EXHIBIT 13
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
Year-ended December 31, 1998
Compared with Year-ended December 31, 1997
ACNielsen Corporation ("ACNielsen" or "the Company") reported net income of
$57,209, an increase of 59.4% from net income of $35,897 reported in 1997.
Diluted earnings per share in 1998 were $.96, up 54.8% from $.62 in 1997. Net
income includes an after-tax expense of $9,228 or $.15 per share for Year 2000
system modifications and a negative after-tax impact of $8,091 or $.14 per share
resulting from foreign currency translation.
Revenue increased 2.4% in 1998 to $1,425,396 from $1,391,587 in 1997,
reflecting a negative $90,192 impact from translating foreign currencies to the
U.S. dollar. In local currency, revenue advanced 8.9%. Total Americas revenue
increased 12.6% to $578,770 from $514,015, after a negative $15,972 impact from
foreign currency translation. In the United States, excluding the impact of the
acquisition of ACNielsen BASES and ACNielsen EDI, revenue grew 10.5%. Growth in
U.S. revenue was driven by continued strong sales of account-level services,
consumer panel services and new clients. Including results of the acquired
businesses, U.S. revenue grew 25.9% to $390,374 from $310,037. Revenue for the
Europe, Middle East and Africa ("EMEA") region increased 1.8%, to $589,620 from
$579,050, reflecting the negative $20,326 impact of foreign currency
translation. In local currency, the region achieved a 5.3% gain in revenue.
Asia Pacific's revenue declined 13.9%, to $257,006 from $298,522, reflecting
$53,894 in negative foreign currency translation impact and the difficult
economic climate. However, local-currency revenue increased 4.1%, despite
economic turmoil in a number of countries in the region.
ACNielsen reported operating income in 1998 of $91,631 compared with
operating income of $24,756 in 1997. Operating income in 1997 included a special
pre-tax charge of $36,000. Excluding the special charge in 1997, operating
income increased 50.8% to $91,631 from $60,756. Operating income in 1998
includes $15,911 of incremental Year 2000 costs.
The Company reported operating costs of $703,303 in 1998, a 2.6% decrease
from $722,035 in 1997. Expense growth was held down by the impact of the strong
U.S. dollar and productivity improvements, and the absence of costs from the
Company's Latin America media business, partially offset by the inclusion in
1998 of expenses of acquired companies.
Selling and administrative expenses of $528,673 increased 2.5% from
$515,938 reported in 1997, reflecting the favorable impact of currency
translation. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation and
acquisitions, selling and administrative expenses increased about 5%.
ACNielsen reported other income-net of $6,985 compared with other
income-net of $43,788 in 1997. Other income-net in 1997 included a $39,039
pre-tax gain from the sale of investments. (See Note 4 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.) Excluding this gain, other income-net increased $2,236,
reflecting lower interest rates on borrowings, and interest income earned from
notes receivable from IBOPE Media Information ("IBOPE"). The notes were partial
consideration for the business assets that were transferred to IBOPE in the
first quarter of 1998.
The following discusses results on a geographic basis and excludes the 1997
special charge, as follows: $2,200 in Canada/Latin America, $4,000 in EMEA and
$29,800 in Asia Pacific, including $22,300 for ACNielsen Japan.
Total Americas revenue increased 12.6% in 1998 to $578,770 from $514,015 in
1997, driven by continued robust growth in the United States. In local currency,
the region's revenue increased 15.7%. Operating income for the Americas region
increased 63.9% to $70,838 from $43,233 as the United States more than doubled
its operating income and Canada and Latin America delivered strong improvements.
Revenue in the United States increased 25.9% reflecting the acquisition of
ACNielsen BASES (acquired in June 1998) and ACNielsen EDI (acquired in December
1997), strong demand for account-level information; growth in consumer panels,
particularly from new syndicated services; and the addition of new clients. In
the United States, operating income more than doubled, to $39,041 from $19,510,
driven by strong revenue growth and income from acquisitions. Excluding the
results of acquisitions, operating income for the United States increased 74.6%
to $34,064. In Canada and Latin America, revenue declined 7.6%, due to the
absence of revenue from the Company's Latin America media business, which was
transferred to the IBOPE joint venture during the first quarter of 1998, and a
$15,972 negative impact from foreign currency translation. Local currency
revenue was up 0.2%, as higher retail measurement sales in Canada, Colombia,
Mexico and Brazil offset the absence of the media revenue. Despite a negative
currency translation impact of $4,339, operating income grew 34.0%, to $31,797
from $23,723, benefiting from continued operational and cost efficiencies,
income from customized research studies for the Mexican government, and the
elimination of losses from the transferred media business. This strong increase
resulted in an operating margin of 16.9%.
EMEA's revenue was up 1.8% to $589,620 from $579,050 in 1997, after
absorbing a negative $20,326 foreign currency translation impact. Excluding the
impact of the strong U.S. dollar, EMEA revenue increased 5.3%, driven by 37.5%
growth in the emerging markets of Eastern Europe, along with higher revenue in
the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, Turkey and Finland, and the addition
of revenue from ACNielsen EDI. Operating income of $29,158 was 37.6% higher than
operating income for 1997, including a negative $1,013 impact from foreign
currency translation.
Asia Pacific's revenue, including ACNielsen Japan, decreased 13.9% to
$257,006 from $298,522 in 1997, but despite economic turmoil in a number of
countries, local currency revenue grew 4.1%. Local currency revenue growth in
the region was attributable to China and the Philippines, new revenue from
India, higher sales of retail and media measurement services in the Pacific
sub-region, and customized research services in Japan. The region reported
operating income of $7,546, compared with an operating loss of $3,669 in 1997.
The substantial improvement was attributed to the performance of ACNielsen
Japan, which nearly broke even after reporting a $10,598 operating loss in 1997;
improved region-wide operating efficiency and productivity; higher margins in
customized research; and the introduction of proprietary products. Local
currency operating income increased by $19,788, before a negative impact of
$8,573 from foreign currency translation.
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Year-ended December 31, 1997
Compared with Year-ended December 31, 1996
ACNielsen reported net income of $35,897 in 1997, more than double net
income of $15,844 reported in 1996. Diluted earnings per share in 1997 were
$.62, up 121% from $.28 in 1996.
Revenue increased 2.4% in 1997 to $1,391,587 from $1,358,644 in 1996,
reflecting the negative impact of a strong U.S. dollar. Driven by growth in all
regions, revenue advanced 8.5% in local currency. Total Americas revenue
increased 8.9% to $514,015 from $472,038. Excluding the impact of currency
translation, revenue in the region grew 10.5%. In the United States, revenue
grew 8.2% to $310,037, on strong results in retail measurement services and
consumer panel services. Revenue for the EMEA region declined 3.1%, to $579,050,
as a result of the strong U.S. dollar. In local currency, the region achieved a
6.6% gain in revenue reflecting growth in substantially all countries in the
region. Asia Pacific's revenue, including ACNielsen Japan, increased 3.3%,
despite the devaluation of several Southeast Asia currencies against the U.S.
dollar, and grew 9.2% in local currency.
Results for 1997 included a special pre-tax charge of $36,000 ($28,200
after-tax) and a pre-tax gain on sale of investments of $39,039 ($28,200
after-tax). The charge primarily reflected the costs to reduce workforce levels,
primarily in Japan, as well as costs to consolidate facilities and rationalize
certain product lines in Japan and other Asia Pacific markets. It also included
costs to revalue certain assets in EMEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The
plans were designed to achieve long-term productivity improvements, rationalize
the Company's product lines and reduce costs in these regions. (See Notes 3 and
4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
ACNielsen reported operating income in 1997 of $24,756 compared with
operating income of $28,155 in 1996. Excluding the special charge, operating
income increased 115.8% to $60,756 from $28,155, reflecting the substantial
increase in U.S. operating income and improved results in Japan.
The Company reported operating costs of $722,035 in 1997, a slight increase
from $721,109 in 1996. Expense growth was held down by productivity improvements
and the impact of the strong U.S. dollar, offset by the inclusion in 1997 of
expenses of acquired companies.
Selling and administrative expenses of $515,938 were essentially flat, with
$516,206 reported in 1996, reflecting the favorable impact of currency
translation. Excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, selling and
administrative expenses increased about 5.1%.
ACNielsen reported other income-net of $43,788 compared with other
income-net of $2,339 in 1996. Other income-net included a $39,039 pre-tax gain
from the sale of investments. (See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.) Excluding this gain, other income-net increased $2,410, reflecting
lower interest rates on a lower level of borrowings.
The following discusses results on a geographic basis and excludes the 1997
special charge, as follows: $2,200 in Canada/Latin America, $4,000 in EMEA, and
$29,800 in Asia Pacific, including $22,300 for ACNielsen Japan.
Total Americas revenue increased 8.9% in 1997 to $514,015 from $472,038 in
1996, and operating income increased 149.9% to $43,233 from $17,298. In the
U.S., increased sales of account-level information and consumer panel services
drove an 8.2% increase in revenue. The higher revenue, coupled with improved
operating efficiency, produced $19,510 of operating income, compared with an
operating loss of $4,912 in 1996. In Canada/Latin America, revenue increased
10.0% to $203,978 from $185,516, reflecting increased sales of retail
measurement and consumer panel services in Canada and strong retail measurement
growth in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia. Operating income increased 6.8% to
$23,723 from $22,210, despite a negative $1,735 impact from foreign currency
translation.
EMEA's revenue was down slightly to $579,050 in 1997 from $597,669 in 1996,
after absorbing a negative $58,124 currency translation impact. Excluding the
impact of the strong U.S. dollar, EMEA revenue increased 6.6%, reflecting nearly
40% growth in Eastern Europe and the addition of new revenue from Turkey, Israel
and South Africa. Operating income was $21,192 in 1997, compared with $21,828 in
1996, reflecting the adverse impact of foreign currency translation. Excluding
the impact of currency translation, operating income in the region grew 33.9%,
driven by strong income growth in Eastern Europe, overall cost reductions, and
improved results in the United Kingdom and France.
Asia Pacific's revenue, including ACNielsen Japan, increased 3.3% to
$298,522 in 1997, from $288,937 in 1996, but grew 9.2% in local currency,
reflecting continued strong demand for ACNielsen's market research services,
particularly in Taiwan and Korea, and from growth in the region's multi-country
business. The region's operating loss declined to $3,669 from a loss of $10,971
in 1996 reflecting the region's continued focus on client service, operating
efficiency and profitability, and improved results at ACNielsen Japan.
Income Taxes - The Company's income tax provision was $41,407, $32,647 and
$14,650 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. Excluding the impact on the tax
provision of the special charge and gains on sale of investments in 1997, the
Company's effective tax rates were 42.0%, 45.2% and 48.0%, in 1998, 1997, and
1996, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate reflected the impact
of global tax planning strategies. In 1996, U.S. losses through the Distribution
Date were realized by D&B, and accordingly, the related tax benefit was
reflected by the Company through divisional equity. (See Note 8 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 1998 - The Company has adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Earlier
periods have been restated to conform with the standards set forth in SFAS No.
130. (See the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity.)
In addition, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards
for reporting certain information about each segment of the Company. SFAS No.
