Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 ___________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
  ___________________________________________________
(Mark One) 
xQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019


OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 001-36495
 ___________________________________________________
IHS MARKIT LTD.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 ___________________________________________________
Bermuda001-3649598-1166311
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification Number)


4th Floor, Ropemaker Place
25 Ropemaker Street
London, England
EC2Y 9LY
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)


+44207260 2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 ___________________________________________________ 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Shares, $0.01 par value per shareINFONew York Stock Exchange
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.    x  Yes    o  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    x  Yes    o  No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filerxAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting companyo
Emerging growth companyo


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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    o  Yes    xNo
As of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019, there were 399,825,076400,988,046 Common Shares outstanding (excluding 25,219,470 outstanding common shares held by the Markit Group Holdings Limited Employee Benefit Trust).

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” withinas defined in the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of thePrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). In this context, forward-looking1995. These statements, often address expectedwhich express management’s current views concerning future business, andevents, trends, contingencies, financial performance, andor financial condition, appear at various places in this report and often containuse words such aslike “aim,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “goal,” “seek,” “aim,” “strive,“assume,” “believe,” “see,“continue,“project,” “predict,“could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “continue,” “strategy,“forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “see,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” “would,” “target,”and “would” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding: guidance and predictions relating to expected operating results, such as revenue growth and earnings; strategic actions includingsuch as acquisitions, joint ventures, and dispositions, the anticipated benefits from strategic actions including the merger between IHS Inc. and Markit Ltd.,therefrom, and our success in integrating acquired businesses; anticipated levels of capital expenditures in future periods; anticipated levels of indebtedness, capital allocation, dividends, and share repurchases in future periods; our belief that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our ongoing business operations; expectations of the effect on our financial condition of claims, litigation, environmental costs, contingent liabilities, and governmental and regulatory investigations and proceedings; and our strategy for customer retention, growth, product development, market position, financial results, and reserves. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on ourmanagement’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: economic and financial conditions, including volatility in interest and exchange rates; our ability to develop new products and services; our ability to manage system failures or capacity constraints; our ability to manage fraudulent or unpermitted data access or other cyber-security or privacy breaches; our ability to successfully manage risks associated with changes in demand for our products and services; our ability to manage our relationships with third partythird-party service providers; legislative, regulatory, and economic developments, including any new or proposed U.S. Treasury rule changes; the extent to which we are successful in gaining new long-term relationships with customers or retaining existing ones and the level of service failures that could lead customers to use competitors’ services; the anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies for the management, expansion, and growth of our operations; our ability to integrate the business successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies; our ability to retain and hire key personnel; our ability to satisfy our debt obligations and our other ongoing business obligations; and the occurrence of any catastrophic events, including acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities. These risks, as well as other risks which would cause actual results to be significantly different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, are more fully discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, along with our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). While the list of factors presented here is considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant

additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated

in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, credit rating, or liquidity. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is based only on information currently available to usour management and speaks only as of the date of this report. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.


Website and Social Media Disclosure
 
We use our website (www.ihsmarkit.com) and corporate Twitter account (@IHSMarkit) as routine channels of distribution of company information, including news releases, analyst presentations, and supplemental financial information, as a means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Accordingly, investors should monitor our website and our corporate Twitter account in addition to following press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. Additionally, we provide notifications of news or announcements as part of our investor relations website. Investors and others can receive notifications of new information posted on our investor relations website in real time by signing up for email alerts.


None of the information provided on our website, in our press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts, or through social media channels is incorporated into, or deemed to be a part of, this quarterly report on Form 10-Q or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website or our social media channels are intended to be inactive textual references only.



PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.Financial Statements
IHS MARKIT LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except par value)
As of As ofAs of As of
February 28, 2018 November 30, 2017August 31, 2019 November 30, 2018
(Unaudited) (Audited)(Unaudited) (Audited)
Assets
 

 
Current assets:
 

 
Cash and cash equivalents$156.0
 $133.8
$124.1
 $120.0
Accounts receivable, net802.7
 693.5
862.7
 792.9
Income tax receivable34.4
 31.9
17.8
 20.8
Deferred subscription costs78.0
 62.8
72.3
 77.3
Other current assets94.7
 93.0
112.1
 88.4
Total current assets1,165.8
 1,015.0
1,189.0
 1,099.4
Non-current assets:
 

 
Property and equipment, net539.7
 531.3
623.9
 579.6
Intangible assets, net4,128.6
 4,188.3
4,181.6
 4,484.8
Goodwill8,810.4
 8,778.5
9,805.2
 9,836.0
Deferred income taxes11.1
 7.1
14.6
 14.6
Other41.1
 34.2
89.3
 47.9
Total non-current assets13,530.9
 13,539.4
14,714.6
 14,962.9
Total assets$14,696.7
 $14,554.4
$15,903.6
 $16,062.3
Liabilities and equity

 



 

Current liabilities:
 

 
Short-term debt$90.9
 $576.0
$1.2
 $789.9
Accounts payable50.1
 53.4
27.2
 63.8
Accrued compensation59.7
 157.4
167.0
 214.1
Other accrued expenses351.9
 323.0
437.9
 357.7
Income tax payable8.5
 5.5
133.5
 8.0
Deferred revenue919.3
 790.8
896.5
 886.8
Total current liabilities1,480.4
 1,906.1
1,663.3
 2,320.3
Long-term debt, net4,186.1
 3,617.3
5,051.2
 4,889.2
Accrued pension and postretirement liability31.6
 31.8
17.0
 17.4
Deferred income taxes691.0
 869.8
770.5
 699.9
Other liabilities136.9
 105.9
150.7
 109.1
Commitments and contingencies
 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests8.4
 19.1
15.9
 5.9
Shareholders' equity:
 

 
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 3,000.0 authorized, 472.2 and 468.7 issued, and 399.8 and 399.2 outstanding at February 28, 2018 and November 30, 2017, respectively4.7
 4.7
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 3,000.0 authorized, 475.9 and 472.9 issued, and 401.0 and 397.1 outstanding at August 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively4.8
 4.7
Additional paid-in capital7,611.8
 7,612.1
7,745.6
 7,680.4
Treasury shares, at cost: 72.4 and 69.5 at February 28, 2018 and November 30, 2017, respectively(1,889.3) (1,745.0)
Treasury shares, at cost: 74.9 and 75.8 at August 31, 2019 and November 30, 2018, respectively(2,151.5) (2,108.8)
Retained earnings2,464.8
 2,217.6
3,094.7
 2,743.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(29.7) (85.0)(458.6) (298.9)
Total shareholders' equity8,162.3
 8,004.4
8,235.0
 8,020.5
Total liabilities and equity$14,696.7
 $14,554.4
$15,903.6
 $16,062.3
See accompanying notes.

IHS MARKIT LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except for per-share amounts)
 
 Three months ended February 28,Three months ended August 31, Nine months ended August 31,
 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue $932.1
 $844.2
$1,112.3
 $1,001.0
 $3,294.2
 $2,941.4
Operating expenses:           
Cost of revenue 342.9
 327.0
419.7
 375.3
 1,247.5
 1,086.6
Selling, general and administrative 290.3
 268.0
295.4
 287.7
 889.0
 877.2
Depreciation and amortization 130.6
 120.8
144.7
 134.1
 431.0
 395.7
Restructuring charges 
 (0.2)1.1
 0.4
 11.0
 0.4
Acquisition-related costs 27.0
 31.6
23.4
 41.7
 67.6
 94.5
Net periodic pension and postretirement expense 0.2
 0.4
Other expense, net 1.4
 0.9
Other (income) expense, net(114.8) 1.5
 (108.4) 5.9
Total operating expenses 792.4
 748.5
769.5
 840.7
 2,537.7
 2,460.3
Operating income 139.7
 95.7
342.8
 160.3
 756.5
 481.1
Interest income 0.7
 0.5
0.6
 0.9
 1.6
 2.5
Interest expense (46.3) (31.8)(63.2) (56.7) (195.9) (158.3)
Net periodic pension and postretirement (expense) income(0.2) 7.1
 (0.7) 6.6
Non-operating expense, net (45.6) (31.3)(62.8) (48.7) (195.0) (149.2)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of equity method investee 94.1
 64.4
280.0
 111.6
 561.5
 331.9
Benefit for income taxes 146.6
 3.6
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(240.6) (7.9) (263.9) 126.7
Equity in loss of equity method investee 
 (2.0)(0.2) (0.2) (0.5) (0.2)
Net income 240.7
 66.0
39.2
 103.5
 297.1
 458.4
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 0.6
 
0.9
 1.0
 2.5
 2.1
Net income attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $241.3
 $66.0
$40.1
 $104.5
 $299.6
 $460.5
           
Basic earnings per share attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $0.61
 $0.16
$0.10
 $0.26
 $0.75
 $1.17
Weighted average shares used in computing basic earnings per share 398.0
 406.2
401.2
 393.0
 399.9
 394.2
           
Diluted earnings per share attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $0.59
 $0.16
$0.10
 $0.26
 $0.73
 $1.13
Weighted average shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 412.1
 422.2
410.9
 405.1
 409.4
 406.8


See accompanying notes.



IHS MARKIT LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(InUnaudited, in millions)



 Three months ended February 28, Three months ended August 31, Nine months ended August 31,
 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018
Net income $240.7
 $66.0
 $39.2
 $103.5
 $297.1
 $458.4
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:            
Net hedging activities (1)
 4.8
 3.0
 (0.7) 0.9
 (4.1) 6.7
Net pension liability adjustment (2)
 
 0.6
 
 0.6
Foreign currency translation adjustment 56.4
 (24.9) (115.6) (78.5) (155.6) (137.0)
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 61.2
 (21.9)
Comprehensive income $301.9
 $44.1
Total other comprehensive loss (116.3) (77.0) (159.7) (129.7)
Comprehensive (loss) income $(77.1) $26.5
 $137.4
 $328.7
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 0.6
 
 0.9
 1.0
 2.5
 2.1
Comprehensive income attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $302.5
 $44.1
(1) Net of tax expense of $1.2 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended February 28, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $(76.2) $27.5
 $139.9
 $330.8
(1) Net of tax benefit (expense) of $0.1 million; $(0.2) million; $0.9 million, and $(1.6) million for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(1) Net of tax benefit (expense) of $0.1 million; $(0.2) million; $0.9 million, and $(1.6) million for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2) Net of tax expense of $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2018.
(2) Net of tax expense of $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2018.




See accompanying notes.

IHS MARKIT LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(InUnaudited, in millions)
Three months ended February 28,Nine months ended August 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Operating activities:
 

 
Net income$240.7
 $66.0
$297.1
 $458.4
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
   
Depreciation and amortization130.6
 120.8
431.0
 395.7
Stock-based compensation expense61.9
 75.2
167.3
 172.1
Gain on sale of assets(113.0) 
Net periodic pension and postretirement expense0.2
 0.4
0.7
 (6.6)
Undistributed earnings of affiliates, net
 1.4
0.2
 
Pension and postretirement contributions(0.5) (0.6)(1.1) (2.2)
Deferred income taxes(187.9) 8.8
109.9
 (203.2)
Change in assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable, net(110.6) (16.7)(17.5) 27.9
Other current assets(20.7) (40.9)(52.7) (14.1)
Accounts payable(1.1) (12.6)(14.5) (13.3)
Accrued expenses(67.2) (68.9)10.2
 (10.4)
Income tax29.3
 (21.9)106.6
 34.0
Deferred revenue125.3
 137.4
39.0
 33.4
Other liabilities2.9
 2.3
62.4
 60.3
Net cash provided by operating activities202.9
 250.7
1,025.6
 932.0
Investing activities:
 

 
Capital expenditures on property and equipment(55.2) (71.7)(199.9) (168.5)
Intangible assets acquired(3.1) 
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired(128.4) (1,881.4)
Proceeds from sale of assets159.2
 
Change in other assets0.1
 2.6
(9.3) (7.4)
Settlements of forward contracts3.1
 2.7
(28.1) (6.9)
Net cash used in investing activities(55.1) (66.4)(206.5) (2,064.2)
Financing activities:
 

 
Proceeds from borrowings745.0
 1,395.0
1,984.9
 4,599.9
Repayment of borrowings(657.0) (1,057.5)(2,613.0) (2,721.6)
Payment of debt issuance costs(7.0) (9.5)(12.3) (30.9)
Payments for purchase of noncontrolling interests(7.7) 

 (7.7)
Proceeds from noncontrolling interests12.5
 
Contingent consideration payments(2.2) (43.0)
Proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options56.9
 97.3
134.1
 162.4
Payments related to tax withholding for stock-based compensation(76.6) (67.0)(65.9) (85.6)
Repurchases of common shares(172.5) (524.9)(200.0) (672.5)
Net cash used in financing activities(118.9) (166.6)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(761.9) 1,201.0
Foreign exchange impact on cash balance(6.7) (1.8)(53.1) (48.2)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents22.2
 15.9
4.1
 20.6
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period133.8
 138.9
120.0
 133.8
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period$156.0
 $154.8
$124.1
 $154.4


See accompanying notes.

