UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

 

 

 

þ

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

 

 

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

 

 

 

OR

 

 

 

 

o

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

 

Commission File Number 1-14443

 

GARTNER, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


 

 

Delaware

04-3099750

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

Identification Number)

 

 

P.O. Box 10212

06902-7700

56 Top Gallant Road

(Zip Code)

Stamford, CT

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 316-1111

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer þ

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

 

 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

As of July 29, 2011, 96,528,332 shares of the registrant’s common shares were outstanding.



Table of Contents

 

 

 

Page

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011 and 2010

5

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

6

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

17

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

27

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

28

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

29

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

29

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

29

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

30

2


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

125,341

 

$

120,181

 

Fees receivable, net

 

 

360,564

 

 

364,818

 

Deferred commissions

 

 

65,866

 

 

71,955

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

73,838

 

 

64,148

 

 

 



 



 

Total current assets

 

 

625,609

 

 

621,102

 

Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net

 

 

52,922

 

 

47,614

 

Goodwill

 

 

516,027

 

 

510,265

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 

8,537

 

 

13,584

 

Other assets

 

 

92,877

 

 

93,093

 

 

 



 



 

Total Assets

 

$

1,295,972

 

$

1,285,658

 

 

 



 



 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

 

$

172,314

 

$

247,733

 

Deferred revenues

 

 

572,053

 

 

523,263

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

55,000

 

 

40,156

 

 

 



 



 

Total current liabilities

 

 

799,367

 

 

811,152

 

Long-term debt

 

 

165,000

 

 

180,000

 

Other liabilities

 

 

115,786

 

 

107,450

 

 

 



 



 

Total Liabilities

 

 

1,080,153

 

 

1,098,602

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.0005 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 156,234,415 shares issued for both periods

 

 

78

 

 

78

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

628,545

 

 

611,782

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net

 

 

14,363

 

 

14,638

 

Accumulated earnings

 

 

667,091

 

 

605,677

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 59,709,249 and 60,245,718 common shares, respectively

 

 

(1,094,258

)

 

(1,045,119

)

 

 



 



 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

215,819

 

 

187,056

 

 

 



 



 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

1,295,972

 

$

1,285,658

 

 

 



 



 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research

 

$

250,015

 

$

209,095

 

$

493,450

 

$

419,768

 

Consulting

 

 

77,962

 

 

75,760

 

 

148,592

 

 

147,399

 

Events

 

 

37,566

 

 

29,340

 

 

53,068

 

 

42,861

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total revenues

 

 

365,543

 

 

314,195

 

 

695,110

 

 

610,028

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and product development

 

 

152,461

 

 

138,336

 

 

285,777

 

 

261,382

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

152,758

 

 

130,322

 

 

294,430

 

 

260,890

 

Depreciation

 

 

6,234

 

 

6,440

 

 

12,505

 

 

13,024

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

2,522

 

 

2,537

 

 

5,049

 

 

5,463

 

Acquisition and integration charges

 

 

 

 

2,330

 

 

 

 

5,841

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total costs and expenses

 

 

313,975

 

 

279,965

 

 

597,761

 

 

546,600

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Operating income

 

 

51,568

 

 

34,230

 

 

97,349

 

 

63,428

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

(2,797

)

 

(3,180

)

 

(5,581

)

 

(6,564

)

Other (expense) income, net

 

 

(571

)

 

(643

)

 

(953

)

 

1,109

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

48,200

 

 

30,407

 

 

90,815

 

 

57,973

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

15,977

 

 

10,294

 

 

29,401

 

 

18,457

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

32,223

 

$

20,113

 

$

61,414

 

$

39,516

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.41

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Diluted

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.40

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

96,886

 

 

95,657

 

 

96,664

 

 

95,810

 

Diluted

 

 

99,340

 

 

98,855

 

 

99,642

 

 

99,689

 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

61,414

 

$

39,516

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

 

 

17,554

 

 

18,487

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

16,993

 

 

16,034

 

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

 

(21,940

)

 

(7,821

)

Deferred taxes

 

 

(1,395

)

 

(707

)

Amortization of debt issue costs

 

 

1,182

 

 

531

 

Changes in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fees receivable, net

 

 

11,915

 

 

21,359

 

Deferred commissions

 

 

7,561

 

 

13,497

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(2,098

)

 

5,150

 

Other assets

 

 

(792

)

 

(33,572

)

Deferred revenues

 

 

35,478

 

 

26,631

 

Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities

 

 

(61,959

)

 

(37,513

)

 

 



 



 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

 

63,913

 

 

61,592

 

 

 



 



 

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements

 

 

(9,460

)

 

(7,693

)

Acquisitions (net of cash received)

 

 

 

 

(12,151

)

 

 



 



 

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(9,460

)

 

(19,844

)

 

 



 



 

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from stock issued under stock plans

 

 

16,347

 

 

10,997

 

Proceeds from debt issuance

 

 

10,000

 

 

63,000

 

Payments on debt

 

 

(10,156

)

 

(35,000

)

Purchases of treasury stock

 

 

(87,859

)

 

(75,104

)

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

 

 

21,940

 

 

7,821

 

 

 



 



 

Cash used by financing activities

 

 

(49,728

)

 

(28,286

)

 

 



 



 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

4,725

 

 

13,462

 

Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

 

 

435

 

 

(7,672

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

120,181

 

 

116,574

 

 

 



 



 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

125,341

 

$

122,364

 

 

 



 



 

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


GARTNER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1 — Business and Basis of Presentation

Business. Gartner, Inc. is a global information technology research and advisory company with its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Gartner, Inc. delivers its principal products and services through three business segments: Research, Consulting, and Events.

Basis of presentation. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America, as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 270 for interim financial information and with the instructions to Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X on Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of Gartner, Inc. filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The fiscal year of Gartner, Inc. (the “Company”) represents the period from January 1 through December 31. When used in these notes, the terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring accruals considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented herein have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2011.

Principles of consolidation. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Use of estimates. The preparation of the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. These estimates and the underlying assumptions affect the amounts of assets and liabilities reported, disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Such estimates include the valuation of accounts receivable, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, as well as tax accruals and other liabilities. In addition, estimates are used in revenue recognition, income tax expense, performance-based compensation charges, depreciation and amortization, and the allowance for losses. Management believes its use of estimates in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements to be reasonable.

Management continuously evaluates and revises its estimates using historical experience and other factors, including the general economic environment and actions it may take in the future. We adjust such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, these estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on our best judgment at a point in time. As a result, differences between our estimates and actual results could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Note 2 — Comprehensive Income

The components of Comprehensive income include net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on interest rate swaps, and deferred gains and losses on defined benefit pension plans. Amounts recorded in Comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Net income:

 

$

32,223

 

$

20,113

 

$

61,414

 

$

39,516

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax effect:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

672

 

 

(3,789

)

 

1,524

 

 

(6,329

)

Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swaps

 

 

(2,563

)

 

906

 

 

(1,732

)

 

1,584

 

Amortization of pension unrealized gain

 

 

(34

)

 

(54

)

 

(67

)

 

(113

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(1,925

)

 

(2,937

)

 

(275

)

 

(4,858

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Comprehensive income

 

$

30,298

 

$

17,176

 

$

61,139

 

$

34,658

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

6


Note 3 — Computation of Earnings per Share

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Numerator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share

 

$

32,223

 

$

20,113

 

$

61,414

 

$

39,516

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share

 

 

96,886

 

 

95,657

 

 

96,664

 

 

95,810

 

Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1), (2)

 

 

2,454

 

 

3,198

 

 

2,978

 

 

3,879

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share

 

 

99,340

 

 

98,855

 

 

99,642

 

 

99,689

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.33

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.41

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.32

 

$

0.20

 

$

0.62

 

$

0.40

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, 0.8 million and 1.6 million respectively, of common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

 

 

(2)

For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, 0.3 million and 0.4 million respectively, of common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 4 — Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock-based compensation awards as an incentive for employees and directors to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. The Company currently awards stock-settled stock appreciation rights, service- and performance-based restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents. At June 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 6.4 million shares of its common stock, par value $.0005 per share (the “Common Stock”) available for awards of stock-based compensation under its 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is recognized over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the related service is performed, which is generally the same as the vesting period. At the present time, the Company issues treasury shares upon the exercise, release or settlement of stock-based compensation awards.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation awards and the Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the amount of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of the achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The Company recognized the following amounts of stock-based compensation expense by award type in the periods indicated (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

Award type:

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 


 


 


 


 


 

Stock appreciation rights (SARs)

 

$

0.9

 

$

1.1

 

$

2.4

 

$

2.8

 

Common stock equivalents (CSEs)

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.3

 

 

0.2

 

Restricted stock units (RSUs)

 

 

6.8

 

 

5.6

 

 

14.3

 

 

13.0

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total

 

$

7.8

 

$

6.8

 

$

17.0

 

$

16.0

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

7


Stock-based compensation expense was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows (in millions):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

Amount recorded in:

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 


 


 


 


 


 

Cost of services and product development

 

$

3.4

 

$

3.1

 

$

7.9

 

$

7.8

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

4.4

 

 

3.7

 

 

9.1

 

 

8.2

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total stock-based compensation expense

 

$

7.8

 

$

6.8

 

$

17.0

 

$

16.0

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

As of June 30, 2011, the Company had $57.5 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be expensed over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.4 years.

