Document


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
 
 
 
FORM 8-K
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)
 
February 2, 2017
 
 
 
GARTNER, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
 
 
 
 
DELAWARE
 
1-14443
 
04-3099750
 
 
 
 
 
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 
P.O. Box 10212
56 Top Gallant Road
Stamford, CT 06902-7747
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
 
(203) 316-1111
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
 
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
 
 
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
 
 
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
 
 
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))






ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION.
On February 2, 2017, Gartner, Inc. (the “Company” or "Gartner" ) announced financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016. A copy of the Company’s press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.
In accordance with General Instruction B.2 of Form 8-K, the information in this Item 2.02 and in Exhibit 99.1 of this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
ITEM 8.01. OTHER EVENTS

On January 5, 2017, Gartner and CEB Inc. (NYSE: CEB) ("CEB") announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Gartner will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CEB in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion. Gartner will also assume (and refinance) approximately $0.9 billion in CEB debt. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. Closing of the transaction is subject to the approval of CEB shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. On February 1, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, applicable to the proposed transaction. Closing of the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017. Additional information, including the press release announcing the proposed transaction, can be obtained at Gartner's Investor Relations site at www.gartner.com.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
 
This communication references a proposed business combination involving Gartner and CEB. In connection with the proposed transaction, Gartner will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes the preliminary proxy statement of CEB and that will also constitute a prospectus of Gartner. The information in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Gartner may not issue the common stock referenced in the proxy statement/prospectus until the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC becomes effective. The preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, this filing and any related communication are not offers to sell Gartner securities, are not soliciting an offer to buy Gartner securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted and are not a solicitation of any vote or approval. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of CEB.
 
GARTNER AND CEB URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.
 
Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Gartner (when they become available) may be obtained free of charge on Gartner’s website at www.gartner.com or by directing a written request to Gartner, Inc., Investor Relations, 56 Top Gallant Road Stamford, CT 06902-7747. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by CEB (when they become available) may be obtained free of charge on CEB’s website at www.cebglobal.com or by directing a written request to CEB, Inc., care of Investor Relations, 1919 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209.
 
Participants in the Merger Solicitation
 
Each of Gartner, CEB and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding these persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of CEB stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus described above filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding Gartner’s executive officers and directors is included in Gartner’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 11, 2016. Additional information regarding CEB’s executive officers and directors is included in CEB’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2016. You can obtain free copies of these documents using the information in the paragraph immediately above.






ITEM 9.01 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
(d) Exhibits
 
 
 
EXHIBIT NO.
 
DESCRIPTION
 
 
 
99.1

 
Press Release issued February 2, 2017 with respect to financial results for Gartner, Inc. for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016.

# # #

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
Gartner, Inc.
 
 
 
Date: February 2, 2017
By:
/s/ Craig W. Safian
 
 
 
 
 
Craig W. Safian
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
EXHIBIT NO.
 
DESCRIPTION
 
 
 
99.1

 
Press Release issued February 2, 2017 with respect to financial results for Gartner, Inc. for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016.