131 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 1997. (See Note
16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." This statement revises employers'
disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not
change measurement or recognition provisions for those plans. (See Note 6 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted - In April 1998, the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position (SOP)
98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." The SOP, which the
Company plans to adopt on January 1, 1999, requires that costs of start-up
activities be expensed as incurred. The Company currently capitalizes certain
one-time costs related to introducing new services and conducting business in
new geographic areas. Adoption of this SOP is expected to result in a one-time,
non-cash, after-tax charge of approximately $20,000 (or $.34 per diluted share),
which will be recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principle. However, adoption of the new accounting policy is not expected to
have a material impact on the Company's future results of operations.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The statement
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establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative
instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value. The statement requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged
item in the income statement, and requires that a company document, designate,
and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting.
SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999.
However, the Company expects to adopt the new statement effective January 1,
1999. Based on the Company's derivative positions at December 31, 1998, the
Company does not anticipate that the adoption of the new statement will have a
material effect on earnings or the financial position of the Company.
Non-U.S. Operating and Monetary Assets - ACNielsen operates globally.
Nearly 73% and 80% of ACNielsen's revenue was generated from non-U.S. operations
during 1998 and 1997, respectively. During 1998, EMEA and Asia Pacific
operations (including Japan) contributed 41% and 18% of reported Company
revenue, respectively, while revenue from countries in Latin America comprised
less than 10% of consolidated revenue. Primarily as a result of these non-U.S.
operations, changes in the value of local currencies relative to the U.S. dollar
may increase the volatility of U.S. dollar operating results in the future. In
1998 and 1997, foreign currency translation decreased U.S. dollar revenue growth
by approximately 6.5% and 6.1%, respectively. Operating income growth in 1998
and 1997 was reduced by approximately $14,000 and $11,000, respectively.
ACNielsen has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge
against significant known transactional exposures. (See Note 10 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Non-U.S. monetary assets are maintained in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, principally in Australia, Italy, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands.
Changes in the value of these currencies relative to the U.S. dollar are charged
or credited to shareholders' equity. In 1998, the economies of certain Eastern
European countries were considered highly inflationary, and the U.S. dollar was
designated as the functional currency; therefore, translation and transaction
adjustments related to these countries were charged or credited to other income
(expense)-net. (See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) The effect
of exchange rate changes decreased the U.S. dollar amount of cash and cash
equivalents by $5,393 in 1998 and $13,186 in 1997.
Liquidity and Capital Resources - At December 31, 1998, cash and cash
equivalents totaled $100,533, a decrease of $105,193 from December 31, 1997, and
short-term debt totaled $49,032, an increase of $23,075 from December 31, 1997.
The decrease in cash at December 31, 1998 reflects $105,448 paid for the
acquisition of businesses, $29,515 paid for treasury stock repurchases, $29,303
paid related to special charges and $17,517 paid for postemployment benefits. In
1999, the Company expects cash outlays related to the 1997 special charge of
$3,764. In addition, the Board of Directors has authorized the Company to
repurchase its common stock up to the amount permitted by the Indemnity and
Joint Defense Agreement. (See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
Net cash provided by operating activities aggregated $123,859, $93,870 and
$119,220 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in cash provided by
operating activities in 1998 reflected increased cash from operations, a
reduction in payments related to special charges ($4,097) and lower cash paid
for income taxes ($9,370).
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $223,052 for 1998 compared
with $56,071 and $69,145 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The increase in cash
usage in 1998 of $166,981 reflected an increase of $75,264 paid for business
acquisitions, the absence of proceeds from sale of investments ($45,899), an
increase in spending for computer software ($19,846), and a higher level of
capital spending and project costs (included in other investing), partially to
support geographic expansion.
Capital expenditures totaled $55,375, $48,427 and $65,503 in 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The increase in capital expenditures in 1998 reflects the
relocation of several facilities in Asia Pacific and the expansion of television
audience measurement (TAM) and consumer panel services. The lower level of
capital expenditures in 1997 reflects the Company's active asset management
program.
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities totaled ($607),
($3,892) and $51,749 in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. In 1996, transfers
from D&B of $46,210 included cash received in connection with the Distribution.
During the first quarter of 1998, the Company became a partner in a joint
venture that provides media measurement services in Latin America. The joint
venture, IBOPE, offers TAM, radio audience measurement (RAM), and advertising
expenditure measurement services (AEM) in various Latin American markets. Under
the terms of the agreement, the Company received an 11% equity interest in the
joint venture and $12,772 of interest bearing notes in exchange for the
Company's Latin America TAM, RAM and AEM business assets and the assumption of
certain transition liabilities in a non-cash transaction. The Company is
accounting for its investment in the joint venture on the cost basis.
The Company provides for its normal capital and operating expenditure needs
through internally generated funds, existing cash reserves, and bank credit
facilities. The Company maintains relationships with a worldwide network of
banks and has secured a line of credit sufficient to meet ACNielsen's short-term
cash requirements. (See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) Prior
to the Distribution, as a subsidiary of D&B, funding for the Company's U.S. and
many non-U.S. operations was provided by internally generated funds and
financing obtained through D&B. Management believes that the combination of cash
flows from operations and bank credit lines, as well as existing cash and cash
equivalents, are sufficient to support the Company's long-term cash
requirements.
Year 2000
The Year 2000 problem concerns the inability of older computer systems to
properly recognize and process date-sensitive information beyond December 31,
1999. If not corrected, businesses and other entities relying on such computer
systems are at risk for possible miscalculations or systems failures that could
cause disruptions in their business operations.
ACNielsen's business relies substantially on information technology systems
("IT Systems") and, to a lesser degree, on other systems that contain embedded
technology ("Non-IT Systems"). As a global leader in delivering market research,
information and analysis to the consumer products and services industries,
ACNielsen uses IT Systems and Non-IT Systems (collectively, "Technology
Systems") to gather data from data suppliers, analyze such data and deliver
information products to its clients. The Company also provides software to its
clients for use in connection with the delivery and analysis of ACNielsen data.
Technology Systems are also used by the Company for its own internal operations.
Accordingly, the Year 2000 issue could arise at many stages in the Company's
supply, processing, distribution and financial chains.
The Company's State of Readiness - The Company is in the process of
implementing a Year 2000 readiness program with the goals of (i) having all of
its Technology Systems functioning properly with respect to Year 2000 before
January 1, 2000, and (ii) identifying and minimizing the other business risks
created by the Year 2000 issue. The Company currently believes that it will be
able to
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modify or replace all of its material Technology Systems in a timely manner and
with no significant disruptions to its operations. It also believes that its
Year 2000 readiness program should significantly reduce the adverse effects of
the Year 2000 issue for the Company. However, given the general uncertainties
inherent in the Year 2000 problem including, among other things, uncertainties
as to the Year 2000 readiness of material third-party suppliers and clients, it
is possible that the business and results of operations of the Company could be
materially adversely affected by an inability of the Company to conduct its
business in the ordinary course for a period of time after December 31, 1999.
The Company's Year 2000 readiness program comprises eight principal phases,
these being (i) inventory, (ii) assessment, (iii) analysis and planning, (iv)
remediation, (v) testing, (vi) implementation, (vii) communication, and (viii)
contingency planning.
The inventory phase comprises the development of a complete list of all
components of the Company's Technology Systems that are used in the collection,
processing and delivery of ACNielsen products and services or that are used in
the administration of its general business activities. The inventory phase is
substantially complete.
The assessment phase comprises the evaluation of each item on the inventory
to determine if it is affected by the Year 2000 problem and, if it is, to
determine the most appropriate remediation approach. There are generally four
alternative approaches: (i) renovation; (ii) retirement; (iii) re-engineering;
or (iv) replacement. The assessment phase is also substantially complete and,
based on the results of the assessment, the Company determined that it would be
required to renovate, retire, re-engineer or replace significant portions of its
Technology Systems to make them Year 2000 compliant.
The analysis and planning phase comprises the development of detailed plans
and timetables to accomplish the required remediation actions identified during
the assessment phase and the assignment of the internal or external resources
required to achieve compliance within the planned timeframes. This phase, which
includes the prioritization of systems for remediation activities, is
substantially complete.
The remediation phase comprises the actual renovation, re-engineering,
retirement or replacement of affected systems. This phase is in progress and
proceeding based upon the original prioritization. Because of the number of
systems, countries and business segments involved and the varying importance of
different systems to the Company's business and results of operations, it is
difficult to quantify precisely the status of completion of this phase on an
overall Company basis. However, the Company believes that a majority of the work
required by this phase has been completed. Plans are for the remediation phase
to be substantially completed in the first quarter of 1999.
The testing phase, which follows remediation, comprises the establishment
of Year 2000 test environments to do systems and user testing of individual
components, as well as complete end-to-end system testing, of the Company's
Technology Systems. In addition, it includes testing of interfacing systems used
by certain external suppliers and clients. This testing phase has begun for a
number of major systems throughout the world. Detailed Year 2000 plans call for
testing of the Company's Technology Systems to be completed during the first two
quarters of 1999. Testing of systems used by external suppliers and clients is
expected to continue to the Year 2000.
The implementation phase, which follows testing, comprises the actual
implementation into the production environment of the compliant Technology
Systems. For products and services provided by the Company to clients, this
phase includes the implementation of the compliant versions of hardware,
software, and communications services into production in the client
environments. This phase is at various stages around the world but overall is in
the early stages of execution. Plans for each country and business segment have
been developed to allow for adequate time to achieve implementation prior to the
end of 1999.
The communication phase comprises the implementation, coordination and
management of a communications process to communicate with clients and other
third parties whose Year 2000 state of readiness could significantly affect the
Company. Several levels and types of communications are involved, including
communications with clients, vendors and other service providers. Communications
with clients include communications regarding (i) the implementation of Year
2000 compliant versions of ACNielsen software used by the client, (ii) the state
of readiness of systems used by the client to receive or analyze ACNielsen data,
and (iii) the state of readiness of ACNielsen Technology Systems that are used
to compile and deliver data to the client. Vendor communications include
communications with (i) data suppliers to assess the Year 2000 status of the
systems they use to compile and deliver data to the Company, (ii) data
processors to assess the Year 2000 status of their processing and delivery
systems, and (iii) providers of third-party Technology Systems to establish
plans and timetables for the delivery of Year 2000 compliant versions of those
Technology Systems. Communications with other service providers include
communications with utilities, providers of facilities and environmental
systems, banks and other material service providers to assess their Year 2000
readiness insofar as it may affect the services they provide to the Company. The
communication phase with respect to supplier readiness is well underway in all
major countries. Communications efforts will continue to determine the state of
readiness of material third parties. During the fourth quarter of 1998, the
Company engaged in increased communications with clients to assess their
readiness as well as to plan implementation of ACNielsen Year 2000 compliant
versions of software and information products and the Company expects that such
communications will continue to the Year 2000.
The final phase is the development of contingency and business continuation
plans for each organization and company location. In general, contingency
planning began during the fourth quarter of 1998 and the goal is to complete
such plans by the end of the first quarter of 1999. Although the Company
anticipates being able to develop contingency plans to deal with certain
situations, it is not yet possible to determine if contingency plans can be
developed and/or successfully implemented to deal with all material risks.
Year 2000 Issues - As mentioned above, Year 2000 issues could arise at many
stages in the Company's supply, processing, distribution, and financial chains.
