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Ultimovacs

ulti · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Ticker ulti
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Financial Services
Industry Asset Management - Income
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2011 Annual Report · Ultimovacs
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 1 

 
SHAREHOLDER LETTER 

Dear Shareholders, 

2011 was a good year for Ultimate. Our all-
important recurring revenues increased 25% 
compared with 2010 and passed the milestone 
of $200 million, reaching a record $213.8 
million, just one year after our total revenues 
surpassed the $200-million milestone in 2010. 
Our recurring revenues were 79% of total 
revenues in 2011, up from 75% in 2010. Our 
total revenues climbed to a record-high of 
$269 million in 2011, an 18% increase over 
the previous year. At the same time, our 
annual customer retention rate was greater 
than 96% once again for the year.  

2011 marked the 10th year in a decade of 
strong, consistent growth in our Software-as-
a-Service (SaaS), or cloud, recurring 
revenues. Our compounded annual growth 
rate for SaaS recurring revenues was 31% for 
the decade ending with 2011. 

Based upon our total number of SaaS 
customers (2,300+ companies) and the 
number of people records handled in our cloud 
environment (7,000,000+) at the close of 
2011, we believe that Ultimate has the largest 
customer base in the United States using 
cloud-based solutions for comprehensive 
payroll, human resources, talent 
management, and time management in the 
market today. Our market share in our 
Enterprise sector (those businesses with more 
than 1,000 employees) is now approximately 
10%, and our market share in our Workplace 
sector (those businesses with 200-1,000 
employees) is approximately 3%.*  

Our new customers in 2011 continued to 
attach multiple add-on product components 
when they signed up for our core UltiPro 
solution—reflecting our customers’ unabated 
appetite for a single, all-inclusive people 
management solution. In our Enterprise 
market, our 2011 attach rates were 62% for 
Recruitment, 70% for Onboarding, 60% for  

Scott Scherr  
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Founder 

Performance Management, and 50% for Time 
Management. In our Workplace market, our 
2011 attach rates were 77% for Recruitment, 
54% for Onboarding, 69% for Performance 
Management, and 79% for Time Management.  

Our market indicators suggest that interest in 
our solutions increased throughout the 2011 
year. In the fourth quarter of 2011, we had an 
all-time record for the highest number of 
unique visitors to our Web site over any prior 
quarter, and that number was a 20% increase 
in traffic over Q4 2010. At our Interactive HR 
Workshops that we held throughout the 
United States, we identified a record number 
of registrants who said they are looking for a 
new human resources and/or payroll 
solution—a 78% increase for 2011 over 
2010—and in our print and online advertising, 
we had a greater than 200% increase in 
number of responders for the year compared 
with 2010. That too was a record-high for 
Ultimate. 

*Data is from Hoover’s/D&B numbers of non-subsidiary U.S. companies and Ultimate’s customer numbers, both as of 1/4/2012.  

 1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER LETTER (continued) 

We added Succession Management to our 
suite of UltiPro cloud solutions for managing 
employees from recruitment through 
retirement in 2011. UltiPro Succession 
Management was designed to involve 
employees and managers in an ongoing, 
collaborative process. Employees can manage 
their own talent profiles—updating factors that 
influence succession readiness such as 
mobility preferences, languages, education, 
accomplishments, and competencies—to 
ensure that our customers’ leadership has a 
rich understanding of their companies’ talent 
landscapes while managers have the flexibility 
to develop succession plans for jobs, talent 
pools, or individuals. 

Ultimate earned some third-party recognition 
in 2011 that substantiates the excellence of 
our people, products, and services. In 
October, Forrester Research, a leading 
technology, research, analysis, and advisory 
firm, selected Ultimate as a Groundswell 
Award winner for our collaborative customer 
community called “Ideas” that is a forum for 
our customers to share information with one 
another and provide direct feedback to us 
about UltiPro. In November, Ultimate won a 
SuperNova Award from Constellation Research 
in the advanced analytics category for a 
predictive analytics tool that HR leaders can 
use to assess employee retention risks 
proactively.  

In our first year of applying for FORTUNE’s 
“100 Best Companies to Work For” list, we 
were ranked #25, building on our two prior-
year #1 rankings on the mid-sized company 
list from the Great Place to Work Institute. The 
FORTUNE ranking is a very big honor for us. 
We are the only human capital management 
provider on the list, and we are the highest 
ranked cloud vendor on the list. The list was 
published in January 2012 and includes many 
of the country’s largest and most respected 
companies, such as Adobe, Google, Intel, 
Microsoft, Mercedes Benz USA, Starbucks, and 
Whole Foods Market. 

We released our new company branding on  
January 23, 2012. Our new tag line, “People 
first,” embodies the essence of who we are at 
Ultimate—a company that recognizes the 
power of talented, motivated people to 
produce momentous business results. People 
are the center of everything we do. They are 
the backbone of our own business—and the 
purpose behind the solutions we develop to 
help other organizations work smarter, create 
more people-centric environments, and meet 
their business goals. 

We are well-positioned for the future and look 
forward to executing on the many 
opportunities ahead of us. Our goals for 2012 
are to: 

1.  Increase total revenues  

By investing in innovative product 
development and customer services, we 
are able to provide businesses with a high-
quality customer experience that drives 
desire for our solutions and gives us the 
opportunity to continue growing our total 
revenues.  

2.  Increase our recurring revenues  

Our recurring revenues were 79% of our 
total revenues for the 2011 year versus 
75% for 2010, and we expect to continue 
increasing that percentage as we focus on 
our cloud delivery model.  

3.  Maintain our customer retention rate 

above 95% 
By continuing to enhance our products and 
services, our people develop strong and 
enduring customer relationships that 
provide us a consistent revenue stream 
and many references for new business.  

Our approach to business is much the same 
now as it has been since the inception of 
Ultimate. We find and retain the most talented 
employees, and their goal is to keep our 
products, services, and the overall experience                                      
of our customers at the top of our industry.  

 2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SHAREHOLDER LETTER (continued) 

Delivering on this objective has always been 
the driver of our success and will continue to 
influence our decisions as we move forward. 

On behalf of Ultimate’s Board of Directors and 
our management team, I thank you, our 
shareholders, for your continuing support and 
partnership with us. 

Scott Scherr 
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief 
Executive Officer, and Founder 
Ultimate 

 3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA  
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31 

Operating Data (In Thousands, 
Except Per-Share Data) (1) 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Revenues 
Recurring 
Services 
License 

$133,159 
58,996 
4,125 

$170,905 
55,368 
1,538 

$213,785 
53,195 
2,218 

Total Revenues 

$196,280 

$227,811 

$269,198 

Gross Profit 
     As a % of Total Revenue 
Operating Expenses and Other 
     As a % of Total Revenue 
Provision for Income Taxes (2) 
Loss from Discontinued Operations, 
    Net of Income Taxes (3) 

$108,461 
55% 
$108,546 
55% 
721 

$128,569 
56% 
$120,398 
53% 
5,161 

$152,864 
57% 
$136,742 
51% 
11,840 

(336) 

(853) 

— 

Net Income (Loss) 

$(1,142) 

$2,157 

$4,282 

Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per 
Share 

$(0.05) 

$0.08 

$0.15 

(1) Operating data, excluding Loss from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes    
represents financial results from continuing operations. 

(2) See Note 15 of the notes to consolidated financial statements included in the Annual  
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, of The Ultimate Software 
Group, Inc. and subsidiaries, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 
29, 2012 (the 2011 Form 10-K) for information regarding the provision for income taxes. 

(3) We discontinued and liquidated the operations of our wholly owned subsidiary in the  
United Kingdom in 2010. 

Balance Sheet Data (In Thousands) 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 
Investments in Marketable Securities 

2009 

$23,684 
$9,523 

2010 

$40,889 
$9,317 

2011 

$46,149 
$9,130 

Total Assets 

$171,130 

$249,557 

$318,820 

Deferred Revenue 
Long-Term Debt,                           
Including Capital Lease Obligations,                 
Net of Current Portion 
Stockholders’ Equity 

$68,559 

$1,710 
$57,770 

$78,095 

$2,406 
$72,985 

$86,563 

$2,175 
$85,624 

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10-YEAR FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 

  Dollars are represented in millions.  
  CAGR on both graphs represents Ultimate’s 10-year Compounded Annual Growth Rate from 2002-2011 for Recurring Revenues and Total 

Revenues.  

 5 

 
 
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS 

  Ultimate added Succession Management to its suite of UltiPro cloud solutions for managing 
employees from recruitment through retirement. With UltiPro Succession Management, 
companies can engage their employees and managers in an ongoing, collaborative process for 
developing succession plans. Employees can update their own talent profiles with detail on 
factors that influence succession readiness such as mobility preferences, languages, education, 
accomplishments, and competencies. Managers can use the information to identify talent gaps 
and prepare their reports for succession by developing succession plans for jobs, talent pools, or 
individuals while company leadership has a bird’s-eye view of succession for strategic decision-
making.  

 

In March 2011, we held our Ultimate Partner Forum, known as Connections and co-sponsored by 
Dell and IBM, and had the largest attendance in our history—820 attendees. Our customers, 
partners, and HR industry analysts came to share ideas, hear about Ultimate’s future direction, 
and expand their peer networks. Ultimate’s 2012 Connections conference is scheduled for March 
27-30, 2012 in Las Vegas.   

  A leading technology research, analysis, and advisory firm, Forrester Research, selected Ultimate 
as a Groundswell Award winner in October 2011. The Forrester Groundswell Awards recognize 
excellence in achieving business and organizational goals through innovation in social technology 
applications. Ultimate was a winner in the business-to-business “Embracing” category for its 
collaborative customer community called “Ideas.” Ultimate launched the Ideas community to help 
its customers share information, interact, and provide direct feedback on UltiPro. Previous 
winners of the Forrester Groundswell Awards include Microsoft, IBM, Starbucks, and 
Salesforce.com.  

  Ultimate won a SuperNova Award from Constellation Research in the advanced analytics category 

in November 2011. Ultimate’s Director of Business Intelligence and his team worked 
collaboratively with an Ultimate customer to develop a predictive analytics tool that HR leaders 
can use to monitor and address retention risks proactively.  

  Ultimate’s customer support center was awarded Service Capability & Performance (SCP) 

certification for best practices for the 13th consecutive year. The SCP Standards represent the 
global benchmark for service excellence and are recognized by leading technology companies 
around the world.  

 

In January 2012, Ultimate was ranked #25 on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, 
having applied for consideration for the first time. Ultimate is the only human capital 
management provider on the 2012 list and the highest ranked cloud vendor on the list. Ultimate 
was previously recognized twice as the #1 medium-sized company to work for in America by The 
Great Place to Work Institute.  

 6 

 
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING 

DATE: 

Friday, May 18, 2012 
10 a.m. EDT 

LOCATION: 

Ultimate Software 
2000 Ultimate Way 
Weston, FL 33326 

The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on May 18, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. EDT at Ultimate’s 
headquarters, 2000 Ultimate Way, Weston, Florida 33326. Formal notice will be sent to shareholders 
of record as of March 22, 2012. 

COMPANY PROFILE 

Ultimate is a leading cloud provider of people management solutions. Built on the belief that people 
are the most important ingredient of any business, Ultimate’s award-winning UltiPro delivers HR, 
payroll, and talent management solutions that seamlessly connect people with the information and 
resources they need to work more effectively. Founded in 1990, the company is headquartered in 
Weston, Florida, and has more than 1,400 professionals focused on developing the highest quality 
solutions and services. In 2012, Ultimate was ranked #25 on FORTUNE’S “100 Best Companies to 
Work For” list. Ultimate has more than 2,300 customers with employees in 115 countries, including 
Adobe Systems Incorporated, The Container Store, Culligan International, Major League Baseball, 
The New York Yankees Baseball Team, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. More information on Ultimate’s 
products and services for people management can be found at www.ultimatesoftware.com. 

UltiPro is a registered trademark of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the property of their 
respective owners. 

 7 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS & OFFICERS 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS  
Scott Scherr 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and  
Founder 
Ultimate  

Marc D. Scherr 
Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer 
Ultimate  

James A. FitzPatrick, Jr. 
Partner 
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP 

LeRoy A. Vander Putten 
Former Executive Chairman 
The Insurance Center, Inc. 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 
Scott Scherr 
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and      
Founder 

Marc D. Scherr 
Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer 

Robert A. Yanover 
Former President 
Computer Leasing Corporation 

Rick A. Wilber 
President 
Lynn’s Hallmark Cards 

Al Leiter 
President 
Leiter’s Landing 

Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial  
Officer, and Treasurer 

INVESTOR RELATIONS INFORMATION 

ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K 
Ultimate’s 2011 Annual Report, including the 2011 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, is available electronically as a PDF on our 
Web site at www.ultimatesoftware.com. Printed copies of the 2011 Form 10-K are available without 
charge upon request to:  Ultimate, Investor Relations Department, 2000 Ultimate Way, Weston, 
Florida 33326. 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm  
KPMG LLP  
Miami, Florida 

Investor Relations 
For additional information about Ultimate,  
contact Mitchell K. Dauerman, 954.331.7369. 

Legal Counsel 
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP 
New York, New York 

Stock Trading 
Ultimate’s common stock is traded on the 
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ULTI. 

Transfer Agent and Registrar 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A. 
P.O. Box 43078 
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3078 
877.282.1168 
www.computershare.com  

Company Address 
Ultimate   
2000 Ultimate Way 
Weston, Florida 33326 
800.432.1729 or 954.331.7000 
www.ultimatesoftware.com 

 8 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 

_______________ 

FORM 10-K 

   

    

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 

or 

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

For the transition period from              to 

Commission file number: 0-24347 

_______________ 

The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. 
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

2000 Ultimate Way, 
Weston, FL 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

65-0694077 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

33326 
(Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 
(954) 331-7000 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

Title of Each Class: 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered: 

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share 

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 

None 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 

of the Securities Act.  Yes   No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 

Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by 

Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing 
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes      No  

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K 

is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive 
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any 
amendment to this Form 10-K.   

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a 

non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definitions of ―large accelerated filer‖, 
―accelerated filer‖, and ―smaller reporting company‖ in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer   

     Accelerated filer     

Non-accelerated filer   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company   

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of 

the Act).  Yes      No  

The aggregate market value of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, held by non-affiliates of 
the Registrant, based upon the closing sale price of such shares on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on 
June 30, 2011 was approximately $1.4 billion. 

As of February 15, 2012, there were 26,381,763 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, par 

value $.01, outstanding. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are 

incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. 

INDEX 

Page(s) 

PART I 

Forward-Looking Statements 

Business    
Risk Factors      
Unresolved Staff Comments 
Properties  
Legal Proceedings     
Mine Safety Disclosures 

PART II 

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder 
Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 
Selected Financial Data    
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations     
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market 
Risk   
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting 
and Financial Disclosure   
Controls and Procedures   
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Report on    
Internal Control over Financial Reporting 
Other Information 

PART III 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance  
Executive Compensation  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and 
Management and Related Stockholder Matters    
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director  
Independence 
Principal Accountant Fees and Services       

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    

PART IV 

Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 

Item 7A. 

Item 8. 
Item 9. 

Item 9A. 

Item 9B. 

Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 

Item 14. 

Item 15. 
Signatures 

1 

1 
14 
23 
24 
25 
25 

25 
28 

29 

44 
45 

76 
76 

78 
80 

80 
84 

84 

84 
85 

86 
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 (this “Form 10-

K”) of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Ultimate,” “we,” “us” or “our”) may 
contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, 
as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking 
statements represent our expectations or beliefs, including, but not limited to, our expectations concerning 
our operations and financial performance and condition. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” 
“intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and similar expressions are intended to identify 
such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future 
performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Ultimate’s 
actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements due to risks 
and uncertainties associated with fluctuations in our quarterly operating results, concentration of our  
product offerings, development risks involved with new products and technologies, competition, our 
contractual relationships with third parties, contract renewals with business partners, compliance by our 
customers with the terms of their contracts with us, and other factors disclosed in Ultimate’s filings with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Other factors that may cause such differences include, but are 
not limited to, those discussed in this Form 10-K, including the risk factors set forth in Item 1A. Ultimate 
undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result 
of new information, future events or otherwise. 

UltiPro® and its related design are registered trademarks of Ultimate in the United States. This 
Form 10-K also includes names, trademarks, service marks and registered trademarks and service marks 
of companies other than Ultimate. 

PART I 

Item 1.  Business 

Overview 

The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (―Ultimate,‖ ―we,‖ ―us‖ or ―our‖) is a leading 

provider of unified human capital management (―HCM‖) software-as-a-service (―SaaS‖) solutions, also 
known as ―cloud‖ solutions, for global businesses.   

Ultimate’s UltiPro software (―UltiPro‖) is a comprehensive SaaS-or cloud-based solution delivered 

primarily to organizations based in the United States and Canada and designed to deliver the functionality 
businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. The 
solution includes feature sets for talent acquisition and onboarding, human resources (―HR‖) management 
and compliance, benefits management and online enrollment, payroll, performance management, salary 
planning and budgeting for compensation management, succession management, reporting and analytical 
decision-making tools, and time and attendance.  UltiPro has role-based self-service capabilities for 
executives, managers, administrators, and employees whether they are in or out of the office, including an 
UltiPro application for use on mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad. 

We believe that UltiPro helps customers streamline HR and payroll processes to significantly 
reduce administrative and operational costs, while also empowering them to manage the talent in their 
workforce more strategically.  UltiPro enables its customers to analyze workforce trends for better decision 
making, find critical information quickly and perform routine business activities efficiently. 

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
UltiPro is marketed as two solution suites based on company size.  UltiPro Enterprise 
(―Enterprise‖) is designed to address the needs of companies with 1,000 or more employees.  UltiPro 
Workplace (―Workplace‖) is designed for companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.  UltiPro Workplace 
provides medium-sized and smaller companies with nearly all the features that larger Enterprise companies 
have with UltiPro, plus a bundled services package. Since many companies in this market do not have 
information technology staff on their premises to help with system deployment or management issues, we 
created UltiPro Workplace’s bundled services package to give these customers a high degree of 
convenience by handling system setup, business rules, and other situations for customers ―behind the 
scenes.‖ 

Our SaaS offering of UltiPro (the ―SaaS Offering‖) provides Web-based access to comprehensive 

HCM functionality for organizations that want to simplify delivery and support of their business 
applications. We have found that SaaS is attractive to companies that want to focus on their core business 
competencies to increase sales and profits. Through SaaS, we supply and manage the hardware, 
infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and backup services for our customers.  Customer systems are 
managed at three data centers; one located near Miami, Florida, one near Atlanta, Georgia, and another 
near Toronto, Canada. All data centers are owned and operated by independent third parties. 

As part of our UltiPro HCM solution, which includes HR, payroll and talent management feature 
sets, we provide implementation and training services to our customers as well as support services, which 
have been certified by Services Strategies using the Service Capability and Performance (―SCP‖) 
Standards, certification program for thirteen consecutive annual evaluations.  UltiPro leverages the 
Microsoft Corporation (―Microsoft‖) technology platform, which is recognized in the industry as a cost-
effective, reliable and scalable platform. 

UltiPro is marketed primarily through our Enterprise and Workplace direct sales teams.  Ultimate 

had more than 2,300 customers as of the end of 2011.  Based on January 2012 market data from 
Hoover’s/Dun & Bradstreet, we estimate our approximate market share to be 10 percent for companies 
with more than 1,000 employees and 3 percent in the under 1,000 employee space.   

Ultimate is a Delaware corporation formed in April 1996 to assume the business and operations of 

The Ultimate Software Group, Ltd. (the ―Partnership‖), a limited partnership founded in 1990. During 
August 2006, Ultimate formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, The Ultimate Software Group of Canada, Inc. 
(―Ultimate Canada‖), to accommodate its operations in Canada.  In October 2006, Ultimate acquired 100% 
of the common stock of a United Kingdom (―UK‖) company and its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, known 
as The Ultimate Software Group UK Limited.  The Ultimate Software Group UK Limited was discontinued 
and liquidated in 2010.  See Note 4 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  There were no 
material assets or revenues in Canada as of or for the year ended December 31, 2011.  Ultimate’s 
headquarters is located at 2000 Ultimate Way, Weston, Florida 33326 and its telephone number is (954) 
331-7000.  

Features of UltiPro 

UltiPro is a comprehensive SaaS-or cloud-based solution designed to deliver the functionality 

businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. The 
solution includes feature sets for talent acquisition and onboarding, HR management and compliance, 
benefits management and online enrollment, payroll, performance management, salary planning and 
budgeting for compensation management, succession management, reporting and analytical decision-
making tools, time and attendance, and role-based self-service capabilities for executives, managers, 
administrators, and employees whether they are in or out of the office.  UltiPro offers the following features 
to its customers: 

2 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Role-Based Internet Access to Functionality.  UltiPro provides Web access to workforce-related 

business functions, company communications, and reporting for everyone in our customer’s organization, 
not just the HR department.  The access and specific functionality are based upon our customer’s process 
requirements and the individual user’s role.  We believe that UltiPro’s employee-facing Web applications 
can increase administrative efficiencies by providing immediate access to reporting, staff management 
processes and business intelligence for executives, and can reduce operating costs by eliminating the need 
for organizations to print and distribute paper communications, handbooks, forms, and paychecks.  
Ultimate also provides an UltiPro application for use on an iPhone or iPad to allow rapid communication 
among traveling executives and employees. Using their iPhones or iPads, managers can approve or deny 
daily workflow transactions—such as salary changes and paid time off—and all employees can quickly 
access their company’s employee directory to look up contact information or employee photos. 

Feature-Rich, Highly Configurable, Built-in Functionality.  Based upon UltiPro’s built-in and 

unified functionality and its ability to be configured extensively to meet the customer’s specific business 
needs, Ultimate has found that UltiPro minimizes the need for its customers to make extensive 
customizations or changes to source code.  UltiPro facilitates streamlined management of the total 
employment cycle, enables organizations to minimize the time invested in burdensome HR/payroll 
administrative activities, and provides strategic HR and talent management reports and tools. 

Flexible, Rapid System Setup and Configuration.  UltiPro has been designed to minimize the time 

and effort required to set up and configure the system to address individual company needs.  UltiPro 
delivers an extensive amount of functionality ―out-of-the-box‖ that can be configured to align with our 
customers’ various business models, so that few customizations are required by the typical customer. 
Ultimate has a proven track record for activating UltiPro rapidly through SaaS.   

Reduced Total Cost of Ownership.  We believe that the UltiPro solution provides cost saving 

opportunities for our customers and that UltiPro is competitively priced. In addition, we believe that our 
current practices in activating the UltiPro solution result in cost savings for customers when compared with 
implementations of other similar solutions in the industry.  The UltiPro customer may also reduce the 
administrative and information technology (―IT‖) support costs associated with the organization’s HR, 
benefits and payroll functions over time.  Administrative costs can be further reduced by providing an 
organization with greater access to information and control over reporting. 

Leveraging of Leading Technologies.  Ultimate has consistently focused on identifying leading 

technologies and integrating them into its products. The primary characteristics of Ultimate’s technology 
are: 

  Leading-edge service-oriented-architecture technology platform built using the Microsoft.NET 4.0 

framework. 

  Multi-tenancy (multiple companies can reside on one server).  The multi-tenant model allows each 
application component to run on a separate farm, or cluster, of load-balanced servers while still 
providing customer data isolation that customers demand. Ultimate’s multi-tenant site registry 
functions similar to ―yellow pages‖ to manage tenant location and isolation within the site.  

  Connecting UltiPro via Web services (a set of platform-neutral and vendor-independent protocols that 
enable application interactions over the Internet using Extensible Markup Language, or XML, and 
other Web-based technologies).  Through Web services, UltiPro interfaces with other applications and 
data services easily and securely.  

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rich End-User Experience, Ease of Use and Navigation.  Ultimate designs its products to be user-

friendly and to simplify the complexities of managing employees and complying with government 
regulations in the HR, payroll, and talent management areas. UltiPro uses familiar Internet navigation 
techniques, which we believe make its solution convenient and easy to use. While traveling or out of the 
office, our customer’s executives, managers, administrators and employees can manage payroll and 
employee functions and run reports by accessing UltiPro over the Internet or find answers to key routine 
questions by using an UltiPro application on their iPhone or iPad.   

Comprehensive Customer Services and Industry-Specific Expertise.  Ultimate believes it provides 

the highest quality customer services, SaaS services, professional setup and implementation services, 
knowledge management (or training) services and ongoing product and customer support services. 
Ultimate’s customer support center has received the SCP Certification for the thirteenth consecutive year. 
The SCP program was created by the Service & Support Professionals Association (―SSPA‖) and a 
consortium of information technology companies to create a recognized quality certification for support 
centers. SCP Certification quantifies the effectiveness of customer support based upon relevant 
performance standards and represents best practices within the technology support industry according to the 
SSPA. Recognizing the importance of issuing timely updates that reflect changes in tax and other 
regulatory laws, Ultimate employs a dedicated research team to track jurisdictional tax changes for more 
than 13,000 tax codes included in UltiPro as well as changes in other employee-related regulations. 

UltiPro—Core Functionality and Optional Features 

UltiPro’s core functionality includes, but is not limited to, a set of Web-based features for HR 

management, benefits administration, payroll administration, role-based Internet access to functions, and 
business intelligence along with system administration tools and Enterprise Integration Tools that give 
customers the ability to interface with third-party applications and providers.   

In addition to UltiPro’s core HCM functionality, our customers have the option to purchase a 

number of additional features on a per-employee-per-month (―PEPM‖) basis, which are available to 
enhance the functionality of UltiPro’s core features and which are based on the particular business needs of 
the customers.  These optional UltiPro features currently include (i) the talent management suite of 
products (recruitment, onboarding, performance management, salary planning and budgeting for 
compensation management, and employee relations tools for managing disciplinary actions, grievances, 
and succession management); (ii) benefits enrollment; (iii) time, attendance and scheduling; (iv) time 
management; (v) payment services (formerly referred to as ―tax filing‖); (vi) wage attachments; and (vii) 
other optional features (collectively, ―Optional Features‖) , which are described below. 

Differences between features available to UltiPro Enterprise and UltiPro Workplace are specified 
below.  Unless otherwise specified, features are included in both the Enterprise and Workplace offerings.   

UltiPro’s Core HR/Payroll Functionality 

UltiPro’s core HR/payroll functionality includes, but is not limited to, the following: 

UltiPro’s Web Center. UltiPro can act as the gateway to business activities for a company’s 
executives, management team, HR/payroll staff, administrators, and employees.  Employees of customers 
can access UltiPro from multiple Web browsers, including Microsoft Internet Explorer and Mozilla 
Firefox, view information and perform tasks in a language of their individual choice (most commonly 
English, Spanish, or French), set their personal preferences for the order and placement of home-page 
content, and set up access to any available page in one click.  Ultimate believes that UltiPro allows its 
customers to improve service to their employees through better communications and to save time because 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
managers and administrators can complete hundreds of common employee-related tasks, including 
administering benefits, managing staff and accessing reporting and business intelligence in real time, from 
one central location. UltiPro also enables companies to provide on-demand access to company and personal 
information for their employees over the Internet. 

Human Resources Management.  UltiPro tracks HR-related information including employment 

history, performance, job and salary information, career development, and health and wellness programs. In 
addition, UltiPro facilitates the recording and tracking of key information for government compliance and 
reporting, including under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), the Health 
Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA), regulations implemented by the Occupational Safety 
& Health Administration (OSHA), workers’ compensation regulations, the Family Medical Leave Act 
(FMLA), and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws. UltiPro also enables compliance with HIPPAA 
confidentiality requirements for protecting sensitive data such as employee social security numbers.  
UltiPro also allows customers to track HR information of employees working outside the U.S. and Canada, 
providing a global view of their workforces and enabling consolidation of global HR/employee information 
into one central system for HR reporting and analytics by individual country or the entire company as a 
whole. 

Benefits Administration. UltiPro allows companies to automate the matching of the health, welfare, 

dental, vision, and other benefits that their organizations offer employees, and to set up and administer 
benefit plans and employee and employer contributions, and it enables employees to check benefit options 
and coverage online over the Internet. UltiPro eliminates the need for duplicate rules, duplicate data entry, 
and reconciliation reporting because it stores details for deductions and benefit plans in one common table. 
This includes rules for coverage, premium and employer match computations, and eligibility and 
participation determinations.  UltiPro also allows companies to maintain and administer paid time off 
benefits, such as vacation (including calculating benefit accrual amounts), track leave time taken, and 
facilitate the response to employee leave requests. 

Payroll Administration.  UltiPro’s payroll engine handles hundreds of payroll-related computations 

intended to minimize the customer’s need for side calculations or additional programming. For example, 
UltiPro delivers complex wage calculations such as average pay rates for overtime calculations, shift 
premiums, garnishments and levy calculations. With UltiPro, a company’s central payroll department, 
remote offices or multiple divisions can process payroll with specific processing steps based on the exact 
needs of the organization, and can manage this process through an easy-to-use dashboard of payroll tasks 
and status, over the Internet.   