Exhibit


EXHIBIT 99.1
 
 
Gartner
Press Release
CONTACT:
Sherief Bakr
Group Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 203 316 6537
investor.relations@gartner.com
Gartner Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016
Total Contract Value up 14% YoY FX Neutral to $1.93 Billion
Fourth Quarter Revenue Increased 10% YOY FX Neutral to $703.2 Million
STAMFORD, Conn., February 2, 2017 — Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT), the leading provider of research and analysis on the global information technology industry, today reported results for fourth quarter and full year 2016 and provided its preliminary financial outlook for full year 2017.
For fourth quarter 2016, total revenue was $703.2 million, an increase of 9% over fourth quarter 2015. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, revenues increased 10% in fourth quarter 2016. For the fourth quarter 2016 net income was $66.5 million; Normalized EBITDA was $145.1 million, an increase of 6% over fourth quarter 2015 as reported and 3% adjusted for the foreign exchange impact. Diluted Earnings Per Share was $0.79 in fourth quarter 2016 compared to $0.78 in fourth quarter 2015. Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments was $0.97 in fourth quarter 2016 compared to $0.92 in fourth quarter 2015. (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for definitions of Normalized EBITDA and Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments).
For full year 2016, total revenue was $2.44 billion, an increase of 13% over 2015 as reported and 14% adjusted for the foreign exchange impact. Net income was $193.6 million in 2016, an increase of 10% compared to 2015. Normalized EBITDA was $457.1 million in 2016, an increase of 12% compared to 2015 and 10% adjusted for the foreign exchange impact. Diluted Earnings Per Share was $2.31 in 2016. Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments increased 24%, to $2.96 in 2016 compared to $2.39 in 2015.
Gene Hall, Gartner’s chief executive officer, commented, "Gartner had another great year in 2016. We continued our trend of double digit growth and executed on a number of key strategic initiatives designed to drive long-term growth. In the fourth quarter, Total Contract Value growth accelerated and we saw improvements in our retention and productivity metrics. In early January, we announced our agreement to acquire CEB, which we expect will deliver significant value to our shareholders over both the short and long-term. While our teams are excited about the expanded opportunities the acquisition will create, we are committed to execute on our 2017 outlook."
Business Segment Highlights
Research
Revenue for fourth quarter 2016 was $478.8 million, up 14% compared to fourth quarter 2015 and 15% adjusted for the foreign exchange impact. The quarterly gross contribution margin was 68% in both 2016 and 2015. Total contract value was $1.93 billion at December 31, 2016, an increase of 9% on a reported basis and 14% on a foreign exchange neutral basis compared to December 31, 2015. Client retention was 84% in both fourth quarter of 2016 and 2015. Wallet retention was 104% and 105% in fourth quarter 2016 and 2015, respectively.

-more-





Consulting
Revenue for fourth quarter 2016 was $88.1 million, which was up slightly compared to fourth quarter 2015. Excluding the foreign exchange impact, revenues increased 1%. The gross contribution margin was 26% and 30% in fourth quarter 2016 and 2015, respectively. Fourth quarter 2016 utilization was 65% compared to 67% in fourth quarter 2015. As of December 31, 2016, billable headcount was 628 compared to 606 at year-end 2015. Backlog was $103.8 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $117.7 million at December 31, 2015. The backlog decline was mostly due to a large contract booked in 2015 in a non-target geography. Excluding that contract, backlog decreased by about 4% year-over-year. The $103.8 million of backlog at year-end 2016 represents approximately 4 months of forward backlog, which is in line with the Company's operational target.
Events
Revenue for fourth quarter 2016 was $136.3 million compared to $135.3 million in the fourth quarter 2015, an increase of 1% on a reported basis but was flat excluding the foreign exchange impact. The gross contribution margin was 54% in fourth quarter 2016 compared to 57% in the prior year quarter. The Company held 14 events with 24,080 attendees in fourth quarter 2016 compared to 15 events and 24,208 attendees in fourth quarter 2015.
Adoption of FASB ASU No. 2016-09

Gartner early adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU No. 2016-09"), which changes the accounting for stock-based compensation awards, in the third quarter of 2016. Among the changes in ASU No. 2016-09 that impacted Gartner is the requirement to recognize certain tax benefits that arise from the settlement/exercise of stock-based compensation awards in the income statement whereas previously these benefits were recorded in stockholders' equity. In addition, these benefits are required to be classified in the cash flow statement as an operating cash flow whereas previously they were classified as financing cash flows. These accounting changes were applied to the beginning of the Company's fiscal year and as a result our diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $0.12 per share and our operating cash flow increased by $10.0 million. Our reported financial results for periods prior to 2016 were not impacted.
Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Highlights
Gartner generated $365.6 million of operating cash flow in full year 2016 compared to $345.6 million in 2015. As discussed above, the adoption of ASU 2016-09 benefited our reported operating cash flow in 2016 by $10.0 million. Free Cash Flow for the full year 2016 was $347.2 million, an increase of 10% compared to 2015 (See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for the definition of Free Cash Flow). During 2016 the Company used $59.0 million in cash to repurchase its common shares and $34.2 million for acquisitions, $50.0 million for capital expenditures, and $31.4 million for acquisition and integration payments. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had $702.5 million of debt outstanding, $474.2 million of cash, and $1.1 billion of additional borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility.
Financial Outlook for 2017
The Company also provided its preliminary financial outlook for 2017:
Projected Revenue  
($ in millions)
 
2017 Projected Range
 
% Change
Research
 
$
2,050

 
 
$
2,085

 
12
%
 
 
14
%
Consulting
 
345

 
 