With respect to data supplies, certain data used by the Company are
collected manually. However, significant amounts of data, including all retail
scanning data and the majority of television audience measurement and consumer
panel services data, are collected and transmitted electronically to ACNielsen
or to its third-party data processors. A Year 2000 risk, therefore, is that data
supplies could be disrupted due to Year 2000 problems with the Technology
Systems of data suppliers or of the Company.
Once data has been collected, it is generally transmitted electronically to
ACNielsen or third-party data processors, then analyzed and processed and
finally transmitted electronically to the client. Accordingly, other Year 2000
risks include possible disruptions in data processing and transmission
capabilities. Also, certain clients use their own Technology Systems to analyze
ACNielsen data. Revenue, therefore, could be affected in the event that clients
are unable for some period of time to make normal use of the Company's products
and services.
Additional Year 2000 risks include disruptions in the Company's own
internal operations, including financial and administrative systems, and in
critical services and utilities on which the Company relies, such as
electricity, telephone systems, and banking services.
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The most reasonably likely worst case scenarios that the Company has
identified include lost revenue and profits due to (i) non-receipt of, or
temporary delays in receiving, scanning data from data suppliers, (ii) delays in
deliveries to clients due to data supply, processing and/or transmission
problems, and (iii) non-compliance of clients' Technology Systems such that they
are unable to make normal use of the Company's products and services. The
Company does not currently anticipate that any such effects would be of a
long-term nature.
Costs - Incremental Year 2000 compliance costs, primarily for maintenance
and system modifications, are presently estimated to be between $6,000 and
$9,000 for 1999. Such costs totaled $15,911 for the year ended December 31,
1998. Costs to acquire new software and computer systems in advance of their
normal replacement schedules are estimated to total between $10,000 and $15,000
over 1998 and 1999. At December 31, 1998, $5,407 had been incurred. The Company
does not separately track internal costs that are not related to incremental
Year 2000 activities. Such costs are principally for payroll.
Euro
The introduction of a common currency across eleven European countries, the
"Euro," will have a significant impact on the European marketplace and on the
operations of a number of the Company's key clients and data suppliers. The
introduction is on a phased basis between January 1999 and January 2002, at
which date full notes and coinage in Euros will be issued and, no later than
July 1, 2002, will replace existing local currencies.
As the Company has operations in all of the affected countries, it also
will be impacted by the Euro's introduction. The Company has established a
multi-functional, cross-border taskforce for the purpose of preparing the
Company for the introduction of the Euro. As part of its Euro readiness efforts,
the Company has assessed the capabilities of its existing internal processes and
software systems to deal with the introduction of the Euro. Changes to internal
processes relating to accounting, billing, production and delivery systems, and
supporting software changes, required to meet the initial introduction were
substantially completed in the fourth quarter of 1998. Additional modifications
will be made as the phase-in period progresses.
The Company is communicating with its principal data and other suppliers,
including its banks, and with its principal clients to assess both their own
level of readiness and their requirements over the transitional period and
beyond. These communications will be ongoing as the phase-in period progresses.
Preliminary estimates of the total incremental Euro compliance costs in
respect of internal and production systems are that they will not be material.
Implementation efforts will continue in line with the phased adoption of the
Euro over the transition period, and the related costs will be expensed as
incurred. The Company has not yet developed a contingency plan.
If the Company failed to successfully address the issues raised by the
Euro's introduction, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
However, based on progress to date and the Company's Euro readiness program, the
Company currently does not anticipate any material adverse effects as a result
of the Euro's introduction.
Forward-Looking Statements - Certain statements contained in this Annual
Report are forward looking. These may be identified by the use of
forward-looking words or phrases, such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect,"
"could," "should," "planned," "estimated," "potential," "target," "aim" and
"goal," among others. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company is hereby
identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in forward-looking statements made by or on
behalf of the Company. Any such statement is qualified by reference to the
following cautionary statement.
Risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance,
development and results of the Company's business include: (i) the availability
of retail sources that are willing to sell data to the Company at prices
acceptable to the Company; (ii) changes in general economic or competitive
conditions which impact the Company's clients' demand for the Company's
services; (iii) significant price and service competition; (iv) rapid
technological developments in the collection, manipulation and delivery of
information; (v) the Company's ability to complete the implementation of its
Year 2000 and Euro plans on a timely basis; (vi) the impact of foreign exchange
rate fluctuations since so much of the Company's earnings are generated abroad;
(vii) the degree of acceptance of new product introductions; (viii) the
uncertainties of litigation, including the IRI lawsuit; as well as other risks
and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and
Exchange Commission filings.
The risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's assessment of
Year 2000 issues and new European currency issues include: (i) the complexity
involved in ascertaining all situations in which Year 2000 or new European
currency issues may arise; (ii) the ability of the Company to identify, assess,
remediate, test and successfully implement all relevant computer codes and
embedded technology within the scheduled dates for completion thereof; (iii) the
ability of the Company to obtain the services of sufficient personnel to execute
the programs; (iv) possible increases in the cost of personnel required to
execute the programs; (v) delays in scheduled deliveries of new hardware and
software from third-party suppliers; (vi) the receipt and reliability of
responses from suppliers, clients and others to whom compliance inquiries are
being made; (vii) the ability of material third parties to bring their affected
systems into compliance; and (viii) unforeseen events which could delay timely
implementation of the programs.
Developments in any of the areas referred to above could cause the
Company's results to differ from results that have been or may be projected by
or on behalf of the Company. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of
important factors is not exclusive. The Company does not undertake to update any
forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of
the Company.
Dividends - The payment and level of cash dividends by ACNielsen is subject
to the discretion of the Board of Directors of ACNielsen and to the restrictions
imposed by the Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement. (See Note 14 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.) ACNielsen has not paid cash dividends since
the Distribution and currently does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the
near future. Future dividend decisions will be based on, and affected by, a
number of factors, including the operating results and financial requirements of
ACNielsen, as well as restrictions under the Indemnity and Joint Defense
Agreement. There can be no assurance that any dividends will be declared or
paid.
Common Stock Information - The Company's common stock (symbol ART) is
listed on the New York Stock Exchange. During the years ended December 31, 1998
and December 31, 1997, 34,481,200 and 45,113,800 shares were traded,
respectively. The number of shareholders of record at January 29, 1999 and
January 31, 1998 were 6,244 and 9,676, respectively. The following summarizes
the high and low prices per share as reported in the periods shown:
1998 1997
High Low High Low
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------
First Quarter $26 7/16 $20 1/2 $17 1/8 $14 5/8
Second Quarter $29 1/16 $24 7/16 $19 5/8 $14 1/8
Third Quarter $28 1/8 $19 11/16 $24 3/16 $19
Fourth Quarter $28 15/16 $20 7/16 $24 5/8 $21 15/16
F-5
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
ACNielsen Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of ACNielsen
Corporation (a Delaware corporation) and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related Consolidated Statements of Income,
Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen L.L.P.
Stamford, Connecticut
February 1, 1999
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and objectivity of
the consolidated financial statements and other financial information presented
in this report. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applying certain
estimates and judgments as required.
ACNielsen's internal controls are designed to provide reasonable assurance
as to the integrity and reliability of the financial statements and to
adequately safeguard, verify and maintain accountability of assets. Such
controls are based on established written policies and procedures, are
implemented by trained, skilled personnel with an appropriate segregation of
duties and are monitored through a comprehensive internal audit program. These
policies and procedures prescribe that the Company and all its employees are to
maintain the highest ethical standards and that its business practices
throughout the world are to be conducted in a manner which is above reproach.
Arthur Andersen LLP, independent auditors, are retained to audit
ACNielsen's financial statements. Their accompanying report is based on audits
conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which
include the consideration of the Company's internal controls to establish a
basis for reliance thereon in determining the nature, timing and extent of audit
tests to be applied.
The Board of Directors exercises its responsibility for these financial
statements through its Audit and Finance Committee, which consists entirely of
independent non-management Board members. The Audit and Finance Committee meets
periodically with the independent auditors and the internal auditors, both
privately and with management present, to review accounting, auditing, internal
control and financial reporting matters.
/s/Nicholas L. Trivisonno
Nicholas L. Trivisonno
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
/s/Robert J. Chrenc
Robert J. Chrenc
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
F-6
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data) 1998 1997 1996
=============================================================================================
Operating Revenue $ 1,425,396 $ 1,391,587 $ 1,358,644
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs and Expenses:
Operating Costs 703,303 722,035 721,109
Selling and Administrative Expenses 528,673 515,938 516,206
Depreciation and Amortization 85,878 92,858 93,174
Year 2000 Expenses 15,911 -- --
Special Charge -- 36,000 --
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Costs and Expenses 1,333,765 1,366,831 1,330,489
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income 91,631 24,756 28,155
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Income 9,695 8,431 8,357
Interest Expense (1,935) (3,180) (5,209)
Gain on Sale of Investments -- 39,039 --
Other Expense-Net (775) (502) (809)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Income-Net 6,985 43,788 2,339
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes 98,616 68,544 30,494
Provision for Income Taxes 41,407 32,647 14,650
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income $ 57,209 $ 35,897 $ 15,844
=============================================================================================
Actual and Pro Forma Earnings
Per Share of Common Stock:
Basic $ 1.00 $ .63 $ .28
Diluted $ .96 $ .62 $ .28
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actual and Pro Forma
Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
Basic 57,236 57,139 56,712
Diluted 59,834 58,369 56,982
=============================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
-----------------------------
(Dollar amounts in thousands) 1998 1997
===================================================================================================================================
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 100,533 $ 205,726
Accounts Receivable-Net 279,708 260,821
Other Current Assets 56,527 38,423
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets 436,768 504,970
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes Receivable and Other Investments 28,230 10,281
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net 157,664 165,660
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Assets-Net
Prepaid Pension 62,152 57,425
Computer Software 42,588 25,288
Intangibles and Other Assets 69,889 55,001
Goodwill 328,326 220,483
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Other Assets-Net 502,955 358,197
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $ 1,125,617 $ 1,039,108
===================================================================================================================================
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 90,931 $ 86,908
Short-Term Debt 49,032 25,957
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities 308,396 301,522
Accrued Income Taxes 48,901 42,385
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities 497,260 456,772
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits 44,388 49,400
Deferred Income Taxes 55,486 39,951
Other Liabilities 40,435 32,881
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 637,569 579,004
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and Contingencies
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock-par value $.01 per share, authorized-5,000,000 shares;
outstanding-none -- --
Common Stock-par value $.01 per share, authorized-150,000,000 shares;
issued-58,868,399 and 57,730,273 shares for 1998 and 1997, respectively 589 577
Series Common Stock-par value $.01 per share, authorized-5,000,000 shares;
issued-none -- --
Additional Paid-In Capital 492,365 471,493
Retained Earnings 100,829 43,620
Treasury Stock, at cost, 1,470,991 and 266,666 shares for 1998 and 1997, respectively (33,481) (3,966)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (72,254) (51,620)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 488,048 460,104
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 1,125,617 $ 1,039,108
===================================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-8
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------
(Dollar amounts in thousands) 1998 1997 1996
===================================================================================================================================
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income $ 57,209 $ 35,897 $ 15,844
Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 85,878 92,858 93,174
Deferred Income Taxes 3,214 7,062 11,598
Special Charge -- 36,000 --
Payments Related to Special Charges (29,303) (33,400) (30,711)
Postemployment Benefit Expense 7,542 227 3,077
Postemployment Benefit Payments (17,517) (15,495) (21,275)
Net Increase in Accounts Receivable (6,362) (10,609) (802)
Gain on Sale of Investments -- (39,039) --
Net Decrease in Other Working Capital Items 31,690 28,249 58,682
Other (8,492) (7,880) (10,367)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 123,859 93,870 119,220
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from Sale of Investments -- 45,899 --
Payments for Acquisition of Businesses (excluding cash and cash
equivalents acquired of $1,127 in 1998 and $2,270 in 1997) (105,448) (30,184) (946)
Capital Expenditures (55,375) (48,427) (65,503)
Additions to Computer Software (34,620) (14,774) (24,450)
(Increase) Decrease in Other Investments (915) 289 2,530
Other (26,694) (8,874) 19,224
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (223,052) (56,071) (69,145)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net Transfers from The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation -- -- 46,210
Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Borrowings 13,850 (9,718) 9,758
Treasury Stock Purchases (29,515) -- (3,966)
Proceeds from the Sale of Common Stock under Option Plans 15,128 5,700 1,335
Other (70) 126 (1,588)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities (607) (3,892) 51,749
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents (5,393) (13,186) (6,387)
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (105,193) 20,721 95,437
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year 205,726 185,005 89,568
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year $ 100,533 $ 205,726 $ 185,005
===================================================================================================================================
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash Paid During the Year for Interest $ 1,526 $ 3,014 $ 5,272
Cash Paid During the Year for Income Taxes $ 32,731 $ 42,101 $ 57,736
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Acquisition of Investment and Notes Receivable in exchange for
Business Assets and Liabilities $ 21,612 -- --
===================================================================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-9
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Additional Treasury
(Dollar amounts in thousands) Divisional Common Paid-In Stock, Retained
Three Years Ended December 31, 1998 Equity Stock Capital at cost Earnings
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, January 1, 1996 $ 406,098
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income for period ended October 31, 1996 8,121
Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized Gains on Investments for
period ended October 31, 1996(1)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
period ended October 31, 1996
Comprehensive Income for period ended October 31, 1996
Net Transfers from The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation 46,210
Stock Distribution to Holders of Dun &
Bradstreet Stock (57,019,180 shares) (460,429) $570 $459,859
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, November 1, 1996 570 459,859
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income for period ended December 31, 1996 $ 7,723
Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized Losses on Investments for
period ended December 31, 1996(1)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
period ended December 31, 1996
Comprehensive Income for period ended December 31, 1996
Treasury Stock Purchased (266,666 shares) $ (3,966)
Activity under Stock Plans (105,239 shares),
including tax benefits 1 1,334
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 571 461,193 (3,966) 7,723
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income 35,897
Other Comprehensive Loss
Unrealized Gains on Investments for
year ended December 31, 1997(1)
Reclassification Adjustment for Gains
Realized in Net Income(2)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
year ended December 31, 1997
Comprehensive Loss for year ended December 31, 1997
Activity under Stock Plans (605,854 shares),
including tax benefits 6 10,300
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 577 471,493 (3,966) 43,620
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income 57,209
Other Comprehensive Loss
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
year ended December 31, 1998
Comprehensive Income for year ended December 31, 1998
Activity under Stock Plans (1,138,126 shares),
including tax benefits 12 20,872
Treasury Stock Purchased (1,204,325 shares) (29,515)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 $589 $ 492,365 $(33,481) $100,829
====================================================================================================================================
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income
---------------------------
Unrealized Cumulative Total
(Dollar amounts in thousands) Gains (Losses) Translation Shareholders'
Three Years Ended December 31, 1998 on Investments Adjustment Equity
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, January 1, 1996 $ (2,285) $(26,282) $377,531
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income for period ended October 31, 1996
Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized Gains on Investments for
period ended October 31, 1996(1) 9,324
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
period ended October 31, 1996 4,526
Comprehensive Income for period ended October 31, 1996 21,971
Net Transfers from The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation 46,210
Stock Distribution to Holders of Dun &
Bradstreet Stock (57,019,180 shares)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, November 1, 1996 7,039 (21,756) 445,712
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income for period ended December 31, 1996
Other Comprehensive Income
Unrealized Losses on Investments for
period ended December 31, 1996(1) (956)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
period ended December 31, 1996 4,098
Comprehensive Income for period ended December 31, 1996 10,865
Treasury Stock Purchased (266,666 shares) (3,966)
Activity under Stock Plans (105,239 shares),
including tax benefits 1,335
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 6,083 (17,658) 453,946
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income
Other Comprehensive Loss
Unrealized Gains on Investments for
year ended December 31, 1997(1) 14,647
Reclassification Adjustment for Gains
Realized in Net Income(2) (20,730)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
year ended December 31, 1997 (33,962)
Comprehensive Loss for year ended December 31, 1997 (4,148)
Activity under Stock Plans (605,854 shares),
including tax benefits 10,306
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 (51,620) 460,104
Comprehensive Income:
Net Income
Other Comprehensive Loss
Cumulative Translation Adjustment for
year ended December 31, 1998 (20,634)
Comprehensive Income for year ended December 31, 1998 36,575
Activity under Stock Plans (1,138,126 shares),
including tax benefits 20,884
Treasury Stock Purchased (1,204,325 shares) (29,515)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 $ (72,254) $ 488,048
=============================================================================================================
(1) Reported net of income tax expense of $4,056 and $3,926 for years ended
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1997, respectively.
(2) Reported net of income tax benefit of $7,982.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
F-10
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation
Effective on November 1, 1996 (the Distribution Date), ACNielsen
Corporation (the Company) became an independent, publicly-owned company as a
result of the distribution by The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (D&B) of the
Company's $.01 par value Common Stock, at a distribution ratio of one share for
three shares (the Distribution). Prior to the Distribution, the Company was
formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of D&B for the purpose of effecting the
Distribution. Included in this transaction was the transfer of the former D&B
businesses and operations that now comprise the Company, and substantially all
of the assets and liabilities of such businesses.
The Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the Statements of
Income for the years then ended, are presented on a consolidated basis. The
Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 1996, includes the combined
results of operations of the ACNielsen businesses under D&B for the ten months
prior to the Distribution Date and the consolidated results of operations of the
Company for the two-month period ended December 31, 1996. The financial
statements for periods prior to the Distribution Date are presented on a
combined basis and have been prepared using D&B's historical basis of accounting
for the assets and liabilities and historical results of operations related to
the Company's businesses, except for accounting for income taxes (see Note 2).
The financial statements generally reflect the financial position, results
of operations, and cash flows of the Company as if it were a separate entity for
all periods presented. The financial statements prior to the Distribution
include allocations of certain D&B corporate assets (including prepaid pension
assets) and liabilities (including pension and postretirement benefits), and
expenses (including cash management, legal, accounting, tax, employee benefits,
insurance services, data services and other D&B corporate overhead) relating to
the Company's businesses that were transferred to the Company from D&B.
Management believes these allocations are reasonable. However, the financial
information included herein may not necessarily reflect the financial position,
results of operations, and cash flows of the Company in the future or what they
would have been had the Company been a separate entity during the periods prior
to the Distribution.
For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between the
Company, D&B and Cognizant Corporation (Cognizant, another corporation spun off
by D&B) after the Distribution and to provide for orderly transition, the
Company, D&B and Cognizant entered into various agreements including a
Distribution Agreement (the "Distribution Agreement"), Employee Benefits
Agreement, Tax Allocation Agreement, Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement, TAM
(Television Audience Measurement) Master Agreement, Shared Transaction Services
Agreements, Intellectual Property Agreement, Transition Services Agreement and
Data Services Agreements.
In June 1998, D&B changed its name to R.H. Donnelley Corporation and spun
off a company now named The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ("New D&B") and
Cognizant changed its name to Nielsen Media Research, Inc. ("NMR") and spun off
a company named IMS Health Incorporated ("IMS Health"). As required by the terms
of the Distribution Agreement, each of New D&B and IMS Health has provided an
undertaking to the Company to be jointly and severally liable with its former
parent company for any liabilities of such former parent company arising out of
the agreements referred to above.
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation. Investments in companies over which the
Company has significant influence but not a controlling interest are carried at
equity. The effects of all significant intercompany transactions have been
eliminated. The financial statements of subsidiaries outside the United States
and Canada reflect a fiscal year ending November 30 to facilitate timely
reporting of the Company's financial results.
Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities. Investments that are highly
liquid and mature within 90 days of the purchase date are considered cash
equivalents. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, all marketable securities are
classified as "available for sale" and therefore are reported at fair value,
with net unrealized gains and losses reported in equity.
Property, Plant and Equipment. Buildings, computer hardware and other
equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives using principally
the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a
straight-line basis over the shorter of the term of the lease or the estimated
useful life of the improvement.
Computer Software. Certain internal costs incurred in the development of
computer software are capitalized. Capitalization ceases and amortization starts
when the product is available for general release to customers. Costs incurred
to establish technological feasibility of a computer software product are
expensed in the periods in which they are incurred. In addition, computer
software includes amounts purchased for internal use. Computer software costs
are being amortized on a product-by-product basis, over three to five years.
Annual amortization is the greater of the amount computed using (a) the ratio
that gross revenue for a product bears to the total of current and anticipated
future gross revenue for that product or (b) the straight-line method over the
remaining estimated economic life of the product.
Other Intangibles. Other intangibles include customer lists and consumer
panel database development. Other intangibles are amortized, using principally
the straight-line method, over five to 20 years.
Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value
of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired and is amortized on a
straight-line basis over ten to 40 years. The Company reviews the recoverability
of goodwill based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from operating
activities compared with the carrying value of goodwill and recognizes any
impairment on the basis of such comparison. The recognition and measurement of
goodwill impairment is assessed at the business unit level.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable
intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the sum of undiscounted
expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of such assets. The
measurement for such impairment loss is based on the fair value of the assets.
Revenue Recognition. Retail Measurement Service products generally have
contract terms of one to three years. The base contract revenue from the first
commitment period is recognized ratably over the initial contract term. Revenue
F-11
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
from remaining years of multi-year contracts, extensions and renewals is
recognized ratably over their extension periods. After the initial commitment,
the contract generally continues indefinitely, unless canceled by the client
with a minimum of three months' prior written notice.
Revenue for customized research and special modeling and analytical
services is recognized as services are performed.
Consumer Panel products generally have contract terms of one year, with
revenue recognized over the term of the contract on a straight-line basis.
International Media Services are generally provided over longer periods,
with revenue recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. The
contracts are cancelable by the client only with specified notice and payments.
Foreign Currency Translation. For all operations outside the United States
where the Company has designated the local currency as the functional currency,
assets and liabilities are translated using end-of-period exchange rates;
revenue and expenses are translated using average rates of exchange. For these
countries, currency translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate
component of shareholders' equity, whereas realized transaction gains and losses
are recognized in Other Income (Expense)-Net. For operations in countries that
are considered to be highly inflationary, where the U.S. dollar is designated as
the functional currency, monetary assets and liabilities are translated using
end-of-period exchange rates, and nonmonetary accounts are translated using
historical exchange rates. Translation and transaction adjustments recognized in
Other Income (Expense)-Net amounted to losses of $1,207, $502 and $809 for 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
The Company has significant operations in non-U.S. countries. Therefore,
changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the Company's financial
statements when translated into U.S. dollars.
