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Tyler Technologies

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Ticker tyl
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Sector Technology
Industry Software - Application
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2009 Annual Report · Tyler Technologies
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Speaking from Experience

2009 Annual Report

On the cover from left to right:

Ken Miles, Courts & Justice Solutions 
Melissa Baer, Appraisal & Property Tax Solutions 
Mandye Perez, Public Safety Solutions

   Every day, Tyler Technologies draws from our 

many years of experience to empower the people 

who serve the public. With best-in-class software 

solutions and deep domain expertise, Tyler helps 

local governments and schools manage their 

many complex operations—including financial 

management, property appraisal and assessment, 

school administration, court case management and 

law enforcement. Following an outstanding financial 

performance in 2008, Tyler once again grew 

revenues and earnings in 2009, delivering solid 

results for our shareholders, clients and employees.

To Our Shareholders 

earnest commitment to our clients—we are positioned 

Tyler Technologies’ performance in 2009 

better than anyone to anticipate and address the 

demonstrated how our business strategy was 

changing technology needs of the public sector.

designed to perform in all economic environments. 

During a challenging recession year, we made 

meaningful progress under our long-term plans 

while growing both revenues and earnings.

However, our commitment goes well beyond 

delivering solutions that work for our public sector 

clients. It’s about consistently delivering value for 

employees and shareholders as well. Building on a 

At Tyler, we have a unique vantage point due to our 

successful foundation, Tyler continues to provide 

singular focus on serving the public sector with a 

a solid return for shareholders. We remained 

broad product portfolio. From financial management 

committed to our long-term growth strategies 

and property taxes to courts and education, we 

even through a challenging financial climate 

create, deliver and support software solutions that 

and ended 2009 in a position of strength. 

make it easier for local governments and schools 

to manage their complex, day-to-day business 

functions. Tyler knows how to develop and support 

innovative software solutions for the market. We 

also have an insider’s insight to the market, as many 

of Tyler’s employees worked in the public sector 

prior to joining our team. With this knowledge and 

experience—along with focused innovation and an 

In 2009, Tyler was once again recognized for its 

business performance and leadership, as well as 

being honored as a top place to work. For the third 

straight year, Forbes named Tyler Technologies as 

one of “America’s 200 Best Small Companies.” In 

addition, Tyler was recognized as one of the “Best 

Places to Work in Maine,” as well as one of “The 

Dallas Morning News Top 100 Places to Work 2009.”

2

Tyler Technologies

John S. Marr, Jr., President and CEO

John M. Yeaman, Chairman of the Board

Making Meaningful Progress 

we experienced lengthened sales cycles throughout 

In a difficult economic climate that saw many 

the year. New request for proposal activity continues 

software companies struggle, Tyler Technologies 

to support a very healthy sales pipeline. However, the 

was still able to make progress, both financially and 

timing of contract signings and revenue recognition 

strategically. We ended 2009 with 35 consecutive 

is less predictable, as many local governments’ 

quarters of profitability. Tyler closed the year with total 

purchasing processes are longer and more complex 

revenue of $290.3 million, up 10 percent from 2008. 

than in a more favorable economic environment.

Gross margins increased 300 basis points to 44.4 

percent, and our operating margin reached a new high 

of 15.4 percent. Earnings per diluted share totaled 

$0.74, and increased 21 percent over non-GAAP EPS 

Tyler was once again recognized for its  

for 2008, even as we continued to invest aggressively 

business performance and leadership, as  

in product development and competitive initiatives.

well as being honored as a top place to  

Although Tyler achieved improved financial results 

work by our employees.

by almost every meaningful measure, our growth 

has clearly been affected by the broader economic 

environment and by pressures on local government 

budgets. While our significant base of recurring 

In 2009, we experienced another year of strong 

revenues (now comprising approximately half of total 

cash flow generation, with total free cash flow of 

revenues) combined with the mission-critical nature of 

$40 million (excluding capital expenditures for 

our solutions provides us with a great deal of stability, 

office construction). We rely on this strong free 

Annual Report 2009

3

cash flow to make strategic investments that will 

While the timing of public sector investments in 

further strengthen our position for the future, 

technology is clearly affected by the economy, the 

while enhancing shareholder value. We also 

fact remains that the functions Tyler automates are 

repurchased $17 million of our common stock and 

essential to our clients, and our solutions enable them 

completed several acquisitions to augment our 

to operate more efficiently, doing more with less. 

appraisal and property tax and schools solutions.

Tyler’s success follows a carefully designed business 

Given our consistent growth, significant 

plan that focuses on four key strategies: expanding 

recurring revenues, healthy cash flow and strong 

geographically, broadening our product offerings, 

market reputation, Tyler is in an excellent 

securing larger opportunities, and extending our 

position to build upon its competitive strengths 

relationships with existing clients. As we look 

as we move into 2010 and beyond.

forward to 2010 and beyond, we intend to continue 

Speaking from our many years of experience, Tyler 

building upon these long-term strategies. 

Creating a Stronger Identity 

Since the late 1990s, Tyler has shown consistent 

empowers local governments and schools, and 

organic growth at above market rates—augmenting 

consistently delivers a solid return for shareholders. 

And it is with this experience that we move  

into 2010 with confidence in and commitment  

to our long-term opportunities and strategies.

Building Lasting Success 

While many competitors target multiple vertical 

markets, Tyler has a singular focus—delivering 

essential software solutions that empower the public 

sector. And unlike many of our competitors that serve 

only a narrow niche of the public sector, we offer 

what we believe is the broadest range of software 

and solutions for local governments and schools.

From the courtroom to the classroom, Tyler’s solutions 

serve as the backbone for core business functions. We 

devote all of our time, energy and resources to helping 

local governments and school districts streamline 

the many aspects of their financial management, 

court case, property tax, public safety, citizen 

services, public records and education systems.

its market strength through targeted acquisitions. 

While this has afforded us the ability to broaden our 

product offerings and penetrate new markets, these 

acquisitions have also posed some challenges.

As expected, each acquired business had its 

own identity, strategy and approach to sales and 

marketing—not to mention its own unique way of 

interfacing with clients. As these business units 

and products were integrated into the company, 

Tyler worked hard to create a unified corporate 

identity—bringing together strong products with 

long-standing reputations—under the Tyler name.

In 2009, we launched a wide-scale rebranding effort 

to further strengthen Tyler’s identity and position 

in the public sector—a historically fragmented 

market. A cohesive identity allows us to build 

a stronger competitive advantage for Tyler to 

capture even more market share and build greater 

awareness as the leader in public sector software. 

And through new communication channels and 

branding efforts, we are also generating a renewed 

sense of energy and enthusiasm among Tyler 

employees and clients across all product groups.

4

Tyler Technologies

Investing in the Future 

to the solution. In 2009, we also secured our first 

Throughout 2009, Tyler Technologies again 

“beta” client for Microsoft Dynamics AX—with 

demonstrated that success requires the right 

a general release slated for early 2011.

combination of many factors—a well-designed 

strategy, consistent execution, feature-rich and 

industry-proven products, talented employees and 

a solid brand identity. Underscoring each of these 

components is the one fundamental question: how 

can we empower the people who serve the public?

Moving Forward 

Although 2009 presented a challenging economic 

climate that we expect to continue in 2010, Tyler 

Technologies had a solid year in terms of financial 

performance. Looking to the future, it is our hope 

that 2010 will be a year of economic recovery for 

For us, the simplest answer is to develop, implement, 

the marketplace, providing Tyler a healthy mix of 

and support software solutions that deliver—again 

opportunity and challenge. Given our strong market 

and again. For our clients, this means delivering 

position and rich history of proven success, we 

the right types of systems to address their many 

are confident in our ability to generate reasonable 

complex needs. For our shareholders, this translates 

results in difficult times—while continuing to 

to delivering a solid return on their investment now 

invest in initiatives that we believe will put us 

and over the long term. And for our employees, this 

in an even stronger competitive position as the 

means fostering the right work environment—one 

market returns to more normal conditions.

that encourages them to innovate, create, and 

achieve success personally and professionally. 

Tyler empowers local governments and schools,  

and consistently delivers a solid return for 

At Tyler, we consider research and development 

shareholders. And it is with this experience that we 

an essential investment in our future. And in 

move into 2010 with confidence in and commitment 

2009—at a time when many companies chose, or 

to our long-term opportunities and strategies.

were forced, to reduce discretionary spending for 

R&D and cut staff—Tyler aggressively invested in 

product development and added to our team.

In addition to investing in product updates to 

enhance functionality and integrate new features 

and technologies in our existing products, Tyler has 

devoted substantial resources to the development of 

new products that we believe will provide meaningful 

growth opportunities in the future. This includes 

Microsoft Dynamics AX, a business management 

solution for the public sector that we are co-

developing with Microsoft. During the fourth quarter 

of 2009, we expanded the scope of our multi-year 

arrangement with Microsoft, adding payroll, human 

resources, and budget formulation applications  

John S. Marr, Jr. 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Annual Report 2009

5

Donna Martindale and John White 
ERP/Financial Solutions

Speaking the Same Language. There’s a certain familiarity 

sharing his expertise to help local governments realize 

and comfort in sharing a common language with your 

the full power of Tyler’s financial management solutions. 

clients—something Donna Martindale and John White 

Like John, Donna was also a Tyler financial management 

understand firsthand. Both John and Donna were early 

solution end-user while in her role as finance director for 

adopters of Tyler products long before they ever joined 

Harker Heights, Texas. And for the past 12 years, Donna 

the company as employees. When he went to work for the 

has been helping local governments migrate to Tyler as 

Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, John had the rare 

an implementation manager. “I sit with a client and can 

opportunity to design a town-wide information system 

relate to them,” Donna explains. “I can tell them ‘I did 

from the ground up. During this process, Tyler’s financial 

your job.’ It’s so incredible that I’m able to hand off a tool 

management solution was selected for implementation. 

to our clients—a tool that empowers them to make a real 

Today, as senior solution consultant at Tyler, John is still 

change in their city.”

6

Tyler Technologies

Empowering the Public Sector 

During a time when many companies have 

struggled, Tyler Technologies has proven itself 

as a market leader. Drawing from our years of 

   Tyler Technologies’ consistent, long-term success 

is the result of singularly focusing on serving 

experience, Tyler posted another successful year in 

the public sector, creating a sound vision, and 

2009—even in the midst of a turbulent economy.

executing our growth strategy with precision.

Tyler delivers software and services solutions that 

enable city, county and state agencies of all sizes 

to efficiently and effectively manage their day-to-

day business operations. In fact, no other company 

offers as wide a range of products as Tyler.

Today, Tyler has more than 9,000 client installations 

in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, 

Canada and the United Kingdom. Thanks to Tyler’s 

exceptional flexibility and comprehensive product 

portfolio, we are competitive at every level—from 

small rural communities to large metropolitan 

areas and statewide implementations. We have the 

financial strength and resources of a large company, 

yet we can act with the agility and ingenuity of an 

innovative entrepreneurial organization committed 

to building lasting relationships with our clients. 

Many people don’t appreciate the challenges that 

local governments and schools face in providing 

numerous mission-critical services every day—from 

routing school buses and managing jails to collecting 

taxes and paying firemen. To effectively oversee these 

activities, public sector organizations must have 

robust technology platforms available around the clock. 

Total Annual Revenues 
(In Millions)

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

$290.3

$265.1

$219.8

$195.3

$170.5

Yet, like many private sector businesses today, 

local governments are increasingly facing pressure 

to be more efficient and more productive using 

fewer resources. Thus, governments must make 

smarter business decisions based on the needs 

of their agencies and the citizens they serve.

From our years of experience in serving the public 

sector, Tyler understands that delivering software 

solutions that help our clients efficiently manage their 

many operations is just the beginning. Harnessing the 

true power and potential of Tyler’s product offerings—

solutions backed by our highly experienced team—is 

realized through long-term partnerships with our clients. 

That’s why Tyler’s relationship with clients goes well 

beyond merely that of a vendor. We act as a trusted 

partner for local governments. It is this commitment that 

has helped us maintain an approximately 98 percent 

customer retention rate for many years. In fact, many 

of our first clients are still with Tyler today. With a deep 

understanding of how local governments operate, Tyler 

is well positioned to deliver solutions that address 

these unique needs now—and well into the future. 

Building a Strong Foundation 

As communities throughout the United States 

experience growth and face changes in budgets, 

demographics and technology, local governments 

must have the right systems in place to handle 

citizens’ evolving needs and demands—from parental 

access to student grades to the convenience of 

paying traffic tickets and utility bills online.

Annual Report 2009

7

With Tyler’s performance in 2009, we have once again 

illustrated that focusing exclusively on one vertical 

market offers ample room for long-term growth. In fact, 

there are approximately 3,000 counties, 13,900 school 

   Tyler Technologies experienced solid growth in key 

areas throughout 2009—and we will continue to 

districts, 36,000 cities and towns, and more than 

build upon this foundation in the years to come.

35,000 other local government agencies in the United 

States alone—each with multiple software systems. We 

believe that the majority of these systems are either 

Throughout the year, Tyler experienced a reasonable, 

“in-house” solutions or were purchased from vendors 

although not robust, level of new business activity, 

that are no longer competitive in the market—presenting 

creating a healthy pipeline of new business. However, 

great opportunities for Tyler to gain market share as 

longer sales cycles and delayed decision processes 

these systems are replaced over the coming years.

made the timing of new business less predictable. 

In 2009, Tyler increased revenues by 10 percent, 

more than doubling the estimated market growth in a 

sluggish economy. Additionally, our recurring revenues 

from maintenance and subscriptions increased by 

16 percent, and now make up almost half of our 

We ended 2009 with a total backlog of signed 

contracts of $233 million, down modestly from the 

end of 2008. Our backlog, combined with highly 

reliable recurring revenues, provides us with a high 

degree of visibility into our expected revenues.

total revenues. This creates a solid base of reliable 

While Tyler has continued to refine our growth strategy 

revenues on which we can build sustainable growth. 

over the years, in 2009, we focused primarily on the 

same core initiatives—moving into new geographic 

areas, expanding our product offerings, securing larger 

contracts, and cross-selling additional products and 

services to existing clients. And in refreshing our 

brand identity in 2009, we now have a more cohesive 

$233.1

$249.8

$250.1

product portfolio under the Tyler name—helping 

us further solidify our position as the go-to leader 

for software solutions within the public sector.

$205.9

$165.4

43% Maintenance

28% Software Services

15% Software Licenses  

6% Appraisal Services

6% Subscriptions

2% Other

Innovating for Tomorrow 

As Tyler has grown over the years, our market has 

matured as well. While there are fewer competitors 

now than a decade ago, there are always good 

companies vying with Tyler for market share. To stay 

competitive in this vertical market, it’s essential that 

Tyler stay at the forefront of innovation. Only then 

can we deliver the types of robust solutions local 

governments and schools need—when they need them.

At Tyler, we believe this starts by having the best 

possible team in place. Tyler now has more than 

2,000 professionals who bring unmatched expertise 

Backlog 
(In Millions)

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

Revenue Mix

8

Tyler Technologies

   Tyler Technologies experienced solid growth in key 

areas throughout 2009—and we will continue to 

build upon this foundation in the years to come.

Johnnie Gordon, Amy Puckett and John Mathis 
Courts & Justice Solutions

Speaking from Authority. From minor traffic citations to major 

develops the tools and functionality courts and justice 

criminal trials, courts and justice offices at the state, county 

offices rely on to serve their constituents. Having this level 

and municipal level face a tremendous task of streamlining 

of insight has also been invaluable for Amy Puckett who, like 

critical information. “The most important thing is first 

John, served in various roles for Denton County—including 

understanding their business processes, so we can help them 

emergency dispatcher and detention officer. For the past 

make the most out of their software environment,” explains 

18 years, she has helped courts and justice offices fine-

Johnnie Gordon, who was a courts and justice consultant 

tune their processes as a product manager. “At the end of 

prior to joining Tyler as a regional project manager for Tyler’s 

the day, there’s simply no substitute for this experience,” 

courts & justice solutions. Like Johnnie, developer John 

says Johnnie. “To me, what we do is more than just deliver 

Mathis spent many years in the public sector, including 

software—it’s about bringing value to courts and justice 

positions such as a system administrator for Denton County, 

offices and the people they serve through the experience and 

Texas. He came on board at Tyler in 1994, and today 

firsthand knowledge we have gained over the years.”

Annual Report 2009

9

Melissa Belec, Marsha Craft and Larry Frazier 
School Solutions

Speaking from Support. Fortunately, there are people 

her 35-year career—15 of those years spent serving in 

like Larry Frazier, Marsha Craft and Melissa Belec who 

a student information system role in a growing Missouri 

work behind the scenes to empower school personnel. 

school district—to help clients navigate changes, 

“Some people know the software, but it helps that I also 

address key issues and share best practices. Marketing 

know schools,” comments Larry, who held positions 

Program Specialist Melissa Belec understands the 

as a teacher, a principal and a technology coordinator 

advantage in having a client’s perspective. “I was 

prior to becoming an implementation analyst for 

a hands-on user of Tyler’s student transportation 

Tyler. “My experience makes it easier for me to help 

solutions for three years in a school district,” explains 

school districts use our school solutions to work more 

Melissa, who later joined Tyler in product and technical 

efficiently.” Like Larry, Marsha Craft is no stranger to 

support before moving into a marketing role. “I can 

educating others. As a senior trainer, she helps school 

speak their language and I understand their issues, 

district personnel realize the full power and potential of 

which really makes a big difference.”

Tyler’s products. She brings the in-depth experience of 

10

Tyler Technologies

in technology development and deployment, as well 

as a deep understanding of how our clients operate. 

In fact, many of our employees held positions in 

the public sector prior to joining Tyler, providing a 

   Tyler’s deep domain expertise gives us an insider’s 

insight into the unique needs of local governments. 

firsthand understanding of the many nuances of how 

With this knowledge, we deliver highly responsive 

local governments and schools work from day to day. 

software solutions that evolve as the public sector does.

Some of our competitors reduced their workforce and 

cut expenditures in research and development last year 

in response to the recession. However, Tyler’s strong 

cash flow and above-market growth throughout the year 

enabled us to continue investing aggressively in product 

development and to expand our employee team—adding 

Assessment Evaluation Services Inc., which  

develops integrated property appraisal solutions 

and applications unique to California. 

78 new employees over the course of the year. 

Additionally, we acquired technology that delivers 

Free Cash Flow 
(In Millions)

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

$40.0 (a)

$42.3 (a)

$30.3

$22.5

$18.5

(a)  excludes capital expenditures for office facilities of $9.4 million  

in 2009 and $16.0 million in 2008.

specialized information and data warehouse solutions 

for K–12 school and local government markets. In 

January 2010, Tyler completed the acquisition of 

Wiznet, which provides software products and services 

that simplify the electronic filing and management 

of documents related to court cases. Looking to the 

future, we will continue to seek opportunities to expand 

our product offerings and customer base through 

strategic acquisitions at reasonable valuations.

Delivering Greater Accessibility 

From the nation’s largest counties to the smallest 

rural agencies, Tyler Technologies understands that 

each of our clients deserves the best possible return 

on its technology investment—not to mention a high 

In addition to expanding our team, Tyler made significant 

degree of flexibility. Delivering long-term scalability by 

investments in our existing software portfolio to develop 

providing regular product updates with new features 

new features and functionality. We also continued to 

and functionality is particularly important in the 

invest in new products in the education market and in 

public sector because it’s not uncommon for local 

our Microsoft Dynamics AX development effort for the 

governments and schools to keep their systems for 

public sector that’s slated for release in early 2011. 

much longer than organizations in the private sector. 

Tyler also made several small acquisitions that  

As a result, many agencies are using a potpourri of 

augment our offerings in specific product or geographic 

software and hardware solutions that are no longer 

areas. To expand the geographic reach of our land  

supported—because the vendor is no longer in 

and vital records business, we acquired Parker-Lowe &  

business or simply hasn’t invested in new technology. 

