10-Q 1 y68446e10vq.txt GARTNER, INC. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (MARK ONE) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-14443 GARTNER, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 04-3099750 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification Number) 56 Top Gallant Road 06904-2212 P.O. Box 10212 (Zip Code) Stamford, CT Address of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (203) 316-1111 Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports 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 [X] NO [ ]. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2) YES [X] NO [ ]. The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's capital stock as of October 31, 2004 was 88,171,795 shares of Class A Common Stock and 22,613,138 shares of Class B Common Stock. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003 3 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 5 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6 ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 16 ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 31 ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 32 PART II OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 33 ITEM 6: EXHIBITS 33
2 PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS GARTNER, INC. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands)
September 30, December 31, 2004 2003 ------------ ----------- (audited) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 156,641 $ 229,962 Fees receivable, net 215,587 266,122 Deferred commissions 26,967 27,751 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 31,700 25,642 --------- --------- Total current assets 430,895 549,477 Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net 64,911 66,541 Goodwill 229,555 230,387 Intangible assets, net 328 985 Other assets 68,601 69,874 --------- --------- TOTAL ASSETS $ 794,290 $ 917,264 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 140,553 $ 175,609 Deferred revenues 299,929 315,524 Current portion of long term debt 40,000 - --------- --------- Total current liabilities 480,482 491,133 Other liabilities 50,461 50,385 Long term debt 160,000 - --------- --------- TOTAL LIABILITIES 690,943 541,518 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Preferred stock - - Common stock 75 72 Additional paid-in capital 467,025 408,504 Unearned compensation, net (1,559) (1,846) Accumulated other comprehensive income, net 3,584 1,530 Accumulated earnings 185,588 173,936 Treasury stock, at cost (551,366) (206,450) --------- --------- TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 103,347 375,746 --------- --------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 794,290 $ 917,264 ========= =========
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. 3 GARTNER, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---- ---- ---- ---- Revenues: Research $ 119,004 $ 115,830 $ 360,212 $ 349,347 Consulting 60,073 62,998 192,308 191,302 Events 18,675 15,904 74,057 64,705 Other 4,136 2,172 11,835 9,150 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Total revenues 201,888 196,904 638,412 614,504 Costs and expenses: Cost of services and product development 100,196 94,378 310,058 300,151 Selling, general and administrative 85,090 79,169 254,312 243,403 Depreciation 6,589 9,046 21,370 27,835 Amortization of intangibles and goodwill impairments 203 320 1,329 1,063 Other charges 4,333 - 23,909 5,426 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Total costs and expenses 196,411 182,913 610,978 577,878 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Operating income 5,477 13,991 27,434 36,626 (Loss) gain from investments, net (2,184) 102 (2,145) 5,624 Interest (expense) income, net (602) (5,774) 13 (16,928) Other (expense) income, net (189) (148) (3,625) 348 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Income before income taxes 2,502 8,171 21,677 25,670 Provision for income taxes 2,342 2,697 10,025 8,854 --------- ---------- --------- --------- Net income $ 160 $ 5,474 $ 11,652 $ 16,816 ========= ========== ========= ========= Income per common share: Basic $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.21 Diluted $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.21 Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 121,767 78,026 128,044 79,251 Diluted 124,318 128,934 130,923 128,363
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. 4 GARTNER, INC. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 2003 ---- ---- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 11,652 $ 16,816 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization, including goodwill impairments 22,699 28,898 Non-cash compensation 1,273 758 Tax benefit associated with employees' exercise of stock options 8,262 1,423 Deferred taxes 409 88 Loss (gain) from investments, net 2,145 (5,624) Accretion of interest and amortization of debt issue costs 744 17,909 Non-cash charges associated with South America closings 2,943 - Changes in assets and liabilities: Fees receivable, net 49,352 68,646 Deferred commissions 698 2,249 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (6,215) 1,300 Other assets (1,320) (2,014) Deferred revenues (14,107) (11,964) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (32,261) (2,557) --------- --------- CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES 46,274 15,928 --------- --------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from insurance recovery - 5,464 Investments - (1,507) Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements (19,036) (16,401) --------- --------- CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES (19,036) (12,444) --------- --------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from stock issued for stock plans 56,472 20,956 Proceeds from issuance of debt 200,000 - Payments for debt issuance costs (2,821) (570) Purchases of stock via tender offer, net of costs (346,148) - Purchases of treasury stock (6,114) (32,380) --------- --------- CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES (98,611) (11,994) --------- --------- NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (71,373) 91,490 EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (1,948) 5,790 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD 229,962 109,657 --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 156,641 $ 206,937 ========= =========
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. 5 GARTNER, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Note 1 - Basis of Presentation These interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company filed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of operating revenues and expenses. These estimates are based on management's knowledge and judgments. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2004. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Note 2 - Comprehensive Income The components of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 are as follows (in thousands):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ------- ------- -------- -------- Net income $ 160 $ 5,474 $ 11,652 $ 16,816 Other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign currency translation adjustments 858 (259) (916) 5,696 Reclassification adjustment of foreign currency translation adjustments to net income upon closing of foreign operations - - 2,943 - Net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax 3 8 28 1 ------- ------- -------- -------- Other comprehensive income (loss) 861 (251) 2,055 5,697 ------- ------- -------- -------- Comprehensive income $ 1,021 $ 5,223 $ 13,707 $ 22,513 ======= ======= ======== ========
The balance of unrealized holding losses on investments, net of tax, at September 30, 2004 was immaterial. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we reclassified $2.9 million of accumulated translation adjustments associated with certain operations in South America into net income as a result of our closure of operations. The reclassification adjustment was recorded as a loss within Other (expense) income, net. 6 Note 3 - Computations of Income per Share of Common Stock The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the basic and diluted income per share (in thousands, except per share data):
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- NUMERATOR: Net income used for calculating basic income per share $ 160 $ 5,474 $ 11,652 $ 16,816 After-tax interest on convertible long-term debt - 3,341 - 9,908 -------- -------- -------- -------- Income used for calculating diluted income per share $ 160 $ 8,815 $ 11,652 $ 26,724 ======== ======== ======== ======== DENOMINATOR: Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic income per share 121,767 78,026 128,044 79,251 Common stock equivalents associated with stock Compensation plans 2,551 1,878 2,879 797 Weighted average number of shares associated with convertible long-term debt - 49,030 - 48,315 -------- -------- -------- -------- Shares used in the calculation of diluted income per share 124,318 128,934 130,923 128,363 ======== ======== ======== ======== Basic income per share $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.21 ======== ======== ======== ======== Diluted income per share $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.21 ======== ======== ======== ========
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, unvested restricted stock awards were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, options to purchase 13.0 million and 19.0 million shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock of the Company were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, options to purchase 11.9 million and 26.7 million shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock of the Company were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Note 4 - Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation The Company has several stock-based compensation plans. The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") in accounting for its employee stock options and purchase rights and applies Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("SFAS 123") for disclosure purposes only. Under APB 25, the intrinsic value method is used to account for stock-based employee compensation plans. The SFAS 123 disclosures include pro forma net (loss) income and (loss) income per share as if the fair value-based method of accounting had been used. If compensation for employee options had been determined based on SFAS 123, the Company's pro forma net (loss) income, and pro forma (loss) income per share would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share data): 7
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 --------- --------- ---------- ---------- Net income as reported $ 160 $ 5,474 $ 11,652 $ 16,816 Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in net income, net of tax 48 161 827 493 Deduct: Pro forma employee stock-based compensation cost, net of tax (3,809) (4,314) (9,596) (13,614) --------- --------- ---------- ---------- Pro forma net (loss) income $ (3,601) $ 1,321 $ 2,883 $ 3,695 ========= ========= ========== ========== Basic income (loss) per share: As reported $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.21 Pro forma $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 0.05 Diluted income (loss) per share: As reported $ 0.00 $ 0.07 $ 0.09 $ 0.21 Pro forma $ (0.03) $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 0.05
The fair value of the Company's stock plans was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- Expected dividend yield 0% 0% 0% 0% Expected stock price volatility 34% 43% 40% 43% Risk-free interest rate 3.3% 2.2% 3.0% 1.9% Expected life in years 4.0 4.0 3.8 3.4
The weighted average fair values of our stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, were $3.88 and $3.48, respectively. The weighted average fair values of our stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, were $4.20 and 2.59, respectively. Note 5 - Segment Information The Company manages its business in three reportable segments organized on the basis of differences in its products and services: Research, Consulting, and Events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products. Consulting consists primarily of consulting and measurement engagements. Events consist of various symposia, expositions and conferences. The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented below, is the profit or loss from operations before interest income and expense, certain selling, general and administrative costs, amortization, income taxes, other expenses, and foreign exchange gains and losses. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company. 8 The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by operating segment. Accordingly, assets are not reported by segment because the information is not available and is not reviewed in the evaluation of segment performance. The following tables present information about reportable segments (in thousands). The "Other" column consists primarily of software sales and certain other revenues and related expenses that do not meet the segment reporting quantitative thresholds. There are no inter-segment revenues.
