10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007
OR
     
o   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)
     
P.O. Box 10212   06902-7700
56 Top Gallant Road   (Zip Code)
Stamford, CT    
(Address of principal executive offices)    
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 316-1111
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” (as defined 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
As of April 23, 2007, 104,041,570 shares of the registrant’s common shares were outstanding.
 
 

 


 

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 EX-31.1: CERTIFICATION
 EX-31.2: CERTIFICATION
 EX-32: CERTIFICATION

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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited, in thousands)
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 91,094     $ 67,801  
Fees receivable, net
    309,748       328,383  
Deferred commissions
    41,841       46,822  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    57,084       41,027  
 
           
Total current assets
    499,767       484,033  
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net
    58,757       59,715  
Goodwill
    409,161       408,545  
Intangible assets, net
    5,224       5,978  
Other assets
    84,523       81,522  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 1,057,432     $ 1,039,793  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 141,742     $ 208,002  
Deferred revenues
    390,870       375,881  
Current portion of long-term debt
    234,000       220,000  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    766,612       803,883  
Long-term debt
    171,000       150,000  
Other liabilities
    84,392       59,592  
 
           
Total Liabilities
    1,022,004       1,013,475  
 
               
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock
           
Common stock
    78       78  
Additional paid-in capital
    544,845       544,686  
Unearned compensation, net
    (1,692 )     (2,208 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
    13,842       13,097  
Accumulated earnings
    257,196       249,004  
Treasury stock, at cost
    (778,841 )     (778,339 )
 
           
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    35,428       26,318  
 
           
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 1,057,432     $ 1,039,793  
 
           
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Revenues:
               
Research
  $ 158,800     $ 137,092  
Consulting
    76,267       75,893  
Events
    26,927       14,495  
Other
    2,203       3,449  
 
           
Total revenues
    264,197       230,929  
Costs and expenses:
               
Cost of services and product development
    123,713       105,349  
Selling, general and administrative
    115,746       99,467  
Depreciation
    5,735       5,660  
Amortization of intangibles
    529       3,383  
META integration charges
          1,450  
 
           
Total costs and expenses
    245,723       215,309  
 
           
Operating income
    18,474       15,620  
Interest expense, net
    (6,263 )     (4,363 )
Other expense, net
    (38 )     (694 )
 
           
Income before income taxes
    12,173       10,563  
Provision for income taxes
    3,981       2,793  
 
           
Net income
  $ 8,192     $ 7,770  
 
           
 
               
Income per common share:
               
Basic
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07  
Diluted
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07  
 
               
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    103,521       113,769  
Diluted
    108,263       115,798  
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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GARTNER, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited, in thousands)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Operating activities:
               
Net income
  $ 8,192     $ 7,770  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
    6,264       9,043  
Stock compensation expense
    5,566       2,546  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    (3,535 )     (1,400 )
Deferred taxes
    (1,117 )     (737 )
Amortization and writeoff of debt issue costs
    693       201  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Fees receivable, net
    19,511       36,421  
Deferred commissions
    5,071       7,308  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (15,874 )     (5,454 )
Other assets
    (2,467 )     146  
Deferred revenues
    13,011       23,550  
Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities
    (35,537 )     (73,289 )
 
           
Cash (used) provided by operating activities
    (222 )     6,105  
 
           
 
               
Investing activities:
               
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements
    (4,777 )     (3,356 )
Other investing activities, net
          (139 )
 
           
Cash used in investing activities
    (4,777 )     (3,495 )
 
           
 
               
Financing activities:
               
Proceeds from interest rate swap
    1,167        
Proceeds from stock issued for stock plans
    11,984       11,894  
Proceeds from debt issuance
    405,000        
Payments for debt issuance costs
    (1,257 )      
Payments on debt
    (370,000 )     (3,333 )
Purchases of treasury stock
    (23,001 )     (17,184 )
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    3,535       1,400  
 
           
Cash provided (used) in financing activities
    27,428       (7,223 )
 
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    22,429       (4,613 )
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    864       (29 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    67,801       70,282  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 91,094     $ 65,640  
 
           
See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

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GARTNER, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
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 Gartner, Inc. (“Gartner” or the “Company”) filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
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 months ended March 31, 2007 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2007. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Sales tax collected from customers remitted to governmental authorities is presented on a net basis in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Note 2 — Comprehensive Income
The components of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows (in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Net income:
  $ 8,192     $ 7,770  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    765       272  
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap
    (1,085 )     1,257  
Realized gain on interest rate swap (a)
    1,033        
Amortization of pension unrealized loss
    32        
 
           
Other comprehensive income
    745       1,529  
 
           
Comprehensive income
  $ 8,937     $ 9,299  
 
           
 
(a)   Net of approximately $0.1 million reclassified to earnings in the first quarter of 2007.
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  
    March 31,  
    2007     2006  
Numerator:
               
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted income per share
  $ 8,192     $ 7,770  
 
           
 
               
Denominator:
               
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic income per share
    103,521       113,769  
Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans
    4,742       2,029  
 
           
Shares used in the calculation of diluted income per share
    108,263       115,798  
 
           
 
               
Basic income per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07  
 
           
 
               
Diluted income per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07  
 
           
For the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, 0.5 million and 1.3 million options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

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Note 4 — Stock-Based Compensation
The Company grants stock-based compensation awards as an incentive for employees and directors to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. The Company’s awards include stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, service- and performance-based restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents.
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123(R)”), as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”). Under SFAS No. 123(R), stock-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is recognized over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures. The service period is the period over which the related service is performed, which is generally the same as the vesting period. All of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards are classified as equity awards in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R).
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company recognized $5.6 million of pre-tax stock compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R), with $2.6 million recorded in Cost of services and product development expense and $3.0 million recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. In the first quarter of 2006, the Company recognized $2.5 million of pre-tax stock compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R), with $1.4 million recorded in Cost of services and product development expense and $1.1 million recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense.
As of March 31, 2007, the Company had $55.3 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.7 years. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, excess tax benefits realized from the exercise of stock-based compensation awards was $3.5 million. At the present time, the Company issues treasury shares upon the exercise or settlement of stock-based compensation awards.
Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
A summary of the changes in stock options outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2007 follows:
                         