Role-Based Self-Service.  Authorized managers have self-service access to staff information such 
as salary, compensation history, key dates and emergency contacts, with reporting and workforce analysis 
tools to facilitate decision-making.  A customer’s managers can view and update staff information, manage 
department activities, post job openings, leverage recruiting and hiring tools, and perform queries on 
workforce data.  UltiPro’s document management features can be used to house and categorize employee-
related documents such as drivers’ licenses, consent forms, and completed Forms I-9 with required 
identification.  Administrators and managers have the ability to attach Microsoft Word documents, PDF 
files, JPEG files, spreadsheets, or any other file types supported by Microsoft Internet Explorer to 
employee files.  The documents can be grouped and sorted to individual requirements, as necessary. 

Employees also may be given immediate security-protected access to view their own paycheck 
details and benefits summaries, frequently used forms and company information.  They can also update 
personal information such as address, phone number, emergency contacts and skills; change preferences 
such as direct deposit accounts and benefits selections; make routine requests such as asking for vacation 
time; and enroll in training. 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
UltiPro Business Intelligence.  UltiPro Business Intelligence uses a business intelligence platform 

from IBM Cognos Corporation, a third-party provider, for HR, payroll, and talent management reporting 
and analysis. Accessed via the Web, UltiPro Business Intelligence gives users the ability to access data 
across the UltiPro solution – from HR, payroll to benefits administration and enrollment, compensation, 
talent acquisition and onboarding, talent management, compensation, compliance, year-end data, and more 
– and enables them to create, modify, and distribute workforce-related reports and notifications. UltiPro 
includes a pre-configured data mapping library and pre-authored reports and analytics.  Controlled by role-
based security, everyone in a customer’s organization– from line managers to executives – can have 
immediate access to key workforce metrics, and they can personalize their own user experience to show the 
reports they want to see and how they want to see them. We believe that UltiPro Business Intelligence 
gives its customers significant strategic value for managing their workforce-related functions and saves 
them labor time and money by eliminating or reducing the need for internal technology people to generate 
hundreds of individual reports for disparate executive and management needs. 

Other Key Features.  UltiPro includes system administration tools such as configuration options, 

role-based security, built-in conditional workflow, flexible business rules, and an easy-to-use content 
management tool. Built-in conditional workflow enables users to authorize HR/payroll staff, managers, or 
supervisors to make updates on the Web through more than 125 pre-defined, highly configurable workflow 
processes to expedite business activities such as hiring an employee or inputting a salary increase. System 
administration is designed for the non-technical user to administer UltiPro’s role-based security, built-in 
conditional workflow, and system business rules, as well as to enable system administrators to post 
company communications, link to external Web sites and tailor pages to reflect the customer’s own 
company user experience requirements. Enterprise Integration Tools are also included to provide the ability 
to interface with third-party applications and providers such as general ledger, payment services, time 
clocks, banks, 401(k) and benefits providers, check printing services and unemployment management 
services.   

UltiPro’s Optional Features 

UltiPro Talent Management is a suite of add-on products comprised of Recruitment, Onboarding, 

Performance Management, Salary Planning and Budgeting, and Succession Management. 

i)  Recruitment. UltiPro Recruitment delivers a ―one-stop‖ solution for companies to recruit 

and hire the most qualified candidates. By automating the entire recruiting and applicant tracking 
process, UltiPro Recruitment enables hiring managers, recruiters, and HR staff to track and manage 
all recruitment tasks such as posting open jobs, reviewing resumes, screening candidates, and 
scheduling interviews through convenient Web access. 

ii)  Onboarding.  UltiPro Onboarding is a comprehensive Web-based tool that provides 

employers the ability to automate the process of bringing a new employee into an organization and 
speed time to productivity. Employees can be given a ―welcome‖ package online as part of a step-
by-step process that is built into UltiPro Onboarding which is easily configurable. It includes such 
activities as obtaining required government and procedural paperwork, including electronic 
signatures and document storage; provisioning necessary equipment and job-specific tools such as 
office location, computer equipment, and uniforms; ensuring enrollment in necessary training 
programs; and instilling the employer’s core values and business objectives. 

iii)  Performance Management. UltiPro Performance Management helps companies 
maximize talent development and improve employee satisfaction by automating and enhancing the 
performance process and using competency-based employee development. UltiPro Performance 

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management streamlines the processes of evaluating performance and completing performance 
reviews, making competency assessments, identifying top performers for succession planning, and 
tracking and executing coaching, training and development plans.   

iv)  Salary Planning and Budgeting. UltiPro Salary Planning and Budgeting facilitates 
salary increase administration by delivering the tools and information managers need to make 
effective decisions regarding future compensation for individuals and/or an entire team. Highly 
configurable, UltiPro Salary Planning and Budgeting makes it easy for companies to tie the salary-
increase process and business rules into the solution. Working online, managers can rapidly review 
their salary budgets and guidelines, and determine the best way to allocate pay increases to their 
employees within their approved budget. Once managers decide on the allocations, they can submit 
pay increases for processing with no manual calculations or spreadsheets required.   

v)  Succession Management.  With UltiPro Succession Management, organizations can 
involve company leadership, managers, and individuals in an ongoing, collaborative process of 
succession planning.  Employees can manage their own talent profiles—updating factors that 
influence succession readiness, such as mobility preferences, languages, education, 
accomplishments, and competencies—to ensure that leadership has a deeper understanding of the 
talent landscape at their organization.  Visible to employees and managers, UltiPro’s employee 
―talent card‖ provides a consolidated view of multiple succession-readiness factors, which then can 
be used in both decision-making and career development processes. 

Other Optional Features include, but are not limited to, the following products, which are 

supplemental to UltiPro’s core HR/payroll functionality: 

Benefits Enrollment. With UltiPro Benefits Enrollment, employees can review their benefit choices 
and make selections on the Web during defined open enrollment periods. Benefits administrators can set up 
enrollment sessions over the Web and use tools to monitor the enrollment progress. UltiPro Benefits 
Enrollment also guides employees through all of the benefit and personal information changes necessary as 
a result of a life event such as getting married, having a baby or moving.  UltiPro also facilitates the 
electronic feeds required for insurance carriers and plan administrators, reducing the need for manual 
reporting of employee census information, participant coverage, and billing reconciliation.  

Time, Attendance, and Scheduling (available to prospective customers in the Enterprise market). 

Through a strategic partnership, Ultimate has the right to market and distribute an independent third party’s 
time and labor management product as part of the UltiPro solution. Ultimate has branded this product as 
UltiPro Time and Attendance, marketing the components as UltiPro Time and Attendance, UltiPro Leave 
Management, and UltiPro Workforce Scheduling (collectively, ―UTA‖). Ultimate is the single-source 
contact for customer implementations and ongoing solution support for UTA. UTA is Web-based and 
integrated with UltiPro’s payroll, HR, and benefits functionality. UltiPro Time and Attendance tracks time 
and attendance labor metrics and supports a variety of time-capture mechanisms. UltiPro Leave 
Management includes all of the functionality required to effectively track and manage employee leave. 
UltiPro Workforce Scheduling features industry-specific employee scheduling options to ensure that 
organizations in different environments deploy employees in an efficient and legislatively compliant 
manner. 

Time Management (designed for the Workplace market). UltiPro Time Management delivers the 

functionality and flexibility needed to manage employee time and attendance efficiently and provides Web 
access to real-time employee time and labor information. UltiPro Time Management provides companies 
with the tools to proactively prevent issues that negatively impact business performance, such as employee 
coverage gaps, labor law violations, and excess labor spending. Fully integrated scheduling, time and 

7 

 
  
 
 
attendance, and leave management capabilities reduce payroll expenditures and streamline payroll and 
workforce management processes. 

Payment Services.  Ultimate has the right to market and distribute an independent third party’s tax 

filing solution that Ultimate has branded UltiPro Payment Services (―UltiPro Payment Services‖).  With 
this solution, companies are able to meet all Federal, state, and local payroll tax filing obligations quickly 
and easily. The UltiPro solution saves payroll staff time by eliminating the administrative burdens 
associated with tax filing. UltiPro Payment Services enables businesses to deposit federal, state, and local 
tax payments for more than 13,000 tax codes via electronic funds transfer or check and automates filing for 
monthly, quarterly, and annual tax returns. 

Wage Attachments. For organizations required to process third-party payments on behalf of their 

employees for items such as child support, tax levies, and creditor garnishments, UltiPro Wage 
Attachments provides the means to effectively streamline and manage the payment process. UltiPro Wage 
Attachments eliminates the burden associated with payments to third parties by using information entered 
and calculated in UltiPro, so there is no need to manage payment processing or analyze varying 
disbursement schedules for multiple jurisdictions. Ultimate ensures that each third-party payment is made 
according to the designated payment method and reaches its required destination within the assigned 
timeframe.   

Other Optional Features.  Ultimate offers a number of additional HR and payroll-related services 

to extend the value of UltiPro, including test environment services, W-2 print services, pre-employment 
screening, paycheck modeling, pay cards, unemployment tax management, employment verification 
services, employee assistance, health and wellness, and work/life balance programs.  In addition, Ultimate 
offers UltiPro Federated Single Sign-On for standards-based identity management by leveraging 
Microsoft’s Active Directory Federated Services infrastructure.  The solution helps improve and simplify 
data security by enabling individuals to use a single login credential (such as a network login) to seamlessly 
access UltiPro over the Internet. 

Technology 

Ultimate seeks to provide its clients with optimum performance, user experience, advanced 
functionality, and ease of scalability and access to information through the use of leading Internet-standard 
technologies. The UltiPro solution was designed to leverage cutting-edge technologies such as Web 2.0, 
social software, XML standards, and Web services that use open standards to provide customers with a 
cost-effective platform for performing critical business functions rapidly over the Web and allowing 
different systems to communicate with one another.  

The use of Microsoft technology helps Ultimate deliver what it believes to be a highly deployable 

and manageable payroll and talent management solution that includes the following key technological 
features: 

Microsoft.NET framework, Web 2.0 Features, and Social Networking Integration.  The newest 
version of UltiPro, built on the .NET development platform, allows UltiPro to leverage a contemporary 
Web framework that provides a common, reusable page foundation for a consistent user experience.  The 
.NET framework also enables Ultimate to develop and release enhanced features more rapidly. The latest 
version of UltiPro also takes advantage of Web 2.0 technologies for increased user interactivity, such as 
―sticky‖ personal user preferences, and social networking integration that provides value for human capital 
management in areas such as recruitment and mentoring.  For example, UltiPro on the .NET platform 
includes social networking integration to sites such as ―LinkedIn,‖ where candidates for open positions can 

8 

 
 
 
 
 
provide a link to their professional profile and other details relevant to job applications, enabling HR and 
hiring managers to more quickly identify qualified candidates.    

Internet-Based Technologies and Integration.  Ultimate supports cutting-edge Web technologies 

and Internet/extranet connectivity to increase access to and usability of its applications. Ultimate uses Web 
services architecture that allows business logic to be called and executed over standard network protocols, 
such as HTTP or TCP/IP. UltiPro has an open architecture that supports open integration standards, 
including real-time messaging through Web services.  UltiPro’s Web services architecture is scalable to 
adapt to the business needs of companies of any size. The solution includes enterprise integration tools that 
enable customers to exchange data with third-party providers via imports, exports or Web services.   

Application Framework.  Ultimate has designed certain aspects of its system using a multi-tiered 
architecture in order to enhance the system’s speed, flexibility, scalability and maintainability. When an 
application’s logic resides only on a client workstation, a user’s ability to process high volume data 
transactions is limited. When the logic resides only on a server, the user’s interactive capabilities are 
reduced. To overcome such limitations, Ultimate built more separation into the application design. The 
UltiPro application consists of several core components in a decoupled architecture that leverages 
Microsoft technology. UltiPro’s multi-layered architecture, including an operating system layer, business 
logic layer, presentation layer and user interface layer, makes it easier to update and maintain UltiPro, as 
well as integrate UltiPro with other enterprise systems. Ultimate believes that UltiPro’s application 
framework provides a highly extensible set of services that can scale depending on the customer’s business 
size. In addition, UltiPro was built using a data-driven, object-oriented application framework that 
enhances the development and usability of the solution. Object-oriented programming features code 
reusability and visual form/object inheritance, which decrease the time and cost of developing and fully 
implementing a new system. With object-oriented programming, system updates do not overwrite prior 
customizations to the system because custom changes are sub-classed objects that reside ―outside‖ the core 
program. 

Business Intelligence Tools.  In addition to providing an extensive library of standard reports that 

offer flexibility and ease of use, Ultimate extends what users can do with employee data by embedding 
business intelligence tools from IBM Cognos Corporation, a third-party provider. In addition to offering 
sophisticated data query and report authoring, these tools enable users to apply on-line analytical 
processing to multidimensional data cubes, allowing users to explore data on employees graphically and 
statistically from diverse angles. Ultimate maintains a link between Cognos’ report catalog and UltiPro’s 
data dictionary, eliminating the necessity for users to create and maintain ad hoc reporting catalogs. In 
addition, for security purposes and ease of use, Ultimate has unified security for the data elements and 
provided single sign-on for users.  A Cognos Web Package is delivered to UltiPro customers to allow users 
to access reports and conduct data queries from a Web browser. 

SaaS Offering 

Ultimate’s SaaS Offering provides on-line access to comprehensive HCM functionality for 
organizations that need to simplify the IT support requirements of their business applications. Through the 
SaaS Offering, Ultimate provides the hardware, infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and backup services 
for its customers at three data centers.  Data centers located near Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia, are 
owned and operated by Quality Technology Services (―QTS‖) and the data center located near Toronto, 
Canada is owned and operated by Verizon Canada Ltd. (―Verizon‖).   

Ultimate’s use of the data centers located near Miami, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia is governed by 

a Master Space Agreement dated June 1, 2009 with Quality Technology Services Miami, LLC (―QTS 
Miami‖) and a Master Space Agreement dated June 1, 2009 with Quality Technology Services Metro, LLC 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(―QTS Metro‖), respectively (collectively, the ―QTS Agreements‖).  Pursuant to the terms of the QTS 
Agreements, Ultimate may from time to time submit orders for the use of certain physical space within the 
data centers for hosting Ultimate’s hardware equipment, as well as Internet connectivity services, security, 
power and generator back-up, environmental controls and access controls.  Each of the QTS Agreements 
provides that any service order will automatically renew for successive renewal terms, unless either party 
notifies the other party in writing at least sixty days prior to the end of the then current term that there will 
be no such renewal.  Furthermore, each of the QTS Agreements may be terminated at any time by either 
party thereto, if:  (i) the non-terminating party breaches any material term of such QTS Agreement and fails 
to cure such breach within 10 days after receipt of written notice; (ii) the non-terminating party becomes 
the subject of a voluntary or involuntary proceeding relating to insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, 
liquidation, or reorganization; or (iii) a court or other government authority having jurisdiction over the 
services prohibits the furnishing of services governed by such QTS Agreement. 

Ultimate’s use of the data center located near Toronto, Canada is governed by a General Service 

Agreement dated September 23, 2009 (the ―Verizon Agreement‖) between Ultimate’s wholly owned 
subsidiary Ultimate Canada and Verizon.  Pursuant to the terms of the Verizon Agreement, Ultimate 
Canada has use of certain physical space within the data center for hosting Ultimate Canada’s hardware 
equipment, as well as Internet connectivity services.  The Verizon Agreement contains provisions relating 
to data security and access to the data center.  Upon placing a service order, Ultimate Canada is guaranteed 
certain pricing terms and is committed to minimum usage levels for a period of at least 36 months from the 
service effective date.  The Verizon Agreement will renew on a month-to-month basis unless either party 
gives at least sixty days written notice prior to the completion of the applicable term that there will be no 
such renewal.  The Verizon Agreement provides that its term will end upon the expiration of the term of the 
last-executed service order.  Ultimate has guaranteed the payment of all amounts due from Ultimate 
Canada to Verizon under the Verizon Agreement. 

The SaaS Offering is designed to provide an appealing pricing structure to customers who prefer to 
minimize the initial cash outlay associated with typical capital expenditures.  SaaS customers purchase the 
right to use UltiPro on an ongoing basis for a specific term in a shared or dedicated hosted environment and 
the arrangement can typically be renewed after its initial term has expired.  In the shared environment, 
Ultimate provides an infrastructure with servers shared among many customers who use a Web browser to 
access the application software through the related data center.  In the dedicated environment, the customer 
does not share servers with other customers but rather has its own set of servers.  The pricing for the SaaS 
Offering, including both the hosting element as well as the right to use UltiPro, is on a PEPM basis. 

Research and Development Activities 

Ultimate incurs research and development expenses, consisting primarily of software development 

personnel costs, in the normal course of its business.  Such research and development expenses are for 
enhancements to our existing products and for the development of new products. During 2011, 2010 and 
2009, we spent $51.4 million, $42.2 million and $38.2 million, respectively, on research and development 
activities including capitalized software.  During 2011 and 2010, there were no research and development 
expenses capitalized.  During 2009, $0.1 million of research and development expenses were capitalized 
for UltiPro Onboarding, which became available for general release to our customers during the spring of  
2009.  In addition, in 2009, $0.1 million of research and development expenses were capitalized for certain 
third-party costs related to UltiPro Time Management.       

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer Services 

We believe that delivering quality customer services provides us with a significant opportunity to 
differentiate Ultimate in the marketplace and is critical to the quality of Ultimate’s comprehensive service 
solution. Ultimate provides its customers services in two broad categories: (i) professional services and (ii) 
customer support services and product maintenance.  Additionally, Ultimate provides hosting services as a 
part of our SaaS Offering.  These services include, but are not limited to, purchasing and supporting 
hardware and system software; installing new versions of UltiPro; and backing up customer data. 

Professional Services.  Ultimate’s professional services include implementation, customer 

relationship management and knowledge management (or training) services. Ultimate believes that its 
implementation consulting services are differentiated from those of other vendors by speed, predictability 
and completeness. Ultimate believes that its successful record with rapid system activation and 
implementations is due to its standardized methodology, long-tenured consultants, the large amount of 
delivered product functionality, and comprehensive conversion and integration tools. 

Ultimate has an experienced team of functional and technical consultants that are dedicated to 

assisting customers with rapid deployments. In addition, Ultimate provides its customers with the 
opportunity to participate in formal training programs conducted by its knowledge management services 
team, as well as online and on-demand training. Training programs are designed to increase customers’ 
ability to use the full functionality of the product, thereby maximizing the value of customers’ investments. 
Courses are designed to align with the stages of implementation and to give attendees hands-on experience 
with UltiPro. Trainees learn such basics as how to enter new employee information, set up benefit plans 
and generate standard reports, as well as more complex processes such as defining company rules, 
configuring the system and creating custom reports. Ultimate maintains training facilities in Atlanta, 
Georgia; Schaumburg, Illinois; Dallas, Texas; and at its headquarters in Weston, Florida. In addition to 
offering classes at these facilities, we conduct Web-based training and on-site training at remote locations. 
After customers have processed their first live payroll using UltiPro (referred to as going ―Live‖) and have 
been turned over to our customer support and maintenance program, we assign a customer relationship 
manager (―CRM‖) to the account to assist customers obtaining maximum value of the UltiPro solution, 
connect with other Ultimate users and advanced business analytics.  The CRM team also focuses a large 
portion of its time on customer retention, which is an important aspect of Ultimate’s long-term business 
model.  

Customer Support and Maintenance.  Ultimate offers comprehensive and on-going maintenance 
services and technical support.  These services have historically been purchased by all of our customers, 
and Ultimate had a recurring revenue customer retention rate of 96% in 2011. Ultimate’s customer support 
center has received the SCP Certification sponsored by the Service Strategies Corporation (―SSC‖) for the 
thirteenth consecutive year. This certification recognizes companies that ―deliver exceptional service and 
support to their customers.‖ Ultimate’s customer support services include: software updates that reflect tax 
and other legislative changes; a named customer service representative; telephone support 24 hours a day, 7 
days a week; unlimited access to Ultimate’s employee tax center on the Web; seminars on year-end closing 
procedures; and periodic newswire emails. In addition, our customer support services team maintains a 
support Web site for our customers where customers can submit inquiries and service requests as well as 
search a knowledge base of information for instant answers to questions, holds an annual national user 
conference and arranges for Ultimate professionals to attend smaller, user-organized user group meetings 
on a routine basis throughout the United States. 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customers 

As of December 31, 2011, Ultimate provided its UltiPro solutions to more than 2,300 customers. 

Ultimate’s customers represent a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, food services, sports, 
technology, finance, insurance, retail, real estate, transportation, communications, healthcare and other 
services.  For each of the three years ended December 31, 2011, no customer accounted for more than 10% 
of total revenues.   

Sales and Marketing 

Ultimate markets and sells its products and services primarily through its direct sales force. 

Ultimate’s direct sales force includes business development vice presidents, directors and managers 

who have defined territories, typically geographic. The sales cycle begins with a sales lead generated 
through a national, corporate marketing campaign or a territory-based activity. In one or more on-site visits, 
phone-based sales calls, or Web demonstrations, sales managers work with application and technical sales 
consultants to analyze prospective client needs, demonstrate Ultimate’s UltiPro solutions and, when 
required, respond to requests for proposals. The sale is finalized after customers complete their internal 
sign-off procedures and the terms of the contract are negotiated and signed. 

With a sale of the SaaS Offering for both the Enterprise and Workplace markets, the agreement 

generally requires PEPM fees based on company size, to cover services which generally include 
implementation and training.  Typical payment terms include a deposit at the time the contract is signed 
and ongoing PEPM payments on specific payment dates designated in the contract, usually tied to the Live 
date.  

With a perpetual license sale (which we stopped offering to new customers as of April 1, 2009), the 

terms of our sales contract typically included a license agreement for the product, an annual maintenance 
agreement (which is subject to annual renewal typically after a 12-month period), per-day training rates and 
hourly charges for implementation services. Typical payment terms included a deposit at the time the 
contract was signed and additional payments on specific payment dates designated in the contract. Payment 
for implementation and training services under the contract was typically made as such services were 
provided.  

Ultimate supports its sales force with a comprehensive marketing program that includes public 

relations, advertising, direct mail, trade shows, seminars and workshops, email marketing, and Web 
marketing. Working closely with the direct sales force, customers and strategic partners, the marketing 
team defines positioning strategies and develops a well-defined plan for implementing these strategies. 
Marketing services include market surveys and research, overall campaign management, creative 
development, demand generation, results analysis, and communications with field offices, customers and 
marketing partners. 

Intellectual Property Rights 

Ultimate’s success is dependent, in part, on its ability to protect its proprietary technology. We rely 

on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality agreements and 
licensing arrangements, to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We do not have any patents or patent 
applications pending. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Competition 

The market for our products is highly competitive. Our products compete primarily on the basis of 

technology, delivered functionality, price/performance and service. 

Ultimate’s competitors in the Enterprise market include (i) large service bureaus, primarily 

Automatic Data Processing Inc. (―ADP‖) and, to a lesser extent, Ceridian; and (ii) companies, such as 
PeopleSoft/Oracle, Lawson, Kronos, and Workday that offer human resource management and payroll 
software products for use on mainframes, client/server environments and/or Web servers.  In the 
Workplace market, Ultimate’s competitors include payroll service providers, such as ADP, Ceridian and 
Paychex, that service companies on the smaller end of the mid-market.   

Backlog 

Backlog consists of our UltiPro SaaS solutions and sales of SaaS services on a stand-alone basis to 

customers who already own a perpetual license (―Base Hosting‖) under signed contracts for which the 
services have not yet been delivered.  At December 31, 2011, Ultimate had backlog of $148.8 million 
compared to $110.5 million as of December 31, 2010.  Ultimate expects to fill approximately $136.3 
million of the backlog during 2012.  Ultimate does not believe that backlog is a meaningful indicator of 
sales that can be expected for any future period.  There can be no assurance that backlog at any point in 
time will translate into revenue in any subsequent period. 

Employees 

As of December 31, 2011, Ultimate employed 1,328 persons.  Ultimate believes that its 

relationships with employees are good, and that belief is validated by Ultimate’s ranking of # 25 on 
FORTUNE’s 2012 ―Best Companies to Work For‖ list.  Ultimate’s history of good employee relationships 
is further validated by The Great Place to Work Institute’s ranking of Ultimate as the #1 Best Place to 
Work in America among medium-sized companies for both 2009 and 2008 and # 3 in both 2007 and 2006.   
However, competition for qualified employees in Ultimate’s industry is generally intense and the 
management of Ultimate believes that its future success will depend, in part, on its continued ability to 
attract, hire and retain qualified personnel. 

Available Information 

Ultimate’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on 

Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports and any registration statements, including but 
not limited to registration statements on Form S-3, are available free of charge on Ultimate’s website at 
www.ultimatesoftware.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with 
the Securities and Exchange Commission (―SEC‖). Information contained on Ultimate’s website is not part 
of this Form 10-K.  You may record and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public 
Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  You may obtain information on the 
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC also maintains 
an internet site that contains the reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding 
us that we file with the SEC.  You can access the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. 

13 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.  Risk Factors  

Ultimate operates in a rapidly changing and dynamic business environment that involves risk and 

uncertainty.  The following discussion is a description of risks and uncertainties associated with our 
business that could cause, or contribute to causing, actual results to differ materially from expectations.  
These are not all of the risks we face.  We may be adversely affected by risks not currently known or that 
we currently consider immaterial.   

We may be adversely affected by substantial quarterly fluctuations in our revenues and operating results.  

Our quarterly revenues and operating results have varied significantly in the past and are likely to 
vary substantially from quarter to quarter in the future. Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate as a 
result of a number of factors, including:  

• 

Increased expenses from one quarter to another (especially as they relate to product development 
and sales and marketing); 

•

Spending patterns of our customers; 

• 

• 

• 
and 

Timing of our product releases; 

Increased competition;

A drop in the near-term demand for our products, particularly in relation to professional services; 

•

Announcements of new products by Ultimate or by our competitors. 

We establish our expenditure levels based upon our expectations as to future revenues, which are 

comprised primarily of recurring revenues and services revenues.   If revenue levels are below 
expectations, particularly services revenues which are more subject to variations between periods than 
recurring revenues, expenses can be disproportionately high in a particular period. For example, while sales 
production could be at our level of expectations, depending on the spending patterns of our customers 
including the timing in which they begin the implementation of UltiPro and the extent to which they use 
Ultimate’s resources, the immediate reported total revenues could be lower than expected. 

Our operating results for previous fiscal quarters are not necessarily indicative of our operating 

results for the full fiscal years or for any future periods. We believe that, due to the underlying factors for 
quarterly fluctuations, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our operations are not necessarily meaningful and 
that such comparisons should not be relied upon as indications of future performance.  

Due to the method of accounting for SaaS sales, a change in the period of the time from contract date to 
the Live date (“Time to Live”) could negatively impact the amount of recurring revenues recognized in a 
reporting period. 

Sales production, as it pertains to sales of SaaS units, is not reflected in recurring revenues and 

related variable costs in our consolidated statements of operations until the related customer goes Live. In 
our internal business model, we make certain assumptions, among other things, with respect to future sales 
production, revenue growth, variable costs, personnel costs and other operating expenses. 

14 

 
 
 
 
 
Our expectations for recurring revenue growth are typically established based on combinations of 

actual sales production (for those units that have been previously sold but have not yet gone Live) and 
expected future sales production, together with expectations as to the Time to Live periods. Estimates for 
Time to Live periods are usually based on (i) specific estimates (for certain backlog sales) provided by our 
field personnel, which estimates include factors and assumptions that are not within the control of our field 
personnel; and (ii) estimates for Time to Live periods for other SaaS sales (including backlog sales without 
specific estimates at that point in time), as well as expected sales, which are typically based on assumptions 
derived from our historical Time to Live periods.  These estimates are adjusted periodically, and 
prospectively, based on management’s assessment of Time to Live for backlog sales at that point in time. 
Factors that could impact the estimates for Time to Live periods include, but are not limited to, customer 
size (as larger customers may have longer implementations, tend to go Live on more UltiPro features and 
have more interface and integration requirements), and the number of complementary products sold in 
addition to UltiPro to a single customer, which in some cases involve customers’ desire to go Live on all 
products at once, as compared to UltiPro first followed by complementary products. 

To the extent there are changes in the underlying assumptions which drive Ultimate’s expected 

revenue growth from SaaS sales, which include, but are not limited to, actual sales production achieved and 
changes in Time to Live periods, our recurring revenues, as reported in our consolidated statements of 
operations, could differ materially from levels we expected to achieve. 

Our stock price has experienced high volatility, may continue to be volatile and may decline. 

The  trading  price  of  our  Common  Stock  has  fluctuated  widely  in  the  past  and  may  do  so  in  the 

future, as a result of a number of factors, many of which are outside our control, such as: 

 
 

 
 
 

 

The volatility inherent in stock prices within the sector in which we conduct business; 
The volume of trading in our Common Stock, including sales upon exercise of outstanding 
stock options and upon the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units; 
Failure to achieve earnings expectations; 
Changes in our earnings estimates by analysts; 
Variations  in  our  actual  and  anticipated  operating  results,  including,  but  not  limited  to, 
prospective financial guidance provided by Ultimate to our investors and research analysts; 
and 
The announcement of a merger or acquisition. 

Stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected the 

market prices of many technology and computer software companies, particularly Internet-related 
companies. Such fluctuations have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of 
these companies. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the market price of our Common 
Stock. 

Further, securities class action litigation has often been brought against companies that experience 
periods of volatility in the market prices of their securities. Securities class action litigation could result in 
substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.  

We have incurred operating losses in the past and may incur operating losses in the future. 

We have incurred operating losses in the past and we may incur operating losses in the future. As 

of December 31, 2011, our accumulated deficit was approximately $48.0 million.  If our future total 
revenues do not grow at a higher rate than that of our total expenses, our future operating results could be 
negatively impacted.  Recent revenue growth should not be considered as indicative of our future 

15 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
performance, particularly with respect to the recent economic environment and the potential impact on our 
revenue streams, as our subscription revenues from our SaaS Offering are largely impacted by the 
employee growth or contraction of our existing customer base and customer spending patterns have a 
significant impact on our services revenues with respect to both the timing and extent of our services they 
purchase.   

Adverse changes in general economic or political conditions could adversely affect our operating results. 

As our business has grown, we have become increasingly subject to the risks arising from adverse 

changes in domestic and global economic and political conditions.  The state of the economy and the rate of 
employment, which deteriorated in the recent broad recession, may deteriorate more in the future.  If 
weakness in the economies of the U.S. and other countries persists, many customers may delay or reduce 
technology purchases.  This could result in reductions in sales of our products, longer sales cycles, slower 
adoption of new technologies, increased price competition, customers purchasing fewer services or 
Optional Features than they have in the past, customers requesting longer payment terms, customers failing 
to pay amounts due and slower collections of accounts receivable.  In addition, increased unemployment 
could result in significant decreases in our recurring revenues from our existing customer base as we price 
our ongoing recurring revenues on a PEPM basis. Any of these events would likely harm our business, 
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows from operations. 

Our failure to maintain and increase acceptance of UltiPro, which accounts for substantially all of our 
revenues, could cause a significant decline in our revenues.  

Currently, the UltiPro solutions, including the UltiPro core product and Optional Features and 

related services, account for substantially all of our revenues. Our future success depends on maintaining 
and increasing acceptance of UltiPro, particularly the SaaS Offering and related services. Any decrease in 
the demand for UltiPro would have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and 
financial condition.  

A systems failure or other service interruption at either of the data centers owned and managed by QTS 
or at the data center owned and managed by Verizon and used for our hosting services could result in 
substantial expense to us, loss of customers and claims by our customers for damages caused by any 
losses they incur.  

We offer hosting services, which include hardware, infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and back-
up services, to our customers  in the United States at two data centers owned and operated by QTS—one 
near Atlanta, Georgia and another one near Miami, Florida.  We also offer hosting services, which include 
hardware,  infrastructure,  ongoing  maintenance  and  back-up  services,  to  our  customers  with  employees 
exclusively in Canada at a data center owned and operated by Verizon near Toronto, Canada.    

These hosting services, which are provided as part of our SaaS Offering, must be able to be reliably 
operated on a 24 hours per day, seven days per week basis without interruption or data loss. The success of 
the SaaS Offering depends on our ability to protect the infrastructure, equipment and customer data files 
against damage from:  

Human error; 

Natural disasters; 

Power loss or telecommunication failures;  

16 

 
 
Sabotage or other intentional acts of vandalism; and 

Unforeseen interruption or damages experienced in moving hardware to a new location. 

We  perform  a  daily  backup  of  our  customer  data  which  is  stored  offsite  of  the  data  centers.  In 
addition, QTS has implemented various activities comprising QualityTech’s Business Continuity Planning 
&  Disaster  Recovery  Program  which  includes  risk  assessment  and  business  impact  analysis,  redundancy 
and  crisis  and  emergency  response  procedures.    Verizon  also  has  a  Business  Continuity  Program  which 
handles business continuity planning, incident management and site emergency action planning.  However, 
the occurrence of one of the above listed events or other unanticipated problems at any of the data centers 
could:  

Result in interruptions in the services we provide to our customers, during which time our 

customers may be unable to retrieve their data; 

Require us to spend substantial amounts of money replacing existing equipment and/or 

purchasing services from an alternative data center; 

Cause existing customers to cancel their contracts; 

Cause our customers to seek damages for losses incurred; or 

Make it more difficult for us to attract new customers. 

If our direct sales force is not successful, we may be unable to achieve significant revenue growth in the 
future.  

We sell our products and services primarily through a direct sales force.  Our ability to achieve 
significant revenue growth in the future will depend upon the success of our direct sales force and our 
ability to adapt our sales efforts to address the evolving markets for our products. If our direct sales force 
does not perform as expected, our revenues could suffer.  

Rapid technological changes and the introduction of new products and enhancements by new or existing 
competitors could undermine our current market position.  

The market for our products is characterized by rapid technological advancements, changes in 
customer requirements, frequent new product introductions and enhancements and changing industry 
standards. The life cycles of our products are difficult to estimate. Rapid technological changes and the 
introduction of new products and enhancements by new or existing competitors could undermine our 
current market position. Our growth and future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to:  

Enhance our current products and introduce new products in order to keep pace with products 

offered by our competitors; 

Adapt to technological advancements and changing industry standards; and 

Expand the functionality of our products to address the increasingly sophisticated requirements 

of our customers. 

17 

 
We may not have sufficient resources to make the necessary investments and we may experience 

difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development, introduction or marketing of new 
products or enhancements. In addition, our products or enhancements may not meet the increasingly 
sophisticated customer requirements of the marketplace or achieve market acceptance at the rate we expect, 
or at all. Any failure by us to anticipate or respond adequately to technological advancements, customer 
requirements and changing industry standards, or any significant delays in the development, introduction or 
availability of new products or enhancements, could undermine our current market position.  

Our current and future competitors include companies with greater financial, technical and marketing 
resources than we have and if we are unable to compete successfully with other businesses in our 
industry or with in-house systems developed by potential customers, our profitability will be adversely 
affected.  

Our future success will depend significantly upon our ability to increase our share of our target 

market, to maintain and increase our recurring revenues from new and existing customers and to sell 
additional products, product enhancements, maintenance and support services and training and consulting 
services to existing and new customers. The HCM market is intensely competitive. Our competitors 
include:  

Large service bureaus, primarily ADP and, to a lesser extent, Ceridian; 

A number of companies, such as PeopleSoft/Oracle, Lawson, Kronos, and Workday that offer 

HCM software products for use on mainframes, client/server environments and/or Web servers; 
and, in the UltiPro Workplace market, payroll service providers such as ADP, Ceridian and 
Paychex that service companies on the smaller end of the mid-market; and 

The internal HR/payroll departments of potential customers which use custom-written software. 

Our competitors may develop products that are superior to our products or achieve greater market 

acceptance. Many of our competitors or potential competitors have significantly greater financial, technical 
and marketing resources than we do. As a result, they may be able to respond more quickly to new or 
emerging technologies and to changes in customer requirements, or to devote greater resources to the 
development, promotion and sale of their products than we can. We believe that existing competitors and 
new market entrants will attempt to develop in-house systems that will compete with our products. We may 
be unable to compete successfully against current or future competitors. In addition, current and potential 
competitors have established or may establish cooperative relationships among themselves or with third 
parties to increase the ability of their products to address the needs of our prospective customers. 
Accordingly, it is possible that new competitors or alliances among competitors may emerge and rapidly 
acquire significant market share.  

The loss of the services of one or more of our key employees could negatively affect our ability to 
implement our business strategy.  

Our success depends to a significant extent upon a limited number of members of senior executive 

management and other key employees, including Scott Scherr, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, 
President and Chief Executive Officer. We do not have employment contracts with any of our key 
personnel. The loss of the services of one or more of our key employees could have a material adverse 
effect upon us. In addition, uncertainty created by turnover of our key employees could cause further 
turnover of our employees.  

18 

 
If we are not able to successfully recruit personnel, our revenues could be negatively affected.  

Our ability to achieve significant revenue growth in the future will also depend on our success in 
recruiting, training and retaining sufficient sales, marketing, professional services, product development 
and other personnel.  

The potential growth of our business and expansion of our customer base may place a significant strain 
on our management and operations and we may be unable to manage that growth and expansion 
successfully.  

We expect to increase research and development, professional services, sales and marketing and 
administrative operations as and when appropriate to accommodate our growth plans. Accordingly, our 
future operating results will depend on the ability of our management and other key employees to continue 
to implement and improve our systems for operations, financial control and information management and 
to recruit, train, manage and retain our employee base. We cannot be certain that we will be able to manage 
any future growth successfully.  

Our business relies heavily on the products of Microsoft, which may not always be compatible with our 
products, and we may be required to spend significant capital if businesses adopt alternative 
technologies that are incompatible with our products.  

Our software products are designed primarily to operate with Microsoft technologies and our 
strategy requires that our products and technology be compatible with new developments in Microsoft 
technology. Although we believe that Microsoft technologies are currently widely utilized by businesses of 
all sizes, we cannot be certain that businesses will continue to adopt such technologies as anticipated, will 
migrate from older Microsoft technologies to newer Microsoft technologies or will not adopt alternative 
technologies that are incompatible with our products. As a result, we may be required to develop new 
products or improve our existing products to be compatible with different technologies that may be used by 
our customers. We cannot be certain we will be able to adapt our product to any technologies other than 
Microsoft’s.  

If our third-party software is not adequately maintained or updated, our sales could be materially 
adversely affected.  

Our products utilize certain software of third-party software developers from whom we have either 

purchased a license or the underlying source code of such software. Although we believe that there are 
alternatives for these products, any significant interruption in the availability of such third-party software 
could have a material adverse impact on our sales unless and until we can replace the functionality 
provided by these products. Additionally, we are, to a certain extent, dependent upon such third parties’ 
abilities to enhance their current products, to develop new products on a timely and cost-effective basis and 
to respond to emerging industry standards and other technological changes. We may be unable to replace 
the functionality provided by the third-party software currently offered in conjunction with our products in 
the event that such software becomes obsolete or incompatible with future versions of our products or is 
otherwise not adequately maintained or updated.  

If we are unable to release annual or periodic updates on a timely basis to reflect changes in tax laws 
and regulations or other regulatory provisions applicable to our products, the market acceptance of our 
products may be adversely affected and our revenues could decline.  

19 

 
Our products are affected by changes in tax laws and regulations and generally must be updated 

annually or periodically to maintain their accuracy and competitiveness. We cannot be certain that we will 
be able to release these annual or periodic updates on a timely basis in the future. Failure to do so could 
have a material adverse effect on market acceptance of our products. In addition, significant changes in tax 
laws and regulations or other regulatory provisions applicable to our products could require us to make a 
significant investment in product modifications, which could result in significant unexpected costs to us.  

If we are unable to protect our proprietary rights against unauthorized third-party copying or use, our 
revenues or our methods of doing business could be negatively impacted.  

Our success is dependent, in part, on our ability to protect our proprietary rights. We rely on a 

combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality agreements and 
licensing arrangements, to establish and protect our proprietary rights. We do not have any patents or patent 
applications pending, and existing copyright, trademark and trade secret laws afford only limited 
protection. As a result, we cannot be certain that we will be able to protect our proprietary rights against 
unauthorized third-party copying or use. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, unauthorized 
parties may attempt to copy or reverse engineer aspects of our products or to obtain and use information 
that we regard as proprietary. In addition, others may develop products that perform comparably to our 
proprietary products. Policing the unauthorized use of our products is difficult.  

Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our 
trademarks, copyrights or trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of 
others; such litigation may be expensive and divert the attention of management.  

Litigation may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights, to protect our 

trademarks, copyrights or trade secrets or to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of 
others. Any litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and management attention.  

As is common in the software industry, from time to time we may become aware of third-party 
claims of infringement by our operations or products of third-party proprietary rights. While we are not 
currently aware of any such material claim, our software products may increasingly be subject to such 
claims as the number of products and competitors in our industry grows, as the functionality of products 
overlaps and as the issuance of software patents becomes increasingly common. Any such claims, with or 
without merit, can be time consuming and expensive to defend, cause product shipment delays or require us 
to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Such royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be 
available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. 

Defects and errors in our software could affect market acceptance of our products.  

Software products such as those offered by us may contain undetected errors or failures when first 
introduced or as new versions are released. Testing of our products is particularly challenging because it is 
difficult to simulate the wide variety of computing environments in which our customers may use these 
products. Despite extensive testing, from time to time we have discovered defects or errors in our products. 
Defects and errors may:  

Cause delays in product introductions and shipments; 

Result in increased costs and diversion of development resources; 

Require design modifications; or 

20 

 
Decrease market acceptance of, or customer satisfaction with, our products. 

Despite testing by us and by current and potential customers, errors may be found after 

commencement of commercial shipments, which may result in loss of or delay in market acceptance which 
could have a material adverse impact upon our business, operating results and financial condition.  

Our software products may be vulnerable to break-ins and similar disruptive problems; addressing these 
issues may be expensive and require a significant amount of our resources.  

We have included security features in our products that are intended to protect the privacy and 

integrity of customer data. Despite the existence of these security features, our software products may be 
vulnerable to break-ins and similar disruptive problems. Addressing these evolving security issues may be 
expensive and require a significant amount of our resources.  

The sale and support of software products and the performance of related services by us entail the risk of 
product or service liability claims, which could significantly affect our financial results.  

Customers use our products in connection with the preparation and filing of tax returns and other 
regulatory reports. If any of our products contain errors that produce inaccurate results upon which users 
rely, or cause users to misfile or fail to file required information, we could be subject to liability claims 
from users. Our SaaS and maintenance renewal agreements with our customers typically contain provisions 
intended to limit our exposure to such claims, but such provisions may not be effective in limiting our 
exposure. Contractual limitations we use may not be enforceable and may not provide us with adequate 
protection against product liability claims in certain jurisdictions. A successful claim for product or service 
liability brought against us could result in substantial cost to us and divert management’s attention from our 
operations.  

Anti-takeover provisions in our certificate of incorporation and by-laws and under our Amended and 
Restated Rights Agreement and Delaware law and our Change in Control Bonus Plans could 
substantially increase the cost to acquire us or prevent or delay a change in control and, as a result, 
negatively impact our stockholders and the price of our Common Stock.  

We have taken a number of actions that could have the effect of discouraging a takeover attempt. 
For example, we have adopted an Amended and Restated Rights Agreement that would cause substantial 
dilution to a stockholder, and substantially increase the cost paid by a stockholder, who attempts to acquire 
us on terms not approved by our Board of Directors. This could prevent us from being acquired. Our Board 
of Directors is divided into three classes, each of whose members serve for a staggered three-year term. 
This may prevent a stockholder from gaining control of our Board of Directors quickly.  

In addition, our certificate of incorporation grants our Board of Directors the authority to fix the 

rights, preferences and privileges of and issue up to 2,500,000 shares of preferred stock without stockholder 
approval. Although we have no present intention to issue shares of preferred stock, such an issuance could 
have the effect of making it more difficult and less attractive for a third-party to acquire a majority of our 
outstanding voting stock. Preferred stock may also have other rights, including economic rights senior to 
our Common Stock, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.  

We are also subject to the anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of Delaware General 
Corporation Law. This section provides that a corporation may not engage in any business combination 
with any interested stockholder (as defined in that section) during the three-year period following the time 

21 

 
that a stockholder became an interested stockholder.  This provision could have the effect of delaying or 
preventing a change in control of our company.  

We have adopted two Amended and Restated Change in Control Bonus Plans. One plan provides 
for the payment of cash amounts to our three named executive officers, Scott Scherr, Marc D. Scherr and 
Mitchell K. Dauerman, upon a ―change in control‖ of Ultimate. The other plan provides for the payment of 
cash amounts in the event of a ―change in control‖ to our employees, other than named executive officers, 
designated by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. A ―change in control‖ would occur 
if more than 50% of our Common Stock were acquired by a person or entity other than Ultimate or a 
subsidiary or employee benefit plan of ours. There are other conditions that could result in a change in 
control event such as a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of our assets or business. The aggregate 
amount of payment that may be made to all participants under the two Amended and Restated Change in 
Control Bonus Plans may be as much as 6% of the gross consideration received by us or our stockholders 
in a change in control transaction. The Change in Control Bonus Plans could substantially increase the cost 
to acquire us. 

The growth of the international operations of our business subjects us to additional risks associated with 
foreign operations. 

International operations are subject to risks associated with operating outside of the United States.  
During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006, we began operating in Canada (through the formation of a wholly-
owned Canadian subsidiary).  During 2011, we continued to grow our operations in Canada.  The financial 
impact of our international operations to our overall business has been insignificant to date.  However, over 
time, our international operations may grow and increase their significance to our business.  Sales to 
international customers subject us to a number of risks, including foreign currency fluctuations, unexpected 
changes in regulatory requirements for software, international economic and political instability, 
compliance with multiple, conflicting, and changing governmental laws and regulations, difficulty in 
staffing and managing foreign operations, international tax laws, potentially weaker protection for our 
intellectual property than in the United States, and difficulties in enforcing such rights abroad.  If sales to 
any of our customers outside of the United States are delayed or cancelled because of any of the above 
factors, our revenue may be negatively impacted. 

Our international operations also increase our exposure to international laws and regulations. If we 

are unable to comply with foreign laws and regulations, which are often complex and subject to variation 
and unexpected changes, we could incur unexpected costs and potential litigation.  

If our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets become impaired we may be required to record a 
significant charge to earnings. 

Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we review our amortizable intangible assets 

for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be 
recoverable.  Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually.  Factors that may be 
considered in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill or amortizable intangible 
assets may not be recoverable include a reduction in our market capitalization (as a result of a decline in 
our stock price) to a level below our consolidated stockholders’ equity as of the applicable balance sheet 
date, declining future cash flows, and slower growth rates in our industry.  We may be required to record a 
significant charge to earnings in our consolidated financial statements during the period in which any 
impairment of our goodwill or amortizable intangible assets is determined, resulting in a negative impact 
on our results of operations.  

22 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in, or interpretations of, accounting principles could result in unfavorable accounting changes. 

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines, and 
interpretations.  Changes in these rules or their interpretation could significantly change our reported results 
and may even retroactively affect previously reported transactions.  Our accounting principles that recently 
have been or may be affected by changes in accounting principles include, but are not limited to:  software 
revenue recognition; accounting for income taxes; and accounting for business combinations and related 
goodwill.   

Changes in, or interpretations of, tax rules and regulations may adversely affect our effective tax rates. 

Unanticipated changes in our tax rates could affect our future results of operations.  Our future 

effective tax rates could be unfavorably affected by changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws, or 
by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.  In addition, we are subject to the 
examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other domestic and foreign tax 
authorities.  We regularly assess the likelihood of outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine 
the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.  There can be no assurance that these potential 
examinations will not have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial position. 

Privacy concerns could result in regulatory changes that may harm our business. 

Personal privacy is a significant issue in the United States and in many other countries where our 

customers operate.  The United States and many other countries have imposed restrictions and requirements 
on the use of personal information by those collecting such information.  Changes to law or regulations 
affecting privacy, if applicable to our business or product, could impose additional costs and potential 
liability on us and could limit our use and disclosure of such information.  If we were required to change 
our business activities or revise or eliminate services, our business could be harmed. 

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments  

None. 

23 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.  Properties 

As of December 31, 2011, Ultimate’s corporate headquarters, and its principal administrative, 

technology, customer support, finance, marketing and information technology operations were located in 
Weston, Florida.  Ultimate’s principal facilities are described below: 

Location 

Weston, FL – HQ 
Weston, FL – HQ 

Size 
(sq. ft.) 
  39,872 
  21,392 

Lease 

  Termination 

1/31/2017 
1/31/2018 

Weston, FL – HQ  

5,000 

Owned 

Weston, FL – HQ  

  30,000 

5/31/2015 

Weston, FL – HQ (1) 

  19,950 

3/31/2018 

Weston, FL – HQ (2) 
Atlanta, GA (3) 

8,000 
  49,172 

2/29/2016 
5/31/2019 

Santa Ana, CA (4) 

  13,000 

8/31/2016 

Schaumburg, IL (5) 
Toronto, Ontario  (6) 

7,861 
2,115 

6/30/2014 
12/31/2015 

_____________________ 

General Use 
Technology 
Executive Management and Customer 
Support 
Information Technology and Hosting 
Services  
Sales Administration, Marketing, 
Professional Services and Finance 
Corporate Support and Information 
Technology 
Technology 

  Professional Services, Customer Support 

and Payment Services 
Payment Services and Professional 
Services 
Administration and Training 
Professional Services and Customer 
Support 

(1)  In November 2010, Ultimate entered into an 84-month lease agreement for a fifth headquarters 
building located in Weston, Florida within a short distance of the other headquarters locations.  
Ultimate moved a portion of its operations into this building in January 2011.   

(2)  In November 2010, Ultimate entered into a 60-month lease agreement for a sixth headquarters 
building located in Weston, Florida within a short distance of the other headquarters locations.  
Ultimate moved a portion of its operations into this building in January 2011. 

(3)  During the first fiscal quarter of 2011, Ultimate entered into a 100-month lease agreement for office 
space in a building in Atlanta, Georgia.  This lease was entered into after the early termination of a 
previous lease in the area to accommodate continued growth.  This lease covers approximately 
twice the square footage of the previous lease. 

(4)  During the first fiscal quarter of 2011, Ultimate entered into a 60-month lease agreement for office 
space in a building in Santa Ana, California.  Ultimate moved its payment services operations into 
this building in August 2011. 

(5)  During the fourth quarter of 2008, Ultimate entered into a 65-month lease agreement for office 
space in Schaumburg, Illinois to accommodate general office space and training facilities. 

(6)  During the third fiscal quarter of 2009, Ultimate entered into a 64-month lease agreement for new 

office space in Toronto, Ontario with RT Twenty-Sixth Pension Properties Limited to accommodate 
continued growth in Canada. 

Currently, we also lease office space for our sales operations in Albany, New York; Atlanta, 

Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; Nashville, Tennessee; Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Troy, 
Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Overland Park, Kansas; Jacksonville, Florida; Omaha, Nebraska; 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Roseville, California; Ashburn, Virginia; and Cincinnati, Ohio. Sales operations in other locations are not 
supported by leased office space.  We believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate for our 
current operations for the next 12 months. We further believe that suitable space will be available as needed 
to accommodate any expansion of our operations on commercially reasonable terms. 

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings 

From time to time, we are involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in 

the normal course of business. We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings the adverse outcome of 
which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on 
our operating results or financial condition.   

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

PART II 

Item 5.  Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities 

Market Information.  The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices 
of Ultimate’s Common Stock, as quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (―NASDAQ‖) under the 
symbol ―ULTI‖. 

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

2011 

High 
$60.43 
  59.86 
  58.89 
  71.97 

Low 
$47.20 
  48.87 
  43.28 
  44.96 

2010 

High 
$34.94 
  37.25 
  39.23 
  50.28 

Low 
$26.81 
  30.90 
  31.38 
  37.50 

As of February 17, 2012, we had approximately 106 holders of record, representing approximately 

3,217 stockholder accounts. 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate 

paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings to fund 
the development and growth of our business. The payment of dividends in the future, if any, will be at the 
discretion of our Board of Directors. 

Performance Graph.  The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder returns on Ultimate’s 
Common Stock for the five year period covering December 31, 2006-December 31, 2011, on an annual 
basis, with the cumulative total return of The Nasdaq Composite Index and the RDG Software Composite 
Index for the same period.  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* 
Among The Ultimate Software Group, Inc., the NASDAQ Composite Index,  
and the RDG Software Composite Index 

$300

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

12/06

12/07

12/08

12/09

12/10

12/11

The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.

NASDAQ Composite

RDG Software Composite

*$100 invested on 12/31/06 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. 
Fiscal year ending December 31. 

26 

 
 
 
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer.  On October 30, 2000, Ultimate announced that our Board of 
Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 shares of our outstanding Common Stock (the 
―Stock Repurchase Plan‖).   

On February 6, 2007, Ultimate’s Board of Directors extended the Stock Repurchase Plan by 

authorizing the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of our issued and outstanding Common 
Stock.  

On February 5, 2008, Ultimate’s Board of Directors extended the Stock Repurchase Plan further by 

authorizing the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of our Common Stock.   

On October 26, 2009,  Ultimate’s Board of Directors extended the Stock Repurchase Plan further 

by authorizing the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of our Common Stock.  

On October 24, 2011, Ultimate’s Board of Directors extended the Stock Repurchase Plan further 

by authorizing the repurchase of up to 1,000,000 additional shares of our Common Stock.  

As of December 31, 2011, Ultimate had purchased 3,941,813 shares of our Common Stock under 

the Stock Repurchase Plan, with 1,058,187 shares available for repurchase in the future.  No shares of 
Common Stock were repurchased by us during the three months ended December 31, 2011 as indicated 
below: 

Total Number of 
Shares 
Purchased 

Average Price 
Paid Per 
Share 

Total Cumulative Number of 
Shares Purchased as Part of 
Publicly Announced Plans or 
Programs 

Maximum Number of Shares 
That May Yet Be Purchased 
Under the Plans or Programs 

– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 

3,941,813 

3,941,813 

3,941,813 
3,941,813 

1,058,187 

1,058,187 

1,058,187 
1,058,187 

Period 
October 1-31, 
2011 
November 1-
30, 2011 
December 1-
31, 2011 
Total 

27 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

The following selected consolidated financial data is qualified by reference to and should be read in 

conjunction with ―Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations‖ and Ultimate’s Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this 
Form 10-K. The statements of operations data presented below for each of the years in the three-year 
period ended December 31, 2011 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 have been 
derived from our Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.  

2011 

Years Ended December 31, 
2009 

2010 

2008 

2007 

Statements of Operations Data: 
Revenues: 
   Recurring 
   Services 
   License 
      Total revenues 

Cost of revenues: 
   Recurring 
   Services 
   License 
      Total cost of revenues 
Gross profit 

Operating expenses: 
   Sales and marketing 
   Research and development 
   General and administrative 
      Total operating expenses 
      Operating income (loss) 

Other (expense) income: 
   Interest expense and other 
   Other income, net 
Total other (expense) income, net 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 
   (Provision) benefit for income taxes 
Income (loss) from continuing operations 
   Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 
Net income (loss) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share: (1) 
   Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 
   Loss from discontinued operations 
   Total 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share: (1) 
   Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 
   Loss from discontinued operations 
   Total 

Weighted average shares outstanding: (1) 
   Basic 
   Diluted 

Balance Sheet Data: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Investments in marketable securities 
Total assets 
Deferred revenue 
Long-term borrowings, including capital lease obligations 
Stockholders’ equity 

$ 

$ 

213,785 
53,195 
2,218 
269,198 

170,905 
55,368 
1,538 
227,811 

$ 

$ 

133,159 
58,996 
4,125 
196,280 

106,198 
60,535 
11,264 
177,997 

$ 

86,191 
49,492 
14,372 
150,055 

63,505 
52,341 
488 
116,334 
152,864 

63,145 
51,356 
21,931 
136,432 
16,432 

(401) 
91 
(310) 
16,122 
(11,840) 
4,282 
– 
4,282 

0.17 
– 
0.17 

0.15 
– 
0.15 

25,814 
27,806 

2011 
46,149 
9,130 
318,820 
86,563 
2,175 
85,624 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

49,144 
49,843 
255 
99,242 
128,569 

58,374 
42,222 
19,727 
120,323 
8,246 

(263) 
188 
(75) 
8,171 
(5,161) 
3,010 
(853) 
2,157 

0.12 
(0.03) 
0.09 

0.11 
(0.03) 
0.08 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

38,765 
48,304 
750 
87,819 
108,461 

52,810 
38,005 
17,803 
108,618 
(157) 

(90) 
162 
72 
(85) 
(721) 
(806) 
(336) 
(1,142) 

(0.04) 
(0.01) 
(0.05) 

(0.04) 
(0.01) 
(0.05) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

29,605 
50,058 
1,795 
81,458 
96,539 

47,193 
36,025 
17,516 
100,734 
(4,195) 

(243) 
857 
614 
(3,581) 
1,016 
(2,565) 
(332) 
(2,897) 

(0.10) 
(0.02) 
(0.12) 

(0.10) 
(0.02) 
(0.12) 

24,960 
27,101 

24,463 
24,463 

24,588 
24,588 

2010 
40,889 
9,317 
249,557 
78,095 
2,406 
72,985 

$ 

$ 

As of December 31, 
2009 
23,684 
9,523 
171,130 
68,559 
1,710 
57,770 

$ 

$ 

2008 
17,200 
5,805 
147,257 
63,494 
1,519 
51,072 

22,525 
39,995 
1,659 
64,179 
85,876 

36,109 
27,536 
14,182 
77,827 
8,049 

(170) 
5,988 
5,818 
13,867 
19,596 
33,463 
(334) 
33,129 

1.35 
(0.01) 
1.34 

1.25 
(0.01) 
1.24 

24,701 
26,722 

2007 
17,462 
18,418 
135,156 
51,708 
2,311 
60,978 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1) 

See Note 11 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding the computation of net earnings (loss) per share. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

provides information we believe is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our results of operations 
and financial condition.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial 
Statements and Notes that are included in this Form 10-K.  Also, the discussion of Critical Accounting 
Estimates in this section is an integral part of the analysis of our results of operations and financial 
condition. 