Research Consulting Events Other Consolidated ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------------ THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004: Revenues $ 119,004 $ 60,073 $ 18,675 $ 4,136 $ 201,888 Gross Contribution 72,050 20,738 6,571 3,753 103,112 Corporate and other expenses (97,635) ---------- Operating income $ 5,477 ========== THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003: Revenues $ 115,830 $ 62,998 $ 15,904 $ 2,172 $ 196,904 Gross Contribution 73,330 21,680 5,163 1,375 101,548 Corporate and other expenses (87,557) ---------- Operating income $ 13,991 ========== NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2004: Revenues $ 360,212 $ 192,308 $ 74,057 $ 11,835 $ 638,412 Gross Contribution 224,082 70,816 30,537 10,523 335,985 Corporate and other expenses (308,551) ---------- Operating income $ 27,434 ========== NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003: Revenues $ 349,347 $ 191,302 $ 64,705 $ 9,150 $ 614,504 Gross Contribution 222,381 65,308 24,095 6,335 318,119 Corporate and other expenses (281,493) ---------- Operating income $ 36,626 ==========
9 Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment, for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):
Balance Currency Balance December 31, Translation September 30, 2003 Impairments Adjustments 2004 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Research $ 128,896 $ - $ (260) $ 128,636 Consulting 68,803 (739) 105 68,169 Events 30,606 - - 30,606 Other 2,082 - - 2,082 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total goodwill $ 230,387 $ (739) $ (155) $ 229,493 ============ ============ ============ ============
During the first quarter of 2004, we recorded a $0.7 million impairment loss for goodwill recorded for certain operations in South America as a result of our decision to close those operations. The following table presents the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization (in thousands):
September 30, December 31, 2004 2003 ------------ ------------ Non-compete agreements: Gross cost $ 13,156 $ 13,257 Accumulated amortization (12,979) (12,599) ------------ ------------ Non-compete agreements, net 177 658 Trademarks and tradenames: Gross cost 1,807 1,811 Accumulated amortization (1,594) (1,484) ------------ ------------ Trademarks and tradenames, net 213 327 ------------ ------------ Intangible assets, net $ 390 $ 985 ============ ============
Aggregate amortization expense for the three month period ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Aggregate amortization expense for the nine month period ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 was $0.6 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense of purchased intangibles is as follows (in thousands):
2004 (remaining three months) $ 128 2005 199 2006 53 2007 9 2008 1 ------- $ 390 =======
10 Note 7 - Other Charges On September 28, 2004, the Company announced that CEO, Eugene Hall, would assume direct responsibility for the business operations. As a result of this change, Maureen O'Connell, President and Chief Operating Officer, decided to leave the Company as of October 21, 2004. Further, the position of President and Chief Operating Officer has been eliminated. In connection with her departure, Ms. O'Connell entered into a separation agreement on September 27, 2004. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Ms. O'Connell received: (a) a single lump sum severance payment equal to $3.2 million; (b) at our cost, group health benefits pursuant to our standard programs for herself, her spouse and any children for two years or until she obtains other employment, if that occurs sooner; and (c) reasonable office support for one year, or until she obtains other employment, if that occurs sooner. These costs have been recognized during the third quarter of 2004 as an expense within Other charges. In addition, in accordance with her previously existing employment agreement with regards to equity arrangements, Ms. O'Connell received: (a) continued vesting until October 21, 2006 of all outstanding stock options; and (b) the ability to exercise all outstanding equity arrangements until October 21, 2007. On April 29, 2004, Michael Fleisher, our then Chairman and CEO, announced his intention to leave Gartner sometime prior to the end of 2004. In connection with his departure, Mr. Fleisher entered into an amendment to his employment agreement pursuant to which he agreed to continue to serve in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer for up to six months. In satisfaction of existing obligations under his original employment agreement and in consideration of his assistance during this transition period, the Board of Directors agreed that Mr. Fleisher would receive: (a) payments totaling $4.3 million, which includes his 2003 bonus and compensation in respect of the transition period; (b) at our cost, group health benefits pursuant to our standard programs for himself, his spouse and any children for two years or until he obtains other employment, if that occurs sooner; and (c) reasonable office support for one year, or until he obtains other employment, if that occurs sooner. The majority of these costs, excluding compensation during the transition period, have been recognized during the second quarter of 2004 as an expense within Other charges. In addition, in accordance with his previously existing employment agreement with regards to equity arrangements, Mr. Fleisher received (a) acceleration in full of vesting of all equity arrangements subject to vesting and granted prior to October 1, 2002; (b) continued vesting until October 29, 2006 of all outstanding equity awards granted on or after October 1, 2002; and (c) the ability to exercise all equity arrangements granted after October 1, 2001 until October 29, 2007 and all equity arrangements granted on or prior to October 1, 2001 until October 29, 2005. The Company recorded a non-cash charge of $0.4 million related to the acceleration of equity arrangements in the second quarter of 2004. During the third quarter of 2004, the Company recorded other charges of $4.3 million, which included $3.1 million of costs related to Ms. O'Connell's separation, as well as $0.5 million costs associated with the elimination of one additional position. The charge also includes $0.8 million related to Mr. Fleisher's employment agreement amendment. During the second quarter of 2004, the Company recorded other charges of $9.1 million, which included $3.8 million of costs related to Mr. Fleisher's departure, as well as $5.3 million of costs associated with the realignment of the Company's workforce. This workforce realignment resulted in the termination of an additional 30 employees during the second quarter of 2004. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company recorded other charges of $10.5 million, of which $10.4 million was associated with the realignment of our workforce and $0.1 million was associated with costs 11 to close certain operations in South America. The workforce realignment portion of the charge is for costs for employee severance payments and related benefits. This workforce realignment was a continuation of the action plan initiated during the fourth quarter of 2003 and resulted in the termination of 132 employees during the first quarter of 2004. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company recorded other charges of $5.4 million associated with workforce reductions. The charge related to costs associated with employee termination severance payments and related benefits. This workforce reduction resulted in the termination of 92 employees during the three months ended March 31, 2003. 12 The following table summarizes the activity related to the liability for the restructuring and other severance programs recorded as other charges (in thousands):
Workforce Excess Reduction Facilities Costs Costs Other Total ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Accrued Liability at December 31, 2002 11,723 15,936 - 27,659 Charges during Nine months ended September 30, 2003 5,426 - - 5,426 Payments (15,038) (5,158) - (20,196) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Accrued Liability at September 30, 2003 2,111 10,778 - 12,889 Charges during remainder of 2003 14,574 9,716 - 24,290 Non-cash charges (123) - - (123) Payments (3,746) (1,335) - (5,081) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Accrued Liability at December 31, 2003 12,816 19,159 - 31,975 Charges during nine months ended September 30, 2004 23,806 - 103 23,909 Non-cash charges (496) - (66) (562) Payments (25,804) (3,922) (37) (29,763) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Accrued Liability at September 30, 2004 $ 10,322 $ 15,237 $ - $ 25,559 ========== ========== ========== ==========
The non-cash charges for workforce reductions result from the establishment of a new measurement date for certain equity compensation arrangements upon the modification of the terms of the related agreement. The accrued severance of $10.3 million at September 30, 2004 is expected to be paid by March 31, 2005. We will fund these costs from existing cash. Note 8 - Investments During the quarter ending September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $2.2 million. This charge is related to the transfer of the Company's investment in TruSecure to SI II, as well as a decrease in the Company's ownership percentage in SI II of seven basis points. As a result of this transfer and the decrease in ownership, the Company has been relieved of all future capital calls, which totaled $4 million. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded insurance proceeds of approximately $5.5 million related to a claim associated with a settlement arising from the sale of GartnerLearning. Total investments in equity securities were $7.8 million and $10.9 million at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. Note 9 - Stock Programs Tender Offer On August 10, 2004, the Company announced the final results of its "Dutch Auction Tender Offer". The Company repurchased 11.3 million shares of its Class A Common Stock and 5.5 million shares of its Class B Common Stock at a purchase price of $13.30 and $12.50 per share, respectively. Additionally, the Company repurchased 9.2 million Class A shares from Silver Lake Partners and certain of its affiliates ("Silver Lake") at a purchase price of $13.30 per share. The total cost of the tender was $346.1 million including transaction costs of $3.8 million. 