Stock-Based Compensation Awards

The following disclosures provide information regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation awards, all of which are classified as equity awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505:

Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) are settled in common shares and are similar to stock options as they permit the holder to participate in the appreciation of the Common Stock. SARs may be settled in shares of Common Stock by the employee once the applicable vesting criteria have been met. SARs vest ratably over a four-year service period and expire seven years from the grant date. The fair value of SARs awards is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over four years. Presently, SARs are awarded only to the Company’s executive officers.

When SARs are exercised, the number of shares of Common Stock issued is calculated as follows: (1) the total proceeds from the SARs exercise (calculated as the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of exercise less the exercise price of the SARs, multiplied by the number of SARs exercised) is divided by (2) the closing price of the Common Stock on the exercise date. The Company withholds a portion of the shares of Common Stock issued upon exercise to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. SARs recipients do not have any stockholder rights until after actual shares of Common Stock are issued in respect of the award, which is subject to the prior satisfaction of the vesting and other criteria relating to such grants.

A summary of the changes in SARs outstanding for the six months ended June 30, 2011, follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SARs in
millions

 

Per Share
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Per Share
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

 

2.5

 

$

17.22

 

$

6.62

 

 

4.55 years

 

Granted

 

 

0.4

 

 

38.05

 

 

13.58

 

 

6.65 years

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

na

 

Exercised

 

 

(0.3

)

 

16.96

 

 

6.62

 

 

na

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2011 (1), (2)

 

 

2.6

 

$

20.13

 

$

7.58

 

 

4.50 years

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2011 (1)

 

 

1.2

 

$

17.71

 

$

6.67

 

 

3.54 years

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

na=not applicable

 

 

 


 

(1)

Total SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $52.0 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $27.1 million.

 

 

 

(2)

Approximately 1.4 million of these outstanding SARs were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.

The fair value of the SARs was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,
(1)

 

 

 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 

Expected dividend yield (2)

 

 

0

%

 

0

%

Expected stock price volatility (3)

 

 

38

%

 

40

%

Risk-free interest rate (4)

 

 

2.2

%

 

2.4

%

Expected life in years (5)

 

 

4.8

 

 

4.8

 

 

 



 



 

8



 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company did not make any SARs grants during the three months ended June 30, 2011 or June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

(2)

The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically, Gartner has not paid cash dividends on its Common Stock.

 

 

 

(3)

The determination of expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Company Common Stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in the Common Stock.

 

 

 

(4)

The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. Treasury security with a maturity similar to the expected life of the award.

 

 

 

(5)

The expected life represents a weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (that is, the period between the service inception date and the expected exercise date). The expected life in years is based on the “simplified” calculation permitted by SEC SAB No. 107. Under the simplified method, the expected life is calculated by taking the average of the vesting period plus the original contractual term and dividing by two.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units (RSUs) give the awardee the right to receive shares of Common Stock when the vesting conditions are met and the restrictions lapse, and each RSU that vests entitles the awardee to one common share. RSU awardees do not have any stockholder rights until after the common shares are released. The fair value of RSUs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. Service-based RSUs vest ratably over four years and are expensed on a straight-line basis over four years. Performance-based RSUs are subject to both performance and service conditions, vest ratably over four years, and are expensed on an accelerated basis.

A summary of the changes in RSUs during the six months ended June 30, 2011 follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted
Stock Units
(RSUs)

 

Per Share
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

 

3,868,271

 

$

16.52

 

Granted (1)

 

 

668,458

 

 

38.07

 

Vested

 

 

(1,390,310

)

 

17.17

 

Forfeited

 

 

(84,126

)

 

20.20

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2011 (2), (3)

 

 

3,062,293

 

$

21.48

 

 

 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The 0.7 million RSUs granted in 2011 consisted of 0.3 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.4 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and certain board members. The 0.3 million performance-based RSUs represents the target amount of the award. The actual number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be granted will be between 0% and 200% of the target amount, depending on the performance metric achieved. For 2011, the performance metric is the dollar level of the Company’s subscription-based contract value at December 31, 2011. If the specified minimum level of achievement is not met, the performance-based RSUs will be forfeited in their entirety, and any compensation expense already recorded will be reversed.

 

 

 

(2)

The Company expects that substantially all of the outstanding awards will vest in future periods.

 

 

 

(3)

The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.5 years.

Common Stock Equivalents

Common stock equivalents (CSEs) are convertible into Common Stock and each CSE entitles the holder to one common share. Members of our Board of Directors receive directors’ fees payable in CSEs unless they opt to receive up to 50% of the fees in cash. Generally, the CSEs have no defined term and are converted into common shares when service as a director terminates unless the director has elected an accelerated release. The fair value of the CSEs is determined on the date of grant based on the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. CSEs vest immediately and as a result are recorded as expense on the date of grant.

9


A summary of changes in CSEs during the six months ended June 30, 2011, follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock
Equivalents
(RSUs)

 

Per Share
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

 

 

 


 


 

Outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

 

117,208

 

$

na

 

Granted

 

 

6,057

 

 

41.30

 

Converted to common shares

 

 

(2,834

)

 

na

 

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

na

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2011

 

 

120,431

 

$

na

 

 

 



 



 


 

 

na=not available

 

 

 


 

Stock Options

Historically, the Company granted stock options to employees that allowed them to purchase shares of the Common Stock at a certain price. The Company has not made any stock option grants since 2006. All outstanding options are fully vested and there is no remaining unamortized cost. The Company received $14.6 million and $9.5 million in cash from option exercises in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

A summary of the changes in stock options outstanding in the six months ended June 30, 2011 follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options in
millions

 

Per Share
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in millions)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Vested and outstanding at December 31, 2010

 

 

2.6

 

$

11.13

 

 

2.59 years

 

$

58.2

 

Expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

na

 

 

na

 

Exercised (1)

 

 

(1.3

)

 

11.50

 

 

na

 

 

na

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vested and outstanding at June 30, 2011

 

 

1.3

 

$

10.79

 

 

1.80 years

 

$

40.5

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 

na=not applicable

 

 

 


 

(1)

Options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2011 had an intrinsic value of $34.0 million.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan (the “ESPP Plan”) under which eligible employees are permitted to purchase Common Stock through payroll deductions, which may not exceed 10% of an employee’s compensation (or $23,750 in any calendar year), at a price equal to 95% of the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange at the end of each offering period.

At June 30, 2011, the Company had approximately 1.4 million shares available for purchase under the ESPP Plan. The ESPP Plan is considered non-compensatory under FASB ASC Topic 718, and as a result the Company does not record compensation expense for employee share purchases. The Company received $1.8 million and $1.5 million in cash from share purchases under the ESPP Plan in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Company’s Board of Directors and Stockholders have approved a new Employee Stock Purchase Plan that will be effective September 1, 2011. The shares remaining available under the current ESPP Plan on August 31, 2011 will be transferred to the new plan, and no additional shares will be reserved for issuance under the new plan.

Note 5 — Segment Information

The Company manages its business through three reportable segments: Research, Consulting and Events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products, access to research inquiry, as well as peer networking services and membership programs. Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements, and strategic advisory services. Events consists of various symposia, conferences, and exhibitions.

