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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-14443
GARTNER, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 04-3099750
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
56 Top Gallant Road 06904-2212
P.O. Box 10212 (Zip Code)
Stamford, CT
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 316-1111
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports 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 X NO __.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's capital stock as of
July 31, 2001 was 53,378,250 shares of Class A Common Stock and 32,555,788
shares of Class B Common Stock.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Page
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2001 and
September 30, 2000 3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
Three and Nine Months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
Nine Months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 12
ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK 22
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6: EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 23
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands)
June 30, September 30,
2001 2000
--------- ---------
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 39,291 $ 61,698
Marketable equity securities 8 35,404
Fees receivable, net 279,862 323,849
Deferred commissions 32,061 46,756
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 35,171 34,738
Net assets of discontinued operation 22,888 76,329
--------- ---------
Total current assets 409,281 578,774
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 103,401 88,402
Intangible assets, net 230,111 237,105
Other assets 51,046 68,080
--------- ---------
Total assets $ 793,839 $ 972,361
========= =========
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 124,768 $ 191,465
Deferred revenues 332,047 384,966
Short-term debt 5,000 --
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 461,815 576,431
--------- ---------
Long-term debt 321,381 307,254
Other liabilities 15,877 13,856
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Preferred stock -- --
Common stock 59 59
Additional paid-in capital 340,381 333,828
Unearned compensation (5,032) (6,451)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (14,787) (1)
Accumulated earnings 124,149 182,286
Treasury stock, at cost (450,004) (434,901)
--------- ---------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit) (5,234) 74,820
--------- ---------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) $ 793,839 $ 972,361
========= =========
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
Three months ended June 30, Nine months ended June 30,
2001 2000 2001 2000
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Revenues:
Research $ 133,203 $ 125,531 $ 405,130 $ 381,134
Consulting 71,644 53,087 190,136 140,700
Events 39,126 34,940 118,961 95,188
Other 3,593 7,267 13,710 20,018
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total revenues 247,566 220,825 727,937 637,040
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development 112,701 102,965 344,669 292,426
Selling, general and administrative 93,180 87,182 278,788 248,589
Depreciation 11,008 7,259 29,122 19,843
Amortization of intangibles 3,052 3,333 9,531 9,642
Other charges 31,084 -- 31,084 --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Total costs and expenses 251,025 200,739 693,194 570,500
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (3,459) 20,086 34,743 66,540
Net gain (loss) on sale of investments (5,451) 5,111 (640) 18,179
Net gain (loss) from minority-owned investments (6,618) 1,151 (11,691) (227)
Interest income 258 1,313 1,187 2,521
Interest expense (5,520) (7,397) (16,892) (19,312)
Other income (expense), net 16 (482) (1,584) (1,927)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes (20,774) 19,782 5,123 65,774
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (10,555) 7,912 (973) 26,236
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from continuing operations (10,219) 11,870 6,096 39,538
Discontinued operation (TechRepublic - See Note 2):
Loss from discontinued operation, net of taxes -- (9,488) (26,059) (17,905)
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operation, net
of taxes 1,765 -- (38,174) --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from discontinued operation 1,765 (9,488) (64,233) (17,905)
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (8,454) $ 2,382 $ (58,137) $ 21,633
========= ========= ========= =========
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (0.12) $ 0.14 $ 0.07 $ 0.45
Loss from discontinued operation -- (0.11) (0.30) (0.21)
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operation 0.02 -- (0.44) --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (0.10) $ 0.03 $ ( 0.67) $ 0.25
========= ========= ========= =========
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (0.12) $ 0.13 $ 0.07 $ 0.44
Loss from discontinued operation -- (0.11) (0.30) (0.20)
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operation 0.02 -- (0.44) --
--------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (0.10) $ 0.03 $ (0.67) $ 0.24
========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic 86,341 86,291 86,313 87,289
Diluted 86,341 88,757 86,933 89,984
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine months ended
June 30,
2001 2000
--------- ---------
Operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (58,137) $ 21,633
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Loss from discontinued operation 64,233 17,905
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles 38,653 29,485
Deferred compensation 1,147 718
Tax benefit associated with employee exercise of stock options 904 3,269
Provision for doubtful accounts 2,992 2,963
Deferred revenues (50,297) (15,849)
Deferred tax benefit 408 1,761
Net (gain) loss on sale of investments 640 (18,179)
Net (gain) loss from minority-owned investments 11,691 (227)
Accretion of interest and amortization of debt issue costs 14,127 4,753
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions:
Decrease in fees receivable 39,027 1,141
Decrease in deferred commissions 14,362 6,723
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets 8,627 (4,327)
(Increase) decrease in other assets 3,924 (889)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (39,413) 20,756
--------- ---------
Cash provided by operating activities 52,888 71,636
--------- ---------
Investing activities:
Payment for businesses acquired (excluding cash acquired) (8,842) (110,074)
Proceeds from sale of investments 13,476 40,242
Payments for investments -- (20,352)
Additions of property, equipment and leasehold improvements (44,133) (33,988)
--------- ---------
Cash used for investing activities (39,499) (124,172)
--------- ---------
Financing activities:
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 3,235 6,242
Proceeds from Employee Stock Purchase Plan offering 3,013 2,528
Proceeds from issuance of debt 20,000 420,000
Payments on debt (15,000) (335,000)
Payments for debt issuance costs (5,000) (3,327)
Net cash settlement on forward purchase agreement -- (8,200)
Purchase of treasury stock (5,480) (49,878)
--------- ---------
Cash provided by financing activities 768 32,365
--------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 14,157 (20,171)
Cash used by discontinued operation (34,203) (13,190)
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (2,361) (2,229)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 61,698 88,894
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 39,291 $ 53,304
========= =========
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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GARTNER, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 - Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of
Gartner, Inc. (the "Company"), on Form 10-K and Form 10K/A for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2000. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair
presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the
dates and for the periods presented have been included. The results of
continuing operations for the three- and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2001
may not be indicative of the results of continuing operations for the remainder
of fiscal 2001. In addition, certain reclassifications have been made to the
prior year financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.
Note 2 - Discontinued Operation
On April 9, 2001, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its
subsidiary, TechRepublic, Inc. ("TechRepublic"), to CNET Networks, Inc.
("CNET"). On July 2, 2001, the Company completed the sale for approximately
$23.0 million in cash and common stock of CNET, before reduction for certain
termination benefits. The proceeds were $14.3 million in cash and 755,058 shares
of CNET common stock which had a fair market value of $12.21 per share on July
2, 2001. The Company also formed a content alliance with CNET, which is intended
to enable the Company to deliver its research products through the TechRepublic
and CNET web sites without continued investment of capital. The consolidated
financial statements of the Company have been restated to reflect the
disposition of the TechRepublic segment as a discontinued operation in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 30. Accordingly, revenues, costs and expenses,
assets, liabilities, and cash flows of TechRepublic have been excluded from the
respective captions in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations,
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows, and have been reported through the date of disposition as "Income
(loss) from discontinued operation," "Net assets of discontinued operation," and
"Net cash used by discontinued operation," for all periods presented.