IHS MARKIT LTD.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSTATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(InUnaudited, in millions)
Common Shares 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total Shareholders’ Equity  Redeemable Noncontrolling InterestsCommon Shares 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total Shareholders’ Equity  Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Shares Outstanding Amount 
Treasury
Shares
 
Retained
Earnings
   Shares Outstanding Amount 
Treasury
Shares
 
Retained
Earnings
   
Balance at November 30, 2017 (Audited)399.2
 $4.7
 $7,612.1
 $(1,745.0) $2,217.6
 $(85.0) $8,004.4
  $19.1
399.2
 $4.7
 $7,612.1
 $(1,745.0) $2,217.6
 $(85.0) $8,004.4
  $19.1
Repurchases of common shares(3.9) 
 
 (172.5) 
 
 (172.5)  
(3.9)     (172.5)     (172.5)   
Share-based award activity2.1
 
 (56.8) 28.2
 
 
 (28.6)  
2.1
   (56.8) 28.2
     (28.6)   
Option exercises2.4
 
 56.5
 
 
 
 56.5
  
2.4
   56.5
       56.5
   
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 241.3
 
 241.3
  (0.6)        241.3
   241.3
  (0.6)
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
 
 
 
 5.9
 (5.9) 
  
        5.9
 (5.9) 
   
Purchase of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 
 
  (10.1)            
  (10.1)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 61.2
 61.2
  
          61.2
 61.2
   
Balance at February 28, 2018399.8
 $4.7
 $7,611.8
 $(1,889.3) $2,464.8
 $(29.7) $8,162.3
  $8.4
399.8

4.7

7,611.8

(1,889.3)
2,464.8

(29.7)
8,162.3


8.4
Repurchases of common shares(10.3) 
 
 (500.0) 
 
 (500.0)  
Share-based award activity
 
 (49.1) 100.1
 
 
 51.0
  
Option exercises2.5
 
 54.6
 
 
 
 54.6
  
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 114.7
 
 114.7
  (0.5)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (113.9) (113.9)  
Balance at May 31, 2018392.0
 $4.7
 $7,617.3
 $(2,289.2) $2,579.5
 $(143.6) $7,768.7
  $7.9
Repurchases of common shares  
 
   
 
 
  
Share-based award activity0.2
 
 (35.6) 78.5
 
 
 42.9
  
Option exercises2.0
 
 52.5
 
 
 
 52.5
  
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 104.5
 
 104.5
  (1.0)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (77.0) (77.0)  
Balance at August 31, 2018394.2
 $4.7
 $7,634.2
 $(2,210.7) $2,684.0
 $(220.6) $7,891.6
  $6.9
 Common Shares 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
     
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 Total Shareholders’ Equity  Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
 Shares Outstanding Amount  
Treasury
Shares
 
Retained
Earnings
    
Balance at November 30, 2018 (Audited)397.1
 $4.7
 $7,680.4
 $(2,108.8) $2,743.1
 $(298.9) $8,020.5
  $5.9
Adjustment to opening retained earnings related to adoption of ASC Topic 606        56.0
   56.0
   
Share-based award activity1.7
 0.1
 8.5
 (18.0) (2.4)   (11.8)   
Option exercises0.9
   23.7
       23.7
   
Net income (loss)        109.7
   109.7
  (0.7)
Issuance of noncontrolling interests            
  12.5
Other comprehensive income          134.2
 134.2
   
Balance at February 28, 2019399.7

4.8

7,712.6

(2,126.8)
2,906.4

(164.7)
8,332.3


17.7
Share-based award activity0.2
 
 0.5
 50.5
 (1.4) 
 49.6
  
Option exercises1.2
 
 32.3
 
 
 
 32.3
  
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 149.8
 
 149.8
  (0.9)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (177.6) (177.6)  
Balance at May 31, 2019401.1
 $4.8
 $7,745.4
 $(2,076.3) $3,054.8
 $(342.3) $8,386.4
  $16.8
Repurchases of common shares(3.1) 
 
 (200.0) 
 
 (200.0)  
Share-based award activity
 
 (79.3) 124.8
 (0.2) 
 45.3
  
Option exercises3.0
 
 79.5
 
 
 
 79.5
  
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 40.1
 
 40.1
  (0.9)
Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 (116.3) (116.3)  
Balance at August 31, 2019401.0
 $4.8
 $7,745.6
 $(2,151.5) $3,094.7
 $(458.6) $8,235.0
  $15.9
See accompanying notes.


IHS MARKIT LTD.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
 
1.Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies


The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of IHS Markit have been prepared on substantially the same basis as our annual consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2017.2018. In our opinion, these condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods presented, and such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature.


Our business has seasonal aspects. Our first quarter generally has our lowest quarterly levels of revenue and profit. We also experience event-driven seasonality in our business; for instance, CERAWeek, an annual energy conference, is typically held in the second quarter of each year. Another example is the biennial release of the Boiler Pressure Vessel Code (“BPVC”) engineering standard, which generates revenue for us predominantly in the third quarter of every other year. The most recent BPVC release was in the third quarter of 2017.2019.


Recent Accounting PronouncementsRevenue Recognition


In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, which establishes a comprehensive new revenue recognition model designed to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In March, April, and May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, and ASU 2016-12, respectively, which provide further revenue recognition guidance related to principal versus agent considerations, performance obligations and licensing, and narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients. All of theseThese standards will be effective for ushave all been codified in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019. We have determined thatFASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”

On December 1, 2018, we will useadopted ASC Topic 606 using the modified retrospective transition method upon adoption. applied to our customer revenue contracts as of the adoption date. Revenue results for periods beginning after December 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 606, while prior year amounts continue to be reported in accordance with ASC Topic 605, “Revenue Recognition.”

The following table shows the cumulative effect of the changes made to the December 1, 2018 consolidated balance sheet for the adoption of ASC Topic 606 related to contracts that were in effect at the time of adoption (in millions):
 November 30, 2018 Adjustments due to adoption of ASC Topic 606 December 1, 2018
Accounts receivable, net$792.9
 $29.8
 $822.7
Other current assets88.4
 4.2
 92.6
Other non-current assets47.9
 9.5
 57.4
Deferred revenue886.8
 (28.8) 858.0
Deferred income taxes699.9
 16.3
 716.2
Retained earnings2,743.1
 56.0
 2,799.1


The net cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was primarily related to (1) the change in accounting for the license rights associated with certain term-based software license arrangements, which were historically recognized over the term of the contract, but are now recognized at contract inception based on estimated stand-alone selling price, and (2) the change in accounting for commission costs incurred to obtain a portion of our contracts, which costs were historically expensed as incurred, but are now deferred at contract inception and recognized over the expected customer life.

For the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019, the adoption of ASC Topic 606 did not result in a material difference between what we reported under ASC Topic 606 and what we would have reported under ASC Topic 605.


We disaggregate our revenue by segment (as described in Note 12) and by transaction type according to the following categories:

Recurring fixed revenue represents revenue generated from contracts specifying a relatively fixed fee for services delivered over the life of the contract. The fixed fee is typically paid annually or more periodically in advance. These contracts typically consist of subscriptions to our various information offerings and software maintenance, which provide continuous access to our platforms and associated data over the contract term. The revenue is usually recognized ratably over the contract term or for term-based software license arrangements, annually on renewal. The initial term of these contracts is typically annual (with some longer-term arrangements) and non-cancellable for the term of the subscription and may contain provisions for minimum monthly payments.

Recurring variable revenue represents revenue from contracts that specify a fee for services, which is typically not fixed. The variable fee is usually paid monthly in arrears. Recurring variable revenue is based on, among other factors, the number of trades processed, assets under management, or the number of positions we value, and revenue is recognized based on the specific factor used (e.g., for usage-based contracts, we recognize revenue in line with usage in the period). Many of these contracts do not have a maturity date, while the remainder have an initial term ranging from one to five years. Recurring variable revenue was derived entirely from the Financial Services segment for all periods presented.

Non-recurring revenue represents consulting (e.g., research and analysis, modeling, and forecasting), services, single-document product sales, perpetual license sales and associated services, conferences and events, and advertising. Revenue for services and other non-recurring revenue is recognized upon completion of the associated performance obligation.

The following table presents our revenue by transaction type (in millions):
 Three months ended August 31, Nine months ended August 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Recurring fixed revenue$799.9
 $717.7
 $2,352.3
 $2,099.1
Recurring variable revenue144.4
 124.8
 425.4
 367.8
Non-recurring revenue168.0
 158.5
 516.5
 474.5
Total revenue$1,112.3
 $1,001.0
 $3,294.2
 $2,941.4


Our customer contracts may include multiple performance obligations; for example, we typically sell software licenses with maintenance and other associated services. For these transactions, we recognize revenue based on the relative fair value to the customer of each performance obligation as each performance obligation is completed.

We record a receivable when a customer is billed or when revenue is recognized prior to billing a customer. Contract assets include unbilled amounts for multi-year customer contracts where payment is not yet due and where services have been provided up-front but have not yet been billed. Contract assets were approximately $40.7 million as of August 31, 2019 and $29.8 million as of December 1, 2018, and are currentlyrecorded in accounts receivable, net, in the consolidated balance sheets.

Contract liabilities primarily include our obligations to transfer goods or services for which we have received consideration (or an amount of consideration is due) from the customer. As of August 31, 2019 and December 1, 2018, we had contract reviewliabilities of $896.5 million and assessment phase$858.0 million, respectively, which are recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. The increase in contract liabilities from December 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019 was primarily due to billings of our implementation planning,$2,605.3 million that were paid in advance or due from customers, partially offset by $2,557.6 million of revenue recognized for the nine months ended August 31, 2019 and a $9.2 million net reduction in contract liabilities associated with the Agribusiness acquisition and the Technology, Media, & Telecom (“TMT”) market intelligence assets divestiture, as described in Note 2.

We recognize an asset for the incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to exceed one year. Certain sales commission programs are continuingdesigned to evaluatepromote the impactsale of products and services to new customers, and we therefore defer the incremental costs related to these new standards on ourprograms over the expected customer life related to those products underlying the contracts. We record these expenses as selling, general and administrative expense within the consolidated financial statements.statements of operations.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires that lease assets and lease liabilities be recognized on the balance sheet, and that key information about leasing arrangements be disclosed. TheIn July 2018, the FASB issued ASU requires the use of2018-11, which provides targeted improvements to ASU 2016-02 by providing an additional optional transition method and a modified retrospective transition method.lessor practical expedient for lease and nonlease components. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2020, although early adoption is permitted. We have determined that we will adopt this standard using the modified retrospective approach and will use the transition relief package of practical expedients. We will not adopt the hindsight practical expedient in determining a lease term and impairment of the right-of-use assets at the adoption date. We are currently developing an inventory of leasing arrangements that will be subject to the new standard and are developing assumptions and processes to use at the transition date and on an ongoing basis. We are still evaluating the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.statements, but believe that the most significant impact of adoption will be the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities associated with our operating leases.


In AugustJune 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15,No. 2016-13, which clarifies how certain cash receiptsreplaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and cash payments are presentedrequires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and classified in the statement of cash flows. The ASU should be applied using a retrospective transition methodsupportable information to each period presented.inform credit loss estimates. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019, although early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, which clarifies the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal 2019.2021. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.


In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, which removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal 2021, although early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.


In March 2017,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07,2018-15, which requiresaddresses the accounting for implementation costs associated with a hosted service. The standard provides that implementation costs be evaluated for capitalization using the service cost component of pensionsame criteria as that used for internal-use software development costs, with amortization expense be includedbeing recorded in the same income statement expense line item as other compensationthe hosted service costs arising from services rendered by employees, withand over the other componentsexpected term of pension expense being classified outside of a subtotal of income from operations.the hosting arrangement. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019.2021, although early adoption is permitted. The amendments will be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2019. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, which provides targeted improvements to the accounting for hedging activities to better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2020, although early adoption is permitted. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to provide guidance on the application of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to finalize the calculations for the income tax effects of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“the Act”). SAB 118 provides entities with a one-year measurement period from the December 22, 2017 enactment date to complete the accounting for the effects of the Act - see Note 8.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, which provides entities with the option to eliminate the stranded tax effects associated with the change in tax rates under the Act through a reclassification of the stranded tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings. This ASU is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We have elected to early adopt this standard in the first quarter of our fiscal year 2018, which resulted in the reclassification of $5.9 million from AOCI to retained earnings.


2.Business Combinations and Divestitures


In September 2017,On June 30, 2019, we acquired automotiveMastermind Inc. (“aM”), a leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation softwarethe Agribusiness Intelligence group from Informa plc for the automotive industry. The purchase price consisted of initial cash consideration of approximately $433 million for 78 percent of aM, which includes an estimated $44 million contingent consideration payment based on underlying business performance through January 2018, to be paid in the second quarter of 2018. The contingent consideration liability is recorded within other current liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.$128 million. The acquisition of aMthe Agribusiness Intelligence group helps to fill outstrengthen our Resources core end-market by building on our existing automotivedata, pricing, insights, forecasting, and news services within our chemical and downstream product offerings, by leveraging predictive analytics to improve the buyer experienceand expands our capability into fertilizers and chemical crop protection while expanding our capabilities in the new car dealer market. This acquisition is included in our Transportation segment.biofuels.


In exchange for the remaining 22 percent of aM, we issued equity interests in aM’s immediate parent holding company to aM’s founders and certain employees. We will pay cash to acquire these interests over the next five years based on put/call provisions that tie the valuation to underlying adjusted EBITDA performance of aM. Since the purchase of the remaining 22 percent of the business requires continued service of the founders and employees, the arrangement will be treated as compensation expense that will be remeasured based on changes in the fair value of the equity interests; we have classified this expense as acquisition-related costs within the consolidated statements of operations and we have classified the associated accrued liability as other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. We have preliminarily estimated a range of $200 million to $225 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to this transaction that will be recognized over a weighted-average recognition period of approximately 4 years.

In September 2017, we also acquired Macroeconomic Advisers, a small independent research firm that specializes in monitoring, analyzing and forecasting developments in the U.S. economy. The purchase price allocation for these acquisitionsthis acquisition is preliminary and may change upon completion of the determination of fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price allocation, net of acquired cash, for these two acquisitionsthis acquisition (in millions):




 Total
Assets: 
Current assets$10.2
Property and equipment0.6
Intangible assets55.4
Goodwill86.0
Total assets152.2
Liabilities: 
Current liabilities2.2
Deferred revenue12.2
Deferred taxes9.4
Total liabilities23.8
Purchase price$128.4


On August 1, 2019, we sold the majority of our TMT market intelligence assets to Informa plc for approximately $150 million. The TMT assets were previously included in our CMS segment. We recognized a gain of approximately $112 million on the sale, which is recorded in other (income) expense, net. The transaction resulted in the divestiture of the following assets and liabilities (in millions):
 Total
Assets: 
Current assets$7.3
Property and equipment1.1
Intangible assets113.8
Goodwill370.7
Other long-term assets0.9
Total assets493.8
Liabilities: 
Current liabilities4.6
Deferred revenue1.4
Deferred taxes42.9
Total liabilities48.9
Purchase price$444.9
Current assets$10.3
Property and equipment$0.9
Intangible assets$14.1
Goodwill$33.4
Current liabilities$(0.8)
Deferred revenue$(21.5)


In September 2019, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Aerospace & Defense business line to Montagu Private Equity for approximately $470 million. Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory filings and approvals.