The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented in the table below, is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development and Selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, acquisition and integration charges, amortization of intangibles, and Other charges. Certain bonus and fringe benefit costs included in consolidated Cost of services and product

10


development are not allocated to segment expense. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company. There are no inter-segment revenues.

The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by reportable segment. Accordingly, assets are not reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of segment performance or in making decisions in the allocation of resources.

The following tables present information about the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:

 

Research

 

Consulting

 

Events

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues

 

$

250,015

 

$

77,962

 

$

37,566

 

$

365,543

 

Gross contribution

 

 

168,304

 

 

28,873

 

 

17,315

 

 

214,492

 

Corporate and other expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(162,924

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

51,568

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,797

)

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(571

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

48,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2010:

 

Research

 

Consulting

 

Events

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues

 

$

209,095

 

$

75,760

 

$

29,340

 

$

314,195

 

Gross contribution

 

 

135,970

 

 

31,819

 

 

11,499

 

 

179,288

 

Corporate and other expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(145,058

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,230

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,180

)

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(643

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

30,407

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:

 

Research

 

Consulting

 

Events

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues

 

$

493,450

 

$

148,592

 

$

53,068

 

$

695,110

 

Gross contribution

 

 

332,805

 

 

54,362

 

 

22,980

 

 

410,147

 

Corporate and other expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(312,798

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

97,349

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(5,581

)

Other expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(953

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

90,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2010:

 

Research

 

Consulting

 

Events

 

Consolidated

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Revenues

 

$

419,768

 

$

147,399

 

$

42,861

 

$

610,028

 

Gross contribution

 

 

274,706

 

 

60,241

 

 

16,714

 

 

351,661

 

Corporate and other expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(288,233

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Operating income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

63,428

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,564

)

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Income before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

57,973

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Note 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. The evaluation of goodwill is performed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires an annual assessment of potential goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit can be an operating segment or a business if discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by management. Under the impairment test, if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value, goodwill impairment is recognized to the extent that the reporting unit’s carrying amount of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill. The fair value of reporting units is estimated using discounted cash flows, market multiples, and other valuation techniques.

The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reporting segment during the six months ended June 30, 2011 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research

 

Consulting

 

Events

 

Total

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Balance, December 31, 2010

 

$

368,521

 

$

99,817

 

$

41,927

 

$

510,265

 

Foreign currency translation adjustments

 

 

4,862

 

 

798

 

 

102

 

 

5,762

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

Balance, June 30, 2011 (1)

 

$

373,383

 

$

100,615

 

$

42,029

 

$

516,027

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

11



 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company did not record any goodwill impairment losses during the six months ended June 30, 2011. In addition, the Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses.

Amortizable Intangible Assets

The following tables present the carrying amounts of amortizable intangible assets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

Content

 

Trade Name

 

Customer
Relationships

 

Total

 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross cost

 

$

10,634

 

$

5,758

 

$

7,210

 

$

23,602

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

(10,634

)

 

(1,727

)

 

(2,704

)

 

(15,065

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net

 

$

 

$

4,031

 

$

4,506

 

$

8,537

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

Content

 

Trade Name

 

Customer
Relationships

 

Total

 


 


 


 


 


 

Gross cost

 

$

10,634

 

$

5,758

 

$

7,210

 

$

23,602

 

Accumulated amortization

 

 

(7,089

)

 

(1,152

)

 

(1,777

)

 

(10,018

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net

 

$

3,545

 

$

4,606

 

$

5,433

 

$

13,584

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

The Company’s amortizable intangible assets are charged against earnings over the following periods:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content

 

Trade
Name

 

Customer
Relationships

 

 

 


 


 


 

Useful Life (Years)

 

 

1.5

 

 

5

 

 

4

 

Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.5 million for both the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and $5.0 million and $5.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The estimated future amortization expense by year from amortizable intangibles is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

2011 (remaining six months)

 

$

1,483

 

2012

 

 

2,955

 

2013

 

 

2,955

 

2014

 

 

1,144

 

 

 



 

 

 

$

8,537

 

 

 



 

Note 7 — Debt

Credit Agreement

In December 2010, the Company entered into a new credit agreement with a syndication of banks led by JPMorgan Chase. The 2010 Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. In addition, the 2010 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate.

The term loan will be repaid in 19 consecutive quarterly installments, which commenced on March 31, 2011, plus a final payment due on December 22, 2015, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until December 22, 2015, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid.

Amounts borrowed under the 2010 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (i) the greatest of: the administrative agent’s prime rate; the average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of 1%; and the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 1%, in each case plus a margin equal to between 0.50% and 1.25% depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, or (ii) the eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus a margin equal to between 1.50% and 2.25%, depending on the Company’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended.

The 2010 Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants requiring a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, and covenants limiting the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, be acquired, dispose of assets, pay dividends, repurchase stock, make capital expenditures, make investments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The Company was in full compliance with these covenants at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

12


The following table provides information regarding the Company’s borrowings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description:

 

Amount
Outstanding
June 30, 2011
(In thousands)

 

Contractual
Annualized
Interest Rate
June 30, 2011 (2)

 

Amount
Outstanding
December 31, 2010
(In thousands)

 


 


 


 


 

Term loans

 

$

190,000

 

 

2.25

%

$

200,000

 

Revolver (1)

 

 

30,000

 

 

2.21

%

 

20,156

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

Total

 

$

220,000

 

 

 

 

$

220,156

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company had $367.0 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of June 30, 2011.

 

 

(2)

The term loan rate consisted of a 0.25% Eurodollar base rate plus a margin of 2.00%, while the revolver rate consisted of a weighted-average Eurodollar base rate of 0.21% plus a margin of 2.00%. The Company has an interest rate swap contract which converts the floating Eurodollar base rate to a fixed base rate of 2.26% on $200.0 million of borrowings (see below). Including the impact of the swap, the annualized effective interest rate as of June 30, 2011 on $200.0 million of these borrowings was 4.26%.

Interest Rate Swap Hedge

The Company has a $200.0 million notional fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contract which it accounts for as a designated hedge of the forecasted interest payments on the Company’s variable rate borrowings. Under the swap terms, the Company pays a base fixed rate of 2.26% and in return receives a three-month Eurodollar base rate.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Since the swap is hedging forecasted interest payments, changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in OCI as long as the swap continues to be a highly effective hedge of the designated interest rate risk. Any ineffective portion of change in the fair value of the hedge is recorded in earnings. At June 30, 2011, there was no ineffective portion of the hedge. The interest rate swap had a negative fair value to the Company of $5.0 million at June 30, 2011, which is recorded in OCI, net of tax effect.

Letters of Credit

The Company issues letters of credit and related guarantees in the ordinary course of business. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding letters of credit and guarantees of $3.8 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Note 8 — Equity and Stock Programs

Share Repurchase Program

The Company has a board approved $500.0 million share repurchase program. Repurchases under the program may be made from time-to-time through open market purchases, private transactions, tender offers or other transactions. The amount and timing of repurchases will be subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may also be made from time-to-time in connection with the settlement of the Company’s shared-based compensation awards. Repurchases are funded from cash flow from operations or borrowings.

The Company’s share repurchase activity is included in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Number of shares repurchased (1)

 

 

932,624

 

 

1,636,341

 

 

2,343,452

 

 

3,140,041

 

Cost of repurchased shares (in thousands) (2)

 

$

35,964

 

$

39,932

 

$

87,860

 

$

75,104

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The 2010 share repurchases were made under the Company’s previously authorized share repurchase program. The share repurchases for the six months ended June 30, 2011 includes 500,000 shares the Company repurchased directly from ValueAct Capital Master Fund L.P. (“ValueAct Capital”) in February 2011 under a stock purchase agreement between the Company and ValueAct Capital.

 

 

(2)

As of June 30, 2011, the Company had $416.2 million remaining for share repurchases under the $500.0 million share repurchase program.

13


Note 9 — Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $16.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $10.3 million in the prior year quarter. The effective tax rate was 33.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 33.9% for the same period in 2010. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of a change in the estimated annual mix of pre-tax income by jurisdiction. The provision for income taxes was $29.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $18.5 million in the prior year quarter. The effective tax rate was 32.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 31.8% for the same period in 2010.

At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $17.8 million and $15.8 million, respectively. The increase of $2.0 million is primarily attributable to gross unrecognized tax benefits recorded during the period. It is reasonably possible that the gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by $1.2 million within the next 12 months, primarily due to settlements of outstanding audits and the expiration of the relevant statutes of limitation. At June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had Other liabilities of $16.6 million and $15.7 million, respectively, related to long term uncertain tax positions.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of the Federal income tax return of the Company for the tax year ended December 31, 2007. In December 2010 the Company received a report of the audit findings. The Company disagrees with certain of the proposed adjustments and is disputing this matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures, as appropriate. In April 2011 the Company received notice that the IRS intends to conduct an audit of the 2008 and 2009 tax years. The audits for these years have commenced and are in the early stages of examination. Although the final resolution of these audits is uncertain and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts recorded, the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging

The Company enters into a limited number of derivative contracts to offset the potentially negative economic effects of interest rate and foreign exchange movements. The Company accounts for its outstanding derivative contracts in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, which requires all derivatives, to include derivatives designated as accounting hedges, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value.

The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Contract Type

 

Number of
Outstanding
Contracts

 

Contract
Notional
Amounts

 

Fair Value
Asset
(Liability) (4)

 

Balance
Sheet
Line Item

 

Unrealized
Loss Recorded
in OCI

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Interest Rate Swap (1)

 

 

1

 

$

200,000

 

$

(4,988

)

Accrued liabilities

 

$

(3,000

)

Interest Rate Swaps (2)

 

 

2

 

 

92,250

 

 

(1,556

)

Accrued liabilities

 

 

 

Foreign Currency Forwards (3)

 

 

18

 

 

83,500

 

 

(331

)

Accrued Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

 



 

Total

 

 

21

 

$

375,750

 

$

(6,875

)

 

 

$

(3,000

)

 

 









 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Contract Type

 

Number of
Outstanding
Contracts

 

Contract
Notional
Amounts

 

Fair Value
Asset
(Liability) (4)

 

Balance
Sheet
Line Item

 

Unrealized
Loss Recorded
in OCI (1)

 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Interest Rate Swap (1)

 

 

1

 

$

200,000

 

$

(2,101

)

Other liabilities

 

$

(1,261

)

Interest Rate Swaps (2)

 

 

2

 

 

147,750

 

 

(3,966

)

Other liabilities

 

 

 

Foreign Currency Forwards (3)

 

 

63

 

 

250,220

 

 

618

 

Other current assets

 

 

 

 

 









 

 

 



 

Total

 

 

66

 

$

597,970

 

$

(5,449

)

 

 

$

(1,261

)

 

 









 

 

 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company entered into this swap on December 22, 2010. The Company designated and accounts for this swap as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings (see Note 7 — Debt). As a result, changes in fair value of this swap are recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (“OCI”), net of tax.

 

 

(2)

Changes in fair value of these swaps are recognized in earnings. Both swaps mature in January 2012.

 

 

(3)

The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currencies. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other income

14



 

 

 

(expense), net since the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. All of the outstanding contracts at June 30, 2011 matured by the end of July 2011.

 

 

(4)

See Note 11 — Fair Value Disclosures for the determination of the fair value of these instruments.

The Company’s derivative counterparties are all large investment grade financial institutions. The Company did not have any collateral arrangements with its derivative counterparties, and none of the derivative contracts contain credit-risk related contingent features.

The following table provides information regarding derivative gains and losses that have been recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 


 


 

Amount recorded in:

 

2011

 

2010

 

2011

 

2010

 


 


 


 


 


 

Interest expense, net (1)

 

$

1,040

 

$

1,875

 

$

2,078

 

$

4,318

 

Other expense (income), net (2)

 

 

676

 

 

(2,184

)

 

3,770

 

 

(2,910

)

 

 



 



 



 



 

Total expense (income), net

 

$

1,716

 

$

(309

)

$

5,848

 

$

1,408

 

 

 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

Includes interest expense (income) recorded on the Company’s interest rate swap contracts.

 

 

(2)

Includes realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Note 11 — Fair Value Disclosures

The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, fees receivable from customers, accounts payable, and accruals which are normally short-term in nature. The Company believes the carrying amounts of these financial instruments reasonably approximates their fair value.

At June 30, 2011, the Company had $220.0 million of outstanding floating rate borrowings under its 2010 Credit Facility, which is carried at amortized cost. The Company believes the carrying amount of the debt reasonably approximates its fair value since the borrowings carry floating interest rates which reflect current market rates for similar instruments with comparable maturities.

FASB ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of an asset or liability. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the resulting fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels:

 

 

Level 1 — Valuation inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

 

Level 2 — Valuation inputs are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, quoted market prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and other observable inputs directly or indirectly related to the asset or liability being measured.

 

 

Level 3 — Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The following table presents Company assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value
June 30, 2011

 

Fair Value
December 31, 2010

 

 

 


 


 

Description

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred compensation assets (1)

 

$

25,904

 

$

24,113

 

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts, net (2)

 

 

 

 

618

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

25,904

 

$

24,731

 

 

 



 



 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swap contracts (3)

 

$

6,544

 

$

6,067

 

Foreign currency exchange forward contracts, net (2)

 

 

331

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

$

6,875

 

$

6,067

 

 

 



 



 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The Company has two supplemental deferred compensation arrangements for the benefit of certain highly compensated officers, managers and other key employees. The assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance. The money market and mutual funds consist of cash equivalents or securities traded in active markets, which the Company considers the fair value of these assets to be based on a Level 1 input. The value of the Company-owned life insurance is based on indirectly observable prices, which the Company considers to be a Level 2 input.

15



 

 

(2)

The Company enters into foreign currency exchange forward contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates (see Note 10—Derivatives and Hedging). Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on foreign currency exchange rates in active markets; thus the Company measures the fair value of these contracts under a Level 2 input.

 

 

(3)

The Company has three interest rate swap contracts (see Note 10—Derivatives and Hedging). To determine the fair value of the swaps, the Company relies on mark-to-market valuations prepared by third-party brokers based on observable interest rate yield curves. Accordingly, the fair value of the swaps is determined under a Level 2 input.

Note 12 — Employee Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in several of its international locations. Benefits paid under these plans are based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960. Net periodic pension expense was $0.7 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $1.3 million and $0.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

We are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the potential liability, if any, in excess of amounts already accrued from all proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations when resolved in a future period.

The Company has various agreements that may obligate us to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold and licensed or certain intellectual property rights. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not been material. As of June 30, 2011, the Company did not have any indemnification agreements that would require material payments.

16


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The purpose of the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is to help facilitate the understanding of significant factors influencing the quarterly operating results, financial condition and cash flows of Gartner, Inc. Additionally, the MD&A also conveys our expectations of the potential impact of known trends, events or uncertainties that may impact future results. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Historical results and percentage relationships are not necessarily indicative of operating results for future periods. References to “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” in this MD&A are to Gartner, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “should,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” or other words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Factors That May Affect Future Performance” and elsewhere in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinion only as of the date on which they were made. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to review or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances as they occur. Readers also should review carefully any risk factors described in other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. We deliver the technology-related insight necessary for our clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, we are the valuable partner to clients in over 11,600 distinct organizations. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Consulting, and Gartner Events, we work with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., with over 4,700 associates, including 1,250 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries.

The foundation for all Gartner products and services is our independent research on IT issues. The findings from this research are delivered through our three customer segments — Research, Consulting and Events:

 

 

Research provides insight for CIOs, IT professionals, technology companies and the investment community through reports and briefings, access to our analysts, as well as peer networking services and membership programs designed specifically for CIOs and other senior executives.

 

 

Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements and strategic advisory services (paid one-day analyst engagements) (“SAS”), which provide assessments of cost, performance, efficiency and quality focused on the IT industry.

 

 

Events consists of various symposia, conferences and exhibitions focused on the IT industry.

 

 

For more information regarding Gartner and our products and services, visit www.gartner.com.

17


BUSINESS MEASUREMENTS

We believe the following business measurements are important performance indicators for our business segments:

 

 

 

BUSINESS SEGMENT

 

BUSINESS MEASUREMENTS


 


Research

 

Contract value represents the value attributable to all of our subscription-related research products that recognize revenue on a ratable basis. Contract value is calculated as the annualized value of all subscription research contracts in effect at a specific point in time, without regard to the duration of the contract.

 

 

 

 

 

Client retention rate represents a measure of client satisfaction and renewed business relationships at a specific point in time. Client retention is calculated on a percentage basis by dividing our current clients, who were also clients a year ago, by all clients from a year ago.

 

 

 

 

 

Wallet retention rate represents a measure of the amount of contract value we have retained with clients over a twelve-month period. Wallet retention is calculated on a percentage basis by dividing the contract value of clients, who were clients one year earlier, by the total contract value from a year earlier, excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange. When wallet retention exceeds client retention, it is an indication of retention of higher-spending clients, or increased spending by retained clients, or both.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Consulting

 

Consulting backlog represents future revenue to be derived from in-process consulting, measurement and strategic advisory services engagements.

 

 

 

 

 

Utilization rates represent a measure of productivity of our consultants. Utilization rates are calculated for billable headcount on a percentage basis by dividing total hours billed by total hours available to bill.

 

 

 

 

 

Billing Rate represents earned billable revenue divided by total billable hours.

 

 

 

 

 

Average annualized revenue per billable headcount represents a measure of the revenue generating ability of an average billable consultant and is calculated periodically by multiplying the average billing rate per hour times the utilization percentage times the billable hours available for one year.

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

Events

 

Number of events represents the total number of hosted events completed during the period.

 

 

 

 

 

Number of attendees represents the total number of people who attend events.

 

 

 

 

 


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION

We have executed a consistent growth strategy since 2005 to drive double-digit revenue and earnings growth. The fundamentals of our strategy include a focus on creating extraordinary research insight, deliver innovative and highly differentiated product offerings, build a strong sales capability, provide world class client service, and continuously improve our operational effectiveness.

We had total revenues of $365.5 million in the second quarter of 2011, an increase of 16% over the same quarter of 2010. Revenues were up strongly in our Research and Events segments, at 20% and 28% respectively, while Consulting was up 3%. Overall quarterly revenues increased 11% when adjusted for the impact of foreign currency. For a more complete discussion of our results by segment, see Segment Results below. We had net income of $32.2 million in the second quarter of 2011, an increase of 60% compared to second quarter 2010. Diluted earnings per share increased $0.12 quarter-over-quarter, to $0.32 per share for second quarter 2011. Our operating cash flow increased by 4% in the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.

We repurchased over 2.3 million of our common shares in the six months ended June 30, 2011 as part of our continued focus on enhancing shareholder value. We had over $125.0 million of cash and cash equivalents on June 30, 2011 and we had $367.0 million of available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

18


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements requires the application of appropriate accounting policies and the use of estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Gartner, Inc. contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. Management considers the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements because their application requires complex and subjective management judgments and estimates. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are also described below.

The preparation of our financial statements also requires us to make estimates and assumptions about future events. We develop our estimates using both current and historical experience, as well as other factors, including the general economic environment and actions we may take in the future. We adjust such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. However, our estimates may involve significant uncertainties and judgments and cannot be determined with precision. In addition, these estimates are based on our best judgment at a point in time and as such these estimates may ultimately differ from actual results. On-going changes in our estimates could be material and would be reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Our critical accounting policies are as follows:

Revenue recognition — Revenue is recognized in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements (“SAB 101”), and Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (“SAB 104”). Revenue is only recognized once all required criteria for revenue recognition have been met. Revenue by significant source is accounted for as follows:

 

 

Research revenues are derived from subscription contracts for research products and are deferred and recognized ratably over the applicable contract term. Fees from research reprints are recognized when the reprint is delivered.

 

 

Consulting revenues are principally generated from fixed fee and time and material engagements. Revenues from fixed fee contracts are recognized on a proportional performance basis. Revenues from time and materials engagements are recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided. Revenues related to contract optimization contracts are contingent in nature and are only recognized upon satisfaction of all conditions related to their payment.

 

 

Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition.

The majority of research contracts are billable upon signing, absent special terms granted on a limited basis from time to time. All research contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable, except for government contracts that may have cancellation or fiscal funding clauses. It is our policy to record the entire amount of the contract that is billable as a fee receivable at the time the contract is signed with a corresponding amount as deferred revenue, since the contract represents a legally enforceable claim.

Uncollectible fees receivable — The allowance for losses is composed of a bad debt allowance and a sales reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings, either as a reduction in revenues or an increase to expense. The measurement of likely and probable losses and the allowance for losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of outstanding receivables, an assessment of current economic conditions and the financial health of specific clients. This evaluation is inherently judgmental and requires estimates. These valuation reserves are periodically re-evaluated and adjusted as more information about the ultimate collectibility of fees receivable becomes available. Circumstances that could cause our valuation reserves to increase include changes in our clients’ liquidity and credit quality, other factors negatively impacting our clients’ ability to pay their obligations as they come due, and the effectiveness of our collection efforts.

The following table provides our total fees receivable, along with the related allowance for losses (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,
2011

 

December 31,
2010

 

 

 


 


 

Total fees receivable

 

$

367,441

 

$

372,018

 

Allowance for losses

 

 

(6,877

)

 

(7,200

)

 

 



 



 

Fees receivable, net

 

$

360,564

 

$

364,818

 

 

 



 



 

Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets — The evaluation of goodwill is performed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 350, which requires goodwill to be assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In addition, we also perform a periodic impairment evaluation of our amortizable intangible assets.

19


Our annual goodwill assessment requires us to estimate the fair values of our reporting units based on estimates of future business operations and market and economic conditions in developing long-term forecasts. If we determine that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we must recognize an impairment charge for a portion of the associated goodwill of that reporting unit against earnings in our financial statements.

Factors we consider important that could trigger a review for impairment include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

 

Significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results;

 

 

Significant changes in the strategy for our overall business or the manner of acquired assets usage;

 

 

Significant negative industry or economic trends;

 

 

Significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period; and

 

 

Our market capitalization relative to net book value.

Due to the numerous variables associated with our judgments and assumptions relating to the valuation of the reporting units and the effects of changes in circumstances affecting these valuations, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates are subject to uncertainty, and as additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates.

Accounting for income taxes — As we prepare our consolidated financial statements, we estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions where we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when future realization is in question. We consider the availability of loss carryforwards, existing deferred tax liabilities, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event we determine that we are able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment is made to reduce the valuation allowance and increase income in the period such determination is made. Likewise, if we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance is charged against income in the period such determination is made.

Accounting for stock-based compensation — The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense, which is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures (see Note 4 — Stock-Based Compensation in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation awards and the Company’s Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the rate of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

Restructuring and other accruals — We may record accruals for severance costs, costs associated with excess facilities that we have leased, contract terminations, asset impairments, and other costs as a result of on-going actions we undertake to streamline our organization, reposition certain businesses and reduce ongoing costs. Estimates of costs to be incurred to complete these actions, such as future lease payments, sublease income, the fair value of assets, and severance and related benefits, are based on assumptions at the time the actions are initiated. These accruals may need to be adjusted to the extent actual costs differ from such estimates. In addition, these actions may be revised due to changes in business conditions that we did not foresee at the time such plans were approved.

20


We also record accruals during the year for our various employee cash incentive programs. Amounts accrued at the end of each reporting period are based on our estimates and may require adjustment as the ultimate amount paid for these incentives are sometimes not known with certainty until the end of our fiscal year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overall Results

The following table summarizes the changes in selected line items in our interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operation for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

For the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Income
Increase
(Decrease)
$

 

Income
Increase
(Decrease)
%

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Total revenues

 

$

365,543

 

$

314,195

 

$

51,348

 

 

16

%

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and product development

 

 

152,461

 

 

138,336

 

 

(14,125

)

 

(10

)%

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

152,758

 

 

130,322

 

 

(22,436

)

 

(17

)%

Depreciation

 

 

6,234

 

 

6,440

 

 

206

 

 

3

%

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

2,522

 

 

2,537

 

 

15

 

 

 

Acquisition and integration charges

 

 

 

 

2,330

 

 

2,330

 

 

100

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Operating income

 

 

51,568

 

 

34,230

 

 

17,338

 

 

51

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

(2,797

)

 

(3,180

)

 

383

 

 

12

%

Other expense, net

 

 

(571

)

 

(643

)

 

72

 

 

11

%

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(15,977

)

 

(10,294

)

 

(5,683

)

 

(55

)%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

32,223

 

$

20,113

 

$

12,110

 

 

60

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

For the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Income
Increase
(Decrease)
$

 

Income
Increase
(Decrease)
%

 

 

 


 


 


 


 

Total revenues

 

$

695,110

 

$

610,028

 

$

85,082

 

 

14

%

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of services and product development

 

 

285,777

 

 

261,382

 

 

(24,395

)

 

(9

)%

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

294,430

 

 

260,890

 

 

(33,540

)

 

(13

)%

Depreciation

 

 

12,505

 

 

13,024

 

 

519

 

 

4

%

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

5,049

 

 

5,463

 

 

414

 

 

8

%

Acquisition and integration charges

 

 

 

 

5,841

 

 

5,841

 

 

100

%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Operating income

 

 

97,349

 

 

63,428

 

 

33,921

 

 

53

%

Interest expense, net

 

 

(5,581

)

 

(6,564

)

 

983

 

 

15

%

Other (expense) income, net

 

 

(953

)

 

1,109

 

 

(2,062

)

 

>(100

)%

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(29,401

)

 

(18,457

)

 

(10,944

)

 

(59

)%

 

 



 



 



 



 

Net income

 

$

61,414

 

$

39,516

 

$

21,898

 

 

55

%

 

 



 



 



 



 


 


TOTAL REVENUES for the three months ended June 30, 2011 increased $51.3 million, or 16%, compared to the same quarter in 2010. Quarterly revenues increased in all three of our segments. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, total quarterly revenues increased 11%. For the six month periods, revenues increased 14% in 2011, with increases in all three of our business units. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased 11% over 2010. Please refer to the section of this MD&A below entitled “Segment Results” for a discussion of revenues and results by segment.

COST OF SERVICES AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT was $14.1 million, or 10%, higher quarter-over-quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher payroll and related benefits costs due to increased headcount and merit salary increases, the impact of foreign currency translation, and additional travel expenses. Cost of services and product development as a percentage of revenues decreased by 2 points, to 42% in 2011 from 44% in 2010, primarily driven by the operating leverage inherent in our Research business.

21


For the six month periods, Cost of services and product development increased 9%, or $24.4 million, in 2011 compared to 2010. Consistent with the quarter, the increase was primarily due to higher payroll and related benefits costs due to increased headcount and merit salary increases, the impact of foreign currency translation, and additional travel costs. Cost of services and product development as a percentage of revenues for the six month periods declined 2 points in 2011, to 41% compared to 43% in the 2010 period, again driven by the operating leverage in the Research business.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE (“SG&A”) was $22.4 million, or 17%, higher quarter-over-quarter. The increase was primarily due to higher payroll costs and the impact of foreign currency translation. The higher payroll costs resulted from additional headcount, higher sales commissions, and merit salary increases. The increased headcount was primarily due to the investment in additional quota-bearing sales associates, which increased 13%, to 1,146 at June 30, 2011 from 1,013 at June 30, 2010. SG&A expense increased 13%, or $33.5 million, in the six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year. Consistent with the quarter-over-quarter increase, the additional expense was primarily driven by higher payroll costs and the impact of foreign currency translation.

DEPRECIATION expense declined slightly in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decline was due to certain fixed assets becoming fully depreciated which was only partially offset by depreciation on asset additions.

AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES decreased in both the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same periods in the prior year due to certain intangibles becoming fully amortized.

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION CHARGES was zero in the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and $2.3 million and $5.8 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2010, respectively. These charges related to the acquisitions of AMR Research and Burton Group in December 2009 and included legal, consulting, severance, and other costs.

OPERATING INCOME increased $17.3 million, or 51%, quarter-over-quarter, to $51.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $34.2 million in 2010. Operating income as a percentage of revenues increased strongly, to 14% in the second quarter of 2011 compared to 11% in the second quarter of 2010, due to significantly higher segment contributions in our Research and Events businesses in the 2011 quarter and $2.3 million of acquisition and integration charges in the 2010 quarter which was not repeated in 2011.

For the six month periods, operating income increased 53% in 2011 compared to 2010. As a percentage of revenues, operating income increased 4 points in the first half of 2011, to 14% compared to 10% in the 2010 period, again due to significantly higher segment contributions from Research and Events and $5.8 million of acquisition and integration charges in the 2010 quarter which was not repeated in 2011.

Please refer to the section of this MD&A entitled “Segment Results” below for a further discussion of revenues and results by segment.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET decreased 12% in the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, primarily due to a lower average amount of debt outstanding. The lower interest expense on our debt was partially offset by higher amortization charges on capitalized deferred financing costs from the December 2010 debt refinancing. For the six month periods, Interest expense, net, decreased 15%, also due to a lower average amount of debt outstanding.

OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $(0.6) million for both periods, which consisted of net foreign currency exchange gains and losses. Other (expense) income, net was $(1.0) million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, which consisted of net foreign currency exchange gains and losses, and $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2010, which consisted of a $2.4 million gain from an insurance settlement partially offset by $(1.3) million of net foreign currency exchange losses.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES was $16.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 compared to $10.3 million in the prior year quarter. The effective tax rate was 33.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 33.9% for the same period in 2010. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of a change in the estimated annual mix of pre-tax income by jurisdiction. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, the provision for income taxes was $29.4 million compared to $18.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2010, and the effective tax rates were 32.4% and 31.8%, respectively.

NET INCOME was $32.2 million and $20.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, an increase of 60%. Both basic and diluted earnings per share increased $0.12 per share over the prior year quarter. For the six month periods, net income increased 55%, while basic earnings per share increased 56% and diluted earnings per share increased 55%.

22


SEGMENT RESULTS

We evaluate reportable segment performance and allocate resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development charges, SG&A expenses, Depreciation, Amortization of intangibles, Acquisition and integration charges, and Other charges. Gross contribution margin is defined as gross contribution as a percentage of revenues.

The following sections present the results of our three segments:

Research

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Of And
For The
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

As Of And
For The
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)

 

As Of And
For The
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

As Of And
For The
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)

 

 

 
















 

Financial Measurements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues (1)

 

$

250,015

 

$

209,095

 

$

40,920

 

 

20

%

$

493,450

 

$

419,768

 

$

73,682

 

 

18

%

Gross contribution (1)

 

$

168,304

 

$

135,970

 

$

32,334

 

 

24

%

$

332,805

 

$

274,706

 

$

58,099

 

 

21

%

Gross contribution margin

 

 

67

%

 

65

%

 

2 points

 

 

 

 

67

%

 

65

%

 

2 points

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Business Measurements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contract value (1)

 

$

1,006,923

 

$

872,192

 

$

134,731

 

 

15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Client retention

 

 

82

%

 

81

%

 

1 point

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wallet retention

 

 

100

%

 

93

%

 

7 points

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 



 

(1)

Dollars in thousands.

Research segment revenues increased strongly, up 20% on a quarter-over-quarter basis with increases across all of our regions, products, and client types. Excluding the favorable effect of foreign currency translation, revenues increased 14%. The segment gross contribution margin increased by 2 points quarter-over-quarter due to the higher revenues and the operating leverage inherent in the Research business. When comparing the six month periods, revenues increased 18% in the 2011 period, but excluding the favorable effect of foreign currency translation, revenues increased 14%. The segment gross contribution margin increased by 2 points, again due to higher revenues and the operating leverage in this business.

Research contract value at June 30, 2011 increased 15% compared to June 30, 2010 and 16% excluding the foreign currency translation impact. Contract value increased across all of the Company’s sales regions and product lines. Both client retention and wallet retention improved over 2010, with increases of 1 point in client retention and 7 points in wallet retention. The increase in wallet retention substantially above the increase in client retention reflects the successful sales efforts by the Company to increase the spending of retained clients.

