 2011, the Company prospectively adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2009-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605): Multiple-Deliverable Revenue Arrangements (ASU 2009-13).  For arrangements entered into or materially modified beginning January 1, 2011, we allocated revenue to arrangements with multiple elements based on relative selling price using a selling price hierarchy.  The selling price for a deliverable is based on its VSOE if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence of selling price.  If neither exists for a deliverable, the best estimate of the year. Starting in May 2008, the Company added subscription-based services, the revenue from whichselling price is generally recognizedused for that deliverable based on list price, representing a monthly basis over a twelve-month period. Until September 2008, the Company deferred costscomponent of preparing the survey datamanagement’s market strategy, and an analysis of historical prices for Market Guidebundled and expensed these at the time the annual contract revenue was recognized. These costs are primarily incremental external direct costs solely related to fulfilling the Company’s obligations under Market Guide contracts. Beginning in October 2008, these cost are expensed monthly as incurred. The Company generates additional revenue from incidental customers subsequent to the completion of each monthly edition. Revenue and costs for these subsequent services are recognized as the services are performed and completed.standalone arrangements.
31

Trade Accounts Receivable
Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Company’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable.  The Company determines the allowance based on specific account analysis and on the Company’s historical write-off experience.  The Company reviews the allowance for doubtful accounts monthly.  Past due balances over 90 days and over a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectability and provisions are made for accounts not specifically reviewed.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost.  Major expenditures to purchase property or to substantially increase useful lives of property are capitalized.  Maintenance, repairs and minor renewals are expensed as incurred.  When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and resulting gains or losses are included in income.
For costs of software developed for internal use, the Company expenses computer software costs as incurred in the preliminary project stage, which involves the conceptual formulation, evaluation and selection of technology alternatives.  Costs incurred related to the design, coding, installation and testing of software during the application project stage are capitalized.  Costs for training and application maintenance are expensed as incurred.  The Company has capitalized approximately $493,000, $511,000$840,000, $900,000 and $803,000,$450,000, of internal and external costs incurred for the development of internal useinternal-use software for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, respectively, with such costs classified as property and equipment.

30


The Company provides for depreciation and amortization of property and equipment using annual rates which are sufficient to amortize the cost of depreciable assets over their estimated useful lives.  The Company uses the straight-line method of depreciation and amortization over estimated useful lives of fivethree to ten years for furniture and equipment, three to five years for computer equipment, three to five years for capitalized software, and ten to forty years for the Company’s office building and related improvements.
Leases are categorized as operating or capital at the inception of the lease.  Assets under capital lease obligations are reported at the lower of fair value or the present value of the aggregate future minimum lease payments at the beginning of the lease term.  The Company depreciates capital lease assets without transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options using the straight-line method over the lease terms, excluding any lease renewals, unless the lease renewals are reasonably assured.  Capital lease assets with transfer-of-ownership or bargain-purchase-options are depreciated using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144,Accounting
Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and purchased intangible assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,the Company monitors events and changes in circumstances that may require the Company to review the carrying value of its long-lived assets. The Company assesses whether an impairment of assets held and used may have occurred using undiscounted future operating cash flows. Impairments, if they occur, are measured using the fair value of the assets. The assessment of the recoverability of long-lived assets may be adversely impacted if estimated future operating cash flows are not achieved.
The Company assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying valueamount of such assetsan asset may not be recoverable.  If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value.  Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.  No impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 or 2009.
32

Among others, management believes the following circumstances are important indicators of potential impairment of such assets and as a result may trigger an impairment review:
Significant underperformance in comparison to historical or projected operating results;
Significant changes in the manner or use of acquired assets or the Company’s overall strategy;
Significant underperformance in comparison to historical or projected operating results;
Significant negative trends in the Company’s industry or the overall economy;
A significant decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock for a sustained period; and
Significant changes in the manner or use of acquired assets or the Company’s overall strategy;
The Company’s market capitalization falling below the book value of the Company’s net assets.
Significant negative trends in the Company’s industry or the overall economy;
A significant decline in the market price for the Company’s common stock for a sustained period; and
The Company’s market capitalization falling below the book value of the Company’s net assets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include customer relationships, trade namenames, non-compete agreements and goodwill. Customer relationships are being amortized over periods of five to fifteen years. The trade name is being amortized over a period of ten years. Goodwill represents the difference between the purchase price paid in acquisitions, using the purchase method of accounting, and the fair value of the net assets acquired.
Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but instead are tested for impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142,Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.   Intangible assets with estimable useful lives are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values and reviewed for impairment.
Goodwill is an asset representing the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized.  Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually.  The goodwill impairment test is a two-step test.  Under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value (including goodwill).  If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an indication of goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and the entity must perform step two of the impairment test (measurement).  Under step two, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill over the fair value of that goodwill.  The fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in accordance with SFAS No. 144.a manner similar to a purchase price allocation and the residual fair value after this allocation is the fair value of the reporting unit goodwill.  Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and comparable market multiples.  If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed.
All of the Company’s goodwill is allocated to fiveits reporting units. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has net goodwill of $39.3 million.  As of October 1 of each year (or more frequently as changes in circumstances indicate), the Company evaluatestests goodwill for impairment.  Under the estimatedincome approach, there are a number of inputs used to calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow model, including operating results, business plans, projected cash flows and a discount rate.  Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.  Discount rates are determined by using a weighted average cost of capital, which considers market and industry data.  Operational management develops growth rates and cash flow projections for each reporting unit considering industry and Company-specific historical and projected information.  Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the Company’s goodwill. On these evaluation dates, to the extent that the carryingpresent value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the net assetslast projected period assuming a constant weighted average cost of the Company’s reporting units having goodwill is greater than the estimated fair value, impairment charges will be determinedcapital and measured based on the estimated fair value of goodwill as compared to its carrying value. The Company’s analysis has not resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss on goodwill in 2008, 2007 or 2006.

31


Investments in Marketable Debt Securities
All marketable debt securities held by the Company at December 31, 2007, were classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair market value. No marketable debt securities were held as of December 31, 2008. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on available-for-sale securities are reported as other comprehensive income or loss. Realized gains and losses from the sale of available-for-sale securities are determined on a specific-identification basis. Fair values are estimated based on quoted market prices. Interest income is recognized when earned.
A decline inlow long-term growth rates.  Under the market value of any available-for-sale security below cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. To determine whether an impairment is other-than-temporary,approach, the Company considers whether it hasits market capitalization, comparisons to other public companies’ data and recent transactions of similar businesses within the ability and intent to holdCompany’s industry.  No impairments were recorded during the investment until a market price recovery and considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary. Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for the impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in value subsequent to year-end, and forecasted performance of the investee. The Company’s analysis has not resulted in the recognition of an impairment loss on investments in 2008, 2007years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 or 2006.2009.
33

Income Taxes
The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes.  Under that method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis using enacted tax rates.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  Valuation allowances, if any, are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.  The Company uses the deferral method of accounting for its investment tax credits related to state tax incentives.   During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company recorded income tax benefits relating to these tax credits of $229,000, $251,000, and $189,000.
Beginning with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48,Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes(“FIN 48”), as of January 1, 2007, the
The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained.  Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. Prior to
The Company had an unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2011 and 2010 of $266,000 and $269,000, respectively excluding interest of $43,000 and $31,000, respectively and no penalties.  Of this amount, $266,000 and $269,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively represents the adoption of FIN 48,net unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably impact the Company recognized the effect ofeffective income tax positions only if such positions were probable of being sustained.
At December 31, 2008, the Company has no unrecognized tax benefits.rate.  The Company classifiesaccrues interest and penalties arising from the underpayment of income taxesrelated to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as selling, general and administrative expenses. As of December 31, 2008, theincome tax expense.  The Company has no accrued interest or penalties relatedis not subject to uncertain tax positions. The taxexaminations for years 2006prior to 2008 federal returns remain open to examination,in the U.S. and the tax years 2004 to 2008 remain open to examination by other taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject.2007 in Canada.