3.Intangible Assets


The following table presents details of our intangible assets, other than goodwill, as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and November 30, 20172018 (in millions):
 As of August 31, 2019 As of November 30, 2018
 Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:           
Information databases$623.8
 $(330.8) $293.0
 $671.0
 $(329.6) $341.4
Customer relationships3,427.9
 (592.9) 2,835.0
 3,458.8
 (473.3) 2,985.5
Developed technology923.4
 (185.6) 737.8
 928.8
 (133.1) 795.7
Developed computer software85.0
 (69.7) 15.3
 85.0
 (63.0) 22.0
Trademarks494.5
 (194.0) 300.5
 493.8
 (153.6) 340.2
Other1.1
 (1.1) 
 1.1
 (1.1) 
Total intangible assets$5,555.7
 $(1,374.1) $4,181.6
 $5,638.5
 $(1,153.7) $4,484.8

 As of February 28, 2018 As of November 30, 2017
 Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net Gross 
Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Intangible assets subject to amortization:           
Information databases$756.4
 $(360.5) $395.9
 $753.7
 $(340.2) $413.5
Customer relationships2,977.3
 (387.7) 2,589.6
 2,957.8
 (348.6) 2,609.2
Developed technology836.7
 (88.6) 748.1
 827.6
 (73.4) 754.2
Developed computer software85.7
 (56.6) 29.1
 85.6
 (54.3) 31.3
Trademarks490.2
 (125.7) 364.5
 488.9
 (111.4) 377.5
Other8.3
 (6.9) 1.4
 8.3
 (5.7) 2.6
Total intangible assets$5,154.6
 $(1,026.0) $4,128.6
 $5,121.9
 $(933.6) $4,188.3


Intangible assets amortization expense was $89.0$93.2 million and $283.5 million for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019, respectively, compared to $84.7$89.1 million and $266.7 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017.August 31, 2018, respectively. The following table presents the estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets held as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 (in millions):
Year Amount
Remainder of 2019 $92.8
2020 $368.6
2021 $363.8
2022 $345.3
2023 $334.2
Thereafter $2,676.9
Year Amount
Remainder of 2018 $260.4
2019 $321.0
2020 $313.7
2021 $308.3
2022 $289.2
Thereafter $2,636.0

Goodwill, gross intangible assets, and net intangible assets wereare all subject to foreign currency translation effects. The change in net intangible assets from November 30, 20172018 to February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 was primarily due to current year amortization.amortization, the addition of the Agribusiness intangible assets, and the sale of the TMT market intelligence intangible assets.



4.Debt


The following table summarizes total indebtedness, including unamortized premiums, as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and November 30, 20172018 (in millions):
  August 31, 2019 November 30, 2018
2018 revolving facility $413.0
 $1,108.0
2018 term loan:    
Tranche A-1 
 574.0
Tranche A-2 
 481.3
364-day credit agreement 
 250.0
5.00% senior notes due 2022 750.0
 750.0
4.125% senior notes due 2023 498.9
 498.6
3.625% senior notes due 2024 398.9
 
4.75% senior notes due 2025 812.3
 813.8
4.00% senior notes due 2026 500.0
 500.0
4.75% senior notes due 2028 747.5
 747.3
4.25% senior notes due 2029 974.8
 
Debt issuance costs (50.0) (51.2)
Capital leases 7.0
 7.3
Total debt $5,052.4
 $5,679.1
Current portion (1.2) (789.9)
Total long-term debt $5,051.2
 $4,889.2

  February 28, 2018 November 30, 2017
2016 revolving facility $990.0
 $886.0
2016 term loan:    
Tranche A-1 606.8
 615.0
Tranche A-2 508.8
 515.6
2017 term loan 
 500.0
5.00% senior notes due 2022 750.0
 750.0
4.75% senior notes due 2025 815.3
 815.8
4.00% senior notes due 2026 500.0
 
Institutional senior notes:    
Series A 95.7
 95.8
Series B 53.7
 53.7
Debt issuance costs (47.0) (42.8)
Capital leases 3.7
 4.2
Total debt $4,277.0
 $4,193.3
Current portion (90.9) (576.0)
Total long-term debt $4,186.1
 $3,617.3


20162018 revolving facility. In July 2016,On June 25, 2018, we entered into a $1.85$2.0 billion senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (“20162018 revolving facility”). Borrowings under the 20162018 revolving facility mature in July 2021.June 2023. The interest rates for borrowings under the 20162018 revolving facility are the applicable LIBOR plus a spread of 1.00 percent to 1.75 percent, depending upon our Leverage Ratio, which is defined as the ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness to rolling four-quarter Consolidated Earnings Before Interest Expense, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”), as such terms are defined in the revolving facility agreement.credit rating. A commitment fee on any unused balance is payable periodically and ranges from 0.130.125 percent to 0.30 percent based upon our Leverage Ratio.credit rating. The obligations under the 2018 revolving facility are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. We had approximately $1.6$1.2 million of outstanding letters of credit under the 20162018 revolving facility as of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, which reducesreduced the available borrowing under the facility by an equivalent amount.

2016 term loan. In July 2016, we entered into a $1.206 billion senior unsecured amortizing term loan agreement (“2016 term loan”). The 2016 term loan has a final maturity date of July 2021. The interest rates for borrowings under the 2016 term loan are the same as those under the 2016 revolving facility.


Subject to certain conditions, the 20162018 revolving facility and the 2016 term loan may be expanded by up to an aggregate of $500 million$1.0 billion in additional commitments or term loans.commitments. The 20162018 revolving facility and the 2016 term loan havehas certain financial and other covenants, including a maximum Leverage Ratio and a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, which is defined as the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense, as such terms are defined in the agreements.agreement.

20172018 term loan. On January 26, 2017,Coincident with entering into the 2018 revolving facility, we entered into a 364-day $500 million senior unsecured amortizing term loan agreement (“20172018 term loan”). The 20172018 term loan was structured ashad a non-amortizingfinal maturity date of July 2021, but we repaid both tranches of the 2018 term loan with repaymentin April 2019 using proceeds from our April 2019 debt offering and borrowings under the 2018 revolving facility. The obligations under the 2018 term loan were not guaranteed by any of principal due at maturity.our subsidiaries. The interest rates for borrowings under the 20172018 term loan were the same as those under the 20162018 revolving facility.

364-Day Credit Agreement. In June 2018, we entered into a 364-day credit agreement (the “364-Day Credit Agreement”) for a term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.855 billion, which became available to be borrowed upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, including the concurrent completion of our acquisition of Ipreo. On August 2, 2018, concurrent with the completion of our acquisition of Ipreo, we borrowed $250.0 million under the 364-Day Credit Agreement. The 2017 term loanunutilized balance of the commitment terminated upon completion of the acquisition. The interest rates for borrowings under the 364-Day Credit Agreement were the applicable LIBOR plus a spread of 1.00 percent to 1.75 percent, depending upon our credit rating. The spread over LIBOR was subject to a 0.25 percent step-up on the 180th day following the closing date of the agreement and a 0.50 percent step-up on the 270th day following the closing date. The obligations under the 364-Day Credit Agreement were not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. The 364-Day Credit Agreement had certain financial and other covenants that were consistent with the same ascovenants contained in the 20162018 revolving facility and the 20162018 term loan, including a maximum Leverage Ratio and a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, which was defined as the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense, as such terms were defined in the agreement. The 2017 term loan was364-Day Credit Agreement. On January 7, 2019, we repaid in January 2018the 364-Day Credit Agreement using cash on hand and borrowings fromunder the 2016 revolving credit facility.


As of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we had approximately $990.0$413 million of outstanding borrowings under the 20162018 revolving facility at a current annual interest rate of 3.11 percent and approximately $1.116 billion of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 term loans at a current weighted average annual interest rate of 3.594.28 percent, including the effect of the interest rate swaps described in Note 5.



2019 364-Day Credit Agreement. In September 2019, we entered into a 364-day credit agreement (the “2019 364-Day Credit Agreement”) for a term loan credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $250.0 million. The interest rate for borrowing under the 2019 364-Day Credit Agreement is the applicable LIBOR plus a spread of 0.75 percent. The obligations under the 2019 364-Day Credit Agreement are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. The 2019 364-Day Credit Agreement has certain financial and other covenants that are consistent with the covenants contained in the 2018 revolving facility, including a maximum Leverage Ratio and a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio, which is defined as the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense, as such terms were defined in the 2019 364-Day Credit Agreement.


5.00% senior notes due 2022 (“5% Notes”Notes due 2022”). In October 2014, IHS Inc. issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2022 in an offering not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). In August 2015, we completed a registered exchange offer for the 5% Notes.Notes due 2022. In July 2016, in connection with the Merger,merger between IHS and Markit, we completed an exchange offer for $742.8 million of the outstanding 5% Notes due 2022 for an equal principal amount of new 5% senior unsecured notes issued by IHS Markit with the same maturity. Approximately $7.2 million of the 5% Notes due 2022 did not participate in the exchange offer. The new 5% Notes due 2022 are not, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. The new 5% Notes due 2022 have been admitted for trading to the official list of The International Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands Securities Exchange Authority.Islands.


The 5% Notes due 2022 bear interest at a fixed rate of 5.00 percent and mature on November 1, 2022. Interest on the 5% Notes due 2022 is due semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year, commencing May 1, 2015.year. We may redeem the 5% Notes due 2022 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the Applicable Premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 5% Notes.Notes due 2022. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. In connection with the entry into the 2018 revolving facility and 2018 term loan, each guarantor of the 5% Notes due 2022 was released from its guarantees pursuant to the terms of the indenture under which such notes were issued. The fair value of the 5% Notes due 2022 as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 was approximately $778.1$800.4 million.


4.75%4.125% senior notes due 20252023 (“4.75% Notes”4.125% Notes due 2023”). In February 2017,July 2018, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 20252023 in ana registered offering not subject to the registration requirements ofunder the Securities Act. In July 2017, we issued an additional $300 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.75%The 4.125% Notes at a $16.5 million premium, resulting in an effective interest rate of 3.88 percent. The 4.75% notesdue 2023 have been admitted for trading to the official list of The International Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands Securities Exchange Authority.Islands. The 4.75%4.125% Notes due

2023 bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.754.125 percent and mature on February 15, 2025.August 1, 2023. Interest on the 4.75%4.125% Notes due 2023 is due semiannually on February 151 and August 151 of each year, commencing August 15, 2017.year. The notes were issued at a discount which represented a price to the public of 99.707 percent of the principal amount. We may redeem the 4.75%4.125% Notes in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the Applicable Premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 4.75% Notes. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. The fair value of the 4.75% Notes as of February 28, 2018 was approximately $819.0 million.

4.00% notes due 2026 (“4% Notes”). In December 2017, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2026 in an offering not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The 4% Notes have been admitted for trading to the official list of the Channel Islands Securities Exchange Authority. The 4% Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.00 percent and mature on March 1, 2026. Interest on the 4% Notes is due semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing March 1, 2018. We may redeem the 4% Notes2023 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 4% Notes.4.125% Notes due 2023. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a change of control triggering event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. The fair value of the 4%4.125% Notes due 2023 as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 was approximately $485.0$528.3 million.


Institutional3.625% senior notes.notes due 2024 (“3.625% Notes due 2024”). In November 2015, MarkitApril 2019, we issued two series$400 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes having an aggregate principal amountdue 2024 in a registered offering under the Securities Act. The 3.625% Notes due 2024 have been admitted for trading to the official list of $500 million to certain institutional investors. In November 2016, we completed an offer to repurchase approximately $350 million of these notes. The Series A notesInternational Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands. The 3.625% Notes due 2024 bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.733.625 percent and mature on May 1, 2024. Interest on the 3.625% Notes due 2024 is due semiannually on May 1 and November 4, 2022.1 of each year. The Series B notes were issued at a discount which represented a price to the public of 99.686 percent of the principal amount. We may redeem the 3.625% Notes due 2024 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 3.625% Notes due 2024. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a change of control triggering event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. The fair value of the 3.625% Notes due 2024 as of August 31, 2019 was approximately $417.4 million.

4.75% senior notes due 2025 (“4.75% Notes due 2025”). In February 2017, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2025 in an offering not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. In July 2017, we issued an additional $300 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 at a $16.5 million premium, resulting in an effective interest rate of 3.88 percent. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 have been admitted for trading to the official list of The International Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands. The 4.75% Notes due 2025 bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.054.75 percent and mature on November 4,February 15, 2025. Interest on the 4.75% Notes due 2025 is paiddue semiannually fromon February 15 and August 15 of each year. We may redeem the anniversary4.75% Notes due 2025 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of issuance. The institutional seniorthe principal amount of the notes have certain financial and other covenants, including a maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio and a minimum Interest Coverage Ratio,plus the Applicable Premium, as such terms are defined in the Note Purchaseindenture governing the 4.75% Notes due 2025. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and Guarantee Agreement. We believeunpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. In connection with the entry into the 2018 revolving facility and 2018 term loan, each guarantor of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 was released from its guarantees pursuant to the terms of the indenture under which such notes were issued. The fair value of the outstanding institutional4.75% Notes due 2025 as of August 31, 2019 was approximately $873.6 million.

4.00% senior notes due 2026 (“4% Notes due 2026”). In December 2017, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2026 in an offering not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The 4% Notes due 2026 have been admitted for trading to the official list of The International Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands. The 4% Notes due 2026 bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.00 percent and mature on March 1, 2026. Interest on the 4% Notes due 2026 is due semiannually on March 1 and September 1 of each year. We may redeem the 4% Notes due 2026 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 4% Notes due 2026. Additionally, at the option of February 28,the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a change of control triggering event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. In connection with the entry into the 2018 was approximately $146.7 million.revolving facility and 2018 term loan, each guarantor of the 4% Notes


due 2026 was released from its guarantees pursuant to the terms of the indenture under which such notes were issued. The fair value of the 4% Notes due 2026 as of August 31, 2019 was approximately $534.1 million.

4.75% senior notes due 2028 (“4.75% Notes due 2028”). In July 2018, we issued $750 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2028 in a registered offering under the Securities Act. The 4.75% Notes due 2028 have been admitted for trading to the official list of The International Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands. The 4.75% Notes due 2028 bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.75 percent and mature on August 1, 2028. Interest on the 4.75% Notes due 2028 is due semiannually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. The 4.75% Notes due 2028 were issued at a discount, which represented a price to the public of 99.628% of the principal amount. We may redeem the 4.75% Notes due 2028 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 4.75% Notes due 2028. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a change of control triggering event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. The fair value of the 4.75% Notes due 2028 as of August 31, 2019 was approximately $850.2 million.

