INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. - Quarter Report: 2007 September (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

 

 

Commission file number: 1-6686

 

 

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

1114 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(212) 704-1200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer þ     Accelerated filer o     Non-accelerated filer o

 

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

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of October 15, 2007 was 471,380,833.

 

INDEX

 

 

INFORMATION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Statements in this report that are not historical facts, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and are subject to change based on a number of factors, including those outlined under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and any updated risk factors we include in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly any of them in light of new information or future events.

 

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

 

Investors should carefully consider these factors and the additional risk factors outlined in more detail under Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC.

 

Part I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Amounts in Millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”, “Interpublic”, “we”, “us” or “our”) in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or the “Commission”) and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of the information for each period contained therein. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to the current period presentation. The consolidated results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year, as historically our consolidated revenue is higher in the second half of the year than in the first half. These financial results should be read in conjunction with our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Starting with the first quarter of 2007 we have included our $400.0 4.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 in short-term debt because holders of this debt may require us to repurchase these Notes on March 15, 2008 for cash at par.

 

 

The components of restructuring and other reorganization-related charges (reversals) are as follows:

 

 

Restructuring Charges (Reversals)

 

Restructuring charges (reversals) relate to the 2003 and 2001 restructuring programs and a restructuring program entered into at Lowe Worldwide (“Lowe”) during the third quarter of 2007. Due to changes in the business environment that have occurred during the year, we committed to and began implementing a restructuring program to realign resources with our strategic business objectives within Lowe. This plan includes reducing and restructuring Lowe’s workforce both domestically and internationally, and terminating certain lease agreements. We recognized expenses related to severance and termination costs of $4.8 during the third quarter of 2007 and expect to incur additional charges related to severance and termination costs of approximately $6.0 and lease termination and other exit costs of approximately $7.0 over the next two to three quarters. Cash payments are expected to be made through December 31, 2008.

 

In addition, included in the restructuring reversals for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 are net reversals for the 2003 and 2001 restructuring programs primarily consisting of reversals due to the utilization of previously vacated property by an agency at Draftfcb and adjustments to estimates primarily relating to our severance and lease termination costs.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

Net restructuring charges for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was comprised of net charges of $5.1 at Integrated Agency Networks (“IAN”) partially offset by net reversals of $0.6 at Constituency Management Group (“CMG”). For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, net restructuring reversals was comprised of net reversals of $1.3 at CMG partially offset by net charges of $0.2 at IAN.

 

A rollforward of the remaining liability for the restructuring programs is as follows:

 

 

As of September 30, 2007 the current portion of the restructuring liability is $15.3.

 

Other Reorganization-Related Charges

 

Other reorganization-related charges primarily represent severance charges directly associated with two significant strategic business decisions in 2006 that are substantially complete: the merger of Draft Worldwide and Foote, Cone and Belding Worldwide to create a global integrated marketing organization called Draftfcb; and our realignment of our media business, involving our two global media operations.

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we made six acquisitions, of which the most significant were: a) a full-service advertising agency in Latin America, b) Reprise Media, which is a full-service search engine marketing firm in North America, and c) the remaining interests in two full-service advertising agencies in India in which we previously held 49% and 51% interests. Total cash consideration for the six acquisitions was $112.8. There is a contingent purchase obligation for the remaining equity interest in Reprise Media, which is based on future financial performance. If the contingent obligation is met and consideration for this interest is determinable and distributable, we will record the fair value of this consideration as additional goodwill.

 

For companies acquired during the first nine months of 2007, we made estimates of the fair values of the assets and liabilities for consolidation. The purchase price in excess of the estimated fair value of the tangible net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. These acquisitions do not have significant amounts of tangible assets, therefore a substantial portion of the total consideration has been allocated to goodwill and identifiable intangible assets (approximately $99.0). The purchase price allocations for our acquisitions are substantially complete, however certain of these allocations are based on estimates and assumptions and are subject to change. All acquisitions during the first nine months of 2007 are included in the IAN operating segment. Pro forma information related to these acquisitions is not presented because the impact of these acquisitions, either individually or in the aggregate, on the Company’s consolidated results of operations is not significant.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we made payments in the form of our common stock related to acquisitions initiated in prior years of $6.0. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we made payments in the form of our common stock related to acquisitions initiated in prior years of $0.3 and $11.0, respectively.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

Details of cash paid for current and prior years’ acquisitions are as follows:

 

 

In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we acquired $8.1 of marketable securities held by one of our current year acquisitions.