360

 

 
 
4

Events
 
285

 
 
300

 
6

 
 
12

Total Revenue
 
$
2,680

 
 
$
2,745

 
10
%
 
 
12
%



 
 
 
 
Gartner, Inc.
page 2






Projected Earnings and Cash Flow (1)
($ in millions, except per share data)
 
2017 Projected Range
 
% Change
GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share
 
$
2.80

 
 
$
3.00

 
21
%
 
 
30
%
Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments
 
3.15

 
 
3.35

 
6

 
 
13

Operating Income
 
360

 
 
 
390

 
18

 
 
 
28

Normalized EBITDA
 
495

 
 
530

 
8

 
 
16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Cash Flow
 
385

 
 
415

 
5

 
 
14

Acquisition and Integration Payments
 
38

 
 
38

 
21

 
 
21

Capital Expenditures
 
(75
)
 
 
(80
)
 
51

 
 
61

Free Cash Flow
 
$
348

 
 
$
373

 
%
 
 
7
%
(1) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for definitions of Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments, Normalized EBITDA, and Free Cash Flow.
Definitive Agreement to Acquire CEB Inc.
On January 5, 2017, Gartner and CEB Inc. (NYSE: CEB) ("CEB"), the industry leader in providing best practice and talent management insights, announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement whereby Gartner will acquire all of the outstanding shares of CEB in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion. Gartner will also assume (and refinance) approximately $0.9 billion in CEB debt. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies. Closing of the transaction is subject to the approval of CEB shareholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. On February 1, 2017, the Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, applicable to the proposed transaction. Closing of the transaction is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017. Additional information, to include the press release announcing the proposed transaction, can be obtained at Gartner's Investor Relations site at www.gartner.com.
Conference Call Information
Gartner has scheduled a conference call at 8:30 a.m. eastern time on Thursday, February 2, 2017 to discuss the Company’s financial results. The conference call will be available via the Internet by accessing the Company’s website at http://investor.gartner.com or by dial-in. The U.S. dial-in number is 888-713-4211 and the international dial-in number is 617-213-4864 and the participant passcode is 19065733#. The question and answer session of the conference call will be open to investors and analysts only. A replay of the webcast will be available for approximately 30 days following the call on the Company's website. In addition, a transcript of the call will also be available on the Company's website shortly after the conclusion of the call.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Gartner will hold its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at 10:00 a.m. eastern time on June 1, 2017 at the Company’s offices in Stamford, Connecticut.
About Gartner
 
Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company. Gartner delivers the technology-related insight necessary for our clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to supply chain and digital marketing professionals and technology investors, Gartner is the valuable partner to clients in 11,122 distinct enterprises. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Consulting and Events, we work with clients to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual roles. Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and as of December 31, 2016, had 8,813 associates, including 1,922 research analysts and consultants, and we operate in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gartner, Inc.
page 3





Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Normalized EBITDA: Represents operating income excluding stock-based compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, accretion on obligations related to excess facilities, and acquisition and integration adjustments. We believe Normalized EBITDA is an important measure of our recurring operations as it excludes items that may not be indicative of our core operating results. Investors are cautioned that Normalized EBITDA is not a financial measure defined under generally accepted accounting principles and as a result is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. We provide this measure to enhance the user’s overall understanding of the Company’s current financial performance and the Company’s prospects for the future. Normalized EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to any other measure of performance determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments: Represents GAAP diluted earnings per share adjusted for the impact of certain items directly related to acquisitions. The adjustments items consist of the amortization of identifiable intangibles; incremental acquisition and integration charges related to the achievement of certain performance targets and employment conditions, as well as legal, consulting, severance, and other costs; and non-cash fair value adjustments on pre-acquisition deferred revenues. We believe Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments is an important measure of our recurring operations as it excludes items that may not be indicative of our core operating results.