4.25% senior notes due 2029 (“4.25% Notes due 2029”). In April 2019, we issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2029 in a registered offering under the Securities Act. The notes were issued at a discount, which represented a price to the public of 99.422 percent of the principal amount. In August 2019, we issued an additional $350 million aggregate principal amount of the 4.25% Notes due 2029 at a $28.1 million premium, resulting in an effective interest rate of 3.25 percent. The 4.25% Notes due 2029 have been admitted for trading to the official list of The International Stock Exchange in the Channel Islands. The 4.25% Notes due 2029 bear interest at a fixed rate of 4.25 percent and mature on May 1, 2029. Interest on the 4.25% Notes due 2029 is due semiannually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. We may redeem the 4.25% Notes due 2029 in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to 100 percent of the principal amount of the notes plus the applicable premium, as defined in the indenture governing the 4.25% Notes due 2029. Additionally, at the option of the holders of the notes, we may be required to purchase all or a portion of the notes upon occurrence of a change of control triggering event as defined in the indenture, at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur or create liens and enter into sale and leaseback transactions. In addition, the indenture contains a covenant that limits our ability to consolidate or merge with another entity or to sell all or substantially all of our assets to another entity. The indenture contains customary default provisions. The fair value of the 4.25% Notes due 2029 as of August 31, 2019 was approximately $1,034.5 million.

As of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all of our debt covenants. We have classified short-term debt based on scheduled term loan amortization payments and intended repayments on our revolving facility based on expected cash availability over the next 12 months.


The carrying valuevalues of our variable rate debt instruments approximate their fair value because of the variable interest rates associated with those instruments. The fair values of the 5% Notes, the 4.75% Notes, the 4% Notes, and the institutional senior notes were measured using observable inputs in markets that are not active; consequently, we have classified those notes within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.


5.Derivatives


Our business is exposed to various market risks, including interest rate and foreign currency risks. We utilize derivative instruments to help us manage these risks. We do not hold or issue derivatives for speculative purposes.


Interest Rate Swaps


To mitigate interest rate exposure on our outstanding revolving facility debt, we utilize interest rate derivative contracts that effectively swap $400 million of floating rate debt at a 2.86 percent weighted-average fixed interest rate, plus the applicable spread on our floating rate debt. We entered into these swap contracts in November 2013 and January 2014, and the contracts expire between May and November 2020.


Because the terms of these swaps and the variable rate debt (as amended or extended over time) effectively coincide, we do not expect any ineffectiveness. We have designated and accounted for these instruments as cash flow hedges, with changes in fair value being deferred in AOCI in our consolidated balance sheets.


Foreign Currency Forwards


To mitigate foreign currency exposure, we utilize short-term foreign currency forward contracts that manage market risks associated with fluctuations in balances that are denominated in currencies other than the local functional currency. We account for these forward contracts at fair value and recognize the associated realized and unrealized gains and losses in other (income) expense, net, since we have not designated these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. The notional amount of these outstanding foreign currency forward contracts was $220.8$623.0 million and $261.3$500.1 million as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and November 30, 2017,2018, respectively.


Fair Value of Derivatives


Since our derivative instruments are not listed on an exchange, we have evaluated fair value by reference to similar transactions in active markets; consequently, we have classified all of our derivative instruments within Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy. The following table shows the classification, location, and fair valueAs of our derivative instruments as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and November 30, 2017 (in millions):

  Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Location on consolidated balance sheets
  February 28, 2018 November 30, 2017 
Assets:      
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:      
Foreign currency forwards 1.3
 2.8
 Other current assets
Total $1.3
 $2.8
  
       
Liabilities:      
Derivatives designated as accounting hedges:      
Interest rate swaps $2.9
 $8.9
 Other liabilities
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges:      
Foreign currency forwards 1.5
 1.7
 Other accrued expenses
Total $4.4
 $10.6
  


The net (gain) loss on foreign currency forwards that are not designated as hedging instruments for the three months endedFebruary 28, 2018, we had assets of 0 and the three months ended February 28, 2017,$0.2 million, respectively, was as follows (in millions):

  Amount of (gain) loss recognized in the consolidated statements of operations  
  Three months ended February 28, Location on consolidated statements of operations
  2018 2017 
Foreign currency forwards $(1.9) $3.6
 Other expense, net

The following table provides information about the cumulative amountwhich were classified within other current assets, and we had liabilities of unrecognized hedge losses recorded in AOCI, net of tax, as of February 28, 2018$6.8 million and February 28, 2017,$1.6 million, respectively, as well as the activity on our cash flow hedging instruments for the three months endedFebruary 28, 2018which were classified within other accrued expenses and the three months ended February 28, 2017, respectively (in millions):
  Three months ended February 28,
  2018 2017
Beginning balance $(3.9) $(10.5)
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in AOCI:    
Interest rate swaps 3.6
 1.2
Foreign currency forwards 
 0.4
Amount of loss (gain) reclassified from AOCI to income:    
Interest rate swaps (1)
 1.2
 1.7
Foreign currency forwards (1)
 
 (0.3)
Amount of loss reclassified from AOCI to retained earnings (4.2) 
Ending balance $(3.3) $(7.5)
     
(1) Pre-tax amounts reclassified from AOCI related to interest rate swaps are recorded in interest expense, and pre-tax amounts reclassified from AOCI into income related to foreign currency forwards are recorded in revenue.

Approximately $2.3 million of the $2.9 million unrecognized pre-tax losses relating to the interest rate swaps are expected to be reclassified into interest expense within the next 12 months.other liabilities.
 
6.Acquisition-related Costs


During the threenine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we incurred approximately $27.0$67.6 million in costs associated with acquisitions includingand divestitures, of which $46.0 million was performance compensation expense related to the automotiveMastermind (“aM”) acquisition described below, and the remainder was associated with employee severance charges and retention costs, contract termination costs for facility consolidations, and legal and professional fees, and the performance compensation expense related to the aM acquisition described in Note 2.fees. Approximately $6.3$3.5 million of the total charge was allocated to shared services, with $15.9$47.0 million of the charge recorded in the Transportation segment, $3.0$12.8 million in the Financial Services segment, $1.4 million in the CMS segment, and the remainder in the Resources segment.and CMS segments.


In September 2017, we acquired aM, a leading provider of predictive analytics and marketing automation software for the automotive industry. We purchased approximately 78 percent of aM at that time. In exchange for the remaining 22 percent of aM, we issued equity interests in aM’s immediate parent holding company to aM’s founders and certain employees. We will pay cash to acquire these interests over the next five years based on put/call provisions that tie the valuation to underlying adjusted EBITDA performance of aM. Since the purchase of the remaining 22 percent of the business requires continued service of the founders and employees, we are accounting for the arrangement as compensation expense that will be remeasured based on changes in the fair value of the equity interests; we have classified this expense as acquisition-related costs within the consolidated statements of operations and we have classified the associated accrued liability as other accrued expenses and other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. We currently estimate a compensation expense range of approximately $150 million to $175 million, which is being recognized over a weighted-average recognition period of approximately 3.5 years.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the acquisition-related costs accrued liability, recorded in other accrued expenses and other liabilities, as of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 (in millions):
 
Employee
Severance and
Other
Termination
Benefits
 
Contract
Termination
Costs
 Other Total
Balance at November 30, 2018$2.5
 $16.8
 $68.7
 $88.0
Add: Costs incurred3.8
 
 66.0
 69.8
Revision to prior estimates
 (0.2) (2.0) (2.2)
Less: Amount paid(6.3) (8.9) (13.8) (29.0)
Balance at August 31, 2019$
 $7.7
 $118.9
 $126.6

 
Employee
Severance and
Other
Termination
Benefits
 
Contract
Termination
Costs
 Other Total
Balance at November 30, 2017$13.9
 $17.6
 $23.7
 $55.2
Add: Costs incurred8.3
 0.2
 17.3
 25.8
Revision to prior estimates1.0
 0.2
 
 1.2
Less: Amount paid(14.8) (3.1) (4.8) (22.7)
Balance at February 28, 2018$8.4
 $14.9
 $36.2
 $59.5



As of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, the $59.5$126.6 million remaining liability was primarily in the Transportation segment, with the remainder primarily in the Financial Services and in shared services.Resources segments. Approximately $110.1 million of the remaining liability is associated with the aM acquisition-related performance compensation liability. We expect that the significant majority of the remaining liability will be paid within the next 12 months except for the aM acquisition-related performance compensation liability, which was approximately $24.9 million as of February 28, 2018.months.


7.Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28,August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018 and February 28, 2017 was as follows (in millions):
 Three months ended August 31, Nine months ended August 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Cost of revenue$15.6
 $15.2
 $48.5
 $49.9
Selling, general and administrative38.4
 37.3
 118.8
 122.2
Total stock-based compensation expense$54.0
 $52.5
 $167.3
 $172.1

  Three months ended February 28,
  2018 2017
Cost of revenue $18.0
 $15.9
Selling, general and administrative 43.9
 59.3
Total stock-based compensation expense $61.9
 $75.2
No stock-based compensation cost was capitalized during the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and February 28, 2017.August 31, 2018.
As of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019, there was $311.1233.9 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, adjusted for estimated forfeitures, related to unvested stock-based awards that will be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.01.7 years. Total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.forfeitures and expected performance achievement.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs). The following table summarizes RSU/RSA activity, including awards with performance and market conditions, during the threenine months ended February 28, 2018:August 31, 2019:
 Shares Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 (in millions)  
Balance at November 30, 20188.8
 $41.77
Granted3.1
 $52.98
Vested(3.5) $38.44
Forfeited(0.4) $47.50
Balance at August 31, 20198.0
 $47.36
 Shares Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 (in millions)  
Balance at November 30, 201710.7
 $35.64
Granted3.0
 $47.53
Vested(4.5) $33.89
Forfeited(0.2) $40.09
Balance at February 28, 20189.0
 $40.36

The total fair value of RSUs and RSAs that vested during the threenine months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 was $211.3$183.0 million.
Stock Options. The following table summarizes stock option award activity during the threenine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, as well as stock options that are vested and expected to vest and stock options exercisable as of February 28, 2018:August 31, 2019:
 Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 (in millions)   (in years) (in millions)
Balance at November 30, 201815.7
 $26.61
    
Exercised(5.2) $26.31
    
Forfeited
 $
    
Balance at August 31, 201910.5
 $26.76
 1.1 408.6
Vested and expected to vest at August 31, 201910.5
 $26.76
 1.1 408.4
Exercisable at August 31, 201910.0
 $26.67
 1.0 390.3
 Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 (in millions)   (in years) (in millions)
Balance at November 30, 201725.3
 $25.69
    
Exercised(2.4) $23.55
    
Forfeited
 $
    
Balance at February 28, 201822.9
 $25.91
 2.3 483.3
Vested and expected to vest at February 28, 201822.6
 $25.90
 2.2 477.3
Exercisable at February 28, 201811.2
 $24.95
 1.8 248.5

 
The aggregate intrinsic value amounts in the table above represent the difference between the closing price of our common shares on February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options as of that date. This represents the value that would have been received by stock option holders if they had all exercised their stock options on February 28, 2018.August 31, 2019. In future periods, this amount will change depending on fluctuations in our share price. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the threenine months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 was approximately $56.3$173.1 million.



8.Income Taxes


Our effective tax rate is estimated based upon the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year.


On June 14, 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service released final temporary regulations related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“temporary tax regulations”) related to the foreign dividends received deduction and global intangible low-taxed income. The temporary tax regulations contained language that modified certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and previously issued guidance. The temporary tax regulations are effective retroactively to our 2018 tax year and purport to cause certain intercompany transactions we engaged in during 2018 to produce taxable income as “subpart F income” for our U.S. subsidiary. We have recorded the impacts of the temporary tax regulations in our results for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019. This resulted in an additional one-time net tax expense of approximately $200 million. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we made filings which we expect will reduce a portion of this expense.

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018 August 31, 2019 was negative 15686 percent and 47 percent, respectively, compared to 7 percent and negative 638 percent, respectively, for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017.August 31, 2018. The negative 2018high 2019 tax rate isrates are primarily due to the estimatedadditional one-time tax benefitexpense associated with the ActU.S. tax reform described above, partially offset by excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation of approximately $20 million and $38 million, respectively. The low or negative 2018 tax rates were primarily due to tax benefits associated with U.S. tax reform of approximately $136 million or 145 percentage points,in the first quarter of 2018, and excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation of approximately $24$9 million or 25 percentage points. The negative 2017 tax rate is primarily due to tax benefits associated with excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation of approximately $14and $40 million, or 22 percentage points.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted on December 22, 2017, which significantly revises U.S. corporate tax law. Among other things, the Act reduces the U.S. federal corporation tax rate to 21 percent and implements a new system of taxation for non-U.S. earnings, including by imposing a one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. Other significant changes include U.S. taxes on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) attributable to foreign subsidiaries and base erosion anti-abuse transactions, limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and repeal of the deduction for domestic production activities. As a result of our current interpretation and estimated impact of the Act, we recorded adjustments totaling a net tax benefit of $136 million in the first quarter of 2018 to provisionally accountrespectively, for the estimated impact. This amount included a provisional estimate for the transition tax of $38 million, which will be payable over eight years, starting in 2019,three and a provisional estimate decreasing net deferred tax liabilities by $174 million, resulting from the future reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate.nine months ended August 31, 2018.

As of February 28, 2018, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act because all of the necessary information is not currently available, prepared, or analyzed. As such, the amounts we have recorded are provisional estimates and as permitted by SAB 118, we will continue to assess the impacts of the Act and may record additional provisional amounts or adjustments to provisional estimates during fiscal year 2018. We expect to complete the accounting for these impacts of tax reform within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118 as we complete our analysis and receive additional guidance from the Internal Revenue Service pertaining to the Act.

As a result of the Act, all previously undistributed foreign earnings have now been subjected to U.S. tax; however, we currently intend to continue to indefinitely reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. and accordingly, we have not provided non-U.S. deferred income taxes on these indefinitely reinvested earnings. It is not practicable to determine the amount of non-U.S. deferred taxes that might be required to be provided if such earnings were distributed in the future, due to complexities in the tax laws and in the hypothetical calculations that would have to be made.

We have not yet made a policy election with respect to our treatment of GILTI. We can either account for taxes on GILTI as incurred or recognize deferred taxes when basis differences exist that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion upon reversal. We are still in the process of analyzing the provisions of the Act associated with GILTI and the expected impact of GILTI on our consolidated financial statements.


9.Commitments and Contingencies


From time to time, in the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in various legal, regulatory or administrative proceedings, lawsuits, government investigations, and other claims, including employment, commercial, intellectual property, and environmental, safety, and health matters. In addition, we may receive routine requests for information from governmental agencies in connection with their regulatory or investigatory authority.authority or from private third parties pursuant to valid court orders or subpoenas. We review such proceedings, lawsuits, investigations, claims, and requests for information and take appropriate action as necessary. At the present time, we can give no assurance as to the outcome of any such pending proceedings, lawsuits, investigations, claims, or requests for information and we are unable to determine the ultimate resolution of or provide a reasonable estimate of the range of possible loss attributable to these matters or the effect they may have on us. However, we do not expect the outcome of such proceedings, lawsuits, claims, or requests for information to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We have defended and will continue to vigorously defend ourselves in all matters.