Overview 

Ultimate is a leading provider of unified human capital management (―HCM‖) software-as-a-

service (―SaaS‖) solutions for global businesses.   

Ultimate’s UltiPro software (―UltiPro‖) is a comprehensive SaaS-or cloud-based solution delivered 

primarily to organizations based in the United States and Canada and designed to deliver the functionality 
businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. The 
solution includes feature sets for talent acquisition and onboarding, human resources (―HR‖) management 
and compliance, benefits management and online enrollment, payroll, performance management, salary 
planning and budgeting for compensation management, succession management, reporting and analytical 
decision-making tools, and time and attendance.  UltiPro has role-based self-service capabilities for 
executives, managers, administrators, and employees whether they are in or out of the office, including an 
UltiPro application for use on mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad. 

Our SaaS offering of UltiPro (the ―SaaS Offering‖) provides Web-based access to comprehensive 

HCM functionality for organizations that want to simplify delivery and support of their business 
applications. We have found that our SaaS Offering is attractive to companies that want to focus on their 
core competencies to increase sales and profits. Through the SaaS Offering, we supply and manage the 
hardware, infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and backup services for our customers.  Customer systems 
are managed at three data centers, one located in the Miami, Florida area, one in the Atlanta, Georgia area, 
and another in Toronto, Canada. All data centers are owned and operated by independent third parties. 

UltiPro is marketed as two solution suites, based on company size.  UltiPro Enterprise 
(―Enterprise‖) is designed to address the needs of companies with 1,000 or more employees.  UltiPro 
Workplace (―Workplace‖) is designed for companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.  Both solution 
suites are delivered exclusively through SaaS.  UltiPro Workplace provides medium-sized and smaller 
companies with nearly all the features that larger Enterprise companies have with UltiPro, plus a bundled 
services package. Since many companies in this market do not have information technology staff on their 
premises to help with system issues, UltiPro Workplace is designed to give these customers a high degree 
of convenience by handling system setup, business rules, and other situations for customers ―behind the 
scenes.‖  UltiPro is marketed primarily through Ultimate’s Enterprise and Workplace direct sales teams. 

In addition to UltiPro’s core HCM functionality, our customers have the option to purchase a 

number of additional features on a per-employee-per-month (―PEPM‖) basis, which are available to 
enhance the functionality of UltiPro’s core features and which are based on the particular business needs of 
the customers.  These optional UltiPro features currently include (i) the talent management suite of 
products (recruitment, onboarding, performance management, succession management, salary planning and 
budgeting for compensation management, and employee relations tools for managing disciplinary actions, 
grievances, and succession management); (ii) benefits enrollment; (iii) time, attendance and scheduling; 
(iv) time management; (v) payment services (formerly referred to as ―tax filing‖); (vi) wage attachments; 
and (vii) other optional features (collectively, ―Optional Features‖).  All Optional Features are individually 

29 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
priced solely on a subscription basis.  Some of the Optional Features are available to both Enterprise and 
Workplace customers while others are available exclusively to either Enterprise or Workplace customers, 
and availability is based on the needs of the respective customer types, the number of their employees and 
the complexity of their HCM environment. 

During the second half of 2010, we introduced our Partners for Life program to our customers. Our 
Partners for Life program is designed to make it easier for customers to leverage the full scope of UltiPro’s 
features and reach more users in our customers’ organizations. As part of the Partners for Life program, we 
changed the pricing method for our services from a time and materials offering to a fixed fee offering, with 
the expected objective of lowering the total cost of services charged to each customer.  The incremental 
benefit for the Partners for Life program is that we enhance the quality of our customer relationships and 
encourage increased customer loyalty, as well as a readiness for the customer to be a reference for us.    For 
more information about the Partners for Life program, see the discussion of services revenues under 
―Results of Operations – Revenues‖ below. 

The key drivers of our business are (i) growth in recurring revenues; (ii) retention of our customers 

once our solutions are sold (―Customer Retention‖) and (iii) management’s control of operating expense 
growth.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, our (i) recurring revenues grew by 25%, compared with 
2010, (ii) Customer Retention exceeded 96%, on a trailing twelve-month basis, and (iii) operating expenses 
grew by 13% compared with 2010.  

Our ability to achieve significant revenue growth in the future will depend upon the success of our 
direct sales force and our ability to adapt our sales efforts to address the evolving markets for our products 
and services.  We provide our sales personnel with comprehensive and continuing training with respect to 
technology and market place developments.  Aside from sales commissions, we also provide various 
incentives to encourage our sales representatives, including stock-based compensation awards based upon 
performance. 

The HCM market is intensely competitive.  We address competitive pressures through 
improvements and enhancements to our products and services, the development of additional features of 
UltiPro and a comprehensive marketing team and process that distinguishes Ultimate and its products from 
the competition.  Our focus on customer service, which enables us to maintain a high Customer Retention 
rate, also helps us address competitive pressures. 

As our business has grown, we have become increasingly subject to the risks arising from adverse 
changes in domestic and global economic conditions.  If general economic conditions were to deteriorate 
further, we may experience delays in our sales cycles, increased pressure from prospective customers to 
offer discounts and increased pressure from existing customers to renew expiring recurring revenue 
agreements for lower amounts.  We address continuing economic pressures by, among other things, efforts 
to control growth of our operating expenses through the monitoring of controllable costs and vendor 
negotiations.   

Ultimate has two primary revenue sources:  recurring revenues and services revenues.  
Subscription revenues from our SaaS Offering and customer support and maintenance revenues are the 
primary components of recurring revenues.  The majority of services revenues are derived from 
implementation services.  

We discontinued selling our on-site UltiPro solutions to new customers on a perpetual license basis 

as of April 1, 2009. We sell licenses to existing license customers but only in relation to the customer’s 
employee growth or for Optional Features if the customer already has a perpetual license for the on-site 
UltiPro solutions.  As perpetual license agreements were sold, annual maintenance contracts (priced as a 

30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
percentage of the related license fee) accompanied those agreements.  Maintenance contracts typically have 
a one-year term with annual renewal periods thereafter.   

As SaaS units are sold, the recurring revenue backlog associated with the SaaS Offering grows, 

enhancing the predictability of future revenue streams.  SaaS revenues include ongoing monthly 
subscription fees, priced on a PEPM basis.  Revenue recognition for the SaaS Offering is triggered when 
the customer processes its first payroll using UltiPro (or goes ―Live‖).  Recognition of recurring 
subscription revenues from our SaaS Offering begins when the related customer goes Live.   

Critical Accounting Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (―GAAP‖) requires management 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. Actual results 
could differ from those estimates.   

Revenue Recognition 

Effective January 1, 2011, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-13, ― Multiple-

Deliverable Revenue Arrangements‖ (―ASU 2009-13‖) on a prospective basis.  ASU 2009-13 requires the 
use of the relative selling price method of allocating the total consideration to units of accounting in a 
multiple element arrangement and eliminates the residual method. This new accounting principle requires 
an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using the estimated selling price (―ESP‖) of deliverables if 
it does not have vendor-specific objective evidence (―VSOE‖) or third-party evidence (―TPE‖) of selling 
price.  The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements.   

VSOE is the price charged when the same or similar product or service is sold separately.  We 

define VSOE as a median price of recent stand-alone transactions that are priced within a narrow range.   

TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when 
sold separately.  However, due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient information on competitor pricing 
and differences in our product offerings when compared with those of our peers, we generally are unable to 
reliably determine TPE. 

ESP is our best estimate of the selling price of an element in a transaction. If we are unable to 

establish selling price using either VSOE or TPE, we will use ESP in our allocation of arrangement 
consideration.  The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact business if the 
product or service were sold by us on a stand-alone basis.  Our determination of ESP involves the use of a 
customary discount from the list (or book) price for each element, with the discounted price applied within 
a narrow range.  The customary discount is derived from historical data that has been analyzed to determine 
trends and patterns. We analyze the customary discount used for determining ESP on no less than an annual 
basis.     

We evaluate each deliverable in our arrangements to determine whether it represents a separate unit 

of accounting.  A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has stand-alone value to our 
customers.  Our products and services to continue to qualify as separate units of accounting under ASU 
2009-13.   

31 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
There are two major elements in our multiple element arrangements for the delivery of our SaaS 

Offering, which are recurring revenues (i.e., SaaS subscription revenues and customer support and 
maintenance revenues) and services revenues (mostly implementation consulting services).   Also included 
in our total revenues, to a much lesser degree, are license revenues from the employee growth of our 
previously licensed customers.  

For multiple element arrangements, the consideration allocated to SaaS subscription revenues is 

recognized as recurring revenues over the initial contract period, as those services are delivered, 
commencing with the Live date of the related product. The consideration allocated to fixed fee 
implementation services in multiple element arrangements is recognized as services revenues on a 
percentage of completion basis, using reasonably dependable estimates with respect to milestones achieved 
(in relation to progression through implementation phases), by product. 

Single element arrangements typically consist of renewals for SaaS subscriptions and maintenance 
agreements. In addition, subsequent to the introduction of the Partners for Life program (in the second half 
of 2010), implementation services sold on a time and materials basis typically represent single element 
arrangements. Under these single element arrangements, SaaS subscription and maintenance revenues are 
recognized over the related renewal period, as the services are delivered, and implementation services are 
recognized as the services are performed. 

We recognize revenues when all of the following criteria are met: 

  persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 

  delivery has occurred; 

 

 

the fees are fixed and determinable; and 

collection is considered probable. 

If collection is not considered probable, we recognize revenues when the fees are collected. If the 
fees are not fixed and determinable, we recognize revenues when the fees become due from the customer. 
If non-standard acceptance periods or non-standard performance criteria are required, we recognize revenue 
when the acceptance period expires or upon the satisfaction of the acceptance/performance criteria, as 
applicable. 

The majority of services revenues are recognized over the implementation period, which is from 

the contract execution date until the Live date. SaaS revenues are recognized over the contract term, 
beginning in the month the customer goes Live. There was no material change to the pattern or timing of 
revenue recognition for either services or SaaS elements as a result of adopting ASU 2009-13. 

Recurring Revenues 

Recurring revenues consist of subscription revenues recognized from our SaaS Offering, as well as 

customer support and maintenance revenues.   

i)  SaaS subscription revenues are principally derived from PEPM fees earned from the SaaS 

Offering and from sales of hosting services on a stand-alone basis to customers who already 
own a perpetual license (―Base Hosting‖). Ongoing PEPM fees from the SaaS Offering and 
Base Hosting are recognized as subscription revenues as the services are delivered, 
commencing when the customer goes Live.  

ii)   Customer support and maintenance revenues are derived from maintaining, supporting, and                                                                       

providing periodic updates of our software for our hosting services. Since we stopped selling 

32 

 
 
 
 
 
perpetual licenses to our new customers effective April 1, 2009, customer support and 
maintenance revenues stem from annual renewals. 

Under our SaaS Offering, our customers do not have the right to take possession of our software 

and these arrangements are considered service contracts. Selling price of multiple deliverables in SaaS 
arrangements is derived for each element based on the guidance provided by ASU 2009-13.  The multiple 
elements that typically exist in SaaS arrangements include hosting services, the right to use UltiPro, 
maintenance of UltiPro (i.e., product enhancements, updates and customer support) and professional 
services (i.e., primarily implementation consulting services).   

The pricing for the three elements that pertain to recurring revenues (i.e., hosting services, the right 
to use UltiPro and maintenance of UltiPro) is bundled.  Since these three bundled elements are components 
of recurring revenues in the consolidated statements of operations, allocation of selling price to each of the 
three elements is not necessary and they are not reported separately.  Selling price, which is established 
through VSOE, for the bundled elements, as a whole, is determined on the basis of renewal pricing, without 
taking into consideration potential price increases or potential changes in the number of employees of the 
customer in the future due to the uncertainties surrounding these potential occurrences.  These bundled 
elements are provided on an ongoing basis, represent undelivered elements and are recognized on a 
monthly basis as the related services are performed, commencing once the customer goes Live.  

Services Revenues 

Services revenues primarily include revenues from fees charged for implementation consulting 

services in connection with the implementation of our product solutions and, to a much lesser extent, 
training of customers in the use of our products and fees for other services, including the provision of 
payroll-related forms, sales of time clocks and the printing of W-2 forms for certain customers, as well as 
certain client reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.   

Prior to the introduction of the Partners for Life program in the second half of 2010, our multiple 

element sales contracts included recurring SaaS revenues, priced on a PEPM basis, and implementation 
consulting services, priced on a time and materials basis.  As the Partners for Life program has evolved 
(particularly over the course of 2011), we have found that the vast majority of multiple element contracts 
contain recurring SaaS revenues and implementation consulting services priced on a fixed fee basis. Time 
and materials implementation consulting services are still sold but, generally, as stand-alone sales not 
directly related to the basic implementation of the SaaS product. The total arrangement consideration is 
allocated to services elements in the arrangement based on relative selling prices, using the prices 
established when the services are sold on a stand-alone basis.  Selling price is established through ESP for 
fixed fee implementation consulting services related to our Partners for Life program. 

Revenues from implementation consulting services sold on a fixed-fee basis are recognized using 

the percentage of completion accounting method, which involves the use of estimates.  Percentage of 
completion is measured at each reporting date based on progress made to date, using reasonably 
dependable estimates with respect to milestones achieved or billable hours, as applicable.   

Revenues from implementation consulting services, billed on a time and materials basis (at an 
hourly rate), are recognized as these services are performed.  Other services are recognized as the product is 
shipped or as the services are rendered, depending on the specific terms of the related arrangement.  

33 

 
 
 
 
 
License Revenues 

From our inception through March 31, 2009, we sold perpetual licenses of UltiPro, which resulted 
in license revenues recognized for that period of time.  Customer support and maintenance revenues, from 
previously sold perpetual licenses, are derived from maintaining, supporting, and providing periodic 
updates of our software.  Customer support and maintenance revenues are recognized ratably over the 
service period, generally one year, and are included in recurring revenues.  Annual maintenance renewal 
fees which occur subsequent to the initial contract period are also recognized ratably over the related 
service period and are included in recurring revenues.  

Since April 1, 2009, sales to new customers are only on a subscription basis (priced and billed to 
our customers on a PEPM basis).  We no longer sell our on-site UltiPro solutions to new customers on a 
perpetual license basis. We do sell licenses to existing license customers but only in relation to the 
customer’s employee growth. Any such licenses are recognized as license revenues in our consolidated 
financial statements upon the delivery of the related software product when all significant contractual 
obligations have been satisfied.  

Income Taxes 

We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial 

statement purposes.  These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and 
liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and 
financial statement purposes.   

Ultimate assesses the likelihood that it will be able to recover its deferred tax assets.  Management 

considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of pre-tax book 
income, expiration of net operating loss carryforwards, expectations and risks associated with estimates of 
future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies as well as current tax laws 
and interpretation of current tax laws in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.  If recovery is not 
likely, we record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately 
be recoverable.  The available positive evidence at December 31, 2011 included, among other factors, three 
years of cumulative historical pre-tax book income and a projection of future pre-tax book income and 
taxable income.  As a result of our analysis of all available evidence, both positive and negative, at 
December 31, 2011, it was considered more likely than not that a valuation allowance for deferred tax 
assets was not required.  

As of December 31, 2011, we believed it more likely than not that the amount of the deferred tax 

assets recorded on the consolidated balance sheet will ultimately be recovered.  However, should there be a 
change in our ability to recover the deferred tax assets, the tax provision would increase in the period in 
which it is determined that recovery is not probable. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We perform credit evaluations of our customers to assess their ability to make payments to us for 
our products and services. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts at an amount estimated to be 
sufficient to provide adequate protection against losses resulting from collecting less than full payment on 
accounts receivable. A considerable amount of judgment is required in determining the amount of our 
allowance for doubtful accounts, including assessing the probability of collection and current credit-
worthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
further impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional provision for doubtful accounts may be 
required.   

Results of Operations 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations  data  of  Ultimate,  as  a 

percentage of total revenues, for the periods indicated. 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 
2009 

2011 

2010 

Revenues: 
   Recurring 
   Services 
   License 
      Total revenues 
Cost of revenues: 
   Recurring 
   Services 
   License 
      Total cost of revenues 
Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 
   Sales and marketing 
   Research and development 
   General and administrative 
      Total operating expenses 
      Operating income (loss) 
Other income (expense): 
   Interest expense and other 
   Other income, net 
Total other income (expense), net 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 
   (Provision) for income taxes 
Income (loss) from continuing operations 
   Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes 
Net income (loss) 

79.4  % 
19.8 
0.8 
100.0 

75.0  % 
24.3 
0.7 
100.0 

67.8  % 
30.1 
2.1 
100.0 

23.6 
19.4 
0.2 
43.2 
56.8 

23.5 
19.1 
8.1 
50.7 
6.1 

(0.1) 
– 
(0.1) 
6.0 
(4.4) 
1.6 
– 

21.6 
21.9 
0.1 
43.6 
56.4 

25.6 
18.5 
8.7 
52.8 
3.6 

(0.1) 
0.1 
– 
3.6 
(2.3) 
1.3 
(0.4) 

1.6  % 

0.9  % 

19.7 
24.6 
0.4 
44.7 
55.3 

26.9 
19.3 
9.1 
55.3 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
(0.4) 
(0.4) 
(0.2) 
(0.6)  % 

Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 

Revenues 

Our revenues are derived from recurring revenues, services revenues and, to a much lesser extent, 
license revenues.  See ―Revenue Recognition‖ above for further discussion of Ultimate’s revenue sources 
and its method of accounting for each of them. 

Total revenues, consisting of recurring, services and license revenues, increased  18.2% to $269.2 

million for 2011 from $227.8 million for 2010. 

Recurring revenues increased 25.1% to $213.8 million for 2011 from $170.9 million for 2010.  The 

increase in recurring revenues for 2011 was primarily due to an increase in SaaS revenues, partially offset 
by a decrease in maintenance revenues, as described below: 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
i)  SaaS revenues increased 31.5% for 2011, primarily due to the continued growth of the SaaS 
Offering, which comprised the majority of unit sales. The increase in SaaS revenues is based 
on the revenue impact of incremental units that have gone Live since December 31, 2010, 
including the UltiPro core product and, to a lesser extent, Optional Features of UltiPro.  
Recognition of recurring revenues for SaaS sales commences upon the respective Live date.  

ii)  Maintenance revenues from previously sold licenses decreased 2.3% primarily due to the fact 
that we stopped selling licenses on a perpetual basis to new customers effective April 1, 2009.  
Maintenance revenues are recognized over the initial term of the related license contract, which 
is typically 12 months, and then on a monthly recurring basis thereafter as the maintenance 
contracts renew annually.   

iii)  Our annual revenue customer retention rate for total recurring revenues was 96% in 2011.  This 
rate is comprised of an annual retention rate exceeding 96% for existing SaaS customers and an 
annual retention rate of approximately 95% for existing license customers from which renewal 
maintenance revenues are derived. 

iv)  The impact on recurring revenues of units sold under the SaaS Offering has been a gradual 
increase from one reporting period to the next, based on the incremental effect of revenue 
recognition of the SaaS fees over the terms of the related contracts as sales in backlog go Live.  

Services revenues decreased 3.9% to $53.2 million for 2011 from $55.4 million for 2010 primarily 
as a result of a decrease in training revenues and, to a lesser extent, a decrease in implementation revenues. 
Training revenues decreased mainly due to the transition to our Partners for Life program, which began in 
late 2010 and was ramping up in 2011. The Partners for Life program changed the method by which we 
charge customers for our services that are delivered primarily over the period leading up to the point the 
customer  goes  Live  (the  ―Time  to  Live  Period‖).  As  new  sales  are  generated,  we  charge  a  fixed  fee  for 
services  based  on  the  number of the  customer’s  employees,  as  opposed  to  our former  billing  method for 
new  sales,  which  included  charging  customers  on  a  time  and  materials  basis  as  these  services  were 
provided. The Partners for Life program was designed to lower the total cost of services  charged to each 
customer primarily over the Time to Live Period for UltiPro and/or Optional Features, through a fixed fee. 
Implementation consulting revenues decreased primarily due to less billable hours generated from time and 
materials engagements, partially offset by higher revenues from fixed fee engagements.  The decreases in 
training  revenues  and  implementation  consulting  revenues  were  partially  offset  by  higher  other  services 
revenues, including increased revenues from printing W-2 forms for our customers and increased sales of 
time clocks. 

License revenues increased 44.2% to $2.2 million for 2011 from $1.5 million for 2010.  The 

increase in 2011 was due to the increased employee growth of our license customers. 

Cost of Revenues 

Cost of revenues primarily consists of the costs of recurring and services revenues. Cost of 
recurring revenues primarily consists of costs to provide maintenance and technical support to Ultimate’s 
customers, the cost of providing periodic updates and the cost of recurring subscription revenues, including 
hosting data center costs and amortization of capitalized software. Cost of services revenues primarily 
consists of costs to provide implementation services and training to Ultimate’s customers and, to a lesser 
extent, costs related to sales of payroll-related forms and costs associated with certain client reimbursable 
out-of-pocket expenses.   

36 

 
 
 
Cost of recurring revenues increased 29.2% to $63.5 million for 2011 from $49.1 million for 2010.  

The $14.4 million increase in the cost of recurring revenues for the year was primarily due to increases in 
both SaaS costs and customer support and maintenance costs, as described below: 

i)  The increase in SaaS costs was principally a result of the growth in SaaS operations and 

increased sales, including increased labor costs, costs related to our payment services (as we 
continue to grow that business) and, to a lesser extent, increased hosting data center costs and 
increased third-party consulting costs.   

ii)  The increase in customer support and maintenance costs was primarily due to higher labor 
costs commensurate with the growth in the number of customers serviced and, to a lesser 
extent, higher software amortization costs. 

Cost of services revenues increased 5.0% to $52.3 million for 2011 from $49.8 million for 2010.  
The $2.5 million increase in cost of services revenues was primarily due to increased costs for third-party 
implementation partners (―IPs‖) and an increase in costs for other services, including increased costs of 
time clocks and higher costs related to printing and shipping W-2 forms for our customers.   

Cost of license revenues increased by $0.2 million, or 91.4%, to $0.5 million for 2011 from $0.3 
million  in  2010.    This  increase  in  cost  was  due  to  an  increase  in  the  employee  growth  of  our  license 
customers. 

Sales and Marketing 

Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits, sales commissions, travel 

and promotional expenses, and facility and communication costs for direct sales offices, as well as 
advertising and marketing costs. Sales and marketing expenses increased 8.2% to $63.1 million for 2011 
from $58.4 million for 2010.  The $4.7 million increase for the year was primarily due to increased labor 
and related costs (including higher sales commissions related to increased SaaS sales), partially offset by 
decreased advertising and marketing costs and lower third-party consulting costs.  Commissions on SaaS 
sales are amortized over the initial contract term (typically 24 months) commencing on the Live date, 
which corresponds with the related SaaS revenue recognition.  

Research and Development 

Research and development expenses consist primarily of software development personnel costs. 

Research and development expenses increased 21.6% to $51.4 million in 2011 from $42.2 million in 2010.  
The $9.2 million increase in research and development expenses during 2011 was principally due to higher 
labor and related costs attributable to the ongoing development of UltiPro and complementary products, 
including the impact of increased personnel costs (predominantly from additional headcount) and, to a 
lesser extent, increased third-party consulting costs.  

General and Administrative 

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and benefits of executive, 
administrative and financial personnel, as well as external professional fees and the provision for doubtful 
accounts. General and administrative expenses increased by 11.2% to $21.9 million for 2011 from $19.7 
million for 2010.  The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2011 was primarily due to 
increased labor and related costs and, to a lesser extent, an increase in third-party consulting costs, partially 
offset by decreased professional fees.  

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense and Other 

Interest expense and other increased $138 thousand, or 52.5%, to $401 thousand for 2011 from 

$263 thousand for 2010.   

Other Income, net 

Other income, net, decreased by 51.6% to $91 thousand for 2011 from $188 thousand for 2010. 

Provision for Income Taxes 

In 2011, based on pre-tax income from continuing operations we had income tax expense of $11.8 

million as compared to $5.2 million in 2010.  The increase in income tax expense of $6.6 million was 
primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income and non-deductible expenses and a decrease in our 
foreign valuation allowance.  Net operating loss carryforwards available at December 31, 2011, expiring at 
various times from 2012 through 2031 and which are available to offset future U.S. taxable income, 
approximated $112.8 million. The timing and levels of future profitability may result in the expiration of 
net operating loss carryforwards before utilization. Additionally, utilization of such net operating losses 
may be limited as a result of cumulative ownership changes in our equity instruments. 

We recognized $21.4 million of deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, as of December 
31, 2011.  If estimates of taxable income are decreased, a valuation allowance may need to be provided for 
some or all deferred tax assets, which will cause an increase in income tax expense. 

Comparison of Fiscal Years Ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 

Revenues 

Total  revenues,  consisting  of  recurring,  services  and,  to  a  much  lesser  extent,  license  revenues, 

increased 16.1% to $227.8 million for 2010 from $196.3 million for 2009. 

Recurring revenues increased 28.3% to $170.9 million for 2010 from $133.2 million for 2009.  The 

increase in recurring revenues for 2010 was primarily due to an increase in SaaS revenues, partially offset 
by a decrease in maintenance revenues, as described below: 

i)  SaaS revenues increased 39.9% for 2010, primarily due to the continued growth of the SaaS 
Offering, which comprised the majority of unit sales. The increase in SaaS revenues is based 
on the revenue impact of incremental units that have gone Live since December 31, 2009, 
including the UltiPro core product and, to a lesser extent, Optional Features of UltiPro.   

ii)  Maintenance revenues from previously sold licenses decreased 3.3% primarily due to the fact 
we stopped selling licenses on a perpetual basis to new customers effective April 1, 2009.   

iii)  Our annual revenue customer retention rate for total recurring revenues was 96% in 2010.  This 
rate is comprised of an annual retention rate exceeding 96% for existing SaaS customers and an 
annual retention rate of approximately 95% for existing license customers from which renewal 
maintenance revenues are derived.  

Services revenues decreased 6.1% to $55.4 million for 2010 from $59.0 million for 2009 primarily 

as a result of a decrease in implementation revenues. Implementation revenues decreased due to lower 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
billable hours from a reduction in revenue-generating consultants and a lower net rate per hour, partially 
offset by increased services revenues from our Workplace solution.   

License revenues decreased 62.7% to $1.5 million for 2010 from $4.1 million for 2009.  The 
decrease in 2010 was principally due to Ultimate’s decision not to sell perpetual licenses to new customers 
after April 1, 2009. 

Cost of Revenues 

Cost of recurring revenues increased 26.8% to $49.1 million for 2010 from $38.8 million for 2009.  

The $10.3 million increase in the cost of recurring revenues for the year was primarily due to increases in 
both SaaS costs and customer support and maintenance costs as described below: 

i)  The increase in SaaS costs was principally a result of the growth in SaaS operations and 

increased sales, including increased labor costs, costs related to our payment services (as we 
continue to grow that business) and, to a lesser extent, increased hosting data center costs.   

ii)  The increase in customer support and maintenance costs was primarily due to higher labor 

costs commensurate with the growth in the number of customers serviced. 

Cost of services revenues increased 3.2% to $49.8 million for 2010 from $48.3 million for 2009.  

The $1.5 million increase in cost of services revenues was primarily due to an increase in labor costs to 
support the increased sales from our Workplace solution.   

Cost of license revenues decreased by $0.5 million, or 66.0%, to $0.3 million for 2010 from $0.8 
million in 2009.  This decrease in cost was principally due to our decision not to sell perpetual licenses to 
new customers effective April 1, 2009. 

Sales and Marketing 

Sales and marketing expenses increased 10.5% to $58.4 million for 2010 from $52.8 million for 

2009.  The $5.6 million increase for the year was primarily due to increased labor and related costs 
(including higher sales commissions related to increased SaaS sales), and increased advertising and 
marketing costs.  The overall increase in sales and marketing expenses was partially offset by lower 
commissions on license sales which correlates with the decrease in license revenues.   

Research and Development 

Research and development expenses increased 11.1% to $42.2 million in 2010 from $38.0 million, 
net of capitalized software costs (totaling $0.1 million), in 2009.  The increase in research and development 
expenses during 2010 was principally due to higher labor costs related to the ongoing development of 
UltiPro and complementary products, including the impact of increased personnel costs (predominantly 
from additional headcount) and, to a lesser extent, increased third-party consulting costs.  