Income Taxes. The Company recognizes income taxes during the year in which
transactions enter into the determination of financial statement income, with
deferred taxes being provided for temporary differences between amounts of
assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as
measured by tax laws.
In accordance with the Tax Allocation Agreement, the Company is liable for
Federal, State and non-U.S. income tax liabilities beginning after the
Distribution Date. In addition, the Company is liable for certain non-U.S. tax
liabilities arising prior to the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution, the
Company was included in the Federal and certain State and non-U.S. income tax
returns of D&B.
Divisional Equity. Divisional equity includes historical investments and
advances from D&B, including net transfers to/from D&B, third-party liabilities
paid on behalf of the Company by D&B and amounts due to/from D&B for services
and other charges, as well as current period income/loss, through the
Distribution Date.
Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue
and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share. Net earnings are divided by the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during the year to calculate basic net earnings per
common share. Diluted net earnings per common share are calculated to give
effect to stock options.
Earnings per share for periods after October 31, 1996 have been computed
based on the average number of ACNielsen shares outstanding. Earnings per share
for periods prior to October 31, 1996 have been computed using the average
number of D&B shares outstanding during the periods, adjusted for the
one-for-three distribution ratio.
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 1998. The Company has adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," which establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Earlier
periods have been restated to conform with the standards set forth in SFAS No.
130.
In addition, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards
for reporting certain information about each segment of the Company. Adoption of
this statement did not result in any change in the Company's reportable
segments.
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." This statement revises employers'
disclosures about pension and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not
change measurement or recognition provisions for those plans.
New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted. In April 1998, the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position (SOP)
98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities." The SOP, which the
Company plans to adopt on January 1, 1999, requires that costs of start-up
activities be expensed as incurred. The Company currently capitalizes certain
one-time costs related to introducing new services and conducting business in
new geographic areas. Adoption of this SOP is expected to result in a one-time,
non-cash, after-tax charge of approximately $20,000, which will be recorded as a
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle-net of tax. However,
adoption of the new accounting policy is not expected to have a material impact
on the Company's future results of operations.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." The statement
establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative
instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value. The statement requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged
item in the income statement.
SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999.
However, the Company expects to adopt the new statement effective January 1,
1999. SFAS No. 133 cannot be applied retroactively. SFAS No. 133 must be
F-12
applied to (a) derivative instruments and (b) certain derivative instruments
embedded in hybrid contracts that were issued, acquired, or substantively
modified after December 31, 1997 (and, at the Company's election, before January
1, 1998).
The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge significant
known transactional exposures. Based on the Company's derivative positions at
December 31, 1998, management does not anticipate that the adoption of the new
statement will have a material effect on earnings or the financial position of
the Company.
Reclassifications. Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to
conform with the current-year presentation.
Note 3. Special Charges
In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company recorded a special charge of
$36,000. The charge consisted of costs to reduce workforce levels, primarily in
Japan, as well as to consolidate facilities and rationalize certain product
lines in Japan and other Asia Pacific markets. It also included costs to revalue
certain assets in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. The plans were
designed to achieve long-term productivity improvements, rationalize the
Company's product lines and reduce costs in these regions.
The actions commenced in 1998 and will be completed in 1999. Certain
actions were completed at a lower cost than originally estimated while other
actions require higher costs to complete. The following table recaps the
activity by major cost category:
December 31, Asset Cash Revised December 31,
Category 1997 Revaluations Payments Estimates 1998
===============================================================================================================
Rationalize Product Lines $ 18,300 $ (6,132) $ (8,910) $ (2,845) $ 413
Workforce Reductions 12,400 -- (11,327) 2,030 3,103
Facilities/Real Estate 5,300 (1,130) (4,737) 815 248
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 36,000 $ (7,262) $(24,974) $ -- $ 3,764
===============================================================================================================
In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company recorded a special charge of
$152,170. This charge primarily reflected an impairment loss in connection with
the adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment
of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of" ($74,370), a
provision for postemployment benefits ($14,300) under D&B's severance plan, an
accrual for contractual obligations that have no future economic benefits
($55,800) and other asset revaluations ($7,700). At December 31, 1998, all
activities have been substantially executed. Accruals remaining totaled $5,240,
at December 31, 1998, primarily for a long-term lease obligation, which will be
paid through 2004.
Note 4. Sale of Investments
In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company sold its investments in
Manugistics Group, Inc., a provider of software and services for supply-chain
management, and GeoQuest International Holdings, Inc., a holding company whose
principal business provides information services to the energy industry,
resulting in a total pre-tax gain of $39,039 ($28,200 after-tax), which is
included in Other Income-Net. Combined cash proceeds from the sales totaled
$45,899.
Note 5. Acquisitions
In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company acquired interests in various companies
in separate transactions that were accounted for as purchases. The aggregate
purchase price of such acquisitions in 1998 totaled $131,247, including
contractual obligations and other future costs of $28,594 payable from 1999 to
2001. Payments of $2,795 were made during 1998 for prior year acquisitions. The
largest acquisitions in 1998 were BBI Marketing Services, Inc. ("BASES") and ANR
Amer Nielsen Research Limited ("ANR"). The Company also increased its ownership
in businesses in Australia, Greece, Chile, and India, and acquired a 49%
interest in AMER Research Limited, serving the Middle East and Northern Africa.
BASES, acquired on June 30, 1998, is a provider of simulated test-marketing
services. The initial purchase price was $70,550 including accrued acquisition
costs of $5,272 payable from 1999 to 2001. The purchase price was allocated to
the net assets acquired, resulting in goodwill of $62,642. This goodwill is
being amortized over 40 years on a straight-line basis. The Company may also be
required to make additional cash payments if BASES achieves certain operating
goals. The maximum amount of contingent consideration is approximately $36,000,
payable through 2001.
On September 23, 1998, the Company acquired full ownership in ANR, a
joint-venture business covering Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union,
sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent. The purchase price of $44,030
includes three installment payments due in January 1999, 2000 and 2001 for
$4,912, $9,294 and $8,824, respectively. The installment payments are supported
by a stand-by letter of credit with an international bank. The purchase price
was allocated to the minority interest acquired, with the excess purchase price
of $42,826 recorded as goodwill. This goodwill is being amortized over 40 years
on a straight-line basis. The terms of the agreement provide for additional cash
payments if ANR achieves certain operating goals. Such payments, if earned,
would be paid in 2003 and 2006.
The purchase price allocations for BASES and ANR have been prepared on a
preliminary basis, and changes are expected as integration plans are finalized.
In 1997, the largest acquisition was Entertainment Data Inc., ("EDI"), a
provider of box-office information for the motion-picture industry. The purchase
price of $26,521 included a $4,000 interest-bearing promissory note payable from
1999 to 2001. The purchase price was allocated to the net assets acquired,
resulting in goodwill of $25,846. This goodwill is being amortized over 40 years
on a straight-line basis.
The aggregate purchase price of acquisitions made in 1997 and 1996 totaled
$39,674 and $1,907, respectively.
The results of operations of all purchases are included in the Consolidated
Statements of Income from dates of acquisition. Had the acquisitions made in
1998, 1997 and 1996 been consummated on January 1 of the year preceding the year
of acquisition, the results of these acquired operations would not have had a
significant impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations for any
of the years presented.
F-13
Note 6. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all
employees in the United States. Generally, the benefits to be paid to employees
under this plan are based on notional account balances that are increased
annually by pay-related and interest credits. Pension costs are determined
actuarially and funded to the extent allowable under the Internal Revenue Code
(IRC). Supplemental plans in the United States are maintained to provide
retirement benefits to eligible employees in excess of levels allowed by the
IRC.
The Company's subsidiaries outside the United States provide retirement
benefits for employees consistent with local practices, primarily using defined
benefit or termination indemnity plans.
The Company provides various health-care and life-insurance benefits for
retired United States employees who become eligible for these benefits if they
terminate employment after completing at least ten years of service with the
Company after age 45. The postretirement medical benefit is contributory.
Certain of the Company's subsidiaries outside the United States have
postretirement benefit plans, although most participants are covered by
government-sponsored or administered plans. The cost of Company-sponsored
postretirement benefit plans outside the United States is not significant. In
certain instances, the Company provides postemployment benefits to former or
inactive employees following employment but before retirement, principally
severance.
At the Distribution Date, the Company assumed responsibility for pension
and postretirement benefits for active employees of the Company and established
separate retirement plans for its employees; the responsibility for all others,
principally retirees, remained with D&B. An allocation of assets and liabilities
for such active employee benefits has been included in the consolidated
financial statements.
Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company's United States employees
participated in D&B's defined benefit pension and postretirement plans, covering
substantially all employees in the United States. The benefits to be paid to
employees under the defined benefit pension plan were based on years of credited
service and average final compensation.
Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company accounted for the pension and
postretirement benefit plans in the United States as multi-employer plans.
Accordingly, the Company has recorded pension and postretirement benefit costs
as allocated by D&B totaling $1,301 and $1,432, respectively, for the ten months
ended October 31, 1996.
The components of pension and postretirement costs for the years ending
1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows:
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996* 1998 1997 1996*
====================================================================================================================================
Service cost on benefits earned during the year $ 10,392 $ 8,766 $ 7,218 $ 354 $ 404 $ 80
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 16,940 16,596 14,442 406 469 60
Expected return on plan assets (23,853) (22,190) (18,586) -- -- --
Amortization of transition (asset) obligation (2,571) (2,623) (2,231) -- -- --
Amortization of prior-service costs 1,187 1,131 1,134 (120) (120) (20)
Amortization of net loss 392 404 602 -- 77 --
Settlement and curtailment (gain) (18) -- -- -- -- --
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net pension and postretirement costs $ 2,469 $ 2,084 $ 2,579 $ 640 $ 830 $ 120
====================================================================================================================================
* Includes U.S. amounts subsequent to the Distribution Date and Non-U.S.
amounts for the full year.
The prior-service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the
average remaining service period of active participants. Gains and losses in
excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related
value of assets are amortized over the average remaining service period of
active participants.
F-14
The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the plans'
benefit obligations and fair value of assets for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997:
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
====================================================================================================================================
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
Obligation at January 1 $ 270,417 $ 261,324 $ 7,229 $ 5,909
Service cost 10,392 8,766 354 404
Interest cost 16,940 16,596 406 469
Participant contributions 1,524 1,461 21 19
Plan amendments 1,874 671 -- --
Actuarial loss (gain) 10,907 9,958 (1,227) 447
Benefit payments (14,555) (11,762) (73) (19)
Curtailments (751) -- -- --
Settlement payments (10,663) -- -- --
Transfers 240 -- -- --
Effect of change in foreign exchange rates (701) (16,597) -- --
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Obligation at December 31 $ 285,624 $ 270,417 $ 6,710 $ 7,229
====================================================================================================================================
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at January 1 $ 301,038 $ 279,196 $ -- $ --
Actual return on plan assets 44,308 40,104 -- --
Employer contributions 12,361 5,520 52 --
Participant contributions 1,524 1,461 21 19
Benefit payments (14,555) (11,762) (73) (19)
Settlement payments (10,663) -- -- --
Transfers 240 -- -- --
Effect of change in foreign exchange rates (1,400) (13,481) -- --
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at December 31 $ 332,853 $ 301,038 $ -- $ --
====================================================================================================================================
Funded status
Funded status at December 31 $ 47,229 $ 30,621 $ (6,710) $ (7,229)
Unrecognized transition (asset) obligation (8,952) (12,117) -- --
Unrecognized prior-service cost 7,985 7,385 (20) (140)
Unrecognized (gain) loss (22,734) (11,734) 644 1,871
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net amount recognized in the balance sheet $ 23,528 $ 14,155 $ (6,086) $ (5,498)
====================================================================================================================================
Plan assets are invested in diversified portfolios that consist primarily of
equity and debt securities.