On April 23, 2013 (prior to our acquisition of R.L. Polk & Co.), our CARFAX subsidiary (“CARFAX”) was served with a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, purportedly on behalf of certain auto and light truck dealers. The complaint alleges, among other things, that, in violation of antitrust laws, CARFAX entered into exclusive arrangements regarding the sale of CARFAX vehicle history reports with certain auto manufacturers and owners of two websites providing classified listings of used autos and light trucks. The complaint seeks three times the actual damages that a jury finds the plaintiffs have sustained, injunctive relief, costs and attorneys’ fees. On October 25, 2013, the plaintiffs served a

second amended complaint with similar allegations purporting to name approximately 469 auto dealers as plaintiffs, and counsel for plaintiffs indicated that there may be additional claimants. On September 30, 2016, the District Court granted CARFAX’s motion for summary judgment, dismissing all claims in the complaint. The plaintiffs have appealed the decision. On January 13, 2017, another group of auto and light truck dealers filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on substantially the same claims as described above. The complaint seeks three times the actual damages that a jury finds the plaintiffs have sustained, injunctive relief, costs, and attorneys’ fees. The court has stayed the case pending the outcome of the appeal of the first case described above.

In October 2015, the Division of Enforcement of the SEC opened a non-public civil investigation related to certain of our current and former securitized product indices, and requested that we provide certain documents and information. We responded to these inquiries in late 2015 and early 2016, and, to the extent the SEC has further inquiries, will continue to cooperate in this matter.


10.Common Shares and Earnings per Share
Weighted-average shares outstanding for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28,August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2018 and February 28, 2017 were calculated as follows (in millions):
 Three months ended August 31, Nine months ended August 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Weighted-average shares outstanding:       
Shares used in basic EPS calculation401.2
 393.0
 399.9
 394.2
Effect of dilutive securities:       
RSUs/RSAs2.9
 3.1
 2.5
 3.3
Stock options6.8
 9.0
 7.0
 9.3
Shares used in diluted EPS calculation410.9
 405.1
 409.4
 406.8

 Three months ended February 28,
 2018 2017
Weighted-average shares outstanding:   
Shares used in basic EPS calculation398.0
 406.2
Effect of dilutive securities:   
RSUs/RSAs4.5
 5.7
Stock options9.6
 10.3
Shares used in diluted EPS calculation412.1
 422.2


Share Repurchase Programs


Our Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $3.25 billion of IHS Markit common shares through November 30, 2019, to be funded using our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and future cash flows, or through the incurrence of short- or long-term indebtedness, at management’s discretion. This repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any set dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time without prior notice. Under this program, we are authorized to repurchase our common shares on the open market from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions, or through accelerated share repurchase (ASR)(“ASR”) agreements, subject to availability of common shares, price, market conditions, alternative uses of capital, and applicable regulatory requirements, at management’s discretion. As of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we had $1.507 billion$806.9 million remaining available to repurchase under the program.


In August 2016, our Board of Directors separately and additionally authorized, subject to applicable regulatory requirements, the repurchase of our common shares surrendered by employees in an amount equal to the exercise price, if applicable, and statutory tax liability associated with the vesting of their equity awards, for which we pay the statutory tax on behalf of the employee and forgo receipt of the exercise price of the award from the employee, if applicable.

For the three months ended February 28, 2018, we repurchased approximately $249 million of common shares under these programs.


In March 2018,July 2019, we entered into and funded a $500$200 million ASR agreement with a scheduled termination date in the second quarter of 2018.August 2019. Upon funding of the ASR, we received an initial delivery of 8.52.478 million shares. At the completion of the ASR in August 2019, we received an additional 0.637 million shares.

In September 2019, we funded a $300 million ASR agreement with a scheduled termination date in the fourth quarter of 2019. Upon funding of the ASR, we received an initial delivery of 3.658 million shares. The total number of shares ultimately to be repurchased under this ASR will generally be based on the daily volume-weighted average price of the shares during the calculation period for the ASR, less an agreed discount. At final settlement, we may be entitled to receive additional shares, or, under certain limited circumstances, be required to deliver shares to the relevant ASR counterparty.


Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) Shares


We have approximately 25.2 million outstanding common shares that are held by the Markit Group Holdings Limited Employee Benefit Trust. The trust is under our control using the variable interest entity model criteria; consequently, we have consolidated and classified the trust shares as treasury shares within our consolidated balance sheets.



11.Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)


The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI by component (net of tax) for the three and nine months ended February 28,August 31, 2018 (in millions):
 Foreign currency translation Net pension and OPEB liability Unrealized losses on hedging activities Total Foreign currency translation Net pension and OPEB liability Unrealized losses on hedging activities Total
Balance at November 30, 2017 $(68.1) $(13.0) $(3.9) $(85.0) $(68.1) $(13.0) $(3.9) $(85.0)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 56.4
 
 3.6
 60.0
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 56.4
 
 3.6
 60.0
Reclassifications from AOCI to income 
 
 1.2
 1.2
 
 
 1.2
 1.2
Reclassifications from AOCI to retained earnings 
 (1.7) (4.2) (5.9) 
 (1.7) (4.2) (5.9)
Balance at February 28, 2018 $(11.7) $(14.7) $(3.3) $(29.7) $(11.7)
$(14.7)
$(3.3)
$(29.7)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (114.9) 
 0.2
 (114.7)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income 
 
 0.8
 0.8
Balance at May 31, 2018 $(126.6)
$(14.7)
$(2.3)
$(143.6)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications (78.5) 0.6
 0.5
 (77.4)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income 
 
 0.4
 0.4
Balance at August 31, 2018 $(205.1) $(14.1) $(1.4) $(220.6)


The following table summarizes the changes in AOCI by component (net of tax) for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019 (in millions):
  Foreign currency translation Net pension and OPEB liability Unrealized losses on hedging activities Total
Balance at November 30, 2018 $(288.5) $(9.9) $(0.5) $(298.9)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 135.7
 
 (1.7) 134.0
Reclassifications from AOCI to income 
 
 0.2
 0.2
Balance at February 28, 2019 $(152.8)
$(9.9)
$(2.0)
$(164.7)
Other comprehensive loss (175.7) 
 (1.9) (177.6)
Balance at May 31, 2019 $(328.5)
$(9.9)
$(3.9)
$(342.3)
Other comprehensive loss (115.6) 
 (1.0) (116.6)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income 
 
 0.3
 0.3
Balance at August 31, 2019 $(444.1) $(9.9) $(4.6) $(458.6)


12.Segment Information


We prepare our financial reports and analyze our business results within our four operating segments: Resources, Transportation, CMS, and Financial Services. We evaluate revenue performance at the segment level and also by transaction type. No single customer accounted for 10 percent or more of our total revenue for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and February 28, 2017.August 31, 2018. There are no material inter-segment revenues for any period presented. Our shared services function includes corporate transactions that are not allocated to the reportable segments, including net periodic pension and postretirement expense, as well as certain corporate functions such as investor relations, procurement, corporate development, and portions of finance, legal, and marketing.


We evaluate segment operating performance at the Adjusted EBITDA level for each of our four segments. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before net interest, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation cost,expense, restructuring charges, acquisition-related costs and performance compensation, exceptional litigation, net other gains and losses, pension mark-to-market and settlement expense, the impact of joint ventures and noncontrolling interests, and discontinued operations. Information about the operations of our four segments is set forth below (in millions).

 Three months ended August 31, Nine months ended August 31,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Revenue       
Resources$230.0
 $211.5
 $696.2
 $653.8
Transportation314.9
 297.0
 921.6
 862.9
CMS138.6
 137.3
 405.5
 413.8
Financial Services428.8
 355.2
 1,270.9
 1,010.9
Total revenue$1,112.3
 $1,001.0
 $3,294.2
 $2,941.4
        
Adjusted EBITDA       
Resources$100.8
 $85.1
 $303.2
 $270.5
Transportation134.2
 128.1
 385.1
 362.5
CMS31.1
 30.3
 89.8
 92.0
Financial Services199.1
 156.3
 587.9
 457.5
Shared services(12.3) (9.3) (40.0) (34.6)
Total Adjusted EBITDA$452.9
 $390.5
 $1,326.0
 $1,147.9
        
Reconciliation to the consolidated statements of operations:       
Interest income0.6
 0.9
 1.6
 2.5
Interest expense(63.2) (56.7) (195.9) (158.3)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes(240.6) (7.9) (263.9) 126.7
Depreciation(51.5) (45.0) (147.5) (129.0)
Amortization related to acquired intangible assets(93.2) (89.1) (283.5) (266.7)
Stock-based compensation expense(54.0) (52.5) (167.3) (172.1)
Restructuring charges(1.1) (0.4) (11.0) (0.4)
Acquisition-related costs(8.1) (30.2) (21.6) (57.4)
Acquisition-related performance compensation(15.3) (11.5) (46.0) (37.1)
Loss on debt extinguishment
 (1.7) (6.0) (4.7)
Gain on sale of assets113.0
 
 113.0
 
Pension mark-to-market and settlement gain (expense)
 7.3
 
 7.3
Share of joint venture results not attributable to Adjusted EBITDA(0.2) (0.2) (0.5) (0.2)
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest0.8
 1.0
 2.2
 2.0
Net income attributable to IHS Markit Ltd.$40.1
 $104.5
 $299.6
 $460.5

  Three months ended February 28,
  2018 2017
Revenue    
Resources $205.3
 $196.9
Transportation 269.6
 224.9
CMS 137.6
 126.5
Financial Services 319.6
 295.9
Total revenue $932.1
 $844.2
     
Adjusted EBITDA    
Resources $84.9
 $80.0
Transportation 109.7
 89.8
CMS 31.8
 28.6
Financial Services 145.4
 129.2
Shared services (12.5) (7.4)
Total Adjusted EBITDA $359.3
 $320.2
     
Reconciliation to the consolidated statements of operations:    
Interest income 0.7
 0.5
Interest expense (46.3) (31.8)
Benefit for income taxes 146.6
 3.6
Depreciation (41.6) (36.1)
Amortization related to acquired intangible assets (89.0) (84.7)
Stock-based compensation expense (61.9) (75.2)
Restructuring charges 
 0.2
Acquisition-related costs (12.1) (31.6)
Acquisition-related performance compensation (14.9) 
Share of joint venture results not attributable to Adjusted EBITDA 
 0.4
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest 0.5
 0.5
Net income attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $241.3
 $66.0
Revenue by transaction type was as follows (in millions):
  Three months ended February 28,
  2018 2017
Recurring fixed revenue $683.3
 $617.1
Recurring variable revenue 117.1
 106.4
Non-recurring revenue 131.7
 120.7
Total revenue $932.1
 $844.2



Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations


The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help the reader understand the financial condition and results of operations of IHS Markit Ltd. (“IHS Markit,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) as of and for the periods presented. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. References to 20182019 are to our fiscal year 2018,2019, which began on December 1, 20172018 and ends on November 30, 2018.2019.


Executive Summary


Business Overview


We are a world leader in critical information, analytics, and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. We deliver next-generation information, analytics, and solutions to customers in business, finance, and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. We have more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions. Headquartered in London, we are committed to sustainable, profitable growth.


To best serve our customers, we are organized into the following four industry-focused segments:


Resources, which includes our Energy and Chemicals product offerings;
Transportation, which includes our Automotive; Maritime & Trade; and Aerospace, Defense & Security product offerings;
Consolidated Markets & Solutions, which includes our Product Design; Economics & Country Risk (“ECR”), and our Technology, Media, & Telecom (“TMT”) benchmarking product offerings; and
Financial Services, which includes our financial Information, Processing, and Solutions product offerings, as well as our product offerings from Ipreo.
Transportation, which includes our Automotive; Maritime & Trade; and Aerospace, Defense & Security product offerings;
Consolidated Markets & Solutions, which includes our Product Design; Technology, Media & Telecom; and Economics & Country Risk product offerings; and
Financial Services, which includes our financial Information, Processing, and Solutions product offerings.


We believe that this organizationsales and operating model helps our customers do business with us by providing a cohesive, consistent, and effective product, sales, and marketing approach by segment.


Our recurring fixed revenue and recurring variable revenue represented approximately 8684 percent of our total revenue for the threenine months ended February 28, 2018 and February 28, 2017.August 31, 2019. Our recurring revenue is generally stable and predictable, and we have long-term relationships with many of our customers.


For 2018,2019, we continue to focus our efforts on the following actions:


Increase in geographic, product, and customer penetration. We believe that there are continued opportunities to add new customers and to increase the use of our products and services by existing customers. We plan to add new customers and build our relationships with existing customers by leveraging our existing sales channels, broad product portfolio, global footprint, and industry expertise to anticipate and respond to the changing demands of our end markets.

Introduce innovative offerings and enhancements. In recent years, we have launched several new product offerings addressing a wide array of customer needs, and we expect to continue to innovate using our existing data sets and industry expertise, converting core information to higher value advanced analytics. Our investment priorities are primarily in energy, automotive, and financial services, and we intend to continue to invest across our business to increase our customer value proposition.

Balance capital allocation. As part of our capital allocation focus for the majority of 2019, we have de-levered to our capital policy target leverage ratio of 2.0-3.0x. Over the long term, we expect to balance capital allocation between returning capital to shareholders (through share repurchases and dividends) and completing mergers and acquisitions, focused primarily on targeted transactions in our core end markets that will allow us to continue to build out our strategic position.

Integrate organizational structure. In June 2019, we acquired the Agribusiness Intelligence group from Informa plc for approximately $128 million. We have completed a significant portion of our key merger integration activities, primarily related to our shared services and corporate organization. We intend to continue to integrate our people, platforms, processes, and products in a mannerexpect that allows us to take advantage of revenue and cost synergies thatthe Agribusiness Intelligence group will strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of our business operations.

Innovate and develop new product offerings. We expect to continue to create new commercial offerings fromResources core end-market by building on our existing data, sets, converting core information to higher value analytics. Our investment priorities for newpricing, insights, forecasting, and news services within our chemical and downstream product offerings, are primarilyand will expand our capability into fertilizers and chemical crop protection while expanding our capabilities in energy, automotive, financial services,biofuels.

In August 2019, we completed the sale to Informa of the majority of our TMT market intelligence assets for approximately $150 million. In September 2019, we entered into a definitive agreement to sell our Aerospace & Defense business line to Montagu Private Equity for approximately $470 million, subject to customary closing conditions and product design,regulatory filings and we intend toapprovals. We will continue to invest acrossevaluate the business to increaselong-term potential and strategic fit of our customer value proposition.asset portfolio.

Balance capital allocation. In 2018, we expect to focus our capital allocation strategy primarily on returning capital to shareholders through share repurchases. Longer term, we expect to balance capital allocation between share repurchases and acquisitions, focused primarily on targeted transactions in our core end markets that will allow us to continue to build out our strategic position.


Key Performance Indicators


We believe that revenue growth, Adjusted EBITDA (both in dollars and margin), and free cash flow are key financial measures of our success. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”).



Revenue growth. We review year-over-year revenue growth in our segments as a key measure of our success in addressing customer needs. We measure revenue growth in terms of organic, acquisitive, and foreign currency impacts. We define these components as follows:


Organic – We define organic revenue growth as total revenue growth from continuing operations for all factors other than acquisitions and foreign currency movements. We drive this type of revenue growth through value realization (pricing), expanding wallet share of existing customers through up-selling and cross-selling efforts, securing new customer business, and through the sale of new or enhanced product offerings.

Acquisitive – We define acquisitive revenue as the revenue generated from acquired products and services from the date of acquisition to the first anniversary date of that acquisition. This type of growth comes as a result of our strategy to purchase, integrate, and leverage the value of assets we acquire. We also include the impact of divestitures in this metric.
Organic – We define organic revenue growth as total revenue growth from continuing operations for all factors other than acquisitions and foreign currency movements. We drive this type of revenue growth through value realization (pricing), expanding wallet share of existing customers through up-selling and cross-selling efforts, securing new customer business, and through the sale of new or enhanced product offerings.
Foreign currency – We define the foreign currency impact on revenue as the difference between current revenue at current exchange rates and current revenue at the corresponding prior period exchange rates. Due to the significance of revenue transacted in foreign currencies, we believe that it is important to measure the impact of foreign currency movements on revenue.

Acquisitive – We define acquisitive revenue as the revenue generated from acquired products and services from the date of acquisition to the first anniversary date of that acquisition. This type of growth comes as a result of our strategy to purchase, integrate, and leverage the value of assets we acquire. We also include the impact of divestitures in this growth metric.

Foreign currency – We define the foreign currency impact on revenue as the difference between current revenue at current exchange rates and current revenue at the corresponding prior period exchange rates. Due to the significance of revenue transacted in foreign currencies, we believe it is important to measure the impact of foreign currency movements on revenue.


In addition to measuring and reporting revenue by segment, we also measure and report revenue by transaction type. Understanding revenue by transaction type helps us identify and address broad changes in product mix. We summarize our transaction type revenue into the following three categories:


Recurring fixed revenue represents revenue generated from contracts specifying a relatively fixed fee for services delivered over the life of the contract. The fixed fee is typically paid annually or more periodically in advance. These contracts typically consist of subscriptions to our various information offerings and software maintenance, which provide continuous access to our platforms and associated data over the contract term. The revenue is usually recognized ratably over the contract term or for term-based software license arrangements, annually on renewal. The initial term of these contracts is typically annual and non-cancellable for the term of the subscription and may contain provisions for minimum monthly payments.

Recurring variable revenue represents revenue from contracts that specify a fee for services, which is typically not fixed. The variable fee is usually paid monthly in arrears. Recurring variable revenue is based on, among other factors, the number of trades processed, assets under management, or the number of positions we value. Many of these contracts do not have a maturity date, while the remainder have an initial term ranging from one to five years. Recurring variable revenue was derived entirely from the Financial Services segment for all periods presented.

Non-recurring revenue represents consulting (e.g., research and analysis, modeling, and forecasting), services, single-document product sales, perpetual license sales and associated services, conferences and events, and advertising. Our non-recurring products and services are an important part of our business because they complement our recurring business in creating strong and comprehensive customer relationships.

Recurring fixed revenue represents revenue generated from contracts specifying a relatively fixed fee for services delivered over the life of the contract. The fixed fee is typically paid annually or more periodically in advance. These contracts typically consist of subscriptions to our various information offerings and software maintenance, and the revenue is usually recognized over the life of the contract. The initial term of these contracts is typically annual and non-cancellable for the term of the subscription and may contain provisions for minimum monthly payments.

Recurring variable revenue represents revenue from contracts that specify a fee for services which is typically not fixed. The variable fee is usually paid monthly in arrears. Recurring variable revenue is based on, among other factors, the number of trades processed, assets under management, or the number of positions we value. Many of these contracts do not have a maturity date, while the remainder have an initial term ranging from one to five years. Recurring variable revenue was derived entirely from the Financial Services segment for all periods presented.

Non-recurring revenue represents consulting (e.g., research and analysis, modeling, and forecasting), services, single-document product sales, software license sales and associated services, conferences and events, and advertising. Our non-recurring products and services are an important part of our business because they complement our recurring business in creating strong and comprehensive customer relationships.

Non-GAAP measures. We use non-GAAP financial measures such as EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow in our operational and financial decision-making. We believe that such measures allow us to focus on what we deem to be more reliable indicators of ongoing operating performance (Adjusted EBITDA) and our ability to generate cash flow from operations (free cash flow). We also believe that investors may find these non-GAAP financial measures useful for the same reasons, although we caution readers that non-GAAP financial measures are not a substitute for U.S. GAAP financial measures or disclosures. None of these non-GAAP financial measures are recognized terms under U.S. GAAP and do not purport to be an alternative to net income or operating cash flow as an indicator of operating performance or any other U.S. GAAP measure. Throughout this MD&A, we provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are used by many of our investors, research analysts, investment bankers, and lenders to assess our operating performance. For example, a measure similar to Adjusted EBITDA is required by the lenders under our revolving credit agreement. We define EBITDA as net income plus or minus net interest, plus provision for income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA further excludes primarily non-cash items and other items that we do not consider to be useful in assessing our operating performance (e.g., stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, acquisition-related costs and performance compensation, exceptional litigation, net other gains and losses, pension

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are used by many of our investors, research analysts, investment bankers, and lenders to assess our operating performance. For example, a measure similar to Adjusted EBITDA is required by the lenders under our term loan and revolving credit agreements. We define EBITDA as net income plus or minus net interest, plus provision for income taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA further excludes primarily non-cash itemsmark-to-market and other items that we do not consider to be useful in assessing our operating performance (e.g., stock-based compensation expense, restructuring charges, acquisition-related costs and performance compensation, exceptional litigation, net other

gains and losses, pension mark-to-market and settlement expense,adjustments, the impact of joint ventures and noncontrolling interests, and discontinued operations).


Free Cash Flow. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.
Free Cash Flow. We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures.


Non-GAAP measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in their evaluation of companies comparable to us, many of which present non-GAAP measures when reporting their results. These measures can be useful in evaluating our performance against our peer companies because we believe that the measures provide users with valuable insight into key components of U.S. GAAP financial disclosures. For example, a company with higher U.S. GAAP net income may not be as appealing to investors if its net income is more heavily comprised of gains on asset sales. Likewise, excluding the effects of interest income and expense moderates the impact of a company’s capital structure on its performance. However, non-GAAP measures have limitations as an analytical tool. Because not all companies use identical calculations, our presentation of non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. They are not presentations made in accordance with U.S. GAAP, are not measures of financial condition or liquidity, and should not be considered as an alternative to profit or loss for the period determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP or operating cash flows determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result, these performance measures should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, results of operations as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


Global Operations


Approximately 40 percent of our revenue is transacted outside of the United States; however, only about 20 percent of our revenue is transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. As a result, a strengthening U.S. dollar relative to certain currencies has historically resulted in a negative impact on our revenue; conversely, a weakening U.S. dollar has historically resulted in a positive impact on our revenue. However, the impact on operating income is diminished due to certain operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Our largest foreign currency exposures are the British Pound, Euro, Canadian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, and Indian Rupee.


Results of Operations


Total Revenue


First quarter 2018 revenueRevenue for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019, increased 1011 percent and 12 percent, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2017.three and nine months ended August 31, 2018. The table below displays the percentage change in revenue due to organic, acquisitive, and foreign currency factors when comparing the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 to the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2017. August 31, 2018.
 Change in Total Revenue
 Organic Acquisitive 
Foreign
Currency
First quarter 2018 vs. first quarter 20176% 2% 2%
 Change in Total Revenue
 Organic Acquisitive 
Foreign
Currency
Third quarter 2019 vs. third quarter 20186% 6% (1)%
Year-to-date 2019 vs. year-to-date 20186% 7% (1)%


We saw broad-basedsolid organic revenue growth across all four ofin our Transportation, Resources, and Financial Services segments for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017, with particular strength in Transportation and Financial Services and improving performance in Resources and CMS.August 31, 2018.


Acquisitive revenue growth for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017,August 31, 2018, was primarily due to the aMIpreo acquisition in the fourththird quarter of 2017.2018, with lesser impacts from the Agribusiness Intelligence acquisition and the TMT divestiture.


Foreign currency effects had a 2 percent impactnegative effect on revenue growth for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, compared to the same respective period in 2017.three and nine months ended August 31, 2018. Due to the extent of our global operations, foreign currency movements could continue to positively or negatively affect our results in the future.



Revenue by Segment
 Three months ended February 28, 
Percentage
Change
Three months ended August 31, 
Percentage
Change
 Nine months ended August 31, 
Percentage
Change
(In millions, except percentages) 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Revenue:                 
Resources $205.3
 $196.9
 4%$230.0
 $211.5
 9% $696.2
 $653.8
 6 %
Transportation 269.6
 224.9
 20%314.9
 297.0
 6% 921.6
 862.9
 7 %
CMS 137.6
 126.5
 9%138.6
 137.3
 1% 405.5
 413.8
 (2)%
Financial Services 319.6
 295.9
 8%428.8
 355.2
 21% 1,270.9
 1,010.9
 26 %
Total revenue $932.1
 $844.2
 10%$1,112.3
 $1,001.0
 11% $3,294.2
 $2,941.4
 12 %


The percentage change in revenue for each segment was due to the factors described in the following table.
Increase (decrease) in revenueIncrease in revenue
First quarter 2018 vs. first quarter 2017Third quarter 2019 vs. third quarter 2018 Year-to-date 2019 vs. year-to-date 2018
Organic Acquisitive 
Foreign
Currency
Organic Acquisitive 
Foreign
Currency
 Organic Acquisitive 
Foreign
Currency
Resources3% % 1%6% 3 %  % 6% 1 % (1)%
Transportation10% 7% 2%7%  % (1)% 8%  % (1)%
CMS5% 1% 2%5% (4)% (1)% % (1)% (1)%
Financial Services6% % 3%6% 16 % (1)% 5% 22 % (1)%


Resources revenue for the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017,August 31, 2018, experienced positive organic revenue growth, as our upstream energy results continue to improvewith 5 percent recurring revenue growth for both the three and our chemicals, PGCR,nine months ended August 31, 2019, and downstream pricing results remain strong.15 percent and 13 percent non-recurring revenue growth, respectively, for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019. Our Resources annual contract value (“ACV”), which represents the annualized value of recurring revenue contracts, grew at a 4 percent rate on a trailing annual basis, reflecting a stabilization of energy industry trends. Our nonrecurring revenue growth was approximately flat compared toled by continued strength in our software offerings and a successful CERAWeek conference event in the beginningsecond quarter of the year.2019.


Transportation revenue for the three and nine months endedAugust 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended August 31, 2018, continued to experience strong organic growth, with 10 percent recurring revenue growth for both the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019, led by CARFAX’s used car listing and vehicle history report product offerings, automotive powertrain and compliance product offerings, and continued growth in automotiveMastermind revenue from additional automotive brands and ongoing product enhancements. Non-recurring organic revenue growth was flat and 3 percent, respectively, for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019, reflecting lower recall and digital marketing revenues. Our automotive product offerings continue to provide the largest contribution to Transportation revenue growth, as our diversification in used and new car product offerings continues to provide balanced opportunities for growth.

CMS revenue for the three months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019, compared to the three months ended February 28, 2017, continuedAugust 31, 2018, increased 5 percent organically, which was primarily due to experience solid organic recurring and non-recurring growth, led primarily by our automotive product offerings. We continue to see strongthe current year BPVC release; after normalizing for BPVC, organic growth in our automotive product category for both our new and used car offerings. Specific drivers of the strong performance in automotive includes our vehicle history report and used car listing services, supply chain forecasting, vehicle emissions analytics, digital marketing, and recall services.

CMS revenuedeclined 1 percent for the threecomparative three-month periods. CMS organic revenue growth for the nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018, August 31, 2019 was flat compared to the threenine months ended February 28, 2017, increased as we see benefits from improving end markets and operational changes we have made overAugust 31, 2018; after normalizing for BPVC, organic growth declined 1 percent for the past two years.comparative nine-month periods, primarily driven by the non-renewal of a contract in our TMT benchmarking product offerings.


Financial Services revenue for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017, experiencedAugust 31, 2018, increased organically primarily from strength acrossin both our Information product offerings and our Solutions product offerings, with some moderation in our Processing product offerings. Within our Information product offerings, revenue growth was led by our indicescore pricing, valuation, and index offerings, with solid growth inand within our valuation services, equities and bond pricing offerings as well. Solutions product offerings, revenue growth was drivenled by our regulatoryenterprise data management and compliance solutions, as well as loan servicing platform growth. Ourour corporate actions offerings. Within our Processing product offerings, declined slightly duringorganic revenue growth was flat due to reduced levels of primary loan issuance, offset by continued improvement in derivatives processing. The Ipreo acquisition in the three months ended February 28,third quarter of 2018 provided the acquisitive growth and one month of organic revenue growth, with a rebound in second- and third-quarter 2019 global capital markets activity providing sequentially stronger revenue in the second and third quarters of 2019, compared to the three months ended February 28, 2017, with decreased derivatives processing more than offsetting slight increases in loan processing due to a difficult comparison to thefirst quarter of 2019. Ipreo’s Private Capital Markets product offerings continued their strong results in the prior year.

double-digit growth performance, and Corporate Solutions product offerings have also performed well throughout 2019.

Revenue by Transaction Type
Three months ended February 28, Percent changeThree months ended August 31, Percentage change Nine months ended August 31, Percentage change
(in millions, except percentages)2018 2017 Total Organic2019 2018 Total Organic 2019 2018 Total Organic
Revenue:                      
Recurring fixed$683.3
 $617.1
 11% 6%$799.9
 $717.7
 11% 7% $2,352.3
 $2,099.1
 12% 6%
Recurring variable117.1
 106.4
 10% 7%144.4
 124.8
 16% 5% 425.4
 367.8
 16% 3%
Non-recurring131.7
 120.7
 9% 8%168.0
 158.5
 6% 4% 516.5
 474.5
 9% 7%
Total revenue$932.1
 $844.2
 10% 6%$1,112.3
 $1,001.0
 11% 6% $3,294.2
 $2,941.4
 12% 6%
                      
As a percent of total revenue:                      
Recurring fixed73% 73%    72% 72%     71% 71%    
Recurring variable13% 13%    13% 12%     13% 13%    
Non-recurring14% 14%    15% 16%     16% 16%    


Recurring fixed revenue organic growth increased measurablyincreases of 7 percent and 6 percent for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017, withAugust 31, 2018, were largely due to contributions from our Transportation, and Financial Services, and Resources recurring offerings, providing the largest contribution to the growth, good results in CMS, and improvingflat organic growth in the Resources segment.CMS. Recurring variable revenue was composed entirely of Financial Services revenue, with strong organic growth coming from our Information and Solutions product offering categories, offset by lower Processing revenue.


Non-recurringThe non-recurring organic revenue increases for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017, wereAugust 31, 2018, was primarily due to continued strength in Solutions product offerings within the Financial Services segment, with positive contributions also coming from the Resources segment for both periods and from the Transportation segment for the first and positive contributionssecond quarters of 2019. Third quarter 2019 non-recurring organic revenue growth also benefited from $8 million in sales of the Resources andmost current BPVC engineering standard in the CMS segments.segment, which was released in the third quarter of 2019.


Operating Expenses


The following table shows our operating expenses and the associated percentages of revenue.
Three months ended February 28, 
Percentage
Change
Three months ended August 31, 
Percentage
Change
 Nine months ended August 31, 
Percentage
Change
(In millions, except percentages)2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Operating expenses:                
Cost of revenue$342.9
 $327.0
 5%$419.7
 $375.3
 12% $1,247.5
 $1,086.6
 15%
SG&A expense290.3
 268.0
 8%295.4
 287.7
 3% 889.0
 877.2
 1%
Total cost of revenue and SG&A expense$633.2
 $595.0
 6%$715.1
 $663.0
 8% $2,136.5
 $1,963.8
 9%
                
Depreciation and amortization expense$130.6
 $120.8
 8%$144.7
 $134.1
 8% $431.0
 $395.7
 9%
                
As a percent of revenue:                
Total cost of revenue and SG&A expense68% 70%  64% 66%   65% 67%  
Depreciation and amortization expense14% 14%  13% 13%   13% 13%  


Cost of Revenue and SG&A Expense


In managing our business, we evaluate our costs by type (e.g., salaries)salaries and benefits, facilities, IT) rather than by income statement classification. The increases in absolute total cost of revenue and SG&A expense waswere primarily due to the aM acquisition and foreign currency effects.Ipreo acquisition. As a percentage of revenue, total cost of revenue and SG&A expense declined primarily because of strongsolid organic revenue growth in 2018,2019, as well as ongoing cost management and rationalization efforts associated with acquisition integration.efforts.


Within our cost of revenue and SG&A expense, stock-based compensation expense decreasedincreased by approximately $13$2 million and decreased $5 million for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, respectively, compared to the same period in 2017, as a result of fewer award grants in 2018, limited acceleration of share awards associated with severance activities,three and fewer shares still vesting from pre-Markit merger awards.nine months ended August 31, 2018.


Depreciation and Amortization Expense


For the three and nine months endedFebruary 28, 2018August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017,August 31, 2018, depreciation and amortization expense increased on an absolute basis primarily because of the aMIpreo acquisition, but was relatively flat on a percentage of revenue basis.


Acquisition-related Costs


Please refer to Note 6 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of costs associated with our integration and other acquisition-related activities. During the threenine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we recorded approximately $27$67.6 million of direct and incremental costs associated with acquisition-relatedacquisition and divestiture activities, primarily for performance compensation expense related to the aM acquisition (approximately $46.0 million), but also including employee severance charges and retention costs, contract termination costs for facility consolidations, and legal and professional fees, and performance compensation expense related to the aM acquisition.fees.


Segment Adjusted EBITDA
 Three months ended February 28, Percentage
Change
Three months ended August 31, Percentage
Change
 Nine months ended August 31, Percentage
Change
(In millions, except percentages) 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Adjusted EBITDA:                 
Resources $84.9
 $80.0
 6%$100.8
 $85.1
 18% $303.2
 $270.5
 12 %
Transportation 109.7
 89.8
 22%134.2
 128.1
 5% 385.1
 362.5
 6 %
CMS 31.8
 28.6
 11%31.1
 30.3
 3% 89.8
 92.0
 (2)%
Financial Services 145.4
 129.2
 13%199.1
 156.3
 27% 587.9
 457.5
 29 %
Shared services (12.5) (7.4)  (12.3) (9.3)   (40.0) (34.6)  
Total Adjusted EBITDA $359.3
 $320.2
 12%$452.9
 $390.5
 16% $1,326.0
 $1,147.9
 16 %
                 
As a percent of segment revenue:                 
Resources 41% 41%  44% 40%   44% 41%  
Transportation 41% 40%  43% 43%   42% 42%  
CMS 23% 23%  22% 22%   22% 22%  
Financial Services 46% 44%  46% 44%   46% 45%  


For the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017,August 31, 2018, Adjusted EBITDA increased primarily due to the Ipreo acquisition and the leverage in our business model, as incremental revenue drives higher margins. We also continue to focus our efforts on organic revenue growth, cost management, and the Ipreo integration to improve overall margins. Resources segmentThe increases in Adjusted EBITDA increasedfor the Resources and Transportation segments were due to a return toorganic revenue growth. Transportationgrowth within the respective segment, while the Financial Services segment Adjusted EBITDA continued to increase because of highorganic revenue growth that flowed through to segment Adjusted EBITDA. Financial Services segment Adjusted EBITDA growth was primarily due toand the margin flow-throughcontribution from strong revenue growth.the Ipreo acquisition.


As a percentage of revenue, total Adjusted EBITDA continued to improve due to margin expansion from revenue growth and continued integration and business leveraging efforts. Transportation’sResources Adjusted EBITDA margins increased due to revenue growth, and Financial Services Adjusted EBITDA margin increase was compressedincreased due to organic revenue growth, partially offset by low aM margins.the Ipreo acquisition.


Provision for Income Taxes


Our effective tax rate is estimated based upon the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year.

On June 14, 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service released final temporary regulations related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“temporary tax regulations”) related to the foreign dividends received

deduction and global intangible low-taxed income. The temporary tax regulations contained language that modified certain provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and previously issued guidance. The temporary tax regulations are effective retroactively to our 2018 tax year and purport to cause certain intercompany transactions we engaged in during 2018 to produce taxable income as “subpart F income” for our U.S. subsidiary. We have recorded the impacts of the temporary tax regulations in our results for the three and nine months ended August 31, 2019. This resulted in an additional one-time net tax expense of approximately $200 million. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we made filings which we expect will reduce this expense by approximately $50 million, to a one-time net tax expense of approximately $150 million for 2019. We intend to follow the temporary tax regulations in filing our U.S. income tax returns for the 2018 tax year. However, we are continuing to monitor potential legal challenges to the validity of the temporary tax regulations and are not conceding that the temporary tax regulations were validly issued.

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 was negative 15686 percent and 47 percent, respectively, compared to 7 percent and negative 638 percent, respectively, for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017.August 31, 2018. The negative 2018high 2019 tax rate isrates are primarily due to the estimatedadditional one-time tax benefitexpense associated with the ActU.S. tax reform described above, partially offset by excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation of approximately $20 million and $38 million, respectively. The low or negative 2018 tax rates were primarily due to tax benefits associated with U.S. tax reform of approximately $136 million or 145 percentage points,in the first quarter of 2018, and excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation of approximately $24$9 million or 25 percentage points. The negative 2017 tax rate is primarily due to tax benefits associated with excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation of approximately $14and $40 million, or 22 percentage points.


The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted on December 22, 2017, which significantly revises U.S. corporate tax law. Among other things, the Act reduces the U.S. federal corporation tax rate to 21 percent and implements a new system of taxation for non-U.S. earnings, including by imposing a one-time transition tax on the deemed repatriation of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries. Other significant changes include U.S. taxes on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) attributable to foreign subsidiaries and base erosion anti-abuse transactions, limitations on the deductibility of interest expense and executive compensation, and repeal of the deduction for domestic production activities. As a result of our current interpretation and estimated impact of the Act, we recorded adjustments totaling a net tax benefit of $136 million in the first quarter of 2018 to provisionally accountrespectively, for the estimated impact. This amount included a provisional estimate for the transition tax of $38 million, which will be payable over eight years, starting in 2019,three and a provisional estimate decreasing net deferred tax liabilities by $174 million, resulting from the future reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate.nine months ended August 31, 2018.

As of February 28, 2018, we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act because all of the necessary information is not currently available, prepared, or analyzed. As such, the amounts we have recorded are provisional estimates and as permitted by SAB 118, we will continue to assess the impacts of the Act and may record additional provisional amounts or adjustments to provisional estimates during fiscal year 2018. We expect to complete the accounting for these impacts of tax reform within the measurement period in accordance with SAB 118 as we complete our analysis and receive additional guidance from the Internal Revenue Service pertaining to the Act. Resolution of the provisional estimates of the Act’s effects different from our assumptions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

As a result of the Act, all previously undistributed foreign earnings have now been subjected to U.S. tax; however, we currently intend to continue to indefinitely reinvest these earnings outside the U.S. and accordingly, we have not provided non-U.S. deferred income taxes on these indefinitely reinvested earnings. It is not practicable to determine the amount of non-U.S. deferred taxes that might be required to be provided if such earnings were distributed in the future, due to complexities in the tax laws and in the hypothetical calculations that would have to be made.

We have not yet made a policy election with respect to our treatment of GILTI. We can either account for taxes on GILTI as incurred or recognize deferred taxes when basis differences exist that are expected to affect the amount of GILTI inclusion upon reversal. We are still in the process of analyzing the provisions of the Act associated with GILTI and the expected impact of GILTI on our consolidated financial statements.






EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP measures)


The following table provides reconciliations of our net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019 and February 28, 2017.August 31, 2018.
 Three months ended February 28, Percentage
Change
Three months ended August 31, Percentage
Change
 Nine months ended August 31, Percentage
Change
(In millions, except percentages) 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018 
Net income attributable to IHS Markit Ltd. $241.3
 $66.0
 266%$40.1
 $104.5
 (62)% $299.6
 $460.5
 (35)%
Interest income (0.7) (0.5)  (0.6) (0.9)   (1.6) (2.5)  
Interest expense 46.3
 31.8
  63.2
 56.7
   195.9
 158.3
  
(Benefit) Provision for income taxes (146.6) (3.6)  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes240.6
 7.9
   263.9
 (126.7)  
Depreciation 41.6
 36.1
  51.5
 45.0
   147.5
 129.0
  
Amortization 89.0
 84.7
  93.2
 89.1
   283.5
 266.7
  
EBITDA $270.9
 $214.5
 26%$488.0
 $302.3
 61 % $1,188.8
 $885.3
 34 %
Stock-based compensation expense 61.9
 75.2
  54.0
 52.5
   167.3
 172.1
  
Restructuring charges 
 (0.2)  1.1
 0.4
   11.0
 0.4
  
Acquisition-related costs 12.1
 31.6
  8.1
 30.2
   21.6
 57.4
  
Acquisition-related performance compensation 14.9
 
  15.3
 11.5
   46.0
 37.1
  
Loss on debt extinguishment
 1.7
   6.0
 4.7
  
Gain on sale of assets(113.0) 
   (113.0) 
  
Pension mark-to-market and settlement (gain) expense
 (7.3)   
 (7.3)  
Share of joint venture results not attributable to Adjusted EBITDA 
 (0.4)  0.2
 0.2
   0.5
 0.2
  
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling interest (0.5) (0.5)  (0.8) (1.0)   (2.2) (2.0)  
Adjusted EBITDA $359.3
 $320.2
 12%$452.9
 $390.5
 16 % $1,326.0
 $1,147.9
 16 %
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue 38.6% 37.9%  40.7% 39.0%   40.3% 39.0%  


Our Adjusted EBITDA margin performance for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017,August 31, 2018, increased primarily because of margin flow-through on our organic revenue growth, as well as our continued integration and cost management efforts. The expansionincrease was negatively impactedmuted by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, which resulted in higher revenue and expense amounts, as well as low aMlower Ipreo margins. We expect to continue to drive margin improvement through continued revenue growth, integration, and cost management activities.



Financial Condition
(In millions, except percentages)As of February 28, 2018 As of November 30, 2017 Dollar change Percent changeAs of August 31, 2019 As of November 30, 2018 Dollar change Percentage change
Accounts receivable, net$802.7
 $693.5
 $109.2
 16 %$862.7
 $792.9
 $69.8
 9 %
Accrued compensation$59.7
 $157.4
 $(97.7) (62)%$167.0
 $214.1
 $(47.1) (22)%
Deferred revenue$919.3
 $790.8
 $128.5
 16 %$896.5
 $886.8
 $9.7
 1 %


The increase in accounts receivable was due to increased billing activity in 2019 and the first quarterimpacts of 2018. The decrease in accruedthe adoption of ASC Topic 606. Accrued compensation wasdecreased primarily due to the 20172018 bonus payout made in the first quarter of 2018,2019, partially offset by the current year accrual. The increase in deferred revenue was due to increased billings in 2019, partially offset by the first quarter of 2018.transition adjustment to ASC Topic 606 and the net decrease associated with the Agribusiness and TMT market intelligence transactions.