General and Administrative 

General and administrative expenses increased by 10.8% to $19.7 million for 2010 from $17.8 

million for 2009.  The increase in general and administrative expenses for 2010 was primarily due to 
increased labor and related costs, an increase  in the provision for doubtful accounts and, to a lesser extent, 
increased professional fees.  

39 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Expense and Other 

Interest expense and other increased $173 thousand, or 192.2%, to $263 thousand for 2010 from 

$90 thousand for 2009. 

Other Income, net 

Other income, net, increased by 16.0% to $188 thousand for 2010 from $162 thousand for 2009. 

Provision for Income Taxes 

In 2010, based on pre-tax income from continuing operations, we had income tax expense of $5.2 

million as compared to $0.7 million in 2009.  The increase in income tax expense of $4.4 million was 
primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income and non-deductible expenses and a decrease in our 
foreign valuation allowance.  Net operating loss carryforwards available at December 31, 2010, expiring at 
various times from 2011 through 2030 and which are available to offset future U.S. taxable income, 
approximated $96.7 million. The timing and levels of future profitability may result in the expiration of net 
operating loss carryforwards before utilization. Additionally, utilization of such net operating losses may be 
limited as a result of cumulative ownership changes in our equity instruments. 

We recognized $24.4 million of deferred tax assets, net of deferred tax liabilities, as of December 
31, 2010.  If estimates of taxable income are decreased, a valuation allowance may need to be provided for 
some or all deferred tax assets, which will cause an increase in income tax expense. 

Quarterly Results of Operations 

The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly results of operations for each of the quarters 

in the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. In management’s opinion, this unaudited information has 
been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and includes all adjustments 
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the 
quarters presented. This information should be read in conjunction with Ultimate’s Consolidated Financial 
Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.  

Our quarterly revenues and operating results have varied significantly in the past and are likely to vary 
substantially from quarter to quarter in the future. Our operating results may fluctuate as a result of a number of 
factors, including, but not limited to, increased expenses (especially as they relate to product development, sales 
and marketing and the use of third-party consultants), timing of product releases, increased competition, 
variations in the mix of revenues, announcements of new products by us or our competitors and capital spending 
patterns of our customers. We establish our expenditure levels based upon our expectations as to future 
revenues, and, if revenue levels are below expectations, expenses can be disproportionately high. A drop in near 
term demand for our products could significantly affect both revenues and profits in any quarter. Operating 
results achieved in previous fiscal quarters are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full fiscal 
years or for any future periods. As a result of these factors, there can be no assurance that we will be able to 
achieve or maintain profitability on a quarterly basis. We believe that, due to the underlying factors for quarterly 
fluctuations, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of Ultimate’s operations are not necessarily meaningful and that 
such comparisons should not be relied upon as indications of future performance. 

40 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarters Ended 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

Revenues: 
  Recurring 
  Services 
  License 
    Total revenues 

Cost of revenues: 
  Recurring 
  Services 
  License 
    Total cost of revenues 
Gross profit 

Operating expenses: 
  Sales and marketing 
  Research and development 
  General and administrative 
    Total operating expenses 
  Operating income 

Other (expense) income: 
  Interest and other expense 
  Other income, net 
    Total other (expense) income, net 

Income 
before income taxes 

from  continuing  operations 

Dec. 
31, 
2011 

$57,146 
14,911 
681 
72,738 

16,748 
13,235 
154 
30,137 
42,601 

15,496 
13,763 
5,561 
34,820 
7,781 

(36) 
14 
(22) 

Sep. 
30, 
2011 

$54,689 
12,794 
267 
67,750 

16,521 
13,073 
61 
29,655 
38,095 

15,002 
13,256 
4,995 
33,253 
4,842 

(64) 
17 
(47) 

Jun. 
30, 
2011 

$52,002 
11,761 
442 
64,205 

15,543 
12,104 
100 
27,747 
36,458 

15,524 
12,370 
5,762 
33,656 
2,802 

(143) 
26 
(117) 

Mar. 
31, 
2011 
(Unaudited) 

$49,948 
13,729 
828 
64,505 

Dec. 
31, 
2010 

$46,038 
13,959 
409 
60,406 

14,693 
13,929 
173 
28,795 
35,710 

17,123 
11,967 
5,613 
34,703 
1,007 

(158) 
34 
(124) 

13,101 
12,932 
105 
26,138 
34,268 

14,038 
10,790 
4,708 
29,536 
4,732 

(69) 
53 
(16) 

Sep. 
30, 
2010 

$44,054 
12,796 
181 
57,031 

12,591 
11,853 
– 
24,444 
32,587 

14,640 
10,679 
4,849 
30,168 
2,419 

(88) 
68 
(20) 

7,759 

4,795 

2,685 

883 

4,716 

2,399 

  Provision for income tax 

(5,783) 

(3,710) 

(1,792) 

(555) 

(3,270) 

(1,426) 

Income from continuing operations 
  Income 
operations, net of income taxes 
Net income (loss) 

(loss) 

from  discontinued 

Basic earnings (loss) per share: 
  Earnings from continuing operations 
  Loss from discontinued operations 
Total 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share: 
  Earnings from continuing operations 
  Loss from discontinued operations 
Total 

Weighted average shares outstanding: 
  Basic 
  Diluted 

1,976 

1,085 

– 
$1,976 

– 
$1,085 

$0.08 
– 
$0.08 

$0.07 
– 
$0.07 

$0.04 
– 
$0.04 

$0.04 
– 
$0.04 

893 

– 
$893 

$0.03 
– 
$0.03 

$0.03 
– 
$0.03 

328 

– 
$328 

$0.01 
– 
$0.01 

$0.01 
– 
$0.01 

1,446 

– 
$1,446 

$0.06 
– 
$0.06 

$0.05 
– 
$0.05 

973 

77 
$1,050 

$0.04 
– 
$0.04 

$0.04 
– 
$0.04 

Jun. 
30, 
2010 

$41,365 
13,032 
320 
54,717 

12,048 
11,877 
50 
23,975 
30,742 

14,580 
10,520 
5,169 
30,269 
473 

(61) 
45 
(16) 

457 

(186) 

271 

(865) 
$(594) 

$0.01 
(0.03) 
$(0.02) 

$0.01 
(0.03) 
$(0.02) 

Mar. 
31, 
2010 

$39,448 
15,581 
628 
55,657 

11,404 
13,181 
100 
24,685 
30,972 

15,116 
10,233 
5,001 
30,350 
622 

(45) 
22 
(23) 

599 

(279) 

320 

(65) 
$255 

$0.01 
– 
$0.01 

$0.01 
– 
$0.01 

26,055 
27,838 

25,767 
27,747 

25,837 
27,863 

25,594 
27,724 

25,302 
27,412 

24,937 
27,011 

24,839 
26,972 

24,755 
26,823 

41 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources  

In recent years, we have funded operations from cash flows generated from operations and, to a 

lesser extent, equipment financing and borrowing arrangements. 

As of December 31, 2011, we had $55.3 million in cash, cash equivalents and total investments in 
marketable securities, reflecting a net increase of $5.1 million since December 31, 2010.  This $5.1 million 
increase was primarily due to cash provided by operating activities of $28.4 million, partially offset by cash 
purchases of property and equipment (including principal payments on financed equipment) of $16.7 
million, the repurchase of Common Stock (net of proceeds from the issuance of Common Stock from 
employee stock option exercises) of $4.0 million and cash used to settle employee tax withholding 
liabilities for vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of $10.9 million. 

Our operating cash inflows primarily consist of payments received from our customers related to 

our SaaS Offering.   Our operating cash outflows primarily consist of cash we invest in personnel and 
infrastructure to support the anticipated growth of our business, payments to vendors directly related to our 
services, payments under arrangements with third party vendors who provide hosting infrastructure services 
in connection with our SaaS Offering, related sales and marketing costs, costs of operations and systems 
development and programming costs.  Net cash provided by operating activities increased $3.0 million 
during 2011 as compared to 2010 primarily due to an increase in operating income and changes in working 
capital accounts, after adjusting for the impacts of non-cash expenses such as depreciation, amortization 
and expense associated with stock-based compensation awards. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $59.3 million for 2011 as compared to $54.1 million for 
2010.  The $5.2 million increase from 2010 was primarily attributable to an increase in cash purchases of 
property and equipment of $8.7 million, partially offset by a decrease of $3.5 million in funds received 
from and held in our bank accounts on behalf of Ultimate’s customers using the UltiPro Payment Services 
offering (―UltiPro Payment Services Customer Funds‖).  These funds held in our bank accounts are fully 
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $36.3 million for 2011 as compared to cash provided 

by financing activities of $45.8 million for 2010. The $9.5 million decrease in net cash provided by 
financing activities was primarily related to an increase in cash used to settle employee tax withholding 
liabilities for the vesting of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units of $8.1 million, a decrease of 
$3.5 million in UltiPro Payment Services Customer Funds received and higher payments on capital lease 
obligations of $0.5 million, partially offset by lower repurchases of Common Stock (net of proceeds from 
the issuance of Common Stock from employee and non-employee director stock option exercises) of $0.9 
million and, to a lesser extent, increased excess tax benefits from our employee stock plan of $1.8 million. 

Days sales outstanding (―DSO‖), calculated on a trailing three-month basis, as of December 31, 

2011 and December 31, 2010, were 71 days and 72 days, respectively.  The decrease in DSOs of 1 day was 
primarily a function of increased revenues and stronger accounts receivable collections. 

Deferred revenues were $86.6 million at December 31, 2011, as compared to $78.1 million at 
December 31, 2010.  The increase of $8.5 million in deferred revenues for 2011 was primarily due to 
higher deferred services revenues and increased deferred SaaS revenues, partially offset by lower deferred 
maintenance revenues.  Substantially all of the total balance in deferred revenues is related to future 
recurring revenues, including deferred revenues related to SaaS. 

42 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ultimate believes that cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable securities and cash 
generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months. This 
belief is based upon, among other factors, management’s expectations for future revenue growth, controlled 
expenses and collections of accounts receivable. 

We did not have any material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2011. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 

We do not, and as of December 31, 2011 we did not, have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as 
that term is defined in applicable SEC rules) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future material 
effect on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. 

Contractual Obligations  

As of December 31, 2011, Ultimate’s outstanding contractual cash obligations were as follows (in 

thousands): 

Payments Due by Period 

Total 

  Less Than 

1 Year 

1-3 
Years 

4-5 
Years 

  More than 5 

Years 

$   5,079      
27,975 
— 
1,866 
$ 34,920  

$    2,841       
5,082 
— 
— 
$   7,923 

$  2,238      
9,943 
— 
— 
  $  12,181 

$        — 
8,407 
— 
— 
 $8,407 

$        — 
4,543 
— 
— 
$ 4,543 

Capital lease obligations (1) 
Other long-term obligations (2) 
Purchase obligations (3) 
Other long-term liabilities (4) 
Total contractual cash obligations 
_________________________ 

(1)  We lease certain computer equipment under non-cancelable agreements, which are accounted 
for as capital leases and expire at various dates through 2014. See Note 14 of the Notes to 
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for information 
regarding capital lease obligations. 

(2)  Included in other long-term obligations were Ultimate’s leases for corporate office space and 
certain equipment under non-cancelable operating lease agreements expiring at various dates.  
See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 
10-K for information regarding operating lease obligations.   

(3)  Purchase orders or contracts for the purchase of goods and services are not included in the table 
above.  Ultimate is not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that 
represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase 
rather than binding agreements.  Ultimate does not have significant agreements for the 
purchase of goods or services specifying minimum quantities or set prices. 

(4)  Ultimate has an income tax payable related to the benefit of an unrecognized tax position.  As 
of the date of this report, it is not reasonable to estimate the timing of this payment.  Ultimate 
does not have any other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2011. 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 

In the ordinary course of Ultimate’s operations, we are exposed to certain market risks, primarily 
interest rate risk and foreign currency risk.  Risks that are either non-financial or non-quantifiable, such as 
political,  economic,  tax,  or  regulatory  risks,  are  not  included  in  the  following  assessment  of  our  market 
risks. 

Interest Rate Risk. Ultimate is subject to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates 
which  influence  the  valuations  of  its  fixed  income  investment  portfolio.   Changes  in  interest  rates  could 
also impact Ultimate’s anticipated interest income from interest-bearing cash accounts, or cash equivalents 
and investments in marketable securities.  We manage financial market risks, including interest rate risks, 
in accordance with our investment guideline objectives, including: 

 Maximum safety of principal; 
 Maintenance of appropriate liquidity for regular cash needs; 
 Maximum yields in relationship to guidelines and market conditions; 
 Diversification of risks; and 
 Fiduciary control of all investments. 

Ultimate  targets  its  fixed  income  investment  portfolio  to  have  maturities  of  24  months  or  less.  

Investments are held to enhance the preservation of capital and not for trading purposes.   

Cash  equivalents  consist  of  money  market  accounts  with  original  maturities  of  less  than  three 
months.  Short-term  investments  include  obligations  of  U.S.  government  agencies  and  corporate  debt 
securities.  Corporate debt securities include commercial paper which, according to Ultimate’s investment 
guidelines, must carry minimum short-term ratings of P-1 by Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (―Moody’s‖) 
and A-1 by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (―S&P‖).  
Other corporate debt obligations must carry a minimum rating of A-2 by Moody’s or A by S&P.  Asset-
backed securities must carry a minimum AAA rating by Moody’s and S&P with a maximum average life of 
two years at the time of purchase. 

As of December 31, 2011, total investments in available-for-sale marketable securities  were $9.1 

million.   

As of December 31, 2011, virtually all of the investments in Ultimate’s portfolio were at fixed rates 

(with a weighted average interest rate of 0.4% per annum).   

To illustrate the potential impact of changes in interest rates, Ultimate has performed an analysis 
based  on  its  December  31,  2011  consolidated  balance  sheet  and  assuming  no  changes  in  its 
investments.  Under this analysis, an immediate and sustained 100 basis point increase in the various base 
rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of Ultimate’s total portfolio of approximately $47 thousand 
over the next 12 months.  An immediate and sustained 100 basis point decrease in the various base rates 
would  result  in  an  increase  in  the  fair  value  of  Ultimate’s  total  portfolio  of  approximately  $47  thousand 
over the next 12 months. 

Foreign  Currency  Risk.    Ultimate  has foreign  currency  risks  related  to  its revenue  and  operating 
expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.  Management does not believe movements 
in the foreign currencies in which Ultimate transacts business will significantly affect future net income.   

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

INDEX 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended 
     December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income 
     (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended 
     December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Page(s) 

46 
47 

48 

49 

50 

51 

45 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and 
subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of 
operations, stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in 
the three-year period ended December 31, 2011. These consolidated financial statements are the 
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 
consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material 
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the results of their 
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2011, 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), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 29, 2012, 
expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

February 29, 2012 
Miami, Florida 
Certified Public Accountants 

46 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 

As of December 31, 

2011 

2010 

(In thousands, except share data) 

ASSETS 

Current assets: 
  Cash and cash equivalents 
  Investments in marketable securities 
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $475 and  
    $800 for 2011 and 2010, respectively 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
  Deferred tax assets, net   
    Total current assets before funds held for customers 
  Funds held for customers 
    Total current assets 
Property and equipment, net 
Capitalized software, net 
Goodwill 
Investments in marketable securities 
Other assets, net 
Deferred tax assets, net 
    Total assets 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Current liabilities: 
  Accounts payable 
  Accrued expenses 
  Deferred revenue 
  Capital lease obligations 
    Total current liabilities before customer funds obligations 
  Customer funds obligations 
    Total current liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Deferred rent 
Capital lease obligations 
Income taxes payable 
    Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) 
Stockholders’ equity: 
  Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000 
    shares authorized, no shares issued 
  Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, no shared 
    Issued 
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 
    30,204,400  and  29,027,277  shares 
respectively 
  Additional paid-in capital 
  Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income 
  Accumulated deficit 

in  2011  and  2010, 

issued 

$     46,149 
7,584 

56,186 
22,944 
1,277 
134,140 
118,660 
252,800 
24,486 
1,765 
3,025 
1,546 
15,056 
20,142 
$   318,820 

$       6,265 
11,589 
83,416 
2,694 
103,964 
118,660 
222,624 
3,147 
3,384 
2,175 
1,866 
233,196 

– 

– 

– 

302 

242,100 
(57) 
(47,971) 
194,374 

$     40,889 
8,884 

47,570 
18,613 
1,434 
117,390 
72,875 
190,265 
18,075 
3,115 
3,025 
433 
11,656 
22,988 
$   249,557 

$      4,683 
11,074 
71,808 
2,551 
90,116 
72,875 
162,991 
6,287 
3,022 
2,406 
1,866 
176,572 

– 

– 

– 

290 

216,262 
126 
(52,253) 
164,425 

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,941,813 and 3,594,825 shares in 2011 and 2010, 
  respectively 
  Total stockholders’ equity 
  Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

(108,750) 
85,624 
$   318,820 

(91,440) 
72,985 
$   249,557 

The accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements 

47 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS 

Revenues: 

Recurring 
Services 
License 
   Total revenues 

Cost of revenues: 
Recurring 
Services 
License 
   Total cost of revenues 

Gross profit 

Operating expenses: 

Sales and marketing 
Research and development 
  General and administrative 
   Total operating expenses 

Operating income (loss) 
Other (expense) income: 

Interest expense and other 

  Other income, net 

   Total other (expense) income, net 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 

Provision for income taxes 

Income (loss) from continuing operations 

For the Years Ended December 31, 
2011 
2009 
2010 
(in thousands, except per share data) 

$ 

213,785  $  170,905  $  133,159 
58,996 
55,368 
4,125 
1,538 
  196,280 
  227,811 

53,195 
2,218 
269,198 

63,505 
52,341 
488 
116,334 
152,864 

49,144 
49,843 
255 
99,242 
  128,569 

38,765 
48,304 
750 
87,819 
  108,461 

63,145 
51,356 
21,931 
136,432 

16,432 

(401) 
91 
(310) 

16,122 
(11,840) 
4,282 

58,374 
42,222 
19,727 
  120,323 

52,810 
38,005 
17,803 
  108,618 

8,246 

(263) 
188 
(75) 

8,171 
(5,161) 
3,010 

(157) 

(90) 
162 
72 

(85) 
(721) 
(806) 

(336) 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes 

– 

(853) 

Net income (loss) 

Basic earnings (loss) per share: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 
Loss from discontinued operations 
   Total 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share: 

Earnings (loss) from continuing operations 
Loss from discontinued operations 
   Total 

Weighted average shares outstanding: 

Basic 
  Diluted 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

4,282  $ 

2,157  $ 

(1,142) 

0.17  $ 
– 
0.17  $ 

0.12  $ 

(0.03) 

0.09  $ 

(0.04) 
(0.01) 
(0.05) 

0.15  $ 
– 
0.15  $ 

0.11  $ 

(0.03) 

0.08  $ 

(0.04) 
(0.01) 
(0.05) 

25,814 
27,806 

24,960 
27,101 

24,463 
24,463 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 
are an integral part of these financial statements. 

48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) 

(In thousands) 

  Common Stock 
Shares 

  Amount 

Additional 
Paid -in 
Capital 

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
  (Loss) Income  

Accumulated 
Deficit 

Treasury Stock 
   Amount 

Shares 

Total 
Stockholders’ 
Equity 

Balance, December 31, 2008 

  26,796 

    $ 268 

    $ 164,574 

    $ (1,002) 

     $ (53,268) 

       2,534 

     $ (59,500) 

$ 51,072 

               – 

                   – 

           (1,142) 

   – 

                – 

         (1,142) 

Balance, December 31, 2009 

  27,620 

 $      276 

$   184,256 

  $ 

(696) 

$   (54,410) 

       2,985 

$    (71,656) 

$         57,770 

     824 

          8 

          6,270 

_____–_ 

 ______– 

        13,236 

                   – 

                    – 

           – 

              – 

          13,236 

               – 

1 

305 

               – 

                   – 

(373) 

                   – 

              549 

                   – 

               – 

                   – 

          2,157 

               – 

               – 

912 

(1) 

            (89) 

               – 

                   – 

(2,797) 

                   – 

          6,671 

                   – 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

   – 

                – 

             1 

               305 

   – 

   – 

   – 

                – 

          (836) 

                – 

                – 

(373) 

549 

        451 

     (12,156) 

        (12,156) 

– 

– 

            6,278 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

   – 

   – 

   – 

   – 

   – 

                – 

         2,157 

                – 

912 

                – 

                   (1) 

               (89) 

                – 

              2,979 

                – 

             (2,797) 

   – 

                – 

               6,671 

610 

(19,784) 

        (19,784) 

      – 

       – 

            14,894 

3 

Net loss 

Unrealized gain on investments in  
marketable securities available-for-sale, net of tax 

        – 

        – 

Unrealized gain on foreign exchange, net of tax                                     

Comprehensive loss 
Shares acquired to settle employee tax withholding 
liability 

Excess tax benefits from employee stock plan 

Repurchases of Common Stock 
Issuances of Common Stock from exercises 
     of stock options  
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 
    for stock options and restricted stock 

Net income 
Realized foreign currency translation adjustment, net of 
tax 
Unrealized loss on investments in 
     marketable securities available-for-sale, net of tax 

        – 

        – 

        – 

Unrealized loss on foreign exchange, net of tax                                   

Comprehensive income 
Shares acquired to settle employee tax withholding 
liability 

Excess tax benefits from employee stock plan 

Repurchases of Common Stock 

Issuances of Common Stock from exercises 
     of stock options  
Issuances of Common Stock from restricted stock 
releases  
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 
    for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock 
units 

Unrealized loss on investments in 
     marketable securities available-for-sale, net of         
tax 

        – 

Unrealized loss on foreign exchange, net of tax                                   

Comprehensive income 
Shares acquired to settle employee tax withholding 
liability 

Excess tax benefits from employee stock plan 

Repurchases of Common Stock 
Issuances of Common Stock from exercises 
     of stock options  
Issuances of Common Stock from restricted stock 
releases  
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 
    for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock 
units 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

        – 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

               – 

(4) 

            (179) 

               – 

                   – 

(10,941) 

                   – 

          8,504 

                   – 

     776 

        8 

13,270 

401 

4 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

   – 

                – 

                   (4) 

               (179) 

                – 

              4,099 

                – 

             (10,941) 

                – 

               8,504 

(17,310) 

        (17,310) 

       – 

            13,278 

       – 

4 

   – 

   – 

   – 

347 

      – 

      – 

     1,124 

        11 

14,883 

283 

3 

Balance, December 31, 2010 

  29,027 

 $      290 

$   216,262 

$ 

126 

$   (52,253) 

       3,595 

$    (91,440) 

$         72,985 

Net income 

        – 

– 

               – 

                   – 

          4,282 

   – 

                – 

         4,282 

_____–_ 

 ______– 

        13,249 

                   – 

                    – 

           – 

              – 

          13,249 

_____–_ 

 ______– 

        15,005 

                   – 

                    – 

           – 

              – 

          15,005 

Balance, December 31, 2011 

  30,204 

 $      302 

$   242,100 

  $ 

(57) 

$   (47,971) 

       3,942 

$    (108,750) 

$         85,624 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 

49 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
      
 
 
      
   
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
               
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
   
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
          
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
   
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
          
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
      
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

For the Years Ended December 31, 
2009 

2011 

2010 
(in thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities: 
  Net income (loss) 
  Adjustments  to  reconcile  net  income  (loss)  to  net  cash  provided  by  

$ 

4,282 

$ 

2,157 

$ 

(1,142) 

operating activities: 
   Depreciation and amortization 
   Provision for doubtful accounts 
   Non-cash stock-based compensation expense 
   Realized loss on foreign currency translation adjustment 
   Income taxes 
   Excess tax benefits from employee stock plan 
   Changes in operating assets and liabilities: 
      Accounts receivable 
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
      Other assets 
      Accounts payable 
      Accrued expenses and deferred rent 
      Deferred revenue 
         Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities: 
  Purchases of marketable securities 
  Maturities of marketable securities 
  Net purchases of securities with customer funds 
  Capitalized software 
  Purchases of property and equipment 

         Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities: 
  Repurchases of Common Stock 
  Net proceeds from issuances of Common Stock 
  Excess tax benefits from employee stock plan 
  Shares acquired to settle employee tax withholding liabilities 
  Principal payments on capital lease obligations 
  Repayments of borrowings of long-term debt 
  Net increase in customer fund obligations 

         Net cash provided by financing activities 

  Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 
  Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 
  Cash and cash equivalents, end of year 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: 

   Cash paid for interest 
   Cash paid for taxes 

11,620 
1,586 
15,009 
– 
11,507 
(8,504) 

(10,202) 
(4,331) 
(3,483) 
1,582 
877 
8,468 
28,411 

(14,610) 
14,794 
(45,785) 
– 
(13,671) 
(59,272) 

(17,310) 
13,282 
8,504 
(10,941) 
(3,016) 
– 
45,785 
36,304 

(183) 
5,260 
40,889 
46,149 

241 
604 

$ 

$ 
$ 

11,883 
1,549 
13,249 
912 
4,982 
(6,671) 

(10,669) 
(3,019) 
362 
207 
938 
9,536 
25,416 

(9,223) 
9,429 
(49,315) 
– 
(4,980) 
(54,089) 

(19,784) 
14,897 
6,671 
(2,797) 
(2,503) 
– 
49,315 
45,799 

79 
17,205 
23,684 
40,889 

218 
203 

$ 

$ 
$ 

11,806 
972 
13,234 
– 
561 
(549) 

(1,120) 
417 
(851) 
(2,724) 
(2,372) 
5,065 
23,297 

(10,040) 
6,323 
(17,697) 
(630) 
(4,011) 
(26,055) 

(12,156) 
6,278 
549 
(373) 
(2,445) 
(320) 
17,697 
9,230 

12 
6,484 
17,200 
23,684 

149 
175 

$ 

$ 
$ 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities (in thousands): 

- 

- 

- 

Ultimate entered into capital lease obligations to acquire new equipment totaling $2,928, $3,852 and $2,499 in 2011, 2010 and 2009, 
respectively 
Ultimate entered into an agreement to purchase source code from a third-party vendor for $2,000, of which $500 was paid during 
2009.  The amount owed under the agreement was fully paid in 2009. 
Ultimate had adjustments of $173 and $701 between goodwill and other comprehensive income (loss) (related to foreign currency 
translation adjustments) during 2010 and 2009, respectively.    There was no adjustment between goodwill and other comprehensive 
income (loss) (related to foreign currency translation adjustments) during 2011. 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

1.  Nature of Operations 

The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (―Ultimate,‖ ―we,‖ ―us‖ or ―our‖) is a leading 
provider  of  unified  human  capital  management  (―HCM‖)  software-as-a-service  (―SaaS‖)  solutions  for 
global  businesses.    Ultimate’s  UltiPro  software  (―UltiPro‖)  is  a  comprehensive  SaaS-or  cloud-based 
solution delivered primarily to organizations based in the United States and Canada and designed to deliver 
the  functionality  businesses  need  to  manage  the  complete  employment  life  cycle  from  recruitment  to 
retirement.      Ultimate’s  solutions  are  marketed  as  two  solution  suites  based  on  company  size.    UltiPro 
Enterprise  (―Enterprise‖)  is  designed  to  address  the  needs  of  companies  with  1,000  or  more  employees.   
UltiPro Workplace (―Workplace‖) is designed for companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.  UltiPro is 
marketed primarily through our Enterprise and Workplace direct sales teams.   

2.  Basis of Presentation, Consolidation and the Use of Estimates 

The  accompanying  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Ultimate  have  been prepared  pursuant to 

the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the ―SEC‖).  

The consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all adjustments, which are, in the 
opinion of Ultimate’s management, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods 
presented. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles (―GAAP‖) requires management 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. Such estimates 
include revenue recognition, income taxes, the allowance for doubtful accounts, the valuation of deferred 
tax assets and long-lived assets, among others discussed below.  Actual results could differ from those 
estimates.  

The  consolidated  financial  statements  reflect  the  financial  position  and  operating  results  of 
Ultimate  and  include  its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries.  Intercompany  accounts  and  transactions  have  been 
eliminated in consolidation. 

3.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

All highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired are 

considered cash equivalents and are comprised of interest-bearing accounts. 

Accounts Receivable 

Accounts receivable are principally from end-users of Ultimate’s products. We perform credit 

evaluations of our customers and have recorded allowances for estimated losses. We maintain an allowance 
for doubtful accounts at an amount estimated to be sufficient to provide adequate protection against losses 
resulting from collecting less than full payment on accounts receivable. A considerable amount of judgment 
is required when the realization of receivables is assessed, including assessing the probability of collection 
and current credit-worthiness of each customer. If the financial condition of our customers were to 
deteriorate, resulting in a further impairment of their ability to make payments, an additional provision for 

51 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
doubtful accounts may be required.  We charge off uncollectible amounts against the allowance for 
doubtful accounts in the period in which we determine they are uncollectable. 

Funds Held for Customers and Customers’ Funds Obligations 

Ultimate has the right to market and distribute an independent third party’s tax filing solution that 

Ultimate has branded UltiPro Payment Services.  Ultimate’s UltiPro Payment Services product provides 
payment services to our customers.  These payment services are being sold directly by us to our customers 
only on a per-employee-per-month (―PEPM‖) basis in conjunction with UltiPro, our core product.  In 
connection with our UltiPro Payment Services product, we receive funds from our customers and hold such 
funds for purposes of paying the appropriate taxing authorities on behalf of such customers.  We hold our 
customers’ payment services deposits for the period between collection from our customers and remittance 
to the applicable taxing authority.  These funds held for customers and the corresponding customer funds 
obligations are included in current assets and current liabilities, respectively, in our consolidated balance 
sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.  We have reported the cash flows from funds received from 
UltiPro Payment Services customers in the investing activities section of the consolidated statements of 
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  We have reported the cash flows 
related to the funds received and paid on behalf of such customers to the applicable taxing authorities in the 
financing activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 
2011, 2010 and 2009.  The associated PEPM fees for UltiPro Payment Services are included in recurring 
revenues in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 
2009.  The associated interest earned was not material for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 
2009.  

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Ultimate’s consolidated financial instruments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, investments 
in marketable securities, funds held for customers and the related obligations, accounts receivable, accounts 
payable, and capital lease obligations, approximated fair value as of December 31, 2011 and 2010. 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 

Ultimate’s financial statements include prepaid expenses and other current assets which include 
prepaid commissions on SaaS sales.  Prepaid expenses are amortized over the life of the asset (typically 
within one year) and commissions on SaaS sales are amortized over the initial contract term (typically 24 
months) commencing on the day the customer processes its first live payroll using UltiPro (also referred to 
as going ―Live‖), which corresponds with the related SaaS revenue recognition. The portion of prepaid 
commissions that extends beyond one year is classified in other assets, net in the consolidated balance 
sheets for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets 

Goodwill is not subject to amortization, but is subject to an impairment test at least annually or 
more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that impairment might exist.  Intangible assets with 
definite lives must be amortized over their estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment.  We 
completed our annual impairment analysis of goodwill as of December 31, 2011 and determined that 
goodwill had not been impaired as of December 31, 2011.  Our acquired intangible assets with finite lives 
were fully amortized in 2011.  

52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-Lived Assets 

We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets when indicators of impairment exist.  For the 
year ended December 31, 2011, no such events or circumstances were identified.  The carrying value of a 
long-lived asset is considered impaired when the undiscounted expected future cash flows from such asset 
(or asset group) are separately identifiable and less than the asset’s (or asset group’s) carrying value.  In 
that event, a loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the long-lived 
asset.  Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate 
commensurate with the risk involved.  For the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, we 
recorded no impairment of our long-lived assets.   

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Property 

and equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, 
which range from two to fifteen years. Leasehold improvements and assets under capital leases are amortized 
over the shorter of the life of the asset or the term of the lease over periods ranging from three to fifteen years. 
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred; betterments are capitalized. Upon the sale or 
retirement of assets, the cost, accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and 
any gain or loss is recognized. 

Deferred Revenue 

Deferred revenue is primarily comprised of deferrals for recurring revenues for SaaS services 
which are recognized over the term of the related contract as the services are performed, typically two 
years; maintenance services which have not yet been rendered; implementation consulting services for 
which the services have not yet been rendered; and subscription revenues which are recognized ratably over 
the minimum term of the related contract upon the delivery of the product and services. 

Guarantees  

The standard commercial terms in our sales contracts for UltiPro include an indemnification clause 

that indemnifies the customer against certain liabilities and damages arising from any claims of patent, 
copyright, or other proprietary rights of any third party. Due to the nature of the intellectual property 
indemnification provided to our customers, we cannot estimate the fair value, or determine the total 
nominal amount, of the indemnification until such time as a claim for such indemnification is made.  In the 
event of a claim made against us under such provision, we evaluate estimated losses for such 
indemnification considering such factors as the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the 
ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.  To date, Ultimate has not had any claims made 
against it under such provision and, accordingly, has not accrued any liabilities related to such 
indemnifications in its consolidated financial statements.   

Segment Information   

Public companies are required to report selected information about operating segments in annual 
and interim financial reports to shareholders, as well as related disclosures about an enterprise’s business 
segments, products, services, geographic areas and major customers. Ultimate operates its business as a 
single segment. 

53 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue Recognition 

Effective January 1, 2011, we adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-13, ―Multiple-

Deliverable Revenue Arrangements‖ (―ASU 2009-13‖) on a prospective basis.  ASU 2009-13 requires the 
use of the relative selling price method of allocating the total consideration to units of accounting in a 
multiple element arrangement and eliminates the residual method. This new accounting principle requires 
an entity to allocate revenue in an arrangement using the estimated selling price (―ESP‖) of deliverables if 
it does not have vendor-specific objective evidence (―VSOE‖) or third-party evidence (―TPE‖) of selling 
price.  The adoption of ASU 2009-13 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial 
statements.   

VSOE is the price charged when the same or similar product or service is sold separately.  We 

define VSOE as a median price of recent stand-alone transactions that are priced within a narrow range.   

TPE is determined based on the prices charged by our competitors for a similar deliverable when 
sold separately.  However, due to the difficulty in obtaining sufficient information on competitor pricing 
and differences in our product offerings when compared with those of our peers, we generally are unable to 
reliably determine TPE. 

ESP is our best estimate of the selling price of an element in a transaction. If we are unable to 

establish selling price using either VSOE or TPE, we use ESP in our allocation of arrangement 
consideration.  The objective of ESP is to determine the price at which we would transact business if the 
product or service were sold by us on a stand-alone basis.  Our determination of ESP involves the use of a 
customary discount from the list (or book) price for each element, with the discounted price applied within 
a narrow range.  The customary discount is derived from historical data that has been analyzed to determine 
trends and patterns. We analyze the customary discount used for determining ESP on no less than an annual 
basis.     

We evaluate each deliverable in our arrangements to determine whether it represents a separate unit 

of accounting.  A deliverable constitutes a separate unit of accounting when it has stand-alone value to our 
customers.  Our products and services qualify as separate units of accounting under ASU 2009-13.   

There are two major elements in our multiple element arrangements for the delivery of our SaaS 

Offering, which are recurring revenues (i.e., SaaS subscription revenues and customer support and 
maintenance revenues) and services revenues (mostly implementation consulting services).   Also included 
in our total revenues, to a much lesser degree, are license revenues from the employee growth of our 
previously licensed customers.  

For multiple element arrangements, the consideration allocated to SaaS subscription revenues is 

recognized as recurring revenues over the initial contract period, as those services are delivered, 
commencing with the Live date of the related product. The consideration allocated to fixed fee 
implementation services in multiple element arrangements is recognized as services revenues on a 
percentage of completion basis, using reasonably dependable estimates with respect to milestones achieved 
(in relation to progression through implementation phases), by product. 

Single element arrangements typically consist of renewals for SaaS subscriptions and maintenance 
agreements. In addition, subsequent to the introduction of the Partners for Life program (in the second half 
of 2010), implementation services sold on a time and materials basis typically represent single element 
arrangements. Under these single element arrangements, SaaS subscription and maintenance revenues are 
recognized over the related renewal period, as the services are delivered, and implementation services are 
recognized as the services are performed. 

54 

 
 
 
 
 
 
   
We recognize revenues when all of the following criteria are met: 

  persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; 

  delivery has occurred; 

 

 

the fees are fixed and determinable; and 

collection is considered probable. 

If collection is not considered probable, we recognize revenues when the fees are collected. If the 
fees are not fixed and determinable, we recognize revenues when the fees become due from the customer. 
If non-standard acceptance periods or non-standard performance criteria are required, we recognize revenue 
when the acceptance period expires or upon the satisfaction of the acceptance/performance criteria, as 
applicable. 

The majority of services revenues are recognized over the implementation period, which is from 

the contract execution date until the Live date. SaaS revenues are recognized over the contract term, 
beginning in the month the customer goes Live. There was no material change to the pattern or timing of 
revenue recognition for either services or SaaS elements as a result of adopting ASU 2009-13. 

Recurring Revenues 

Recurring revenues consist of subscription revenues recognized from our SaaS Offering, as well as 

customer support and maintenance revenues.   

i)  SaaS subscription revenues are principally derived from PEPM fees earned from the SaaS 
Offering and from sales of hosting services on a stand-alone basis to customers who 
already own a perpetual license (―Base Hosting‖). Ongoing PEPM fees from the SaaS 
Offering and Base Hosting are recognized as subscription revenues as the services are 
delivered, commencing when the customer goes Live.  

ii)   Customer support and maintenance revenues are derived from maintaining, supporting, and                                                                       

providing periodic updates of our software for our hosting services. Since we stopped 
selling perpetual licenses to our new customers effective April 1, 2009, customer support 
and maintenance revenues stem from annual renewals. 

Under our SaaS Offering, our customers do not have the right to take possession of our software 

and these arrangements are considered service contracts. Selling price of multiple deliverables in SaaS 
arrangements is derived for each element based on the guidance provided by ASU 2009-13.  The multiple 
elements that typically exist in SaaS arrangements include hosting services, the right to use UltiPro, 
maintenance of UltiPro (i.e., product enhancements, updates and customer support) and professional 
services (i.e., primarily implementation consulting services).   

The pricing for the three elements that pertain to recurring revenues (i.e., hosting services, the right 
to use UltiPro and maintenance of UltiPro) is bundled.  Since these three bundled elements are components 
of recurring revenues in the consolidated statements of operations, allocation of selling price to each of the 
three elements is not necessary and they are not reported separately.  Selling price, which is established 
through VSOE, for the bundled elements, as a whole, is determined on the basis of renewal pricing, without 
taking into consideration potential price increases or potential changes in the number of employees of the 
customer in the future due to the uncertainties surrounding these potential occurrences.  These bundled 
elements are provided on an ongoing basis, represent undelivered elements and are recognized on a 
monthly basis as the related services are performed, commencing once the customer goes Live.  

55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Services Revenues 

Services revenues primarily include revenues from fees charged for implementation consulting 

services in connection with the implementation of our product solutions and, to a much lesser extent, 
training of customers in the use of our products and fees for other services, including the provision of 
payroll-related forms, sales of time clocks and the printing of W-2 forms for certain customers, as well as 
certain client reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.   

Prior to the introduction of the Partners for Life program in the second half of 2010, our multiple 

element sales contracts included recurring SaaS revenues, priced on a PEPM basis, and implementation 
services, priced on a time and materials basis.  As the Partners for Life program has evolved (particularly 
over the course of 2011), we have found that the vast majority of multiple element contracts contain 
recurring SaaS revenues and implementation consulting services priced on a fixed fee basis. Time and 
materials implementation consulting services are still sold but, generally, as stand-alone sales not directly 
related to the basic implementation of the SaaS product. The total arrangement consideration is allocated to 
services elements in the arrangement based on relative selling prices, using the prices established when the 
services are sold on a stand-alone basis.  Selling price is established through ESP for fixed fee 
implementation consulting services related to our Partners for Life program. 

Revenues from implementation consulting services sold on a fixed-fee basis are recognized using 

the percentage of completion accounting method, which involves the use of estimates.  Percentage of 
completion is measured at each reporting date based on progress made to date, using reasonably 
dependable estimates with respect to milestones achieved or billable hours, as applicable.   

Revenues from implementation consulting services, billed on a time and materials basis (at an 
hourly rate), are recognized as these services are performed.  Other services are recognized as the product is 
shipped or as the services are rendered, depending on the specific terms of the related arrangement.  

License Revenues 

From our inception through March 31, 2009, we sold perpetual licenses of UltiPro, which resulted 
in license revenues recognized for that period of time.  Customer support and maintenance revenues, from 
previously sold perpetual licenses, are derived from maintaining, supporting, and providing periodic 
updates of our software.  Customer support and maintenance revenues are recognized ratably over the 
service period, generally one year, and are included in recurring revenues.  Annual maintenance renewal 
fees which occur subsequent to the initial contract period are also recognized ratably over the related 
service period and are included in recurring revenues.  

Since April 1, 2009, sales to new customers are only on a subscription basis (priced and billed to 
our customers on a PEPM basis).  We no longer sell our on-site UltiPro solutions to new customers on a 
perpetual license basis. We do sell licenses to existing license customers but only in relation to the 
customer’s employee growth. Any such licenses are recognized as license revenues in our consolidated 
financial statements upon the delivery of the related software product when all significant contractual 
obligations have been satisfied.  

Cost of Revenues 

Cost of revenues primarily consists of the costs of recurring and services revenues. Cost of 
recurring revenues primarily consists of costs to provide maintenance and technical support to our 
customers, the cost of providing periodic updates and the cost of recurring subscription revenues, including 

56 

 
 
 
 
 
amortization of capitalized software. Cost of services revenues primarily consists of costs to provide 
implementation services and, to a lesser degree, training to our customers, costs related to sales of payroll-
related forms and costs associated with certain client reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses.   

Stock-Based Compensation 

Our Amended and Restated 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan (the ―Plan‖) authorizes the grant of 
options to non-employee directors, officers and employees of Ultimate to purchase shares of Ultimate’s 
Common Stock.  The Plan also authorizes the grant to such persons of restricted and non-restricted shares 
of Common Stock, stock appreciation rights, stock units and cash performance awards (collectively, 
together with stock options, the ―Awards‖).  Prior to the adoption of the Plan, options to purchase shares of 
Common Stock were issued under our Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (the ―Prior Plan‖).  Beginning in 
2009, we began making grants to employees of restricted stock units in lieu of stock options.       

As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock authorized under the 

Plan and the Prior Plan was 12,500,000 and the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that were 
available to be issued under all Awards granted under the Plan was 700,228 shares.   

The Plan provides broad discretion to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors to 

create appropriate equity incentives for directors, officers and employees of Ultimate.  The Plan is intended 
to attract and retain talented employees and align employee and stockholder interests.   

For purposes of calculating and accounting for stock-based compensation expense (―SBC‖) in 

accordance with ASC 718, ―Compensation – Stock Compensation‖ (―ASC 718‖) for restricted stock 
awards and restricted stock units, we measure compensation based on the closing market price of our 
Common Stock at the date of grant and it is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  We 
estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures 
differ from those estimates.  The weighted-average forfeiture rate is based on historical data.   

Rental Costs Incurred in Relation to a Construction Period 

We have incurred rental costs associated with operating leases during the construction period.  
Rental costs incurred during a construction period are costs incurred for the right to control the use of a 
leased asset during and after construction of a leased asset.  Since there is no distinction between the right 
to use a leased asset during the construction period and the right to use that asset after the construction 
period, rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases that are incurred during a 
construction period are recognized as rental expense on a straight-line basis.   

Income Taxes 

We are subject to Federal, foreign and state corporate income taxes.  We account for income taxes 
using an asset and liability approach under which deferred income taxes are provided based upon enacted 
tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the taxes become payable. 

We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial 

statement purposes.  These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and 
liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and 
financial statement purposes.   

We assess the likelihood that Ultimate will be able to recover its deferred tax assets.  Management 

considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of pre-tax book 

57 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
income, expiration of net operating losses, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future 
taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies, as well as current tax laws and 
interpretation of current tax laws, in assessing the need for a valuation allowance.  If recovery is not likely, 
we record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be 
recoverable.  The available positive evidence at December 31, 2011 included, among other factors, three 
years of cumulative historical pre-tax book income and a projection of future pre-tax book income and 
taxable income sufficient to realize all of our remaining deferred tax assets.  As a result of our analysis of 
all available evidence, both positive and negative, at December 31, 2011, it was considered more likely 
than not that a full valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was not required. See Note 15 for further 
discussion. 

ASC 740, ―Income Taxes‖ (―ASC 740‖), clarified the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes 
recognized in a company’s financial statements.  Specifically, ASC 740 prescribed a recognition threshold 
and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position 
taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  ASC 740 also provides guidance on the related de-
recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition 
of uncertain tax positions.  We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits 
as components of our income tax provision. We did not have any interest and penalties accrued upon the 
adoption of ASC 740, and, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any interest and penalties 
accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits. 

Reimbursable Out-Of-Pocket Expenses 

Reimbursable out-of-pocket expenses, which are included in services revenues and cost of services 

revenues in our accompanying consolidated statements of operations, were $1.1 million, $1.0 million and 
$1.3 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (―FASB‖) issued Accounting 

Standards Update (―ASU‖) 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (―ASU 2011-08‖).  ASU 2011-
08 is an amendment to Accounting Standard Codification (―ASC‖) 350, ―Intangibles-Goodwill and Other‖ 
(―ASC 350‖).  As a result of the issuance of ASU 2011-08, an entity is no longer required to calculate the 
fair value of a reporting unit unless the entity determines, through a qualitative approach, that it is more 
likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.  An entity has the option to first assess 
qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination 
that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  If, after 
qualitatively assessing the totality of events or circumstances, an entity determines it is  more likely than 
not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then it is required to perform the 
two-step impairment test.  ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests 
performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted.  We have 
evaluated the impact of adopting ASU 2011-08 and determined that the adoption of this ASU will not have 
an impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, “Comprehensive Income” (―ASU 2011-05‖).  ASU 

2011-05 was issued to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income and to 
facilitate the convergence of GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (―IFRS‖).  ASU 2011-
05 eliminates the option to present components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of 
changes in stockholders’ equity.  ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity 
be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but 
consecutive, statements.  ASU 2011-05 is effective retrospectively for fiscal years, and interim periods 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011.  Early adoption is permitted.  We have evaluated 
the impact of adopting ASU 2011-05 and determined that the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact 
on our consolidated financial statements, as it only requires a change in the format of our current 
presentation of comprehensive income. 

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement” (―ASU 2011-04‖).  

ASU 2011-04 is an amendment to ASC 820, ―Fair Value Measurement‖ (―ASC 820‖) to achieve common 
fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in GAAP and IFRS.  ASU 2011-04 changes the 
wording used to describe the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing 
information about fair value measurements.  The amendments include (i) those that clarify the intent of the 
application of existing fair value measurement and disclosure requirements and (ii) those that change a 
particular principle or requirement for measuring fair value or for disclosing information about fair value 
measurements.  ASU 2011-04 is effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after 
December 15, 2011.  We have evaluated the impact of adopting ASU 2011-04 and determined that the 
adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

4.          Discontinued Operations 

During the year ended December 31, 2010, Ultimate discontinued and liquidated the operations of 
The Ultimate Software Group UK Limited, our wholly-owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom (the ―UK 
Subsidiary‖).     

Discontinued  operations,  net  of  income  taxes,  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2010  and  2009 
resulted  in  a  loss  of  $0.9  million  and  $0.3  million,  respectively.    There  was  no  loss  from  discontinued 
operations for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The loss from discontinued operations, net of income 
taxes, of $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, was principally from the realization of a non-
cash foreign currency translation adjustment.  The discontinuation of the operations of the UK Subsidiary 
was completed as of September 30, 2010. 

The financial results of discontinued operations of the UK Subsidiary are as follows (in thousands): 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 
2010 

2009 

2011 

Total revenues 

  $         – 

$         51 

$      299 

Pretax loss from UK Subsidiary operations 
Loss from disposal of UK Subsidiary (primarily for foreign 
   currency translation adjustment) 
Pretax loss from discontinued operations 
Income tax benefit 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of  
   income taxes 

  $         – 

$     (85) 

$  (472) 

– 
– 
– 

(912) 
(997) 
144 

– 
(472) 
136 

  $         – 

  $      (853) 

  $    (336) 

The  assets  and  liabilities  of  the  UK  Subsidiary  were  immaterial,  both  individually  and  in  the 

aggregate, and, therefore, are not presented separately. 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. 

Investments in Marketable Securities and Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

We  classify  our  investments  in  marketable  securities  with  readily  determinable  fair  values  as 
available-for-sale.    Available-for-sale  securities  consist  of  debt  and  equity  securities  not  classified  as 
trading  securities  or  as  securities  to  be  held  to  maturity.    Unrealized  gains  and  losses,  net  of  tax,  on 
available-for-sale  securities  are  reported  as  a  net  amount  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  in 
stockholders’  equity  until  realized.    Gains  and  losses  on  the  sale  of  available-for-sale  securities  are 
determined using the specific identification method.  Included in accumulated other comprehensive income 
was  $3  thousand  and  $7  thousand  of  net  unrealized  gains,  net  of  tax,  on  available-for-sale  securities  at 
December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  

The  amortized  cost,  net  unrealized  gain  (loss)  and  fair  value  of  our  investments  in  marketable 
available-for-sale  securities  as  of  December  31,  2011  and  December  31,  2010  are  shown  below  (in 
thousands):   

As of December 31, 2011 
Net 
Unrealized 
  Gain (Loss) 

As of December 31, 2010 
Net 

Fair 
Value 

  Amortized 

  Unrealized 

Cost 

Gain 

Fair 
Value 

  Amortized 

Cost 

Corporate debentures – bonds 
Commercial paper 
U.S. Agency bonds 
U.S. Treasury bills 
Non U.S. government bond 
Certificates of deposit 
Total investments 

$     2,569 
1,799 
2,763 
1,206 
– 
790 
$   9,127 

$   (3) 
– 
1 
5 
– 
– 
$   3 

$   2,566 
1,799 
2,764 
1,211 
– 
790 
$   9,130 

$     2,903 
2,599 
1,513 
1,504 
301 
490 
$   9,310 

$   4 
– 
1 
2 
– 
– 
$   7 

$   2,907 
2,599 
1,514 
1,506 
301 
490 
$   9,317 

The  amortized  cost  and  fair  value  of  the  marketable  available-for-sale  securities  by  contractual 

maturity at December 31, 2011 is shown below (in thousands): 

As of December 31, 2011 

  Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Due in one year or less 
Due after one year 
Total 

$   7,585 
1,542 
$   9,127 

$   7,584 
1,546 
$   9,130 

We classify and disclose fair value measurements in one of the following three categories of fair 

value hierarchy: 

Level 1: 

Level 2: 

Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date 
for identical, unrestricted assets and liabilities. 
Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all 
significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3: 

Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value 
measurement and unobservable. 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any  

input that is significant to the fair value measurement. 

Our assets that are measured by management at fair value on a recurring basis are generally 
classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The types of instruments valued based on 
quoted market prices in active markets include most money market securities and certificates of deposit.  
Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.  We did not have any 
transfers into and out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009. 

The types of instruments valued by management, based on quoted prices in less active markets, 
broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency, 
include corporate debentures and bonds, commercial paper, U.S. agency bonds, U.S. Treasury bills and a 
non U.S. government bond.  Such instruments are generally classified within Level 2 of the fair value 
hierarchy.  We use consensus pricing, which is based on multiple pricing sources, to value our fixed 
income investments. The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, financial assets 
accounted for at fair value as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands): 

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, financial assets and 

liabilities accounted for at fair value as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands): 

As of December 31, 2011 

As of December 31, 2010 

  Quoted 
  Prices in 
  Active 
  Markets 
(Level 1) 
$     – 

  Other 
  Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 2) 

  Un- 
  Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

$  2,566 

$ – 

– 
– 
– 
– 

790 

1,799 
2,764 
1,211 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

  Total 
  $2,907 

2,599 
1,514 
1,506 
301 

490 

  Total 

$  2,566 

1,799 
2,764 
1,211 
– 

790 

  Quoted 
  Prices in 
  Active 
  Markets 
(Level 1) 
$     – 

  Other 
  Observable 

Inputs 
(Level 2) 

$  2,907 

  Un- 
  Observable 
Inputs 
(Level 3) 

$ – 

– 
– 
– 
– 

490 

2,599 
1,514 
1,506 
301 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

$9,130 

$ 790 

$8,340 

$ – 

  $9,317 

$ 490 

$8,827 

$ – 

Corporate debentures 
and bonds 
Commercial paper 
U.S. Agency bonds 
U.S. Treasury bills 
Non-U.S. 
government bond 
Certificates of 
deposit 
Total 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were presented in the consolidated 

balance sheets as of December 31, 2011 and as of December 31, 2010 as short-term and long-term 
investments in marketable securities.  There were no financial liabilities accounted for at fair value as of 
December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6. 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 

We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts based on a review of the current status of 

existing accounts receivable by customer and historical experience.   

The activity within allowance for doubtful accounts was as follows (in thousands): 

Balance at beginning of year 
Charged to expenses and other 
Write-offs and other  
Balance at end of year 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 
2010 
$   600 
1,549 
(1,349) 
$   800 

2011 
$   800 
1,586 
(1,911) 
$   475 

2009 
$   700 
972 
(1,072) 
$  600 

7. 

Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands): 

Prepaid commissions on SaaS sales 
Other prepaid expenses 
Other current assets 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets 

As of December 31, 
2010 
2011 
  $   12,623 
  $   13,910 
3,432 
3,999 
2,558 
5,035 
  $   18,613 
  $   22,944 

8. 

Property and Equipment 

Property and equipment consists of the following (in thousands):  

Computer equipment 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture and fixtures 
Building 
Land 
Property and equipment 
Less:  accumulated depreciation and amortization 
Property and equipment, net 

As of December 31, 
2011 
  $  75,393 
12,771 
7,172 
929 
655 
96,920 
72,434 
  $  24,486 

2010 
$66,735 
9,134 
3,960 
929 
655 
81,413 
63,338 
$ 18,075 

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, including depreciation and 

amortization expense on property and equipment under capital leases, totaled $10.2 million, $10.3 million 
and $10.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

62 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in property and equipment is computer equipment acquired under capital leases as follows 

(in thousands): 

Computer equipment 
Less:  accumulated amortization 

2010 

As of December 31, 
2011 
$  25,727 
22,476 
$    3,251 

  $  22,799 
19,457 
  $    3,342 

Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment under capital leases totaled $3.0 
million, $2.5 million and $2.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

9.   

Foreign Currency 

The financial statements of Ultimate’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars.  
The functional currency of our wholly-owned subsidiary, The Ultimate Software Group of Canada, Inc., is 
the Canadian dollar and the functional currency of the dissolved UK Subsidiary was the British pound.  
Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates.  Income and expenses are 
translated at the average exchange rate for the reporting period.  The resulting non-cash foreign currency 
translation adjustments, representing unrealized gains or losses, are included in consolidated stockholders’ 
equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Realized gains and losses 
resulting from foreign exchange transactions are included in total operating expenses in the consolidated 
statements of operations.  

Included in comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

were realized foreign currency translation losses and unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), 
as follows (in thousands): 

Realized foreign currency translation (losses) 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

2011 
$        – 

2010 
$ (912) 

2009 
$      – 

Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) 

$  (179) 

$  (89) 

$  305 

10. 

Software Development Costs 

We capitalize certain software development costs incurred subsequent to the establishment of 

technological feasibility. Based on Ultimate’s product development process, technological feasibility is 
established upon the completion of a working model. There were no research and development expenses 
capitalized in 2011 and 2010.  During 2009, a total of $0.1 million of research and development expenses 
were capitalized in relation to UltiPro Onboarding, which is a product that handles certain human resources 
functionality for new hires of a company, and had its general release in the first quarter of 2009.  Annual 
amortization is based on the greater of the amount computed using (a) the ratio that current gross revenues 
for the related product bears to the total of current and anticipated future gross revenues for that product or 
(b) the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic life of the product including the period 
being reported on.   

63 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capitalized software is amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of 

the assets, which are typically five years.   Capitalized software and accumulated amortization of 
capitalized software were as follows (in thousands): 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 

2011 

2010 

2009 

Capitalized software 
Less:  accumulated amortization 
Capitalized software, net 

  $  11,342 
9,577 
  $    1,765 

  $  11,342 
8,227 
  $    3,115 

  $  11,342 
6,879 
  $    4,463 

Amortization of capitalized software was $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.3 million in 2011, 2010 
and 2009, respectively, and is included within cost of recurring revenues in the consolidated statements of 
operations.  

Future amortization for capitalized software at December 31, 2011 is as follows (in thousands):   

Year 
 Amount  
2012  $  1,257 
508 
2013 
$   1,765 

Ultimate evaluates the recoverability of capitalized software based on estimated future gross 

revenues reduced by the estimated costs of completing the products and of performing maintenance and 
customer support.  If Ultimate’s gross revenues were to be significantly less than its estimates, the net 
realizable value of Ultimate’s capitalized software intended for sale would be impaired, which could result 
in the write-off of all or a portion of the unamortized balance of such capitalized software. 

11. 

Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per share calculations require a dual presentation  — ―basic‖ and ―diluted.‖ Basic 
earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders (the numerator) by 
the weighted average number of common shares (the denominator) for the period. The computation of 
diluted earnings per share is similar to basic earnings per share, except that the denominator is increased to 
include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potentially 
dilutive common shares had been issued. 