Curtailments and settlement payments occurred primarily due to workforce
reduction actions.
The following table provides the amounts in the balance sheet at December
31, 1998 and 1997:
Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
====================================================================================================================================
Prepaid benefit cost $ 61,844 $ 56,568 $ -- $ --
Accrued benefit liability (38,761) (42,413) (6,086) (5,498)
Intangible asset 445 -- -- --
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net amount recognized in the balance sheet $ 23,528 $ 14,155 $ (6,086) $ (5,498)
====================================================================================================================================
F-15
Note 6. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Continued)
The aggregate projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation
and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit
obligations in excess of plan assets were $29,930, $21,750 and $0 respectively,
at December 31, 1998 and $34,661, $26,446 and $0, respectively, at December 31,
1997. The Company's plan for postretirement benefits other than pensions has no
plan assets.
The significant weighted-average actuarial assumptions at December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996 were as follows:
Other Postretirement
Pension Benefits Benefits
- - ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
======================================================= ========================
Discount rate 6.09% 6.77% 7.92% 6.75% 7.00% 7.50%
Expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets 7.76% 8.52% 9.32% -- -- --
Rate of increase in future
compensation levels 3.62% 3.95% 4.58% 4.16% 4.16% 4.16%
================================================================================
A 7.5% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health
care benefits was assumed for 1998. The rate was assumed to decrease gradually
each year to a rate of 5.0% by the year 2004 and remain constant thereafter.
A 1% change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the
following effects:
1% Increase 1% Decrease
================================================================================
Effect on total service and interest cost components of
net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost $ 84 $ 77
Effect on the health care component of the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $783 $701
================================================================================
Defined Contribution Plans
Effective upon the Distribution, the Company established an Employee Stock
Ownership Plan (ESOP) for the benefit of its United States employees. The
Company may contribute cash or Company common stock to each employee's account
in an amount currently equal to 3.5% of compensation (subject to IRS
limitations). In connection with the ESOP, the Company issued 171,352, 221,466
and 18,775 shares, and recognized compensation expense of $4,267, $4,005 and
$639 for the years 1998 and 1997 and the two months ended December 31, 1996,
respectively.
Prior to the Distribution Date, certain United States employees were
eligible to participate in a D&B-sponsored defined contribution plan. The
Company made a matching contribution of 50% of the employee's contribution up to
6% of pay and an additional match depending on its earnings per share, all
subject to specified limits. The Company's expense related to this plan was
$3,523 for the ten months ended October 31, 1996. Effective with the
Distribution, the Company established a new savings plan that does not provide
for a matching contribution.
Note 7. Employee Stock and Related Plans
In October 1996, the Company adopted three stock incentive plans which
reserved shares of common stock for issuance to key employees and non-employee
directors. Pursuant to one such plan, immediately following the Distribution,
outstanding awards under the D&B stock option plans held by Company employees
were replaced by Company stock options. The replacement awards have the same
ratio of the exercise price per option to the market value per share, the same
aggregate difference between market value and exercise price and substantially
the same other terms and conditions as the options they replaced. A total of
18,300,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under these plans.
Under the stock incentive plans adopted in 1996, 5,081,444 shares of common
stock were available for future grants as of December 31, 1998. The plans
adopted in 1996 provide that shares granted come from the Company's authorized
but unissued common stock or treasury stock. The price of options granted
pursuant to these plans will not be less than the fair market value of the
shares on the date of grant, with the exception of the replacement options, the
price of which was determined as described above. Stock options granted during
1996 and 242,000 options granted in 1997 ("effective-date options") have a term
of ten years and vest over four or six years. In addition, effective-date
options may vest earlier if the Company's stock price reaches certain targets.
One-half of the effective-date options (2,393,527 shares) vested on September
11, 1997, when the Company's stock price reached 150% of those options' exercise
price for five consecutive trading days. The remaining unvested effective-date
options would vest on an accelerated basis if the stock price reaches 200% of
the exercise price for five consecutive trading days.
The plans also provide for the granting of limited stock appreciation
rights (LSARs) in tandem with stock options to certain key employees. At
December 31, 1998, 2,613,641 LSARs were outstanding, which are exercisable upon
the occurrence of a specified event.
In connection with the acquisition of BASES in June 1998, the Company
adopted a stock incentive plan which reserves 1,000,000 shares of common stock
for issuance to key employees of BASES. The plan requires that shares granted
come from the Company's treasury stock. The BASES options have a term of ten
years and vest in 9.5 years unless certain earnings targets are met during a
thirty-month period ending December 31, 2000. Under this stock incentive plan
adopted in 1998, options for 1,000,000 shares were granted, and no shares of
common stock were available for future grants as of December 31, 1998.
F-16
The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, no compensation expense
has been recognized for the Company's four stock incentive plans. Had
compensation expense for the Company's plans been determined based on the fair
value at the grant date for option grants after January 1, 1995, including the
conversion of D&B stock options granted prior to 1995, the Company's net income
and net earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts
indicated below.
1998 1997 1996
===============================================================================
Net Income-as reported $57,209 $35,897 $15,844
Net Income-pro forma $50,137 $23,889 $13,200
Basic earnings per share-as reported $ 1.00 $ .63 $ .28
Basic earnings per share-pro forma $ .88 $ .42 $ .23
Diluted earnings per share-as reported $ .96 $ .62 $ .28
Diluted earnings per share-pro forma $ .84 $ .41 $ .23
===============================================================================
Note: The 1997 pro forma amounts include a pre-tax charge of $11,590 as a result
of one-half of the effective-date options vesting when the Company's stock price
reached 150% of those options' exercise price. The 1996 pro forma amounts
include an incremental pre-tax charge of $3,048, as a result of the replacement
stock option plan being considered a modification of the D&B stock option plan
in accordance with SFAS No. 123.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions (including assumptions related to D&B options to determine
compensation expense for the period prior to the Distribution):
1996
-----------------------
Old ACNielsen &
D&B Replacement
1998 1997 Options Options
=====================================================================================
Expected dividend yield -- -- 4.7% --
Expected stock price volatility 30% 30% 15% 30%
Risk-free interest rate 4.89% 5.90% 6.15% 6.11%
Expected holding period of options 4.2 years 4.1 years 5.0 years 5.0 years
=====================================================================================
The weighted-average fair value of options granted during 1998, 1997 and
1996 was $8.25, $6.22 and $6.16 per share, respectively.
The following is a summary of stock option activity and number of shares
reserved for outstanding options:
Average
option price
Shares per share
================================================================================
Conversion of D&B options at November 1, 1996 4,054,731 $ 15.66
Granted-effective-date options 4,706,055 15.75
Exercised (69,190) 14.53
Canceled or Expired (148,336) 16.15
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1996 8,543,260 15.71
Granted 1,261,500 21.01
Exercised (373,636) 15.37
Canceled or Expired (686,434) 16.00
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1997 8,744,690 16.46
Granted 2,608,400 25.98
Exercised (970,747) 15.65
Canceled or Expired (188,330) 16.86
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1998 10,194,013 $ 18.97
================================================================================
The following is a summary of shares exercisable, average remaining life
and average option price per share of options outstanding at December 31, 1998:
Shares Outstanding Shares Exercisable
----------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Number of Average option Average Number of Average option
Shares price per share Remaining life Shares price per share
==================================================================================================== =============================
Converted D&B options 2,455,737 $15.63 5.7 years 2,192,503 $15.48
Effective-date options 4,137,876 15.71 7.9 years 2,794,069 15.72
Options granted subsequent to July, 1997 3,600,400 24.99 9.5 years 243,996 22.38
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options outstanding at December 31, 1998 10,194,013 $18.97 7.9 years 5,230,568 $15.93
====================================================================================================================================
Success Share Program. On December 9, 1996, the Company granted to each of
its full-time and regular employees, stock appreciation rights at a strike price
of $15.75, entitling the employee to the appreciation on the equivalent of 25
shares of the Company's common stock, subject to certain terms, conditions and
limitations. The rights vested on December 9, 1997, and expire on December 9,
1999. Charges to income in 1998 and 1997 with respect to this program totaled
$958 and $3,212, respectively. There were no charges to income in 1996 with
respect to this program.
F-17
Note 8. Income Taxes
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes consisted of:
1998 1997 1996
================================================================================
U.S. $30,742 $56,221 $(35,714)
Non-U.S. 67,874 12,323 66,208
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$98,616 $68,544 $ 30,494
================================================================================
In 1996, U.S. losses through the Distribution Date were realized by D&B
and, accordingly, the related tax benefit was reflected by the Company through
divisional equity.
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of:
1998 1997 1996
================================================================================
U.S. Federal and state:
Current $ 4,348 $ 6,790 $ (9,776)
Deferred (2,329) 10,286 (996)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 2,019 17,076 (10,772)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-U.S.:
Current 35,974 25,781 10,631
Deferred 3,414 (10,210) 14,791
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 39,388 15,571 25,422
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 41,407 $ 32,647 $ 14,650
================================================================================
The following table summarizes the significant differences between the U.S.
Federal statutory taxes and the Company's provision for income taxes for
consolidated financial statement purposes:
1998 1997 1996
==========================================================================================
Tax expense at the U.S. statutory rate $ 34,516 $ 23,990 $ 10,673
State and local income taxes, net of Federal effect 999 1,827 (1,161)
Reduction in the valuation allowance (6,212) (6,313) (656)
Non-U.S. taxes 15,648 8,063 2,249
Other (3,544) 5,080 3,545
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for Income Taxes $ 41,407 $ 32,647 $ 14,650
==========================================================================================
The Company's deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the
following at December 31, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
===============================================================
Deferred Tax Assets:
Operating Losses $ 53,384 $ 56,093
Special Charges 1,506 12,580
Employee Benefits 13,670 18,222
Other Accruals 17,822 11,140
Bad Debts 3,783 3,151
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
90,165 101,186
Valuation Allowance (55,057) (73,553)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
35,108 27,633
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Postretirement Benefits (17,664) (17,970)
Intangibles and Deferred Charges (20,483) (10,820)
Fixed Assets (7,509) (5,175)
Other Assets (14,485) (20,634)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
(60,141) (54,599)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
Net Deferred Tax Liability $ (25,033) $ (26,966)
===============================================================
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the valuation allowance decreased
by $18,496. Approximately $12,300 of the reduction did not effect the provision
for income taxes as the related deferred tax assets were reduced by a like
amount. The remaining reduction was primarily due to changes in economic
circumstances which made the utilization of certain Non-U.S. net operating loss
carryforwards more likely than not.