Free Cash Flow: Represents cash provided by operating activities plus cash acquisition and integration payments less payments for capital expenditures. We believe that Free Cash Flow is an important measure of the recurring cash generated by the Company’s core operations that is available to be used to repurchase our stock, repay debt obligations, invest in future growth through new business development activities, or make acquisitions.
Tables included in the Supplemental Information section at the end of this Press Release provide reconciliations of these Non-GAAP financial measures with the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
Safe Harbor Statement
 
Statements contained in this press release regarding the Company’s growth and prospects, projected financial results and all other statements in this release other than recitation of historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: our ability to maintain and expand our products and services; our ability to expand or retain our customer base; our ability to grow or sustain revenue from individual customers; our ability to attract and retain a professional staff of research analysts and consultants as well as experienced sales personnel upon whom we are dependent; our ability to achieve and effectively manage growth, including our ability to integrate acquisitions and consummate future acquisitions; our ability to pay our debt; our ability to achieve continued customer renewals and achieve new contract value, backlog and deferred revenue growth in light of competitive pressures; our ability to carry out our strategic initiatives and manage associated costs; our ability to successfully compete with existing competitors and potential new competitors; our ability to enforce or protect our intellectual property rights; additional
risks associated with international operations including foreign currency fluctuations; the impact of restructuring and other charges on our businesses and operations; general economic conditions; risks associated with the creditworthiness and budget cuts of governments and agencies; and other factors described under “Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which can be found on Gartner’s website at www.investor.gartner.com and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements included herein speak only as of the date hereof and Gartner disclaims any obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or circumstances.



 
 
 
 
 
 
Gartner, Inc.
page 4







Additional Information and Where to Find It
 
This communication references a proposed business combination involving Gartner and CEB. In connection with the proposed transaction, Gartner will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes the preliminary proxy statement of CEB and that will also constitute a prospectus of Gartner. The information in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Gartner may not issue the common stock referenced in the proxy statement/prospectus until the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC becomes effective. The preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, this press release and any related communication are not offers to sell Gartner securities, are not soliciting an offer to buy Gartner securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted and are not a solicitation of any vote or approval. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to stockholders of CEB.
 
GARTNER AND CEB URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.
 
Investors and security holders will be able to obtain these materials (when they are available) and other documents filed with the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Gartner (when they become available) may be obtained free of charge on Gartner’s website at www.gartner.com or by directing a written request to Gartner, Inc., Investor Relations, 56 Top Gallant Road Stamford, CT 06902-7747. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by CEB (when they become available) may be obtained free of charge on CEB’s website at www.cebglobal.com or by directing a written request to CEB, Inc., care of Investor Relations, 1919 North Lynn Street, Arlington, VA 22209.
 
Participants in the Merger Solicitation
 
Each of Gartner, CEB and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding these persons who may, under the rules of the SEC, be considered participants in the solicitation of CEB stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus described above filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding Gartner’s executive officers and directors is included in Gartner’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 11, 2016. Additional information regarding CEB’s executive officers and directors is included in CEB’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 29, 2016. You can obtain free copies of these documents using the information in the paragraph immediately above.

# # #







 
 
 
 
 
 
Gartner, Inc.
page 5






GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Revenues:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Research
 
$
478,778

 
$
420,499

 
14
 %
 
$
1,829,721

 
$
1,583,486

 
16
 %
Consulting
 
88,124

 
87,921

 
 %
 
346,214

 
327,735

 
6
 %
Events
 
136,315

 
135,348

 
1
 %
 
268,605

 
251,835

 
7
 %
Total revenues
 
703,217

 
643,768

 
9
 %
 
2,444,540

 
2,163,056

 
13
 %
Costs and expenses:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cost of services and product development
 
279,063

 
257,217

 
8
 %
 
945,648

 
839,076

 
13
 %
Selling, general and administrative
 
289,862

 
258,809

 
12
 %
 
1,089,184

 
962,677

 
13
 %
Depreciation
 
9,782

 
8,850

 
11
 %
 
37,172

 
33,789

 
10
 %
Amortization of intangibles
 
6,183

 
6,359

 
(3
)%
 
24,797

 
13,342

 
86
 %
Acquisition and integration charges
 
9,640

 
10,912

 
(12
)%
 
42,598

 
26,175

 
63
 %
Total costs and expenses
 
594,530

 
542,147

 
10
 %
 
2,139,399

 
1,875,059

 
14
 %
Operating income
 
108,687

 
101,621

 
7
 %
 
305,141

 
287,997

 
6
 %
Interest expense, net
 
(5,822
)
 
(6,013
)
 
(3
)%
 
(25,116
)
 
(20,782
)
 
21
 %
Other income (expense), net
 
3,320

 
1,059

 
>100

 
8,406

 
4,996

 
68
 %
Income before income taxes
 
106,185

 
96,667

 
10
 %
 
288,431

 
272,211

 
6
 %
Provision for income taxes
 
39,700

 
30,904

 
28
 %
 
94,849

 
96,576

 
(2
)%
Net income
 
$
66,485

 
$
65,763

 
1
 %
 
$
193,582

 
$
175,635

 
10
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income per common share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
$
0.80

 
$
0.80

 
 %
 
$
2.34

 
$
2.09

 
12
 %
Diluted
 
$
0.79

 
$
0.78

 
1
 %
 
$
2.31

 
$
2.06

 
12
 %
Weighted average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
82,637

 
82,677

 
 %
 
82,571

 
83,852

 
(2
)%
Diluted
 
83,939

 
83,890

 
 %
 
83,820

 
85,056

 
(1
)%





 
BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
(Unaudited; in thousands)
 
 
Revenue
 
Direct
Expense
 
Gross
Contribution
 
Contribution
Margin
Three Months Ended 12/31/16
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Research
 
$
478,778

 
$
152,130

 
$
326,648

 
68%
Consulting
 
88,124

 
64,812

 
23,312

 
26%
Events
 
136,315

 
63,234

 
73,081

 
54%
TOTAL
 
$
703,217

 
$
280,176

 
$
423,041

 
60%
Three Months Ended 12/31/15
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Research
 
$
420,499

 
$
135,494

 
$
285,005

 
68%
Consulting
 
87,921

 
61,903

 
26,018

 
30%
Events
 
135,348

 
58,248

 
77,100

 
57%
TOTAL
 
$
643,768

 
$
255,645

 
$
388,123

 
60%
Twelve Months Ended 12/31/16
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Research
 
$
1,829,721

 
$
561,961

 
$
1,267,760

 
69%
Consulting
 
346,214

 
238,629

 
107,585

 
31%
Events
 
268,605

 
131,950

 
136,655

 
51%
TOTAL
 
$
2,444,540

 
$
932,540

 
$
1,512,000

 
62%
Twelve Months Ended 12/31/15
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Research
 
$
1,583,486

 
$
486,659

 
$
1,096,827

 
69%
Consulting
 
327,735

 
220,542

 
107,193

 
33%
Events
 
251,835

 
121,308

 
130,527

 
52%
TOTAL
 
$
2,163,056

 
$
828,509

 
$
1,334,547

 
62%

SELECTED STATISTICAL DATA (unaudited)
 
 
December 31, 2016
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Total contract value (a), (b)
 
$
1.930

 
 
 
$
1.768

 
 
Research contract value (b), (c)
 
$
1.923

 
 
 
$
1.761

 
 
Research client retention
 
84
%
 
 
 
84
%
 
 
Research wallet retention
 
104
%
 
 
 
105
%
 
 
Research client enterprises
 
11,122

 
 
 
10,796

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consulting backlog (d)
 
$
103,800

 
 
 
$
117,700

 
 
Consulting—quarterly utilization
 
65
%
 
 
 
67
%
 
 
Consulting billable headcount
 
628

 
 
 
606

 
 
Consulting—average annualized revenue per billable headcount (d)
 
$
372

 
 
 
$
389

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Events—number of events for the quarter
 
14

 
 
 
15

 
 
Events—attendees for the quarter
 
24,080

 
 
 
24,208

 
 
(a) Total contract value represents the value attributable to all of our subscription-related contracts. It is calculated as the annualized value of all contracts in effect at a specific point in time, without regard to the duration of the contract. Total contract value primarily includes Research deliverables for which revenue is recognized on a ratable basis, as well as other deliverables (primarily Events tickets) for which revenue is recognized when the deliverable is utilized.
(b) In billions.
(c) 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.
(d) In thousands.