 

 

Accrued Liabilities

 

 

2004 Restatement Liabilities

 

As part of the restatement set forth in our 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed in September 2005 (the “2004 Restatement”), we recognized liabilities related to vendor discounts and credits where we had a contractual or legal obligation to rebate such amounts to our clients or vendors. Reductions to these liabilities are primarily achieved through settlements with clients and vendors, but also may occur if the applicable statute of limitations has lapsed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we satisfied $19.6 of these liabilities through cash payments of $7.8 and reductions of certain client receivables of $11.8. Also, as part of the 2004 Restatement, we recognized liabilities related to internal investigations and international compensation arrangements. Liabilities related to international compensation arrangements primarily decreased during the third quarter as a result of changes in the tax codes in certain jurisdictions. A summary of these

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

and the vendor discounts and credits liabilities, which are primarily included in accounts payable, is as follows:

 

 

Other (Expense) Income

 

 

Sale of businesses and investments — During the three months ended September 30, 2007, included in the loss of $7.1, we had charges of $8.1 as a result of the realization of cumulative translation adjustment balances from the liquidation of several businesses, as well as charges from the partial disposition of a business in South Africa at Lowe. In addition to the third quarter charges, during the first nine months of 2007, we sold several businesses within Draftfcb and Lowe for a loss of approximately $10.0, partially offset by the sale of our remaining ownership interests in two agencies for a gain of $2.8.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2006, we sold our interest in a German advertising agency and accordingly recognized the related remaining cumulative translation adjustment balance. This resulted in a non-cash benefit of $17.0. In addition, during the first nine months of 2006, we sold an investment located in Asia Pacific for a gain of $18.4 and sold our remaining ownership interest in an agency within Lowe for a gain of $2.5.

 

Vendor discounts and credit adjustments — We are in the process of settling our liabilities related to vendor discounts and credits primarily established as part of the 2004 Restatement. These adjustments reflect the reversal of certain liabilities as a result of settlements with clients and vendors or where the statute of limitations has lapsed.

 

 

Loss per basic common share equals net loss applicable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the applicable period.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

The following sets forth basic and diluted loss per common share applicable to common stock:

 

 

Basic and diluted shares outstanding and loss per share are equal for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 because our potentially dilutive securities are antidilutive as a result of the net loss applicable to common stockholders in each period presented.

 

The following table presents the potential shares excluded from diluted loss per share because the effect of including these potential shares would be antidilutive:

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

There were an additional 5.7 and 8.1 of outstanding stock options to purchase common shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively, with exercise prices less than the average market price for the respective period. However, these options are not included in the table above presenting the potential shares excluded from diluted loss per share due to the application of the treasury stock method and the rules related to stock-based compensation arrangements.

 

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory rate of 35% is primarily due to state and local taxes, losses incurred in non-U.S. jurisdictions that receive no corresponding tax benefit, the revaluation of deferred tax assets due to tax law changes and other adjustments. During the third quarter of 2007, there were tax law changes enacted in the United Kingdom, Germany and the state of Michigan. The impact of these changes to the deferred tax assets was a reduction of $9.1. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory rate of 35% is also due to the recognition of previously unrecognized tax benefits, which is the primary reason for the improvement in the effective tax rate as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, we recorded a $9.5 increase in the net liability for unrecognized tax positions, which was recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings effective January 1, 2007. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at January 1, 2007 was $271.8, including $242.6 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate and $29.2 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would result in adjustments to other tax accounts, primarily deferred taxes. The total amount of accrued interest and penalties at January 1, 2007 was $30.2. In accordance with our accounting policy, interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income taxes in the statement of operations. We have not elected to change this classification with the adoption of FIN 48.

 

The total unrecognized tax benefits at September 30, 2007 were $190.6, including $143.0 of tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate. The gross amount of increases in unrecognized tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $21.2 and $39.4, respectively. The gross amount of decreases in unrecognized tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $16.0 and $120.6, respectively.

 

With respect to all tax years open to examination by U.S. federal and various state, local, and non-U.S. tax authorities, we currently anticipate that the total unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by an amount between $80.0 and $90.0 in the next twelve months, a portion of which will affect the effective tax rate, primarily as a result of the settlement of tax examinations and the lapsing of statutes of limitation. This net decrease is related to various items of income and expense, including transfer pricing adjustments, restatement adjustments and thin capitalization adjustments. In 2006, the IRS completed its field audit of the years 1997 through 2002 and has proposed additions to our taxable income. We have appealed a number of these proposed additions and expect to complete our discussions with the IRS in the next twelve months.

 

On May 1, 2007, the IRS completed its examination of our 2003 and 2004 income tax returns and proposed a number of adjustments to our taxable income. We have appealed a number of these items. In addition, during the second quarter of 2007, there were net reversals of tax reserves, primarily related to previously unrecognized tax benefits related to various items of income and expense, including approximately $80.0 for certain worthless securities deductions associated with investments in consolidated subsidiaries, which was a result of the completion of a tax examination.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

With limited exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. income tax audits for years prior to 1997, state and local income tax audits for years prior to 1999, or non-U.S. income tax audits for years prior to 2000.