                    Weighted
                    Average
            Weighted   Remaining
    Options in   Average   Contractual
    millions   Exercise Price   Term
     
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    12.8     $ 11.10     5.17 years
Granted
                 
Forfeited or expired
    (0.1 )     11.43     nm
Exercised (1)
    (1.0 )     11.70     nm
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2007 (2)
    11.7     $ 11.05     5.05 years
 
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2007 (2)
    8.2     $ 10.95     4.65 years
 
nm=not meaningful
 
(1)   Options exercised during the first quarter of 2007 had an intrinsic value of $10.7 million. The Company received approximately $12.0 million in cash from stock option exercises in the first quarter of 2007.
 
(2)   At March 31, 2007, options outstanding and options vested and exercisable had aggregate intrinsic values of $151.4 million and $106.4 million, respectively.
A summary of the changes in stock-settled stock appreciation rights (SARs) outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2007 follows:
                                 
                            Weighted
                    Weighted   Average
            Weighted   Average   Remaining
    SARs in   Average   Grant Date   Contractual
    millions   Exercise Price   Fair Value   Term
     
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
    1.22     $ 14.48     $ 6.02     6.38 years
Granted (1)
    0.6       21.82       7.99     7.00 years
Forfeited or expired
                       
Exercised
                       
 
SARs outstanding at March 31, 2007 (2)
    1.8     $ 16.99     $ 6.66     6.39 years
 
Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2007
        $     $        
 

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(1)   SARs generally vest ratably over a four-year service period and expire in seven years.
 
(2)   At March 31, 2007, SARs outstanding had an aggregate intrinsic value of $12.4 million.
The fair value of the Company’s stock options and SARs was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
                 
    Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    2007   2006
Expected dividend yield (1)
    0 %     0 %
Expected stock price volatility (2)
    33 %     40 %
Risk-free interest rate (3)
    4.7 %     4.7 %
Expected life in years (4)
    4.8       4.8  
 
(1)   The dividend yield assumption is based on the history and expectation of the Company’s dividend payouts. Historically, Gartner has not paid dividends on its common stock.
 
(2)   Expected stock price volatility was based on both historical Gartner common stock prices and implied volatility from publicly traded options in Gartner common stock.
 
(3)   The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield of a U.S. treasury bond with a similar maturity of the expected life of the award.
 
(4)   The expected life in years was based on the “simplified” calculation provided for in SAB No. 107. The simplified method determines the expected life in years based on the vesting period and contractual terms as set forth when the award is made.
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Common Stock Equivalents
The fair value of restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), and common stock equivalents (CSEs) is determined on the date of grant based on the market price of the Company’s common stock. The fair value of these awards is recognized as compensation expense as follows: (i) restricted stock awards generally vest based on the achievement of a market condition and are expensed on a straight-line basis over three years; (ii) service-based RSUs vest ratably over four years and are expensed on a straight-line basis over four years; (iii) performance-based RSUs are subject to both performance and service conditions, vest ratably over four years, and are expensed on an accelerated basis as required by SFAS No. 123(R); and (iv) CSEs vest immediately and are recorded as expense on the date of grant.
A summary of the changes in restricted stock, restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents during the three months ended March 31, 2007, is presented in the table below:
                                                 
            Weighted-           Weighted-   Common   Weighted-
            Average   Restricted   Average   Stock   Average
    Restricted   Grant Date   Stock Units   Grant Date   Equivalents   Grant Date
    Stock   Fair Value   (RSUs)   Fair Value   (CSEs)   Fair Value
     
Nonvested at December 31, 2006
    511,000     $ 8.81       1,521,620     $ 14.13           $  
Granted (1), (2)
                992,768       21.85       4,527       24.30  
Vested or settled (2)
                (1,225 )     13.75       (4,527 )     24.30  
Forfeited
                (13,325 )     13.75              
 
Nonvested at March 31, 2007 (3), (4)
    511,000     $ 8.81       2,499,838     $ 17.20           $  
 
 
(1)   Included in the 992,768 RSUs granted were 481,007 service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive staff and 511,761 shares of performance-based RSUs awarded to executives. The performance-based RSUs are subject to a performance condition tied to an annual increase in the Company’s subscription-based contract value for 2007. With respect to the performance condition, the 511,761 performance-based RSUs granted represent the target amount, and the number of RSUs that will ultimately vest will be between 0% and 200% of the target amount depending on which performance level is achieved. If the minimum performance condition is not met, the performance-based RSUs will expire, and any compensation expense already recorded will be reversed.
 
(2)   Fees paid to directors are paid in CSEs. These vest immediately and are convertible into common shares when the director leaves the Board of Directors.

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(3)   Vesting of 500,000 shares of the restricted stock is subject to a market condition, as follows: (i) 300,000 shares when the Company’s common stock trades at an average price of $20 or more for sixty consecutive trading days, (ii) 100,000 shares when the Company’s common stock trades at an average price of $25 or more for sixty consecutive trading days, and (iii) 100,000 shares when the Company’s common stock trades at an average price of $30 or more for sixty consecutive trading days.
 
(4)   The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the restricted stock units is 1.9 years. The restricted stock has no defined contractual term.
Note 5 — Segment Information
The Company manages its business in three reportable segments: Research, Consulting and Events. Research consists primarily of subscription-based research products, access to research inquiry, as well as peer networking services and membership programs. Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements, and strategic advisory services. Events consists of various symposia, conferences, and exhibitions.
The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development and selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, META integration charges, amortization of intangibles, and Other charges. Certain costs included in consolidated Cost of services and product development are not allocated to segment expense, primarily web maintenance and customer relationship database costs, and certain bonus and fringe charges. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company.
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 or in making decisions in the allocation of resources.
The following tables present information about the Company’s reportable segments (in thousands). The “Other” column includes certain revenues and other expenses unallocated to reportable segments, expenses allocated to operations that do not meet the segment reporting quantitative threshold, and other charges. There are no inter-segment revenues:
                                         
    Research     Consulting     Events     Other     Consolidated  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007:
                                       
Revenues
  $ 158,800     $ 76,267     $ 26,927     $ 2,203     $ 264,197  
Gross contribution
    99,302       28,036       14,171       1,652       143,161  
Corporate and other expenses
                                    (124,687 )
 
                                     
Operating income
                                  $ 18,474  
 
                                     
                                         
    Research     Consulting     Events     Other     Consolidated  
Three Months Ended March 31, 2006:
                                       
Revenues
  $ 137,092     $ 75,893     $ 14,495     $ 3,449     $ 230,929  
Gross contribution
    84,487       33,826       6,427       2,813       127,553  
Corporate and other expenses
                                    (111,933 )
 
                                     
Operating income
                                  $ 15,620  
 
                                     
Note 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by reporting segment, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, are as follows:
                         
    Balance     Currency     Balance  
    December 31,     Translation     March 31,  
    2006     Adjustments     2007  
Research
  $ 282,467     $ 553     $ 283,020  
Consulting
    87,666       47       87,713  
Events
    36,330       16       36,346  
Other
    2,082             2,082  
 
                 
Total goodwill
  $ 408,545     $ 616     $ 409,161  
 
                 
The following table presents the Company’s intangible assets subject to amortization (in thousands):

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March 31, 2007
                         
    Customer              
    Relationships     Other     Total  
Gross cost
  $ 7,700     $ 1,035     $ 8,735  
Accumulated amortization
    (3,080 )     (431 )     (3,511 )
 
                 
Net
  $ 4,620     $ 604     $ 5,224  
 
                 
December 31, 2006
                         
    Customer              
    Relationships     Other     Total  
Gross cost
  $ 7,700     $ 1,265     $ 8,965  
Accumulated amortization
    (2,695 )     (292 )     (2,987 )
 
                 
Net
  $ 5,005     $ 973     $ 5,978  
 
                 
The Other category includes noncompete agreements and trademarks. Aggregate amortization expense for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 was $0.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for purchased intangibles is as follows (in thousands):
         
2007 (remaining nine months)
  $ 1,500  
2008
    1,600  
2009
    1,600  
2010
    524  
 
     
 
  $ 5,224  
 
     
Note 7 — Liabilities
The Company has certain liabilities recorded under Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 95-3, “Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Combination” (“EITF 95-3”). The following table provides the activity under EITF 95-3 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 (dollars in thousands):
                         
    Balance             Balance  
    December             March 31,  
    31, 2006     Payments     2007  
Lease terminations
  $ 3,211     $ (1,018 )   $ 2,193  
Costs to exit activities
    255       (25 )     230  
Tax contingencies
    503             503  
 
                 
 
  $ 3,969     $ (1,043 )   $ 2,926  
 
                 
The Company expects the remaining exit costs to be paid in 2007, while the lease obligations will be paid over their respective contract periods through 2012. The Company is uncertain at this time regarding the timing of payment of the remaining tax contingencies.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the liability for restructuring programs recorded as Other charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in prior periods (in thousands):
                                 
    Workforce     Excess     Asset        
    Reduction     Facilities     Impairments        
    Costs     Costs     And Other     Total  
Accrued liability at December 31, 2005
  $ 3,591     $ 20,595     $ 587     $ 24,773  
Charges during first quarter of 2006
                       
Currency translation and reclassifications
    (17 )     26             9  
Payments
    (1,683 )     (1,527 )     (50 )     (3,260 )
 
                       
Accrued liability at March 31, 2006
    1,891       19,094       537       21,522  
Charges during remainder of 2006
                       
Currency translation and reclassifications
    (96 )     258       (120 )     42  
Payments
    (1,114 )     (4,322 )     (417 )     (5,853 )
 
                       
Accrued liability at December 31, 2006
    681       15,030             15,711  
Charges during first quarter of 2007
                       
Currency translation and reclassifications
    8       (1 )           7  
Payments
    (5 )     (1,388 )           (1,393 )
 
                       
Accrued liability at March 31, 2007
  $ 684     $ 13,641     $     $ 14,325  
 
                       