The following is a reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of basic and diluted net 

income (loss) per share (in thousands): 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding 
Effect of dilutive equity instruments 
Dilutive shares outstanding 

For the Years Ended 
December 31, 
2010 
  24,960 
2,141 
  27,101 

2009 
  24,463 
– 
  24,463 

2011 
  25,814 
1,992 
  27,806 

Options to purchase shares of Common Stock and other stock-based 
awards outstanding which are not included in the calculation of diluted 
income (loss) per share because their impact is anti-dilutive 

33 

25 

6,161 

64 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12. 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

Comprehensive  income  (loss)  represents  all  changes  in  equity  that  result  from  transactions  and 
other economic events in a period other than transactions with owners. Accumulated other comprehensive 
income (loss), as presented in the consolidated balance sheets, consists of unrealized gains and losses on 
available-for-sale securities and foreign currency translation adjustments, net of any related income tax.  

Comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was as 

follows (in thousands): 

Net income (loss) (1) 
   Other comprehensive income (loss): 
      Realized foreign currency translation 
       adjustment 
      Unrealized (loss) gain on investments in  
         marketable securities available-for-sale 
      Unrealized (loss) gain on foreign currency    
         translation adjustments 
Comprehensive income (loss)  

For the Years Ended 
December 31, 
2010 
  $ 2,157 

2009 
  $ (1,142) 

2011 
  $ 4,282 

– 

(4) 

(179) 

912 

(1) 

(89) 

  $ 4,099     $ 2,979    

– 

1 

305 
$ (836)  

(1)  The amount attributable to the UK Subsidiary and accumulated in the foreign currency translation 
adjustment component of equity became realized in the consolidated statements of operations 
during the year ended December 31, 2010, the period in which discontinuation of the operations for 
the UK Subsidiary was completed. 

13.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of 
acquired businesses.  Identifiable intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based 
upon fair value at the date of acquisition.  Goodwill consists of the following (in thousands): 

As of December 31, 
2011 

2010 

Goodwill, beginning balance 
   Impact of foreign currency translation 
Goodwill, ending balance 

$  3,025 
        – 
$  3,025 

$  3,198 
        (173) 
$  3,025 

Ultimate acquired its UK Subsidiary on October 5, 2006 and discontinued the operations of the UK 

Subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2010.  Upon acquisition, Ultimate acquired certain 
intangibles for developed technology and customer relationships.  The values assigned to each of the 
intangible assets included in the UK Subsidiary valuation were based on an income approach valuation 
methodology.  The income approach presumes that the value of an asset can be estimated by the net 
economic benefit (i.e., cash flows) to be received over the life of the asset, discounted to present value. 

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2011, Ultimate’s intangible assets were fully amortized and therefore they 

were no longer classified in other assets in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011.   

As of December 31, 2010, Ultimate’s intangible assets had estimated useful lives and were 

classified in other assets, net, in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2010 as follows (in 
thousands): 

  Estimated 
  Useful Lives 

Balance as of 
  December 31, 2010 

Acquired intangible assets: 
  Developed technology 

1 year 

$83 

Due to discontinuing the operations of the UK Subsidiary, the amortization of intangible assets 

related to customer relationships was accelerated during 2010.  There were no changes made to the 
amortization of the developed technology intangible asset as this technology has been and will continue to 
be leveraged into the UltiPro suite of products. 

Amortization expense for the acquired intangible assets reflected above was $83 thousand, $281 
thousand and $221 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  As of 
December 31, 2011, there is no future amortization expense for acquired intangible assets. 

14.  Capital Lease Obligations  

We lease certain equipment under non-cancelable agreements, which are accounted for as capital 
leases and expire at various dates through 2014. Interest rates on these leases range from 4.25% to 4.62%. 
The scheduled lease payments of the capital lease obligations are as follows as of December 31, 2011 (in 
thousands): 

Year 
2012 
2013 
2014 

Less amount representing interest 
Lease obligations reflected as current ($2,694) and 
  non-current ($2,175) 

15.  Income Taxes  

Amount 
$ 2,841 
   1,718 
      520 
   5,079 
      (210) 

$  4,869 

For the year ended December 31, 2011, the income tax provision of $11.8 million was based on 

book income from continuing operations before income taxes of $16.1 million.  For the year ended 
December 31, 2010, the income tax provision of $5.2 million was based on book income from continuing 
operations before income taxes of $8.2 million.  For the year ended December 31, 2009, the income tax 
provision of $0.7 million was based on a book loss from continuing operations before income taxes of $0.1 
million.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between financial 
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the 
differences are expected to reverse. 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The income tax (provision) benefit consists of the following (in thousands): 

For the Year Ended December 31, 
    2010 

    2011 

    2009 

Current taxes: 
    Federal 
    State and local 
    Foreign 
Deferred taxes, net 
    Federal 
    State and local 
    Foreign 
Income tax provision 

$   (7,339)     $ 

(1,602)                   

(7,276)     $ 
(1,408)                   

     — 

       (24)            

(139)        

(102)        

      — 

(2,541)       
(237)         
18        
$ 

3,094       
564         
(33)        
(5,161)                
$ 

     (369) 
       (29) 
      (299) 

   (721)          

$  (11,840)                

The income tax (provision) benefit is different from that which would be obtained by applying the 
statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes 
as a result of the following (in thousands): 

Income tax (provision) benefit at statutory federal tax rate 
State and local income taxes, net of the federal benefit 
Non-deductible expenses 
Change in tax rates 
Change in foreign valuation allowance 
Other, net 
Income tax provision 

For the Year Ended December 31, 
    2010 
$   (2,860) 
(548) 
(1,782) 
27 
85 
(83) 
$   (5,161) 

    2011 
$   (5,642) 
(1,195) 
(4,920) 
28 
– 
(111) 
$   (11,840) 

    2009 

   $  30 
           (20) 
       (662)        

         34 
        (103) 
– 
   $    (721)   

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the net effect of temporary differences between the 
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income 
tax purposes.  Significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2011, 2010 
and 2009 were as follows (in thousands): 

As of December 31, 
2010 

2009 

2011 

Deferred tax assets: 
   Net operating losses 
   Tax credit carryforwards 
   Deferred revenue 
   Accruals not currently deductible 
   Allowance for doubtful accounts 
   Charitable contributions 
   Stock-based compensation 
   Deferred rent adjustment 
Gross deferred tax assets 
Less valuation allowance 
Deferred tax assets 

Deferred tax liabilities: 
   Property and equipment 
   Acquired intangible assets 
   Software development costs 
   Other, net 
Gross deferred tax liabilities  

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

– 
127 
2,501 
356 
166 
524 
22,217 
1,322 
27,213 
– 
27,213 

(5,890) 
– 
111 
(15) 
(5,794) 

$ 

$ 

$ 

– 
127 
3,362 
239 
292 
264 
21,258 
1,171 
26,713 
– 
26,713 

(1,836) 
(32) 
(415) 
(8) 
(2,291) 

4,886 
224 
3,849 
213 
233 
234 
17,608 
1,235 
28,482 
(4,972) 
23,510 

(1,391) 
(141) 
(1,099) 
(15) 
(2,646) 

Net deferred tax assets 

$ 

21,419 

$ 

24,422 

$ 

20,864 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ultimate considers all available evidence, both positive and negative, including historical levels of 
pre-tax book income, expiration of net operating loss carryforwards, expectations and risks associated with 
estimates of future taxable income, ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies and reversal of 
deferred tax liabilities in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. If it is not more likely than not that 
we will recover our deferred tax assets, we will increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation 
allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable. 

 The available positive evidence at December 31, 2011 included, among other factors, three years 
of cumulative historical pre-tax book income and a projection of future pre-tax book income and taxable 
income.  As a result of our analysis of all available evidence, both positive and negative, we believe that it 
is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize 
all of the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2011.   

There was no valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  The net 

decrease in the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $5.0 million, $4.7 million 
relating primarily to the recognition of stock-based payment deductions in stockholders’ equity and a $0.3 
million decrease relating to foreign operations.  The write-off of the valuation allowance attributable to 
discontinued operations for the UK Subsidiary accounted for $0.2 million of the $0.3 million decrease.  The 
net decrease in the valuation allowance for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $0.7 million, an $0.8 
million decrease relating primarily to the recognition of stock-based payment deductions in stockholders’ 
equity and a $0.1 million increase relating to foreign operations. 

The activity within the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets was as follows (in thousands): 

Balance at beginning of year 
Charged to expenses and other 
Write-offs and other  
Balance at end of year 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 
  2011 
2010 
$   4,972 
$   – 
(4,663) 
– 
(309) 
– 
$          – 
$   – 

2009 
$   5,657 
(789) 
104 
$   4,972 

Management continues to apply the Exception to the Comprehensive Recognition of Deferred 

Income Taxes to the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiary, Ultimate Canada.  The 
Comprehensive Recognition of Deferred Income Taxes presumes that all undistributed earnings will be 
transferred to the parent entity.  This presumption may be overcome by the parent entity, and no income 
taxes would be accrued, if sufficient evidence shows that the subsidiary has invested or will invest the 
undistributed earnings indefinitely or that the earnings will be remitted in a tax-free liquidation.  A parent 
entity shall have evidence of specific plans for reinvestment of undistributed earnings of a subsidiary which 
demonstrates that remittance of the earnings will be postponed indefinitely.  These criteria required to 
overcome the presumption are sometimes referred to as the indefinite reversal criteria.  Accordingly, 
deferred income taxes were not recognized on the undistributed earnings of Ultimate Canada.  The 
cumulative undistributed earnings are not deemed material. 

At December 31, 2011, we had approximately $112.8 million of net operating loss carryforwards 

for federal income tax reporting purposes available to offset future taxable income.  The $112.8 million 
was attributable to deductions from the exercise of non-qualified employee, and non-employee director, 
stock options and the vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards, the tax benefit of which 

68 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
will primarily be credited to paid-in-capital and deferred tax asset when realized.  As a result, the tax 
benefits associated with stock based compensation are included in net operating loss carryforwards but not 
reflected in deferred tax assets.  During 2011, we realized a tax benefit of $8.8 million comprised of an $8.5 
million and a $0.3 million credit to paid-in-capital and deferred tax asset, respectively.  As of December 31 
2011, we did not have any net operating loss carryforwards for foreign income tax reporting purposes 
available to offset future taxable income. The carryforwards expire from 2012 through 2031. Utilization of 
such net operating loss carryforwards may be limited as a result of cumulative ownership changes in 
Ultimate’s equity instruments. 

ASC 740, ―Income Taxes,‖ (―ASC 740‖) requires that a position taken or expected to be taken in a 

tax return be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not (i.e., a likelihood of 
more than fifty percent) that the position would be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. A 
recognized tax position is then measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent 
likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  As of December 31, 2011, we had gross unrecognized 
tax benefits of approximately $1.9 million, all of which would impact the effective tax rate if recognized.  
While it is often difficult to predict the final outcome of any particular uncertain tax position, management 
does not believe that it is reasonably possible that the estimates of unrecognized tax benefits will change 
significantly in the next twelve months. 

Tax years 1997 to 2010 remain subject to future examination by the major tax jurisdictions in 

which we are subject to tax.   

We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of 

our income tax provision.  We did not have any interest and penalties accrued upon the adoption of ASC 
740, and, as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any interest and penalties accrued related to 
unrecognized tax benefits. 

A  reconciliation  of  the  beginning  and  ending  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  for  the  years 

ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows (in thousands): 

As of December 31, 
  2010 

  2011 

  2009 

Balance at January 1, 
Tax positions taken in prior period 
   Gross increases 
   Gross decreases 
Tax positions taken in current period 
   Gross increases 
Settlements 
Statute expiration 
Balance at December 31, 

$  1,866  $ 

–  $ 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 

  1,866 
– 
– 

$  1,866  $  1,866  $ 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

16.  Stock-Based Compensation and Equity 

Summary of Plans 

Our Amended and Restated 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan (the ―Plan‖) authorizes the grant of 
options to non-employee directors, officers and employees of Ultimate to purchase shares of Ultimate’s 
Common Stock (―Options‖).  The Plan also authorizes the grant to such persons of restricted and non-
restricted shares of Common Stock, stock appreciation rights, stock units and cash performance awards 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(collectively, together with the Options, the ―Awards‖).  Prior to the adoption of the Plan, options to 
purchase shares of Common Stock were issued under Ultimate’s Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (the 
―Prior Plan‖).  Beginning in 2009, we commenced making grants to employees of restricted stock grants in 
lieu of Options.       

As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock authorized under the 

Plan and the Prior Plan was 12,500,000 and the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that were 
available to be issued under all Awards granted under the Plan was 700,228 shares.   

Stock-Based Compensation 

The following table sets forth the stock-based compensation resulting from stock-based 
arrangements that is recorded in our consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated (in 
thousands): 

  For the Years Ended December 31, 
2009 

2010 

2011 

Cost of recurring revenues 
Cost of services revenues 
Sales and marketing 
Research and development 
General and administrative 

Total stock-based compensation 

  $      1,402         

  $       914         
1,238 
6,678 
1,218 
3,201 
$  15,009      $  13,249      $  13,234    

  $       689         
1,316 
7,059 
1,228 
2,942 

1,464 
6,824 
1,625 
3,694 

Net cash proceeds from the exercise of Options were $13.3 million, $14.9 million and $6.3 million 

for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.  There was an $8.5 million, a $6.7 
million and a $0.5 million income tax benefit recognized in additional paid in capital from the realization of 
excess stock-based payment deductions during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, 
respectively.   

Fair Value 

There were no Options granted during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.  The 
fair value of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is equal to the closing price of our Common 
Stock on NASDAQ on the date of grant.  

We estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if 
actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  The weighted-average forfeiture rate for the years ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was based on historical data.   

Options 

Options granted to officers and employees under the Plan and the Prior Plan generally have a 10-

year term, vesting 25% immediately and 25% on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.  
Options granted to non-employee directors under the Plan and the Prior Plan generally have a 10-year term 
and vest and become exercisable immediately on the grant date.  However, certain Options granted to non-
employee directors for board services during the period January 3, 2005 through July 2, 2007 become 
exercisable on the earliest of (i) the fifth anniversary of the date of grant, (ii) the 90th day after the date on 

70 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
which the director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors of Ultimate (the ―Board‖) or (iii) the 
effective date of a change in control of Ultimate.   

Restricted Stock Awards 

Under the provisions of the Plan, Ultimate may, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee 

or the Board, grant restricted stock awards (―Restricted Stock Awards‖) to officers, employees and non-
employee directors.  The shares of Common Stock issued under Restricted Stock Awards are subject to 
certain vesting requirements and restrictions on transfer.  During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 
and 2009, we granted Restricted Stock Awards for 193,625, 134,750 and 175,000 shares, respectively, of 
Common Stock to officers and employees and we granted Restricted Stock Awards for 23,289, 30,816 and 
37,235 shares, respectively, of Common Stock to non-employee directors.  Compensation expense for 
Restricted Stock Awards is measured based on the closing market price of our Common Stock at the date 
of grant and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  Holders of Restricted Stock 
Awards have all rights of a stockholder including the right to vote the shares and receive all dividends and 
other distributions paid or made with respect thereto.  Each Restricted Stock Award becomes vested on the 
fourth anniversary of the respective date of grant, subject to the grantee’s continued employment with 
Ultimate or any of its subsidiaries on each such vesting date and subject further to accelerated vesting in the 
event of a change in control of Ultimate, death or disability, the termination of employment by Ultimate 
without cause or, in the case of a non-employee director, at cessation of his board services at the end of his 
term.  Included in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, 
and 2009 was $8.4 million, $8.0 million and $7.9 million, respectively, of compensation expense for 
Restricted Stock Awards.   

Restricted Stock Unit Awards 

Ultimate may, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, make Awards of stock units or 

restricted stock units under the Plan (―Restricted Stock Unit Awards‖) to certain officers and employees.  A 
Restricted Stock Unit Award is a grant of a number of hypothetical share units with respect to shares of 
Common Stock that are subject to vesting and transfer restrictions and conditions under a restricted stock 
unit award agreement.  The value of each unit is equal to the fair value of one share of Common Stock on 
any applicable date of determination.  The payment with respect to each unit under a Restricted Stock Unit 
Award may be made, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, (i) in a number of shares of our 
Common Stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units becoming vested, (ii) in cash, in an amount 
equal to the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the vesting date multiplied by the 
number of restricted stock units becoming vested on such date or (iii) in a combination of both.  The 
grantee of a Restricted Stock Unit Award does not have any rights as a stockholder with respect to the 
shares subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award until such time as shares of Common Stock are delivered 
to the grantee pursuant to the terms of the related stock unit award agreement.   

Beginning in 2009, we commenced granting Restricted Stock Unit Awards to employees and 

discontinued the grant of Options under the Plan.  Such Restricted Stock Unit Awards vest in three equal 
annual installments of 33-1/3% of the number of Restricted Stock Unit Awards on each of the first three 
anniversaries of the date of grant thereof, subject to the participant’s continued employment with Ultimate 
or any of its subsidiaries on each such vesting date, and shall be payable as described above, provided, 
however, that if any such anniversary is not a date on which our Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ, 
then the vesting date shall be the last such trading day immediately preceding such anniversary; and 
provided further, however, that if the Chief Financial Officer (―CFO‖) of Ultimate should determine that 
any such anniversary falls within a period during which the participant is prohibited from trading 
Ultimate’s Common Stock under our stock trading policy, the CFO shall so advise the participant in writing 
and the vesting date shall be the date as of which the CFO has determined that such period has ended.   

71 

 
 
 
 
 
There were 242,062, 199,525 and 211,635 Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted to employees 

during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.    Non-cash stock-based 
compensation expense for Restricted Stock Unit Awards is measured based on the fair market value of our 
Common Stock on the date of grant and recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.  
Included in Ultimate’s consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 
and 2009 was $5.9 million, $2.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively, of non-cash compensation expense 
for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.   

Option, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Activity 

The following table summarizes Option activity for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 

2011, as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

Options 

Shares 

  Exercise Price 

  Term (in Years) 

Weighted 
Average 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 

  Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 

Exercisable at December 31, 2009 

Outstanding at December 31, 2009 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 

Exercisable at December 31, 2010 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 

Exercisable at December 31, 2011 

4,964 
– 
(668) 
(131) 
4,165 

3,576 

4,165 
– 
(1,124) 
(26) 
3,015 

2,807 

3,015 
– 
(776) 
(16) 
2,223 

2,219 

$    16.86 
– 
9.40 
24.94 
$17.79      

5.55 

$  49,687   

$16.12      

5.15 

  $  48,360   

$    17.79 
– 
13.25 
27.58 
$19.40      

5.07 

$  88,136   

$18.71      

4.90 

  $  83,989   

$    19.40 
– 
17.11 
19.58 
$20.20      

4.27 

$  99,850   

$20.20      

4.27 

  $  99,850   

The aggregate intrinsic value of Options in the table above represents total pretax intrinsic value 

(i.e., the difference between the closing price of our Common Stock on the last trading day of the reporting 
period and the exercise price, times the number of shares) that would have been received by the Option 
holders had all Option holders exercised their Options on December 31, 2011.  The amount of the 
aggregate intrinsic value changes, based on the fair value of our Common Stock.  Total intrinsic value of 
Options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $31.2 million, $25.1 

72 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
million and $10.1 million, respectively.  Total fair value of Options vested during the years ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.3 million, $4.2 million, $5.7 million, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2011, there was no total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested 

Options expected to be recognized.  

The following table summarizes Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Award activity for the 

years ended December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

Restricted Stock  

Restricted 
Stock Units 

Outstanding at December 31, 2008 
  Granted 
  Vested 
  Released 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 
  Granted 
  Vested 
  Released 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31, 2010 
  Granted 
  Vested 
  Released 
  Forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at December 31, 2011 

  Shares 
1,361 
212 
– 
(169) 
– 
1,404 
166 
– 
(263) 
– 
1,307 
217 
– 
(479) 
– 
1,045 

  Weighted 
  Average 
  Grant Date 
  Fair Value 

Shares 

$  23.09     
26.55 
– 
16.86 
– 

$  24.36     
40.51 
– 
23.16 
– 

$  26.64     
62.62 
– 
32.89 
– 

$  31.25     

45 
211 
– 

(9) 
247 
200 
– 
(95) 
(16) 
336 
242 
– 
(126) 
(23) 
429 

As of December 31, 2011, $21.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-
vested Restricted Stock Awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.  
As  of  December  31,  2011,  $11.4  million  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  costs related  to  non-vested 
Restricted Stock Unit Awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. 

73 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  information  with  respect  to  Options  outstanding  and  Options 

exercisable under the Plan at December 31, 2011: 

Options Outstanding 

Options Exercisable 

Range of 
Exercise 
Prices 

$0.89—$4.23 
$6.86—$13.05 
$13.63—$16.68 
$17.11—$21.60 
$24.20—$24.20 
$24.30—$24.30 
$26.72—$27.02 
$28.41—$28.41 
$30.34—$32.39 
$32.54—$34.89 
$0.89—$34.89 

Number 
226,761 
386,188 
263,627 
277,534 
94,870 
246,677 
32,275 
355,624 
228,434 
111,044 
2,223,034 

Weighted-
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term 
(Years) 
1.06 
2.38 
4.01 
4.19 
4.81 
5.08 
5.03 
6.05 
6.06 
6.17 
4.27 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price 
$3.38 
11.30 
15.00 
20.42 
24.20 
24.30 
26.88 
28.41 
31.56 
33.25 
$ 20.20 

  Number 
226,761 
382,178 
263,627 
277,534 
94,870 
246,677 
32,275 
355,624 
228,434 
111,044 
2,219,024 

Weighted-
Average 
Exercise Price 
$3.38 
11.30 
15.00 
20.42 
24.20 
24.30 
26.88 
28.41 
31.56 
33.25 
$ 20.20 

Board Compensation 

On February 4, 2009, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the ―Compensation Committee‖) 

amended the previously approved arrangement pursuant to which the non-employee directors and the 
Chairmen of the Audit Committee of the Board (the ―Audit Committee‖) and the Compensation 
Committee, respectively, were granted Options for each regular Board and Committee meeting attended.  
Under the arrangement as amended, (i) each non-employee director was granted a restricted stock award of 
1,000 shares of Common Stock for each regular meeting of the Board attended in 2009 and during the first 
three quarters of 2010 and (ii) each of the Chairmen of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee 
was granted a restricted stock award of 625 shares of Common Stock for attendance at each regular 
meeting of the respective  Committee in 2009 and during the first three quarters of 2010 that he chaired.  In 
addition, in 2009 and in 2010, each non-employee director was granted, for each fiscal quarter during 
which he served, a restricted stock award of that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient 
of $12,500 divided by the closing price of the Common Stock on NASDAQ on the date of grant, which is 
the effective date of the grant determined by the Board for each such quarter, rounded down to the closest 
full number of shares.  Under the arrangement as amended, the date of grant shall not be a date prior to the 
date of the Board’s determination of the same and such restricted stock awards shall vest on the fourth 
anniversary of the date of grant, subject to accelerated vesting in the event of a director’s death, disability, 
cessation of service or the end of his term or the occurrence of a change of control of Ultimate. 

On October 25, 2010, the Board amended the previously approved arrangement pursuant to which 

the non-employee directors and Chairmen of the Audit and Compensation Committees of the Board, 
respectively, were granted Awards for each regular Board and Committee meeting attended.  Under the 
arrangement, as amended, (i) each non-employee director was granted a restricted stock award of 750 
shares of Common Stock for each regular meeting of the Board attended in the fourth quarter of 2010 and 
in 2011 and (ii) each of the Chairmen of the Audit Committee and Compensation Committee was granted a 
restricted stock award of 468 shares of Common Stock for attendance at each regular meeting of the 
Committee during the fourth quarter of 2010 and in 2011 that he chaired.   

74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes information about Restricted Stock Awards granted by us to non-

employee directors in exchange for director related services rendered for 2011, 2010 and 2009: 

Year 

2009 

2010 

2011 

Market Value of 
Restricted Stock Awards 
Granted 

Number of 
Restricted Stock Awards 
Granted 

$14.43 
18.75 
26.97 
27.63 

$30.29 
31.84 
33.33 
42.03 

$53.33 
53.57 
50.75 
63.57 

10,580 
9,580 
8,565 
8,510 

8,310 
8,210 
8,125 
6,171 

5,856 
5,851 
5,916 
5,666 

The  non-cash  compensation  expense,  recognized  in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations 
related  to  the  Restricted  Stock  Awards  granted to  non-employee  directors,  including  the chairmen  of the 
Audit  and  Compensation  Committees,  determined  pursuant  to  the  application  of  ASC  718  for  the  years 
ended  December  31,  2011,  2010  and  2009,  was  $706,000,  $427,000  and  $188,000,  respectively,  and  is 
included in general and administrative expenses. 

Common Stock 

The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share for each share held of record on all 

matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. 

17.  Commitments and Contingencies 

Operating Leases  

We lease corporate office space and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating lease 

agreements expiring at various dates. Total rent expense under these agreements was $5.5 million, $4.0 
million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Future 
minimum annual rental commitments related to these leases are as follows at December 31, 2011 (in 
thousands):   

Year 
2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
Thereafter 

 Amount  
$  5,082 
4,785 
5,158 
4,557 
3,850 
4,543 
$ 27,975 

75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Litigation 

From time-to-time, Ultimate is involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of its operations 
in the normal course of business. We are not currently a party to any legal proceeding the adverse outcome 
of which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect 
on our operating results or financial condition. 

18.  Related Party Transactions 

On October 23, 2006, Ultimate’s Board elected Al Leiter as a non-employee member of Ultimate’s 
Board of Directors.  During October 2002, Mr. Leiter entered into an agreement with Ultimate pursuant to 
which he agreed to (i) attend and participate in certain internal meetings of Ultimate; (ii) assist our 
salespeople with prospects; and (iii) act as an official spokesperson for Ultimate in exchange for which we 
agreed to make contributions to Leiter’s Landing, Mr. Leiter’s non-profit charitable organization benefiting 
children, in the amount of one tenth (1/10) of one percent, or 0.1%, of our total revenues as reported in our 
consolidated statements of operations.  Pursuant to this agreement, for the fiscal years ended December 31, 
2011, 2010 and 2009, Ultimate contributed a total of approximately $200,000, $200,000, and $197,000, 
respectively, to Leiter’s Landing.  In February 2007, Mr. Leiter and Ultimate agreed that the maximum 
amount payable by Ultimate in any one year under this agreement is $200,000. 

19.  Employee Benefit Plan 

Ultimate provides retirement benefits for eligible employees, as defined, through a defined 
contribution plan that is qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the ―401(k) Plan‖). 
Contributions to the 401(k) Plan, which are made at the sole discretion of Ultimate, were $2.5 million, $2.0 
million and $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures   

Ultimate carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Ultimate’s 

management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the ―CEO‖) and the Chief Financial Officer (the 
―CFO‖), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Ultimate’s disclosure controls and procedures 
as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ―Exchange Act‖). Based on that evaluation, Ultimate’s 
management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, Ultimate’s disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be 
disclosed in Ultimate’s Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the 
time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to 
management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required 
disclosure.  Ultimate’s disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance 
as to the achievement of these objectives.  It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is 
based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and thus has inherent 
limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable 
assurance as to the achievement of their objectives. 

76 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over 

financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f) under the Exchange Act).  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 reporting purposes 
in accordance with GAAP.  Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, our management used the criteria 
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based on the results of this assessment, our 
management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, our internal control over financial reporting was 
effective.  However, because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not 
prevent or detect misstatements and, even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable 
assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. 

KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated 
financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on Ultimate’s internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which is included on page 78 of this Form 10-K. 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting   

There have been no changes during the fourth quarter of 2011 in Ultimate’s internal control over 
financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Ultimate’s 
internal control over financial reporting. 

77 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.: 

We have audited The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.’s (the Company’s) internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 
The Company’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 Management’s Annual 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, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and 
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, 
stockholders’ equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-

78 

 
 
year period ended December 31, 2011, and our report dated February 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified 
opinion on those consolidated financial statements. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

February 29, 2012 
Miami, Florida 
Certified Public Accountants 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9B.  Other Information 

None. 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

The directors, executive officers (Messrs. Scott Scherr, Marc D. Scherr and Mitchell K. Dauerman) 

and other key employees of Ultimate, and their ages as of February 18, 2012, are as follows: 

Name 

Scott Scherr 
Marc D. Scherr 
Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Jon Harris 
Robert Manne 
Vivian Maza 
Adam Rogers 
Greg Swick 
Chris Phenicie 
Bill Hicks 
Julie Dodd 
Jody Kaminsky 
James A. FitzPatrick, Jr. .  
LeRoy A. Vander Putten  
Rick A. Wilber 
Robert A. Yanover 
Alois T. Leiter 

  Age 
59 
54 
54 
47 
58 
50 
37 
48 
40 
46 
42 
37 
62 
77 
65 
75 
46 

Position(s) 

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer 
Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer 
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer 
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Services 
Senior Vice President, General Counsel 
Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer and Secretary 
Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer 
Senior Vice President, Chief Enterprise Sales Officer 
Senior Vice President, Chief Workplace Sales Officer 
Senior Vice President, Shared Services Chief Information Officer 
Senior Vice President and General Manager, Workplace Services 
Senior Vice President, Marketing 
Director 
Director 
Director 
Director 
Director   

Scott Scherr has served as President and a director of Ultimate since its inception in April 1996 and 

has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate since September 1996. Mr. 
Scherr is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors (the ―Board‖). In 1990, Mr. 
Scherr founded The Ultimate Software Group, Ltd. (the ―Partnership‖), the business and operations of 
which were assumed by Ultimate in 1998. Mr. Scherr served as President of the Partnership’s general 
partner from the inception of the Partnership until its dissolution in March 1998. From 1979 until 1990, he 
held various positions at ADP, a payroll services company, where his titles included Vice President of 
Operations and Sales Executive. Prior to joining ADP, Mr. Scherr operated Management Statistics, Inc., a 
data processing service bureau founded by his father, Reuben Scherr, in 1959. He is the brother of Marc 
Scherr, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Ultimate and the father-in-law of Adam Rogers, Senior Vice 
President, Chief Technology Officer. 