Associates in North Carolina, which develops software 

It can also pose challenges for governments when 

designed for registering and retrieving deeds for land 

personnel with proprietary knowledge of these 

records and social services offices. We also acquired 

legacy systems retire or leave the organization. 

Annual Report 2009

11

Tyler’s Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model gives 

clients seamless access to the innovative software 

solutions they need. Through a subscription-based 

arrangement, Tyler hosts and manages both software 

and data. By opting for the SaaS model, our clients 

can avoid making capital investments to overhaul their 

infrastructure and can access these sophisticated 

systems with significantly fewer in-house resources.

Expanding Our Visibility 

Over the years, one of our core strategies for growth 

2008-2009 Quarterly EPS (a) 
(In Dollars)

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

$0.08

$0.16

$0.19

$0.17

$0.20
$0.20

$0.18

$0.17

has been to improve Tyler’s visibility and expand sales 

2008 

2009

in regions where our products previously had limited 

presence. By updating Tyler’s brand identity and 

messaging, we now have a more cohesive platform to 

effectively market our products in new regions—as well 

as existing ones where we already have a presence. 

Tyler continued adding new clients in key markets 

throughout 2009. For example, we secured a deal 

with Denver Public Schools for our transportation 

management system, a product we added to our 

portfolio in 2008. Tyler also introduced our financial 

management and citizen service solutions in five public 

sector agencies within California, and we secured a 

deal with the City of Nashville and Davidson County 

(Tennessee) for our courts & justice solutions.

Given the exceptional breadth and depth of our product 

portfolio, many of our existing clients turn to Tyler 

when the time comes to upgrade or add new software 

applications. This provides Tyler a prime opportunity 

to cross-sell our broad line of software solutions.

   No matter how large or small, Tyler provides  

(a)  2008 EPS is non-GAAP and excludes non-cash legal 
settlement charge related to warrants of $0.16 in Q2, 
$0.04 in Q3 and $0.03 in Q4

Diluted Annual EPS 
(In Dollars)

2009

2008 (a)

2007

2006

2005 (b)

$0.42

$0.34

$0.19

$0.74

$0.61

(a)  2008 EPS is non-GAAP and excludes non-cash legal settlement 

charge related to warrants of $0.23 

(b)  includes restructuring charge of $0.02

For example, we won a $2.5 million contract for 

our jail management and law enforcement solutions 

with Collin County, Texas, which has used Tyler’s 

court case management solution since 2006. We 

also secured a number of deals with clients who 

purchased multiple Tyler solutions at the same time. 

public sector organizations of all sizes access  

Tyler also integrated our transportation management 

to a broad range of innovative software  

solutions that address their unique needs.

solution with our financial management solution 

for the Fort Worth (Texas) Independent School 

District to streamline invoicing, budgetary control, 

reconciliation, and account management.

12

Tyler Technologies

Rita Lewis-Devereaux 
Appraisal & Property Tax Solutions

Speaking from Passion. Rita Lewis-Devereaux is no 

used Tyler’s appraisal products for more than two decades. 

stranger to anticipating needs when it comes to helping 

Today, she helps appraisal jurisdictions of all sizes 

local governments effectively and efficiently appraise 

implement Tyler’s appraisal and property tax solutions.  

all types of properties. In fact, since 1973 she’s been 

It’s a role that suits her well, she says, not only because 

involved in the property tax field—including positions 

of her extensive understanding of the public sector 

with Dekalb County, Georgia, as deputy tax commissioner, 

and Tyler’s solutions—but, more importantly, because 

appraisal auditor and software project manager. Rita 

she enjoys guiding clients through the implementation 

also served as vice chairman of the Board of Assessors 

process. “I really love the creativity in what I do and 

for Fulton County (Atlanta), Georgia. Prior to joining the 

helping clients bring the software live,” Rita explains.  

Tyler team as a lead business analyst in 2001, Rita had 

“I couldn’t ask for a better job—it’s perfect for me.”

Annual Report 2009

13

   Tyler consistently expanded its presence in new 

geographic areas and secured larger deals in  

2009—further solidifying our position as a market 

leader in public sector software.

Brock Taylor 
Land & Vital Records Solutions

Speaking from Service. Far beyond the “Comments 

most—and eventually is what led him to join Tyler. And for 

Welcome” box organizations once used, Brock Taylor, 

the past 12 years, Brock has been helping other land 

manager of the Land Records Office for Boulder County, 

records offices streamline their operations as a product 

Colorado, shared his wish list of software features directly 

manager. “Understanding the client experience is 

with the source—Tyler. Beyond the software’s ability to 

invaluable,” explains Brock. “I’m now able to reflect on 

streamline Boulder County’s Land Records Office, it was 

how clients use the software and appreciate the reasons 

Tyler’s client-centric approach that impressed Brock the 

behind their development requests.”

14

Tyler Technologies

While Tyler has historically focused on serving the 

solutions and securing larger deals. We believe 

needs of small and mid-sized governments, in 

we are well positioned for new growth, particularly 

recent years we have gained a stronger foothold in 

with our Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offerings. 

larger, metropolitan markets. These markets are 

especially significant as they provide considerable 

revenue growth and margin expansion potential.

   Tyler consistently expanded its presence in new 

geographic areas and secured larger deals in  

Whether delivering the right types of solutions for local 

governments, providing an exceptional workplace for 

employees, or producing a solid return on investment 

for shareholders, Tyler Technologies speaks from 

experience. It is with this insight that we plan for the 

future. We empower those who serve the public. And 

we make a difference to the communities we serve.

2009—further solidifying our position as a market 

Continuing the trend we’ve seen in recent years, many 

local governments—even those that had previously 

deployed Tyler software solutions on site—are now 

migrating to our SaaS model. Today, many of Tyler’s 

products are available in a hosted format. Based on 

client response, including our near perfect retention 

rate, this model is proving to be incredibly effective 

and efficient at delivering clients greater flexibility 

and scalability. Although only comprising 6 percent 

of our total revenues in 2009, subscription revenues 

represented our fastest-growing revenue line, with an 

increase of 20 percent over 2008. Among the larger 

SaaS contracts we signed in 2009 were a $1.4 million 

deal with the City of Enfield, Connecticut, and a $1.2 

million deal with Tualatin Valley (Oregon) Fire & Rescue.

leader in public sector software.

Tyler secured a number of larger deals, including 

a $5.9 million contract with Hillsborough County, 

Florida, for Tyler’s integrated case management 

software. We also signed a $2.2 million contract with 

San Antonio, Texas, the nation’s seventh largest city, 

for our municipal court case management solution. 

In a deal valued at $3.5 million, Dakota County, 

Minnesota, the state’s fourth largest county, purchased 

our appraisal and property tax software. The cities of 

Bridgeport, Connecticut, and Chesapeake, Virginia, will 

implement our financial management solution under 

contracts valued at approximately $2 million each.

Looking Ahead 

Closing out 2009, Tyler delivered another solid year 

by consistently executing our growth strategies. Given 

our extensive experience in delivering proven software 

solutions and our growing presence in key markets, we 

look to carry this momentum into 2010 and beyond.

Tyler will continue to build upon the foundation 

we’ve established using our time-tested growth 

strategy of expanding into new geographic areas, 

enhancing our product offerings, cross-selling our 

Annual Report 2009

15

Tyler Technologies’ success in 2009 is a continuation 

of the strong foundation we’ve established in years 

past. Through careful planning, consistent execution 

and an unwavering commitment to our clients, Tyler 

has become the brand of choice for essential software 

solutions that can respond to the ever-changing 

needs of the public sector market. Building from our 

record-setting year in 2008, Tyler Technologies grew 

revenues, expanded gross and operating margins and 

increased earnings per share during 2009—even 

while aggressively investing in product development. 

The following financial statements detail our results.

16

Tyler Technologies

Stock Market Data

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “TYL.” At December 31, 2009, we had 

approximately 2,115 stockholders of record. A number of our stockholders hold their shares in street name; therefore, there 

are substantially more than 2,115 beneficial owners of our common stock.

The following table shows, for the calendar periods indicated, the high and low sales price per share of our common stock as 

reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

2008:   First Quarter 

    Second Quarter 

    Third Quarter 

    Fourth Quarter 

2009:   First Quarter 

    Second Quarter 

    Third Quarter 

    Fourth Quarter 

High 

Low

$ 14.70 

  15.97 

  18.47 

  15.17 

$ 14.79 

  17.76 

  17.62 

  21.09 

$ 12.29

  13.33

  13.29

  9.79

$ 11.35

  14.17

  14.51

  16.76

We did not pay any cash dividends in 2009 or 2008. Our bank credit agreement contains restrictions on the payment of  

cash dividends. We intend to retain earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business, and, therefore, we do not 

anticipate declaring a cash dividend in the foreseeable future.

During 2009, we purchased approximately $1.2 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of 

$17.0 million. The repurchase program, which was approved by our board of directors, was announced in October 2002, and 

was amended in April and July 2003, October 2004, October 2005, May 2007, May 2008, October 2008 and May 2009. 

Our board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares on May 14, 2009. As of December 31, 

2009, we had remaining authorization to repurchase up to 2.3 million additional shares of our common stock. There is no 

expiration date specified for the authorization and we intend to repurchase stock under the plan from time to time. Our bank 

credit agreement contains restrictions on the amount of common stock we may purchase.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Financial Data

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except per share data) 

2009 

2008 

2007 

2006 

2005

For the Years Ended December 31,

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:

Revenues   

Costs and expenses:

  Cost of revenues (1) 

$ 290,286 

$ 265,101 

$ 219,796 

$ 195,303 

$ 170,457

  161,523 

  155,314 

  135,371 

  120,499 

  108,970

  Selling, general and administrative expenses (1) 

  70,115 

  62,923 

  51,724 

  48,389 

  43,821

  Research and development expense 

  Restructuring charge 

  Amortization of customer and trade name intangibles 

  Non-cash legal settlement related to warrants (2) 

Operating income 

Other (expense) income, net 

  11,159 

— 

2,705 

— 

7,286 

— 

2,438 

9,045 

4,443 

— 

1,478 

— 

3,322 

— 

1,318 

— 

2,421

1,260

1,266

—

  44,784 

  28,095 

  26,780 

  21,775 

  12,719

(146) 

1,181 

1,800 

1,080 

906

Income from operations before income taxes 

  44,638 

  29,276 

  28,580 

  22,855 

  13,625

Income tax provision 

Net income 

Net income per diluted share 

Weighted average diluted shares 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS DATA:

  17,628 

  14,414 

  11,079 

8,493 

5,432

$  27,010 

$  14,862 

$  17,501 

$  14,362 

$  8,193

$ 

0.74 

$ 

0.38 

$ 

0.42 

$ 

0.34 

$ 

0.19

  36,624 

  39,184 

  41,352 

  41,868 

  42,075

Cash flows provided by operating activities 

$  42,941 

$  47,802 

$  34,111 

$  26,804 

$  21,187

Cash flows (used by) provided by investing activities 

Cash flows used by financing activities 

(13,658) 

(21,349) 

(9,554) 

(34,275) 

(24,326) 

1,820

(46,128) 

(7,406) 

(5,999) 

(14,847)

BALANCE SHEET DATA:

Total assets 

Shareholders’ equity 

$ 270,670 

$ 251,761 

$ 241,508 

$ 220,276 

$ 194,437

  134,358 

  114,262 

  137,211 

  125,875 

  112,197

(1)   Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 718, Stock 

Compensation, using the modified-prospective method. In 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, cost of revenues included 
$540,000, $364,000, $227,000 and $147,000 share-based compensation expense. Selling, general and administrative expenses in 
2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, included $4.5 million, $3.5 million, $2.1 million and $1.8 million share-based 
compensation expense. In accordance with the standard, results of operations for the year 2005 are reported under the previous 
accounting standard and no expense was recorded.

(2)   On June 27, 2008, we settled outstanding litigation related to two Stock Purchase Warrants (the “Warrants”) owned by Bank of America, 
N. A. (“BANA”). The Warrants entitled BANA to acquire 1.6 million shares of Tyler common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per 
share. Following court-ordered mediation, in July 2008, BANA paid us $2.0 million and we issued to BANA 801,883 restricted shares  
of Tyler common stock. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash legal settlement related to warrants charge of $9.0 million, which was  
not tax deductible.

18 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements 

are made in reliance upon safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking 

statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those 

reflected in the forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking 

statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly 

release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements. Readers should carefully review the risk factors 

described in documents we file from time to time with the SEC.

When used in this Annual Report, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” “estimates,” 

“plans,” “intends,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “projects,” “might,” “could” or the negative of such terms and 

similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Similarly, statements that describe our business 

strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions or goals also are forward-looking statements.  

OVERVIEW

General

We provide integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector, with a focus on local governments. 

We develop and market a broad line of software products and services to address the information technology (“IT”) needs of 

cities, counties, schools and other local government entities. In addition, we provide professional IT services to our customers, 

including software and hardware installation, data conversion, training and for certain customers, product modifications, 

along with continuing maintenance and support for customers using our systems. We also provide subscription-based services 

such as hosted solutions as well as property appraisal outsourcing services for taxing jurisdictions.

Our products generally automate three major functional areas:

•  Financial Management and Education;

•  Courts and Justice; and

•  Property Appraisal and Tax and Other.

We monitor and analyze several key performance indicators in order to manage our business and evaluate our financial and 

operating performance. These indicators include the following:

•  Revenues – We derive our revenues from five primary sources: sale of software licenses; subscription-based services; 

software services; maintenance and support; and appraisal services. Because the majority of the software we sell is “off-the-

shelf,” increased sales of software products generally result in incrementally higher gross margins. Thus, the most 

significant driver to our business is the number and size of software license sales. In addition, new software license sales 

generally generate implementation services revenues as well as future maintenance and support revenues, which are a 

recurring revenue source. We also monitor our customer base and churn since our maintenance and support revenue should 

increase due to our historically low customer turnover. During 2009, approximately 43% of our revenue was attributable  

to ongoing support and maintenance agreements and our customer turnover was approximately 2%.

•  Cost of Revenues and Gross Margins – Our primary cost component is personnel expenses in connection with providing 

software implementation, subscription-based services, maintenance and support, and appraisal services to our customers. 

We can improve gross margins by controlling headcount and related costs and by expanding our revenue base, especially 

from those products and services that produce incremental revenue with minimal incremental cost, such as software 

licenses, subscription-based services, and maintenance and support. Our appraisal projects are seasonal in nature, and we 

often employ appraisal personnel on a short-term basis to coincide with the life of a project. As of December 31, 2009,  

our total employee count increased to 2,018 from 1,940 at December 31, 2008. Approximately a third of these additions 

were to our implementation and support staff, including additions that increased our capacity to deliver our backlog.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

19

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

•  Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses – The primary components of SG&A expense are administrative 

and sales personnel salaries and commissions, marketing expense, share-based compensation expense, rent and 

professional fees. Sales commissions generally fluctuate with revenues but other administrative expenses tend to grow at a 

slower rate than revenues.

•  Liquidity and Cash Flows – The primary driver of our cash flows is net income. Uses of cash include acquisitions, capital 

investments in property and equipment and the discretionary purchases of treasury stock. In 2009, we purchased  

1.2 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $17.0 million. We also paid $1.3 million for 

common stock repurchases accrued as of December 31, 2008. During 2009 we used cash of $2.9 million to acquire two 

companies and invested $12.4 million in property and equipment. Our investment in property and equipment included 

$9.4 million for an office building and we expect to pay the final retainage payment of $1.8 million for this office building 

by mid-2010. We also paid-down $8.0 million on our short-term revolving line of credit. Our working capital needs are 

fairly stable throughout the year with the significant components of cash outflows being payment of personnel expenses 

offset by cash inflows representing collection of accounts receivable and cash receipts from customers in advance of 

revenue being earned.

•  Balance Sheet – Cash, accounts receivable and days sales outstanding and deferred revenue balances are important 

indicators of our business.

Acquisitions

On July 16, 2009, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of KPL, Inc. d/b/a Parker-Lowe & Associates (“Parker-

Lowe”) for $700,000 in cash. Parker-Lowe provides scanning and retrieval software and related services for land record and 

social services offices in local governments primarily in the North Carolina area. This acquisition was accounted for as a 

purchase of a business.

On April 3, 2009, we completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of Assessment Evaluation Services, Inc. (“AES”). 

AES develops integrated property appraisal solutions and specializes in applications that deal with the unique provisions of 

the California Revenue and Taxation Code. The purchase price was approximately $1.1 million in cash.

In connection with these transactions we acquired total tangible assets of approximately $480,000 and assumed total 

liabilities of approximately $835,000, including $450,000 for contingent consideration for which we have paid $38,000 as 

of December 31, 2009. We recorded goodwill of approximately $1.3 million, all of which is expected to be deductible for  

tax purposes, and other intangible assets of approximately $820,000. The $820,000 of intangible assets is attributable to 

acquired software and customer relationships that will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 9 years. 

Our balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 reflects the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities 

assumed based on their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition.

The operating results of these acquisitions are included in our results of operations since the date of acquisition. We believe 

these acquisitions will complement our business by expanding our presence in certain geographic areas and adding to our 

customer base.

In the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we also paid approximately $1.1 million for certain software assets to 

complement our tax and appraisal solutions and our student information management solutions.

Outlook

The financial market crisis has continued to disrupt credit and equity markets worldwide. Broad economic conditions remain 

uncertain and public sector entities continue to experience pressures that are reflected in longer than normal decision 

processes. Local and state governments may face financial pressures that could in turn affect our growth rate in the first 

quarter of 2010 and for the calendar year. While market conditions are not robust, we have great stability from the foundation 

of recurring revenues and high customer retention. Our base of recurring revenues from maintenance and support and 

subscription-based services is approximately 49% of total revenues. Consistent with our historical trends, we expect that first 

quarter 2010 earnings will not reach the level achieved in the fourth quarter of 2009 and will likely be below last year’s  

first quarter earnings. We also expect that in excess of 60% of our annual earnings will occur in the second half of 2010.

20 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which 

have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The 

preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of 

assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues, cost of revenues and expenses 

during the reporting period, and related disclosure of contingencies. The Notes to the Financial Statements included as  

part of this Annual Report describe our significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial statements. 

Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the application of the percentage-of-completion and 

proportionate performance methods of revenue recognition, the carrying amount and estimated useful lives of intangible 

assets, determination of share-based compensation expense and valuation allowance for receivables. We base our estimates 

on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the 

results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily 

apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We believe the following critical accounting policies require significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our 

financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenues in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ ASC”) 

605, Revenue Recognition and ASC 985-605, Software Revenue Recognition. Our revenues are derived from sales of software 

licenses, subscription-based services, appraisal services, maintenance and support, and services that typically range from 

installation, training and basic consulting to software modification and customization to meet specific customer needs. For 

multiple element software arrangements, which do not entail the performance of services that are considered essential to the 

functionality of the software, we generally record revenue when the delivered products or performed services result in a legally 

enforceable and non-refundable claim. We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and sales adjustments, which are provided 

at the time the revenue is recognized. Because most of our customers are governmental entities, we rarely incur a loss resulting 

from the inability of a customer to make required payments. In a limited number of cases, we encounter a customer who is 

dissatisfied with some aspect of the software product or our service, and we may offer a “concession” to such customer. In those 

limited situations where we grant a concession, we rarely reduce the contract arrangement fee, but alternatively may perform 

additional services, such as additional training or programming a minor feature the customer had in their prior software solution. 

These amounts have historically been nominal. In connection with our customer contracts and the adequacy of related 

allowances and measures of progress towards contract completion, our project managers are charged with the responsibility to 

continually review the status of each customer on a specific contract basis. Also, we review, on at least a quarterly basis, 

significant past due accounts receivable and the adequacy of related reserves. Events or changes in circumstances that indicate 

that the carrying amount for the allowances for doubtful accounts and sales adjustments may require revision, include, but  

are not limited to, deterioration of a customer’s financial condition, failure to manage our customer’s expectations regarding the 

scope of the services to be delivered, and defects or errors in new versions or enhancements of our software products.