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The Company expects the remaining workforce reduction costs to be paid in 2007, while costs for excess facilities will be paid as the leases expire, through 2011. The Company intends to fund these payments from existing cash.
Note 8 — Debt
On January 31, 2007, the Company refinanced its existing borrowing arrangements by entering into a five-year, $180.0 million term loan and a $300.0 million revolving credit facility which may be increased, at Gartner’s option, by up to an additional $100.0 million, for a total revolving credit facility of $400.0 million (the “Credit Agreement”). The term loan will be repaid in 18 consecutive quarterly installments commencing September 30, 2007, plus a final payment due on January 31, 2012, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the option of Gartner. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $15.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed until January 31, 2012, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement may be either prime-based or Libor-based. Interest rates under these borrowings include a base rate plus a margin between 0.00% and 0.25% on prime borrowings and between .625% and 1.25% on Libor borrowings. Generally, the Company’s borrowings are Libor-based.
The Company incurred approximately $1.3 million of debt issuance costs related to the refinancing, which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the new debt. In addition, the Company also expensed approximately $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2007 related to previously capitalized debt issuance costs.
On January 31, 2007, the Company drew down $190.0 million from the revolving facility and $180.0 million from the term loan facility under the new Credit Agreement and repaid $370.0 million outstanding under its prior borrowing arrangement, which was terminated. In conjunction with the refinancing, the Company also terminated its interest rate swap contract which resulted in a realized gain of approximately $1.2 million. In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 133”), the gain was recorded in other comprehensive income and will be amortized to interest expense through June 29, 2010, which was the maturity of the terminated financing arrangement.
At March 31, 2007, the Company had $180.0 million outstanding on the term loan and $225.0 outstanding on the revolver. As of March 31, 2007, the annualized interest rate on this debt was approximately 6.23%, which includes a base rate of 5.35% plus a margin of .875%. The Company had approximately $72.0 million of remaining borrowing capacity under the revolver as of March 31, 2007.
In conjunction with the refinancing, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that hedges the base interest rate risk on the term loan. The swap effectively converts the floating base rate on the term loan to a fixed rate. Under the swap terms, the Company pays a 5.06% fixed rate and in return receives a three-month floating LIBOR rate. The three-month LIBOR rate on the swap matches the base rate paid on the term loan since both use three-month LIBOR. The swap had an initial notional value of $180.0 million which declines as payments are made on the term loan so that the amount outstanding under the term loan and the notional amount of the swap will always be equal. The swap had a notional amount of $180.0 million at March 31, 2007, which was the same as the outstanding amount of the term loan. Including the impact of the interest rate swap, the annualized effective interest rate on the term loan was approximately 5.94% as of March 31, 2007.
The Company accounts for the swap as a cash flow hedge in accordance with SFAS No. 133 which requires all derivatives, whether designated as hedges or not, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Since the swap qualifies as a cash flow hedge under SFAS No. 133, changes in the fair value of the swap will be recorded in other comprehensive income as long as the swap continues to effectively hedge the base interest rate risk on the term loan. Any ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the hedge will be recorded in earnings. At March 31, 2007, there was no ineffective portion of the hedge as defined under SFAS No. 133. The interest rate swap had a negative fair value of approximately $1.1 million at March 31, 2007, which is recorded in other comprehensive income.
Note 9 — Equity and Stock Programs
In February 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new program to repurchase up to $200.0 million of Gartner common stock. The program replaces the $100.0 million share repurchase program approved in October 2005. Repurchases will be made from time-to-time through open market purchases. Repurchases are subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases will be funded from cash flow from operations and possible borrowings under the Company’s credit arrangement.
The Company repurchased 1,056,300 shares of its common stock in the first quarter of 2007 under the new program at a cost of approximately $23.0 million. The Company repurchased 1,174,550 shares in the first quarter of 2006 at a cost of $16.2 million under its prior repurchase program.

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Note 10 — Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes was $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2007 was 32.7%, which is consistent with the year ended December 31, 2006 effective tax rate of 32.2%. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2006 was 26.4% which differs from the 2007 effective tax rate due to differences in the estimated mix of pre-tax income by jurisdiction.
In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and it seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of measurement and recognition in accounting for income taxes. In addition, FIN 48 provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, and accounting in interim periods and requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes. The cumulative effect, if any, of applying FIN 48 is to be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the year of adoption.
The Company adopted FIN 48 at the beginning of 2007. As a result of the implementation the Company decreased its reserves for uncertain tax positions by approximately $1.4 million and decreased its deferred tax assets by approximately $1.4 million. Because the amounts were offsetting, there was no adjustment to the beginning balance of retained earnings on the balance sheet. As of the adoption date of January 1, 2007, the Company has gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $25.1 million. Of this amount, approximately $20.0 million would favorably affect the effective income tax rate if recognized in future periods. It is reasonably possible that $5.5 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 will reverse prior to December 31, 2007 due to the expiration of statutes of limitation and settlement of audits. The nature of the uncertainties vary by jurisdiction and principally relate to potential differences in application of the law regarding the operations of the Company. There have been no material changes to these amounts in the three months ended March 31, 2007.
FIN 48 also requires companies to reclassify uncertain tax positions not expected to be settled within one year to long term liabilities. Therefore, Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities decreased by approximately $19.6 million and Other Liabilities increased by approximately $19.6 million. There have been no material changes to these amounts in the three months ended March 31, 2007.
Upon adoption of FIN 48, we have elected an accounting policy to classify accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our income tax provision. Previously, our policy was to classify interest and penalties as an operating expense in arriving at pretax income. The Company has approximately $0.1 million of accrued interest and penalties recorded as of January 1, 2007 related to the unrecognized tax benefits. There has been no material change to this amount in the three months ended March 31, 2007.
The number of years with open tax audits varies depending on the tax jurisdiction. Generally, our statutes are open for tax years ended September 30, 1999 and forward. Our major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S. (federal and state), the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, and Canada.
The Company received Examination Reports from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in October 2005 and October 2006 in connection with audits of the Company’s federal income tax returns for the tax years ended September 30, 1999 through December 31, 2004. The IRS proposed adjustments relating primarily to the valuation of intangible assets licensed by Gartner to a foreign subsidiary and the calculation of payments made pursuant to a cost sharing arrangement between Gartner and a foreign subsidiary. Gartner appealed the initial findings and has reached a settlement on the issues with the IRS Appeals Office. With respect to the audits, the Company had recorded provisions in prior periods based on estimates of the amount for which the claim would be settled. Based on the outcome of our negotiations, we released reserves and recorded a benefit of $1.5 million in 2006. The Company has considered the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on the settlement of the IRS examination and there is no material impact on the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Note 11 — Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in several of its international locations. Benefits paid under these plans are based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company accounts for material defined benefit plans in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, “Employers’ Accounting for Pensions”, as amended (“SFAS No. 87”). Net periodic pension expense was $0.6 million and $0.7 million in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively. None of these plans have plan assets as defined under SFAS No. 87.
Note 12 — Contingencies
On December 23, 2003, Gartner was sued in an action entitled Expert Choice, Inc. v. Gartner, Inc., Docket No. 3:03cv02234, United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The plaintiff, Expert Choice, Inc., seeks an unspecified amount of damages for claims relating to royalties for the development, licensing, marketing, sale and distribution of certain computer software and methodologies. In January 2004, an arbitration demand was filed against Decision Drivers, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, and against Gartner, Inc., by Expert Choice. The arbitration demand described the claim as being in excess of $10.0 million, but did not provide further detail. On February 22, 2006, we were informed of an offer from Expert Choice’s counsel to settle the matter for $35.0