U.S. operating loss carryforwards of approximately $15,000 will expire in
2012. Non-U.S. loss carryforwards of $52,353 will expire at various times
through 2003. Non-U.S. loss carryforwards of $72,378 have an indefinite life. An
income tax benefit of $1,371 and $602 related to employee stock options was
credited to shareholders' equity in 1998 and 1997, respectively. No provision
was made for U.S. taxes payable on undistributed earnings amounting to
approximately $224,918, $167,400 and $167,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, as such amounts are permanently reinvested.
Note 9. Short-Term Debt
In April 1998, the Company replaced its existing $125,000 bank credit
facility with a new $250,000 bank credit facility. The new credit facility,
which is provided by a global bank syndicate comprising twelve banks, is
unsecured and has a three-year term. The new credit facility includes
subfacilities for borrowings in foreign currencies and for the issuance of
letters of credit. The base interest rates applicable to borrowings may be fixed
or various floating rates, depending on the type and currency of the borrowing.
Interest spreads and fees are based upon the Company's fixed charge coverage
ratio for the preceding four quarters. The terms of the credit agreement
contain, among other things, limitations on debt of the Company and its
subsidiaries and financial covenants requiring the Company to maintain
compliance with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio requirement and a maximum
leverage ratio requirement. As of December 31, 1998, the Company was in
compliance with such requirements. At December 31, 1998 and 1997,
F-18
$24,308 and $23,001, respectively, were drawn against the credit facilities. The
nominal value of the borrowings approximates fair value. There are no
compensating balance requirements or material commitment fees associated with
the credit facility.
In addition, the Company has established unsecured lines of credit with
four banks, totaling $45,000, to meet short-term cash requirements of the
business. These unsecured lines of credit provide loans at floating interest
rates. At December 31, 1998, approximately $16,100 was outstanding under these
arrangements.
The weighted-average interest rates on short-term debt at December 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively, were 2.90% and 0.63%. The Company's short-term
borrowings at December 31, 1998 were in the United States and Japan. At December
31, 1997 the Company's short-term borrowings were in Japan.
Note 10. Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk
The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge significant
known transactional exposures. The Company conducts its business in a wide
variety of foreign currencies. The Company enters into various foreign exchange
forward contracts to manage its exposure against adverse changes in foreign
exchange rates. The notional amounts for foreign exchange forward contracts
represent the U.S. dollar equivalent of an amount exchanged. Foreign currency
forward exchange contracts are designated for established and committed
transactions that are expected to occur in less than one year. Gains or losses
on such contracts were not material to the consolidated financial statements for
the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.
The following table represents the gross notional amounts of foreign
exchange forward contracts in U.S. dollars:
December 31,
---------------------
1998 1997
===============================================================
Australian dollars $ 827 $ --
Japanese yen 600 --
German deutsche marks 482 --
French francs 397 1,567
Netherland guilders 149 688
British pounds 125 --
Spanish pesetas 93 646
Italian lire 92 1,577
Other 529 615
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total $3,294 $5,093
===============================================================
In early 1999, the Company entered into additional foreign exchange forward
contracts totaling $33,964 to hedge other known transactional exposures. These
forward contracts mature in monthly installments at various dates during 1999.
The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading
or other speculative purposes.
Note 11. Capital Stock
The Company has authority to issue 160,000,000 shares of which 150,000,000
represent shares of ACNielsen Common Stock, 5,000,000 represent shares of
Preferred Stock and 5,000,000 represent shares of Series Common Stock. The Board
of Directors is authorized to issue one or more series of Preferred Stock and
Common Stock, and to establish the number of shares in that series, voting
rights (if any), consideration for such shares, and other rights or restrictions
of the shares in that series. At December 31, 1998, no Preferred Stock or Series
Common Stock had been issued.
In October 1996, the Company adopted a Shareholders' Rights Plan. Under the
plan, each share of the Company's Common Stock has a right which trades with the
stock until the right becomes exercisable. Each right entitles the shareholders
to buy 1/1,000 of a share of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock of
the Company at a purchase price of $108 per 1/1,000 of a share, subject to
adjustment. The rights will not be exercisable until a person or group
("Acquiring Person") acquires beneficial ownership of, or commences a tender
offer for, 15% or more of the Company's outstanding Common Stock.
In the event of such a 15% acquisition or if subsequently the Company is
acquired in a merger or other business combination, as described in the
Shareholders' Rights Plan, each right will entitle its holder (other than the
Acquiring Person) to receive upon exercise, stock with a value of two times the
exercise price in the form of the Company's Common Stock or, where appropriate,
the Acquiring Person's common stock. The Company may redeem the rights, which
expire in October 2006, for $.01 per right, under certain circumstances.
The terms of the Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement (see Note 14) limit
the Company's ability to make certain payments ("Restricted Payments"),
including payments for dividends and stock repurchases. Pursuant to such
limitation, the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made by the Company
cannot exceed the sum of $15,000 and 20% of the Company's cumulative net
earnings, as defined, from November 1, 1996. The Board of Directors has
authorized the Company to repurchase ACNielsen Common Stock up to the amount
permitted by the Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement. During 1998, the Company
repurchased 1,204,325 shares of its Common Stock for a total of $29,515.
Note 12. Other Transactions with Affiliates
Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company participated in D&B's
centralized cash management system to finance its operations. Cash deposits from
most of the Company's businesses were transferred to D&B on a daily basis, and
D&B funded the Company's disbursement bank accounts as required. No interest was
charged on these transactions.
D&B historically provided certain centralized services to the Company.
Prior to the Distribution Date, expenses related to these services were
allocated to the Company based on utilization of specific services or, where not
estimable, based on assets employed by the Company in proportion to D&B's total
assets. Management believes these allocation methods were reasonable. These
allocations totaled $82,600 for the ten months ended October 31, 1996 and are
included in operating costs and selling and administrative expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts due to D&B for these expenses were
included in Divisional Equity.
The Company provided certain services to D&B and affiliates at negotiated
prices. Operating revenue from such services totaled $895 for the ten months
ended October 31, 1996.
F-19
Note 12. Other Transactions with Affiliates (Continued)
Net transfers to/from D&B, included in Divisional Equity, included advances
and loans from affiliates, net cash transfers to/from D&B, third-party
liabilities paid on behalf of the Company by D&B, amounts due to/from D&B for
services and other charges, and income taxes paid on behalf of the Company by
D&B. No interest has been charged on these transactions. The weighted-average
balance due to D&B was $324,578 for the ten months ended October 31, 1996.
The activity in the net transfers from (to) D&B account, included in
Divisional Equity is summarized as follows:
Ten Months Ended
October 31, 1996
===================================================================
D&B services and other charges $ 88,059
Loans and advances-net (379,189)
U.S. income taxes (12,507)
Cash transfers-net 349,847
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
Net transfers from D&B $ 46,210
===================================================================
Note 13. Leases and Other Commitments
Certain of the Company's operations are conducted from leased facilities,
which are under operating leases. Rental expense under real estate operating
leases, net of sublease rentals, for the years 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $39,361,
$37,021, and $38,427, respectively. The totals include $98 for the ten months
ended October 31, 1996 for facilities usage charged by D&B or an affiliate.
The Company also leases or participates with D&B in leases of certain
computer and other equipment under operating leases. These leases are frequently
renegotiated or otherwise changed as advancements in computer technology produce
opportunities to lower costs and improve performance. Rental expense under
computer and other equipment leases was $26,248, $23,141 and $26,570 for 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
At December 31, 1998, the approximate minimum annual rental expense for
real estate and computer and other equipment under operating leases that have
remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year, net of sublease
rentals, is as follows:
Computer &
Other
Years Ended Real Estate Equipment
================================================
1999 $ 37,200 $ 19,818
2000 31,627 13,550
2001 26,395 6,028
2002 16,577 2,508
2003 11,657 1,727
Thereafter 18,570 5,049
- - ------------------------------------------------
$142,026 $ 48,680
================================================
The Company has agreements with third parties, including D&B, for certain
data processing services, extending beyond one year. At December 31, 1998, the
minimum annual services covered by these agreements are approximately as
follows:
Years Ended
================================================
1999 $14,234
2000 11,561
2001 5,152
2002 2,274
2003 1,753
Thereafter --
- - ------------------------------------------------
$34,974
================================================
Prior to the Distribution, the Company entered into certain lease or
sublease agreements with D&B, Cognizant, affiliates or third parties for certain
leased facilities, computer and other equipment, which principally are a
continuation of existing lease commitments at market rates. The commitments are
included in the amounts disclosed above.
Note 14. Litigation
On July 29, 1996, Information Resources, Inc. ("IRI") filed a complaint in
the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, naming
as defendants The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ("Old D&B"), A.C. Nielsen Company
which is a subsidiary of the Company ("ACNielsenCo"), and I.M.S. International,
Inc. ("IMS"), formerly a subsidiary of Cognizant Corporation ("Cognizant") and
currently a subsidiary of IMS Health Incorporated (the "IRI Action").
The complaint alleges various violations of the United States antitrust
laws, including alleged violations of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. The
complaint also alleges a claim of tortious interference with a contract and a
claim of tortious interference with a prospective business relationship. These
latter claims relate to the acquisition by defendants of Survey Research Group
Limited ("SRG"). IRI alleges that SRG violated an alleged agreement with IRI
when it agreed to be acquired by the defendants and that the defendants induced
SRG to breach that agreement.
IRI's complaint alleges damages in excess of $350,000, which amount IRI has
asked to be trebled under the antitrust laws. IRI also seeks punitive damages in
an unspecified amount.
By notice of motion dated October 15, 1996, defendants moved for an order
dismissing all claims in the complaint. On May 6, 1997 the United States
District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a decision on the
motion to dismiss. The Court dismissed IRI's claim of attempted monopolization
in the United States with leave to replead within sixty days. The Court denied
defendants' motion with respect to the remaining claims in the complaint.
On June 3, 1997, defendants filed an answer and counterclaims. Defendants
denied all material allegations of the complaint. In addition, ACNielsenCo
asserted counterclaims against IRI alleging that IRI has made false and
misleading statements about ACNielsenCo's services and commercial activities and
that such
F-20
conduct constitutes a violation of Section 43(a) of the Lanham Act and unfair
competition. ACNielsenCo seeks injunctive relief and damages.
On July 7, 1997, IRI filed an amended complaint seeking to replead the
claim of attempted monopolization in the United States, which had been dismissed
by the Court in its May 6, 1997 decision. By notice of motion dated August 18,
1997, defendants moved for an order dismissing the amended claim. On December 1,
1997, the Court denied defendants' motion. Discovery is currently ongoing.
In connection with the IRI Action, Old D&B, Cognizant (the former parent
company of IMS) and the Company entered into an Indemnity and Joint Defense
Agreement (the "Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement") pursuant to which they
agreed (i) to certain arrangements allocating potential liabilities ("IRI
Liabilities") that may arise out of or in connection with the IRI Action and
(ii) to conduct a joint defense of such action. In particular, the Indemnity and
Joint Defense Agreement provides that the Company will assume exclusive
liability for IRI Liabilities up to a maximum amount to be calculated at the
time such liabilities, if any, become payable (the "ACN Maximum Amount"), and
that Cognizant and Old D&B will share liability equally for any amounts in
excess of the ACN Maximum Amount. The ACN Maximum Amount will be determined by
an investment banking firm as the maximum amount which the Company is able to
pay after giving effect to (i) any plan submitted by such investment bank which
is designed to maximize the claims paying ability of the Company without
impairing the investment banking firm's ability to deliver a viability opinion
(but which will not require any action requiring stockholder approval), and (ii)
payment of related fees and expenses. For these purposes, financial viability
means the ability of the Company, after giving effect to such plan, the payment
of related fees and expenses and the payment of the ACN Maximum Amount, to pay
its debts as they become due and to finance the current and anticipated
operating and capital requirements of its business, as reconstituted by such
plan, for two years from the date any such plan is expected to be implemented.
The Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement also imposes certain restrictions
on the payment of cash dividends and the ability of the Company to purchase its
stock.
In June 1998, (i) Old D&B changed its name to R.H. Donnelley Corporation
and spun off (the "D&B Spin") a company now named The Dun & Bradstreet
Corporation ("New D&B"), and (ii) Cognizant changed its name to Nielsen Media
Research, Inc. ("NMR") and spun off (the "Cognizant Spin") a company named IMS
Health Incorporated ("IMS Health"). Pursuant to the terms of a Distribution
Agreement dated as of October 28, 1996 among the Company, Old D&B and Cognizant,
New D&B was required as a condition to the D&B Spin, and IMS Health was required
as a condition to the Cognizant Spin, to undertake to the Company to be jointly
and severally liable with its former parent company for, among other things, the
obligations of such former parent company under the Indemnity and Joint Defense
Agreement. Each of New D&B and IMS Health did provide such undertaking to the
Company.
Management of ACNielsen is unable to predict at this time the final outcome
of the IRI Action or whether its resolution could materially affect the
Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
The Company and its subsidiaries are also involved in other legal
proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the
opinion of management, the outcome of such current legal proceedings, claims and
litigation, if decided adversely, could have a material effect on quarterly or
annual operating results or cash flows when resolved in a future period.
However, in the opinion of management, these matters will not materially affect
the Company's consolidated financial position.
Note 15. Supplemental Financial Data
Accounts Receivable-Net: 1998 1997
===========================================================================
Trade $232,167 $224,038
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts (13,890) (12,114)
Unbilled receivables 30,975 21,089
Other 30,456 27,808
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$279,708 $260,821
===========================================================================
Other Current Assets: 1998 1997
===========================================================================
Deferred taxes $ 26,449 $ 11,129
Prepaid expenses 30,078 27,294
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 56,527 $ 38,423
===========================================================================
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net: 1998 1997
===========================================================================
Land $ 4,376 $ 4,545
Buildings 48,504 50,216
Computer Hardware and Other Equipment 353,226 363,536
Leasehold Improvements 32,994 30,356
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (281,436) (282,993)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$157,664 $165,660
===========================================================================
Accounts Payable: 1998 1997
===========================================================================
Trade $ 53,542 $ 47,303
Taxes other than income taxes 29,641 27,727
Other 7,748 11,878
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 90,931 $ 86,908
===========================================================================
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities: 1998 1997
===========================================================================
Salaries, wages, bonuses and
other compensation $ 85,112 $ 66,093
Deferred revenue and advance billings 44,715 44,045
Postemployment benefits 18,665 41,590
Other 159,904 149,794
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
$308,396 $301,522
===========================================================================
F-21
Note 15. Supplemental Financial Data (Continued)
Intangibles
Intangibles and Other Assets, and Computer
Computer Software and Goodwill: Other Assets Software Goodwill
================================================================================
January 1, 1997 $ 48,610 $ 37,858 $ 204,022
Additions, at cost 11,182 14,774 34,885
Amortization (9,883) (19,037) (10,114)
Increase in deferred income taxes 2,076 -- --
Foreign translation, asset write-offs
and other 3,016 (8,307) (8,310)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1997 55,001 25,288 220,483
Additions, at cost 21,412 34,620 120,930
Amortization (11,344) (17,913) (10,093)
Increase in deferred income taxes 3,405 -- --
Foreign translation, asset write-offs
and other 1,415 593 (2,994)
================================================================================
December 31, 1998 $ 69,889 $ 42,588 $ 328,326
================================================================================
Accumulated amortization of intangibles and other assets, computer
software, and goodwill was $172,974 and $164,285 at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 16. Operations by Geographic Segment
The Company, operating globally, delivers market research, information and
analysis to the consumer products and service industries. The Company is
organized into three geographic regions-the Americas; Europe, Middle East and
Africa; and Asia Pacific. A senior executive is responsible for the performance
of each geographic region. The Company evaluates regional performance based on
operating income, prior to special charges and excluding incremental costs of
Year 2000 computer software modifications.
Financial information by geographic area is summarized as follows.
Inter-area sales were not significant.
Operating Operating Depreciation Capital Computer
Revenue Income (Loss)(1) Assets & Amortization Expenditures(2) Software
====================================================================================================================================
1998
United States $ 390,374 $ 39,041 $ 307,623 $ 26,346 $ 9,675 $ 19,089
Canada/Latin America 188,396 31,797 135,523 9,720 8,231 1,827
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Americas 578,770 70,838 443,146 36,066 17,906 20,916
Europe, Middle East and Africa 589,620 29,158 470,778 32,106 17,618 12,742
Asia Pacific 257,006 7,546 211,693 17,706 19,851 962
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,425,396 $ 107,542 $1,125,617 $ 85,878 $ 55,375 $ 34,620
====================================================================================================================================
1997
United States $ 310,037 $ 19,510 $ 278,865 $ 23,095 $ 9,206 $ 12,168
Canada/Latin America 203,978 23,723 144,320 12,526 8,598 216
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Americas 514,015 43,233 423,185 35,621 17,804 12,384
Europe, Middle East and Africa 579,050 21,192 396,087 36,411 18,144 2,275
Asia Pacific 298,522 (3,669) 219,836 20,826 12,479 115
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,391,587 $ 60,756 $1,039,108 $ 92,858 $ 48,427 $ 14,774
====================================================================================================================================
1996
United States $ 286,522 $ (4,912) $ 269,397 $ 22,296 $ 10,565 $ 10,598
Canada/Latin America 185,516 22,210 136,656 10,459 15,299 728
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Americas 472,038 17,298 406,053 32,755 25,864 11,326
Europe, Middle East and Africa 597,669 21,828 399,890 37,702 25,442 12,443
Asia Pacific 288,937 (10,971) 230,125 22,717 14,197 681
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,358,644 $ 28,155 $1,036,068 $ 93,174 $ 65,503 $ 24,450
====================================================================================================================================
F-22
Note 16. Operations by Geographic Segment (Continued)
Reconciliation of Segment Operating Income to Pre-Tax Income: 1998 1997 1996
====================================================================================================================================
Segment Operating Income $ 107,542 $ 60,756 $ 28,155
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special Charge(1) -- (36,000) --
Year 2000 Expenses (15,911) -- --
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reported Operating Income 91,631 24,756 28,155
Other Income-Net(3) 6,985 43,788 2,339
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pre-Tax Income $ 98,616 $ 68,544 $ 30,494
====================================================================================================================================
(1) The 1997 special charge of $36,000 ($2,200 in Canada/Latin America, $4,000
in Europe, Middle East and Africa, $29,800 in Asia Pacific) was recorded in
the fourth quarter. (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)
(2) Capital expenditures relate only to long-lived assets and do not include
additions to intangibles and other assets, and goodwill of $142,342,
$46,067 and $4,402 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
(3) 1997 Other Income-Net includes a non-operating gain on sale of investments
of $39,039.
Note 17. Earnings Per Share
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: 1998 1997 1996
====================================================================================================================================
Weighted-average number of Shares Outstanding Basic EPS 57,236 57,139 56,712
Dilutive Effect Of:
Stock Options 2,598 1,230 270
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted-average number of Shares Outstanding and Common Stock Equivalents Diluted EPS 59,834 58,369 56,982
====================================================================================================================================
Net Income $57,209 $35,897 $15,844
====================================================================================================================================
Basic Earnings Per Share $ 1.00 $ .63 $ .28
====================================================================================================================================
Diluted Earnings Per Share $ .96 $ .62 $ .28
====================================================================================================================================
All periods prior to November 1, 1996 reflect the adjusted share and option
activity of The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. Options to purchase 1,309,900
shares of common stock at share prices ranging from $26.19 to $27.75 and
1,864,788 shares of common stock at share prices ranging from $16.08 to $17.05
per share were outstanding at the end of the years 1998 and 1996, respectively,
but were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the options'
exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.
Note 18. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
=============================================================
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Year
====================================================================================================================================
1998
Operating Revenue $ 325,801 $ 346,495 $ 364,665 $ 388,435 $1,425,396
Operating Income $ 204 $ 25,920 $ 28,824 $ 36,683 $ 91,631
Net Income $ 1,799 $ 16,088 $ 17,703 $ 21,619 $ 57,209
Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ .03 $ .28 $ .31 $ .38 $ 1.00
Diluted $ .03 $ .27 $ .30 $ .36 $ .96
Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
Basic 57,359 57,281 57,111 57,197 57,236
Diluted 59,353 59,670 59,013 59,607 59,834
====================================================================================================================================
1997
Operating Revenue $ 324,774 $ 356,325 $ 346,864 $ 363,624 $1,391,587
Operating (Loss) Income $ (9,178) $ 18,657 $ 23,143 $ (7,866)(1) $ 24,756
Net (Loss) Income $ (4,116) $ 10,249 $ 13,731 $ 16,033 (2) $ 35,897
(Loss) Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ (.07) $ .18 $ .24 $ .28 $ .63
Diluted $ (.07) $ .18 $ .23 $ .27 $ .62
Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
Basic 56,919 57,035 57,209 57,388 57,139
Diluted 56,919 57,536 59,540 59,259 58,369
====================================================================================================================================
(1) Includes a special charge of $36,000 pre-tax ($28,200 after-tax) or $.49
per basic share, $.48 per diluted share.
(2) Includes a non-operating gain on the sale of investments of $39,039
($28,200 after tax), or $.49 per basic share, $.48 per diluted share.
F-23
ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,
========================================================
1998 1997 1996 1995(1) 1994(2)
===================================================================================================================================
Income Statement Data:
Operating Revenue $ 1,425 $ 1,392 $ 1,359 $ 1,281 $ 1,092
Net Income (Loss) $ 57 $ 36 $ 16 $ (231) $ (65)
Actual and Pro Forma Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:
Basic(3) $ 1.00 $ .63 $ .28 $ (4.09) $ (1.15)
Diluted(3) $ .96 $ .62 $ .28 $ (4.09) $ (1.15)
Balance Sheet Data:
Total Assets $ 1,126 $ 1,039 $ 1,036 $ 943 $ 958
Long-term Debt $ 23 $ 8 $ 3 $ 6 $ 9
===================================================================================================================================
(1) Net Income (Loss) in 1995 includes a special charge in the fourth quarter
of $152 million pre-tax ($141 million after-tax or $2.50 per basic and
diluted share) for costs principally associated with asset impairments,
software write-offs and contractual obligations that have no future
economic benefit, and an incremental postemployment benefit expense of $32
million pre-tax ($24 million after-tax or $.43 per basic and diluted
share).
(2) Net Income (Loss) includes restructuring expense of $9 million pre-tax in
1994.
(3) The computation of pro forma Earnings (Loss) per share for the periods
prior to November 1, 1996 (the Distribution), is based on the average
number of shares of D&B Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents
outstanding during the respective periods, adjusted for the one-for-three
distribution ratio.
F-24