Selected Balance Sheet data (Unaudited; in thousands)
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
474,233

 
$
372,976

Fees receivable, net
 
643,013

 
580,763

Total assets
 
2,367,335

 
2,174,686

Deferred revenues
 
989,478

 
900,801

Total current and long-term debt
 
702,500

 
825,000

Total liabilities
 
2,306,457

 
2,307,086

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
 
$
60,878

 
$
(132,400
)
Selected Cash Flow Data (Unaudited; in thousands):
 
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2015
Cash provided by operating activities
 
$
365,632

 
 
 
$
345,561

Cash paid for capital expenditures
 
49,863

 
 
 
46,128

Cash paid for treasury stock
 
58,961

 
 
 
509,049

Cash paid for acquisitions
 
34,186

 
 
 
196,229

Cash (payments) borrowings on debt (including fees paid), net
 
$
(124,975
)
 
 
 
$
420,000

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Reconciliation - Operating income to Normalized EBITDA (a) (Unaudited; in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
December 31,
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
 
$
66,485

 
$
65,763

 
$
193,582

 
$
175,635

Interest expense, net
 
5,822

 
6,013

 
25,116

 
20,782

Other (income) expense, net
 
(3,320
)
 
(1,059
)
 
(8,406
)
 
(4,996
)
Tax provision
 
39,700

 
30,904

 
94,849

 
96,576

Operating income
 
$
108,687

 
$
101,621

 
$
305,141

 
$
287,997

Normalizing adjustments:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock-based compensation expense (b)
 
10,533

 
9,169

 
46,661

 
46,149

Depreciation, accretion, and amortization (c)
 
15,986

 
15,226

 
62,057

 
47,214

Acquisition and integration adjustments (d)
 
9,899

 
10,912

 
43,285

 
26,175

Normalized EBITDA
 
$
145,105

 
$
136,928

 
$
457,144

 
$
407,535

(a) Normalized EBITDA is based on GAAP operating income adjusted for certain normalizing adjustments.
(b) Consists of charges for stock-based compensation awards.
(c) Includes depreciation expense, accretion on excess facilities accruals, and amortization of intangibles.
(d) Consists of directly-related incremental expenses from acquisitions and non-cash fair value adjustments on pre-acquisition deferred revenues.








Reconciliation - Diluted Earnings Per Share to Diluted Earnings Per Share Excluding Acquisition Adjustments (a) (Unaudited; in thousands, except per share amounts):
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Total Amount
 
EPS
 
Total Amount
 
EPS
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
66,485

 
$
0.79

 
$
65,763

 
$
0.78

Acquisition adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of acquired intangibles (b)
 
6,089

 
0.07

 
6,266

 
0.07

Acquisition and integration adjustments (c)
 
9,899

 
0.12

 
10,909

 
0.13

   Tax impact of adjustments (d)
  
 
(1,258
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(5,355
)
 
(0.06
)
Diluted earnings per share excluding acquisition adjustments (e)
 
$
81,215

 
$
0.97

 
$
77,583

 
$
0.92

 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
Total Amount
 
EPS
 
Total Amount
 
EPS
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
193,582

 
$
2.31

 
$
175,635

 
$
2.06

Acquisition adjustments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of acquired intangibles (b)
 
24,421

 
0.29

 
12,967

 
0.15

Acquisition and integration adjustments (c)
 
43,285

 
0.52

 
26,174

 
0.31

   Tax impact of adjustments (d)
 
(13,090
)
 
(0.16
)
 
(11,730
)
 
(0.13
)
Diluted earnings per share excluding acquisition adjustments (e)
 
$
248,198

 
$
2.96

 
$
203,046

 
$
2.39


(a)
Diluted earnings per share excluding acquisition adjustments represents GAAP diluted earnings per share adjusted for the impact of certain items directly-related to acquisitions.
(b)
Consists of non-cash amortization charges from acquired intangibles.
(c)
Consists of directly-related incremental charges from acquisitions and non-cash fair value adjustments on pre-acquisition deferred revenues.
(d)
The effective tax rates were 8% and 19% for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016, and 31% and 30% for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015. The 2016 effective rates decreased because a larger percentage of the costs in 2016 had no associated tax benefit.
(e)
The EPS is calculated based on 83.9 million and 83.8 million shares for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016, respectively, and 83.9 million and 85.1 million shares for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
Reconciliation - Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Free Cash Flow (a) (Unaudited; in thousands):
 
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Cash provided by operating activities
 
$
365,632

 
$
345,561

Adjustments:
 
 
 
 

Cash acquisition and integration payments
 
31,431

 
16,975

Cash paid for capital expenditures
 
(49,863
)
 
(46,128
)
Free Cash Flow
 
$
347,200

 
$
316,408

(a) Free cash flow is based on cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP plus cash acquisition and integration payments less additions to capital expenditures.

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