13 Stock Repurchase Program On July 17, 2001, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $75 million of our Common Stock. On July 25, 2002, the Board of Directors increased the authorized stock repurchase program from the previously approved $75 million to up to $125 million of our Common Stock. On July 24, 2003, the Board of Directors authorized an additional increase of $75 million in the stock repurchase program bringing the total authorization to $200 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company repurchased 413,225 shares of its Class A Common Stock and 114,600 shares of its Class B Common Stock at an aggregate cost of $6.1 million under this program. On a cumulative basis at June 30, 2004, the Company has purchased $133.2 million of our Common Stock under this program. In conjunction with the tender offer, the Board of Directors terminated this Stock Repurchase Program during June 2004. Restricted Stock Award During the first quarter of 2004, we awarded 175,000 shares of restricted stock at $11.15 per share on which restrictions will lapse over a three-year period in the event that certain revenue and earnings metrics are achieved. During the second quarter of 2004, we awarded 33,000 shares of restricted stock at $11.96 per share, on which the restrictions lapse ratably over a three-year period. During the third quarter of 2004, we awarded 33,000 shares of restricted stock at $12.78 per share on which the restrictions lapse ratably over a three-year period. Additionally, due to an employee termination in the forth quarter of 2004, the 175,000 shares of restricted stock issued in the first quarter will be forfeited. Note 10 - Contingencies The Company is involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes the outcome of all current proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations when resolved in future periods. The Company has various agreements in which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification provisions are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business. 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 provisions due to the conditional nature of our obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by the Company under these agreements have not been material. As of September 30, 2004, the Company is not aware of any indemnification agreements that would require material payments. Note 11 - Income Taxes The Company's provision for income taxes was 93.6% and 33.0% of income before income taxes for the third quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The provision for income taxes was 46.3% and 34.5% during the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The effective tax rate increased during the third quarter of 2004 as compared to the third quarter of 2003 due to limitations on certain deductions included in the other charges and the loss on investments. The effective tax rate increased during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the first nine months of 2003 due to other charges, the goodwill impairment and the non-cash write-off of our accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments associated with the closing of certain operations in South America for which there is no tax benefit. Note 12 - Debt The Company assumed debt during the third quarter of 2004. The Company's credit agreement provides for a $200.0 million term A loan facility and a five year $100 million revolving credit facility. The 14 facilities bear interest equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin which varies based on specified leverage ratios. At September 30, 2004, the current interest rate was 3.08%. The term A loan facility is payable in equal quarterly installments over a five year period ending August 12, 2009. The credit facilities are subject to mandatory prepayments from a portion of proceeds from assets sale and proceeds from certain future debt issuances. The credit agreement includes customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants primarily based on the Company's financial results and other measures such as contract value. The facilities also include commitment fees on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility not subject to letters of credit. At September 30, 2004, there was $200 million outstanding on the term loan facility and $3.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As a result of these letters of credit, the Company's borrowing availability at September 30, 2004 was $96.5 million. Note 13 - Subsequent Event On October 27, 2004, the Company announced it is contemplating a charge in the fourth quarter of 2004 related to closing certain facilities, restructuring within its international operations and non-cash charges related to the restructuring of certain internal systems. The Company will provide additional guidance when a final decision is made. On October 15, 2004, the Company announced it entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Eugene A. Hall. Mr. Hall officially joined the Company as Chief Executive Officer on August 4, 2004, succeeding Michael Fleisher who had previously announced his intention to depart as Gartner's chairman and chief executive officer. Additionally, the Company announced that Mr. Hall received an inducement grant of 500,000 shares of restricted stock for which the market value on the date of grant was $12.05 per share. The shares are in addition to non-qualified options to purchase 800,000 shares of Gartner's Class A Common Stock granted in the third quarter of 2004 at a price of $12.11 per share. As long as Mr. Hall remains an employee, the restriction on the 500,000 shares of restricted stock will lapse upon the earlier of (a) Gartner's 60 day average stock price meeting certain targets, or (b) a change in control of Gartner. The price targets are $20 for the first 300,000 shares, $25 for the next 100,000 shares and $30 for the remaining 100,000 shares. If Gartner's 60 day average stock price exceeds the stipulated per share target during the 60 day measurement period, the Company will be required to record a non-cash compensation charge equal to Gartner's 60 day average stock price times the number of shares associated with the applicable target. For example, if the Company's average 60 days stock price is $22 per share, the first lapse shall result in the Company recording a $6.6 million non-cash compensation charge (300,000 shares at $22/share). 15 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 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, 2003. Historical results and percentage relationships are not necessarily indicative of operating results for future periods. References to "the Company," "we," "our," and "us" 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, 2003. 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. OVERVIEW With the convergence of IT and business, technology has become increasingly more important - not just to technology professionals, but also to business executives. We are an independent and objective research and advisory firm that helps IT and business executives use technology to build, guide and grow their enterprises. We employ a diversified business model that leverages the breadth and depth of our research intellectual capital while enabling us to maintain and grow our market-leading position and brand franchise. Our strategy is to align our resources and our infrastructure to leverage that intellectual capital into additional revenue streams through effective packaging, campaigning and cross-selling of our products and services. Our diversified business model provides multiple entry points and synergies that facilitate increased client spending on our research, consulting and events. A key strategy is to increase business volume with our most valuable clients, identifying relationships with the greatest sales potential and expanding those relationships by offering strategically relevant research and analysis. We intend to maintain a balance between (1) pursuing opportunities and applying resources with a strict focus on growing our businesses and (2) generating profitability through a streamlined cost structure. We have been organized into three business segments: research, consulting and events. 16 - RESEARCH products and services highlight industry developments, review new products and technologies, provide quantitative market research, and analyze industry trends within a particular technology or market sector. - 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. 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. When wallet retention exceeds client retention, it is an indication of retention of higher-spending clients. Consulting CONSULTING BACKLOG represents future revenue to be derived from in-process consulting, measurement and SAS 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. Events NUMBER OF EVENTS represents the total number of hosted events completed during the period.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION Technology spending is beginning to show improvement after several years of steady decline. As a result, sales of our IT related research are improving as well. During the last several years, we have been focused on stabilizing and then growing revenue in our core Research business. This continued focus began to yield the desired outcome during the latter half of 2003. We ended the latter half of 2003 with two consecutive quarters of sequential increases in contract value after seven consecutive quarters of sequentially decreasing contract value. Contract value increased sequentially again in the first quarter of 2004, decreased slightly during the second quarter and increased sequentially again in the third quarter of 2004. Additionally, contract value increased 4% on a year-over-year comparison primarily due to the effects of foreign currency. Our research client retention rates maintained the strong rate of 78% from 17 December 2003 through the third quarter of 2004. Our Consulting business ended 2003 with a positive trend, showing two consecutive quarters of sequential increases in backlog after two consecutive quarters of sequential decreases. As we noted in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have been exiting certain less profitable consulting practices and geographies as part of the realignment previously discussed. Due to this plan of exiting certain practices and geographies, consulting backlog decreased to $92 million at March 31, 2004 from $100 million at December 31, 2003, but backlog has quickly recovered to $103 million at September 30, 2004 as business has ramped up in our areas of focus. We also mentioned in our Annual Report on Form 10-K that we expect this realignment to address our sub-optimal utilization rates and our lack of scale in some regions. During 2004, our average consultant utilization rates increased to approximately 62% as compared to approximately 56% during the same nine month period in 2003. Our Events business continues to deliver strong results, particularly in an environment where few competitors have survived. Our emphasis on managing the Events portfolio to retain our long-time successful events and introduce promising new events has resulted in improved revenue performance. During the third quarter of 2004, revenues from events that were held in the same quarter last year increased approximately 25% due to increased attendance. Revenues recognized during the first nine months of 2004 were 14% higher than the prior year period despite hosting 6% or three fewer events than during the first nine months of 2003 due to increased participation and the strong performance of our recurring events. During the fourth quarter of 2003, our 6% convertible notes were converted into Class A Common Stock. This transaction eliminated all our outstanding debt and related interest expense as of December 31, 2003. On August 10, 2004, the Company announced the final results of its Dutch auction tender offer. The Company repurchased 11.3 million shares of its Class A Common Stock and 5.5 million shares of its Class B Common Stock at a purchase price of $13.30 and $12.50 per share, respectively. Additionally, the Company repurchased 9.2 million Class A shares from Silver Lake Partners, L.P. and certain of its affiliates ("Silver Lake"), which collectively owned approximately 44.4% of Gartner's Class A Common Stock and are affiliated with two members of our Board of Directors, at a purchase price of $13.30 per share. The total cost of the tender was $346.1 million including transaction costs of $3.8 million. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES The preparation of financial statements requires the application of appropriate accounting policies. The policies discussed below are considered by management to be critical to an understanding of Gartner's financial statements because their application requires the most significant management judgments. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are described below. REVENUE RECOGNITION - We recognize revenue in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements, and SAB No. 104, Revenue Recognition. Revenue by significant source is accounted for as follows: - Research revenues are derived from subscription contracts for research products. Revenues from research products are deferred and recognized ratably over the applicable contract term; - Consulting revenues are based primarily on fixed fees or time and materials for discrete projects. Revenues for such projects are recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided and are evaluated on a contract by contract basis; 18 - Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition; and - Other revenues, principally software licensing fees, are recognized when a signed non-cancelable software license exists, delivery has occurred, collection is probable, and the fees are fixed or determinable. Revenue from software maintenance is deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance agreement, which is typically twelve months. 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 have a 30-day cancellation clause, but have not produced material cancellations to date. 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. For those government contracts that permit termination, the Company bills the client the full amount billable under the contract but only records a receivable equal to the earned portion of the contract. In addition, the Company only records deferred revenue on these government contracts when cash is received. Deferred revenues attributable to government contracts were $36.0 million and $38.6 million at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. In addition, at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, the Company had not recognized uncollected receivables or deferred revenues, relating to government contracts that permit termination, of $6.5 million and $6.6 million, respectively. UNCOLLECTIBLE FEES RECEIVABLE - Provisions for bad debts are recognized as incurred. The measurement of likely and probable losses and the allowance for uncollectible fees receivable 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 material 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. Total trade receivables at September 30, 2004 were $224.6 million, offset by an allowance for losses of approximately $9.0 million. Total trade receivables at December 31, 2003 were $275.1 million, offset by an allowance for losses of approximately $9.0 million. IMPAIRMENT OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - The evaluation of goodwill is performed in accordance with SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Among other requirements, this standard eliminated goodwill amortization upon adoption and required an initial assessment for goodwill impairment within six months of adoption and at least annually thereafter. The evaluation of other intangible assets is performed on a periodic basis. These assessments require us to estimate the fair value of our reporting units based on estimates of future business operations and market and economic conditions in developing long-term forecasts. If we determine the fair values are less than the carrying amount of goodwill recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, we must recognize an impairment charge, for the associated goodwill of that reporting unit, to earnings in our financial statements. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors we consider important that could trigger a review for impairment include the following: significant under-performance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner of our use of acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business, and significant negative industry or economic trends. 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 19 precision and reliability of the resulting estimates are subject to uncertainty, and as additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates. During the first quarter of 2004, we recorded an impairment charge of $0.7 million relating to goodwill associated with certain operations in South America that we decided to close. 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 exposure 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 sheet. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when future realization is in question. We consider 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 would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made. CONTINGENCIES AND OTHER LOSS RESERVES AND ACCRUALS - We establish reserves for severance costs, lease costs associated with excess facilities, contract terminations and asset impairments as a result of 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. To the extent actual costs differ from those estimates, reserve levels may need to be adjusted. 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. Additionally, we record accruals for estimated discretionary incentive compensation costs during the year. Amounts accrued at the end of each reporting period are based on our estimates and may require adjustments as the ultimate amount paid associated with these incentives are sometimes not known until after year-end. IMPAIRMENT OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES - A charge to earnings is made when a market decline below cost is other than temporary. Management regularly reviews each investment security for impairment based on criteria that include: the length of time and the extent to which market value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the valuation of comparable companies, and our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of underlying investments could result in losses or an inability to recover the carrying value of the investments that may not be reflected in an investment's current carrying value, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. During the quarter ending September 30, 2004, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $2.2 million. This charge is related to the transfer of our investment in TruSecure to SI II, as well as a decrease in our ownership percentage in SI II of seven basis points. As a result of this transfer and the decrease in ownership, the Company has been relieved of all future capital calls, which totaled $4 million. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded insurance proceeds of approximately $5.5 million related to a claim associated with a settlement arising from the sale of GartnerLearning. Total investments in equity securities were $7.8 million and $10.9 million at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. 20 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OVERALL RESULTS TOTAL REVENUES increased 3% in the third quarter of 2004 to $201.9 million compared to $196.9 million for the third quarter of 2003 and increased 4% when comparing the first nine months of 2004 to the first nine months of 2003. The effects of foreign currency translation had approximately a 3% positive effect on revenues for the third quarter and a 3% positive effect on revenues on a year-to-date basis. Please refer to the section of this MD&A entitled "Segment Results" for a further discussion of revenues by segment. COST OF SERVICES AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT increased $5.8 million, or 6%, to $100.2 million in the third quarter of 2004 from $94.4 million in the third quarter of 2003 and increased 3% when comparing the first nine months of 2004 with the first nine months of 2003. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, cost of services and product development would have increased by approximately 3% during the third quarter and would have decreased 1% during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the first nine months of 2003. The increase in cost of services on a quarter to date basis resulted primarily from increased investment in our Research business. The increase in cost of services and product development on a year-to-date basis is primarily related to foreign currency. Cost of services and product development during 2004 benefited by the reversal of $3.5 million of prior years' discretionary incentive compensation programs. As a percentage of sales, cost of services and product development increased to 50% during the third quarter of 2004 from 49% during the third quarter of 2003. For the first nine months of 2004, cost of services and product development as a percentage of sales remained flat at 49% as compared to the first nine months of 2003. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES increased $5.9 million, or 7%, to $85.1 million in the third quarter of 2004 from $79.2 million in the third quarter of 2003. SG&A increased 4% when comparing the first nine months of 2004 to the first nine months of 2003. These increases were primarily due to the effects of foreign currency translation. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, SG&A expenses would have increased 4% for the third quarter of 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003 and would have increased 1% for the first nine months of 2004 compared to the first nine months of 2003. SG&A expenses during 2004 benefited by the reversal of $3.3 million of prior years' discretionary incentive compensation programs. Additionally, the Company reduced its allowance for doubtful accounts by $1.5 million in 2004 as a result of increased collections and a decline in write-offs. DEPRECIATION EXPENSE for the third quarter of 2004 decreased 27% to $6.6 million, compared to $9.0 million for the third quarter of 2003 and decreased 23% when comparing the first nine months of 2004 to the first nine months of 2003. The decrease was due to a reduction in capital spending during 2002 and 2003 relative to the capital spending in 2000 and 2001. AMORTIZATION OF INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL IMPAIRMENTS of $0.2 million for the third quarter of 2004 decreased from $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2003 due to certain intangible assets having been fully amortized since the third quarter of 2003. Amortization of intangibles and goodwill impairments increased during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 due to the recognition of impairment of goodwill of $0.7 million associated with certain operations in South America as a result of our decision to close those operations. OTHER CHARGES of $4.3 million during the third quarter of 2004 primarily includes severance costs associated with the departure of our President and COO and our CEO of $3.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Other charges of $9.1 million during the second quarter of 2004 includes $3.8 million of 21 severance costs associated with the departure of our CEO, as well as $5.3 million of costs associated with the termination of 30 additional employees. During the first quarter of 2004, other charges of $10.5 million were primarily associated with a realignment of our workforce. This workforce realignment was a continuation of the action plan initiated during the fourth quarter of 2003 and has resulted in the termination of 132 employees, or approximately 4% of our workforce, bringing the total terminations to 262 employees associated with the action plan previously announced in December 2003. Other charges of $5.4 million during the first quarter of 2003 were for costs for employee severance payments and benefits associated with workforce reductions. This workforce reduction resulted in the termination of 92 employees, or approximately 2% of the Company's workforce at the time. During the first nine months of 2004, we recorded charges of $16.1 million related to the realignment of our workforce, excluding costs of $7.8 million related to the departure of our President and COO and our Chairman and CEO. The realignment resulted in the termination of 163 employees during the first nine months of 2004. The annualized savings from the termination of these employees should be approximately $17.8 million. However, the Company plans to reinvest a significant portion of these savings into improving its products, processes, and infrastructure to help drive future growth. (LOSS) GAIN ON INVESTMENTS, NET was a loss of $2.2 million for the quarter ending September 30, 2004. This loss is related to the transfer of our investment in TruSecure to SI II, as well as a decrease in our ownership percentage in SI II of seven basis points. As a result of this transfer and the decrease in ownership, the Company has been relieved of all future capital calls, which totaled $4 million. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2003, the Company recorded insurance proceeds of approximately $5.5 million related to a claim associated with a settlement arising from the sale of GartnerLearning. INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE), NET was expense of $0.6 million during the third quarter of 2004 and income of $0.01 million during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to expense of $5.8 million and $17.0 million, respectively, in 2003. The conversion of our outstanding convertible debt to equity during the fourth quarter of 2003 has decreased our interest expense. However, due to the new credit agreement signed in the third quarter of 2004, interest expense will increase in the future. OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET for the first nine months of 2004 includes the non-cash write-off of $2.9 million of our accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments associated with certain of our operations in South America that we have decided to close. As a result of this decision we were required to reclassify these currency adjustments that have been accumulated within equity to earnings, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 52 "Foreign Currency Translation." Other (expense) income, net for the third quarter of 2004 and the third quarter and first nine months of 2003 consists primarily of net foreign currency exchange gains and losses. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES was 93.6% and 33.0% of income before income taxes for the third quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Provision for income taxes was 46.3% and 34.5% during the first nine months of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Our projected effective tax rate for full year 2004 is 33.0%, exclusive of the charge noted below, which is consistent with 2003. The effective tax rate was higher than the projected effective tax rate during the third quarter of 2004 due to limitations on certain deductions included in the other charges and the loss on investments. The effective tax rate was higher than the projected effective tax rate during the first nine months of 2004 due to other charges, the goodwill impairment and the non-cash write-off of our accumulated foreign currency translation adjustments associated with the closing of certain operations in South America for which there is no tax benefit. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was higher than the projected effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 due to the insurance recovery received during 2003. 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 selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, amortization of intangibles and other charges. Gross contribution margin is defined as gross contribution as a percentage of revenues. Research Research revenues increased 3% when comparing the third quarters of 2004 and 2003 and increased 3% when comparing the first nine months of 2004 and 2003. The increases were due primarily to the positive effects of foreign currency translation. Research gross contribution of $72.1 million for the third quarter of 2004 decreased 2% from $73.3 million for the third quarter of 2003, while gross contribution margin for the third quarter of 2004 decreased to 61% from 63% in the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, gross contribution increased to $224.1 million, or a 62% contribution margin, from $222.4 million, or a 64% contribution margin. The decrease in gross contribution margin during 2004 was due primarily to increased revenues from our executive programs, which are lower in margin than subscription services as well as continued investments in our people, products and processes required to provide future Research growth. Research contract value increased 4% to $489.2 million at September 30, 2004 from $469.6 million at September 30, 2003 primarily due to the effects of foreign currency. Client retention rates increased two percentage points to 78% at September 30, 2004 from 76% at September 30, 2003, and wallet retention rates increased to 93% during the third quarter of 2004 from 85% during the third quarter of 2003. Consulting Consulting revenues decreased 5% to $60.1 million for the third quarter of 2004 and increased 1% to $192.3 million for the first nine months of 2004 as compared to the same periods in 2003. Excluding the effects of foreign currency translation, Consulting revenues would have decreased 8% for the third quarter of 2004 as compared to the third quarter of 2003 and would have decreased by approximately 4% for the nine months of 2004. Consulting revenue has decreased as compared to the prior year period as a result of our planned realignment of our business to exit certain less profitable consulting practices and geographies, which has reduced our billable headcount by approximately 12% during the 2004 periods as compared to the 2003 periods. Consulting gross contribution of $20.7 million for the third quarter of 2004 decreased 4% from $21.7 million for the third quarter of 2003, and contribution margin for the third quarter of 2004 increased to 35% from 34% in the prior year quarter. Gross contribution of $70.8 million for the first nine months of 2004 increased 8% from $65.3 million for the same period of 2003, with contribution margin for the period increasing to 37% from 34%. The increase in gross contribution margin was driven by higher consultant utilization rates, as we realigned our workforce and reduced headcount, and the increasing demand in focus practice areas. Consulting backlog, which represents future revenues to be recognized from in-process consulting, measurement and SAS, increased 11% to $103.4 million at September 30, 2004, compared to $92.8 23 million at September 30, 2003. This increase was primarily due to the increasing demand in focus practice areas. Events Events revenue increased 17% to $18.7 million for the third quarter of 2004 as compared to $15.9 million for the third quarter of 2003. For the nine months ended September 30, 2004, Events revenues increased 14% to $74.1 million compared to $64.7 million for the same period of 2003. The average revenue per event increased during 2004 due to the strong performance of our recurring events. Revenues during the third quarter of 2004 benefited from the positive effect of foreign currency by approximately 2%. Revenues during the first nine months of 2004 benefited from the positive effects of foreign currency translation by approximately 3% as compared to the first nine months of 2003. Gross contribution of $30.5 million, or 41% of revenues, for the first nine months of 2004 increased from $24.1 million, or 37% of revenues, for the first nine months of 2003. For the third quarter of 2004, gross contribution of $6.6 million, or 35% of revenues, increased from $5.2 million, or 32% of revenues, for the third quarter of 2003. As we manage our Events portfolio, we have eliminated certain less profitable events during 2004. Also during 2003, we invested more in marketing and promoting our events to maintain our attendance levels during a weaker economy, especially in the technology sector. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Cash provided by operating activities totaled $46.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $115.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. The net decrease in cash flow from operating activities of $69.7 million was due primarily to payments of our 2003 bonuses during 2004. No bonuses were paid during the first nine months of 2003 as they had previously been paid during the quarter ended December 31, 2002 but are now being paid during the first half of the year as a result of our change in fiscal year that became effective January 1, 2003. Further, the Company paid a portion of its 2004 bonuses in the third quarter of 2004 in accordance with the current year corporate bonus plan. Additionally, we paid approximately $10.1 million more, or $30.3 million in severance during 2004 than in 2003. The net decrease in cash flow from operating activities was also due to the decrease in the change in fees receivables, net of approximately $19.3 million due to accelerated collections during the nine month period ended September 30, 2003 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Cash used in investing activities increased to $19 million during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to $12.4 million during the first nine months of 2003. Capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2004 are approximately 16% higher than the same period in 2003. During the first nine months of 2003, we received an insurance recovery of $5.5 million, and we funded $1.5 million of our capital commitment to SI II. Cash used by financing activities totaled $98.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $12.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2003. We purchased $352.3 million of our common stock for treasury during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to $32.4 million during the same period in the prior year, of which $346.1 million represents the tender inclusive of related costs. We received proceeds from stock issued for stock plans of $56.5 million during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to $21.0 million during the same period in the prior year. This increase is a result of increased stock option exercises by our employees as increases in our stock price caused a significantly higher percentage of our vested stock options to be in the money during the first nine months of 2004 as compared to 2003. Additionally, proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of debt issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 was $197.2 million. 24 OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS Our credit agreement provides for a $200.0 million term A loan facility and a five year $100 million revolving credit facility. The facilities bear interest equal to LIBOR plus an applicable margin which varies based on specified leverage ratios. At September 30, 2004, the current interest rate was 3.08%. The term A loan facility is payable in equal quarterly installments over a five year period ending August 12, 2009. The facility interest payments are payable upon the LIBOR borrowing maturity dates. The credit facilities are subject to mandatory prepayments from a portion of proceeds from assets sale and proceeds from certain future debt issuances. The credit agreement includes customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants primarily based on our financial results and other measures such as contract value. The facilities also include commitment fees on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility not subject to letters of credit. At September 30, 2004, there was $200 million outstanding on the term loan facility and $3.5 million of letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As a result of these letters of credit, our borrowing availability at September 30, 2004 was $96.5 million. The Company is contemplating taking a charge in the fourth quarter of 2004. To the extent that this charge negatively impacts certain financial covenants, our future borrowing ability under the revolving credit facility may be significantly reduced. On August 10, 2004, the Company announced the final results of its Dutch auction tender offer. The Company repurchased 11.3 million shares of its Class A Common Stock and 5.5 million shares of its Class B Common Stock at a purchase price of $13.30 and $12.50 per share, respectively. Additionally, the Company repurchased 9.2 million Class A shares from Silver Lake Partners, L.P. and certain of its affiliates ("Silver Lake"), which collectively owned approximately 44.4% of Gartner's Class A Common Stock and are affiliated with two members of our Board of Directors, at a purchase price of $13.30 per share. The total cost of the tender was $346.1 million including transaction costs of $3.8 million. We believe that the tender offer was a prudent use of our financial resources given our business profile and assets, and we believe that investing in our own shares is an attractive use of capital and an efficient means to provide value to our stockholders. We anticipate that we will have adequate cash generating capacity and no immediate need for the accumulation of cash, and expect that our current cash balances, anticipated cash flows from operations and borrowing capacity exceed our capital requirements for normal operations, capital expenditures and acquisitions and other opportunities for growth that may arise. Stock Repurchase Program On July 17, 2001, the Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $75.0 million of our Common Stock. On July 25, 2002, the Board of Directors increased the authorized stock repurchase program from the previously approved $75 million to up to $125 million of our common stock. On July 24, 2003, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an additional increase of $75 million in the stock repurchase program bringing the total authorization to date to $200 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, we repurchased 413,225 shares of our Class A Common Stock and 114,600 shares of our Class B Common Stock at an aggregate cost of $6.1 million under this program. On a cumulative basis at September 30, 2004, we have purchased $133.2 million of our stock under this stock repurchase program. In conjunction with the tender offer, the Board of Directors terminated this Stock Repurchase Program during June 2004. 25 Non-Cash Compensation Charges in Future Periods. On October 15, 2004, we announced that Mr. Hall received an inducement grant of 500,000 shares of restricted stock for which the market value on the date of grant was $12.05 per share. As long as Mr. Hall remains an employee, the restriction on the 500,000 shares of restricted stock will lapse upon the earlier of (a) our 60 day average stock price meeting certain targets, or (b) change in control. The price targets are $20 for the first 300,000 shares, $25 for the next 100,000 shares and $30 for the remaining 100,000 shares. If our 60 day average stock price exceeds the stipulated per share target during the 60 day measurement period, we will be required to record a non-cash compensation charge equal to our 60 day average stock price times the number of shares associated with the applicable target. For example, if our average 60 days stock price is $22 per share, the first lapse shall result in us recording a $6.6 million non-cash compensation charge (300,000 shares at $22/share). BUSINESS AND TRENDS Our quarterly and annual revenue and operating income fluctuate as a result of many factors, including the timing of the execution of research contracts, the extent of completion of consulting engagements, the timing of Symposia and other events, all of which occur to a greater extent in the fourth quarter, as well as the amount of new business generated, the mix of domestic and international business, changes in market demand for our products and services, the timing of the development, introduction and marketing of new products and services, and competition in the industry. 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. Over the past few years we have seen a decrease in overall technology spending due to the economic environment. In response to the decrease in technology spending we have attempted to constrain spending and have implemented cost reduction programs to reduce workforce and facilities costs. The timing of the cost reductions does not necessarily coincide with the timing of decreases in revenues, but is anticipated to provide future benefit in the form of lower expenses. While we have reduced certain costs, we also plan to maintain a level of spending sufficient for us to be in a strong position to grow as economic conditions continue to improve. 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. In addition, we and our clients are affected by the economy. The following section discusses many, but not all, of these risks and uncertainties. Economic Conditions. Our revenues and results of operations are influenced by economic conditions in general and more particularly by business conditions in the IT industry. A general economic downturn or recession, anywhere in the world, could negatively affect demand for our products and services and may substantially reduce existing and potential client information technology-related budgets. The economic downturn in the United States and globally has led to constrained IT spending, which has impacted our business and may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including our ability to: maintain client retention, wallet retention and consulting utilization rates, and achieve contract value and consulting backlog. To the extent our clients are in the IT industry, the severe decline in that sector has also had a significant impact on their spending. Acts of Terrorism or War. Acts of terrorism, acts of war and other unforeseen events, may cause damage or disruption to our properties, business, employees, suppliers, distributors and clients, which could have 26 an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Such events may also result in an economic slowdown in the United States or elsewhere, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Competitive Environment. We face direct competition from a significant number of independent providers of information products and services, including information that can be found on the Internet free of charge. We also compete indirectly against consulting firms and other information providers, including electronic and print media companies, some of which may have greater financial, information gathering and marketing resources than we do. These indirect competitors could choose to compete directly with us in the future. In addition, limited barriers to entry exist in the markets in which we do business. As a result, additional new competitors may emerge and existing competitors may start to provide additional or complementary services. Additionally, technological advances may provide increased competition from a variety of sources. However, we believe the breadth and depth of our research assets position us well versus our competition. Increased competition may result in loss of market share, diminished value in our products and services, reduced pricing and increased marketing expenditures. We may not be successful if we cannot compete effectively on quality of research and analysis, timely delivery of information, customer service, the ability to offer products to meet changing market needs for information and analysis, or price. Renewal of Research Business by Existing Clients. Some of our success depends on renewals of our subscription-based research products and services, which constituted 56% of our revenues for the first nine months of 2004 and 57% for the nine months of 2003. These research subscription agreements have terms that generally range from twelve to thirty months. Our ability to maintain contract renewals is subject to numerous factors, including those described in this Quarterly Report. Additionally, as we implement our strategy to realign our business to client needs, we may shift the type and pricing of our products which could impact client renewal rates. While client retention rates were 78% at September 30, 2004 and 76% at September 30, 2003, there can be no guarantee that we will continue to have this level of client renewals. Any material decline in renewal rates could have an adverse impact on our revenues and financial condition. Non-Recurring Consulting Engagements. Consulting segment revenues constituted 30% of our revenues for the first nine months of 2004 and 31% for the first nine months of 2003. These consulting engagements typically are project-based and non-recurring. Our ability to replace consulting engagements is subject to numerous factors, including those described in this Quarterly Report. Any material decline in our ability to replace consulting arrangements could have an adverse impact on our revenues and financial condition. Restructuring, Reorganization and Management Team. Our future success depends, in significant part, upon the continued service and performance of our senior management and other key personnel. We have recently reorganized our business around specific client needs. As part of this reorganization, a number of key management positions have been filled by the promotion of current employees or the hiring of new employees. Additionally, we have restructured our workforce in order to streamline operations and strengthen key consulting practices. If the reorganization and restructuring of our business do not lead to the results we expect, our ability to effectively deliver our products, manage our company and carry out our business plan may be impaired. On July 23, 2004, we announced that the Board of Directors named Eugene A. Hall as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hall succeeded Michael Fleisher, who had previously announced his intention to depart as Gartner's chairman and chief executive officer. Additionally, James C. Smith, a current Board member, has been named non-executive chairman of the Board of Directors. Further, on September 28, 2004, we announced that the position of President and Chief Operating Officer, previously held by Maureen O'Connell, was eliminated and that Mr. Hall would assume direct 27 responsibility for business operations. If we cannot successfully integrate our Chief Executive Officer into our senior management team, then our ability to effectively deliver our products, manage our company and carry out our business plan may be impaired. Hiring and Retention of Employees. Our success depends heavily upon the quality of our senior management, research analysts, consultants, sales and other key personnel. We face competition for the limited pool of these qualified professionals from, among others, technology companies, market research firms, consulting firms, financial services companies and electronic and print media companies, some of which have a greater ability to attract and compensate these professionals. Some of the personnel that we attempt to hire are subject to non-compete agreements that could impede our short-term recruitment efforts. Any failure to retain key personnel or hire and train additional qualified personnel as required to support the evolving needs of our clients or growth in our business, could adversely affect the quality of our products and services, and therefore, our future business and operating results. Maintenance of Existing Products and Services. We operate in a rapidly evolving market, and our success depends upon our ability to deliver high quality and timely research and analysis to our clients. Any failure to continue to provide credible and reliable information that is useful to our clients could have a material adverse effect on future business and operating results. Further, if our predictions prove to be wrong or are not substantiated by appropriate research, our reputation may suffer and demand for our products and services may decline. In addition, we must continue to improve our methods for delivering our products and services in a cost-effective manner. Failure to increase and improve our electronic delivery capabilities could adversely affect our future business and operating results. Introduction of New Products and Services. The market for our products and services is characterized by rapidly changing needs for information and analysis. To maintain our competitive position, we must continue to enhance and improve our products and services, develop or acquire new products and services in a timely manner, and appropriately position and price new products and services relative to the marketplace and our costs of producing them. Any failure to achieve successful client acceptance of new products and services could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial position. International Operations. A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from sales outside of North America. As a result, our operating results are subject to the risks inherent in international business activities, including general political and economic conditions in each country, changes in market demand as a result of exchange rate fluctuations and tariffs and other trade barriers, challenges in staffing and managing foreign operations, changes in regulatory requirements, compliance with numerous foreign laws and regulations, different or overlapping tax structures, higher levels of United States taxation on foreign income, and the difficulty of enforcing client agreements, collecting accounts receivable and protecting intellectual property rights in international jurisdictions. We rely on local distributors or sales agents in some international locations. If any of these arrangements are terminated, we may not be able to replace the arrangement on beneficial terms or on a timely basis. Additionally, clients of the local distributor or sales agent may not want to continue to do business with us or our new agent. Branding. We believe that our "Gartner" brand is critical to our efforts to attract and retain clients and that the importance of brand recognition will increase as competition increases. We may expand our marketing activities to promote and strengthen the Gartner brand and may need to increase our marketing budget, hire additional marketing and public relations personnel, expend additional sums to protect the brand and otherwise increase expenditures to create and maintain client brand loyalty. If we fail to effectively promote and maintain the Gartner brand, or incur excessive expenses in doing so, our future business and operating results could be materially and adversely impacted. 28 Indebtedness. We have a $200 million term loan and a $100 million revolving loan. The affirmative, negative and financial covenants of the loans could limit our future financial flexibility. The associated debt service costs could impair future operating results. Our outstanding debt may limit the amount of cash or additional credit available to us, which could restrain our ability to expand or enhance products and services, respond to competitive pressures or pursue future business opportunities requiring substantial investments of additional capital. Organizational and Product Integration Related to Acquisitions. We have made and may continue to make acquisitions of, or significant investments in, businesses that offer complementary products and services. The risks involved in each acquisition or investment include the possibility of paying more than the value we derive from the acquisition, dilution of the interests of our current stockholders or decreased working capital, increased indebtedness, the assumption of undisclosed liabilities and unknown and unforeseen risks, the ability to integrate successfully the operations and personnel of the acquired business, the ability to retain key personnel of the acquired company, the time to train the sales force to market and sell the products of the acquired company, the potential disruption of our ongoing business and the distraction of management from our business. The realization of any of these risks could adversely affect our business. Enforcement of Our Intellectual Property Rights. We rely on a combination of copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret, confidentiality, non-compete and other contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property rights. Despite our efforts to protect our intellectual property rights, unauthorized third parties may obtain and use technology or other information that we regard as proprietary. Our intellectual property rights may not survive a legal challenge to their validity or provide significant protection for us. The laws of certain countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Accordingly, we may not be able to protect our intellectual property against unauthorized third-party copying or use, which could adversely affect our competitive position. Our employees are subject to non-compete agreements. When the non-competition period expires, former employees may compete against us. If a former employee chooses to compete against us prior to the expiration of the non-competition period, there is no assurance that we will be successful in our efforts to enforce the non-compete provision. Possibility of Infringement Claims. Third parties may assert infringement claims against us. Regardless of the merits, responding to any such claim could be time consuming, result in costly litigation and require us to enter into royalty and licensing agreements which may not be offered or available on reasonable terms. If a successful claim is made against us and we fail to develop or license a substitute technology at a reasonable cost, our business, results of operations or financial position could be materially adversely affected. Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results. Our quarterly and annual operating income may fluctuate in the future as a result of many factors, including the timing of the execution of research contracts, which typically occurs in the fourth calendar quarter, the extent of completion of consulting engagements, the timing of symposia and other events, which also occur to a greater extent in the fourth calendar quarter, the amount of new business generated, the mix of domestic and international business, changes in market demand for our products and services, the timing of the development, introduction and marketing of new products and services, and competition in the industry. An inability to generate sufficient earnings and cash flow, and achieve our forecasts, may impact our operating and other activities. The potential fluctuations in our operating income could cause period-to-period comparisons of operating results not to be meaningful and may provide an unreliable indication of future operating results. 29 Significant Stockholder. Silver Lake Partners, L.P. ("SLP") and its affiliates own approximately 42.8% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock and approximately 34.0% on a combined basis with our outstanding Class B Common Stock as of October 31, 2004 Currently, the owners of our Class A Common Stock are only entitled to vote for two of the ten members of our Board of Directors and vote together with the holders of the Class B Common Stock as a single class on all other matters coming before the stockholders. SLP is restricted from purchasing additional stock without our consent pursuant to the terms of a Securityholders' Agreement. This Securityholders' Agreement also provides that we cannot take certain actions, including acquisitions and sales of stock and/or assets without SLP's consent. While SLP does not hold a majority of our outstanding shares, it may be able to exercise significant influence over matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers, consolidations and sales of our assets. SLP's interests may differ from the interests of other stockholders. Anti-takeover Protections. Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may make it difficult for any party to acquire control of us in a transaction not approved by the requisite number of directors. These provisions include: - The presence of a classified board of directors; - The existence of two classes of common stock with our Class B Common Stock having the ability to elect 80% of our Board of Directors; - The ability of the Board of Directors to issue and determine the terms of preferred stock; - Advance notice requirements for inclusion of stockholder proposals at stockholder meetings; and - The anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law. These provisions could delay or prevent a change of control or change in management that might provide stockholders with a premium to the market price of their Common Stock. 30 ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Interest Rate Risk As of September 30, 2004, we have limited exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates. We have $200 million outstanding on our term loan facility. Additionally, we had no borrowings under our $100 million revolving credit facility that existed at September 30, 2004. Under the credit facilities, the interest rate on borrowings varies. We believe that an increase or decrease of 10% in the effective interest rate on our term loan and our credit facility, if fully utilized, would not have a material effect on our future results of operations. Each 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have an approximate $0.7 million annual effect under the credit facility if fully utilized. Investment Risk We are exposed to market risk as it relates to changes in the market value of our equity investments. We invest in equity securities of public and private companies directly and through SI I, a wholly owned affiliate, and SI II, of which we owned 29% as of September 30, 2004. In connection with the $2.2 million loss on investments recognized in the third quarter of 2004, our ownership dropped to 21.27% in the fourth quarter of 2004 and we eliminated all outstanding capital commitments to SI II. SI I and SI II are engaged in making venture capital investments in early to mid-stage IT-based or Internet-enabled companies. As of September 30, 2004, we had investments in equity securities totaling $7.8 million. Unrealized gains and losses were insignificant. These investments are inherently risky as the businesses are typically in early development stages and may never develop. Further, certain of these investments are in publicly traded companies whose shares are subject to significant market price volatility. Adverse changes in market conditions and poor operating results of the underlying investments may result in us incurring additional losses or an inability to recover the original carrying value of our investments. If there were a 100% adverse change in the value of our equity portfolio as of September 30, 2004, this would result in a non-cash impairment charge of $7.8 million. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk We face two risks related to foreign currency exchange: translation risk and transaction risk. Amounts invested in our foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net in the stockholders' equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our foreign subsidiaries generally collect revenues and pay expenses in currencies other than the United States dollar. Since the functional currencies of our foreign operations are generally denominated in the local currency of our subsidiaries, the foreign currency translation adjustments are reflected as a component of stockholders' equity and do not impact operating results. Revenues and expenses in foreign currencies translate into higher or lower revenues and expenses in U.S. dollars as the U.S. dollar weakens or strengthens against other currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates may affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations. Currency transaction gains or losses arising from transactions in currencies other than the functional currency are included in results of operations From time to time we enter into foreign currency forward contracts or other derivative financial instruments to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. At September 30, 2004, we had one foreign currency forward contract outstanding. Foreign currency forward contracts are reflected at fair value with gains and losses recorded currently in earnings. 31 The following table presents information about our foreign currency forward contract outstanding as of September 30, 2004, expressed in (thousands) U.S. dollar equivalents.
Forward Currency Contract Exchange Unrealized Purchased Currency Sold Amount Rate Gain Expiration Date ------------ ----------------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------------- Euros Hong Kong Dollars $ 903 9.548 $ 2 October 25, 2004
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 September 30, 2004, of the effectiveness and design 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 or submitted under the Act. In addition, there have been no significant changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 32 PART II OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS (c) Below is a summary of stock repurchases for the quarter ended September 30, 2004. See Note 8 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding our stock repurchase program.
Class A Common Stock Class B Common Stock Shares Shares ------------------------- ------------------------ Purchased To be Total Average Total Average Under Purchased Shares Price Paid Shares Price Paid Announced Under Purchased per Share Purchased per Share Plan Plan ---------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------- --------- July 2004 20,567,957 $ 13.30 5,505,305 $ 12.50 26,073,262 - August 2004 - - - - - - September 2004 - - - - - - ---------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------- --------- Total quarter 20,567,957 $ 13.30 5,505,305 $ 12.50 26,073,262 - ========== ============ ========= ============ ========== =========
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS (a) Exhibits
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT ------- -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000 as filed on December 29, 2000). 4.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 as filed on December 28, 2001). 4.3 Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 8-K dated March 1, 2000 as filed on March 7, 2000). 4.4 Amended Bylaws of the Registrant as amended through April 14, 2000 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000 as filed on December 29, 2000). 4.5 Form of Certificate for Class A Common Stock, Class A (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 as filed on December 28, 2001). 4.6 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002 as filed on December 27, 2002). 4.7 Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2003 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-A as filed on June 30, 2003).
33 10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2004, among Gartner, Inc., the several lenders from time to time parties hereto, Fleet National Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, Comercia Bank and HSBC Bank USE, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, LaSalle Bank National Association, as Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent. 31.1 Certification of chief executive officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of chief financial officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32 Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Items 1, 3, 4 and 5 of Part II are not applicable and have been omitted. 34 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 November 8, 2004 /s/ Christopher Lafond ---------------------------- Christopher Lafond Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 35 EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT ------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000 as filed on December 29, 2000). 4.2 Certificate of Amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 as filed on December 28, 2001). 4.3 Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock and Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock of the Registrant (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Form 8-K dated March 1, 2000 as filed on March 7, 2000). 4.4 Amended Bylaws of the Registrant as amended through April 14, 2000 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2000 as filed on December 29, 2000). 4.5 Form of Certificate for Class A Common Stock, Class A (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2001 as filed on December 28, 2001). 4.6 Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2002 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002 as filed on December 27, 2002). 4.7 Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2003 (incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Amendment No. 2 to Form 8-A as filed on June 30, 2003). 10.1 Credit Agreement, dated as of August 12, 2004, among Gartner, Inc., the several lenders from time to time parties hereto, Fleet National Bank, N.A., Citizens Bank of Massachusetts, Comercia Bank and HSBC Bank USE, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agents, LaSalle Bank National Association, as Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent. 31.1 Certification of chief executive officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of chief financial officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32 Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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