Marc D. Scherr has been a director of Ultimate since its inception in April 1996 and has served as 

Vice Chairman since July 1998 and as Chief Operating Officer since October 2003. Mr. Scherr is also a 
member of the Executive Committee of the Board. Mr. Scherr became an executive officer of Ultimate 
effective March 1, 2000. Mr. Scherr served as a director of Gerschel & Co., Inc., a private investment firm 
from January 1992 until March 2000. In December 1995, Mr. Scherr co-founded Residential Company of 
America, Ltd. (―RCA‖), a real estate firm, and served as President of its general partner until March 2000. 
Mr. Scherr also served as Vice President of RCA’s general partner from its inception in August 1993 until 
December 1995. From 1990 to 1992, Mr. Scherr was a real estate pension fund advisor at Aldrich, Eastman 
& Waltch. Previously, he was a partner in the Boston law firm of Fine & Ambrogne. Mr. Scherr is the 
brother of Scott Scherr, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate. 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mitchell K. Dauerman has served as Executive Vice President of Ultimate since April 1998 and as 

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Ultimate since September 1996. From 1979 to 1996, Mr. 
Dauerman held various positions with KPMG LLP, an accounting firm, serving as a Partner in the firm 
from 1988 to 1996. Mr. Dauerman is a Certified Public Accountant. 

Jon Harris has served as Senior Vice President since January 1, 2002 and General Manager, 

Enterprise Services since February 6, 2007. Mr. Harris served as Vice President, Professional Services 
from July 1998 through December 31, 2001. From 1992 to 1997, Mr. Harris held various management 
positions within ADP’s National Accounts Division. From 1989 to 1992, Mr. Harris held the position of 
Consulting Services Director for Sykes Enterprises, Inc., a diverse information technology company. 

Robert Manne has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel since February 2004 and 
served as Vice President, General Counsel from May 1999 through January 2004. Prior to joining Ultimate, 
Mr. Manne was an attorney and partner of Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., an international law firm, since 1978. 
In addition to administering the Litigation Department of the law firm, Mr. Manne was a permanent 
member of the firm’s executive committee which was responsible for law firm operations. Mr. Manne has 
performed legal services for Ultimate since its inception. 

Vivian Maza has served as Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer and Secretary of Ultimate 
since February 2004 and served as Vice President, People from January 1998 through January 2004.  Ms. 
Maza has served as Secretary of Ultimate since September 1996. Prior to that, Ms. Maza served as the 
Office Manager of Ultimate from its organization in April 1996 and of the Partnership from its inception in 
1990 until April 1996. Ms. Maza is an HR Generalist and holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) 
certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) association. From 1985 to 1990, 
Ms. Maza was a systems analyst for the Wholesale Division of ADP. 

Adam Rogers has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer since February 6, 

2007.  Mr. Rogers served as Senior Vice President, Development from December 2002 to February 6, 
2007. From July 2001 to December 2002, Mr. Rogers served as Vice President of Engineering. From May 
1997 to July 2001, Mr. Rogers held various positions in Ultimate’s research and development organization, 
including Director of Technical Support from October 1998 to November 1999 and Director of Web 
Development from November 1999 to July 2001.  Mr. Rogers is the son-in-law of Scott Scherr, Chairman 
of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ultimate. 

Greg Swick has served as Senior Vice President since January 2001 and as Chief Enterprise Sales 

Officer since February 6, 2007. Mr. Swick served as Vice President and General Manager of the PEO 
Division of Ultimate’s sales organization from November 1999 to January 2001. From February 1998 to 
November 1999, Mr. Swick was Director of Sales, Northeast Division. Prior to joining Ultimate, Mr. Swick 
was President of The Ultimate Software Group of New York and New England, G.P., a reseller of Ultimate 
Software which was acquired by Ultimate in March 1998. From 1987 to 1994, Mr. Swick held various 
positions with ADP, where the most recent position was Area Vice President — ADP Dealer Services 
Division. 

Chris Phenicie has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Workplace Sales Officer since January 
2009 and served as Vice President of Workplace Sales from April 2007 until January 2009. From January 
2000 to April 2007, Mr. Phenicie served as Strategic Account Manager for Ultimate. From July 1997 to 
January 2000, Mr. Phenicie held various sales positions with ADP, the most recent of which position was 
Sales Manager. 

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bill Hicks has served as Senior Vice President, Shared Services Chief Information Officer since 
April 2005.  Mr. Hicks served as Vice President, Chief Information Officer from February 2004 through 
March 2005.  From 1993 until February 2004, Mr. Hicks held various positions in the management of 
technologies for Precision Response Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Interactive Corporation 
and a provider of call centers and on-line commerce customer care services, including Chief Information 
Officer and Senior Vice President of Technology from August 2000 until February 2004. 

Julie Dodd has served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Workplace Services, since 

April 2010.  Ms. Dodd served as Vice President and General Manager of Workplace Operations from 
January 2009 until April 2010.  From October 2007 to December 2008, Ms. Dodd served as the Director of 
Product Strategy, with primary focus on the UltiPro Workplace product offering.  Prior to joining Ultimate, 
Ms. Dodd provided consulting services for large scale implementations, operations efficiencies projects and 
new SaaS product launches for various service providers. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Dodd held various 
executive positions with Ceridian Corporation, an information technology company, supporting their small 
and mid-market solutions.   

Jody Kaminsky has served as Senior Vice President, Marketing since April 2010.  Ms. Kaminsky 

served as Vice President, Marketing from July 2008 until April 2010.  Ms. Kaminsky served as Vice 
President, Marketing Operations from July 2005 to June 2008, as Director of Strategic Marketing  from 
December 2002 through June 2005, and in various other Marketing and Communications positions from 
November 1999 through November 2002.  Prior to that, Ms. Kaminsky held various positions with General 
Electric's GE Information Services division from April 1997 through August 1999 including Manager of 
Communications and Community Relations. 

James A. FitzPatrick, Jr. has served as a director of Ultimate since July 2000. Mr. FitzPatrick is a 
partner in the law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, which provides legal services to Ultimate. Mr. FitzPatrick 
has been a partner in Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP or its predecessor firms since January 1983 and was an 
associate from September 1974 until January 1983. 

LeRoy A. Vander Putten has served as a director of Ultimate since October 1997, is Chairman of 

the Compensation Committee of the Board and is a member of the Audit Committee of the Board. Mr. 
Vander Putten served as the Executive Chairman of The Insurance Center, Inc., a holding company for 14 
insurance agencies, from October 2001 until January 2006 at which time the company was sold. 
Previously, he served as the Chairman of CORE Insurance Holdings, Inc., a member of the GE Global 
Insurance Group, engaged in the underwriting of casualty reinsurance, from August 2000 to August 2001. 
From April 1998 to August 2000, he served as Chairman of Trade Resources International Holdings, Ltd., a 
corporation engaged in trade finance for exporters from developing countries. From January 1988 until 
May 1997, Mr. Vander Putten was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Executive Risk Inc., a 
specialty insurance holding company. From August 1982 to January 1988, Mr. Vander Putten served as 
Vice President and Deputy Treasurer of The Aetna Life and Casualty Company, an insurance company. 

Rick A. Wilber has served as a director of Ultimate since October 2002 and is a member of the 

Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board. Mr. Wilber formerly served 
on Ultimate’s Board of Directors from October 1997 through May 2000. Since 1995, Mr. Wilber has 
served as the President of Lynn’s Hallmark Cards, which owns and operates a number of Hallmark Card 
stores.  Mr. Wilber has served as a director of Vanguard Energy Corporation, an oil and gas company since   
June 2010.  Mr. Wilber has served as a director of Synergy Resource Corporation, an oil and gas 
exploration company, since October 2008.  Mr. Wilber was a co-founder of Champs Sports Shops and 
served as its President from 1974 to 1984. He served on the Board of Royce Laboratories, a pharmaceutical 
concern, from 1990 until April 1997, when Royce Laboratories was sold to Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a 
pharmaceutical concern.   

82 

 
 
  
 
 
 
Robert A. Yanover has served as a director of Ultimate since January 1997 and is Chairman of the 

Audit Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board. Mr. Yanover founded 
Computer Leasing Corporation of Michigan, a private leasing company, in 1975 and served as its President 
from its founding until 2007, at which time Mr. Yanover retired. Mr. Yanover also founded Lason, Inc., a 
corporation specializing in the imaging business, and served as Chairman of the Board from its inception in 
1987 until 1998 and as a director through February 2001. 

Al Leiter has served as director of Ultimate since October 2006 and is a member of the 

Compensation Committee.  Mr. Leiter was a three-time Major League Baseball World Champion and two-
time All-Star pitcher formerly with the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and 
Florida Marlins, and has been an official spokesperson for Ultimate since 2002.  Mr. Leiter has served as a 
television commentator for the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network since 2006 and as an analyst 
with MLB Network since January 2009.  Mr. Leiter is president and founder of Leiter’s Landing, a 
charitable organization formed in 1996.  Mr. Leiter has served on the Executive Committee of New York 
City’s official tourism marketing organization, NYC & Company, since 2000 and is on the Board of 
Directors of America’s Camp, a legacy organization of the Twin Towers Fund, on which he also served as 
a board member.    

Each officer serves at the discretion of the Board and holds office until his or her successor is 

elected and qualified or until his or her earliest resignation or removal.  Messrs. LeRoy A. Vander Putten 
and Robert A. Yanover serve on the Board in the class whose term expires at the Annual Meeting of 
stockholders (the ―Annual Meeting‖) in 2014.  Messrs. Marc D. Scherr, James A. FitzPatrick, Jr. and Rick 
A. Wilber serve on the Board in the class whose term expires at the Annual Meeting in 2012.  Messrs. Scott 
Scherr and Al Leiter serve on the Board in the class whose term expires at the Annual Meeting in 2013.   

Code of Ethics 

Ultimate has adopted a Code of Ethics within the meaning of Item 406 of Regulation S-K of the 

Exchange Act.  Ultimate’s Code of Ethics applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial 
officer and principal accounting officer.  A copy of Ultimate’s Code of Ethics is posted on Ultimate’s 
website at www.ultimatesoftware.com.  In the event that Ultimate makes any amendments to, or grants any 
waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics that requires disclosure under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K, 
Ultimate will post such information on its website. 

Corporate Governance 

The Board does not have a standing nominating committee or committee performing similar 

functions.  The Board has determined that it is appropriate not to have a nominating committee because of 
the relatively small size of the Board and because the entire Board functions in the capacity of a nominating 
committee. 

When considering potential director candidates, the Board considers the candidate’s 
independence (as mandated by the NASDAQ rules), character, judgment, age, skills, financial literacy, and 
experience in the context of the needs of Ultimate and the Board.  Other information required by this item 
is incorporated herein by reference to the information set forth in Ultimate’s Proxy Statement for the 
Annual Meeting in 2012 under the heading ―Corporate Governance, Board Meetings and Committees of 
the Board.‖  In 2011, Ultimate did not pay any fees to a third party to assist in identifying or evaluating 
potential nominees. 

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Board will consider director candidates recommended by Ultimate’s stockholders in a 

similar manner as those recommended by members of management or other directors.   

Other Information 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information set 
forth in Ultimate’s Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting in 2012 under the headings ―Section 16(a) 
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance‖ and ―Corporate Governance, Board Meetings and 
Committees of the Board-Audit Committee.‖ 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in 

Ultimate’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting under the headings ―Executive Compensation 
Policy,‖ ―Director Compensation‖ and ―Compensation Committee Report.‖ 

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 

Matters 

The information set forth in this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in 

Ultimate’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting under the heading ―Security Ownership of 
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.‖   

Equity Compensation Plan Information.   

The following table summarizes information related to Ultimate’s equity compensation plans as of 

December 31, 2011: 

Equity Compensation Plan Information 

( a ) 
Number of 
Securities to be 
Issued upon 
Exercise of 
Outstanding 

Plan Category 

  Options,  Warrants 

and Rights 

( b ) 

  Weighted – Average 

Exercise Price of 
Outstanding 
Options, Warrants 
and Rights 

( c ) 
Number of Securities 
Remaining Available for 
Future Issuance under 
Equity Compensation 
Plans (Excluding 
Securities Reflected in 
Column ( a )) 

Equity compensation plans approved 
  by security holders 
Equity compensation plans not approved 
  by security holders 
Total 

2,223,034 

– 
2,223,034 

$ 20.20 

– 
$ 20.20 

700,228 

– 
700,228 

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in 

Ultimate’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting under the headings ―Certain Relationships and 
Related Transactions,‖ ―Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation‖ and ―Corporate 
Governance, Board Meetings and Committees of the Board.‖ 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the information in 

Ultimate’s Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting under the heading ―KPMG LLP Fees.‖ 

85 

 
 
 
 
PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule 

(a)  Documents filed as part of this Form 10-K:  

1.  The  following  consolidated  financial  statements  of  Ultimate,  together  with  the  report 
thereon,  of  KPMG  LLP,  our  Independent  Registered  Public  Accounting 
Firm, are included in Part II, Item 8, of this Form 10-K: 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 
2011, 2010 and 2009 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements  

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. Exhibits  

Number 

Description 

3.1 

3.2 

3.3 

4.1 
4.2 

10.1 

10.2 

10.3 

10.4 

10.5 

10.6 

10.7 

10.8 

10.9 

10.10 

10.11 

10.12 

10.13 

10.14 

10.15 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the 
Registration  Statement  on  Form  S-1  (File  No.  333-47881),  initially  filed  March  13,  1998  (the 
―Registration  Statement‖)) 
 Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
2  to Ultimate’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 23, 1998) 
 Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Registration 
Statement) 
 Form of Certificate for the Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ** 
 Form of Warrant for Common Stock (incorporated by reference to  
 Exhibit 4.4 to Ultimate’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-107527), initially  filed 
July 31, 2003) 
 Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated June 6, 1997 among Ultimate and certain  
stockholders named therein ** 
Asset  Purchase  Agreement,  dated  February  2,  1998,  among  The  Ultimate  Software  Group  of 
Virginia, Inc., Ultimate and certain principals named therein ** 
 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 1998, among Ultimate, 
The Ultimate Software Group of the Carolinas, Inc. and certain principals name therein ** 
Asset Acquisition Agreement, dated February 20, 1998, among Ultimate, 
The Ultimate Software Group of Northern California, Inc. and certain principals named therein ** 
 Asset  Purchase  Agreement  dated  March  4,  1998,  among  Ultimate,  Ultimate  Investors  Group,  Inc. 
and certain principals name therein ** 
 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 24, 1998, among Ultimate, ULD Holding Corp., 
Ultimate Software Group of New York and New England, G.P. and certain principals named  
therein ** 
Nonqualified Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated as of December 20, 2002 
 (incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit in  Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
dated March 31, 2003) 
Commercial Office Lease agreement by and between UltiLand, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership, 
and Ultimate, dated December 31, 1998 (incorporated by reference herein to 
corresponding exhibit in Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 31, 1999) 
Rights Agreement, dated as of October 22, 1998, between Ultimate and BankBoston, N.A., 
as Rights Agent. The Rights Agreement includes the Form of Certificate of Designations of Series A 
Junior Preferred Stock as Exhibit A, the Form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B, and the Summary of 
Rights as Exhibit C (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 2 to Ultimate’s Current Report on 
Form 8-K dated October 23, 1998) 
Commercial Office Lease by and between UltiLand, Ltd., a Florida limited partnership 
and Ultimate, dated December 22, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 
to Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 15, 1999) 
Letter Agreement between Aberdeen Strategic Capital LP and Ultimate, dated October 21, 1999 
 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Ultimate’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q dated November 15, 1999) 
Warrant issued to Aberdeen Strategic Capital LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 
Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 15, 1999) 
 Software License Agreement between Ultimate and Ceridian 
Corporation dated as of March 9, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Ultimate’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 27, 2001) 
Letter amendment between Ultimate and Ceridian Corporation dated as of August 9, 2001 
 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
dated March 29, 2002) 
Letter amendment between Ultimate and Ceridian Corporation dated as of February 5, 2002 

87 

 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.16 

10.17 

10.18 

10.19 

10.20 

10.21 

10.22 

10.23 

10.24 

10.25 

10.26 

10.27 

10.28 

10.29 

10.30 

10.31 

10.32 

10.33 

10.34 

10.35 

 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
dated March 29, 2002) 
 Loan and Security Agreement by and between Ultimate and Silicon Valley Bank 
dated as of November 29, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Ultimate’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 29, 2002) 
Revolving Promissory Note by and between Ultimate and Silicon Valley Bank dated as of November 
29, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Ultimate’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 29, 2002) 
 Equipment Term Note by and between Ultimate and Silicon Valley Bank dated as of 
November 29, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Ultimate’s Annual Report 
on Form 10-K dated March 29, 2002) 
Services Agreement between Ultimate and Ceridian Corporation dated as of February 10, 2003 
 (incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit in  Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K 
dated March 31, 2003) 
Third Loan Modification Agreement by and between Ultimate 
and  Silicon  Valley  Bank  dated  March  27,  2003  (incorporated  by  reference  to  the  corresponding 
exhibit in Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 31, 2003) 
Fourth Loan Modification Agreement by and between Ultimate 
and Silicon Valley Bank dated as of  April 29, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to 
Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated May 14, 2003) 
Change in Control Bonus Plan for Executive Officers, effective 
March  5,  2004  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to  Ultimate’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form 
10-Q dated May 13, 2004) 
Fifth Loan Modification Agreement by and between Ultimate 
and  Silicon  Valley  Bank  dated  as  of  May  28,  2004  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to 
Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 12, 2004) 
Silicon Valley Bank Second Amended and Restated Revolving Promissory Note by and between 
Ultimate and Silicon Valley Bank dated May 28, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to 
Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated August 12, 2004) 
Amended  Nonqualified  stock  option  agreement  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  to 
Ultimate’s Form 8-K dated January 3, 2006) 
Amended  Director  Fee  Option  Award  Agreement  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to 
Ultimate’s Form 8-K dated January 3, 2006) 
Amended Director Fee Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (as incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.27 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 15, 2006) 
 Entry into a Material  Definitive Agreement with executives (incorporated by reference to Ultimate’s 
Form 8-K, Item 1.01 dated February 10, 2006) 
 Seventh Loan Modification Agreement between Ultimate and  Silicon Valley Bank 
 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Ultimate’s Form 8-K dated June 17, 2005) 
 Term Note between Ultimate and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 
  to Ultimate’s Form 8-K dated June 17, 2005) 
 Notice of Termination of License Agreement and Acknowledgement of Receipt by 
 Ceridian  Corporation  dated,  March  9,  2006  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.31  to  the       
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15, 2006) 
 Commercial Office  Lease by and between  ROHO  Ultimate, LTD. II, a Florida  limited  partnership     
(―Landlord‖) and  Ultimate   dated May 23, 2001 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.32 to the  
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15, 2006) 
  Agreement of Purchase and Sale by and between Parry F. Goodman and Ivy Goodman and Robert 
J. Manne and/or assigns dated September 22, 2004  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the  
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15, 2006) 
 Assignment  of  Agreement  of  Purchase  and  Sale  by  and  between  Robert  J.  Manne  a/k/a  Robert 
Manne  and  Ultimate  dated  October  26,  2004  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.34  to 
Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15, 2006) 
 Weston  Town  Center  South  Office  Building  Lease  between  South  Office  Building-DLB,  LLC,  a 
Florida  Limited  Liability  Company,  South  Office  Building  Bagtrust,  LLC,  a  Florida  Limited 
Liability Company, and South Office Building-BJB, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company, and 
Ultimate  and  Weston  Common  Area  LTD.,  dated  August  18,  2005  (incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 10.35 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15, 2006) 

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.36 

10.37 

10.38 

10.39 

10.40 

10.41 

10.42 

10.43 

10.44 

10.45 

10.46 

10.47 

10.48 

10.49 

10.50 

10.51 

10.52 

10.53 

10.54 

Galleria  Atlanta  office  lease  agreement  between  Galleria  600,  LLC,  a  Delaware  limited  liability 
company,  and  Ultimate,  dated  April  27,  2006    (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.36  to 
Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated August 8, 2006 
 Lease  of  Office  Space  by  and  between  OMERS  Realty  Corporation  CPP  Investment  Board  Real 
Estate Holdings Inc., and The Ultimate Group of Canada, Inc., dated August 22, 2006 (incorporated 
by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.37  to  Ultimate’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q,  dated  November  8, 
2006) 
 Indemnity  Agreement  between  OMERS  Realty  Corporation,  CPP  Investment  Board  Real  Estate 
Holdings, Inc., and  Ultimate  dated August 22, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to 
Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated  November 8, 2006) 
 Amendment to Lease by and between ROHO Ultimate, Ltd. I (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate Group. Inc. 
(―Tenant‖) for Demised premises at 2000 Ultimate Way, Weston, FL 33326 (the ―Premises‖) dated 
February 15, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K, dated March 16, 2007) 
 Lease  Relating  to  Unit  2  Sceptre  House,  Hornbeam  Park,  Harrogate  between  St.  James  Property 
Management  Limited  (―The  Landlord‖)  And  RTIX  Limited  (―The  Tenant‖)  dated  May  25,  2005 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 
16, 2007) 
 Counterpart/Underlease  relating  to  Unit  2  Second  Floor  Sceptre  House  Hornbeam  Square  North 
Hornbeam Business Park, Harrogate between RTIX Limited (―The Landlord‖) and First 4 IT Limited 
to  (―The  Tenant‖)  dated  May  25,  2005  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.41  to  Ultimate’s 
Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 16, 2007) 
 First Amendment to Lease between Galleria 600, LLC (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate, dated August 18, 
2006  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.42  to  Ultimate’s  Annual  Report  on  Form            10-K, 
dated March 16, 2007) 
 Amended  and  Restated  Change  in  Control  Bonus  Plan  for  Executive  Officers,  effective  July  24, 
2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated 
August 8, 2007) 
Amended and Restated 2005 Equity and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to 
Ultimate’s Form 8-K, dated May 18, 2009) 
 Commercial lease between Weston Office, LLC (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate, dated January 18, 2008 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 
13, 2008) 
Amended  and  Restated  Rights  Agreement,  dated  as  of  August  26,  2008,  between  Ultimate  and 
Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent.  The Rights Agreement includes the Form of 
Certificate  Designations  of  Series  A  Junior  Preferred  Stock  as  Exhibit  A,  the  Form  of  Rights 
Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Rights as Exhibit C (incorporated by reference herein to 
Exhibit 4.1 to Ultimate’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 2, 2008). 
Commercial  lease  between  AGF  Woodfield  Owner,  L.L.C.,  (―Landlord‖)  and  Ultimate,  dated 
October 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.47 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K, dated March 2, 2009)    
Commercial lease between 300 Galleria Parkway Associates, L.P., (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate, dated 
September  8,  2009  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.33  to  Ultimate’s  Quarterly  Report  on 
Form 10-Q, dated November 9, 2009) 
Commercial lease between RT Twenty-Sixth Pension Properties Limited (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate, 
dated September 4, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to  Ultimate’s Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q, dated November 9, 2009) 
Master  Space  Agreement  between  Quality  Technology  Services  Miami  LLC  and  Ultimate,  dated 
June 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q, dated August 9, 2010) 
Master Space Agreement between Quality Technology Services Metro LLC and Ultimate, dated June 
1,  2009  (incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.2  to  Ultimate’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q, 
dated August 9, 2010) 
Service  Order  Form  between  Verizon  Canada  Ltd.  And  Ultimate,  dated  September  23,  2009 
(incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  Ultimate’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q,  dated 
August 9, 2010) 
Amended and Restated Change in Control Bonus Plan for Executive Officers dated April 26, 2010 
(incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.4  to  Ultimate’s  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q,  dated 
August 9, 2010) 
Commercial  lease  between  2000  Main  Street  Associates,  LLC  (―Landlord‖)  and  Ultimate,  dated 

89 

 
10.55 

10.56 

10.57 

21.1 
23.1 
31.1 

31.2 

32.1 

32.2 

101.1 

November 3, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.54 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 
10-K, dated March 1, 2011) 
Commercial  lease  between  Micari  Holdings,  LLC  (―Landlord‖)  and  Ultimate,  dated  November  5, 
2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.55 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated 
March 1, 2011) 
Commercial lease between Galleria 400, LLC (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate, dated December 29, 2010 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.56 to Ultimate’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 
1, 2011) 
Commercial lease between AG/LPC Griffin Towers, L.P., (―Landlord‖) and Ultimate, dated  
February 23, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Ultimate’s Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q, dated May 10, 2011) 
Subsidiary of the Registrant * 
 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm * 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
as amended* 
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 
as amended * 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended * 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted 
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended * 
Interactive Data Files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of 
December 31, 2011 and 2010, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended 
December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and 
Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, (iv) 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and 
(v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 

* Filed herewith.  
**  Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit in Ultimate’s Registration Statement. 

90 

 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 

amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto 
duly authorized. 

       THE ULTIMATE SOFTWARE GROUP, INC. 

By:/s/ Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Mitchell K. Dauerman 

            Executive Vice President, Chief Financial 

       Officer and Treasurer 

Date:  February 29, 2012 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed 

below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

Date 

/s/ Scott Scherr 
Scott  Scherr 

/s/ Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Mitchell K. Dauerman 

/s/ Marc D. Scherr 
Marc D. Scherr 

/s/ James A. FitzPatrick, Jr. 
James A. FitzPatrick, Jr. 

/s/ LeRoy A. Vander Putten 
LeRoy A. Vander Putten 

/s/ Rick Wilber 
Rick Wilber 

/s/ Robert A. Yanover 
Robert A. Yanover 

/s/ Alois T. Leiter 
Alois T. Leiter 

President, Chief Executive 
  Officer and Chairman of the 
  Board 

Executive Vice President, 
  Chief Financial Officer and 
  Treasurer (Principal Financial 
  and Accounting Officer) 

February 29, 2012 

February 29, 2012 

Vice Chairman of the Board  
   and Chief Operating Officer 

February 29, 2012 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

February 29, 2012 

February 29, 2012 

February 29, 2012 

February 29, 2012 

February 29, 2012 

91 

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

Exhibit 23.1 

The Board of Directors and Stockholders 
The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.: 

We consent to the incorporation by reference (i) in the registration statements (No. 333-107527 and 
No. 333-115894) on Forms S-3 of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. (the Company) and (ii) the 
registration statements (No. 333-55985, No. 333-91332, No. 333-125076, No. 333-142972, and 
No. 333-161201) on Forms S-8 of the Company of our reports dated February 29, 2012, with respect to the 
consolidated balance sheets of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 
2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and 
comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2011, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2011, which reports appear in the December 31, 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

February 29, 2012 
Miami, Florida 
Certified Public Accountants 

92 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.1 

I, Scott Scherr, certify that:  

CERTIFICATIONS 

1.  I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.; 

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

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, 

fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant 
as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; 

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

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

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

c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 

our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and  

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and 

5.  The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

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

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ Scott Scherr 
Scott Scherr 
Chief Executive Officer 

Date: February 29, 2012 

93 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 31.2 

I, Mitchell K. Dauerman, certify that:  

CERTIFICATIONS 

1.  I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc.; 

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

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, 

fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant 
as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report; 

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

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

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

c)  Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report 

our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period 
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and  

d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred 

during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual 
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control 
over financial reporting; and 

5.  The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal 

control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of 
directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): 

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

b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role 

in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. 

/s/ Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Chief Financial Officer 
 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

Date: February 29, 2012 

94 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32.1 

I, Scott Scherr, Chief Executive Officer of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc., hereby certify to the 

best of my knowledge and belief that this Annual Report on Form 10-K fully complies with the 
requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 
78o(d)) and that the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly represents, in all 
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. 

/s/ Scott Scherr 
Scott Scherr 
Chief Executive Officer 

Date:  February 29, 2012 

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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 

Exhibit 32.2 

I, Mitchell K. Dauerman, Chief Financial Officer of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc., hereby 

certify to the best of my knowledge and belief that this Annual Report on Form 10-K fully complies with 
the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) 
or 78o(d)) and that the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K fairly represents, in all 
material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. 

/s/ Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Mitchell K. Dauerman 
Chief Financial Officer 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 

Date:  February 29, 2012 

96