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million. We immediately rejected Expert Choice’s settlement offer. The case is currently in the discovery phase. We believe we have meritorious defenses against the claims and we continue to vigorously defend the case.
In addition to the matters discussed above, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the potential liability, if any, in excess of amounts already accrued from all proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations when resolved in a future period.
The Company has various agreements that may obligate us to indemnify the other party with respect to certain matters. Generally, these indemnification clauses are included in contracts arising in the normal course of business under which we customarily agree to hold the other party harmless against losses arising from a breach of representations related to such matters as title to assets sold and licensed or certain intellectual property rights. It is not possible to predict the maximum potential amount of future payments under these indemnification agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts of each particular agreement. Historically, payments made by us under these agreements have not been material. As of March 31, 2007, we did not have any indemnification agreements that would require material payments.
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 first quarter 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, 2006. 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, 2006. 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
Gartner, Inc. is a leading research and advisory firm that helps executives use technology to build, guide and grow their enterprises. We offer independent and objective research and analysis on the information technology, computer hardware, software, communications and related technology industries. We provide comprehensive coverage of the IT industry to approximately 10,000 client organizations, including approximately 400 Fortune 500 companies, across 75 countries. Our client base consists primarily of CIOs and other senior IT and business executives from a wide variety of enterprises, government agencies and the investment community.
We employ a diversified business model that utilizes and leverages the breadth and depth of our research intellectual capital while enabling us to maintain and grow our market-leading position and brand franchise. The foundation for our business model is our ability to create and distribute our unique, proprietary research content as broadly as possible via:
    published reports and briefings,
 
    consulting and advisory services, and
 
    hosting symposia, conferences and exhibitions.
In early 2005, we undertook an initiative to better utilize the intellectual capital associated with our core research product. Our diversified business model provides multiple entry points and synergies that facilitate increased client spending on our research, consulting and events. A critical part of our long-term 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 also seek to extend the Gartner brand name to develop new client relationships, and augment our sales capacity and expand into new markets around the world. In addition, we seek to increase our revenue and operating cash flow through more

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effective pricing of our products and services. These initiatives have created additional revenue streams through more effective packaging, campaigning and cross-selling of our products and services.
We intend to maintain a balance between (1) pursuing opportunities and applying resources with a strict focus on growing our three core businesses and (2) generating profitability through a streamlined cost structure.
We have three business segments: Research, Consulting and Events.
  Research provides insight for CIOs, IT professionals, technology companies and the investment community through reports and briefings, access to our analysts, as well as peer networking services and membership programs designed specifically for CIOs and other senior executives.
  Consulting consists primarily of consulting, measurement engagements and strategic advisory services (paid one-day analyst engagements) (“SAS”), which provide assessments of cost, performance, efficiency and quality focused on the IT industry.
  Events consists of various symposia, conferences and exhibitions focused on the IT industry.
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, or increased spending by retained clients, or both.
 
   
 
  Number of executive program members represents the number of paid participants in executive programs.
 
   
Consulting
  Consulting backlog represents future revenue to be derived from in-process consulting, measurement and strategic advisory services engagements.
 
   
 
  Utilization rates represent a measure of productivity of our consultants. Utilization rates are calculated for billable headcount on a percentage basis by dividing total hours billed by total hours available to bill.
 
   
 
  Billing Rate represents earned billable revenue divided by total billable hours.
 
   
 
  Average annualized revenue per billable headcount represents a measure of the revenue generating ability of an average billable consultant and is calculated periodically by multiplying the average billing rate per hour times the utilization percentage times the billable hours available for one year.
 
   
Events
  Number of events represents the total number of hosted events completed during the period.
 
   
 
  Number of attendees represents the number of people who attend events.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION
We continue to focus on executing our strategy of investing in our sales capability, and our sales force of 716 associates is up approximately 25% over the prior year quarter. The Research segment benefited strongly from this investment, with revenue up 16% in the first quarter of 2007, to $158.8 million from $137.1 million in the prior year quarter. Contract value at March 31, 2007 was the highest in the Company’s history, at $667.5 million, up 19% from March 31, 2006 and up 4% from December 31, 2006, including the impact of foreign currency. On a year-over-year basis, contract value has now increased for 13 consecutive quarters. Both our research client retention rate and wallet retention rate remained strong at 82% and 104%, respectively.
Revenue from our Consulting segment was $76.3 million in the first quarter of 2007, up just slightly from the $75.9 million in the

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prior year quarter. Consulting backlog at March 31, 2007 was $106.6 million, which is down about 3% from March 31, 2006. The consultant utilization rate decreased 1 point, to 67% in the current quarter from 68% in the first quarter of 2006. Both the average hourly billing rate and the average annualized revenue per billable headcount were down slightly from the prior year but were still within our target ranges. Billable headcount was up about 2% year-over-year, to 516 from 507.
We continue to focus on managing the Events portfolio by retaining successful events and introducing promising new events that will yield increasing revenue performance. Adjusted for a shift in our events calendar, Revenue for this segment was up 16% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year period, with the increase due to both on-going events and new events. We held 12 events in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 6 in the prior year period, with four of the additional events due to a shift in the events calendar.
We also continue to focus on enhancing shareholder value through the continued evolution of our capital structure. In January 2007 we closed on a new credit facility which increased our total debt capacity to $480.0 million, and in February 2007 our Board of Directors approved a new $200.0 million share buyback program. We repurchased 1.1 million shares in the first quarter of 2007 under this program.
We had net income of $8.2 million in the first quarter of 2007, or $0.08 per diluted share, compared to $0.07 per diluted share for the prior year period, and we ended the quarter with $91.1 million of cash.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements requires the application of appropriate accounting policies and the use of estimates. The policies discussed below are considered by management to be critical to an understanding of Gartner’s financial statements because their application requires significant management judgments and estimates. 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 generated from fixed fee and time and material engagements. Revenue from fixed fee contracts is recognized on a percentage of completion basis. Revenues from time and materials engagements is recognized as work is delivered and/or services are provided;
  Events revenues are deferred and recognized upon the completion of the related symposium, conference or exhibition;
  Other revenues consist primarily of fees from research reprints and software licensing. Reprint fees are recognized when the reprint is shipped. Fees from software licensing are recognized when a signed non-cancelable software license exists, delivery has occurred, collection is probable, and the fees are fixed or determinable.
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, we bill the client the full amount billable under the contract but only record a receivable equal to the earned portion of the contract. In addition, we only record deferred revenue on these government contracts when cash is received. Deferred revenues attributable to government contracts were $48.1 million and $47.9 million at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively. In addition, at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006, the Company had not recognized uncollected receivables or deferred revenues, relating to government contracts that permit termination, of $5.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Uncollectible fees receivable — The allowance for losses is composed of a bad debt and a sales and allowance reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings. 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. Trade receivables at March 31, 2007 were $309.7 million, which is net of an allowance for losses of approximately $8.0 million. Trade receivables at December 31, 2006 were $328.4 million, net of an allowance for losses of approximately $8.7 million.

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Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets — The evaluation of goodwill is performed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” This standard requires ongoing annual assessments of goodwill impairment. The evaluation of other intangible assets is performed on a periodic basis. These assessments require management 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 that the fair value of any reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we must recognize an impairment charge, for the associated goodwill of that reporting unit, to earnings in our financial statements. The amount of the impairment is based upon the implied fair value of the reporting unit compared to the carrying amount of goodwill. 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, significant negative industry or economic trends, significant decline in our stock price for a sustained period, and our market capitalization relative to net book value.
Due to the numerous variables associated with our judgments and assumptions relating to the valuation of the reporting units and the effects of changes in circumstances affecting these valuations, both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates are subject to uncertainty, and as additional information becomes known, we may change our estimates.
Accounting for income taxes — As we prepare our consolidated financial statements, we estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions where we operate. This process involves estimating our current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance sheets. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets when future realization is in question. We consider the availability of loss carryovers, existing deferred tax liabilities, future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event we determine that we 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 against income in the period such determination was made.
We operate in numerous foreign taxing jurisdictions and our level of operations and profitability in each jurisdiction could have an impact upon the amount of income taxes that we provide in any given year. In addition, our tax filings for various tax years are subject to audit by the tax authorities in jurisdictions where we conduct business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes. We have provided for the amounts we believe will ultimately result from these audits. However, resolution of these matters involves uncertainties and there are no assurances that the ultimate resolution will not exceed the amounts provided.
Accounting for stock-based compensation — We account for awards of stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No, 123(R)”), as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”). In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), the Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense, which is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, over the related service period, net of estimated forfeitures (see Note 4 — Stock-Based Compensation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).
Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards requires the input of certain highly complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation awards and the Company’s common stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the rate of employee forfeitures and for some awards, the likelihood of achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock compensation awards and the associated periodic expense represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment. As a result, if factors change and the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify the assumptions it made or to use different assumptions, or if the quantity and nature of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards changes, then the amount of expense may need to be adjusted and future stock compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.
Contingencies and other loss reserves and accruals — We may record accruals 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 against earnings. 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 incentive compensation costs during each year. Amounts accrued at the end of each reporting period are based on our estimates and may require adjustment as the ultimate amount paid associated with these incentives are sometimes not known until after year-end.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overall Results
Total revenues increased 14%, or $33.3 million, to $264.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $230.9 million for the first quarter of 2006. Revenues increased in the Research segment by 16%, while Consulting was flat and Events was up 86%. The increase in Events revenues was due to the seasonality of our events calendar and strong attendee growth in our on-going events. The effects of foreign currency translation added approximately $5.8 million, or about 2 percentage points, to the increase in total revenue for the first quarter of 2007. 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 by $18.4 million, or 17%, to $123.7 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $105.3 million in the first quarter of 2006. Excluding the $3.3 million negative effect of foreign currency translation, Cost of services and product development would have increased by 14%. In addition to foreign currency translation, the increase in year-over-year expense also reflects approximately $5.0 million of higher conference expenses related to our Events schedule. We held 12 events in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 6 in the prior year period. The 12 events in 2007 included 2 new events, as well as 4 events that were held in the second quarter in the prior year. We had approximately $3.5 million of additional employee compensation costs, due to higher headcount and merit salary increases. In addition, charges for stock-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R) were higher by $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to 2006, and we had about $5.0 million more of expenses for travel, training, and other costs. As a percentage of sales, Cost of services and product development increased to 47% during the first quarter of 2007 from 46% during the first quarter of 2006, primarily due to lower utilization and investment in additional senior level resources in our Consulting business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $16.3 million, or 16%, to $115.7 million in the first quarter of 2007 from $99.5 million in the first quarter of 2006. The effects of foreign currency translation added approximately 2 percentage points to the increase, or $2.6 million. In addition to the $2.6 million of increased costs due to foreign currency translation, approximately $6.0 million of the increase was due to continued investment in our sales channel and merit salary increases. We had 716 sales associates at March 31, 2007, a 25% increase over the prior year quarter. In addition, we had $3.0 million of higher merit salary and related costs for other staff, and $2.0 million of higher recruiting and relocation costs. We also had increased costs for facilities of approximately $0.9 million and $1.8 million of higher stock-based compensation expense under SFAS No. 123(R).
Depreciation expense was $5.7 in both the first quarter of 2007 and 2006. Capital spending increased $1.4 million, with $4.8 million purchased in the first quarter of 2007 and $3.4 million in the prior year quarter.
Amortization of intangibles was $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2007 compared to $3.4 million in the prior year period. The decrease was due to certain intangibles becoming fully amortized.
META integration charges were $1.5 million for the first three months of 2006. These expenses were primarily for severance, and for consulting, accounting, and tax services.
Interest expense, net was $6.3 million and $4.3 million in the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in our interest expense was primarily due to approximately $130.0 million of additional weighted-average debt outstanding in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the prior year quarter. In addition, we also had $0.5 million of increased amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs related to the refinancing of our debt in the first quarter of 2007. The weighted-average interest rate on our debt was down slightly, to 6.25% in the first quarter of 2007 from 6.45% in the first quarter of 2006.
Other expense, net was less than $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the first quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectfully, consisting primarily of net foreign currency exchange losses.
The provision for income taxes was $4.0 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $2.8 million in the first quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2007 was 32.7%, which is consistent with the year ended December 31, 2006 effective tax rate of 32.2%. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2006 was 26.4% which differs from the 2007 effective rate due to differences in the estimated mix of pre-tax income by jurisdiction.
SEGMENT RESULTS
We evaluate reportable segment performance and allocate resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development and selling, general and administrative expenses, depreciation, META integration charges, amortization of intangibles, and Other charges. Gross contribution margin is defined as gross contribution as a percentage of revenues.
Research
Research revenues increased 16%, to $158.8 million for the first quarter of 2007, compared to $137.1 million for the first quarter of 2006, an increase of $21.7 million. We had strength across our entire Research product portfolio, in particular in Gartner for IT

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Leaders and Executive Programs. Excluding the favorable effects of foreign currency, revenue would have increased approximately 14% over the prior year quarter.
Research gross contribution of $99.3 million for the first quarter of 2007 increased $14.8 million, or 18%, from the $84.5 million for the first quarter of 2006, while the gross contribution margins were 63% and 62%, respectively. The improved margin was due to operating leverage provided by the stronger revenue performance. The 2007 contribution margin improved despite higher charges of approximately $0.9 million for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123(R).
Research contract value increased $106.7 million, or 19%, to $667.5 million at March 31, 2007 from $560.8 million at March 31, 2006. Adjusted for the impact of foreign currency translation, research contract value is up 16% year-over-year. Client retention increased 3 percentage points, to 82% at March 31, 2007, from 79% at March 31, 2006. Wallet retention rate increased to 104% during the first quarter of 2007 from 88% during the first quarter of 2006. Our Executive Program membership was 3,570 at March 31, 2007, which is up about 3% from the 3,460 members at March 31, 2006.
Consulting
Consulting revenues were $76.3 million in the first quarter of 2007, up slightly compared to the $75.9 million for the first quarter of 2006. Excluding the favorable effects of foreign currency translation, revenues were down 3% year-over-year, primarily due to lower consultant utilization. Billable headcount was 516 at March 31, 2007, up slightly from 507 at March 31, 2006.
Consulting gross contribution of $28.0 million for the first quarter of 2007 decreased 17% from the $33.8 million for the first quarter of 2006. Gross contribution margin for the first quarter of 2007 decreased 8 percentage points, to 37%, from 45% in the prior year period. The declines were due to lower utilization and $4.0 million of additional labor costs related to additional investment in senior level resources.
The consultant utilization rate decreased to 67% during the first quarter of 2007 compared to 68% in the prior year quarter, while the billing rate for the first quarter of 2007 was about $350 per hour, compared to approximately $365 per hour in the prior year quarter. The average annualized revenue per billable headcount was approximately $400,000 in the first quarter of 2007, down from about $430,000 in the prior year quarter.
Consulting backlog, which represents future revenues to be recognized from consulting, measurement and SAS, decreased $3.1 million, to $106.6 million at March 31, 2007, compared to $109.7 million at March 31, 2006.
Events
Events revenues increased 86%, or $12.4 million, to $26.9 million for the first quarter of 2007 compared to $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2006, with about $8.7 million of the increase due to a shift in our events calendar. The impact of foreign currency translation added about 2 percentage points to the revenue increase. The Company held 12 events in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the six held in the first quarter of 2006. The 12 events held in the first quarter of 2007 included 4 events that were held in the second quarter in 2006, as well as two new events. Adjusted for the impact of events timing, revenue was up about 16% year-over-year, primarily driven by strong attendee growth in our on-going events.
Gross contribution of $14.2 million for the first quarter of 2007 increased from $6.4 million in the first quarter of 2006, mostly due to events timing as discussed above, and to a lesser degree improved profitability from our on-going events. Gross contribution margin for the first quarter of 2007 increased 9 percentage points, to 53% from 44% for the first quarter of 2006. The increase in gross contribution margin was due primarily to timing.
Attendance at our events was 7,392 for the first three months of 2007, compared to 4,226 in the same period in the prior year, a 75% increase. The majority of the increase was due to timing as discussed above. Adjusted for the impact of timing, attendance was up approximately 10%.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash used by operating activities totaled $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to cash provided of $6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The net decrease in cash flow from operating activities was primarily due to a change in the timing of events and an increase in the bonus payout. These decreases were somewhat offset by lower cash payments for severance and other charges.
Cash used in investing activities was $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $3.5 million in the prior year period. The increase was due to a year-over-year increase in capital expenditures.
Cash provided by financing activities totaled $27.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, compared to cash used of $7.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2006, a $34.6 million increase. The increase in cash provided from financing activities was primarily due to additional debt borrowings. We refinanced our debt in January 2007, and we also borrowed an additional $35.0