32



Share-Based Compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, the
The Company adopted SFAS No. 123RShare-Based Payment(“SFAS No. 123R”) under the modified version of the prospective transition method. Under the modified prospective transition method,measures and recognizes compensation costexpense for all share-based payments.  The compensation expense is recognized on or after the required effective date for the portion of the outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not yet been rendered, based on the grant dategrant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123R for either recognition or pro forma disclosures.awards.  All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123R.equity-classified awards.
The Company currently intends that shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of options will be newly-issued shares. No share-based compensation costs were capitalized for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Amounts recognized in the financial statements with respect to these plans under SFAS No. 123R are as follows:plans:
             
  2008  2007  2006 
  (in thousands)  (in thousands)  (in thousands) 
             
Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit $1,016  $1,093  $1,023 
Amount of related income tax benefit  391   421   399 
          
Total net income impact $625  $672  $624 
          
  2011  2010  2009 
  (In thousands) 
Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit $763  $779  $619 
Amount of related income tax benefit  302   309   238 
Total net income impact $461  $470  $381 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  AsCash equivalents were $7.9 million and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2008, cash equivalents were $378,9942011 and 2010, respectively, consisting primarily of money market funds.accounts and funds invested in commercial paper.  At certain times, cash equivalent balances may exceed federally insured limits.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 157,
34

Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS 157”) establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires companies to maximize the use of
The Company’s valuation techniques are based on maximizing observable inputs and minimizeminimizing the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. SFAS 157’s valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs.  Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions.  SFAS 157 classifies theseThe inputs are then classified into the following hierarchy: (1) Level 1 Inputs—quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities,liabilities; (2) Level 2 Inputs—observable market-based inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for similar or identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data; (3) Level 3 Inputs—unobservable inputs.

The following details the Company’s financial assets and liabilities and (3) Level 3 Inputs — unobservable inputs.
As ofwithin the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2008, those assets2011 and liabilities that2010:
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
  (In thousands) 
As of December 31, 2011
            
Money Market Funds $3,243  $--  $--  $3,243 
Commercial Paper $4,659  $--  $--  $4,659 
Total $7,902  $--  $--  $7,902 
As of December 31, 2010
                
Money Market Funds $1,246  $--  $--  $1,246 
Commercial Paper $1,544  $--  $--  $1,544 
Total $2,790  $--  $--  $2,790 
The Company's long-term debt is recorded at historical cost. The following are measured atthe carrying amount and estimated fair valuevalues, based primarily on a recurring basis consistedestimated current rates available for debt of the Company’s money market funds. They totaled $378,994same remaining duration and are considered Level 1 inputs. adjusted for nonperformance and credit risk:
  December 31, 2011  December 31, 2010 
  (In thousands) 
Total carrying amount of long-term debt $14,486  $16,160 
Estimated fair value of long-term debt $14,498  $16,305 
The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its other financial instruments, including cash,accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate their fair value. All non-financial assets that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value duein the financial statements on a recurring basis, which includes goodwill and non-financial long-lived assets, are measured at fair value in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there was no impairment related to property and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.
Contingencies
From time to time, the short-term maturitiesCompany is involved in certain claims and litigation arising in the normal course of these instruments.business.  Management assesses the probability of loss for such contingencies and recognizes a liability when a loss is probable and estimable.  At December 31, 2011, the Company was not engaged in any legal proceedings that are expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material effect on the Company.
35

Earnings Per Share
Net income per share has been calculated and presented for “basic” and “diluted” per share data.  Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares adjusted for the dilutive effects of options and restricted stock.  At December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, the Company had -0-, 48,000119,569, 384,652 and -0-247,603 options, respectively, which have been excluded from the diluted net income per share computation because their exercise price exceeds the fair market value.

33


The weighted average shares outstanding were calculated as follows:
            
 2008 2007 2006  2011  2010  2009 
  (In thousands) 
Common stock 6,684,641 6,849,717 6,836,456   6,672   6,637   6,637 
Dilutive effect of options 130,567 131,036 91,885   158   87   74 
Dilutive effect of restricted stock 15,531 30,518 25,623   12   12   12 
       
Weighted average shares used for dilutive per share information 6,830,739 7,011,271 6,953,964   6,842   6,736   6,723 
       
There are no reconciling items between the Company’s reported net income and net income used in the computation of basic and diluted income per share.
Accumulated
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss).  Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The componentscomprehensive income (loss) refers to revenue, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income, but rather are recorded directly in accumulated other comprehensive income.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:(loss) was $907,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, consisting solely of changes in the cumulative translation adjustment.
             
  2008  2007  2006 
  (in thousands) 
Net income, as reported $7,445  $6,839  $5,884 
             
Other comprehensive income (loss):            
Unrealized gain (loss) from investments:            
Unrealized gains     7   112 
Related tax expense     (3)  (44)
          
Net     4   68 
Foreign currency translation  (938)  569   (9)
          
Total other comprehensive income (loss)  (938)  573   59 
          
Comprehensive income $6,507  $7,412  $5,943 
          
Segment Information

The Company has sixseven operating segments that are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria of SFAS No. 131,Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on segment disclosure.  The sixseven operating segments are as follows: NRC Picker U.S. and NRC Picker Canada, which each offer renewable performance tracking and improvement services, custom research, subscription-based educational services and a renewable syndicated service; Health Care Market Guide (HCMG)Ticker, which offers stand-alone market information as well as a comparative performance database to allow the Company’s clients to assess their performance relative to the industry, to access best practice examples, and to utilize competitive information for marketing purposes; Payer Solutions, which offers functional disease-specific and health status measurement tools; The Governance Institute (TGI)(“TGI”), which offers subscription-based governance information and educational conferences designed to improve the effectiveness of hospital and health carehealthcare systems by continually strengthening their healthcare boards, medical leadership and management performance in the United States; and My InnerView (MIV)(“MIV”), which provides quality and performance improvement solutions to the senior care profession.industry; and Illuminate, a new patient outreach and discharge program designed to facilitate service and clinical recovery within the critical hours after a patient is discharged from a healthcare setting within the acute care, skilled nursing, physician and home health environments.  On August 3, 2010, the Company acquired Outcome Concept Systems, Inc. (“OCS”), a provider of clinical, financial and operational benchmarks and analytics to home care and hospice providers, that has been merged into the MIV operating segment.

34


36

Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
Effective
On January 1, 2008,2011, the Company prospectively adopted ASU 2009-13.  This guidance eliminates the provisions of SFAS 157,Fair Value Measurements, for financial assetsresidual method under the current guidance and financial liabilities. In accordancereplaces it with Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position No. 157-2,Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,the “relative selling price” method when allocating revenue in a multiple deliverable arrangement.  Additionally, it requires that revenue be allocated to each deliverable based on estimated selling price, even though such deliverables are not sold separately either by the Company delayed applicationor other vendors.  The selling price for each deliverable is determined using vendor-specific objective evidence of SFAS 157selling price, if it exists, otherwise third-party evidence of selling price.  If neither exists for non-financial assetsa deliverable, the best estimate of the selling price is used for that deliverable.  As a result, the new guidance allows some revenue to be recognized earlier and non-financial liabilities until January 1, 2009. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.different amounts than previous requirements.  The adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and financial liabilities has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value in the first step of a goodwill impairment test. Certain non-financial assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities measured at fair value in the second step of a goodwill impairment test, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment. As stated above, SFAS 157 will be applicable to these fair value measurements beginning January 1, 2009. Management believes that adoption of SFAS 157-2 for non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities willthis guidance did not have a material effectimpact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.statements during the year ended December 31, 2011, and is not expected to materially impact subsequent periods based on the current business model.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2007,June and December 2011, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159,The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“No. 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 were effective January 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
In June 2007, the FASB ratified the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) in EITF Issue No. 07-3,Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for Use in Future Research and Development Activities(“EITF 07-3”),guidance which requires that nonrefundable advance payments for goodscomprehensive income be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities be deferred and amortized overin two separate but consecutive statements.  The option to present the period thatcomponents of other comprehensive income as part of the goods are delivered or the related services are performed, subject to an assessmentstatement of recoverability. EITF 07-3 was effective as of January 1, 2008. The adoption of EITF 07-3 has had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162,The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles(“SFAS 162”). This statement identifies the sources of and framework for selecting the accounting principles to be usedchanges in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States (“GAAP hierarchy”). Because the current GAAP hierarchy is set forth in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, it is directed to the auditor rather than to the entity responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements presented in conformity with GAAP. Accordingly, the FASB concluded the GAAP hierarchy should reside in the accounting literature established by the FASB and issued this statement to achieve that result. The provisions of SFAS 162 are effective November 15, 2008,stockholders’ equity, which is 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. The adoption of SFAS 162 has not had a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

35


Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007),Business Combinations(“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest, (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R)Company’s current presentation, will no longer be allowed. This guidance is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. Management will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if, and when, a future acquisition occurs.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160,Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51(“SFAS 160”). This statement amends Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries and for the deconsolidation of subsidiaries. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 are effective for fiscal years and interim periods within thosebeginning after December 15, 2011.  The guidance will change the Company’s financial statement presentation but is not expected to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance that simplified how entities test for goodwill impairment. This guidance permits entities to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a two-step goodwill impairment test. This guidance is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Management believes that the adoption of SFAS 160 will2011. The guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
(2)           Acquisitions
On December 19, 2008,August 3, 2010, the Company acquired My InnerView, Inc. (“MIV”),all of the issued and outstanding shares of stock and stock rights of OCS, a leading provider of qualityclinical, financial and performance improvement solutionsoperational benchmarks and analytics to home care and hospice providers.  The acquisition provides the Company with an entry in the home health and hospice markets through OCS’s customer relationships with home healthcare and hospice providers and expands the Company's service offerings across the continuum of care.  Goodwill related to the senior care profession. MIV offers resident, familyacquisition of OCS primarily relates to intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition including the depth and employee satisfaction measurement and improvement products to the long term-care, assisted and independent living markets in the United States. MIV works with over 8,000 senior care providers throughout the United States, housing what the Company believes is the largest datasetknowledge of senior care satisfaction metrics in the nation. The acquisition was completed in order to pursue the Company’s strategy of expanding additional service offerings to the healthcare industry in the United States and Canada. This acquisition gives the Company a foundation upon which to expand in the senior care profession. Themanagement.  Cash consideration paid at closing for MIV included a paymentwas $15.3 million, net of $11,500,000 in$1.0 million cash and $440,183 of direct expenses capitalized as purchase price. The merger agreement under which NRC acquired MIV provided for contingent earn-out payments over the next three years based on revenue and operating income increases, which are not included in the discussion ofreceived.  Of the purchase price, below.
$1.6 million was deposited into an escrow for indemnification, working capital adjustments and certain other potential claims or expenses following closing, which was released in varying amounts through February 2012.  The Company has preliminarily allocatedfollowing table summarizes the purchase price as follows, based on the estimatedallocation of fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the dateacquisition date.

37

Amount of Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed 
(In thousands) 
 Weighted-Average Life   
Current Assets  $3,615 
Property and equipment   1,632 
Customer relationships10 years  2,330 
Trade name  5 years  330 
Non-compete Agreements  3 years  430 
Goodwill   13,502 
Total acquired assets  21,839 
     
Current liabilities  6,310 
Long-term liabilities  260 
Total liabilities assumed  6,570 
     
Net assets acquired $15,269 
The identifiable intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives and have a total weighted average amortization period of acquisition:
     
  Fair Value 
Current Assets $1,290,446 
Property and equipment  846,000 
Customer relationships  3,003,000 
Goodwill  8,833,477 
Other Long Term Assets  580,756 
    
Total acquired assets  14,553,679 
Less total liabilities  2,613,496 
    
Net assets acquired $11,940,183 
    

36


8.5 years. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in the Company recording $8,833,477$13.6 million of goodwill. The customer relationships acquiredgoodwill and identifiable intangible asset is being amortized over a useful life of 13 years. The amortization of customer relationships and goodwill is expected to beassets are non-deductible for tax purposes. Pending allocationsNo residual value was estimated for intangible assets.

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and for the years then ended, include deferredamounts acquired from, as well as the results of operations of, OCS from August 3, 2010, forward.  Results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2010, include revenue of $3.0 million and operating income taxes, intangible asset valuesof $221,000 attributable to OCS since its acquisition.  Acquisition-related costs included in selling, general and allowances.
administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010, approximated $312,000.  The following unaudited pro forma information for the Company has been prepared as if the acquisition of MIVOCS had occurred on January 1, 2007.2009.  The information is based on the historical results of the separate companies and may not necessarily be indicative of the results that could have been achieved or of results that may occur in the future.  The pro forma adjustments include the impact of depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets acquired, interest expense on the acquisition debt and income tax benefits for tax effects of the foregoing adjustments to depreciation, amortization and interest expense.
         
  2008  2007 
  (In thousands, except  (In thousands, except 
  per share amounts)  per share amounts) 
�� (Unaudited )  (Unaudited ) 
         
Revenue $58,008  $54,904 
Net income $7,457  $6,586 
Earnings per share — basic $1.12  $0.96 
Earnings per share — diluted $1.09  $0.94 

On May 30, 2006, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of TGI Group, LLC, operating as The Governance Institute (“TGI”). TGI provides board members, executive management and physician leaders of hospitals and health systems with knowledge and solutions to successfully confront a wide array of strategic issues. TGI operations have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. The purchase price for TGI was $19.8 million in cash, plus the assumption of certain liabilities. The Company paid $17.8 million in cash to the seller at closing and $1.95 million into an escrow account. The escrow account was released twelve months from the acquisition date. The Company incurred direct acquisition costs of $305,000.
  Year Ended December 31, 
  2010  2009 
  (in thousands) 
Revenue $67,341  $63,457 
Net income $7,664  $7,198 
         
Net income per share – basic $1.15  $1.08 
Net income per share – diluted $1.14  $1.07 
The Company has allocated the purchase price as follows, based on the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:
     
  Fair Value 
Current assets $730,804 
Property and equipment  67,573 
Customer relationships  2,694,000 
Trade name  1,572,000 
Goodwill  18,221,635 
    
Total acquired assets  23,286,012 
Less total liabilities assumed  3,201,691 
    
Net assets acquired $20,084,321 
    
Of the $22,487,635 of acquired intangible assets, $2,694,000 was assigned to customer relationships and $1,572,000 was assigned to a trade name. The customer relationships and trade name acquired intangible assets are being amortized over useful lives of 6 and 10 years, respectively. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired resulted in the Company recording $18,221,635 of goodwill. The amortization of customer relationships, the trade name and goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.
38

37



(3)            Investments in Marketable Debt Securities
The Company’s investments in marketable securities were in marketable debt securities classified as obligations of U.S. government agencies. The Company held no investments in marketable debt securities as of December 31, 2008. The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains and losses and fair value of the Company’s investment in the obligations of U.S. government agencies as of December 31, 2007, were as follows:
     
  2007 
     
Amortized cost $99,714 
Gross unrealized holding gains   
Gross unrealized holding losses  (217)
    
Fair value $99,497 
    
There were no sales of marketable securities in advance of scheduled maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities during 2008 or 2007. There were no unrealized losses on investment securities at December 31, 2008.
(4)Property and Equipment
At December 31, 20082011 and 2007,2010, property and equipment consisted of the following:
         
  2008  2007 
 
Furniture and equipment $2,535,601  $2,350,644 
Computer equipment and software  14,466,506   12,788,061 
Building  9,108,247   9,108,247 
Land  425,000   425,000 
       
   26,535,354   24,671,952 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  12,788,567   12,697,923 
       
Net property and equipment $13,746,787  $11,974,029 
       
(5) 
  2011  2010 
  (In thousands) 
Furniture and equipment $3,667  $3,165 
Computer equipment and software  15,866   15,721 
Building  9,271   9,367 
Land  425   425 
   29,229   28,678 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  15,616   14,196 
Net property and equipment $13,613  $14,482 
Depreciation and amortization expense related to property and equipment, including assets under capital lease, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $3.5 million, $3.4 million, and $2.7 million, respectively.
Property and equipment included the following amounts under capital lease:
  2011  2010 
  (In thousands) 
Furniture and equipment $527  $411 
Computer equipment and software  47   47 
   574   458 
Less accumulated amortization  117   38 
Net assets under capital lease $457  $420 
(4)            Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 20082011:
  Useful Life  Gross  
Accumulated
Amortization
  Net 
   (years)       
     (In thousands)    
Goodwill    $57,730     $57,730 
Non-amortizing other intangible assets:              
Indefinite trade name     1,191      1,191 
Amortizing other intangible assets:              
Customer related  5 - 15   10,513   5,789   4,724 
Non-competes  3   430   203   227 
Trade names  5 - 10   1,902   971   931 
Total amortizing intangibles      12,845   6,963   5,882 
Total other intangible assets     $14,036  $6,963  $7,073 
39

Goodwill and 2007:intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2010:
         
  2008  2007 
         
Goodwill $39,275,939  $31,051,202 
       
         
Non-amortizing other intangible assets:        
Trade name  1,190,559   1,190,559 
Amortizing other intangible assets:        
Customer related intangibles  8,150,322   4,922,275 
Trade name  1,572,000   1,572,000 
       
Total other intangible assets,  10,912,881   7,684,834 
Less accumulated amortization  2,856,514   2,068,924 
       
Other intangible assets, net $8,056,367  $5,615,910 
       

38

  Useful Life  Gross  
Accumulated
Amortization
  Net 
    (years)       
     (In thousands)    
Goodwill    $55,133     $55,133 
Non-amortizing other intangible assets:              
Indefinite Trade name     1,191      1,191 
Amortizing other intangible assets:              
Customer related  5 - 15   10,520   4,597   5,923 
Non-competes  3   430   60   370 
Trade names  5 – 10   1,902   748   1,154 
Total amortizing intangibles      12,852   5,405   7,447 
Total other intangible assets     $14,043  $5,405  $8,638 


The following represents a summary of changes in the Company’s carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011 and 2006:2010 (in thousands):
     
Balance as of January 1, 2006 $11,483,401 
GHS purchase price adjustment related to deferred taxes  257,001 
TGI acquisition  18,221,635 
Smaller World additional payment for contingent consideration  52,068 
Foreign currency translation  232 
    
Balance as of December 31, 2006 $30,014,337 
Smaller World additional payment for contingent consideration  651,725 
Foreign currency translation  385,140 
    
Balance as of December 31, 2007 $31,051,202 
    
MIV acquisition  8,833,477 
Foreign currency translation  (608,740)
    
Balance as of December 31, 2008 $39,275,939 
    
Balance as of December 31, 2009 $39,924 
MIV contingent consideration earned  1,565 
OCS acquisition  13,502 
Foreign currency translation  142 
Balance as of December 31, 2010 $55,133 
MIV contingent consideration earned  2,550 
OCS correcting entries  106 
Foreign currency translation  (59)
Balance as of December 31, 2011 $57,730 
Correcting entries related to the OCS acquisition were made in 2011 for adjustments needed in the purchase price allocation.  Those entries decreased accrued expenses by $49,000, increased the valuation allowance for deferred tax asset by $155,000 and increased goodwill by $106,000.  The effects of these errors were not material to any previously reported periods.

The changeagreement under which the Company acquired MIV in 2008 provided for contingent earn-out payments over three years based on growth in revenue and earnings.  The 2010 and 2009 earn-out payments, paid in February 2011 and 2010, respectively were $1.6 million and $172,000, respectively, net of closing valuation adjustments and were recorded as additions to goodwill.  In April 2011, the carrying amount of goodwill and customer related intangibles forCompany reached an agreement which limited the year ended December 31, 2008, includedfinal earn-out payment associated with the impact of the foreign currency translation, MIV acquisition at approximately $2.6 million.  Of this amount, $2.4 million was paid during April 2011 and purchasea final payment of customer contracts from SQ Strategies. During 2007 and 2006, additional payments$117,000 was paid in September 2011, which were maderecorded as additions to Smaller World Communications for contingent consideration in accordance with the purchase agreement. The purchase agreement included two scheduled payments of additional purchase price in 2006 and 2008 of $536,200 and $713,580 respectively, as a result of meeting certain revenue goals.goodwill.
Trade names and customer related intangibles, consisting of customer relationships and surveys, are being amortized over their estimated useful lives of five to fifteen years. On April 1, 2008, approximately 10 customer contracts were purchased from SQ Strategies for $249,473. The recording of this purchase increased customer related intangibles by $260,462 and deferred revenues by $10,989.
Aggregate amortization expense for customer related intangibles, and trade names and non-competes for the yearyears ended December 31, 2008,2011, 2010 and 2009 was $851,000.$1.6 million, $1.3 million, and $1.2 million, respectively.  Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is: 2009—$1,084,000; 2010—$1,026,000; 2011—$997,000; 2012—$711,000;1.3 million; 2013—$484,000;954,000; 2014—$842,000; 2015—$789,000; 2016—$597,000; thereafter $2,564,000.$1.4 million.
(6) 
40

(5)            Income Taxes
For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007,2011, 2010, and 2006,2009, income before income taxes consists of the following:
             
  2008  2007  2006 
             
U.S. Operations $10,405,347  $9,664,081  $8,958,547 
Foreign Operations  1,577,218   1,453,303   547,208 
          
  $11,982,565  $11,117,384  $9,505,755 
          

39

  2011  2010  2009 
             
U.S. Operations $16,017  $11,353  $11,497 
Foreign Operations  2,143   1,962   1,620 
  $18,160  $13,315  $13,117 


Income tax expense consisted of the following components:
             
  Current  Deferred  Total 
2008:         
Federal $2,962,861  $350,161  $3,313,022 
Foreign  548,780   (4,640)  544,140 
State  595,704   84,838   680,542 
          
Total $4,107,345  $430,359  $4,537,704 
          
             
2007:            
Federal $2,971,325  $65,159  $3,036,484 
Foreign  587,658   (20,870)  566,788 
State  602,751   72,349   675,100 
          
Total $4,161,734  $116,638  $4,278,372 
          
             
2006:            
Federal $2,683,441  $109,575  $2,793,016 
Foreign  234,340   (20,929)  213,411 
State  604,718   10,542   615,260 
          
Total $3,522,499  $99,188  $3,621,687 
          
  2011  2010  2009 
Federal:
         
Current $4,018  $3,450  $2,433 
Deferred  1,170   458   1,109 
Total $5,188  $3,908  $3,542 
Foreign:
            
Current $606  $477  $532 
Deferred  (1)  28   3 
Total $605  $505  $535 
State:
            
Current $609  $275  $(21)
Deferred  194   128   570 
Total $803  $403  $549 
             
Total $6,596  $4,816  $4,626 
The difference between the Company’s income tax expense as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the income tax expense that which would be calculated applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% for 2011 and 34% for 2010 and 2009 on pretax income was as follows:
            
 2008 2007 2006  2011  2010  2009 
          
Expected federal income taxes $4,074,072 $3,779,911 $3,231,957  $6,356  $4,527  $4,460 
Foreign tax rate differential  (7,925) 30,966 23,492   (145)  (59)  (16)
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 449,158 445,567 406,072 
Tax credits and incentives  (51,488)  (51,488)  (36,938)
US tax graduated rates  (99)        
State income taxes, net of federal benefit and state tax credits  522   257   362 
Federal tax credits  (132)  (110)  (183)
Uncertain tax positions  9   72   27 
Deferred tax adjustment due to projected rates  --   138   -- 
Valuation allowance  --   2   18 
Other 73,887 73,416  (2,896)  85   (11)  (42)
       
Total $4,537,704 $4,278,372 $3,621,687  $6,596  $4,816  $4,626 
       
41

Deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 20082011 and 2007,2010, were comprised of the following:
         
  2008  2007 
Deferred tax assets:        
Allowance for doubtful accounts $92,651  $27,383 
Accrued expenses  231,262   204,280 
Stock based compensation  892,371   827,523 
Other  82,677    
       
Gross deferred tax assets  1,298,961   1,059,186 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Prepaid expenses  243,260   164,652 
Basis in property and equipment  1,263,080   985,066 
Intangible assets  3,761,441   1,958,647 
Other     9,904 
       
Gross deferred tax liabilities  5,267,781   3,118,269 
       
Net deferred tax liabilities $(3,968,820) $(2,059,083)
       

40

  2011  2010 
Deferred tax assets:      
Allowance for doubtful accounts $108  $129 
Accrued expenses  345   298 
Share based compensation  1,449   1,261 
Capital loss carryforward  1,268   1,287 
Net operating loss  719   1,376 
Other  --   215 
Gross deferred tax assets  3,889   4,566 
Less Valuation Allowance  (1,352)  (1,287)
Deferred tax assets  2,537   3,279 
         
Deferred tax liabilities:        
Prepaid expenses  142   281 
Property and equipment  2,505   2,169 
Intangible assets  6,506   6,111 
Other  184   -- 
Deferred tax liabilities  9,337   8,561 
Net deferred tax liabilities $(6,800) $(5,282)


The Company did not record a valuation allowance for itsIn assessing the realizablility of deferred tax assets, because management believes thatthe Company considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers projected future taxable income, carry-back opportunities and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which the deferred tax assets are deductible, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it will generate sufficient taxablerealize the benefits of these deductible differences, net of the valuation allowance recorded. The net impact on income tax expense related to fully realize these deferredchanges in the valuation allowance for 2011, 2010 and 2009, were -0-, $2,000 and $18,000, respectively. The current year change related to increases to the valuation allowance for capital loss carryforwards that was recorded through goodwill.

The Company has domestic capital loss carryforwards of $3.2 million of which $47,000 expired in 2011.  A total of $3.2 million of the capital loss carryforwards relate to the pre-acquisition periods of acquired companies.  The remainder of the capital loss carryforwards are due to expire in 2012 and 2014 for $76,000 and $3.1 million, respectively.  The Company has provided a $1.3 million valuation allowance against the tax benefits.benefit associated with the capital loss carryforwards.  An additional $84,000 valuation allowance relates to OCS state NOL carryforwards.

The undistributed foreign earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiary of approximately $2.8$7.1 million are considered to be indefinitely reinvested.  Accordingly, no provision for U.S. federal and state income taxes or foreign withholding taxes havehas been provided for such undistributed earnings.  It is impractical to determine the additional income tax liability, if any, associated with the repatriation of undistributed earnings.
(7)
42


The unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2011, was $266,000, excluding interest of $43,000 and no penalties.  The full unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would favorably impact the effective income tax rate.  The Company believes it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits could continue to decrease during the next 12 months due to the expiration of the U.S. federal statute of limitations associated with certain other tax positions.  The Company accrues interest and penalties related to uncertain tax position in the statements of income as income tax expense.
The change in the unrecognized tax benefits for 2011 and 2010 is as follows:
  (In thousands) 
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2009 $541 
Additions based on tax positions of prior years  139 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  23 
Reductions for tax positions of prior tax years  (434)
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2010 $269 
     
Reductions due to lapse of applicable statue of limitations  (38)
Additions based on tax positions of prior years  3 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year  32 
Balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2011 $266 
The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, various state jurisdictions and a Canada federal and provincial income tax return. The 2008 to 2011 U.S. federal and state returns remain open to examination. The 2007 to 2011 Canada federal and provincial income tax returns remain open to examination.

(6)            Notes Payable
Notes payable consisted of the following:
         
  2008  2007 
Note payable to US Bank, interest 7.21% fixed rate, scheduled principal payment ranging from $88,000 - $94,000, final payment of interest and principal due May 31, 2013, secured by land, building, accounts receivable and intangible assets. Refinanced in February 2008 at 5.14% fixed rate with 17 monthly installments of $92,821.     2,993,352 
Note payable to US Bank, interest 5.2% fixed rate, 35 scheduled principal and interest payments of $96,829, final balloon payment of interest and principal due December 31, 2011, secured by land, building, accounts receivable and intangible assets.  9,000,000    
Revolving credit note with US Bank, subject to borrowing base of 75% of eligible accounts receivable, matures July 31, 2009, maximum available $6.5 million  3,850,000    
Capital leases  89,741    
Other debt  14,148    
       
Total notes payable  12,953,889   2,993,352 
Less current portion  4,580,719   1,092,754 
       
Note payable, net of current portion $8,373,170  $1,900,598 
       
On May 26, 2006, the Company entered into a credit facility pursuant to which it borrowed $9.0 million under a term note and $3.5 million under a revolving credit note in order to partially finance the acquisition of TGI. The term note was refinanced on February 25, 2008, for the remaining balance of the term note of $1,602,675. The refinanced term note required payments of principal and interest in 17 monthly installments of $92,821, beginning March 31, 2008, and ending August 31, 2009. Borrowings under the refinanced term note bore interest at an annual rate of 5.14%. The Company made additional payments and paid off the term note in October 2008.
  2011  2010 
  (In thousands) 
Revolving credit note with US Bank, subject to borrowing base, matures June 30, 2012, maximum available $6.5 million $--  $-- 
Note payable to US Bank refinanced as of July 2010 for $6.9 million, interest at a 3.79% fixed rate, 35 monthly principal and interest payments of $80,104, final balloon payment of interest and principal due July 31, 2013  5,951   6,610 
Note payable to US bank for $10 million, interest at a fixed rate of 3.79%, 35 monthly principal and interest payments of $121,190, final balloon payment of interest and principal due July 31, 2013  8,535   9,550 
Total notes payable  14,486   16,160 
Less current portion  1,861   1,827 
Note payable, net of current portion $12,625  $14,333 
The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note was originally $3.5 million, but an addendum to the revolving credit note dated March 26, 2008, changed the revolving credit note amount to $6.5 million. The revolving credit note was renewed in July 2008 to extend the term to July 31, 2009. The Company may borrow, repay and re-borrow amounts under the revolving credit note from time to time until its maturity on July 31, 2009. The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note is $6.5 million, subject to a borrowing base equal to 75% of the Company’s eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the revolving credit note bear interest at a variable rate equal to (1) prime (as defined in the credit facility) less 0.50% or (2) one-, two-, three-, six- or twelve-month LIBOR. The Company expects to extend the term of the revolving credit note for at least one year beyond the maturity date. As of December 31, 2008, the balance of the revolving credit note was $3.9 million. According to borrowing base requirements, the Company had the capacity to borrow another $600,000 as of December 31, 2008.