We use contract accounting, primarily the percentage-of-completion method, as discussed in ASC 605-35, Construction — 

Type and Certain Production — Type Contracts, for those software arrangements that involve significant production, modification 

or customization of the software, or where our software services are otherwise considered essential to the functionality of the 

software. We measure progress-to-completion primarily using labor hours incurred, or value added. In addition, we recognize 

revenue using the proportionate performance method of revenue recognition for our property appraisal projects, some of which 

can range up to five years. These methods rely on estimates of total expected contract revenue, billings and collections and 

expected contract costs, as well as measures of progress toward completion. We believe reasonably dependable estimates of 

revenue and costs and progress applicable to various stages of a contract can be made. At times, we perform additional and/or 

non-contractual services for little to no incremental fee to satisfy customer expectations. If changes occur in delivery, 

productivity or other factors used in developing our estimates of expected costs or revenues, we revise our cost and revenue 

estimates, and any revisions are charged to income in the period in which the facts that give rise to that revision first 

become known. In connection with these and certain other contracts, we may perform the work prior to when the services are 

billable and/or payable pursuant to the contract. The termination clauses in most of our contracts provide for the payment  

for the fair value of products delivered and services performed in the event of an early termination.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

21

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

For subscription-based services such as application service provider arrangements and other hosting arrangements, we 

evaluate whether each of the elements in these arrangements represents a separate unit of accounting, as defined by ASC 

605-25, Multiple Element Arrangements, using all applicable facts and circumstances, including whether (i) we sell or could 

readily sell the element unaccompanied by the other elements, (ii) the element has stand-alone value to the customer,  

(iii) there is objective reliable evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item, and (iv) there is a general right of return. 

We consider the applicability of ASC 605-55-121 and 122 with respect to arrangements that include the right to use software 

stored on another entity’s hardware on a contract-by-contract basis. In hosted term-based agreements, where the customer 

does not have the contractual right to take possession of the software, hosting fees are recognized on a monthly basis over the 

term of the contract commencing when the customer has access to the software. For professional services associated with 

hosting arrangements that we determine do not have stand-alone value to the customer, we recognize the services revenue 

ratably over the remaining contractual period once hosting has gone live and we may begin billing for the hosting services. 

We record amounts that have been invoiced in accounts receivable and in deferred revenue or revenues, depending on 

whether the revenue recognition criteria have been met.

In connection with certain of our contracts, we have recorded retentions receivable or unbilled receivables consisting of costs 

and estimated profit in excess of billings as of the balance sheet date. Many of the contracts which give rise to unbilled 

receivables at a given balance sheet date are subject to billings in the subsequent accounting period. Management reviews 

unbilled receivables and related contract provisions to ensure we are justified in recognizing revenue prior to billing the 

customer and that we have objective evidence which allows us to recognize such revenue. In addition, we have a sizable 

amount of deferred revenue which represents billings in excess of revenue earned. The majority of this liability consists of 

maintenance billings for which payments are made in advance and the revenue is ratably earned over the maintenance period, 

generally one year. We also have deferred revenue for those contracts in which we receive a deposit and the conditions in 

which to record revenue for the service or product has not been met. On a periodic basis, we review by customer the detail 

components of our deferred revenue to ensure our accounting remains appropriate.

Intangible Assets and Goodwill. Our business acquisitions typically result in the creation of goodwill and other intangible 

asset balances, and these balances affect the amount and timing of future period amortization expense, as well as expense we 

could possibly incur as a result of an impairment charge. The cost of acquired companies is allocated to identifiable tangible 

and intangible assets based on estimated fair value, with the excess allocated to goodwill. Accordingly, we have a significant 

balance of acquisition date intangible assets, including software, customer related intangibles, trade name and goodwill.  

In addition, we capitalize software development costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of technological feasibility. 

These intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives. All intangible assets with definite and indefinite  

lives are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount 

of an asset may not be recoverable.

Recoverability of goodwill is generally measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to its fair value, generally 

determined by estimated future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. We evaluate goodwill for impairment 

annually as of April, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the 

carrying amount exceeds the asset’s fair value. The fair values calculated in our impairment tests are determined using 

discounted cash flow models involving several assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, anticipated 

operating income growth rates, our long-term anticipated operating income growth rate and the discount rate. Our cash flow 

forecasts are based on assumptions that are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying 

businesses. The assumptions that are used are based upon what we believe a hypothetical marketplace participant would use 

in estimating fair value. We have identified two reporting units for impairment testing. Our reporting units are the same as  

our reportable segments and consistent with the reporting units tested for impairment in prior years. Assets, liabilities and 

goodwill have been assigned to reporting units based on assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition.  

We evaluate the reasonableness of the fair value calculations of our reporting units by comparing the total of the fair value of 

all of our reporting units to our total market capitalization. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe to be 

reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain.

22 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Recoverability of other intangible assets is generally measured by comparison of the carrying amount to estimated 

undiscounted future cash flows. The assessment of recoverability or of the estimated useful life for amortization purposes will 

be affected if the timing or the amount of estimated future operating cash flows is not achieved. Such indicators may 

include, among others: a significant decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in stock price and 

market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition;  

and reductions in growth rates. In addition, products, capabilities, or technologies developed by others may render our 

software products obsolete or non-competitive. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the 

recoverability of goodwill or other intangible assets.

Our annual goodwill impairment analysis, which we performed during the second quarter of 2009, did not result in an 

impairment charge. During 2009 we did not identify any triggering events which would require an update to our annual 

impairment. A hypothetical 10% decrease in the fair value of either of our reporting units as of December 31, 2009 would 

have had no impact on the carrying value of our goodwill.

Share-Based Compensation. We have a stock option plan that provides for the grant of stock options to key employees, 

directors and non-employee consultants. We estimate the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using the 

Black-Scholes option valuation model. Share-based compensation expense includes the estimated effects of forfeitures, which 

will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ from such 

estimates.  Changes in estimated forfeitures are recognized in the period of change and will also impact the amount of 

expense to be recognized in future periods. Forfeiture rate assumptions are derived from historical data. We estimate stock 

price volatility at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of our common stock.  Estimated option life is determined 

using the “simplified method” in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 110. Determining the appropriate fair-value 

model and calculating the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment, including 

estimating stock price volatility, expected option life and forfeiture rates.

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND OTHER

The following discussion compares the historical results of operations on a basis consistent with GAAP for the years ended 

December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

2009 Compared to 2008

Revenues

The following table sets forth a comparison of the key components of our revenues for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Software licenses 

Subscriptions 

Software services 

Maintenance 

Appraisal services 

Hardware and other 

Total revenues 

Change

2009 

% of Total 

2008 

% of Total 

$ 

$  42,131 

  17,181 

  80,405 

  124,512 

  18,740 

7,317 

  15% 

$  41,490 

  16% 

6 

  28 

  43 

6 

2 

  14,374 

  74,997 

  107,458 

  19,098 

7,684 

5 

  28 

  41 

7 

3 

$ 

641 

  2,807 

  5,408 

  17,054 

(358) 

(367) 

%

  2%

  20

  7

  16

(2)

(5)

$ 290,286 

  100% 

$ 265,101 

  100% 

$ 25,185 

  10%

Software licenses. Software license revenues consist of the following components for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2009 

% of Total 

2008 

% of Total 

$ 

%

Change

Financial management and education 

Courts and justice 

Appraisal and tax and other 

$  25,708 

  13,801 

2,622 

  33 

6 

  61% 

$  29,124 

  70% 

$ (3,416) 

  (12)%

  10,128 

  24 

  3,673 

2,238 

6 

384 

641 

  36

  17

  2%

Total software license revenues 

$  42,131 

  100% 

$  41,490 

  100% 

$ 

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

In 2009 we signed 74 large new contracts with average software license fees of approximately $307,000, compared to 72 

large new contracts signed in 2008 with average software license fees of approximately $311,000. We consider contracts with 

a license fee component of $100,000 or more to be large. Although a contract is signed in a particular year, the year in  

which the revenue is recognized may be different because we recognize revenue according to our revenue recognition policy as 

described in Note 1 in the Notes to Financial Statements.

Changes in software license revenues consist of the following components:

•  Software license revenue related to our financial management and education solutions declined $3.4 million compared to 

the prior year. We acquired several student information and financial management solutions for K-12 schools from 

January through August 2008. Excluding the impact of these acquisitions software license revenue would have declined 

$4.3 million. The decline was due to several factors. In 2009 our sales cycle to negotiate and close contracts which  

have reached the request for proposal phase lengthened slightly mainly due to budgetary constraints related to declining 

economic conditions. As a result the purchasing processes for some of our customers have been extended to include  

more approval and documentation requirements. The software installation period for most of our financial management and 

education solutions is relatively short and delays in the timing of signing new contracts will impact our results in the  

short term. In addition, a few contracts have included requirements to construct interfaces to existing systems or other 

essential functionality which results in recognizing revenue over a longer period of time. While we expect to continue  

to experience longer than normal sales cycles in 2010 and continued weakness through mid-2010, we currently expect 

financial management and education solutions software license revenues for 2010 to be slightly higher than 2009.

•  Software license revenue related to our courts and justice software solutions increased $3.7 million in 2009 compared to 

2008. Both 2009 and 2008 included approximately $1.7 million of revenue from contracts which had been deferred in 

accordance with the terms of these contracts. Courts and justice software license revenues were higher in 2009 due to 

contract arrangements that included more software license revenue than in the comparable prior year periods, slight price 

increases and improved installation processes as our primary courts and justice solution matures. In addition approximately 

$1.0 million of the increase related to achieving certain milestones for several contracts. We do not expect similar large 

adjustments to courts and justice software solutions revenue in 2010 due to recognition of revenue previously deferred in 

accordance with contract language. Therefore we currently expect courts and justice software solutions software license 

revenue in 2010 to increase at a much slower rate compared to 2009.

Subscriptions. Subscription-based services revenue primarily consists of revenues derived from application service provider 

(“ASP”) arrangements and other hosted service offerings, software subscriptions and disaster recovery services. ASP and other 

software subscription agreements are typically for periods of three to six years and automatically renew unless either party 

cancels the agreement. Disaster recovery and miscellaneous other hosted service agreements are typically renewable annually. 

New customers for ASP and other hosted service offerings as well as existing customers who converted to our ASP model 

provided the majority of the subscription revenue increase with the remaining increase due to slightly higher rates for disaster 

recovery services. In June 2008, as a result of changes in its technology organization, one customer terminated its ASP 

arrangement with us and elected, as provided in the ASP contract, to purchase the software instead. This contract contributed 

approximately $450,000 of subscription revenue in each of the first two quarters of 2008.

Software services. Changes in software services revenues consist of the following components:

•  Software services revenue related to financial management and education solutions, which comprise approximately 60% of 

our software services revenue in the periods presented, increased 5% compared to 2008. We acquired several student 

information and financial management solutions for K-12 schools from January through August 2008. Excluding the impact 

of these acquisitions, software services revenue increased 3%, which was mainly due to additions to our implementation 

and support staff as well as leverage in the utilization of our implementation and support staff.

•  Software services revenue related to courts and justice solutions comprise approximately 30% of our software services revenues 

in the periods presented and increased 21% compared to 2008. These increases reflect our increased capacity to deliver backlog 

following additions to our implementation and support staff and slightly higher rates on some arrangements. Also, increased 

contract volume in our municipal courts software solutions, primarily in Texas, generated higher related services revenue.

24 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Maintenance. We provide maintenance and support services for our software products and third party software. Maintenance 

revenues increased 16% in 2009 compared to 2008. Maintenance and support services grew 14% in 2009, excluding the 

impact of acquisitions. This increase was due to growth in our installed customer base and slightly higher maintenance rates 

on most of our product lines.

Appraisal services. Appraisal services revenue declined 2% in 2009 compared to 2008. The appraisal services business is 

somewhat cyclical and driven in part by statutory revaluation cycles in various states. We substantially completed several large 

appraisal projects mid-2009. We began several new revaluation contracts late 2009 and as a result currently expect appraisal 

revenues to increase slightly in 2010.

Cost of Revenues and Gross Margins

The following table sets forth a comparison of the key components of our cost of revenues and those components stated as a 

percentage of related revenues for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Software licenses 

Acquired software 

Appraisal services 

Hardware and other 

Total cost of revenues 

Software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

  137,199 

2009 

% of Related
 Revenues 

2008 

% of Related
Revenues 

Change

$ 

%

$  5,440 

  13% 

$  9,224 

  22% 

$ (3,784) 

  (41)%

1,411 

  11,518 

5,955 

3 

  62 

  61 

  81 

1,799 

  126,247 

  12,251 

5,793 

4 

  64 

  64 

  75 

(388) 

  10,952 

(733) 

162 

  (22)

  9

(6)

 3

$ 161,523 

  56% 

$ 155,314 

  59% 

$  6,209 

  4%

The following table sets forth a comparison of gross margin percentage by revenue type for the periods presented for the 

following years ended December 31:

Gross Margin Percentages 

Software licenses and acquired software 

Software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

Appraisal services 

Hardware and other 

  Overall gross margin 

2009 

2008 

Change

83.7% 

73.4% 

10.3%

38.2 

38.5 

18.6 

35.9 

35.9 

24.6 

44.4% 

41.4% 

2.3

2.6

(6.0)

3.0%

Software license and acquired software. Amortization expense for capitalized development costs on certain software products 

comprised approximately 15% of our cost of software license revenues in 2009 compared to approximately 50% of our cost  

of software license in 2008. The remaining balance is made up of third party software costs. Once a product is released, we 

begin to amortize, over the estimated useful life of the product, any capitalized costs associated with its development. 

Amortization expense is determined on a product-by-product basis at an annual rate not less than straight-line basis over the 

product’s estimated life, which is generally five years. Development costs consist mainly of personnel costs, such as salary  

and benefits paid to our developers, and rent for related office space.

Cost of acquired software includes amortization expense for software acquired through acquisitions. We completed several 

acquisitions in the period 2007 through 2009 and these costs are being amortized over a weighted average period of 

approximately 5 years. In late 2008 software associated with one significant acquisition completed in December 2003 

became fully amortized.

In 2009, our software license gross margin percentage rose significantly compared to the prior year periods because several 

products became fully amortized in late 2008, as did software acquired related to a significant acquisition in December 2003. 

We did not capitalize any internal software development costs in 2009 or 2008.

Software services, maintenance and subscription-based services. Cost of software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

primarily consists of personnel costs related to installation of our software, conversion of customer data, training customer 

personnel and support activities and various other services such as ASP and disaster recovery. In 2009, the software services, 

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

maintenance and subscriptions gross margin increased compared to the prior year partly because maintenance and various 

other services such as ASP and disaster recovery costs typically grow at a slower rate than related revenues due to leverage in 

the utilization of our support and maintenance staff and economies of scale. We have increased our implementation and 

support staff for both the financial management and education solutions and courts and justice solutions by 51employees 

since 2008 in order to expand our capacity to implement our contract backlog. This increase was offset somewhat by 24 

fewer employees for appraisal and tax solutions. The software services, maintenance and subscription-based services gross 

margin also benefited from slightly higher rates for certain services.

Appraisal services. Our appraisal gross margin increased compared to 2008 as the result of cost savings and operational 

efficiencies experienced on an unusually complex project. A high proportion of the costs of appraisal services revenue are 

variable, as we often hire temporary employees to assist in appraisal projects whose term of employment generally ends with 

the projects’ completion.

Our blended gross margin for 2009 was higher than 2008 due to lower amortization expense of software development costs 

described above. The gross margin also benefited from leverage in the utilization of our support and maintenance staff and 

economies of scale and slightly higher rates on certain services.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, travel, share-based 

compensation expense, commissions and related overhead costs for administrative and sales and marketing employees as well 

as, professional fees, trade show activities, advertising costs and other marketing related costs. The following table sets 

forth a comparison of our SG&A expenses for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2009 

% of Revenues 

2008 

% of Revenues 

$ 

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses 

$ 70,115 

  24% 

$ 62,923 

  24% 

$ 7,192 

  11%

Change

The increase in SG&A expenses included higher share-based compensation expense, commission costs and marketing 

expenses. Marketing expenses in 2009 include costs associated with the launch of a new corporate branding initiative. Our 

SG&A employee count increased 4% from 2008.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits and related overhead costs associated 

with product development and enhancements and upgrades provided to existing customers under maintenance plans. The 

following table sets forth a comparison of our research and development expense for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2009 

% of Revenues 

2008 

% of Revenues 

$ 

%

Research and development expense  

$ 11,159 

4% 

$ 7,286 

3% 

$ 3,873 

  53%

Change

Research and development expense consist mainly of costs associated with the Microsoft Dynamics AX project, in addition to 

costs associated with other new product development efforts. We have increased our research and development staff by 72 

employees since 2008. In January 2007, we entered into a Software Development and License Agreement, which provided  

for a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) to jointly develop core public sector functionality for Microsoft 

Dynamics AX to address the accounting needs of public sector organizations worldwide. In September 2007, Tyler and 

Microsoft signed an amendment to the Software Development and License Agreement, which grants Microsoft intellectual 

property rights in and to certain portions of the software code provided and developed by Tyler into Microsoft Dynamics AX 

products to be marketed and sold outside of the public sector in exchange for reimbursement payments to partially offset  

the research and development costs.

In 2009 and 2008, we offset our research and development expense by $3.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, which 

were the amounts earned under the terms of our agreement with Microsoft. In September 2008, Tyler and Microsoft signed a 

26 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

statement of work under the Amended Software Development and License Agreement for which we currently expect to recognize 

offsets to our research and development expense by approximately $850,000 each quarter through the end of 2010. In addition, 

in October 2009, the scope of the project was further expanded that will result in additional offsets to research and development 

expense, varying in amount from quarter to quarter, with the first payment to be invoiced on August 31, 2010 and invoiced 

quarterly through March 31, 2012 for a total of approximately $6.2 million. The actual amount and timing of future research 

and development costs and related reimbursements and whether they are capitalized or expensed may vary.

Non-Cash Legal Settlement Related to Warrants

On June 27, 2008, we settled outstanding litigation related to the Warrants owned by Bank of America, N. A. (“ BANA”).  

As disclosed in prior SEC filings, the Warrants entitled BANA to acquire 1.6 million shares of Tyler common stock at an 

exercise price of $2.50 per share. Following court-ordered mediation, in July 2008, BANA paid us $2.0 million and we issued 

to BANA 801,883 restricted shares of Tyler common stock. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash legal settlement related to 

warrants charge of $9.0 million, which was not tax deductible.

Amortization of Customer and Trade Name Intangibles

Acquisition intangibles are comprised of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired 

that is allocated to acquired software and customer and trade name intangibles. The remaining excess purchase price is 

allocated to goodwill that is not subject to amortization. Amortization expense related to acquired software is included with 

cost of revenues, while amortization expense of customer and trade name intangibles is recorded as other operating expense. 

The estimated useful lives of both customer and trade name intangibles are 5 to 25 years. The following table sets forth a 

comparison of amortization of customer and trade name intangibles for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2009 

2008 

$ 

%

Amortization of customer and trade name intangibles   

$ 2,705 

$ 2,438 

$ 267 

  11%

Change

In 2009 we completed several acquisitions and purchased certain software assets to complement our tax and appraisal 

solutions and our student information management solutions. These transactions increased amortizable customer and trade 

name intangibles by approximately $625,000. This amount will be amortized over approximately 10 years.

Estimated annual amortization expense relating to customer and trade name acquisition intangibles, excluding acquired 

software for which the amortization expense is recorded as cost of revenues, for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

$ 2,654

  2,638

  2,586

  2,427

  2,426

Other

Other (expense) income in 2009 and 2008 includes non-usage and other fees associated with a credit agreement entered  

into in October 2008. Other income in 2008 also included $1.1 million of interest income which declined due to significantly 

lower invested cash balances in 2009. Our invested cash balances declined due to purchases of treasury stock and 

investments in office facilities in late 2008 and 2009.

Income Tax Provision

The following table sets forth a comparison of our income tax provision for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Income tax provision 

Effective income tax rate 

Change

2009 

2008 

$ 

%

$ 17,628 

$ 14,414 

$ 3,214 

  22%

39.5% 

49.2%

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Our effective income tax rate declined compared to 2008 mainly due to a non-cash legal settlement related to warrants 

charge of $9.0 million in 2008, which was not deductible. In addition to the impact of the non-deductible non-cash legal 

settlement charge in 2008, the effective income tax rate for both years were different from the statutory United States  

federal income tax rate of 35% due to state income taxes, non-deductible share-based compensation expense, the qualified 

manufacturing activities deduction, and non-deductible meals and entertainment costs.

Approximately 40% of our stock option awards qualify as incentive stock options (“ISOs”) for income tax purposes. As such,  

a tax benefit is not recorded at the time the compensation cost related to the options is recorded for book purposes due  

to the fact that an ISO does not ordinarily result in a tax benefit unless there is a disqualifying disposition. Non-qualified 

stock options result in the creation of a deferred tax asset, which is a temporary difference, until the time that the option is 

exercised. Due to the treatment of ISOs for tax purposes, our effective tax rate from year to year is subject to variability.

2008 Compared to 2007

Revenues

The following table sets forth a comparison of the key components of our revenues for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Software licenses 

Subscriptions 

Software services 

Maintenance 

Appraisal services 

Hardware and other 

Total revenues 

Change

2008 

 % of Total 

2007 

% of Total 

$ 

$  41,490 

  16% 

$  35,063 

  16% 

  14,374 

  74,997 

  107,458 

  19,098 

7,684 

5 

  28 

  41 

7 

3 

  10,406 

  60,283 

  85,411 

  21,318 

7,315 

5 

  27 

  39 

  10 

3 

$  6,427 

  3,968 

  14,714 

  22,047 

  (2,220) 

369 

%

  18%

  38

  24

  26

  (10)

  5

$ 265,101 

  100% 

$ 219,796 

  100% 

$ 45,305 

  21%

Software licenses. Software license revenues consist of the following components for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2008 

 % of Total 

2007 

% of Total 

$ 

Change

Financial management and education 

Courts and justice 

Appraisal and tax and other 

Total software license revenues 

$ 29,124 

  10,128 

  2,238 

$ 41,490 

  70% 

  24 

6 

  100% 

$ 27,236 

  5,987 

  1,840 

$ 35,063 

  78% 

  17 

5 

$ 1,888 

  4,141 

398 

  100% 

$ 6,427 

  18%

%

  7%

  69

  22

Changes in software license revenues consist of the following components:

•  Software license revenue related to our financial management and education solutions for 2008 increased 7% compared to 

the prior year. Revenue from student information management solutions as well as student transportation management 

solutions acquired in the last twelve months contributed substantially to the increase. The remaining increase was mainly 

due to contract arrangements that included more software license revenue than in the past.

•  Software license revenue related to our courts and justice software solutions increased 69% for 2008 compared to the prior 

year. New statewide contracts in Indiana and New Mexico contributed approximately two-thirds of the increase. The 

remaining increase was primarily due to an expanded presence in the markets for municipal courts software solutions and 

public safety software solutions.

Subscriptions. New ASP customers and existing customers converting to ASP arrangements provided the majority of the 

subscription revenue increase with the remaining increase due to new disaster recovery customers and slightly higher rates for 

disaster recovery services.

28 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Software services. Changes in software services revenues consist of the following components:

•  Software services revenue related to financial management and education solutions, which comprises slightly more than 

half of our software services revenue in the years presented, increased substantially compared to 2007. This increase was 

driven in part by increased capacity to deliver backlog following additions to our implementation and support staff since 

2007 and due to larger and more complex contracts, which include more programming and project management services. 

In addition, we acquired a student transportation management solution in January 2008 which contributed approximately 

$3.9 million to software service revenues in 2008. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, we added approximately  

95 employees to our financial management and education implementation and training staff during 2008.

•  Software services revenue related to our courts and justice solutions experienced strong increases compared to 2007, 

reflecting increased capacity to deliver backlog following additions to our implementation and support staff since 

mid-2007. In addition, increased contract volume for municipal courts software solutions and public safety software 

solutions also generated higher related services revenue. We added approximately 12 employees to our courts and  

justice implementation and training staff during 2008.

Maintenance. Maintenance revenues increased 26% in 2008 compared to 2007. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, 

maintenance and support services grew 16% in 2008. This increase was due to growth in our installed customer base and 

slightly higher maintenance rates on most of our product lines.

Appraisal services. Appraisal services revenue declined 10% in 2008 compared to 2007. In late 2007, we substantially 

completed several projects related to the Ohio revaluation cycle, which occurs every six years, as well as a few other large 

contracts. Appraisal revenues for the first six months of 2008 were down 23% compared to the first six months of 2007.  

In mid-2008 we began a complete reappraisal of real property in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. As a result of this contract and 

an overall increase in contract volume, appraisal revenues for the last six months of 2008 increased 4% over the last six 

months of 2007.

Cost of Revenues and Gross Margins

The following table sets forth a comparison of the key components of our cost of revenues and those components stated as a 

percentage of related revenues for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Software licenses 

Acquired software 

Appraisal services 

Hardware and other 

Total cost of revenues 

Software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

  126,247 

2008 

% of Related
 Revenues 

2007 

% of Related
Revenues 

Change

$ 

%

$  9,224 

  22% 

$  7,953 

  23% 

$  1,271 

  16%

1,799 

  12,251 

5,793 

4 

  64 

  64 

  75 

2,279 

  104,993 

  14,467 

5,679 

7 

  67 

  68 

  78 

(480) 

  21,254 

  (2,216) 

  (21)

  20

  (15)

114 

 2

$ 155,314 

  59% 

$ 135,371 

  62% 

$ 19,943 

  15%

The following table sets forth a comparison of gross margin percentage by revenue type for the periods presented for the 

following years ended December 31:

Gross Margin Percentages 

Software licenses and acquired software 

Software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

Appraisal services 

Hardware and other 

Overall gross margin 

2008 

2007 

Change

73.4% 

70.8% 

  2.6%

35.9 

35.9 

24.6 

32.7 

32.1 

22.4 

  3.2

  3.8

  2.2

41.4% 

38.4% 

  3.0%

Software license. In 2008, our software license gross margin percentage rose compared to the prior year mainly due to strong 

license fee revenue increases. Because approximately one-half of our cost of software license revenues in both periods is 

comprised of amortization of capitalized development costs, increased license fee revenues inherently result in higher gross margins.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Software services, maintenance and subscription-based services. In 2008, the software services, maintenance and 

subscriptions gross margin increased compared to the prior year partly because maintenance and various other services such 

as ASP and disaster recovery costs typically grow at a slower rate than related revenues due to leverage in the utilization  

of our support and maintenance staff and economies of scale. We increased our implementation and support staff by 215 

employees during 2008 in order to expand our capacity to implement our contract backlog. This increase includes  

102 employees related to acquisitions completed in 2008.

Appraisal services. Our appraisal gross margin for 2008 was higher than the prior year due to cost savings associated with a 

significant complex reappraisal project.

Our blended gross margin in 2008 was higher than the prior year in large part due to leverage in the utilization of our support 

and maintenance staff and economies of scale, with resulting increases in gross margin for each revenue category.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table sets forth a comparison of our SG&A expenses for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2008 

% of Revenues 

2007 

% of Revenues 

$ 

%

Selling, general and administrative expenses 

$ 62,923 

  24% 

$ 51,724 

  24% 

$ 11,199 

  22%

Change

Excluding the impact of acquisitions, our SG&A employee count increased 9% during 2008.

Research and Development Expense

The following table sets forth a comparison of our research and development expense for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2008 

% of Revenues 

2007 

% of Revenues 

$ 

%

Research and development expense  

$ 7,286 

3% 

$ 4,443 

2% 

$ 2,843 

  64%

Change

Research and development expense consist mainly of costs associated with the Microsoft Dynamics AX project, in addition to 

costs associated with other new product development efforts. In 2008 and 2007, we offset our research and development 

expense by $1.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, which were the amounts earned under the terms of our research and 

development agreement with Microsoft.

Non-Cash Legal Settlement Related to Warrants

On June 27, 2008, we settled outstanding litigation related to the Warrants owned by BANA. The Warrants entitled BANA to 

acquire 1.6 million shares of Tyler common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. Following court-ordered mediation, 

in July 2008, BANA paid us $2.0 million and we issued to BANA 801,883 restricted shares of Tyler common stock. 

Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash legal settlement related to warrants charge of $9.0 million, which was not tax deductible.

Amortization of Customer and Trade Name Intangibles

The following table sets forth a comparison of amortization of customer and trade name intangibles for the following years 

ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

2008 

2007 

$ 

%

Change

Amortization of customer and trade name intangibles   

$ 2,438 

$ 1,478 

$ 960 

  65%

In 2008, we completed three acquisitions, which increased amortizable customer and trade name intangibles by $12.3 million.

30 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Other

Interest income was the main component of other income in both 2008 and 2007. Other income in 2008 also includes 

non-usage and other fees associated with a credit agreement entered into in October 2008. Interest income in 2008 was  

$1.1 million compared to $1.8 million in 2007. Interest income declined due to lower invested cash balances and slightly lower 

interest rates. Our invested cash balances declined due to purchases of treasury stock and investments in office facilities in 2008.

Income Tax Provision

The following table sets forth a comparison of our income tax provision for the following years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Income tax provision 

Effective income tax rate 

Change

2008 

2007 

$ 

%

$ 14,414 

$ 11,079 

$ 3,335 

  30%

49.2% 

38.8%

Our effective income tax rate increased approximately twelve points compared to the prior year due to a non-cash legal 

settlement related to warrants charge of $9.0 million, which was not deductible. The effective income tax rates were different 

from the statutory United States federal income tax rate of 35% primarily due to non-cash legal settlement related to 

warrants charge which was not deductible, as well as state income taxes, non-deductible share-based compensation expense, 

the qualified manufacturing activities deduction, and non-deductible meals and entertainment costs.

BUSINESS SEGMENT DISCUSSION

Enterprise Software Solutions

Revenue 

Gross margin 

Gross margin percentage 

Segment operating income 

2009 

% Change 

2008 

% Change 

2007

$ 250,059 

  11% 

$ 225,887 

  24% 

$ 182,065

$ 114,309 

46% 

$  97,214 

43% 

$  71,684

39%

$  55,639 

  17% 

$  47,698 

  37% 

$  34,833

In 2009 software license revenues were flat compared to 2008. Growth in recurring revenues from subscription-based services 

and maintenance experienced a 14% increase, excluding the impact of acquisitions, and was the primary factor for the 

increase in overall revenue and segment operating income for the Enterprise Software Solutions segment. This increase was 

due to growth in our installed customer base and slightly higher maintenance rates on most of our product lines. New 

customers for ASP and other hosted service offerings as well as existing customers converting to ASP arrangements and 

slightly higher rates for disaster recovery services also contributed to this increase. The gross margin and segment operating 

income rose in 2009 due to lower amortization expense of software development costs. The gross margin and segment 

operating income also benefited from leverage in the utilization of our support and maintenance staff and economies of scale 

and slightly higher rates on certain services.

In 2008 software license revenues were 18% higher than 2007 mainly due to higher courts and justice contract volume as a 

result of an expanded presence in Indiana and New Mexico. 2008 software license revenue also benefitted from student 

information management solutions and transportation solutions acquired in early 2008. Excluding the impact of acquisitions 

in 2008, revenues from subscription-based arrangements and maintenance grew by 19% compared to 2007 primarily due to 

growth in our customer base. Our gross margin and segment operating income in 2008 was higher than 2007 in large part due 

to leverage in the utilization of our support and maintenance staff and economies of scale and higher software license revenues.

Appraisal and Tax Software Solutions and Services

Revenue 

Gross margin 

Gross margin percentage 

Segment operating income 

2009 

% Change 

2008 

% Change 

2007

$ 40,776 

$ 15,489 

38% 

5% 

$ 38,868 

$ 13,231 

34% 

1% 

$ 38,649

$ 12,966

34%

$  6,949 

  28% 

$  5,448 

8% 

$  5,040

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

In 2009 overall revenues for the Appraisal and Tax Software Solutions and Services segment increased compared to 2008 

mainly due to a 16% increase in subscription-based arrangements and maintenance due to growth in our customer base and 

slightly higher rates. Excluding the results of acquisitions, subscription-based arrangements and maintenance increased 

15% compared to 2008. This increase was offset slightly by 2% lower appraisal services. The appraisal services business is 

somewhat cyclical and driven in part by scheduled revaluation cycles in various states. We substantially completed several 

large appraisal projects mid-2009. Our appraisal gross margin and segment operating income increased compared to 2008 as 

the result of cost savings and operational efficiencies experienced on an unusually complex appraisal project. A high 

proportion of the costs of appraisal services revenue are variable, as we often hire temporary employees to assist in appraisal 

projects whose term of employment generally ends with the projects’ completion.

Overall appraisal and tax revenues in 2008 were flat compared to 2007. Although maintenance revenues increased 8%, 

appraisal services revenues declined 10%. In late 2007, we substantially completed several appraisal projects related to the 

Ohio revaluation cycle, which occurs every six years, as well as a few other large contracts. The gross margin for 2008 was  

flat compared to 2007 due to cost savings associated with a significant complex reappraisal project which offset declines from 

lower contract volume.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

As of December 31, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash equivalents) of $15.7 million and 

current and non-current investments of $2.0 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents (including restricted cash 

equivalents) of $6.8 million and current and non-current investments of $4.6 million at December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 

2009, we had no outstanding borrowings and outstanding letters of credit totaling $7.3 million to secure surety bonds 

required by some of our customer contracts. These letters of credit expire through mid-2010.

The following table sets forth a summary of cash flows for the years ended December 31:

($ in thousands) 

Cash flows provided by (used by):

  Operating activities 

Investing activities 

  Financing activities 

  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

2009 

2008 

2007

$  42,941 

$ 47,802 

$ 34,111

  (13,658) 

(9,554) 

  (34,275)

  (21,349) 

  (46,128) 

(7,406)

$  7,934 

$  (7,880) 

$  (7,570)

Net cash provided by operating activities continues to be our primary source of funds to finance operating needs and capital 

expenditures. Other capital resources include cash on hand, public and private issuances of debt and equity securities, and 

bank borrowings. The capital and credit markets have become more volatile and tightened as a result of adverse conditions 

that have caused the failure and near failure of a number of large financial services companies. It is possible that our ability 

to access the capital and credit markets may be limited by these or other factors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we believe 

that cash provided by operating activities, cash on hand and our revolving credit agreement are sufficient to fund our working 

capital requirements, capital expenditures, income tax obligations, and share repurchases for the foreseeable future.

In 2009, operating activities provided net cash of $42.9 million, primarily generated from net income of $27.0 million, 

non-cash depreciation and amortization charges of $9.5 million, non-cash share-based compensation expense of $5.0 million 

and a decrease in working capital of $2.7 million offset slightly by a $1.7 million decrease related to deferred income taxes. 

Working capital declined due to higher accounts payable and accrued liabilities pertaining to timing of payments on vendor 

invoices and income tax liabilities and an accrued liability of $1.8 million for a retention payment related to construction  

of an office building. Other sources of working capital were deferred revenue related to December maintenance billings and a 

decrease in prepaid expenses. These working capital declines were offset somewhat by an increase in annual software 

maintenance billings as a result of growth in our installed customer base. The increase in accounts receivable was offset 

slightly by the collection of several large customer billings, one of which had been outstanding for over twelve months.

32 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

Cash flows provided by operating activities in 2008 included several advance payments from customers. In general, changes  

in the balance of deferred revenue are cyclical and primarily driven by the timing of our maintenance renewal billings.  

Our renewal dates occur throughout the year but our heaviest renewal cycles occur in the second and fourth quarters.

Non-current investments available-for-sale consist of two auction rate municipal securities (“ARS”) which are collateralized 

debt obligations supported by municipal and state agencies and do not include mortgage-backed securities. Short-term 

investments available-for-sale consists of the portion of one of these ARS which was partially redeemed at par during the 

period January 1, 2010 through February 22, 2010. These ARS are debt instruments with stated maturities ranging from  

22 to 33 years, for which the interest rate is designed to be reset through Dutch auctions approximately every 30 days. 

However, due to events in the credit markets, auctions for these securities have not occurred since February 2008. Both of 

our ARS have had very small partial redemptions at par in the period from July 2009 through February 2010. As of 

December 31, 2009 we have continued to earn and collect interest on both of our ARS. Because quoted prices in active 

markets are no longer available we determined the estimated fair values of these securities utilizing a discounted trinomial 

model. The model considers the probability of three potential occurrences for each auction event through the maturity date of 

each ARS. The three potential outcomes for each auction are (i) successful auction/early redemption, (ii) failed auction  

and (iii) issuer default. Inputs in determining the probabilities of the potential outcomes include but are not limited to, the 

securities’ collateral, credit rating, insurance, issuer’s financial standing, contractual restrictions on disposition and the 

liquidity in the market. The fair value of each ARS is determined by summing the present value of the probability-weighted 

future principal and interest payments determined by the model. Since there can be no assurances that auctions for these 

securities will be successful in the near future, we have classified our ARS as non-current investments.

In association with this estimate of fair value, we have recorded an after-tax temporary unrealized loss on our non-current ARS 

of $18,000, net of related tax effects of $10,000 in 2009, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on  

our balance sheet. The unrealized loss includes the impact of adjusting previously recorded unrealized losses of approximately 

$120,000, net of related tax effects of $65,000 as of December 31, 2008 for several ARS which were subsequently 

redeemed for $2.5 million at par during 2009.

We consider the impairment in our ARS as temporary because we do not have the intent to sell, nor is it more-likely-than-not 

that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis. We believe that this temporary decline in  

fair value is due entirely to liquidity issues, because the underlying assets of these securities are supported by municipal and 

state agencies and do not include mortgage-backed securities, have redemption features which call for redemption at 100%  

of par value and have a current credit rating of A or AAA. The ratings on the ARS take into account credit support through 

insurance policies guaranteeing each of the bonds’ payment of principal and accrued interest, if it becomes necessary. In 

addition, both ARS have had very small partial redemptions at par in the period July 2009 through February 2010. Based on 

our cash and cash equivalents balance of $15.7 million and expected operating cash flows, we do not believe a lack of 

liquidity associated with our ARS will adversely affect our ability to conduct business, and believe we have the ability to hold 

the securities throughout the currently estimated recovery period. We will continue to evaluate any changes in the market 

value of our ARS and in the future, depending upon existing market conditions, we may be required to record an other-than-

temporary decline in market value.

At December 31, 2009, our days sales outstanding (“DSOs”) were 98 days compared to DSOs of 99 days at December 31, 

2008. DSOs are calculated based on accounts receivable (excluding long-term receivables, but including unbilled receivables) 

divided by the quotient of annualized quarterly revenues divided by 360 days.

Investing activities used cash of $13.7 million in 2009 compared to $9.6 million in 2008. In connection with plans to 

consolidate our workforce and support planned long-term growth, we paid $9.4 million for construction of an office building 

and expect to pay the final retainage of $1.8 million by mid-2010. We also liquidated $2.5 million of investments in ARS  

for cash at par. In 2009 we completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of Assessment Evaluation Services, Inc. for 

$1.1 million in cash, paid $700,000 in cash for certain assets of KPL, Inc. d/b/a Parker-Lowe & Associates and acquired various 

software assets for $1.1 million in cash. Capital expenditures and acquisitions were funded from cash generated from operations.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

33

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

In 2008, we liquidated $36.4 million of ARS investments for cash at par, and we completed the acquisitions of School 

Information Systems, Inc., VersaTrans Solutions Inc. and certain assets of Olympia Computing Company, Inc. d/b/a 

Schoolmaster to expand our presence in the education market. The combined purchase price, excluding cash acquired and 

including transaction costs, was approximately $23.9 million in cash and approximately 196,000 shares of Tyler common 

stock valued at $2.9 million. We paid $3.3 million, which included $2.1 million for land, for an office development. We also 

paid $12.7 million for an office building, land, and a related tenant lease in Yarmouth, Maine.

Cash used in financing activities was primarily comprised of purchases of treasury shares, net of proceeds from stock option 

exercises, payments on our revolving credit line and contributions from our employee stock purchase plan. During 2009,  

we purchased 1.2 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $17.0 million. We also paid 

$1.3 million for common stock repurchases accrued as of December 31, 2008.

The repurchase program, which was approved by our board of directors, was announced in October 2002, and was amended 

in April and July 2003, October 2004, October 2005, May 2007, May 2008, October 2008 and May 2009. Our board of 

directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 2.0 million shares on May14, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, we had 

remaining authorization to repurchase up to 2.3 million additional shares of our common stock. Our share repurchase program 

allows us to repurchase shares at our discretion and market conditions influence the timing of the buybacks and the number  

of shares repurchased. These share repurchases are funded using our existing cash balances as well as borrowings under our 

revolving credit agreement and may occur through open market purchase and transactions structured through investment 

banking institutions, privately negotiated transactions and/or other mechanisms. There is no expiration date specified for the 

authorization and we intend to repurchase stock under the plan from time to time. Our bank credit agreement contains 

restrictions on the amount of common stock we may purchase.

During 2008, we purchased 4.3 million shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $59.0 million.

In 2009 we issued 425,000 shares of common stock and received $2.3 million in aggregate proceeds upon exercise of stock 

options. In 2008 we received $1.8 million from the exercise of options to purchase approximately 379,000 shares of our 

common stock under our employee stock option plan and during 2007, we received $3.6 million from the exercise of options 

to purchase approximately 878,000 shares of our common stock under our employee stock option plan. In 2009 we received 

$1.5 million from contributions to the Tyler Technologies, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). In both 2008 and 

2007, we received $1.2 million from contributions to the ESPP.

Subsequent to December 31, 2009 and through February 22, 2010 we purchased approximately 59,000 shares of our common 

stock for an aggregate cash purchase price of $1.1 million.

In October 2008, we entered into a revolving bank credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) and a related pledge and security 

agreement which originally matured October 19, 2009. We amended and extended the related pledge and security agreement 

in October 2009. The Credit Facility matures October 18, 2010 and provides for total borrowings of up to $25.0 million  

and a $10.0 million Letter of Credit facility which can either be cash collateralized or issued using availability under the 

Credit Facility. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our property. The Credit Facility requires us to maintain 

certain financial ratios and other financial conditions and prohibits us from making certain investments, advances, cash 

dividends or loans, restricts the amount of our common stock we may purchase and limits incurrence of additional 

indebtedness and liens. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with those covenants. We expect borrowings to 

fund discretionary purchases of our common stock or fund acquisitions.

As of December 31, 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings and unused available borrowing capacity of $23.7 million  

under the Credit Facility. In addition, as of December 31, 2009, our bank had issued outstanding letters of credit totaling  

$7.3 million to secure surety bonds required by some of our customer contracts. These letters of credit have been 

collateralized by restricted cash balances of $6.0 million and $1.3 million of our available borrowing capacity and expire 

through mid-2010.

We paid income taxes, net of refunds received, of $18.1 million in 2009, $15.7 million in 2008, and $8.7 million in 2007.

34 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

In the first quarter of 2010 we acquired all the assets of Wiznet, Inc. (“Wiznet”) for a cash purchase price of $9.5 million. 

Wiznet provides electronic document filing solutions for courts and law offices throughout the United States and is currently 

integrated with our primary courts and justice solution. We have not finalized the allocation of the purchase price.

Excluding acquisitions and final retainage payment of $1.8 million for an office building, we anticipate that 2010 capital 

spending will be between $3.7 million and $4.2 million. We expect the majority of our capital spending in 2010 will consist 

of computer equipment and software for infrastructure expansion. We currently do not expect to capitalize significant amounts 

related to software development in 2010, but the actual amount and timing of those costs, and whether they are capitalized  

or expensed may result in additional capitalized software development. Capital spending in 2010 is expected to be funded 

from existing cash balances and cash flows from operations.

From time to time we engage in discussions with potential acquisition candidates. In order to pursue such opportunities, 

which could require significant commitments of capital, we may be required to incur debt or to issue additional potentially 

dilutive securities in the future. No assurance can be given as to our future acquisition opportunities and how such 

opportunities will be financed.

We lease office facilities, as well as transportation, computer and other equipment used in our operations under non-cancelable 

operating lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2014. Most leases contain renewal options and some contain 

purchase options. Following are the future obligations under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2009 (in thousands):

Future rental payments under  

  operating leases 

$ 6,033 

$ 5,265 

$ 3,954 

$ 2,365 

$ 1,721 

$  — 

$ 19,338

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Thereafter 

Total

As of December 31, 2009, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, guarantees to third parties or material purchase 

commitments, except for the operating lease commitments listed above.

CAPITALIZATION

At December 31, 2009, our capitalization consisted of $134.4 million of shareholders’ equity.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2009-13, Multiple Element Arrangements.  

ASU 2009-13 addresses the determination of when the individual deliverables included in a multiple arrangement may be 

treated as separate units of accounting. ASU 2009-13 also modifies the manner in which the transaction consideration  

is allocated across separately identified deliverables and establishes definitions for determining fair value of elements in an 

arrangement. This new update is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is allowed.  

The new standard may impact our application service provider arrangements to recognize revenues, such as installation and 

data conversion, which are generally provided at the beginning of the arrangement as incurred instead of ratably over  

the life of the initial hosting term. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial 

condition or results of operation.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

35

 
Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may affect us due to adverse changes in financial market prices and interest rates. 

Our investments available-for-sale consist of auction rate municipal securities (“ARS”) which are collateralized debt 

obligations supported by municipal and state agencies and do not include mortgage-backed securities.

Non-current investments available-for-sale consist of two ARS with stated maturities ranging from 22 to 33 years, for which 

the interest rate is designed to be reset through Dutch auctions approximately every 30 days which would have qualified as 

Level 1 under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements. However, due to events in the credit markets, auctions for these securities 

have not occurred since February 2008. Therefore, quoted prices in active markets are no longer available and we determined 

the estimated fair values of these securities as of December 31, 2009, utilizing a discounted trinomial model.

In association with this estimate of fair value, we have recorded an after-tax temporary unrealized loss on our non-current ARS 

of $18,000, net of related tax effects of $10,000 in 2009, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on 

our balance sheet. The unrealized loss includes the impact of adjusting previously recorded unrealized losses of approximately 

$120,000, net of related tax effects of $65,000 as of December 31, 2008 for several ARS which were subsequently 

redeemed for $2.5 million at par during 2009. We consider the impairment in our ARS as temporary because we do not have 

the intent to sell, nor is it more-likely-than-not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost 

basis. We believe that this temporary decline in fair value is due entirely to liquidity issues, because the underlying assets of 

these securities are supported by municipal and state agencies and do not include mortgage-backed securities, have 

redemption features which call for redemption at 100% of par value and have a current credit rating of A or AAA. The ratings 

on the ARS take into account credit support through insurance policies guaranteeing each of the bonds’ payment of principal 

and accrued interest, if it becomes necessary. In addition, both ARS have had very small partial redemptions at par in the 

period July 2009 through February 2010. Based on our cash and cash equivalents balance of $15.7 million and expected 

operating cash flows, we do not believe a lack of liquidity associated with our ARS will adversely affect our ability to conduct 

business, and believe we have the ability to hold the securities throughout the currently estimated recovery period. We  

will continue to evaluate any changes in the market value of our ARS and in the future, depending upon existing market 

conditions, we may be required to record an other-than-temporary decline in market value.

36 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures – We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 

13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act) designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be 

disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported 

within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. These include controls and procedures designed to ensure that 

this information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief 

financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Management, with the participation of 

the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures  

as of December 31, 2009. Based on this evaluation the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that 

our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2009.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – Tyler’s management is responsible for establishing  

and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). 

Tyler’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to Tyler’s management and board 

of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 

Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial 

statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of Tyler’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In 

making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 

Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we concluded that, as of 

December 31, 2009, Tyler’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Tyler’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the 

independent registered public accounting firm who also audited Tyler’s financial statements. Ernst & Young’s attestation report 

on Tyler’s internal control over financial reporting appears on page 38 hereof.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, there were no changes 

in our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), that are materially 

affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

37

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Tyler Technologies, Inc.

We have audited Tyler Technologies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on 

criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 

Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Tyler Technologies, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective 

internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting 

included in the accompanying “Managements’ Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.” Our responsibility is to 

express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal 

control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of 

internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design 

and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we 

considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 

reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 

accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures 

that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and 

dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to 

permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and 

expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 

company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or 

disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 

projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 

because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Tyler Technologies, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 

as of December 31, 2009, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 

the balance sheets of Tyler Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related statements of operations, 

shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2009 and our report 

dated February 25, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Dallas, Texas

February 25, 2010

38 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Tyler Technologies, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Tyler Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the 

related statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 

December 31, 2009. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to 

express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 

statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts 

and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant 

estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits 

provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of  

Tyler Technologies, Inc. at December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the 

three years in the period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 

Tyler Technologies, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established  

in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 

and our report dated February 25, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Dallas, Texas

February 25, 2010

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

39

2009 

2008 

2007

$  42,131 

$  41,490 

  17,181 

  14,374 

  80,405 

  74,997 

  124,512 

  107,458 

  18,740 

  19,098 

7,317 

7,684 

$  35,063

  10,406

  60,283

  85,411

  21,318

7,315

  290,286 

  265,101 

  219,796

5,440 

1,411 

9,224 

1,799 

  137,199 

  126,247 

  11,518 

  12,251 

5,955 

5,793 

7,953

2,279

  104,993

  14,467

5,679

  161,523 

  155,314 

  135,371

  128,763 

  109,787 

  84,425

  70,115 

  62,923 

  51,724

  11,159 

2,705 

— 

7,286 

2,438 

9,045 

4,443

1,478

—

  44,784 

  28,095 

  26,780

(146) 

1,181 

  44,638 

  29,276 

  17,628 

  14,414 

$  27,010 

$  14,862 

$ 

$ 

0.77 

0.74 

$ 

$ 

0.39 

0.38 

  35,240 

  37,714 

  36,624 

  39,184 

1,800

  28,580

  11,079

$  17,501

$ 

$ 

0.45

0.42

  38,735

  41,352

Statements of Operations

STATEMENTS OF O PERATIONS

For the years ended December 31 

In thousands, except per share amounts

Revenues:

  Software licenses 

  Subscriptions 

  Software services 

  Maintenance 

  Appraisal services 

  Hardware and other 

  Total revenues 

Cost of revenues:

  Software licenses 

  Acquired software 

  Software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

  Appraisal services 

  Hardware and other 

  Total cost of revenues 

  Gross profit 

Selling, general and administrative expenses 

Research and development expense 

Amortization of customer and trade name intangibles 

Non-cash legal settlement related to warrants 

  Operating income 

Other (expense) income, net 

Income before income taxes 

Income tax provision 

Net income 

Earnings per common share:

  Basic 

  Diluted  

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 

See accompanying notes.

40 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALANCE SHEETS

December 31 

In thousands, except share and per share amounts

ASSETS

Current assets:

  Cash and cash equivalents 

  Restricted cash equivalents 

  Short-term investments available-for-sale 

Balance Sheets

2009 

2008

$  9,696 

$  1,762

6,000 

50 

5,082

775

  Accounts receivable (less allowance for losses of $2,389 in 2009 and $2,115 in 2008)   

  81,245 

  76,989

  Prepaid expenses 

  Other current assets 

  Deferred income taxes 

  Total current assets 

Accounts receivable, long-term portion 

Property and equipment, net 

Non-current investments available-for-sale 

Other assets:

  Goodwill 

  Customer related intangibles, net 

  Software, net 

  Trade name, net 

  Sundry   

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

  Accounts payable 

  Accrued liabilities 

  Short-term revolving line of credit 

  Deferred revenue 

Income taxes payable 

  Total current liabilities 

Deferred income taxes 

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders’ equity:

  Preferred stock, $10.00 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued  

  Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 

  48,147,969 shares issued in 2009 and 2008 

  Additional paid-in capital 

  Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax 

  Retained earnings 

7,921 

1,437 

3,338 

8,602

1,444

2,570

  109,687 

  97,224

1,018 

197

  35,750 

  26,522

1,976 

3,779

  90,258 

  25,490 

  88,791

  27,438

4,218 

2,063 

210 

5,112

2,471

227

$ 270,670 

$ 251,761

$  3,807 

  26,110 

— 

$  2,617

  22,913

8,000

  99,116 

  95,773

220 

166

  129,253 

  129,469

7,059 

8,030

— 

481 

—

481

  153,734 

  151,245

(405) 

(387)

  77,504 

  50,494

  Treasury stock, at cost; 13,027,838 and 12,333,549 shares in 2009 and 2008, respectively 

  (96,956) 

  (87,571)

  Total shareholders’ equity 

See accompanying notes.

  134,358 

$ 270,670 

  114,262

$ 251,761

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

  Common Stock 

Shares 

Amount 

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital 

Accumulated
Other 

Comprehensive  Retained 
Income (Loss)  Earnings 

Treasury Stock 

Shares 

Amount 

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

In thousands

Balance at December 31, 2006 

  48,148 

$ 481 

$ 151,627 

$  (10) 

$ 18,131 

(9,256) 

$ (44,354) 

$ 125,875

  149,568 

  — 

  35,632 

(9,528) 

  (48,470) 

  137,211

  Comprehensive income:

  Net income 

  Unrealized gain on investment

— 

  — 

— 

  — 

  17,501 

  securities, net of tax 

— 

  — 

— 

  10 

— 

  Total comprehensive income   

Issuance of shares pursuant

to stock compensation plan 

Stock compensation 

Treasury stock purchases 

Issuance of shares pursuant to

— 

— 

— 

  — 

  — 

  — 

(7,339) 

  — 

2,365 

  — 

— 

  — 

  Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

— 

  — 

(2) 

  — 

Federal income tax benefit related

to exercise of stock options 

— 

Balance at December 31, 2007 

  48,148 

  — 

  481 

2,917 

  — 

  Comprehensive income:

  Net income 

  Unrealized loss on investment

— 

  — 

— 

  — 

  14,862 

  securities, net of tax 

— 

  — 

— 

  (387) 

— 

  Total comprehensive income   

Issuance of shares pursuant

to stock compensation plan 

Stock compensation 

Treasury stock purchases 

Issuance of shares pursuant to

— 

— 

— 

  — 

  — 

  — 

(3,495) 

  — 

3,820 

  — 

— 

  — 

  Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

— 

  — 

(186) 

  — 

Federal income tax benefit related

to exercise of stock options 

— 

  — 

822 

  — 

Issuance of shares in connection

  with legal settlement 

Issuance of shares for acquisitions 

— 

— 

Balance at December 31, 2008 

  48,148 

  — 

  — 

  481 

455 

261 

  — 

  — 

  Comprehensive income:

  Net income 

  Unrealized loss on investment

— 

  — 

— 

  — 

  27,010 

  securities, net of tax 

— 

  — 

— 

(18) 

— 

  Total comprehensive income 

Issuance of shares pursuant

to stock compensation plan 

Stock compensation 

Treasury stock purchases 

Issuance of shares pursuant to

— 

— 

— 

  — 

  — 

  — 

(3,774) 

  — 

5,045 

  — 

— 

  — 

  Employee Stock Purchase Plan 

— 

  — 

(118) 

  — 

— 

— 

— 

  17,501

— 

10

  17,511

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

878 

  10,928 

— 

— 

3,589

2,365

(1,250) 

  (16,163) 

(16,163)

100 

1,119 

1,117

— 

— 

2,917

— 

— 

— 

  14,862

— 

(387)

  14,475

379 

— 

5,310 

— 

1,815

3,820

(4,283) 

  (58,984) 

(58,984)

101 

1,376 

1,190

— 

— 

822

802 

196 

  10,595 

  11,050

2,602 

2,863

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

  27,010

— 

(18)

  26,992

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

425 

— 

6,069 

— 

2,295

5,045

(1,235) 

  (17,000) 

(17,000)

115 

1,546 

1,428

— 

— 

1,336

  151,245 

  (387) 

  50,494 

  (12,333) 

  (87,571) 

  114,262

1,336 

  — 

$ 153,734 

$ (405) 

$ 77,504 

  (13,028) 

$ (96,956) 

$ 134,358

Federal income tax benefit related

to exercise of stock options 

— 

Balance at December 31, 2009 

  48,148 

  — 

$ 481 

See accompanying notes.

42 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF C ASH FLOWS

For the years ended December 31 

In thousands

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net income 

  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

  Depreciation and amortization 

  Non-cash legal settlement related to warrants 

  Share-based compensation expense 

  Provision for losses – accounts receivable 

  Excess tax benefit from exercises of share-based arrangements 

  Deferred income tax benefit 

  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, exclusive of effects of acquired companies:

  Accounts receivable 

Income tax payable 

  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

  Accounts payable 

  Accrued liabilities 

  Deferred revenue 

  Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Proceeds from sales of investments 

  Purchases of investments 

  Cost of acquisitions, net of cash acquired 

  Additions to property and equipment 

Investment in software development costs 

  Acquired lease 

(Increase) decrease in restricted investments 

  Decrease in other 

Statements of Cash Flows

2009 

2008 

2007

$ 27,010 

$ 14,862 

$ 17,501

9,497 

— 

5,045 

1,538 

(1,125) 

(1,730) 

  12,611 

  9,045 

  3,820 

  1,764 

(666) 

(2,151) 

  11,211

—

  2,365

753

(1,891)

(1,598)

(6,277) 

  (11,853) 

(1,575)

1,391 

1,377 

1,190 

1,960 

3,065 

  42,941 

827 

(338) 

(870) 

  3,420 

  17,331 

  47,802 

  3,919

(304)

(1,955)

(1,619)

  7,304

  34,111

2,500 

  45,065 

  45,480

— 

(8,625) 

  (67,545)

(2,934) 

  (12,352) 

  (23,868) 

  (20,143) 

— 

— 

(918) 

46 

— 

(1,387) 

(620) 

24 

(9,005)

(3,678)

(167)

—

500

140

  Net cash used by investing activities 

  (13,658) 

(9,554) 

  (34,275)

Cash flows from financing activities:

(Decrease) increase in net borrowings on revolving credit facility 

(8,000) 

  8,000 

—

  Purchase of treasury shares 

  Contributions from employee stock purchase plan 

  Proceeds from exercise of stock options 

  Excess tax benefits from exercise of share-based arrangements 

  Warrant exercise in connection with legal settlement 

  (18,263) 

  (59,847) 

  (14,037)

1,494 

2,295 

1,125 

— 

  1,233 

  1,815 

666 

2,005 

  1,151

  3,589

  1,891

—

  Net cash used by financing activities 

  (21,349) 

  (46,128) 

(7,406)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

See accompanying notes.

7,934 

1,762 

(7,880) 

9,642 

$  9,696 

$  1,762 

(7,570)

  17,212

$  9,642

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

(Tables in thousands, except per share data)

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

We provide integrated software systems and related services for the public sector, with a focus on local governments.  

We develop and market a broad line of software solutions and services to address the information technology (“IT”) needs of 

cities, counties, schools and other local government entities. In addition, we provide professional IT services, including 

software and hardware installation, data conversion, training, and for certain customers, product modifications, along with 

continuing maintenance and support for customers using our systems. We also provide subscription-based services such  

as application service provider arrangements and other hosting services as well as property appraisal outsourcing services for 

taxing jurisdictions.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash in excess of that necessary for operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid, income-producing 

investments. Investments with original maturities of three months or less are classified as cash and cash equivalents, which 

primarily consist of money market funds. Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

As of December 31, 2009, we had issued outstanding letters of credit totaling $7.3 million in connection with our surety 

bond program. These letters of credit have been collateralized by restricted cash balances of $6.0 million and $1.3 million  

of our available borrowing capacity. We do not believe these letters of credit will be required to be drawn upon. The letters of 

credit expire through mid-2010.