Consulting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Of And
For The
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

As Of And
For The
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)

 

As Of And
For The
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

As Of And
For The
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)

 

 

 
















 

Financial Measurements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues (1)

 

$

77,962

 

$

75,760

 

$

2,202

 

 

3

%

$

148,592

 

$

147,399

 

$

1,193

 

 

1

%

Gross contribution (1)

 

$

28,873

 

$

31,819

 

$

(2,946

)

 

(9

)%

$

54,362

 

$

60,241

 

$

(5,879

)

 

(10

)%

Gross contribution margin

 

 

37

%

 

42

%

 

(5) points

 

 

 

 

37

%

 

41

%

 

(4) points

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Business Measurements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backlog (1)

 

$

94,845

 

$

93,600

 

$

1,245

 

 

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billable headcount

 

 

490

 

 

440

 

 

50

 

 

11

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consultant utilization

 

 

64

%

 

71

%

 

(7) points

 

 

 

 

65

%

 

71

%

 

(6) points

 

 

 

Average annualized revenue per billable headcount

 

$

414

 

$

430

 

$

(16

)

 

(4

)%

$

419

 

$

435

 

$

(16

)

 

(4

)%

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 



 

(1)

Dollars in thousands.

Consulting revenues increased 3% quarter-over-quarter, primarily due to higher revenues in core consulting and, to a lesser extent, increases in our strategic advisory (SAS) and contract optimization businesses. Excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency

23


translation, revenues decreased about 2% quarter-over-quarter. The gross contribution margin declined by 5 points due to higher payroll expenses resulting from additional investment in headcount and merit salary increases, and lower consultant utilization.

For the six month periods, revenues improved 1% in 2011 due to increases in our SAS and core consulting businesses. These increases were partially offset by lower revenues in our contract optimization business, which were particularly strong in the first half of 2010. Consulting revenues declined 2% excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation. The gross contribution margin declined by 4 points due to the same factors impacting the quarter-over-quarter results. Backlog at June 30, 2011 increased 1% compared to June 30, 2010.

Events

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As Of And
For The
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

As Of And
For The
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)

 

As Of And
For The
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

As Of And
For The
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Increase
(Decrease)

 

Percentage
Increase
(Decrease)

 

 

 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Financial Measurements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues (1)

 

$

37,566

 

$

29,340

 

$

8,226

 

 

28

%

$

53,068

 

$

42,861

 

$

10,207

 

 

24

%

Gross contribution (1)

 

$

17,315

 

$

11,499

 

$

5,816

 

 

51

%

$

22,980

 

$

16,714

 

$

6,266

 

 

37

%

Gross contribution margin

 

 

46

%

 

39

%

 

7 points

 

 

 

 

43

%

 

39

%

 

4 points

 

 

 

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 

Business Measurements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of events

 

 

21

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

 

30

 

 

2 events

 

 

7

%

Number of attendees

 

 

11,295

 

 

9,697

 

 

1,598

 

 

16

%

 

15,632

 

 

13,071

 

 

2,561

 

 

20

%

 

 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 



 


 

 

 



 

(1)

Dollars in thousands.

Events revenues increased 28% quarter-over-quarter but excluding the favorable impact of foreign currency translation, revenues increased 24%. The 21 events held in the second quarter of 2011 consisted of 18 ongoing events, 2 new event launches and 1 event moved in to the quarter. The event moved into the quarter, the NA Summit event, is a large event that was held in 2010 in the first quarter. Overall attendance at events was up a strong 16%. The $8.2 million revenue increase was primarily attributable to our 18 on-going events, with $6.2 million of higher revenues reflecting strong increases in the number of attendees and exhibitors. The remaining $2.0 million increase was primarily due to the net impact of events timing, including the NA Summit event, and the new events. Average revenue for attendees and exhibitors was up 10% and 12%, respectively. The gross contribution margin increased 7 points when comparing the second quarter of 2011 to 2010 due to the higher attendance and higher average revenue.

For the six month periods, Events revenues increased 24% in 2011, or $10.2 million, with foreign currency translation adding approximately 3 points of the increase. We held 32 events in 2011, which consisted of 27 ongoing events and 5 new events. Overall, we had strong increases in the number of attendees and exhibitors, while average revenue increased 8% for attendees and 9% for exhibitors. The majority of the $10.2 million revenue increase was due to our ongoing events, which increased $9.1 million. The gross contribution margin increased 4 points, primarily due to higher contribution from the ongoing events.

24


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company entered into a five-year credit agreement in December 2010 that provides for a $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2010 Credit Agreement”). Under the revolving credit facility, amounts may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed through the maturity date of the agreement in December 2015. The credit arrangement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate.

We finance our operations primarily through cash generated from our on-going operating activities. At June 30, 2011, we had $125.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $367.0 million of available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in numerous locations throughout the world, with approximately 88% held outside the United States at June 30, 2011. We believe that we have adequate liquidity and that the cash we expect to earn from our on-going operating activities, our existing cash balances, and the expanded borrowing capacity we have under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient for our expected short-term and foreseeable long-term operating needs.

The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s cash and cash equivalents (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2011

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2010

 

Dollar
Increase
(Decrease)

 

 

 


 


 


 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

$

63,913

 

$

61,592

 

$

2,321

 

Cash used in investing activities

 

 

(9,460

)

 

(19,844

)

 

10,384

 

Cash used by financing activities

 

 

(49,728

)

 

(28,286

)

 

(21,442

)

 

 



 



 



 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

4,725

 

 

13,462

 

 

(8,737

)

Effects of exchange rates

 

 

435

 

 

(7,672

)

 

8,107

 

Beginning cash and cash equivalents

 

 

120,181

 

 

116,574

 

 

3,607

 

 

 



 



 



 

Ending cash and cash equivalents

 

$

125,341

 

$

122,364

 

$

2,977

 

 

 



 



 



 

Operating

Operating cash flow increased by $2.3 million when comparing the six months ended June 30, 2011 to the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily due to $21.9 million in higher net income and $18.0 million in lower cash payments for income taxes, acquisition costs, and severance. These increases were substantially offset by higher cash bonus and commission payments in the 2011 period due to our stronger financial performance and additional excess tax benefits in 2011 from exercises of stock-based compensation awards. The additional excess tax benefits resulted from higher exercise activity and a substantially higher market value of our Common Stock. In accordance with U.S. GAAP accounting rules, these excess tax benefits are required to be reclassified from the operating activities category to the financing activities category. However, the reclassification had no impact on the net change in cash and cash equivalents for the period.

Investing

Cash used in our investing activities declined in the 2011 period due to $12.2 million in payments made for the acquisition of Burton Group in the prior year period. We used $9.5 million for capital expenditures in the 2011 period compared to $7.7 million in 2010. The $9.5 million used in the 2011 period includes $1.5 million of capital expenditures for the renovation of our Stamford headquarters facility, which is fully reimbursable by the landlord. The Company received reimbursement of $0.7 million of the $1.5 million in capital expenditures in the first half of 2011, which is recorded in the Statement of Cash Flows as an operating cash flow benefit. The Company received the remaining $0.8 million landlord reimbursement in July 2011, which will be recorded as an operating cash flow benefit in the Company’s third quarter.

Financing

We used an additional $21.4 million of cash in our financing activities in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 as the net proceeds from borrowings was $28.2 million less in the 2011 period and we used an additional $12.8 million for share repurchases in the 2011 period. Partially offsetting these additional uses of cash was $19.5 million more in cash from option exercises and excess tax benefits in the 2011 period as a higher average stock price in the 2011 period resulted in a significantly increased number of exercises.

25


OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

2010 Credit Agreement

As of June 30, 2011, we had $220.0 million outstanding under our 2010 Credit Agreement, which provides for a five-year, $200.0 million term loan and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility. The 2010 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $150.0 million in the aggregate. The Company has not borrowed under the expansion feature.

The term loan will be repaid in 19 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced on March 31, 2011, plus a final payment due on December 22, 2015, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until December 22, 2015, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. See Note 7 — Debt herein in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the 2010 Credit Agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Through June 30, 2011, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions with unconsolidated entities or other persons.

BUSINESS AND TRENDS

Our quarterly and annual revenue, operating income, and cash flow fluctuate as a result of many factors, including: the timing of our Symposium/ITxpo series that normally occurs during the fourth calendar quarter, as well as our other events; the amount of new business generated; the mix of domestic and international business; changes in market demand for our products and services; changes in foreign currency rates; the timing of the development, introduction and marketing of new products and services; competition in the industry; and other factors. The potential fluctuations in our operating income could cause period-to-period comparisons of operating results not to be meaningful and could provide an unreliable indication of future operating results.