Liquidity and Capital Resources


As of February 28, 2018August 31, 2019, we had cash and cash equivalents of $156124 million, of which approximately $133 million was held by our non-U.K. subsidiaries. Cash held by our legacy IHS non-U.S. subsidiaries could be subject to non-U.S. income tax if we were to decide to repatriate any of that cash to the U.S.; however, our intent is to permanently reinvest these funds outside of the U.S. and our current plans do not indicate a need to repatriate them to fund our U.S. operations.. Our principal sources of liquidity include fundscash generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet, and amounts available under a revolving credit facility. We had approximately $5.05 billion of debt as of August 31, 2019, consisting primarily of $413 million of revolving facility debt and $4.68 billion of senior notes. As of August 31, 2019, we had approximately $1.59 billion available under our revolving credit facility. We had approximately $4.28 billion of debt as of February 28, 2018, consisting primarily of $990 million of

In January 2019, we repaid the 364-Day Credit Agreement using cash on hand and borrowings under the revolving facility debt, $1.12 billion of term loan debt, $2.07credit facility. In April 2019, we issued $1.0 billion of senior notes and $149used the proceeds, along with minor additional borrowings under the 2018 revolving facility, to repay all of our term loan debt. In August 2019, we issued an additional $350 million of institutional senior notes. Asnotes and used the proceeds to repay borrowings under the 2018 revolving facility, in-line with our goal of February 28, 2018,terming out our capital structure. In September 2019, we had approximately $858 million available under our revolvingentered into a 364-day credit agreement for a term loan credit facility which was partiallyin an aggregate principal amount of $250 million and used the proceeds to fund our $500 million ASR entered into in March 2018.repay borrowings under the 2018 revolving facility.


Our interest expense for the three and nine months ended February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, compared to the three and nine months ended February 28, 2017,August 31, 2018, increased primarily because of a higher average debt balance due to acquisitions and share repurchases,the Ipreo acquisition, as well as a higher effective interest rate due to an increased amount of longer term fixed-rate debt.


Our Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program of up to $3.25 billion of IHS Markit common shares through November 30, 2019, to be funded using our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and future cash flows, or through the incurrence of short- or long-term indebtedness, at management’s discretion. This repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any set dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time without prior notice. Under this program, we are authorized to repurchase our common shares on the open market from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions, or through accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”) agreements, subject to availability of common shares, price, market conditions, alternative uses of capital, and applicable regulatory requirements, at management’s discretion. As of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we had repurchased approximately $1.74$2.44 billion under this authorization; in September 2019, we entered into an ASR to repurchase another $300 million under this authorization.


Our Board of Directors has separately authorized, subject to applicable regulatory requirements, the repurchase of our common shares surrendered by employees in an amount equal to the exercise price, if applicable, and statutory tax liability associated with the vesting of their equity awards, for which we pay the statutory tax on behalf of the employee and forgo receipt of the exercise price of the award from the employee, if applicable. Such repurchases have been authorized in addition to the share repurchase program described above.


Because ofBased on our cash, debt, and cash flow positions, we believe that we will have sufficient liquidity to meet our ongoing working capital and capital expenditure needs. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including the number and magnitude of future acquisitions, amount of share repurchases and share repurchase programs,dividends, the need for additional facilities or facility improvements, the timing and extent of spending to support product development efforts, information technology infrastructure investments, investments in our internal business applications, and the continued market acceptance of our offerings. We could be required, or could elect, to seek additional funding through public or private equity or debt financings; however, additional funds may not be available on terms acceptable to us.

Cash Flows
 Three months ended February 28,    
(In millions, except percentages)2018 2017 Dollar change Percent change
Net cash provided by operating activities$202.9
 $250.7
 $(47.8) (19)%
Net cash used in investing activities$(55.1) $(66.4) $11.3
 (17)%
Net cash used in financing activities$(118.9) $(166.6) $47.7
 (29)%


Cash Flows
 Nine months ended August 31,    
(In millions, except percentages)2019 2018 Dollar change Percentage change
Net cash provided by operating activities$1,025.6
 $932.0
 $93.6
 10 %
Net cash used in investing activities$(206.5) $(2,064.2) $1,857.7
 (90)%
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities$(761.9) $1,201.0
 $(1,962.9) (163)%

The decreaseincrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to improved operating performance and working capital activities, partially offset by higher bonus payments and higher interest tax, and incentive compensation payments as well as increased working capital use.in the nine months ended August 31, 2019.


The decrease in net cash used in investing activities was principallyprimarily due to lower capital expendituresnet cash inflow from acquisition and divestiture activity in 2019 compared to cash outflow for the purchase of Ipreo in 2018.

The change in net cash related to financing activities is primarily due to our efforts to de-lever the company in 2019 following the acquisition of Ipreo in the firstthird quarter of 2018 by reducing debt balances, compared to 2018, when our financing cash inflows were primarily used to fund the prior year.Ipreo acquisition.

The decrease in net cash used in financing activities in the first quarter of 2018 was primarily due to fewer share repurchases in 2018 compared to the prior year.


Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP measure)


The following table reconciles our non-GAAP free cash flow measure to net cash provided by operating activities.
Three months ended February 28,    Nine months ended August 31,    
(In millions, except percentages)2018 2017 Dollar change Percent change2019 2018 Dollar change Percentage change
Net cash provided by operating activities$202.9
 $250.7
    $1,025.6
 $932.0
    
Capital expenditures on property and equipment(55.2) (71.7)    (199.9) (168.5)    
Free cash flow$147.7
 $179.0
 $(31.3) (17)%$825.7
 $763.5
 $62.2
 8%


The decreaseincrease in free cash flow was primarily due to lowerhigher net cash provided by operating activities through continuing operational improvements, partially offset by decreasedhigher capital expenditure activity. Our free cash flow has historically been positive due to the robust cash generation attributes of our business model, and we expect that it will continue to be a significant source of funding for our business strategy of growth through organic and acquisitive means.


Credit Facility and Other Debt


Please refer to Note 4 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of the current status of our debt arrangements.


Share Repurchase Programs


Please refer to Note 10 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and to Part II, Item 2 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of our share repurchase programs.


Off-Balance Sheet Transactions


We have no off-balance sheet transactions.


Critical Accounting Policies


Our management makes a number of significant estimates, assumptions and judgments in the preparation of our financial statements. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of the estimates and judgments necessary in our accounting for revenue recognition, business combinations, goodwill and other intangible assets, income taxes, pensions, and stock-based compensation.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


Please refer to Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their anticipated effect on our business.


Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk


For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Borrowings under the 20162018 revolving facility and 2016 term loans are subject to variable interest rates. We use interest rate swaps in order to fix a portion of our variable rate debt as part of our overall interest rate risk management strategy. As of February 28, 2018,August 31, 2019, we had approximately $2.106 billion$413 million of floating-rate debt at a 3.363.57 percent weighted-average interest rate, of which $400 million was subject to effective floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps. A hypothetical increase in interest rates of 100 basis points applied to our floating rate indebtedness would increase our annual interest expense by approximately $17$0.1 million ($214.1 million without giving effect to any of our interest rate swaps).



Item 4.Controls and Procedures


(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.


Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act are effective at a reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports required to be filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.


There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.Legal Proceedings


Please refer to Note 9 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for information about legal proceedings.


Item 1A. Risk Factors


There have been no material changes to the risk factors associated with our business previously disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our 20172018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.10-K and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2019, except as set forth below. The risk factor set forth below updates, and should be read together with, the risk factors disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended May 31, 2019.

Legal, political, and economic uncertainty surrounding the planned exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union are a source of instability and uncertainty.

The United Kingdom (“U.K.”) held a referendum on June 23, 2016 to determine whether the U.K. should leave the European Union (“E.U.”), or remain as a member state, the outcome of which was in favor of leaving the E.U., which is commonly referred to as “Brexit.” Under Article 50 of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, the U.K. will cease to be a member state when a withdrawal agreement is entered into (such agreement will also require approval of the European Parliament) or, failing that,


two years following the notification of an intention to leave under Article 50, unless the European Council (together with the U.K.) unanimously decides to extend this period. On March 29, 2017, the U.K. formally notified the European Council of its intention to leave the E.U. In March 2019, the European Council and the U.K. agreed to extend the deadline by which they must agree to a withdrawal agreement to May 22, 2019, and a further extension to October 31, 2019 was agreed in April 2019. There has been limited progress so far in the negotiations and continued uncertainty in the U.K. government which increases the possibility of the U.K. exiting the E.U. on October 31, 2019 without a formal withdrawal agreement in place and of significant market and economic disruption as a result. It is unclear whether they will successfully reach an agreement prior to that date. Regardless of the outcome of the process, Brexit will continue to involve a process of lengthy negotiations between the U.K. and E.U. member states to determine the future terms of the U.K.’s relationship with the E.U. We are headquartered and tax domiciled in the U.K. and conduct business throughout the E.U. primarily through our U.K. subsidiaries. The long-term effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements (or lack thereof) between the U.K. and the E.U. and, in particular, any arrangements for the U.K. to retain access to E.U. markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Depending on the final terms of Brexit, we could face new regulatory costs and challenges. For instance, the U.K. could lose access to the E.U. single market and to E.U. trade deals negotiated with other jurisdictions. We may, therefore, be required to move certain operations to other E.U. member states to maintain such access. A decline in trade could affect the attractiveness of the U.K. as a global investment center and have a detrimental impact on U.K. growth. Although we have an international customer base, we could be adversely affected by reduced growth and greater currency and economic volatility in the U.K. Changes to U.K. immigration policy related to Brexit could also affect our business. Although the U.K. would likely retain its diverse pool of talent, London’s role as a global financial center may decline, particularly if financial institutions shift their operations to the E.U. as the U.K. loses the E.U. financial services passport. Any adjustments we make to our business and operations as a result of Brexit could result in significant time and expense to complete. Any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, or financial condition.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table provides detail about our share repurchases during the three months ended February 28, 2018August 31, 2019.
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions)
December 1 - December 31, 2017:       
Share repurchase programs (1)
2,020,320
 $43.18
 2,020,320
 $1,592.2
Employee transactions (2)
11,220
 $45.09
 N/A
 N/A
January 1 - January 31, 2018:       
Employee transactions (2)
546,599
 $45.93
 N/A
 N/A
February 1 - February 28, 2018:       
Share repurchase programs (1)
1,866,947
 $45.66
 1,866,947
 $1,506.9
Employee transactions (2)
1,074,837
 $47.47
 N/A
 N/A
Total share repurchases5,519,923
 $45.13
 3,887,267
  
 
Total Number of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
per Share
 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in millions)
June 1 - June 30, 2019:       
Employee transactions (2)
897
 $59.32
 N/A
 N/A
July 1 - July 31, 2019:       
Employee transactions (2)
42,672
 $64.62
 N/A
 N/A
Accelerated share repurchase program (1)(3)
2,477,547
 64.21
 2,477,547
 806.9
August 1 - August 31, 2019:       
Employee transactions (2)
5,362
 $63.65
 N/A
 N/A
Accelerated share repurchase program (3)
637,208
 $64.21
 637,208
 806.9
Total share repurchases3,163,686
 $64.21
 3,114,755
  


For the firstthird quarter of 2018,2019, we repurchased approximately $249$203 million of common shares, including approximately $172$200 million in open market share repurchases (described in notenotes (1) and (3) below), and approximately $77$3 million in employee transactions (described in note (2) below).


(1) In August 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $1.5 billion of IHS Markit common shares from September 29, 2016 through November 30, 2017, to be funded using our existing cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and future cash flows, or through the incurrence of short- or long-term indebtedness, at management’s discretion. In January 2017, our Board of Directors increased the size of the program to up to $2.25 billion of IHS Markit common shares and extended the program’s termination date to May 31, 2018. In October 2017, our Board of Directors increased the size of the program to up to $3.25 billion of IHS Markit common shares and extended the program’s termination date to November 30, 2019. This current repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any set dollar amount or number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or terminated at any time without prior notice. Under this program, we are authorized to repurchase our common shares on the open market from time to time, in privately negotiated transactions, or through accelerated share repurchase agreements, subject to availability of common shares, price, market conditions, alternative uses of capital, and applicable regulatory requirements, at management’s discretion.


(2) Amounts represent common shares repurchased from employees in an amount equal to the statutory tax liability associated with the vesting of their equity awards. We then pay the statutory tax on behalf of the employee. Our Board of Directors has approved this program in an effort to reduce the dilutive effects of employee equity grants. This program is separate and additional to the repurchase program described in note (1).

(3) In July 2019, we funded a $200 million accelerated share repurchase (ASR) agreement with a scheduled termination date in the third quarter of 2019. Upon funding of the ASR, we received an initial delivery of 2.478 million shares. At the completion of the ASR in August 2019, we received an additional 0.637 million shares. The average price paid per share presented above reflects the average price for the 3.115 million total shares repurchased through the ASR.


Item 5.    Other Information


Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act Disclosure
 
Under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syrian Human Rights Act of 2012, which added Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act, we are required to include certain disclosures in our periodic reports if we or any of our affiliates knowingly engaged in certain specified activities during the period covered by the report. Disclosure is generally required even if the transactions or dealings were conducted in compliance with applicable law and regulations. During the third quarter of 2014, we acquired Global Trade Information Services, a Virginia corporation (“GTIS”). GTIS publishes the Global Trade Atlas (the “GTA”), an online trade data system offering global merchandise trade statistics such as import and export data from official sources in more than 6590 countries. Included in the GTA is certain trade data sourced from Iran for which GTIS pays an annual fee of approximately $30,000.$40,000. The procurement of this information is exempt from applicable economic sanctions laws and regulations as a funds transfer related to the exportation or importation of information and informational materials. Sales attributable to this Iranian trade data represented approximately $75,000$50,000 in gross revenue for GTIS in the firstthird quarter of 20182019 and would have represented approximately 0.01 percent of our firstthird quarter 20182019 consolidated revenues and approximately 0.01 percent of our third quarter 2019 gross profits. Subject to any changes in the exempt status of such activities, we intend to continue these business activities as permissible under applicable export control and economic sanctions laws and regulations.



Item 6.Exhibits


(a)Index of Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 Description
4.1
Base Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2018, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the IHS Markit Ltd. Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 001-36495) filed on July 23, 2018)
4.2
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 8, 2019, between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the IHS Markit Ltd. Current Report on Form 8-K (file no. 001-36495) filed on April 8, 2019)
4.3
Form of 4.250% Senior Note due 2029 (included in Exhibit 4.2)
10.1+* 
10.2+* 
10.3+* 
10.4+*10.4 
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 13, 2019, by and among IHS Markit Ltd., as the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and certain lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the IHS Markit Ltd. 2014 Equity Incentive Award Plan - 2018Current Report on Form of Restricted Share Unit Agreement (Time Based)
10.5+*
31.1* 
31.2* 
32* 
101.INS XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104The cover page from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, formatted as Inline XBRL


* Filed herewith.
+ Compensatory plan or arrangement.



SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 27, 2018September 24, 2019.
 
IHS MARKIT LTD.
  
By: /s/ Michael Easton
  Name: Michael Easton
  Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer




3435