41


On December 19, 2008, the Company borrowed $9.0 million under a term note to partially finance the acquisition of MIV. In July 2010, the Company refinanced the existing term loan with a $6.9 million fixed rate term loan. The new term noteloan is payable in 35 equalmonthly installments of $96,829,$80,104 with the balance of principal and interest payable in a balloon payment of $4.8 million for the remaining principal balance and interest due on DecemberJuly 31, 2011.2013. Borrowings under the term note bear interest at aan annual rate of 5.2% per year.3.79%.
43

On July 31, 2010, the Company borrowed $10.0 million under a fixed rate term note to partially finance the acquisition of OCS.  The term loan is payable in 35 monthly installments of $121,190 with a balloon payment of $6.7 million for the remaining principal balance and interest due on July 31, 2013.  Borrowings under the term note bear interest at an annual rate of 3.79%.
The term note isnotes are secured by certain of the Company’s assets, including the Company’s land, building, accounts receivable and intangible assets.  The term note containsnotes contain various restrictions and covenants applicable to the Company, including requirements that the Company maintain certain financial ratios at prescribed levels and restrictions on the ability of the Company to consolidate or merge, create liens, incur additional indebtedness or dispose of assets.  As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company was in compliance with these restrictions and covenants.
Debt acquired through
The Company entered into a revolving credit note in 2006.  The maximum aggregate amount available under the MIV acquisition included $89,741revolving credit note was originally $3.5 million, but an addendum to the note in capital leases.March 2008, changed the amount to $6.5 million.  The capital leases are for productionrevolving credit note was renewed in June 2011 to extend the term to June 30, 2012.  The Company may borrow, repay and mailing equipment meeting capitalization requirements wherere-borrow amounts under the lease term exceeds more thanrevolving credit note from time to time until its maturity on June 30, 2012.
The maximum aggregate amount available under the revolving credit note of $6.5 million is subject to a borrowing base equal to 75% of the estimated useful life.Company’s eligible accounts receivable.  Borrowings under the renewed revolving credit note bear interest at a variable annual rate, with three rate options at the discretion of management as follows: (1) 2.5% plus the daily reset one-month LIBOR rate or (2) 2.2% plus the one-, two-, three-, six- or twelve-month LIBOR rate, or (3) the bank’s Money Market Loan Rate.  The equipment is being depreciated overrate at December 31, 2011 was 2.79%.  As of December 31, 2011, the lease termrevolving credit note did not have a balance.  According to borrowing base requirements, the Company had the capacity to borrow $6.5 million as of 4.25 years ending inDecember 31, 2011.
The aggregate maturities of the note payable and revolving credit notes for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2008, are: 2009—$4,580,719; 2010—$775,034; 2011—$7,598,136; 2012—$0;2011, are (in thousands):
  
Total
Payments
  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016 
                   
Notes payable $14,486  $1,861  $12,625  $--  $--  $-- 
(7)            Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures and 2013—$0.recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments based on the grant-date fair value of those awards.  All of the Company’s existing stock option awards and non-vested stock awards have been determined to be equity-classified awards.
(8)Stock Option Plans
In August 2001, the Board of Directors adopted, and on May 1, 2002, the Company’s shareholders approved, the National Research Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan (“2001 Equity Incentive Plan”).  The 2001 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  Options granted may be either nonqualified or incentive stock options.  Options vest over one to five years following the date of grant and option terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant.   At December 31, 2008,2011, there were 71,0823,770 shares available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan.  The Company has accounted for grants of 528,918596,230 options and restricted stock under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
In May 2004, the Board of Directors adopted, and on May 5, 2005, the Company’s shareholders approved the
44

The National Research Corporation 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the “2004 Director Plan”). The 2004 Director Plan is a nonqualified plan that provides for the granting of options with respect to 250,000550,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  The 2004 Director Plan provides for grants of nonqualified options to each director of the Company who is not employed by the Company.  In May 2004,On the date of each such director was granted an optionannual meeting of shareholders of the Company, options to purchase 11,00012,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. On the date of each subsequent Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company, each such director, ifstock are granted to directors that are re-elected or retained as a director at such meeting, is granted an option to purchase 12,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.meeting.  Options vest one year following the date of grant and option terms are generally ten years following the date of grant, or three years in the case of termination of the outside director.director’s service.  At December 31, 2008,2011, there were 25,000181,000 shares available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2004 Director Plan.  The Company has accounted for grants of 225,000369,000 options under the 2004 Director Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.

42


In February 2006, the Board of Directors adopted, and on May 4, 2006, the Company’s shareholders approved the National Research Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Equity Incentive Plan”).  The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan provides for the granting of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares and other share-based awards and benefits up to an aggregate of 600,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  Options granted may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options.  Vesting terms vary with each grant, and option terms are generally five to ten years.  Options vest over one to five years following the date of grant and options terms are generally five to ten years following the date of grant.   At December 31, 2008,2011, there were 472,388306,320 shares available for issuance pursuant to future grants under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan.  The Company has accounted for grants of 127,612293,680 options and restricted stock under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan using the date of grant as the measurement date for financial accounting purposes.
The Company granted options to purchase 118,475, 131,382166,008, 273,812 and 128,862102,739 shares of the Company’s common stock during the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, respectively.  Options to purchase shares of common stock wereare typically granted with exercise prices equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant.  The Company does in certain limited situations, grant options with exercise prices that exceed the fair value of the common shares on the date of grant.  The fair value of stock options granted was estimated using a Black-Scholes valuation model with the following assumptions:
            
 2008 2007 2006 2011 2010 2009 
       
Expected dividend yield at date of grant  1.87-2.11%  1.76-1.92%  1.77-1.86%    2.00 to 2.55%    2.86 to 3.09%      1.93-2.35% 
Expected stock price volatility  21.1-24.2%  22.7-29.9%  25.0-39.0%28.70 to 32.00% 28.40 to 31.20%   24.2 to 30.2% 
Risk-free interest rate  3.18%  4.54-4.59%  4.41-4.90%   1.70 to 2.14%    1.55 to 2.56% 1.55 to 2.15% 
Expected life of options (in years) 4.00 to 6.00 4.00 to 6.00 4.00 to 6.00 4 to 6 4 to 6 4 to 6 
The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The expected volatility was based on historical monthly price changes of the Company’s stock based on the expected life of the options at the date of grant. The expected life of options is the average number of years the Company estimates that options will be outstanding. The Company considers groups of associates that have similar historical exercise behavior separately for valuation purposes.
45

The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Company’s 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans and the 2004 Director Plan for the year ended December 31, 2008:2011:
                
 Weighted   
 Weighted Average   
 Average Remaining Aggregate 
 Number of Exercise Contractual Intrinsic 
 Options Price Terms (Years) Value  
Number of
Options
  
Weighted Average Exercise
Price
  
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms (Years)
  
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
(In thousands)
 
Outstanding at beginning of period 539,660 $17.04     834,061  $23.49       
Granted 118,475 $27.87     166,008  $35.88       
Exercised  (144,614) $12.81     (58,671) $16.03       
Canceled/expired  (21,090) $19.74   
   
Cancelled  (171,997) $28.00       
Outstanding at end of period 492,431 $20.77 7.22 $3,716,132   769,401  $25.73   6.37  $10,225 
   
Exercisable at end of period 156,091 $18.85 6.68 $1,451,111   368,587  $22.03   4.97  $6,186 
The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, was $5.67, $6.39$7.43, $4.48 and $6.02,$5.72, respectively.  The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, was $2.3$1.0 million, $239,000$192,000 and $1 million,$28,000, respectively.  As of December 31, 2008,2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock option awards was approximately $1.0$1.2 million, which was expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.833.22 years.

43


Cash received from stock options exercised for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, was $1,856,000, $338,000,$568,000, $274,000, and $926,000,$18,000, respectively.  The actual tax benefit realized for the tax deduction from stock options exercised was $743,000, $92,000$350,000, $43,000 and $405,000,$11,000, for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, respectively.
During 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, the Company granted -0-, 32,11539,501, 9,238 and 13,218-0- non-vested shares of common stock under the 20012006 Equity Incentive Plan.  As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had 36,50230,002 non-vested shares of common stock outstanding under the plan.Plan.  These shares vest over one to five years following the date of grant and holders thereof are entitled to receive dividends from the date of grant, whether or not vested.  The fair value of the awards is calculated as the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant.  The Company recognized $220,124, $436,820$143,000, $108,000 and $168,466$178,000 of non-cash compensation for the years ended December 31, 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, respectively, related to this non-vested stock.
The following table summarizes information regarding non-vested stock granted to associates under the 2001 and 2006 Equity Incentive PlanPlans for the year ended December 31, 2008.2011:
         
      Weighted Average 
  Shares  Grant Date Fair 
  Outstanding  Value Per Share($) 
Outstanding at beginning of period  66,183  $19.75 
Granted      
Vested  (21,700) $17.94 
Forfeited  (7,981) $16.15 
        
Outstanding at end of period  36,502  $21.62 
        
The total intrinsic value of non-vested stock awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, was $614,000, $167,000 and $147,000, respectively.
  
Shares Outstanding
  
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
 
Outstanding at beginning of period  22,636  $21.03 
Granted  39,501  $32.31 
Forfeitures  (25,178) $28.40 
Vested  (6,957) $17.25 
Outstanding at end of period  30,002  $30.57 
As of December 31, 2008,2011, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock awards was approximately $346,000$616,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.803.96 years.
46

(8)            Restructuring and Severance Costs
The Company records restructuring liabilities that represent charges incurred in connection with consolidations, including operations from acquisitions.  These charges consist primarily of severance costs.  Severance charges are based on various factors including the employee’s length of service, contract provisions, and salary levels.  Expense for one-time termination benefits are accrued over each individual’s service period.  The Company records the expense using its best estimate based upon detailed analysis.  Although significant changes are not expected, actual costs may differ from these estimates.
As part of the Company’s ongoing plans to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations, the Company announced plans to centralize MIV/OCS functions in Lincoln and Seattle and eliminate certain costs of the Wausau operation (the “2010 Restructuring Plan”).  The Company incurred aggregate costs of $143,000 for one-time termination benefits related to 14 associates, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the year ended December 31, 2010.  The Company paid $106,000 in 2010 and the remaining $37,000 was paid in 2011.

In 2011, the Company vacated its office in Wausau, Wisconsin, and reached agreements to terminate the operating lease for its Wausau office and other services.  As a result, the Company made lump-sum payments totaling $280,000, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses in 2011.

In connection with the acquisition of OCS, the Company reduced headcount from acquisition date levels.  OCS had pre-existing arrangements for severance with its associates at the date of acquisition.  Total severance related to 26 OCS associates approximated $347,000, including $333,000 of severance accruals included in the liabilities assumed at acquisition.  The Company recorded additional severance costs of $14,000 in 2010.  The Company paid $333,000 in 2010 and the remaining $14,000 was paid in 2011.
The following table reconciles the beginning and ending restructuring costs included in accrued wages, bonus and profit-sharing:
  
2010 Restructuring Plan One-time Termination Benefits
  
2010 Restructuring Plan Contract Terminations
  
OCS
One-time Termination Benefits
  Total 
  (In thousands) 
Balance, Restructuring liability at December 31, 2009 $--  $--  $--  $-- 
                 
Severance assumed in OCS acquisition  --   --   333   333 
Accrual for severance and employee related costs  143   --   14   157 
Payments  (106)  --   (333)  (439)
                 
Balance, Restructuring liability at December 31, 2010 $37  $--  $14  $ 51_ 
Accrual for Contract Terminations      280       280 
Payments  (37)  (280)  (14)  (331)
Balance, Restructuring liability at December 31, 2011 $--  $--  $--  $ --_ 
47

(9)Leases
The Company leases printing equipment and services in the United States, and office space in Canada, Wisconsin, MinnesotaCalifornia and California.Washington.  The Company hasalso leased office space in Wisconsin through February 2011.  The Company recorded rent expense of $607,000, $475,000 and $386,000 in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Minimum lease payments under noncancelableconnection with its operating leases for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2008 are: 2009—$626,000; 2010—$519,000; 2011—$454,000; 2012—$427,000; 2013—$171,000.
$986,000, $691,000 and $626,000 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The Company also has capital leases are for production, mailing and mailingcomputer equipment. The minimum lease payments for each of the five years subsequent to December 31, 2008 are: 2009—$37,044; 2010—$37,044; 2011—$27,783; 2012—$ 0; 2013—$0. Total minimum lease payments remaining are $101,871, with $12,130 representing interest as of December 31, 2008. The present value of the future minimum lease payments are $89,741 less current maturities of $28,500. Long-term obligations
Payments under non-cancelable operating leases and capital leases total $61,241 as of December 31, 2008.are:

44


As of December 31, 
Capital
Leases
  
Operating Leases
 
  (In thousands) 
2012 $147  $676 
2013  133   437 
2014  133   362 
2015  100   356 
2016  7   227 
Total minimum lease payments  520     
Less: Amount representing interest  94     
Present value of minimum lease payments  426     
Less: Current maturities included in accrued expenses  101     
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion included in other long term liabilities $325     
(10)Related Party
A Board member of the Company also serves as a director of the Picker Institute. The Company advanced $300,000 in each of 2004 and 2003 to the Picker Institute to fund designated research projects and $171,000, $175,000 and $254,000 was expensed on research work during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In addition, the Company is a party to a support services agreement with the Picker Institute under which the Company conducts the annual NRC Picker Symposium. Under the support services agreement, the Picker Institute receives a portion of the gross receipts of each Symposium, which amounted to approximately $11,000 in 2008, $15,000 in 2007 and $12,000 in 2006.
A Board member of the Company also serves as an officer of Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.  In connection with the Company’s regular assessment of its insurance-based associate benefits and the costs associated therewith, which is conducted by an independent insurance broker, in 2007 the Company began purchasing dental insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and, in 2009, the Company also began purchasing vision insurance for certain of its associates from Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.  The total value of these purchases was $79,000, $65,000$166,000, $146,000 and $6,100$108,000 in 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 20062009 respectively.
The Company leased office space for OCS from EPIC Property Management LLC from August 2010 through June 2011.  A former owner of OCS and an associate of the Company during the lease term was a co-owner of EPIC Property Management LLC.  The total of the rental and utility payments under the lease for the year ended December 31, 2011, was $103,000 and for the year ended December 31, 2010, was $84,000.
(11)Associate Benefits
The Company sponsors a qualified 401(k) plan covering substantially all associates with no eligibility service requirement.  Under the 401(k) plan, the Company matches 25% of the first 6% of compensation contributed by each associate.  Employer contributions, which are discretionary, vest to participants at a rate of 20% per year.  The Company contributed $144,000, $127,000$182,000, $168,000 and $124,000$151,000 in 2008, 20072011, 2010 and 2006,2009, respectively, as a matching percentage of associate 401(k) contributions.
Item 9. 
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
48

(12)          Segment Information

The Company has seven operating segments that are aggregated into one reporting segment because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria.  Included in the table below is certain entity-wide information regarding the Company’s revenue and assets by geographic area:

  2011  2010  2009 
  (In thousands) 
Revenue:         
United States $70,074  $58,598  $52,961 
Canada  5,693   4,800   4,731 
Total $75,767  $63,398  $57,692 
Long-lived assets:            
United States $75,355  $75,238     
Canada  3,184   3,191     
Total $78,539  $78,429     
Total assets:            
United States $90,253  $87,256     
Canada  10,423   8,514     
Total $100,676  $95,770     
49

Item 9.                    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2008.2011.  Based upon their evaluation of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2008.2011.
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act).  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed 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.  Because of its inherent limitations, however, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies of procedures may deteriorate.
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting using the framework inInternal Control Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.2011.

45


There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2008,2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
This annual report does not includerequire an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.  Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permitsince the Company is not deemed to provide only management’s report in this annual report.be an “accelerated filer” or “large accelerated filer.”
Item 9B.Other Information
The Company has no other information to report pursuant to this item.

46


50

PART III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item with respect to directors and Section 16 compliance is included under the captions “Election of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” respectively, in the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 20092012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Proxy Statement”) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.  Information with respect to the executive officers of the Company appears in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The information required by this Item with respect to audit committees and audit committee financial experts is included under the caption “Corporate Governance” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of the Company’s associates, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, ControllerVice President of Finance and other persons performing similar functions.  The Company has posted a copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on its website at www.nationalresearch.com.  The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics by posting such information on its website at www.nationalresearch.com.  The Company is not including the information contained on its website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this report.
Item 11.Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is included under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Summary“2011 Summary Compensation Table,” “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 2011,” “Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2008,2011,“Option Exercises and Stock Vested,“2011 Director Compensation, “Director Compensation” and “Compensation Committee Report” and “Corporate Governance-Transactions with Related Persons” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

47


Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 12.                 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The information required by this Item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the caption “Principal Shareholders” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
51

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2008.2011.
 
 Number of securities to be Number of securities remaining 
 issued upon the exercise of Weighted-average exercise available for future issuance 
 outstanding options, price of outstanding under equity compensation 
 warrants and options, plans (excluding securities 
Plan Category rights warrants and rights reflected in the first column)  
Number of securities
to be issued upon
the exercise of
outstanding options, warrants and rights
  
Weighted-average
exercise price of outstanding
options,
warrants and rights
  
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities reflected
in the first column)
 
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
 492,431 $20.77  568,470(2)  769,401  $25.73   491,090(2)
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders      --   --   -- 
       
 
Total 492,431 $20.77 568,470   769,401  $25.73   491,090 
       
 
(1)Includes the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, 2004 Director Plan, and the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan.
 
(2)As of December 31, 2008,2011, the Company had authority to award up to 160,436161,854 additional shares of restricted Common Stock to participants under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, provided that the total of such shares awarded may not exceed the total number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan, which totaled 71,0823,770 as of December 31, 2008.2011.  Under the 2004 Director Plan and  2006 Equity Incentive Plan, the Company had authority to award up to 25,000 and 472,388144,324 additional shares of restricted Common Stock respectively.to participants under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, provided that the total of such shares awarded may not exceed the total number of shares remaining available for issuance under the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, which totaled 306,320 as of December 31, 2011.

Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is included under the caption “Corporate Governance—Transactions with Related Persons”Governance” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is included under the caption “Miscellaneous—Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

48


52

PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a)1.1. Consolidated financial statements —statements.  The consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2.Financial statement schedule —schedule.  The financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule is filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
3.
Exhibits —Exhibits.  The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

49


53

NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESSUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                     
  Balance at          Write-offs  Balance 
  Beginning  MIV  Bad Debt  Net of  at End 
    of Year    Acquisition  Expense  Recoveries  of Year 
                     
Allowance for doubtful accounts:                    
Year Ended December 31, 2006 $103,183  $  $(58,881) $  $44,302 
Year Ended December 31, 2007 $44,302  $  $28,510  $2,600  $70,212 
Year Ended December 31, 2008 $70,212  $69,255  $167,449  $66,263  $240,653 
(In thousands)
  
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
  Acquisition  
Bad Debt
Expense
  
Write-offs
Net of
Recoveries
  
Balance
at End
of Year
 
                
Allowance for doubtful accounts:               
Year Ended December 31, 2009 $241  $75  $138  $175  $279 
Year Ended December 31, 2010  279   42   39   23   337 
Year Ended December 31, 2011  337   0   80   128   289 
See accompanying report of independent registered public accounting firm.

50


54

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE


All other financial statement schedules are omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedules, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

51


55

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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, on this 31st1st day of March 2009.2012.
 NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION
    
 NATIONAL RESEARCH CORPORATION
By
/s/ Michael D. Hays 
 By /s/ Michael D. Hays 
 Michael D. Hays Chief Executive Officer 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

SignatureTitleDate
   
/s/ Michael D. Hays
Michael D. Hays
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal (Principal Executive Officer)
March 31, 20091, 2012
   
/s/ Patrick E. BeansKevin R. Karas
Patrick E. BeansKevin R. Karas
Senior Vice President Treasurer, Secretary,
Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director
(PrincipalSecretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
March 31, 20091, 2012
   
/s/ JoAnn M. Martin
JoAnn M. Martin
DirectorMarch 31, 20091, 2012
   
/s/ John N. Nunnelly
John N. Nunnelly
DirectorMarch 31, 20091, 2012
   
/s/ Paul C. Schorr III
Paul C. Schorr III
DirectorMarch 31, 20091, 2012
   
/s/ Gail L. Warden
Gail L. Warden
DirectorMarch 31, 20091, 2012

52


56

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
  
Exhibit
NumberExhibit Description
(3.1)Articles of Incorporation of National Research Corporation, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.1) to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33273)]
(3.2)By-Laws of National Research Corporation, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.2) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 10, 2007 (File No. 0-29466)]
(4.1)Installment or Single Payment Note, dated as of December 19, 2008, from National Research Corporation to U.S. Bank National Association [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.1) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 19, 2008 (File No. 0-294660)]
(10.1)*National Research Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to National Research Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2002 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.2)*National Research Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to National Research Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.3)*National Research Corporation Director Stock Plan, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.4)*National Research Corporation 2004 Director Stock Plan [Incorporated by reference to National Research Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2005 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.5)+Contract, dated January 23, 2002, between National Research Corporation and the Department of Veterans Affairs [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.4) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.6)*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for new associates) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.7)*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for officers) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.8)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for executive officers used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2005 (File No. 0-29466)]

53


Exhibit
NumberExhibit Description
(10.9)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (one year vesting) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.10)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (five year vesting) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.11)*Restricted Stock Incentive Plan for Joseph W. Carmichael, as amended and restated, under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.12)*Director’s Compensation Summary [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.1) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.13)*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement used in connection with the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.14) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.14)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement used in connection with the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.15) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.15)(2.1)#Merger Agreement, dated as of November 26, 2008, by and among National Research Corporation, NRC Acquisition, Inc., My Innerview, Inc., Neil L. Gulsvig and Janice L. Gulsvig [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (2.1) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 26, 2008 (File No. 0-29466)]
  
(2.2)#Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 3, 2010, by and among National Research Corporation, Outcome Concept Systems, Inc. and the holders of Outcome Concept Systems’ shares of common stock and warrants to purchase such shares [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (2.1) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2010 (File No. 0-29466)]
 
(21.1)(3.1)Articles of Incorporation of National Research Corporation, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.1) to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-33273)]
 
Subsidiaries(3.2)By-Laws of National Research Corporation, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3.2) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 8, 2009 (File No. 0-29466)]
(4.1)Installment or Single Payment Note, dated as of December 19, 2008, from National Research Corporation to U.S. Bank National Association [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.1) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 19, 2008 (File No. 0-294660)]
(4.2)Installment or Single Payment Note, dated as of July 30, 2010, from National Research Corporation to U.S. Bank N.A. to refinance the prior December 19, 2008 note of National Research Corporation [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.2) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2010 (File No. 0-29466)]
(4.3)Installment or Single Payment Note, dated as of July 30, 2010, from National Research Corporation to U.S. Bank N.A. to fund a portion of the acquisition of Outcome Concept Systems, Inc. [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (4.1) to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 3, 2010 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.1)*National Research Corporation 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to National Research Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2002 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.2)*National Research Corporation 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to National Research Corporation’s Proxy Statement for the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 3, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.3)*National Research Corporation Director Stock Plan, as amended to date [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.2) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 (File No. 0-29466)]
57

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
(10.4)*National Research Corporation 2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10) to National Research Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.5)*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for new associates) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.6)*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (for officers) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.7)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for executive officers used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to National Research Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 19, 2005 (File No. 0-29466)]
 (10.8)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (one year vesting) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.9)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (five year vesting) used in connection with the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to National Research Corporation’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-120530)]
(10.10)*Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement used in connection with the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.14) to National Research Corporation’s  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(10.11)*Form of Restricted Stock Agreement used in connection with the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan [Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (10.15) to National Research Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 0-29466)]
(21)Subsidiary of National Research Corporation
  
(23.1)(23)Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  
(31.1)Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
(31.2)Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  
(32.1)(32)Certification of Periodic Financial Report by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
58

Exhibit
Number
Exhibit Description
  
(99.1)(99)Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed within 120 days of December 31, 2008 [To be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2008;2011; except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 20092012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K]
  
(101)**
Financial statements from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of National Research Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2011, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL):  (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.
____________________
* 
*A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
#The schedules to this agreement are not being filed herewith.  The registrant agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any such schedule to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

+Portions of this exhibit have been redacted and are subject to a confidential treatment request filed with the Secretary of the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 24b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The redacted material was filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

54


**In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the information in these exhibits shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1034, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability under that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
59