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE PERFORMANCE

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment that involves numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. A description of the risk factors associated with our business is included under “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K which is incorporated herein by reference.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Accounting guidance issued by the various U.S. standard setting and governmental authorities that have not yet become effective and may impact our Consolidated Financial Statements in future periods are described below, together with our assessment of the potential impact they may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures:

Comprehensive Income. In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. Instead, the new rule will require an entity to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. While the new guidance changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Gartner will adopt this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012. While the adoption of this new guidance will change the presentation of comprehensive income, we do not believe it will impact the determination of the Company’s results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

Fair Value Measurements. In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. ASU No. 2011-04 establishes a number of new requirements for fair value measurements. These include: (1) a prohibition on grouping financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when an entity manages market and credit risks on the basis of the entity’s net exposure to the group; (2) an extension of the prohibition against the use of a blockage factor to all fair value measurements (that prohibition currently applies only to financial instruments with quoted prices in active markets); and (3) a requirement that for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements, entities disclose quantitative information about unobservable inputs, a description of the valuation process used and qualitative details about the sensitivity of the measurements. In addition, for items not carried at fair value but for which fair value is disclosed, entities will be required to disclose the level within the fair value hierarchy that applies to the fair value measurement disclosed. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Gartner will adopt

26


this new rule in the quarter ending March 31, 2012. The adoption of this ASU may result in additional fair value disclosures but is not expected to have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Repurchase Agreements. In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Transfers and Servicing (Topic 860): Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. This ASU amends the sale accounting requirement concerning a transferor’s ability to repurchase transferred financial assets even in the event of default by the transferee, which typically is facilitated in a repurchase agreement by the presence of a collateral maintenance provision. Specifically, the level of cash collateral received by a transferor will no longer be relevant in determining whether a repurchase agreement constitutes a sale. As a result of this amendment, more repurchase agreements will be treated as secured financings rather than sales. This ASU is effective prospectively for new transfers and existing transactions that are modified in the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. Since Gartner does not engage in repurchase agreement transactions, the adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

Business Combination Disclosures. In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, “Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations” (“ASU 2010-29”). The new rule is intended to improve consistency in how pro forma disclosures are calculated and enhance the disclosure requirements and require a description of the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to a business combination. ASU 2010-29 specifies that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendments also require a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. The new rule should be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is after the effective date. Gartner adopted FASB ASU 2010-29 on January 1, 2011 and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures. However, since the new rule is prospective in application, any future business combination will likely require additional disclosures.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

We have exposure to changes in interest rates arising from borrowings under our 2010 Credit Agreement. At June 30, 2011, we had $190.0 million outstanding under the term loan and $30.0 million outstanding under the revolver. Borrowings under this facility are floating rate, which may be either prime-based or Eurodollar-based. The rate paid for these borrowings includes a base floating rate plus a margin between 0.50% and 1.25% on prime borrowings and between 1.50% and 2.25% on Eurodollar-based borrowings.

We have an interest rate swap contract which effectively converts the floating base rate on the first $200.0 million of our borrowings to a 2.26% fixed rate. The Company only hedges the base interest rate risk on the first $200.0 million of its outstanding borrowings. Accordingly, we are exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings in excess of $200.0 million. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would change pre-tax annual interest expense on the additional revolver borrowing capacity under the 2010 Credit Agreement (not including the expansion feature) by approximately $0.9 million.

Foreign Currency Risk

We have customers in numerous countries, and 44% and 45% of our revenues for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, were derived from sales outside of the U.S. As a result, we conduct business in numerous currencies other than the U.S dollar. Among the major foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Euro, the British Pound, the Japanese Yen, the Australian dollar, and the Canadian dollar. Our foreign currency exposure results in both translation risk and transaction risk:

Translation Risk

We are exposed to foreign currency translation risk since the functional currencies of our foreign operations are generally denominated in the local currency. Translation risk arises since the assets and liabilities that we report for our foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and these exchange rates fluctuate over time. These foreign currency translation adjustments are deferred and are recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity and do not impact our operating results.

A measure of the potential impact of foreign currency translation on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets can be determined through a sensitivity analysis of our cash and cash equivalents. At June 30, 2011, we had $125.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, a substantial portion of which was denominated in foreign currencies. If the foreign exchange rates of the major currencies in which we operate changed in comparison to the U.S. dollar by 10%, the amount of cash and cash equivalents we would have reported on June 30, 2011 would have increased or decreased by approximately $7.5 million.

Because our foreign subsidiaries generally operate in a local functional currency that differs from the U.S. dollar, revenues and expenses in these foreign currencies translate into higher or lower revenues and expenses in U.S. dollars as the U.S. dollar continuously weakens or strengthens against these other currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates may affect our consolidated

27


revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations. Historically, this impact on our consolidated earnings has not been material since foreign currency movements in the major currencies in which we operate tend to impact our revenues and expenses fairly equally.

Transaction Risk

We also have foreign exchange transaction risk since we typically enter into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency in which the foreign subsidiary operates.

We typically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the effects of foreign currency transaction risk. These contracts are normally short term in duration and unrealized and realized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings. At June 30, 2011, we had 18 outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with a total notional amount of $83.5 million and a net unrealized loss of $0.3 million. All of these contracts matured by the end of July 2011.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of short-term, highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and interest rate swap contracts. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and its interest rate swap contracts are with large investment grade commercial banks that are participants in the Company’s 2010 Credit Agreement. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be collectible from customers have limited concentration of credit risk due to our diverse customer base and geographic dispersion.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We have established disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in a timely manner. Specifically, these controls and procedures ensure that the information is accumulated and communicated to our executive management team, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Management conducted an evaluation, as of June 30, 2011, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them in a timely manner to material Company information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Act.

In addition, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in legal and administrative proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the potential liability, if any, in excess of amounts already accrued from all proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations when resolved in a future period.

The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) has completed its examination of the Federal income tax return of the Company for the tax year ended December 31, 2007. In December 2010 the Company received a report of the audit findings. The Company disagrees with certain of the proposed adjustments and is disputing this matter through applicable IRS and judicial procedures, as appropriate. In April 2011 the Company received notice that the IRS intends to conduct an audit of the 2008 and 2009 tax years. The audits for these years commenced during the second quarter and are in the early stages of examination. Although the final resolution of these audits is uncertain and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts recorded, the Company believes that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A description of the risk factors associated with our business is included under “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period covered by this report.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company has a $500.0 million share repurchase program to be utilized to acquire shares of Common Stock. Repurchases may be made from time-to-time through open market purchases, private transactions, tender offers or other transactions. The amount and timing of repurchases will be subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may also be made from time-to-time in connection with the settlement of the Company’s shared-based compensation awards. Repurchases will be funded from cash flow from operations and borrowings under the Company’s Credit Agreement.

The following table provides detail related to repurchases of our Common Stock for treasury in the six months ended June 30, 2011:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Period

 

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 

Approximate
Dollar Value of
Shares that may
yet be Purchased
Under our Share
Repurchase
Program
(in thousands)

 


 


 


 


 

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January

 

 

2,031

 

$

34.60

 

 

 

 

February

 

 

1,082,232

 

 

36.26

 

 

 

 

March

 

 

326,565

 

 

38.52

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total (1)

 

 

1,410,828

 

$

36.78

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April

 

 

5,312

 

$

40.14

 

 

 

 

May

 

 

861,294

 

 

38.59

 

 

 

 

June

 

 

66,018

 

 

38.10

 

 

 

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 

Total (2)

 

 

932,624

 

$

38.56

 

$

416.2

 

 

 



 



 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

(1)

The total cash paid for these shares was $51.9 million.

 

 

 

(2)

The total cash paid for these shares was $36.0 million.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

 

 

EXHIBIT
NUMBER

 

DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT


 


10.1

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Eugene A. Hall and Gartner, Inc. dated as of April 13, 2011.

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of chief executive officer under Rule 13a — 14(a)/15d — 14(a).

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of chief financial officer under Rule 13a — 14(a)/15d — 14(a).

 

 

 

32

 

Certification under 18 U.S.C. 1350.

 

 

 

101

 

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, and (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Items 3, 4, and 5 of Part II are not applicable and have been omitted.

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

Gartner, Inc.

 

 

 

 

Date: August 2, 2011

/s/ Christopher J. Lafond

 

 


 

 

Christopher J. Lafond

 

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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