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million in the first quarter of 2007 under our revolver. We increased our use of cash to repurchase shares by $5.8 million, as we repurchased $23.0 million of our common stock in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $17.2 million in the prior year quarter. We received proceeds from stock issued for stock plans of $11.9 million in both the first quarters of 2007 and 2006.
OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
We have a Credit Agreement that provides for a five-year, $180.0 million term loan and a $300.0 million revolving credit facility, which may be increased, at Gartner’s option, by up to an additional $100.0 million, for a total revolving credit facility of $400.0 million. The term loan will be repaid in 18 consecutive quarterly installments commencing September 30, 2007, plus a final payment due on January 31, 2012, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the option of Gartner. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $15.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed until January 31, 2012, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. We had $405.0 million outstanding under this borrowing arrangement as of March 31, 2007.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Through March 31, 2007, we have not entered into any off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions with unconsolidated entities or other persons.
BUSINESS AND TRENDS
Our quarterly and annual revenue, operating income, and cash flow fluctuate as a result of many factors, including the timing of the execution of research contracts, the timing of Symposia and other events, all of which occur to a greater extent in the fourth quarter, as well as the extent of completion of consulting engagements, 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.
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. A description of the risk factors associated with our business is included under “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), which establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007; therefore the Company will begin to apply the standard in its fiscal year commencing January 1, 2008. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, SFAS No. 157 will have on its financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
As of March 31, 2007, we have exposure to changes in interest rates since we had $180.0 million outstanding on our term loan and $225.0 million outstanding on our revolver, both of which are floating rate. Borrowings may be either prime-based or Libor-based. Interest rates under these borrowings include a base rate plus a margin between 0.00% and 0.25% on prime borrowings and between .625% and 1.25% on Libor borrowings.
We have an interest rate swap contract which effectively converts the base floating interest rate on the term loan to a fixed rate. Accordingly, the base interest rate on the term loan is effectively capped at 5.06%. However, we are still exposed to interest rate risk on the revolver. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would change pre-tax annual interest expense on the revolver by approximately $0.7 million when fully utilized.
Investment Risk
None.

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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 (loss) 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 negatively affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations.
We are exposed to foreign currency transaction risk since we enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts offset the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. These instruments are typically short term and are reflected at fair value with unrealized and realized gains and losses recorded in earnings. At March 31, 2007, we had nine foreign currency forward contracts outstanding with a total notional amount of approximately $45.5 million and an immaterial net unrealized loss. All of these contracts expired by the end of April 2007.
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 March 31, 2007, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in alerting them in a timely manner to material Company information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Act.
In addition, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company received Examination Reports from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in October 2005 and October 2006 in connection with audits of the Company’s federal income tax returns for the tax years ended September 30, 1999 through December 31, 2004. The IRS proposed adjustments relating primarily to the valuation of intangible assets licensed by Gartner to a foreign subsidiary and the calculation of payments made pursuant to a cost sharing arrangement between Gartner and a foreign subsidiary. Gartner appealed the initial findings and has reached a settlement on the issues with the IRS Appeals Office. With respect to the audits, the Company had recorded provisions in prior periods based on estimates of the amount for which the claim would be settled. Based on the outcome of our negotiations, we released reserves and recorded a benefit of $1.5 million in 2006. The Company has considered the impact of the adoption of FIN 48 on the settlement of the IRS examination and there is no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
On December 23, 2003, Gartner was sued in an action entitled Expert Choice, Inc. v. Gartner, Inc., Docket No. 3:03cv02234, United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. The plaintiff, Expert Choice, Inc., seeks an unspecified amount of damages for claims relating to royalties for the development, licensing, marketing, sale and distribution of certain computer software and methodologies. In January 2004, an arbitration demand was filed against Decision Drivers, Inc., one of our subsidiaries, and against Gartner, Inc., by Expert Choice. The arbitration demand described the claim as being in excess of $10.0 million, but did not provide further detail. On February 22, 2006, we were informed of an offer from Expert Choice’s counsel to settle the matter for $35.0 million. We immediately rejected Expert Choice’s settlement offer. The case is currently in the discovery phase. We believe we have meritorious defenses against the claims and we continue to vigorously defend the case.
In addition to the matters discussed above, we are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that the potential liability, if any, in excess of amounts already accrued from all proceedings, claims and litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations when resolved in a future period.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
A description of the risk factors associated with our business is included under “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
There were no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period covered by this report.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
We have a $200.0 million common share repurchase program. The following table provides detail related to repurchases of our common stock for treasury in the first quarter of 2007 under this program:
                         
                    Approximate  
                    Dollar Value of  
                    Shares that  
                    may yet be  
                    Purchased  
                    Under our  
                    Share  
    Total Number             Repurchase  
    of Shares     Average Price     Program  
Period(a)   Purchased     Paid Per Share     (in thousands)  
2007
                       
January
        $          
February
    639,300       21.90          
March
    417,000       21.58          
 
     
Total
    1,056,300     $ 21.77     $ 177.0  
 
     

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
     
EXHIBIT    
NUMBER   DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
31.1
  Certification of chief executive officer under Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a).
 
   
31.2
  Certification of chief financial officer under Rule 13a – 14(a)/15d – 14(a).
 
   
32
  Certification under 18 U.S.C. 1350.
Items 3, 4, and 5 of Part II are not applicable and have been omitted.

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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
             
 
      Gartner, Inc.    
 
           
Date May 3, 2007
  /s/   Christopher J. Lafond    
         
 
           
 
      Christopher J. Lafond    
 
      Executive Vice President    
 
      and Chief Financial Officer    
 
      (Principal Financial and    
 
      Accounting Officer)    

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