During the three months ended June 30, 2001, the Company re-evaluated its
expected loss from the sale and reduced the charge made to earnings as of March
31, 2001 by $1.8 million. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, the Company
recorded a pre-tax loss of $67.1 million ($38.2 million after tax) to recognize
the expected loss on the sale. This pre-tax loss includes a write-down of $41.7
million of assets, primarily goodwill, to net realizable value, operating losses
through the date of sale of $6.5 million, severance and related benefits of
$10.3 million, and other sale-related costs and expenses of $8.6 million.
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Summarized financial information for the discontinued operation is as follows
(in thousands):
Statements of Operations Data
Three months ended June 30, Nine months ended June 30,
--------------------------- --------------------------
2001 2000 2001 2000
-------- -------- -------- --------
Revenues $ 3,665 $ 1,686 $ 12,367 $ 1,761
-------- -------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes $ -- $(14,366) $(32,574) $(16,605)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes -- (4,878) (6,515) 1,300
-------- -------- -------- --------
Loss from discontinued operations, net $ -- $ (9,488) $(26,059) $(17,905)
======== ======== ======== ========
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes $ 1,765 $ -- $(67,095) $ --
Provision (benefit) for income taxes -- -- (28,921) --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued
operations, net $ 1,765 $ -- $(38,174) $ --
======== ======== ======== ========
Balance Sheet Data
June 30, 2001 September 30, 2000
------------- ------------------
Current assets $ 4,342 $ 3,693
Total assets $30,010 $84,842
Current liabilities $ 7,117 $ 6,335
Long-term liabilities $ 5 $ 2,178
Net assets of discontinued operation $22,888 $76,329
Note 3 - Investments
A summary of the Company's investments in marketable equity securities and
cost-based investments at June 30, 2001, is as follows (in thousands):
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized
Cost Gains Losses Fair Value
---- ----- ------ ----------
Marketable equity securities
available for sale $ 2 $ 7 $ (1) $ 8
Other investments 10,657 -- -- 10,657
------- ------- ------- -------
Total $10,659 $ 7 $ (1) $10,665
======= ======= ======= =======
During the quarter ended June 30, 2001, the Company sold its remaining 1,176,795
shares of Jupiter Media Metrix, Inc. ("Jupiter") for net cash proceeds of $1.6
million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $6.4 million. In addition, the Company
sold equity securities received from SI Ventures Associates, LLC ("SI I"), a
wholly-owned affiliate, for net cash proceeds of $1.1 million, resulting in a
pre-tax gain of $1.0 million. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, the
Company sold its remaining 1,922,795 shares of Jupiter for net cash proceeds of
$7.5 million and a pre-tax loss of $5.6 million. In addition, for the nine
months ended June 30, 2001, the Company sold equity securities received from SI
I for net cash proceeds of $4.7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.9
million. During the quarter ended June 30, 2000, the Company sold 921,450 shares
of Jupiter for net cash proceeds of $24.3 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of
$18.4 million. For the nine months ended June 30, 2000, the Company sold
1,395,950 shares of Jupiter for net cash proceeds of $40.2 million, resulting in
a pre-tax gain of $31.5 million. On June 30, 2000, the Company sold its 8%
investment in NETg, Inc., a subsidiary of Harcourt, Inc., for $36.0 million in
cash to an affiliate of Harcourt, Inc. resulting in a pre-tax loss of $6.6
million and the Company settled a dispute
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under a joint venture agreement that was associated with the sale of
GartnerLearning at a cost of approximately $6.7 million. The proceeds from the
sale of NETg were received on July 7, 2000.
During the three and nine months ended June 30, 2001, the Company recognized
impairment losses of $0.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively, related to
equity securities owned by the Company through SI I.
Also included in "Other assets" in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
June 30, 2001 is the Company's equity method investment in SI Venture Fund II,
LP ("SI II")' which amounted to $18.8 million. During the three and nine months
ended June 30, 2001, the Company recorded impairment losses of $2.6 million and
$4.0 million, respectively, related to equity securities. In addition, for the
three and nine months ended June 30, 2001, the Company recorded $0.2 million
held by SI II of net unrealized holding gains and $4.4 million of net unrealized
holding losses in available-for-sale equity securities owned by SI II. Finally,
during the three months ended June 30, 2001, the Company recorded impairment
losses of $3.7 million on other investments accounted for using the cost method.
Note 4 - Computations of Earnings (Loss) per Share of Common Stock
The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the basic and diluted
earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations (in thousands, except per
share data):
Three months ended Nine months ended
June 30, June 30,
2001 2000 2001 2000
-------- -------- -------- --------
Numerator:
Income (loss) from continuing operations $(10,219) $ 11,870 $ 6,096 $ 39,538
-------- -------- -------- --------
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of
common shares outstanding 86,341 86,291 86,313 87,289
Effect of dilutive securities:
Weighted average number of common shares under warrant outstanding -- 102 -- 86
Weighted average number of option shares outstanding -- 2,364 620 2,609
-------- -------- -------- --------
Dilutive potential common shares -- 2,466 620 2,695
-------- -------- -------- --------
Denominator for diluted earnings per share - adjusted weighted
average number of common shares outstanding 86,341 88,757 86,933 89,984
======== ======== ======== ========
Basic earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations $ (0.12) $ 0.14 $ 0.07 $ 0.45
======== ======== ======== ========
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share from continuing operations $ (0.12) $ 0.13 $ 0.07 $ 0.44
======== ======== ======== ========
For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, unvested restricted
stock awards were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per
share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months
ended June 30, 2001, options to purchase 28.4 million shares of Class A Common
Stock of the Company were not included in the computation of diluted loss per
share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months
ended June 30, 2001, options to purchase 28.5 million shares of Class A Common
Stock of the Company with exercise prices greater than the average market price
of $8.48 per share were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per
share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Additionally, for the
three and nine months ended June 30, 2001, a convertible note outstanding issued
to Silver Lake Partners, LP ("SLP"), representing approximately 38.7 million and
26.1 million shares of Class A Common Stock, if converted, and the related
interest expense of $4.7 million and $14.0 million, respectively, was not
included in the
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computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share, because the effect would have
been anti-dilutive. (See Note 7 for a description of the April 17, 2001 reset of
the conversion price for the SLP convertible note).