INVESTMENTS

Investments consist of auction rate municipal securities. These investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and 

are stated at fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements  

and Disclosures. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, if any, are not reflected in earnings but are 

reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income until realized. The cost basis of securities sold is the 

specific cost of the auction rate municipal security. We account for the transactions as “Proceeds from sales of investments” 

for the security relinquished, and a “Purchases of investments” for the security purchased, in the accompanying Statements  

of Cash Flows.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Software Arrangements:

We earn revenue from software licenses, subscriptions, software services, post-contract customer support (“PCS” or 

“maintenance”), and hardware. PCS includes telephone support, bug fixes, and rights to upgrades on a when-and-if available 

basis. We provide services that range from installation, training, and basic consulting to software modification and 

customization to meet specific customer needs. In software arrangements that include rights to multiple software products, 

specified upgrades, PCS, and/or other services, we allocate the total arrangement fee among each deliverable based on the 

relative fair value of each.

We typically enter into multiple element arrangements, which include software licenses, software services, PCS and 

occasionally hardware. The majority of our software arrangements are multiple element arrangements, but for those arrangements 

that involve significant production, modification or customization of the software, or where software services are otherwise 

considered essential to the functionality of the software in the customer’s environment, we use contract accounting and apply 

the provisions of the Construction — Type and Production — Type Contracts as discussed in ASC 605-35.

If the arrangement does not require significant production, modification or customization or where the software services are not 

considered essential to the functionality of the software, revenue is recognized when all of the following conditions are met:

44 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Notes to Financial Statements

  i.  persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;

 ii.  delivery has occurred;

 iii. our fee is fixed or determinable; and

 iv.  collectability is probable.

For multiple element arrangements, each element of the arrangement is analyzed and we allocate a portion of the total 

arrangement fee to the elements based on the fair value of the element using vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value 

(“VSOE”), regardless of any separate prices stated within the contract for each element. Fair value is considered the price a 

customer would be required to pay if the element was sold separately based on our historical experience of stand-alone sales 

of these elements to third parties. For PCS, we use renewal rates for continued support arrangements to determine fair value.  

For software services, we use the fair value we charge our customers when those services are sold separately. We monitor our 

transactions to insure we maintain and periodically revise VSOE to reflect fair value. In software arrangements in which we 

have the fair value of all undelivered elements but not of a delivered element, we apply the “residual method”, in compliance 

with ASC 985-605, Software Revenue Recognition, in accounting for any element of a multiple element arrangement involving 

software that remains undelivered such that any discount inherent in a contract is allocated to the delivered element. 

Under the residual method, if the fair value of all undelivered elements is determinable, the fair value of the undelivered 

elements is deferred and the remaining portion of the arrangement fee is allocated to the delivered element(s) and is 

recognized as revenue assuming the other revenue recognition criteria are met. In software arrangements in which we do not 

have VSOE for all undelivered elements, revenue is deferred until fair value is determined or all elements for which we  

do not have VSOE have been delivered. Alternatively, if sufficient VSOE does not exist and the only undelivered element is 

services that do not involve significant modification or customization of the software, the entire fee is recognized over the 

period during which the services are expected to be performed.

Software Licenses

We recognize the revenue allocable to software licenses and specified upgrades upon delivery of the software product or 

upgrade to the customer, unless the fee is not fixed or determinable or collectability is not probable. If the fee is not fixed or 

determinable, including new customers whose payment terms are three months or more from shipment, revenue is generally 

recognized as payments become due from the customer. If collectability is not considered probable, revenue is recognized 

when the fee is collected. Arrangements that include software services, such as training or installation, are evaluated to 

determine whether those services are essential to the product’s functionality.

A majority of our software arrangements involve “off-the-shelf” software. We consider software to be off-the-shelf software  

if it can be added to an arrangement with minor changes in the underlying code and it can be used by the customer for the 

customer’s purpose upon installation. For off-the-shelf software arrangements, we recognize the software license fee  

as revenue after delivery has occurred, customer acceptance is reasonably assured, that portion of the fee represents a 

non-refundable enforceable claim and is probable of collection, and the remaining services such as training are not 

considered essential to the product’s functionality.

For arrangements that involve significant production, modification or customization of the software, or where software services 

are otherwise considered essential, we recognize revenue using contract accounting. We generally use the percentage-of-

completion method to recognize revenue from these arrangements. We measure progress-to-completion primarily using labor 

hours incurred, or value added. The percentage-of-completion method generally results in the recognition of reasonably 

consistent profit margins over the life of a contract because we have the ability to produce reasonably dependable estimates of 

contract billings and contract costs. We use the level of profit margin that is most likely to occur on a contract. If the most 

likely profit margin cannot be precisely determined, the lowest probable level of profit in the range of estimates is used until 

the results can be estimated more precisely. These arrangements are often implemented over an extended time period and 

occasionally require us to revise total cost estimates. Amounts recognized in revenue are calculated using the progress-to-

completion measurement after giving effect to any changes in our cost estimates. Changes to total estimated contract costs, 

if any, are recorded in the period they are determined. Estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period  

in which we first determine that a loss is apparent.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

45

Notes to Financial Statements

For arrangements that include new product releases for which it is difficult to estimate final profitability except to assume that 

no loss will ultimately be incurred, we recognize revenue under the completed contract method. Under the completed contract 

method, revenue is recognized only when a contract is completed or substantially complete. Historically these amounts have 

been immaterial.

Subscription-Based Services

Subscription-based services primarily consist of revenues derived from application service provider (“ASP”) arrangements and 

other hosted service offerings, software subscriptions and disaster recovery services.

We recognize revenue for ASP and other hosting services, software subscriptions, term license arrangements with renewal 

periods of twelve months or less and disaster recovery ratably over the period of the applicable agreement as services are 

provided. Disaster recovery agreements and other hosting services are typically renewable annually. ASP and software 

subscriptions are typically for periods of three to six years and automatically renew unless either party cancels the agreement. 

The majority of the ASP and other hosting services and software subscriptions also include professional services as well as 

maintenance and support. In certain ASP arrangements, the customer also acquires a license to the software.

For ASP and other hosting arrangements, we evaluate whether each of the elements in these arrangements represents a 

separate unit of accounting, as defined by ASC 605-25, Multiple Element Arrangements and ASC 985-605, Software Revenue 

Recognition, using all applicable facts and circumstances, including whether (i) we sell or could readily sell the element 

unaccompanied by the other elements, (ii) the element has stand-alone value to the customer, (iii) there is objective reliable 

evidence of the fair value of the undelivered item, and (iv) there is a general right of return. We consider the applicability of 

ASC 605-55-121 and 122 with respect to arrangements that include the right to use software stored on another entity’s 

hardware on a contract-by-contract basis. In hosted term-based agreements, where the customer does not have the contractual 

right to take possession of the software, hosting fees are recognized on a monthly basis over the term of the contract 

commencing when the customer has access to the software. For professional services associated with hosting arrangements 

that we determine do not have stand-alone value to the customer, we recognize the services revenue ratably over the 

remaining contractual period once hosting has gone live and we may begin billing for the hosting services. We record amounts 

that have been invoiced in accounts receivable and in deferred revenue or revenues, depending on whether the revenue 

recognition criteria have been met.

If we determine that the customer has the contractual right to take possession of our software at any time during the hosting 

period without significant penalty, and can feasibly maintain the software on the customer’s hardware or enter into another 

arrangement with a third party to host the software, we recognize the license, professional services and hosting services 

revenues pursuant to ASC 985-605, Software Revenue Recognition.

Software Services

Some of our software arrangements include services considered essential for the customer to use the software for the customer’s 

purposes. For these software arrangements, both the software license revenue and the services revenue are recognized as  

the services are performed using the percentage-of-completion contract accounting method. When software services are not 

considered essential, the fee allocable to the service element is recognized as revenue as we perform the services.

Computer Hardware Equipment

Revenue allocable to computer hardware equipment, which is based on VSOE, is recognized when we deliver the equipment 

and collection is probable.

Postcontract Customer Support

Our customers generally enter into PCS agreements when they purchase our software licenses. Our PCS agreements are 

typically renewable annually. Revenue allocated to PCS is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period the PCS is 

provided. All significant costs and expenses associated with PCS are expensed as incurred. Fair value for the maintenance and 

support obligations for software licenses is based upon the specific sale renewals to customers.

46 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Notes to Financial Statements

Allocation of Revenue in Statement of Operations

In our statement of operations, we allocate revenue to software licenses, software services, maintenance and hardware and 

other based on the VSOE of fair value for elements in each revenue arrangement and the application of the residual method 

for arrangements in which we have established VSOE of fair value for all undelivered elements. In arrangements where we are  

not able to establish VSOE of fair value for all undelivered elements, revenue is first allocated to any undelivered elements for 

which VSOE of fair value has been established. We then allocate revenue to any undelivered elements for which VSOE of fair 

value has not been established based upon management’s best estimate of fair value of those undelivered elements and apply 

a residual method to determine the license fee. Management’s best estimate of fair value of undelivered elements for  

which VSOE of fair value has not been established is based upon the VSOE of similar offerings and other objective criteria.

Appraisal Services:

For our property appraisal projects, we recognize revenue using the proportionate performance method of revenue recognition 

since many of these projects are implemented over one to three year periods and consist of various unique activities. Under 

this method of revenue recognition, we identify each activity for the appraisal project, with a typical project generally calling 

for bonding, office set up, training, routing of map information, data entry, data collection, data verification, informal hearings, 

appeals and project management. Each activity or act is specifically identified and assigned an estimated cost. Costs which 

are considered to be associated with indirect activities, such as bonding costs and office set up, are expensed as incurred. 

These costs are typically billed as incurred and are recognized as revenue equal to cost. Direct contract fulfillment activities 

and related supervisory costs such as data collection, data entry and verification are expensed as incurred. The direct costs  

for these activities are determined and the total contract value is then allocated to each activity based on a consistent profit 

margin. Each activity is assigned a consistent unit of measure to determine progress towards completion and revenue is 

recognized for each activity based upon the percentage complete as applied to the estimated revenue for that activity. 

Progress for the fulfillment activities is typically based on labor hours or an output measure such as the number of parcel 

counts completed for that activity. Estimated losses on uncompleted contracts are recorded in the period in which we first 

determine that a loss is apparent.

Other:

The majority of deferred revenue consists of unearned support and maintenance revenue that has been billed based on 

contractual terms in the underlying arrangement with the remaining balance consisting of payments received in advance of 

revenue being earned under software licensing, subscription-based services, software and appraisal services and hardware 

installation. Unbilled revenue is not billable at the balance sheet date but is recoverable over the remaining life of the 

contract through billings made in accordance with contractual agreements. The termination clauses in most of our contracts 

provide for the payment for the fair value of products delivered and services performed in the event of an early termination.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets include direct and incremental costs, consisting primarily of commissions 

associated with arrangements for which revenue recognition has been deferred and third party subcontractor payments. Such 

costs are expensed at the time the related revenue is recognized.

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 

(“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 

disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues 

and expenses during the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the application 

of the percentage-of-completion and proportionate performance methods of revenue recognition, the carrying amount and 

estimated useful lives of intangible assets, determination of share-based compensation expense and valuation allowance for 

receivables. Actual results could differ from estimates.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

47

Notes to Financial Statements

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property, equipment and purchased software are recorded at original cost and increased by the cost of any significant 

improvements after purchase. We expense maintenance and repairs when incurred. Depreciation and amortization is 

calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the asset’s estimated useful life or the term of the lease in the 

case of leasehold improvements. For income tax purposes, we use accelerated depreciation methods as allowed by tax laws.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COSTS

We expensed research and development costs of $11.2 million during 2009, $7.3 million during 2008 and $4.4 million during 

2007. We reduced our research and development expense by approximately $3.5 million in 2009, $1.8 million in 2008  

and $1.6 million in 2007, which was the amount earned under the terms of our strategic alliance with a development partner.

INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred taxes arise because of different treatment 

between financial statement accounting and tax accounting, known as “temporary differences.” We record the tax effect of 

these temporary differences as “deferred tax assets” (generally items that can be used as a tax deduction or credit in the 

future periods) and “deferred tax liabilities” (generally items that we received a tax deduction for, which have not yet been 

recorded in the income statement). The deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rules and laws  

that are expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation 

allowance would be established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is likely that a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We have a stock option plan that provides for the grant of stock options to key employees, directors and non-employee 

consultants. Stock options vest after three to five years of continuous service from the date of grant and have a contractual 

term of ten years. We account for share-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition pursuant to ASC 718,  

Stock Compensation. See Note 10 – “Share-Based Compensation” for further information.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

We have used the purchase method of accounting for all of our business combinations. Our business acquisitions result in the 

allocation of the purchase price to goodwill and other intangible assets. We first allocate the cost of acquired companies to 

identifiable assets based on estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets 

acquired, net of liabilities assumed, is recorded as goodwill.

We review goodwill impairment annually as of April or more frequently whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate 

its carrying value may not be recoverable. We have identified two reporting units for impairment testing. Our reporting units 

are the same as our reportable segments and consistent with the reporting units tested for impairment in prior years. Assets, 

liabilities and goodwill have been assigned to reporting units based on assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date 

of acquisition.

The provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other, require that we perform a two-step impairment test on goodwill. 

In the first step, we compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit 

exceeds the carrying value of the net assets assigned to that unit, goodwill is not considered impaired and we are not required to 

perform further testing. If the carrying value of the net assets assigned to the reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting 

unit, then we must perform the second step of the impairment test in order to determine the implied fair value of the reporting 

unit’s goodwill. If the carrying value of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the asset’s implied fair value, then we would record an 

impairment loss equal to the difference. The fair values calculated in our impairment tests are determined using discounted cash 

flow models involving several assumptions. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, anticipated operating income growth 

rates, our long-term anticipated operating income growth rate and the discount rate. Our cash flow forecasts are based on 

48 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

Notes to Financial Statements

assumptions that are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. The 

assumptions that are used are based upon what we believe a hypothetical marketplace participant would use in estimating fair 

value. We evaluate the reasonableness of the fair value calculations of our reporting units by comparing the total of the fair  

value of all of our reporting units to our total market capitalization. We base our fair value estimates on assumptions we believe 

to be reasonable but that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining 

if an indicator of impairment has occurred between testing dates. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant 

decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in stock price and market capitalization; a significant 

adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; and reductions in growth rates. In addition, 

products, capabilities, or technologies developed by others may render our software products obsolete or non-competitive. Any 

adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of goodwill. Our annual goodwill impairment 

analysis, which we performed during the second quarter of 2009, did not result in an impairment charge.

Other Intangible Assets

We make judgments about the recoverability of purchased intangible assets other than goodwill whenever events or changes in 

circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. Customer base constitutes approximately 80% of our purchased 

intangible assets other than goodwill. We review our customer turnover each year for indications of impairment. Our customer 

turnover has historically been very low (approximately 2%). If indications of impairment are determined to exist, we measure 

the recoverability of assets by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash 

flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their estimated future cash flows, 

an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the 

assets. There have been no significant impairments of intangible assets in any of the periods presented.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

We periodically evaluate whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our property and equipment 

or other long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, we 

measure the recoverability of assets to be held and used by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset or appropriate 

grouping of assets and the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If the carrying 

amount of the assets exceeds their estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which 

the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of would be separately 

presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no 

longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately  

in the appropriate asset and liability sections of the balance sheet. There have been no significant impairments of long-lived 

assets in any of the periods presented.

COSTS OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

We capitalize software development costs upon the establishment of technological feasibility and prior to the availability  

f the product for general release to customers. We did not capitalize any software development costs in 2009 or 2008. We 

capitalized software development costs of approximately $167,000 during 2007. Software development costs primarily 

consist of personnel costs and rent for related office space. We begin to amortize capitalized costs when a product is available 

for general release to customers. Amortization expense is determined on a product-by-product basis at a rate not less than 

straight-line basis over the product’s remaining estimated economic life, but not to exceed five years. Amortization of software 

development costs was approximately $743,000 in 2009, $4.7 million in 2008, and $4.6 million in 2007, and is included 

in cost of software license revenue in the accompanying statements of operations.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payables, short-term obligations, deferred revenues and certain 

other assets at cost approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Our investments available-for-

sale are recorded at fair value as of December 31, 2009 based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to 

measure their fair value. See Note 3 – “Fair Value of Financial Instruments” for further information.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

49

Notes to Financial Statements

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND UNBILLED RECEIVABLES

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and 

cash equivalents, investments in auction rate securities and accounts receivable from trade customers. Our cash and cash 

equivalents primarily consists of money market fund investments which are maintained at one major financial institution and 

the balances often exceed insurable amounts. As of December 31, 2009 we had cash and cash equivalents (including 

restricted cash) of $15.7 million. We perform periodic evaluations of the credit standing of this financial institution.

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the size and geographical diversity of our customer 

base. Historically, our credit losses have not been significant. As a result, we do not believe we have any significant 

concentrations of credit risk as of December 31, 2009.

We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts and sales adjustments, which are provided at the time the revenue is recognized. 

Since most of our customers are domestic governmental entities, we rarely incur a loss resulting from the inability of a 

customer to make required payments. Events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying amount for the 

allowances for doubtful accounts and sales adjustments may require revision, include, but are not limited to, deterioration  

of a customer’s financial condition, failure to manage our customer’s expectations regarding the scope of the services to be 

delivered, and defects or errors in new versions or enhancements of our software products. The following table summarizes  

the changes in the allowances for doubtful accounts and sales adjustments:

Years ended December 31, 

Balance at beginning of year 

Provisions for losses – accounts receivable 

Collection of accounts previously written off 

Deductions for accounts charged off or credits issued 

Balance at end of year 

2009 

2008 

2007

$  2,115 

  1,538 

— 

$  1,851 

  1,764 

10 

$ 2,971

753

—

  (1,264) 

  (1,510) 

  (1,873)

$  2,389 

$  2,115 

$ 1,851

The termination clauses in most of our contracts provide for the payment for the fair value of products delivered or services 

performed in the event of early termination. Our property appraisal outsourcing service contracts can range up to three years 

and, in a few cases, as long as five years in duration. In connection with these contracts, as well as certain software service 

contracts, we may perform work prior to when the software and services are billable and/or payable pursuant to the contract. 

We have historically recorded such unbilled receivables (costs and estimated profit in excess of billings) in connection with  

(1) property appraisal services contracts accounted for using proportionate performance accounting in which the revenue is 

earned based upon activities performed in one accounting period but the billing normally occurs shortly thereafter and may 

span another accounting period; (2) software services contracts accounted for using the percentage-of-completion method of 

revenue recognition using labor hours as a measure of progress towards completion in which the services are performed in one 

accounting period but the billing for the software element of the arrangement may be based upon the specific phase of the 

implementation; (3) software revenue for which we have objective evidence that the customer-specified objective criteria has 

been met but the billing has not yet been submitted to the customer; (4) some of our contracts provide for an amount to  

be withheld from a progress billing (generally a 10% retention) until final and satisfactory project completion is achieved; and 

(5) in a limited number of cases, we may grant extended payment terms generally to existing customers with whom we have  

a long-term relationship and favorable collection history.

In connection with this activity, we have recorded unbilled receivables of $13.8 million and $11.2 million at December 31, 

2009 and 2008, respectively. We also have recorded retention receivable of $4.0 million at both December 31, 2009 and 

2008 and these retentions become payable upon the completion of the contract or completion of our field work and formal 

hearings. Unbilled receivables and retention receivables expected to be collected in excess of one year have been classified as 

accounts receivable, long-term portion in the accompanying balance sheets.

INDEMNIFICATION

Most of our software license agreements indemnify our customers in the event that the software sold infringes upon the 

intellectual property rights of a third party. These agreements typically provide that in such event we will either modify or replace 

50 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

the software so that it becomes non-infringing or procure for the customer the right to use the software. We have recorded no 

liability associated with these indemnifications, as we are not aware of any pending or threatened infringement actions that are 

possible losses. We believe the estimated fair value of these intellectual property indemnification clauses is minimal.

We have also agreed to indemnify our officers and board members if they are named or threatened to be named as a party  

to any proceeding by reason of the fact that they acted in such capacity. A form of the indemnification agreement was filed  

as Exhibit 10.1 to our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002. We maintain directors’ and officers’ insurance 

coverage to protect against any such losses. We have recorded no liability associated with these indemnifications. Because of 

our insurance coverage, we believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU 2009-13, Multiple Element Arrangements. 

ASU 2009-13 addresses the determination of when the individual deliverables included in a multiple arrangement may be 

treated as separate units of accounting. ASU 2009-13 also modifies the manner in which the transaction consideration  

is allocated across separately identified deliverables and establishes definitions for determining fair value of elements in an 

arrangement. This new update is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is allowed. 

The new standard may impact our application service provider arrangements to recognize revenues, such as installation and 

data conversion, which are generally provided at the beginning of the arrangement as incurred instead of ratably over  

the life of the initial hosting term. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our financial 

condition or results of operation.

(2)  ACQUISITIONS

On July 16, 2009, we completed the acquisition of certain assets of KPL, Inc. d/b/a Parker-Lowe & Associates (“Parker-

Lowe”) for $700,000 in cash. Parker-Lowe provides scanning and retrieval software and related services for land record and 

social services offices in local governments primarily in the North Carolina area. This acquisition was accounted for as a 

purchase of a business.

On April 3, 2009, we completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of Assessment Evaluation Services, Inc. (“AES”). 

AES develops integrated property appraisal solutions and specializes in applications that deal with the unique provisions of 

the California Revenue and Taxation Code. The purchase price was approximately $1.1 million in cash.

In connection with these transactions we acquired total tangible assets of approximately $480,000 and assumed total 

liabilities of approximately $835,000, including $450,000 for contingent consideration for which we have paid $38,000 

as of December 31, 2009. The remaining contingent consideration is expected to be paid over the next two years.  

We recorded goodwill of approximately $1.3 million, all of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes, and other 

intangible assets of approximately $820,000. The $820,000 of intangible assets is attributable to acquired software and 

customer relationships that will be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 9 years. Our balance sheet as  

of December 31, 2009 reflects the allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based  

on their estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition.

The operating results of these acquisitions are included in our results of operations since the date of acquisition. We believe 

these acquisitions will complement our business by expanding our presence in certain geographic areas and adding to our 

customer base.

In 2009, we also paid approximately $1.1 million for certain software assets to complement our tax and appraisal solutions 

and our student information management solutions.

In August 2008, we completed the acquisition of all the capital stock of School Information Systems, Inc., which develops 

and sells a full suite of student information and financial management systems for K-12 schools. The purchase price, 

including transaction costs and excluding cash balances acquired, was approximately $9.9 million in cash and approximately 

70,000 shares of Tyler common stock valued at $1.2 million.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

51

Notes to Financial Statements

In the first quarter of 2008, we completed the acquisitions of all of the capital stock of VersaTrans Solutions Inc. 

(“VersaTrans”) and certain assets of Olympia Computing Company, Inc. d/b/a Schoolmaster (“Schoolmaster”). VersaTrans is a 

provider of student transportation management software solutions for school districts and school transportation providers 

across North America, including solutions for school bus routing and planning, redistricting, GPS fleet tracking, fleet maintenance 

and field trip planning. Schoolmaster provides a full suite of student information systems, which manage such functions  

as grading, attendance, scheduling, guidance, health, admissions and fund raising. The combined purchase price for these 

transactions excluding cash acquired and including transaction costs was approximately $13.9 million in cash and 

approximately 126,000 shares of Tyler common stock valued at $1.7 million.

In September 2007, we completed the acquisition of all the capital stock of EDP Enterprises, Inc. (“EDP”), which develops 

and sells financial and student information and management systems for public school districts in Texas. In February 2007, 

we completed the acquisition of all of the capital stock of Advanced Data Systems, Inc. (“ADS”), which develops and sells 

fund accounting solutions, primarily in New England. The combined purchase price, including transaction costs along with an 

office building used in ADS’s business and excluding cash balances acquired, for these acquisitions as well as miscellaneous 

other software asset purchases was $9.0 million.

(3)  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Assets recorded at fair value in the balance sheet as of December 31, 2009 are categorized based upon the level of judgment 

associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, defined by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements 

and Disclosures, are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets, 

are as follows:

Level 1 –  Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date;

Level 2 –  Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable; and

Level 3 –  Unobservable inputs, for which little or no market data exist, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own  

  assumptions.

As of December 31, 2009 we held certain items that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  

The following tables summarize the fair value of these financial assets:

December 31, 2009

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total 

$ 15,696 

$ 15,696 

$  — 

$  —

50 

  1,976 

$ 17,722 

50 

— 

— 

— 

$ 15,746 

$  — 

—

  1,976

$ 1,976

December 31, 2008

Quoted Prices in 
Active Markets for 
Identical Assets 
(Level 1) 

Significant Other 
Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Total 

$  6,844 

$  6,844 

$  — 

$  —

775 

  3,779 

$ 11,398 

775 

— 

— 

— 

$  7,619 

$  — 

—

  3,779

$ 3,779

Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term investments available-for-sale 

Non-current investments available-for-sale 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Short-term investments available-for-sale 

Non-current investments available-for-sale 

52 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of money market funds with original maturity dates of three months or less, for which we 

determine fair value through quoted market prices. These money market funds did not experience any declines in fair value in 2009.

Investments available-for-sale consist of two auction rate municipal securities (“ARS”) which are collateralized debt obligations 

supported by municipal and state agencies and do not include mortgage-backed securities. Short-term investments available- 

for-sale consists of the portion of one of these ARS, which was partially redeemed at par during the period January 1, 2010 

through February 22, 2010. These ARS are debt instruments with stated maturities ranging from 22 to 33 years, for which the 

interest rate is designed to be reset through Dutch auctions approximately every 30 days. However, due to events in the credit 

markets, auctions for these securities have not occurred since February 2008. Both of our ARS have had very small partial 

redemptions at par in the period from July 2009 through February 2010. As of December 31, 2009 we have continued to earn 

and collect interest on both of our ARS.

Because quoted prices in active markets are no longer available we determined the estimated fair values of these securities 

utilizing a discounted trinomial model. The model considers the probability of three potential occurrences for each auction event 

through the maturity date of each ARS. The three potential outcomes for each auction are (i) successful auction/early 

redemption, (ii) failed auction and (iii) issuer default. Inputs in determining the probabilities of the potential outcomes include  

but are not limited to, the securities’ collateral, credit rating, insurance, issuer’s financial standing, contractual restrictions  

on disposition and the liquidity in the market. The fair value of each ARS is determined by summing the present value of the 

probability-weighted future principal and interest payments determined by the model. Since there can be no assurances that 

auctions for these securities will be successful in the near future, we have classified our ARS as non-current investments.

The par and carrying values, and related cumulative unrealized loss for our non-current ARS as of December 31, 2009 are 

as follows:

Non-current investments available-for-sale 

Par 
Value 

Temporary 
Impairment 

Carrying
Value

$ 2,600 

$ 624 

$ 1,976

In association with this estimate of fair value, we have recorded an after-tax temporary unrealized loss on our non-current ARS 

of $18,000, net of related tax effects of $10,000 in 2009, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss on 

our balance sheet. The unrealized loss includes the impact of adjusting previously recorded unrealized losses of approximately 

$120,000, net of related tax effects of $65,000 as of December 31, 2008 for several ARS which were subsequently 

redeemed for $2.5 million at par during 2009.

We consider the impairment in our ARS as temporary because we do not have the intent to sell, nor is it more-likely-than-not 

that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis. We believe that this temporary decline in 

fair value is due entirely to liquidity issues, because the underlying assets of these securities are supported by municipal and 

state agencies and do not include mortgage-backed securities, have redemption features which call for redemption at 100% 

of par value and have a current credit rating of A or AAA. The ratings on the ARS take into account credit support through 

insurance policies guaranteeing each of the bonds’ payment of principal and accrued interest, if it becomes necessary. In 

addition, both ARS have had very small partial redemptions at par in the period July 2009 through February 2010. Based on 

our cash and cash equivalents balance of $15.7 million and expected operating cash flows, we do not believe a lack of 

liquidity associated with our ARS will adversely affect our ability to conduct business, and believe we have the ability to hold 

the securities throughout the currently estimated recovery period. We will continue to evaluate any changes in the market 

value of our ARS and in the future, depending upon existing market conditions, we may be required to record an other-than-

temporary decline in market value.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

The following table reflects the activity for assets measured at fair value using Level 3 inputs for the years ended December 31:

Balance as of December 31, 2007 

Transfers into level 3 

Transfers out of level 3 

Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 

Balance as of December 31, 2008 

Transfers into level 3 

Transfers out of level 3 

Purchases, sales, issuances and settlements 

Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss 

Balance as of December 31, 2009 

(4)  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net consists of the following at December 31:

Land  

Computer equipment and purchased software 

Furniture and fixtures 

Building and leasehold improvements 

Transportation equipment 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization 

Property and equipment, net 

$  —

  5,150

(775)

(596)

  3,779

—

(75)

  (1,700)

(28)

$ 1,976

Useful Lives 
(years) 

2009 

2008

  — 

  3–5 

5 

$  3,349 

  21,394 

6,467 

$  3,349

  19,553

5,103

  5–39 

  26,208 

  16,248

5 

329 

266

  57,747 

  44,519

  (21,997) 

  (17,997)

$ 35,750 

$ 26,522

Depreciation expense was $4.4 million during 2009, $3.5 million during 2008, and $2.8 million during 2007.

We own an office building in Yarmouth, Maine, which is leased to third-party tenants and a building in Lubbock, Texas,  

for which a small portion is leased to a third-party tenant. These leases expire between 2011 and 2015 and are expected to 

provide rental income of approximately $1.5 million during 2010, $1.1 million during 2011, $628,000 during 2012, 

$391,000 during 2013, $222,000 during 2014 and $74,000 thereafter. The lease agreements in Yarmouth, Maine, expire 

between 2011 and 2013, at which time we expect to begin occupying the facility. Rental income associated with these leases 

was $1.3 million and $662,000 in 2009 and 2008, respectively and was included as a reduction of selling, general and 

administrative expenses.

(5)  GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets and related accumulated amortization consists of the following at December 31:

Gross carrying amount of acquisition intangibles:

  Goodwill 

  Customer related intangibles 

  Software acquired 

  Trade name 

  Lease acquired 

Accumulated amortization 

  Acquisition intangibles, net 

Post acquisition software development costs 

Accumulated amortization 

  Post acquisition software costs, net 

54 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

2009 

2008

$  90,258 

$  88,791

  39,512 

  38,887

  23,403 

  22,143

1,971 

1,387 

1,971

1,387

  156,531 

  153,179

  (35,217) 

  (30,825)

$ 121,314 

$ 122,354

$  36,701 

$  36,701

  (35,986) 

  (35,243)

$ 

715 

$  1,458

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

Total amortization expense, for acquisition related intangibles and post acquisition software development costs, was $5.1 million 

during 2009, $9.1 million during 2008, and $8.4 million during 2007.

The allocation of acquisition intangible assets is summarized in the following table:

Non-amortizable intangibles:

  Goodwill 

Amortizable intangibles:

  Customer related intangibles 

  Software acquired 

  Trade name 

  Lease acquired 

December 31, 2009 

December 31, 2008 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

Weighted 
Average 
Amortization 
Period 

Accumulated 
Amortization 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

Weighted 
Average 
Amortization 
Period 

Accumulated
Amortization

$ 90,258 

— 

$  — 

$ 88,791 

— 

$  —

  39,512 

  23,403 

  1,971 

  1,387 

 18 years 

  5 years 

 19 years 

  5 years 

  14,022 

  19,900 

879 

416 

  38,887 

  22,143 

  1,971 

  1,387 

 18 years 

  5 years 

 19 years 

  5 years 

  11,449

  18,489

749

138

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the two years ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:

Balance as of  December 31, 2007 

  Goodwill acquired during the year related to the purchase of VersaTrans  

  Goodwill acquired during the year related to the purchase of SIS 

  Goodwill acquired during the year related to the purchase of Schoolmaster 

  Other 

Balance as of December 31, 2008 

  Goodwill acquired during the year related to the purchase of AES 

  Goodwill acquired during the year related to the purchase of Parker-Lowe 

  Other 

Balance as of December 31, 2009 

Enterprise 
Software 
Solutions 

Appraisal and Tax
Software Solutions
and Services 

$ 66,966 

$ 4,711 

  9,278  

  6,351  

  1,475  

10 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Total

$ 71,677

  9,278

  6,351

  1,475

10

   84,080  

  4,711  

   88,791

— 

430 

158 

 879  

— 

— 

879

430

158

$ 84,668 

$ 5,590 

$ 90,258

Estimated annual amortization expense relating to acquisition intangibles, including acquired software for which the 

amortization expense is recorded as cost of revenues and acquired leases for which amortization expense is recorded as 

selling, general and administrative expenses, is as follows:

Years ending December 31, 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

(6)  ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consist of the following at December 31:

Accrued wages, bonuses and commissions 

Other accrued liabilities 

Accrued building construction costs 

Accrued health claims 

Accrued third party contract costs 

  $4,387 

 3,805 

3,538 

2,973 

2,498

2009 

2008

$ 15,945 

  5,378 

  1,816 

  1,551 

  1,420 

$ 26,110 

$ 13,908

  5,737

—

  1,921

  1,347

$ 22,913

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

(7)  SHORT-TERM REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT

In October 2008, we entered into a revolving bank credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) and a related pledge and security 

agreement which originally matured October 19, 2009. We amended and extended the related pledge and security agreement 

in October 2009. The Credit Facility matures October 18, 2010 and provides for total borrowings of up to $25.0 million and  

a $10.0 million Letter of Credit facility which can either be cash collateralized or issued using availability under the Credit 

Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate of either the Wall Street Journal prime rate minus .5% or 

the 30, 60 or 90-day LIBOR rate plus 2%; however, a minimum interest rate of 3.25% will apply. As of December 31, 2009, 

our effective interest rate was 3.25% under the Credit Facility. The effective average interest rate for borrowings during the 

twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was 1.8%. The Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. The 

Credit Facility requires us to maintain certain financial ratios and other financial conditions and prohibits us from making 

certain investments, advances, cash dividends or loans, restricts the amount of our common stock we may purchase and limits 

incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens. As of December 31, 2009, we were in compliance with those covenants.  

As of December 31, 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings and unused available borrowing capacity of $23.7 million under 

the Credit Facility. In addition, as of December 31, 2009, our bank had issued outstanding letters of credit totaling  

$7.3 million to secure surety bonds required by some of our customer contracts. These letters of credit have been collateralized 

by restricted cash balances of $6.0 million and $1.3 million of our available borrowing capacity and expire through 

mid-2010. The carrying amount of the Credit Facility approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the instrument.

We paid interest of $174,000 in 2009.

(8)  INCOME TAX

The income tax provision (benefit) on income from operations consists of the following:

Years ended December 31, 

2009 

2008 

2007

Current:

  Federal  

  State  

Deferred 

$ 16,822 

  2,536 

  19,358 

$ 14,320 

  2,245 

  16,565 

$ 10,593

  2,084

  12,677

  (1,730) 

  (2,151) 

  (1,598)

$ 17,628 

$ 14,414 

$ 11,079

Reconciliation of the U.S. statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax expense rate for operations follows:

Years ended December 31, 

Income tax expense at statutory rate 

State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit 

Non-deductible business expenses 

Qualified manufacturing activities 

Other, net  

2009 

2008 

2007

$ 15,623 

  1,634 

965 

(586) 

(8) 

$ 10,247 

  1,089 

  3,988 

(700) 

(210) 

$ 10,003

  1,321

608

(490)

(363)

$ 17,628 

$ 14,414 

$ 11,079

In 2008, non-deductible business expenses included the impact of a non-cash legal settlement related to warrants charge of 

$9.0 million, which was not tax deductible. See Note 14 – “Commitments and Contingencies” for more information.

Approximately 40% of our unvested stock option awards qualify as incentive stock options (“ISOs”) for income tax purposes. 

As such, a tax benefit is not recorded at the time the compensation cost related to the options is recorded for book 

purposes due to the fact that an ISO does not ordinarily result in a tax benefit unless there is a disqualifying disposition. 

Stock option grants of non-qualified options result in the creation of a deferred tax asset, which is a temporary difference, 

until the time that the option is exercised. Due to the treatment of ISOs for tax purposes, our effective tax rate from year to 

year is subject to variability.

56 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The tax effects of the major items recorded as deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are:

Notes to Financial Statements

Deferred income tax assets:

  Operating expenses not currently deductible 

  Employee benefit plans 

  Capital loss carryforward 

  Property and equipment 

  Total deferred income tax assets 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

Intangible assets 

  Other 

  Total deferred income tax liabilities 

Net deferred income tax liabilities 

2009 

2008

$  2,068 

  3,628 

230 

230 

$  1,466

  2,528

221

203

  6,156 

  4,418

  (9,720) 

  (9,697)

(157) 

  (9,877) 

$ (3,721) 

(181)

  (9,878)

$ (5,460)

Although realization is not assured, we believe it is more likely than not that all the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2009 

and 2008 will be realized. Accordingly, we believe no valuation allowance is required for the deferred tax assets. However,  

the amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted in the future if estimates of reversing taxable 

temporary differences are revised.

No reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded pursuant to ASC 740-10, Income Taxes.

We are subject to U.S. federal tax as well as income tax of multiple state and local jurisdictions. We are no longer subject  

to United States federal income tax examinations for years before 2006. We are no longer subject to state and local income 

tax examinations by tax authorities for the years before 2004.

We paid income taxes, net of refunds received, of $18.1 million in 2009, $15.7 million in 2008, and $8.7 million in 2007.

(9)  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The following table details activity in our common stock:

Years ended December 31,

2009 

2008 

2007 

Shares 

Amount 

Shares 

Amount 

Shares 

Amount 

Purchases of common stock 

  (1,235) 

$ (17,000) 

  (4,283) 

$ (58,984) 

  (1,250) 

$ (16,163)

Stock option exercises 

Employee stock plan purchases 

Shares issued for acquisitions 

Shares issued in connection with legal settlement 

425 

115 

— 

— 

2,295 

1,428 

— 

— 

379 

101 

196 

802 

1,815 

1,190 

2,863 

  11,050 

878 

100 

— 

— 

3,589

1,117

—

—

Subsequent to December 31, 2009 and through February 22, 2010, we repurchased 59,000 shares for an aggregate 

purchase price of $1.1 million. As of February 22, 2010 we had authorization from our board of directors to repurchase up 

to 2.2 million additional shares of our common stock.

In 2008, we settled outstanding litigation related to two Stock Purchase Warrants owned by Bank of America, N. A. 

(“BANA”). In July 2008, as a result of this settlement, BANA paid us $2.0 million and we issued to BANA 801,883 

restricted shares of Tyler common stock. See Note 14 – “Commitments and Contingencies” for further information.

(10)  SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Share-Based Compensation Plan

We have a stock option plan that provides for the grant of stock options to key employees, directors and non-employee 

consultants. Stock options vest after three to five years of continuous service from the date of grant and have a contractual 

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

term of ten years. Once options become exercisable, the employee can purchase shares of our common stock at the market 

price on the date we granted the option. We account for share-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition 

pursuant to ASC 718, Stock Compensation.

As of December 31, 2009, there were 176,000 shares available for future grants under the plan from the 11.0 million shares 

previously approved by the stockholders.

Determining Fair Value of Stock Compensation

Valuation and Amortization Method. We estimate the fair value of share-based awards granted using the Black-Scholes option 

valuation model. We amortize the fair value of all awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods, which 

are generally the vesting periods.

Expected Life. The expected life of awards granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding.  

As provided by ASC 718-10, Stock Compensation, we use the “simplified” method which is allowed for those companies that 

cannot reasonably estimate expected life of options based on its historical share option exercise experience. We use the 

“simplified” method to estimate expected life due to insufficient historical exercise data for the current optionee group. In 

2005 we established a practice of granting options to a consistent optionee group. This optionee group has not been in place 

long enough to generate sufficient historical data to estimate the expected period of time an option award would be expected 

to be outstanding.

Expected Volatility. Using the Black-Scholes option valuation model, we estimate the volatility of our common stock at the 

date of grant based on the historical volatility of our common stock.

Risk-Free Interest Rate. We base the risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes option valuation model on the implied 

yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term equal to the expected life of 

the award.

Expected Dividend Yield. We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock in the last ten years and we do not 

anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, we use an expected dividend yield of zero in the 

Black-Scholes option valuation model.

Expected Forfeitures. We use historical data to estimate pre-vesting option forfeitures. We record stock-based compensation 

only for those awards that are expected to vest.

The following weighted average assumptions were used for options granted:

Years ended December 31, 

Expected life (in years) 

Expected volatility 

Risk-free interest rate 

Expected forfeiture rate 

2009 

6.5 

2008 

6.5 

2007

6.5

37.2%   

40.9% 

  42.6%

3.1%   

3%   

3.5% 

3% 

4.5%

3%

The following table summarizes share-based compensation expense related to share-based awards which is recorded in the 

statement of operations:

Years ended December 31, 

Cost of software services, maintenance and subscriptions 

Selling, general and administrative expense 

  Total share-based compensation expense 

Tax benefit 

  Net decrease in net income 

58 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

2009 

2008 

2007

$  540 

  4,505  

  5,045  

  (1,233) 

$  3,812 

$  364 

  3,456  

  3,820  

   (846) 

$ 2,974 

$  227 

  2,138 

  2,365 

   (451)

$ 1,914 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock Option Activity

Options granted, exercised, forfeited and expired are summarized as follows:

Outstanding at December 31, 2006 

  Granted  

  Exercised 

  Forfeited 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007 

  Granted  

  Exercised 

  Forfeited 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008 

  Granted  

  Exercised 

  Forfeited 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009 

Exercisable at December 31, 2009 

Notes to Financial Statements

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

Weighted Average
Remaining 
Contractual Life 
(Years) 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

$  5.32

  13.42

  4.09

  8.29

  7.16

  14.38

  4.79

  10.82

  9.69

  17.25

  5.40

  7.80

Number 
of Shares 

  4,087 

773 

(878) 

(10) 

  3,972 

  1,750 

(379) 

(34) 

  5,309 

835 

(425) 

(15) 

  5,704 

  2,765 

  11.12 

$  7.50 

  7 

  5 

$ 50,139

$ 34,314

As of December 31, 2009, we had unvested options to purchase 2.9 million shares with a weighted average grant date fair 

value of $6.70. As of December 31, 2009, we had $15.8 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested 

options, net of expected forfeitures, which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average amortization period of 3.6 years.

Other information pertaining to option activity was as follows during the twelve months ended December 31:

Weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted   

Total fair value of stock options vested 

Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised 

2009 

2008 

2007

$  7.38 

  4,346 

  4,656 

$  6.73 

  2,600 

  3,929 

$  6.69

  1,710

  8,793

Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) participants may contribute up to 15% of their annual compensation to 

purchase common shares of Tyler. The purchase price of the shares is equal to 85% of the closing price of Tyler shares on  

the last day of each quarterly offering period. As of December 31, 2009, there were 341,000 shares available for future grants 

under the ESPP from the 1.0 million shares originally reserved for issuance.

(11)  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings and diluted earnings per share data were computed as follows:

Years Ended December 31, 

2009 

2008 

2007

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share

  Net income 

Denominator:

  Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding 

  Assumed conversion of dilutive securities:

  Stock options 

  Warrants 

Potentially dilutive common shares 

Denominator for diluted earnings per share – Adjusted weighted-average shares 

Earnings per common share:

  Basic 

  Diluted  

$ 27,010 

$ 14,862 

$ 17,501

  35,240 

  37,714 

  38,735

  1,384 

  1,470 

  1,715

— 

  1,384 

  36,624 

— 

  1,470 

  39,184 

902

  2,617

  41,352

$  0.77 

$  0.74 

$  0.39 

$  0.38 

$  0.45

$  0.42

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

Stock options representing the right to purchase common stock of 2.6 million shares in 2009, 1.6 million shares in 2008, 

and 128,000 shares in 2007 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion 

would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

(12)  LEASES

We lease office facilities for use in our operations, as well as transportation, computer and other equipment. We also have an 

office facility lease agreement with a shareholder. Most of our leases are non-cancelable operating lease agreements and they 

expire at various dates through 2014. In addition to rent, the leases generally require us to pay taxes, maintenance, insurance 

and certain other operating expenses.

Rent expense was approximately $6.3 million in 2009, $5.9 million in 2008, and $4.9 million in 2007, which included rent 

expense associated with related party lease agreements of $2.0 million in 2009 and $1.8 million in both 2008 and 2007.

Future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2009 are as follows:

Years ending December 31, 

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

Thereafter  

$  6,033

  5,265

  3,954

  2,365

  1,721

—

$ 19,338

Included in future minimum lease payments are non-cancelable payments due to related parties of $1.9 million in 2010, 

$1.8 million in 2011, $1.7 million in 2012, $1.7 million in 2013, $1.7 million in 2014 and none thereafter.

(13)  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

We provide a defined contribution plan for the majority of our employees meeting minimum service requirements.  

The employees can contribute up to 30% of their current compensation to the plan subject to certain statutory limitations.  

We contribute up to a maximum of 3% of an employee’s compensation to the plan. We made contributions to the plan  

and charged operations $2.6 million during 2009, $2.0 million during 2008, and $1.7 million during 2007.

(14)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

On November 3, 2008, a putative collective action complaint was filed against us in the United States District Court for the 

Eastern District of Texas (the “Court”) on behalf of current and former telephone and remote customer support personnel 

(“Category 1”), computer hardware and software set up and maintenance personnel (“Category 2”), implementation personnel 

(“Category 3”), sales support personnel (“Category 4”), and quality assurance analysts (“Category 5”). The petition alleges 

that we misclassified these groups of employees as “exempt” rather than “non-exempt” under the Fair Labor Standards Act 

and that we therefore failed to properly pay overtime wages. The suit was initiated by six former employees working out  

of our Longview, Texas, office and seeks to recover damages in the form of lost overtime pay, liquidated damages equal to the 

amount of lost overtime pay, interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees. On June 23, 2009, the Court issued an Order granting 

Plaintiffs’ motion for conditional certification for the purpose of providing notice to potential plaintiffs about the litigation. 

Accordingly, the plaintiffs sent the court ordered notice to all current and former employees who worked in the foregoing job 

classifications at any time from June 23, 2006 until June 23, 2009. On October 26, 2009, the “opt in” period for plaintiffs 

and potential plaintiffs closed. There are a total of 78 plaintiffs in the litigation consisting of the following: 31 in Category 1;  

4 in Category 2; 39 in Category 3; 2 in Category 4; and 2 in Category 5. We intend to vigorously defend the action. Given the 

preliminary nature of the alleged claims and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, we cannot at this time estimate the 

possible outcome of any such action.

60 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements

On June 27, 2008, we settled outstanding litigation related to two Stock Purchase Warrants (the “Warrants”) owned by Bank 

of America, N. A. (“BANA”). As disclosed in prior SEC filings, the Warrants entitled BANA to acquire 1.6 million shares  

of Tyler common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per share. The Warrants expired on September 10, 2007. Prior to their 

expiration, BANA attempted to exercise the Warrants; however, the parties disputed whether or not BANA’s exercise was 

effective. We filed suit for declaratory judgment seeking a court’s determination on the matter, and BANA asserted numerous 

counterclaims against us, including breach of contract and misrepresentation. Following court-ordered mediation, in July 

2008, BANA paid us $2.0 million and we issued to BANA 801,883 restricted shares of Tyler common stock. Accordingly, 

as a result of the settlement, we recorded a non-cash legal settlement related to warrants charge of $9.0 million, which was  

not tax deductible.

Other than ordinary course, routine litigation incidental to our business and except as described in this Annual Report, there 

are no material legal proceedings pending to which we are party or to which any of our properties are subject.

(15)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 6, 2010, we acquired all the assets of Wiznet, Inc. (“Wiznet”) for a cash purchase price of $9.5 million. 

Wiznet provides electronic document filing solutions for courts and law offices throughout the United States and is currently 

integrated with our primary courts and justice applications. We have not finalized the allocation of the purchase price.

We evaluate events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date as potential subsequent events. We performed 

this evaluation through February 25, 2010, the date on which we issued our financial statements.

(16)  SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

We are a major provider of integrated information management solutions and services for the public sector, with a focus on 

local governments. Factors used to identify our reportable operating segments include the financial information regularly 

utilized for evaluation by our chief operating decision-maker (CODM) in making decisions about how to allocate resources and 

in assessing our performance. We have determined that our CODM is our Chief Executive Officer.

We provide our software systems and services and appraisal services through four business units:

•  financial management and education software solutions;

•  financial management and municipal courts and justice software solutions;

•  courts and justice software solutions; and

•  appraisal and tax software solutions and property appraisal services.

Historically, we have reported one segment. In 2009 we reexamined the economics of our businesses, and found that the 

financial metrics for our appraisal and tax software solutions and services unit were becoming dissimilar from our enterprise 

software solutions units. Accordingly, we now report two segments: (1) Enterprise Software Solutions and (2) Appraisal and  

Tax Software Solutions and Services. In accordance with ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting, the financial management and 

education software solutions unit, financial management and municipal courts and justice software solutions unit and the courts 

and justice software solutions unit meet the criteria for aggregation and are presented in one segment, “Enterprise Software 

Solutions.” The Enterprise Software Solutions segment provides municipal and county governments and schools with software 

systems to meet their information technology and automation needs for mission-critical “back-office” functions such as financial 

management and courts and justice processes. The Appraisal and Tax Software Solutions and Services segment provides 

systems and software that automate the appraisal and assessment of real and personal property as well as property appraisal 

outsourcing services for local governments and taxing authorities. Property appraisal outsourcing services include: the physical 

inspection of commercial and residential properties; data collection and processing; computer analysis for property valuation; 

preparation of tax rolls; community education; and arbitration between taxpayers and the assessing jurisdiction.

We evaluate performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is business segment operating 

income. We define segment operating income as income before noncash amortization of intangible assets associated with their 

acquisition, share-based compensation expense, interest expense and income taxes. Segment operating income includes 

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

61

Notes to Financial Statements

intercompany transactions. The majority of intercompany transactions relate to contracts involving more than one unit and  

are valued based on the contractual arrangement. Segment operating income for corporate primarily consists of compensation 

costs for the executive management team and certain accounting and administrative staff and share-based compensation 

expense for the entire company. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1, 

“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

Segment assets include net accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other current assets, net property and equipment and 

intangibles associated with their acquisition. Corporate assets consist of cash and investments, prepaid insurance, deferred 

income taxes and net property and equipment mainly related to unallocated information and technology assets.

Enterprise Software Solutions segment capital expenditures in 2009 and 2008 include $11.2 million and $16.0 million, 

respectively for the purchase of buildings in connection with plans to consolidate workforces and support long-term growth. 

2009 capital expenditures include a $1.8 million accrued retainage payment we expect to pay by mid-2010.

In 2009 and 2008 the Appraisal and Tax Software Solutions and Services segment had one appraisal services customer which 

accounted for 10.4% and 12.6%, respectively, of this segment’s total revenues.

As of and year ended December 31, 2009 

Enterprise 
Software 
Solutions 

Appraisal and Tax
Software Solutions
and Services 

Corporate 

Totals

Revenues 

  Software licenses 

  Subscriptions 

  Software services 

  Maintenance 

  Appraisal services 

  Hardware and other 

Intercompany 

Total revenues 

$  39,910 

$  2,221 

$ 

311 

  9,229 

  10,275 

  18,740 

  16,870 

  71,176 

  114,237 

— 

6,248 

1,618 

— 

— 

1,069 

(1,618) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

$  42,131

  17,181

  80,405

  124,512

  18,740

7,317

—

$ 250,059 

$ 40,776 

$ 

(549) 

$ 290,286

Depreciation and amortization expense 

8,031 

608 

858 

9,497

  55,639 

  6,949 

  (13,688) 

  48,900

  13,361 

192 

614 

$ 220,135 

$ 25,597 

$ 24,938 

  14,167

$ 270,670

Enterprise 
Software 
Solutions 

Appraisal and Tax
Software Solutions
and Services 

Corporate 

Totals

$  39,936 

$  1,554 

$ 

  14,352 

  65,906 

  98,383 

— 

6,354 

956 

22 

  9,091 

  9,075 

  19,098 

26 

2 

$ 225,887 

$ 38,868 

$ 

  11,596 

510 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1,304 

(958) 

346 

505 

$  41,490

  14,374

  74,997

  107,458

  19,098

7,684

—

$ 265,101

  12,611

  47,698 

  5,448 

  (11,769) 

  41,377

  17,563 

420 

2,160 

$ 208,868 

$ 24,409 

$ 18,484 

  20,143

$ 251,761

Segment operating income 

Capital expenditures 

Segment assets 

As of and year ended December 31, 2008 

Revenues

  Software licenses 

  Subscriptions 

  Software services 

  Maintenance 

  Appraisal services 

  Hardware and other 

Intercompany 

Total revenues 

Depreciation and amortization expense 

Segment operating income 

Capital expenditures 

Segment assets 

62 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of and year ended December 31, 2007 

Revenues

  Software licenses 

  Subscriptions 

  Software services 

  Maintenance 

  Appraisal services 

  Hardware and other 

Intercompany 

Total revenues 

Notes to Financial Statements

Enterprise 
Software 
Solutions 

Appraisal and Tax
Software Solutions
and Services 

Corporate 

Totals

$  33,789 

$  1,274 

$ 

  10,406 

  52,784 

  77,012 

— 

7,294 

780 

— 

  7,499 

  8,399 

  21,318 

21 

138 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(918) 

$  35,063

  10,406

  60,283

  85,411

  21,318

7,315

—

$ 182,065 

$ 38,649 

$ 

(918) 

$ 219,796

Depreciation and amortization expense 

  10,310 

542 

359 

  11,211

Segment operating income 

Capital expenditures 

Segment assets 

  34,833 

  5,040 

  (9,336) 

  30,537

2,449 

412 

817 

3,678

$ 157,981 

$ 22,869 

$ 60,658 

$ 241,508

Reconciliation of reportable segment operating 
income to the Company’s consolidated totals: 

Total segment operating income 

Amortization of acquired software 

Amortization of customer and trade name intangibles 

Non-cash legal settlement related to warrants 

Other (expense) income 

Income before income taxes 

2009 

2008 

2007

$ 48,900 

$ 41,377 

$ 30,537

  (1,411) 

  (1,799) 

  (2,705) 

  (2,438) 

— 

  (9,045) 

(146) 

$ 44,638 

  1,181 

$ 29,276 

(2,279)

(1,478)

—

  1,800

$ 28,580

(17)  QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

The following table contains selected financial information from unaudited statements of operations for each quarter of 2009 

and 2008.

2009 

2008 

Quarters Ended 

Dec. 31 

Sept. 30 

June 30 

Mar. 31 

Dec. 31 

Sept. 30 

June 30 (A) 

Mar. 31

Revenues   

Gross profit 

$ 74,217 

$ 74,332 

$ 72,172 

$ 69,565 

$ 69,544 

$ 68,637 

$ 67,569 

$ 59,351

  33,239 

  33,235 

  31,997 

  30,292 

  28,945 

  29,950 

  29,089 

  21,803

Income before income taxes 

  10,922 

  12,421 

  11,334 

  9,961 

  9,845 

  12,335 

  2,026 

  5,070

Net income 

  6,656 

  7,475 

  6,873 

  6,006 

  5,131 

  6,359 

Earnings per diluted share 

0.18 

0.20 

0.19 

0.16 

0.14 

0.16 

246 

0.01 

  3,126

0.08

Shares used in computing 

  diluted earnings per share 

  36,600 

  36,487 

  36,723 

  36,747 

  37,604 

  40,019 

  39,633 

  39,527

(A)   On June 27, 2008, we settled outstanding litigation related to two Stock Purchase Warrants (the “Warrants”) owned by Bank of America, 
N. A. (“BANA”). The Warrants entitled BANA to acquire 1.6 million shares of Tyler common stock at an exercise price of $2.50 per 
share. Following court-ordered mediation, in July 2008, BANA paid us $2.0 million and we issued to BANA 801,883 restricted shares of 
Tyler common stock. Accordingly, we recorded a non-cash legal settlement related to warrants charge of $9.0 million, which was not tax 
deductible, during the three months ended June 30, 2008.

Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performance Graph

The following table compares total Shareholder returns for Tyler over the last five years to the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock 

Index and the Standard and Poor’s 600 Information Technology Index assuming a $100 investment made on December 31, 

2004. Each of the three measures of cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends. The stock performance 

shown on the graph below is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE FIVE YEAR TOTAL RETURN

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009   

100 

100 

100 

105.02 

104.91 

99.76 

168.18 

121.48 

109.17 

154.19 

128.16 

119.32 

143.30 

80.74 

71.15 

238.16

102.11

105.41 

Tyler Technologies, Inc.

S&P 500 Index

S&P 600 Information
Technology Index

64 Tyler Technologies Annual Report 2009

 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Headquarters
5949 Sherry Lane 
Suite 1400 
Dallas, Texas 75225 
972.713.3700 
www.tylertech.com

Transfer Agent and Registrar
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company 
59 Maiden Lane 
Plaza Level 
New York, New York 10038 
800.937.5449 tel 
718.236.2641 fax 
www.amstock.com

Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm
Ernst & Young LLP 
Dallas, Texas

Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Our Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday,  
May 13, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. Central time at  
The Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Lane,  
Suite 1700, Dallas, Texas 75225.

Certifications
We submitted an unqualified Annual CEO Certification 
to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as required by 
the NYSE Listed Company rules. We also filed with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission the Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications required 
under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act as exhibits 
to our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Investor Information
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K is available on the 
Company’s website at www.tylertech.com. A copy of  
the Form 10-K or other information may also be obtained 
by contacting the Investor Relations Department at 
corporate headquarters.

Investor Relations
Tyler Technologies, Inc. 
972.713.3714 
info@tylertech.com

Common Stock
Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under  
the symbol “TYL”

Corporate Officers
John M. Yeaman 
Chairman of the Board

John S. Marr, Jr. 
President and Chief Executive Officer

Dustin R. Womble 
Executive Vice President

Brian K. Miller 
Executive Vice President 
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

H. Lynn Moore, Jr. 
Executive Vice President 
General Counsel and Secretary

Samantha B. Crosby 
Vice President 
Marketing

Rick L. Hoff 
Vice President 
Chief Technology Officer

Robert J. Sansone  
Vice President 
Human Resources

W. Michael Smith 
Vice President 
Chief Accounting Officer

Terri L. Alford 
Controller

Board of Directors
John M. Yeaman1 
Chairman of the Board 
Tyler Technologies, Inc.
John S. Marr, Jr.1 
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Tyler Technologies, Inc.
Donald R. Brattain2,3 
President 
Brattain and Associates, LLC
J. Luther King, Jr.2,4 
Chief Executive Officer 
Luther King Capital Management
G. Stuart Reeves2,3,4 
Retired Executive Vice President 
Electronic Data Systems Corporation
Michael D. Richards3,4 
Executive Vice President 
Republic Title of Texas, Inc.
Dustin R. Womble1 
Executive Vice President 
Tyler Technologies, Inc.

1  Executive Committee
2  Audit Committee
3  Nominating and Governance Committee
4  Compensation Committee

5949 Sherry Lane
Suite 1400
Dallas, Texas 75225
972.713.3700
www.tylertech.com