 

 

The components of net periodic cost for the domestic pension plans, the principal foreign pension plans and the postretirement benefit plans are as follows:

 

 

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, we made contributions of $4.7 and $21.3, respectively, to our foreign pension plans. During the fourth quarter of 2007, we expect to contribute approximately $8.0 to our foreign pension plans. We do not anticipate making contributions to our domestic pension plans.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007 we granted the following stock-based compensation awards under our 2006 performance incentive plan:

 

 

Stock-settled awards include restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSUs”) expected to be settled in stock. Cash-settled awards include RSUs expected to be settled in cash. As of December 31, 2006, all of our RSUs granted were expected to be settled in cash. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we granted RSUs that we expect to settle in stock in addition to RSUs that we expect to settle in cash. We adjust our fair value measurement for RSUs that are expected to be settled in cash quarterly based on our share price and we amortize stock-based compensation expense related to these awards over the vesting period based upon the quarterly-adjusted fair value. RSUs that are expected to be settled in stock and restricted stock are amortized over the vesting period based on the grant date fair value of the awards.

 

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding general terms and methods of valuation for stock options, restricted stock awards, performance-based awards, and restricted stock units.

 

The Interpublic Group of Companies Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2006) (the “2006 Plan”) became active April 1, 2007. Under the 2006 Plan, eligible employees may purchase our common stock through payroll deductions not exceeding 10% of their base compensation or 900 (actual number) shares each offering period. The price an employee pays for a share of common stock under the 2006 Plan is 90% of the lesser of the average market price of a share on the first business day of the offering period or the average market price of a share on the last business day of the offering period of three months. An aggregate of 15.0 shares are reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan, of which 0.2 shares were issued for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Total compensation expense associated with the issued shares was $0.4 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

 

We have two reportable segments: IAN, which is comprised of Draftfcb, Lowe, McCann Worldgroup, our media services and our fully integrated independent agencies, and CMG, which is comprised of the bulk of our specialist marketing service offerings. We also report results for the Corporate and other group. Segment information is presented consistently with the basis described in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table:

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

SEC Investigation

 

Since January 2003, the SEC has been conducting a formal investigation in response to the restatement we first announced in August 2002, and in 2005 the investigation expanded to encompass the 2004 Restatement. We have also responded to inquiries from the SEC staff (the “Staff”) concerning the restatement of the first three quarters of 2005 that we made in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We continue to cooperate with the investigation. We expect that the investigation will result in monetary liability, but as settlement discussions have not yet commenced, we cannot reasonably estimate the amount, range of amounts or timing of a resolution. Accordingly, we have not yet established any provision relating to these matters.

 

The Staff has informed us that it intends to seek approval from the Commission to enter into settlement discussions with us and, failing a settlement, to commence an action charging the Company with various violations of the federal securities laws. In that connection, and as previously disclosed by the Company in a current report on Form 8-K filed June 14, 2007, the Staff has sent the Company a “Wells notice,” which invites us to make a responsive submission before the Staff makes a final determination concerning its recommendation to the Commission. We expect to discuss settlement with the Staff once the Commission authorizes the Staff to engage in such discussions. We cannot at this time predict what the Commission will authorize or the outcome of any settlement negotiations.

 

Other Legal Matters

 

We are or have been involved in other legal and administrative proceedings of various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty, we do not believe that the outcome of such proceedings or claims will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

Guarantees

 

As discussed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have contingent obligations under guarantees of certain obligations of our subsidiaries relating principally to credit facilities, guarantees of certain media payables and operating leases of certain subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2007 there have been no material changes to these guarantees.

 

 

In June 2007, the EITF ratified EITF Issue No. 06-11, Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards (“EITF 06-11”). Under EITF 06-11 a realized tax benefit from dividends or dividend equivalents that are charged to retained earnings and paid to employees for equity classified non-vested equity shares, non-vested equity share units, and outstanding share options should be recognized as an increase to additional paid-in-capital. EITF 06-11 is effective, prospectively, for fiscal years beginning after

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued)
(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)

 

December 15, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of EITF 06-11 to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS No. 159”), which permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of SFAS No. 159 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In January 2007 we adopted FIN 48. See Note 6 for further information.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in U.S. GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Under the standard, fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts. The standard clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. In support of this principle, the standard establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable data, for example, the reporting entity’s own data. Under the standard, fair value measurements would be separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of SFAS No. 157 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The adoption of the following accounting pronouncements during 2007 did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to help you understand The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”, “Interpublic”, “we”, “us” or “our”). MD&A should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the accompanying notes. Our MD&A includes the following sections:

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY provides an overview of our results of operations.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS provides an analysis of the consolidated and segment results of operations for the periods presented.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES provides an overview of our cash flows and financing activities.