Note 5 - Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes all changes in equity, except those
resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The components
of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2001
and 2000 are as follows (in thousands):
Three months Nine months ended
ended June 30, June 30,
-------------- --------
2001 2000 2001 2000
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) $ (8,454) $ 2,382 $(58,137) $ 21,633
Foreign currency translation gain (loss) (1,276) (3,642) (1,056) (7,689)
Change in unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities 4,823 28,009 (13,730) 31,501
-------- -------- -------- --------
Comprehensive income (loss) $ (4,907) $ 26,749 $(72,923) $ 45,445
======== ======== ======== ========
The balance of net unrealized holding gains at June 30, 2001 was $1.8 million.
Note 6 - Segment Information
The Company previously managed its business in four reportable segments
organized on the basis of differences in its products and services: research,
consulting, events and TechRepublic. With the discontinuance of the TechRepublic
operation (See Note 2), three reportable segments remain: research, consulting,
and events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products.
Consulting consists primarily of consulting and measurement engagements. Events
consists of symposia, expositions, and conferences.
The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources
based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented below, is
the profit or loss from operations before interest income and expense, certain
selling, general and administrative costs, amortization, income taxes, other
expenses, and foreign exchange gains and losses. The accounting policies used by
the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company.
The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital
expenditures, by operating segment. Accordingly, assets are not reported by
segment because the information is not available and is not reviewed in the
evaluation of performance or making resource allocation.
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The following tables present information about reportable segments (in
thousands). The "Other" column includes certain revenues, corporate and other
expenses (primarily selling, general and administrative) unallocated to
reportable segments, and expenses allocated to operations that do not meet the
segment reporting quantitative threshold. There are no inter-segment revenues:
Three months ended June 30, 2001 Research Consulting Events Other Consolidated
- -------------------------------- -------- ---------- ------ ----- ------------
Revenues $133,203 $71,644 $39,126 $3,593 $247,566
Gross contribution 89,901 28,716 18,274 (38) 136,853
Corporate and other expenses (140,312) (140,312)
Net loss on sale of investments (5,451)
Net loss from minority-owned investments (6,618)
Interest income 258
Interest expense (5,520)
Other income, net 16
Loss before provision for income taxes (20,774)
Three months ended June 30, 2000 Research Consulting Events Other Consolidated
- -------------------------------- -------- ---------- ------ ----- ------------
Revenues $125,531 $53,087 $34,940 $7,267 $220,825
Gross contribution 82,488 17,431 15,048 2,988 117,955
Corporate and other expenses (97,869) (97,869)
Net gain on sale of investments 5,111
Net gain from minority-owned investments 1,151
Interest income 1,313
Interest expense (7,397)
Other expense, net (482)
Income before provision for income taxes 19,782
Nine months ended June 30, 2001 Research Consulting Events Other Consolidated
- -------------------------------- -------- ---------- ------ ----- ------------
Revenues $405,130 $190,136 $118,961 $13,710 $ 727,937
Gross contribution 265,150 56,158 57,968 1,195 380,471
Corporate and other expenses (345,728) (345,728)
Net loss on sale of investments (640)
Net loss from minority-owned investments (11,691)
Interest income 1,187
Interest expense (16,892)
Other expense, net (1,584)
Income before provision for income taxes 5,123
Nine months ended June 30, 2000 Research Consulting Events Other Consolidated
- -------------------------------- -------- ---------- ------ ----- ------------
Revenues $381,134 $140,700 $95,188 $20,018 $637,040
Gross contribution 256,328 47,682 45,536 8,751 358,297
Corporate and other expenses (291,757) (291,757)
Net gain on sale of investments 18,179
Net loss from minority-owned investments (227)
Interest income 2,521
Interest expense (19,312)
Other expense, net (1,927)
Income before provision for income taxes 65,774
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Note 7 - Conversion Price Reset of Long-Term Debt
On April 17, 2000, the Company issued and sold an aggregate of $300.0 million of
its unsecured 6% convertible subordinated promissory notes due April 17, 2005 to
Silver Lake Partners, L.P. ("SLP") and certain of SLP's affiliates. The notes
mature five years from the date of their issuance. On April 17, 2003, the
principal amount of each note plus all accrued interest, at the election of the
holder, may be converted into fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class A
Common Stock, subject to the Company's right, under certain circumstances, to
redeem the notes for cash in an amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of
the notes plus accrued interest.
The initial conversion price for the notes was $15.87 per share. Pursuant to the
terms of the notes, the conversion price was subject to adjustment on April 17,
2001, if the average closing price of the Class A Common Stock for the 30
trading days prior to April 17, 2001 was less than approximately 91% of the
conversion price then in effect. The notes further provided that the adjusted
conversion price would equal 110% of such 30-day average. As a result of these
provisions, on April 17, 2001, the conversion price of the notes was reduced to
$7.45 per share. If the notes, plus accrued interest, are converted into shares
based upon the reset conversion price, the notes would be converted into
approximately 43.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock as of June 30, 2001.
If a holder requests to convert all or a portion of the note, the Company shall
have the right to redeem such note for cash in an amount equal to the closing
price of the Class A Common Stock on the day the holder elected to convert the
note times the number of shares the note, plus accrued interest, would be
convertible into.
Note 8 - Other Charges
During the three months ended June 30, 2001, the Company recorded other charges
of $31.1 million. Of these charges, $25.5 million are associated with the
Company's workforce reduction announced in April 2001. This workforce reduction
has resulted in the elimination of 383 positions, or approximately 8% of the
Company's workforce, and the payment of $10.8 million of termination benefits
during the quarter ended June 30, 2001. The $25.5 million charge is comprised of
employee termination severance and benefits. The remaining $5.6 million charge
primarily relates to the write-down of assets and other costs associated with
the closure of a business that performed internet customer satisfaction
measurement and analysis. The liability balance, principally workforce reduction
severance, remaining at June 30, 2001 was $17.2 million and is expected to be
paid over the next two quarters.The Company is funding these costs out of
operating cash flows.
Note 9 - Termination of Forward Purchase Agreement
In 1997, the Company entered into a series of forward purchase agreements that
extended through May 2003 to offset the dilutive effect of the Company's
stock-based employee compensation plans. These agreements were settled quarterly
on a net basis in either shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock or cash,
at the Company's option. Settlements were dependent upon the market price of the
Company's Class A Common Stock. At March 31, 2001, a forward purchase agreement
in place covered approximately $9.6 million or 1,164,154 shares of Class A
Common Stock having a forward purchase price of $8.26 per share. During the
quarter ended June 30, 2001, the Company reacquired 1,164,154 shares of Class A
Common Stock for approximately $9.7 million through an early termination of the
forward purchase agreements. The $9.7 million was paid on July 5, 2001.
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Note 10 - Subsequent Event
On July 19, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
authorized the Company to repurchase up to $75.0 million of its Class A and
Class B Common Stock. Repurchases will be made from time to time over the next
two years through open market purchases, subject to the availability of the
stock, prevailing market conditions, the market price of the stock, and the
Company's financial performance. Repurchases will be funded from cash flow from
operations and possible borrowings under the Company's existing credit facility.
Repurchases will be made proportionately between shares of the two classes of
common stock. As of June 30, 2001, there were 53.3 million shares of Class A
Common Stock and 32.6 million shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
In addition to historical information, this report contains 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.
Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of
historical fact. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by
the use of words such as "may," "will," "expects," "should," "believes,"
"plans," "anticipates," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," or
other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from
those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. These risks
and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed below under
"Quarterly Operating Income Trends," "Factors That May Affect Future
Performance," "Euro Conversion," and elsewhere in this report and in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Form 10K/A for the year ended September
30, 2000. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which reflect management's opinion only as of the
date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date
hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances.
Readers should also carefully review the risk factors described in other
documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Results of Operations
OVERALL RESULTS
TOTAL REVENUES of $247.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 increased
12% from $220.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2000. For the nine
months ended June 30, 2001, total revenues were $727.9 million, an increase of
14% from $637.0 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in
total revenues resulted from the ability of the Company to retain and further
penetrate existing clients with new products and services as well as attract new
clients.
OPERATING LOSS of $3.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 compares to
operating income of $20.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2000. For the
nine months ended June 30, 2001, operating income was $34.7 million, a decrease
of 48% from $66.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Operating
income (loss) was impacted primarily by other charges of $31.1 million, of which
$25.5 million relates to the reduction in workforce, $5.6 million relates to the
write-off of a discontinued business and other restructuring costs. Excluding
other charges, operating income would have been $27.6 million for the third
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quarter of fiscal 2001, a 37% increase compared to the third quarter of fiscal
2000, and would have been $65.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001,
a 1% decrease compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2000.
COSTS AND EXPENSES increased 25% to $251.0 million, including the other charges
of $31.1 million, in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 from $200.7 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2000. Excluding other charges, expenses grew 10% to
$219.9 million. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, costs and expenses were
$693.2 million, an increase of 22% from $570.5 million for the same period in
the prior year. The increase in costs and expenses for the current quarter
resulted from the additional support required for the growing client base. Cost
of services and product development expenses increased 9% to $112.7 million for
the third quarter of fiscal 2001 from $103.0 million for the third quarter of
fiscal 2000 and increased 18% to $344.7 million for the nine-month period ended
June 30, 2001 from $292.4 million for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2000.
The increases were due largely to investments in consulting, the re-launch of
gartner.com, the investment in the Company's software business, and the
investment in new research products. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, the
spending rate for these costs is expected to stabilize as the Company continues
to slow the rate of investment in the consulting business and other investment
initiatives. In addition, cost of services and product development are expected
to continue to be favorably impacted as a result of the Company's workforce
reduction (see other charges). Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased 7% to $93.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001 from $87.2
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2000 and increased 12% to $278.8 million
for the nine-month period ended June 30, 2001 from $248.6 million for the
nine-month period ended June 30, 2000. The increases were primarily the result
of recruiting and facilities costs related to the growth in Company personnel as
well as increases in sales costs associated with revenue growth. Selling,
general and administrative costs are also expected to stabilize as the Company
slows the rate of investment in its consulting business.
DEPRECIATION EXPENSE for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 increased 52% to $11.0
million compared to $7.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2000. The
increase was primarily due to capital spending and internal use software
development costs required to support business growth, including the launch of
the new gartner.com web site in January 2001. Amortization of intangibles of
$3.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2001 remained relatively unchanged
from the same period in fiscal 2000. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001,
depreciation expense was $29.1 million, an increase of 47% from $19.8 million
for the same period of the prior year, and amortization of intangibles was $9.5
million, approximately the same as the $9.6 million for the same period of the
prior year.
OTHER CHARGES totaled $31.1 million for the three and nine months ended June 30,
2001. Of these charges, $25.5 million are associated with the Company's
workforce reduction announced in April 2001. This workforce reduction has
resulted in the elimination of 383 positions, or approximately 8% of the
Company's workforce, and the payment of $10.8 million of termination benefits
during the quarter ended June 30, 2001. The $25.5 million charge is comprised of
employee termination severance and benefits. The remaining $5.6 million charge
primarily relates to the write-down of assets and other costs associated with
the closure of a business that performed internet customer satisfaction
measurement and analysis. The liability balance, principally workforce reduction
severance, remaining at June 30, 2001 was $17.2 million and is expected to be
paid over the next two quarters. The Company is funding these costs out of
operating cash flows.
NET GAIN (LOSS) ON SALE OF INVESTMENTS in the third quarter of fiscal 2001
primarily reflected the sale of the Company's remaining 1,176,795 shares of
Jupiter Media Metrix, Inc. ("Jupiter") for net cash proceeds of $1.6 million
resulting in a pre-tax loss of $6.4 million. In addition, the Company sold
equity securities
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received from SI Ventures Associates, LLC ("SI I") for net cash proceeds of $1.1
million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $1.0 million. For the nine months ended
June 30, 2001, the Company sold 1,922,795 shares of Jupiter for net cash
proceeds of $7.5 million and a pre-tax loss of $5.6 million. In addition, the
Company sold equity securities received from SI I for net cash proceeds of $4.7
million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.9 million. During the quarter ended
June 30, 2000, the Company sold 921,450 shares of Jupiter for net cash proceeds
of $24.3 million resulting in a pre-tax gain of $18.4 million. For the nine
months ended June 30, 2000, the Company sold 1,395,950 shares of Jupiter for net
cash proceeds of $40.2 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain of $31.5 million. On
June 30, 2000, the Company sold its 8% investment in NETg, Inc., a subsidiary of
Harcourt, Inc., for $36.0 million in cash to an affiliate of Harcourt, Inc.
resulting in a pre-tax loss of approximately $6.6 million and the Company
settled a dispute under of a joint venture agreement that was associated with
the sale of GartnerLearning at a cost of approximately $6.7 million. The
proceeds from the sale of NETg were received on July 7, 2000.
NET LOSS FROM MINORITY-OWNED INVESTMENTS of $6.6 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2001 and $11.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001,
were the result of impairment losses related to equity securities owned by the
Company through SI I and SI Venture Fund II, L.P. ("SI II") and other
investments.
INTEREST EXPENSE decreased to $5.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2001
from $7.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2000. For the nine months ended
June 30, 2001, interest expense decreased to $16.9 million from $19.3 million
for the same period in the prior year. The decreases related primarily to lower
interest rates. Interest income of $0.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal
2001 decreased from $1.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2000 and
decreased to $1.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 from $2.5
million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was due to a lower
average balance of investable funds as compared to the same period in the prior
fiscal year.
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET primarily includes foreign currency exchange gains
and losses. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses were a gain of $0.1
million for the three months ended June 30, 2001 compared to a loss of $0.5
million for the three months ended June 30, 2000. For the nine months ended June
30, 2001 and 2000 foreign currency exchange losses were $1.5 million and $1.9
million, respectively.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES was a benefit of $10.6 million in the third quarter
of fiscal 2001, compared to a provision of $7.9 million in the same quarter of
fiscal 2000. The provision for income taxes was a benefit of $1.0 million for
the nine months ended June 30, 2001, compared to a provision of $26.2 million
for the nine months ended June 30, 2000. The effective tax rate was a benefit of
51% for the three month period and a benefit of 19% for the nine month period
ended June 30, 2001, which reflects one-time benefit from foreign tax planning.
Excluding the one-time foreign tax benefit, the effective tax rate for the
three- and nine- months ended June 30, 2001 would have been 37%.
Discontinued Operation - TechRepublic
On April 9, 2001, the Company signed a definitive agreement to sell its
subsidiary, TechRepublic, to CNET Networks, Inc. ("CNET"). On July 2, 2001, the
Company completed the sale for approximately $23.0 million in cash and common
stock of CNET, before reduction for certain termination benefits. The net
proceeds were $14.3 million in cash and 755,058 shares of CNET common stock
which had a fair market value of $12.21 per share on July 2, 2001. The Company
also formed a content alliance with CNET, which is intended to enable the
Company to deliver its research products through the TechRepublic and CNET web
sites without continued investment of capital. The consolidated financial
statements of the Company have been restated to reflect the disposition of the
TechRepublic segment as a
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discontinued operation in accordance with APB Opinion No. 30. Accordingly, the
revenues, costs and expenses, assets, liabilities, and cash flows of
TechRepublic have been excluded from the respective captions in the Condensed
Consolidated Statements of Operations, Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and have been reported through
the date of disposition as "Income (loss) from discontinued operation," "Net
assets of discontinued operation," and "Net cash used by discontinued
operation," for all periods presented.
For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, TechRepublic's loss was $26.1 million.
For the three and nine months ended June 30, 2000, TechRepublic's losses were
$9.5 million and $17.9 million, after taxes, respectively.
For the three months June 30, 2001, the Company recorded income of $1.8 million
to adjust the losses previously estimated and recorded at March 31, 2001. For
the nine months ended June 30, 2001, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss of
$67.1 million ($38.2 million after tax) to recognize the expected loss on
disposal. This pre-tax loss includes a write-down of $41.7 million of assets,
primarily goodwill, to net realizable value, operating losses expected through
the date of disposition of $6.5 million, severance and related benefits of $10.3
million, and other disposal-related costs and expenses of $8.6 million.
DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE from continuing operations was a loss of 12
cents for the third quarter of fiscal 2001, compared to income of 13 cents for
the third quarter of fiscal 2000. Excluding other charges of $31.1 million, net
loss on sale of investments of $5.5 million, net loss from minority-owned
investments of $6.6 million, net of taxes of $16.0 million, and certain other
foreign tax benefits of $2.9 million, diluted earnings per share was 16 cents
for the third quarter of fiscal 2001. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001,
diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations was 7 cents, a
decrease from 44 cents for the same period in the prior year. Basic earnings per
common share from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2001
was a loss of 12 cents compared to income of 14 cents for the third quarter of
fiscal 2000. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, basic earnings per common
share from continuing operations was 7 cents, down from 45 cents for the same
period in the prior year. Including the loss from discontinued operation and
loss on disposal of discontinued operation, diluted earnings per share was a
loss of 10 cents for the three months ended June 30, 2001, compared to income of
3 cents for the three months ended June 30, 2000. For the nine months ended June
30, 2001, overall diluted earnings per share was a loss of 67 cents compared to
income of 24 cents for the nine months ended June 30, 2000.
QUARTERLY OPERATING INCOME TRENDS. Historically, the Company has realized
significant renewals and growth in contract value at the end of each quarter.
The fourth quarter of the fiscal year is typically the fastest growth quarter
for contract value, and the first quarter of the fiscal year is typically the
slowest growth quarter as it is the quarter in which the largest amount of
contract renewals are due. The quarterly trends in contract value and overall
business volume, fees receivable, deferred revenues, deferred commissions and
commissions payable reflect the activity in sales and typically show substantial
increases at quarter end, particularly at fiscal year end. All research
contracts are billable upon signing, absent special terms granted on a limited
basis from time to time. All research contracts are non-cancelable and
non-refundable, except for government contracts which have clauses permitting
termination with 30 days notice, but which have not produced material
cancellations to date. With the exception of certain government contracts which
permit termination, it is the Company's policy to record the entire amount of
the contract billable as deferred revenue and fees receivable at the time of
signing of a contract. For government contracts which permit termination, the
Company continues to bill the client the full amount billable but only records a
receivable equal to the earned portion of the contract. In addition, the Company
will only record deferred revenue on these contracts when cash is received.
Deferred revenues attributable
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to government contracts were $18.0 million and $36.8 million at June 30, 2001
and September 30, 2000, respectively. The Company also records the related
commission obligation upon the signing of the contract and amortizes the
corresponding deferred commission expense over the contract period in which the
related revenues are earned and amortized to income.
Historically, research revenues have increased in the first quarter of each
fiscal year over the immediately preceding quarter primarily due to increased
contract value at the end of the fiscal year. Events revenues have increased
similarly due to the number of conferences and exhibition events held in the
first quarter. Additionally, operating income margin (operating income as a
percentage of total revenues) typically improves in the first quarter of the
fiscal year versus the immediately preceding quarter due to the increase in
research revenue upon which the Company is able to further leverage its selling,
general and administrative expenses, plus operating income generated from the
first quarter Symposia and ITxpo exhibition events. Historically, operating
income margin improvement has not been as high in the remaining quarters of the
fiscal year because the Company has increased operating expenses for required
growth and because the operating income margins from the Symposia and ITxpo
events in the first fiscal quarter are higher than on conferences held later in
the fiscal year. The quarter ended June 30, 2001 was, and the remainder of
fiscal 2001 is expected to be, impacted by the workforce reductions. As a
result, historical and prior year operating income margin trends may not be
indicative of the quarterly operating results for the remainder of the year.
SEGMENT RESULTS
The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources
based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution is the profit or loss
from operations before interest income and expense, certain selling, general and
administrative expenses, amortization, income taxes, other expenses, and foreign
exchange gains and losses.
Research
Research revenues increased 6% to $133.2 million for the three months ended June
30, 2001, compared to $125.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000.
Revenues increased 6% to $405.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001,
compared to $381.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000. The
increases were due primarily to higher client retention in North America, the
continued successful migration of clients from legacy to user-based pricing and
the increased penetration of new buying centers within existing clients. The new
pricing structure provides broader access to research compared to the
traditional individual research subscriptions. The gartner.com web site
facilitates continued penetration within the existing client base as well as the
ability to add new clients. Research gross contribution of $89.9 million for the
three months ended June 30, 2001, increased 9% from $82.5 million for the three
months ended June 30, 2000. For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, gross
contribution was $265.2 million, an increase of 3% from $256.3 million for the
same period in the prior year. Gross contribution margin for the quarter ended
June 30, 2001, increased slightly to 67% from 66% in the prior year, and
decreased to 65% for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 from 67% in the prior
year. Research contract value, which consists of the annualized value of all
subscription-based research products with ratable revenue recognition, was
$550.3 million at June 30, 2001, a decrease of 1% from $556.0 million at June
30, 2000. Excluding the effects of changes in foreign exchange rates since June
30, 2000, research contract value increased 2% from June 30, 2000.
Consulting
Consulting revenues increased 35% to $71.6 million for the three months ended
June 30, 2001, compared to $53.1 million for the three months ended June 30,
2000, and increased 35% to $190.1 million for the
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nine months ended June 30, 2001, compared to $140.7 million for the nine months
ended June 30, 2000. The increases were due primarily to the increased number of
projects, increased project size, increased project length and continued
increases in billing rates. Consulting gross contribution for the third quarter
of fiscal 2001 of $28.7 million, increased 65% from $17.4 million for the third
quarter of fiscal 2000. Gross contribution for the nine months ended June 30,
2001 of $56.2 million increased 18% from $47.7 million for the same period in
the prior year. Gross contribution margin for the third quarter of fiscal 2001
increased to 40% from 33% for the same period in the prior year and decreased to
30% for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 from 34% for the comparable period
in the prior year. Consulting gross contribution and margin increased over the
three months of the prior year due primarily to the relative strength of the
business and reductions in costs, including workforce reductions. Although
consulting gross contribution increased, margin declined for the nine months
ended June 30, 2001 compared to a year ago due to increases in compensation
expense related to personnel increases, coupled by an increase in non-billable
activities, such as training, participation in annual Symposia events, and
increased selling activity. The Company intends to continue to reduce the rate
of investment in consulting for the balance of the fiscal year in an effort to
improve profitability. Consulting backlog, which represents future revenues to
be recognized from in-process consulting and measurement engagements, increased
19% to $98.0 million at June 30, 2001 compared to $82.2 million at June 30,
2000.
Events
Events revenues increased 12% to $39.1 million for the three months ended June
30, 2001, compared to $34.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000.
For the nine months ended June 30, 2001, revenue increased 25% to $119.0 million
from $95.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000. Revenue growth was
due to increased exhibitor revenue as well as increased attendance and
sponsorships at the Company's events. Gross contribution of $18.3 million for
the three months ended June 30, 2001 increased 22% from $15.0 million for the
three months ended June 30, 2000. Gross contribution for the nine months ended
June 30, 2001 of $58.0 million increased 27% from $45.5 million for the same
period in the prior year. Gross contribution margin for the third quarter of
fiscal 2001 of 47% increased from 43% for the third quarter of fiscal 2000 and
was 49% for the nine months ended June 30, 2001, up 1% from 48% for the nine
months ended June 30, 2000. The higher margin in the third quarter of fiscal
2001 was due, in part, to increased exhibitor revenue. Deferred revenue for
events increased 12% to $51.0 million at June 30, 2001 as compared to $45.4
million at June 30, 2000.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash provided by operating activities totaled $52.9 million for the nine months
ended June 30, 2001, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $71.6
million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000. The net decrease of $18.7
million was due primarily to the decrease in income from continuing operations,
and changes in balance sheet accounts, particularly accounts payable and accrued
liabilities. Cash used for investing activities was $39.5 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 2001, compared to $124.2 million for the nine months ended
June 30, 2000. The decrease was due to the effect of cash used for acquisitions
during the nine months ended June 30, 2000. Cash provided by financing
activities totaled $0.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001 compared
to $32.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000. The decrease in cash
provided by financing activities resulted primarily from $85.0 million in net
borrowings, partially offset by $49.9 million the Company paid for the
repurchase of shares of Class A Common Stock and shares of Class B Common Stock
under the terms of the recapitalization during the nine months ended June 30,
2000. The effect of exchange rates reduced reported cash and cash equivalent
balances by $2.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2001, compared to a
reduction of $2.2 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2000.
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The Company has a $200.0 million unsecured senior revolving credit facility with
The Chase Manhattan Bank. At June 30, 2001, there was $5.0 million outstanding
under the facility. The Company is subject to certain customary affirmative,
negative and financial covenants under this credit facility, and continued
compliance with these covenants could preclude the Company from borrowing the
maximum amount of the credit facility. As a result of these covenants, the
Company's borrowing availability at June 30, 2001 was $104.0 million. The
Company also issues letters of credit in the ordinary course of business. As of
June 30, 2001, the Company had letters of credit outstanding with The Chase
Manhattan Bank for $0.4 million and with the Bank of New York for $2.0 million.
As of June 30, 2001, the Company has fulfilled its obligation to purchase shares
of Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms of its July 1999 recapitalization,
having purchased 296,363 shares during the quarter ended June 30, 2001.
The Company also has outstanding convertible notes in the principal amount of
$300.0 million as of June 30, 2001. These notes are due and payable on April 17,
2005. However, beginning April 17, 2003, the principal amount of these notes,
plus accrued interest, may, at the election of the holders, be converted into
shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, subject to the Company's right,
under certain circumstances, to redeem the notes for cash in an amount equal to
the unpaid principal amount of the notes plus accrued interest.
The Company believes that its current cash balances, together with cash
anticipated to be provided by operating activities and borrowings available
under the Company's senior revolving credit facility, will be sufficient for the
expected short-term and foreseeable long-term cash needs of the Company in the
ordinary course of business. If the Company were to pursue business
opportunities that may arise involving substantial investments of additional
capital, there can be no assurances that such capital will be available to the
Company or will be available on commercially reasonable terms.
Stock Repurchase Program
On July 19, 2001, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had
authorized the Company to repurchase up to $75.0 million of its Class A and
Class B Common Stock. Repurchases will be made from time to time over the next
two years through open market purchases, subject to the availability of the
stock, prevailing market conditions, the market price of the stock, and the
Company's financial performance. Repurchases will be funded from cash flow from
operations and possible borrowings under the Company's existing credit facility.
Repurchases will be made proportionately between shares of the two classes of
common stock. As of June 30, 2001, there were 53.3 million shares of Class A
Common Stock and 32.6 million shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
Factors That May Affect Future Performance.
The Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment that
involves numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the
Company's control. In addition, the Company and its clients are affected by the
condition of the general economy. The following section discusses many, but not
necessarily all, of these risks and uncertainties.
General Economic Conditions. The Company's revenues and results of operations
are influenced by general economic conditions. In the event of a general
economic downturn or a recession in the United States, Europe, Asia or Latin
America, demand for the Company's products and services may decrease as the
Company's existing and potential clients may substantially reduce their
information technology and related budgets. Such economic downturn may
materially and adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations including the ability to achieve continued customer
renewals and achieve new contract value, backlog and deferred events revenue.
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Competitive Environment. The Company faces competition from a significant number
of independent providers of information products and services, as well as the
internal marketing and planning organizations of the Company's clients. The
Company also competes indirectly against consulting firms and other information
providers, including electronic and print media companies. These indirect
competitors could choose to compete directly with the Company. Limited barriers
to entry exist in the Company's market. As a result, additional new competitors
may emerge and existing competitors may start to provide additional or
complementary services. Increased competition may result in loss of market
share, diminished value in the Company's products and services, reduced pricing
and increased marketing expenditures. The Company may not be successful if it
cannot compete effectively on quality of research and analysis, timely delivery
of information, customer service, the ability to offer products to meet changing
market needs for information and analysis, and price.
Hiring and Retention of Employees. The Company's success depends heavily upon
the quality of its senior management, sales personnel, IT analysts, consultants
and other key personnel. The Company faces competition for these qualified
professionals from, among others, technology and Internet companies, market
research firms, consulting firms and electronic and print media companies. Some
of the personnel that the Company attempts to hire are subject to
non-competition agreements that could impede the Company's short-term
recruitment efforts. Any failure to retain key personnel or hire additional
qualified personnel, as may be required to support the evolving needs of clients
or growth in the Company's business, could adversely affect the quality of the
Company's products and services, and, therefore, its future business and
operating results.
Maintenance of Existing Products and Services. The Company operates in a rapidly
evolving market, and the Company's success depends upon its ability to deliver
high-quality and timely research and analysis to its clients and to anticipate
and understand the changing needs of its clients. Any failure to continue to
provide credible and reliable information that is useful to its clients could
have a material adverse effect on future business and operating results.
Further, if the Company's predictions prove to be wrong or are not substantiated
by appropriate research, the Company's reputation may suffer and demand for its
products and services may decline.
Introduction of New Products and Services. The market for the Company's products
and services are characterized by rapidly changing needs for information and
analysis. To maintain its competitive position, the Company must continue to
successfully enhance and improve its products and services, develop or acquire
new products and services in a timely manner, and appropriately position and
price products and services. Any failure to successfully do so could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations or
financial condition. In addition, the Company must continue to improve its
methods for delivering its products and services. For example, the Company
believes that it needs to continue to invest in and develop its ability to use
the Internet as a delivery channel for products and services. Failure to
increase and improve the Company's Internet capabilities could adversely affect
the Company's future business and operating results. Technological advances may
provide increased competition from a variety of sources.
Expanding Markets. The Company is attempting to expand its product and service
offerings to smaller companies and to different user bases within existing
Company clients. These target market segments are relatively new to the
Company's sales and marketing personnel. As a result, the Company may not be
able to compete effectively or generate significant revenues in these new market
segments.
Internet Business Risks. On July 2, 2001, the Company sold its TechRepublic
subsidiary to CNET Networks, Inc. ("CNET"). As a result of the sale, the
Company's Internet business risk has been
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substantially reduced. The Company has formed a content alliance with CNET which
is intended to enable the Company to deliver its research products through the
TechRepublic and CNET web sites without continued investment of capital.
International Operations. A substantial portion of the Company's revenues are
derived from international sales. As a result, the Company's operating results
are subject to the risks inherent in international business activities,
including general political and economic conditions in each country, changes in
market demand as a result of exchange rate fluctuations and tariffs, challenges
in staffing and managing foreign operations, changes in regulatory requirements,
compliance with foreign laws and regulations, different or overlapping tax
structures, higher levels of United States taxation on foreign income, and the
difficulty of enforcing client agreements and protecting intellectual property
rights in international jurisdictions. Additionally, the Company relies on local
distributors or sales agents in some international locations. If any of these
arrangements are terminated, the Company may not be able to replace the
arrangement on equally beneficial terms or on a timely basis or clients of the
local distributor or sales agent may not want to continue to do business with
the Company or its new agent.
Branding. The Company believes that its Gartner brand is critical to the
Company's efforts to attract and retain clients and that the importance of brand
recognition will increase as competition increases. The Company expects to
expand its marketing activities to promote and strengthen the Gartner brand and
may need to increase its marketing budget, hire additional marketing and public
relations personnel, expend additional sums to protect the brand and otherwise
increase expenditures to create and maintain brand loyalty among clients. If the
Company fails to effectively promote and maintain the Gartner brand, or incurs
excessive expenses in attempting to do so, the Company's future business and
operating results could be materially and adversely impacted.
Investment Activities. The Company maintains investments in equity securities in
private and publicly traded companies through direct ownership and through
wholly and partially owned venture capital funds. The companies invested in are
primarily early to mid-stage IT-based and Internet-enabled businesses. It is the
Company's objective to seek financial returns from these investments as an
additional source of capital to fund strategic initiatives. The risks related to
such investments, due to their nature and the volatile public markets, include
the possibilities that anticipated returns may not materialize or could be
significantly delayed. As a result, the Company's financial results could be
materially impacted.
Significant Indebtedness. In connection with its recapitalization transactions
and acquisitions, the Company incurred significant indebtedness. The associated
debt service could impair future operating results. Further, the outstanding
debt could limit the amount of cash or additional credit available to the
Company, which in turn, could restrain the Company's ability to expand or
enhance products and services, respond to competitive pressures or pursue
business opportunities that may arise in the future and involve substantial
investments of additional capital. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the
$300.0 million convertible notes the Company issued in April 2000, the
conversion price per share was reduced from $15.87 to $7.45 effective April 17,
2001. As a result, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the notes increased to approximately 42.6 million shares as of the
date of the reset, from approximately 20.0 million. As of June 30, 2001, the
notes are convertible into 43.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock. Although
the Company has the right to redeem the notes in certain circumstances,
including after a conversion election by a holder or holders, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient capital on a
commercially reasonable basis, or at all, in order to fund any such redemption.
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Organizational and Product Integration Related to Acquisitions or Investments.
The Company has made and expects to continue to make acquisitions of, or
significant investments in, businesses that offer complementary products and
services. The risks involved in each acquisition or investment include the
possibility of paying more than the value the Company derives from the
acquisition, the assumption of undisclosed liabilities and unknown and
unforeseen risks, the ability to successfully integrate the operations and
personnel of the acquired business, the ability to retain key personnel of the
acquired company, the time to train the sales force to market and sell the
products of the acquired company, the potential disruption of the Company's
ongoing business and the distraction of management from the Company's business.
The Company may also incur additional debt or issue equity securities to pay for
future acquisitions.
Enforcement of the Company's Intellectual Rights. The Company relies on a
combination of copyright, patent, trademark, trade secrets, confidentiality and
contractual procedures to protect its intellectual property rights. Despite the
Company's efforts to protect its intellectual property rights, unauthorized
third parties may obtain and use technology or other information that the
Company regards as proprietary. In addition, the Company's intellectual property
rights may not survive a legal challenge to their validity or provide
significant protection for the Company. Furthermore, the laws of certain
countries do not protect the Company's proprietary rights to the same extent as
the laws of the United States. Accordingly, the Company may not be able to
protect its intellectual property against unauthorized third-party copying or
use, which could adversely affect the Company's competitive position.
Agreements with IMS Health Incorporated. The Company agreed to certain
restrictions on business activity to reduce the risk to IMS Health and its
stockholders of substantial tax liabilities associated with the spinoff by IMS
Health of its equity interest in the Company. The Company also agreed to assume
the risk of such tax liabilities if the Company were to undertake certain
business activities that give rise to the liabilities. As a result, the Company
may be limited in its ability to undertake acquisitions involving the issuance
of a significant amount of stock unless the Company were to seek and obtain a
ruling from the IRS that the transaction will not give rise to such tax
liabilities.
Possibility of Infringement Claims. Third parties may assert infringement claims
against the Company. Regardless of the merits, responding to any claim could be
time consuming, costly and require the Company to enter into royalty and
licensing agreements on unreasonable terms. If a successful claim is made
against the Company and the Company fails to develop or license a substitute
technology, the Company's business, results of operations or financial condition
could be materially adversely affected.
Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results. The Company's quarterly operating
income may fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including the timing of
the execution of research contracts, the performance of consulting engagements,
the timing of symposia and other events, the amount of new business generated by
the Company, the mix of domestic and international business, changes in market
demand for the Company's products and services, the timing of the development,
introductions and marketing of new products and services, and competition in the
industry. As a result, the Company's operating results in any quarter are not
necessarily a good predictor of its operating results for any future period.
EURO CONVERSION.
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the fifteen member countries of the European Union
established fixed conversion rates between their sovereign currencies and a new
currency called the "euro" and adopted the euro as their common legal currency.
In 2002, participating countries will adopt the euro as their single currency
and will issue new euro-denominated bills and coins for use in cash
transactions. Beginning
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July 1, 2002, legacy currency will no longer be legal tender for any
transactions, making conversion to the euro complete.
As of June 30, 2001, the Company has not found the impact of the adoption of the
euro to have an impact on the competitive conditions in European markets and
does not believe that the translation of financial transactions into euros has
had or will have a significant effect on the Company's results of operations,
liquidity, or financial condition. Additionally, the Company does not anticipate
any material impact from the euro conversion on the Company's financial
information systems which currently accommodate multiple currencies. Costs
associated with the adoption of the euro have not been and are not expected to
be significant and are being expensed as incurred.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In July 2001, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business
Combinations" ("FAS 141") and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("FAS 142") were issued. FAS 141
requires the purchase method of accounting to be used for all business
combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. The Company is currently evaluating
the effect, if any, that adoption of FAS 141 will have on the Company's
financial position or results of operations. FAS 142 requires that goodwill not
be amortized but instead be measured for impairment at least annually, or when
events indicate that there may be an impairment. FAS 142 is effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2001. Early application is permitted for
companies with fiscal years beginning after March 15, 2001. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect, if any, that adoption of FAS 142 will have on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Company's exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates
primarily to borrowings under long-term debt which consists of an unsecured
senior revolving credit facility with The Chase Manhattan Bank and $300.0
million of 6% convertible subordinated notes issued to SLP. At June 30, 2001,
there was $5.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at the LIBOR rate
plus an additional 100 to 200 basis points depending on the Company's
debt-to-EBITDA ratio. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings at June 30,
2001 was 6.75%. The Company believes that an increase or decrease of 10% in the
effective interest rate on available borrowing from its senior revolving credit
facility will not have a material effect on future results of operations. The
Company believes that it is not practical to determine changes in fair value,
due to market risk exposure, of its convertible subordinated notes given the
numerous features that are unique to these notes. In addition, pursuant to the
terms of the convertible subordinated notes, the conversion price per share was
reduced from $15.87 to $7.45 effective April 17, 2001. As a result, the number
of shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the notes as of
June 30, 2001 was 43.2 million shares. Although the Company has the right to
redeem the notes in certain circumstances, including after a conversion election
by a holder or holders, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to obtain sufficient capital on a commercially reasonable basis, or at all, in
order to fund any such redemption.
The Company is exposed to market risk as it relates to changes in the market
value of its equity investments. The Company holds investments in equity
securities of public companies directly and through SI I and SI II. The Company
owns 100% of SI I and 34% of SI II. SI I and SI II are engaged in making venture
capital investments in early to mid-stage IT-based or Internet-enabled
companies. As of June 30, 2001, the Company had equity securities totaling $10.7
million. The gross unrealized gains and gross unrealized losses were not
significant and have been recorded net of deferred taxes as a separate
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component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the stockholders' equity
section of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These investments are
inherently risky as the businesses are typically in early development stages and
may never develop. Furthermore, certain of these investments are in
publicly-traded companies whose shares are subject to significant market price
volatility. Adverse changes in market conditions and poor operating results of
the underlying investments may result in the Company incurring losses or an
inability to recover the original carrying value of its investments. The Company
does not attempt to reduce or eliminate its market exposure on its investments
in equity securities and may incur losses related to these investments.
The Company faces two risks related to foreign currency exchange: translation
risk and transaction risk. Amounts invested in the Company's foreign operations
are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance
sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of
"Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in the Stockholders' equity
section of the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's foreign
subsidiaries generally collect revenues and pay expenses in foreign currencies
other than the United States dollar. Since the functional currency of the
Company's foreign operations is generally the local currency, foreign currency
translation adjustments are reflected as a component of stockholders' equity and
do not impact operating results. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies
translate into higher or lower revenues and expenses in U.S. dollars as the U.S.
dollar weakens or strengthens against other currencies. Therefore, changes in
exchange rates may negatively affect the Company's consolidated revenues and
expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations.
Currency transaction gains or losses arising from transactions of the Company in
currencies other than the functional currency are included in results of
operations. The Company has generally not entered into foreign currency forward
exchange contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the
effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. At March 31,
2001, the Company had an outstanding foreign currency forward contract to sell
U.S. dollars and purchase yen. The contract amount, expressed in U.S. dollars,
was $1.6 million, was for a term of one week and contained a forward exchange
rate of 123.04 yen. The contract was settled on April 5, 2001 with no
significant gain or loss. There were no foreign currency forward contracts
outstanding at June 30, 2001.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits
none
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company did not file a report on Form 8-K during the fiscal quarter
ended June 30, 2001.
Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized.
Gartner, Inc.
Date August 13, 2001 /s/ Regina M. Paolillo
-----------------------------------
Regina M. Paolillo
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
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