 

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING, by reference to our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, provides a description of the status of our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES provides an update to the discussion of our accounting policies that require critical judgment, assumptions and estimates in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS, by reference to Note 11 to the unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, provides a discussion of accounting standards that we have not yet been required to implement, but which may affect us in the future, as well as those accounting standards that have been adopted during 2007.

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

We are one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing services companies, comprised of communication agencies around the world that deliver custom marketing solutions on behalf of our clients. Major global brands include Draftfcb, FutureBrand, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, Lowe Worldwide, MAGNA Global, McCann Erickson, Momentum, MRM, Octagon, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, Mullen, The Martin Agency and R/GA. These agencies cover the spectrum of marketing disciplines and specialties, from traditional services such as consumer advertising and direct marketing, to emerging services such as mobile and search engine marketing. To meet the challenge of an increasingly complex consumer culture, we create customized marketing solutions for each of our clients. These solutions vary from project-based work between one agency and its client to long-term, fully-integrated campaigns involving several of our companies working on behalf of a client. Furthermore, our agencies cover all major markets geographically and can operate in a single region or align work globally across many markets.

 

Our strategy is focused on improving our organic revenue growth and operating income. We are working to achieve significant improvements in our organic revenue growth and operating margins, with our ultimate objective to be fully competitive with our industry peer group on both measures. We analyze period-to-period changes in our operating performance by determining the portion of the change that is attributable to foreign currency rates and the change attributable to the net effect of acquisitions and divestitures, with the remainder considered the organic change. For purposes of analyzing this change, acquisitions and divestitures are treated as if they occurred on the first day of the quarter during which the transaction occurred.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

and Results of Operations — (Continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

We have strategically realigned a number of our capabilities to promote revenue growth. For example, we have combined accountable marketing and consumer advertising and implemented a differentiated approach to media. We continue to develop our capacity in strategically critical areas, notably digital, marketing services and media, that we expect will drive future revenue growth. The digital component of our business is evolving and, in order to grow with our clients, we have accelerated professional and technological development in this area. The resulting costs have been partially offset by headcount reductions in slower growth areas.

 

To further improve our operating margin we focus on the following areas:

 

 

Although the U.S. Dollar is our reporting currency, a substantial portion of our revenues is generated in foreign currencies. Therefore, our reported results are affected by fluctuations in the currencies in which we conduct our international businesses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the U.S. Dollar was generally weaker against the Euro and Pound Sterling as compared to the respective periods in 2006. The third quarter impact was also due to the strength of the Canadian Dollar and Brazilian Real as compared to the respective period in 2006. As a result, the net effect of foreign currency changes from the comparable prior-year periods was an increase in revenues and operating expenses in 2007.

 

As discussed in more detail in this MD&A:

 

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

and Results of Operations — (Continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Consolidated Results of Operations — Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 compared to Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

REVENUE

 

The components of the change in consolidated revenue for the third quarter of 2007 were as follows:

 

 

During the third quarter of 2007, revenue increased $106.1, or $82.5 on an organic basis, due to domestic organic revenue growth and changes in foreign currency exchange rates at both the Integrated Agency Networks (“IAN”) and Constituency Management Group (“CMG”) segments and international organic revenue growth at IAN. Domestic organic growth was primarily driven by expanding business with existing clients, winning new business in advertising and public relations, and the completion of several projects within the events marketing business. The international organic increase at IAN was primarily driven by higher revenue from existing clients, predominantly in Latin America. The increase in other international revenue was primarily due to higher revenues in South Africa and the Middle East.

 

The components of the change in consolidated revenue for the first nine months of 2007 were as follows:

 

 

During the first nine months of 2007, revenue increased $258.0, or $205.1 on an organic basis, due to domestic organic revenue growth and changes in foreign currency exchange rates at both IAN and CMG, partially offset by net divestitures, primarily at IAN. Domestic organic growth was driven by factors similar to those noted above for the third quarter of 2007. The international organic increase was driven by greater

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition

and Results of Operations — (Continued)

(Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

revenue from existing clients, primarily in the Asia Pacific region at IAN and CMG, partially offset by decreases primarily related to lower revenue from existing clients in Continental Europe at IAN, primarily France, and CMG. Other international revenue increased due to factors similar to those noted above for the third quarter of 2007.

 

Refer to the segment discussion later in this MD&A for more detailed information on changes in revenue by segment.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES