Edgar Filing: GARTNER INC

IT - 09.30.2014 - 10Q

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 September 30, 2014

	OR

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

Commission File Number 1-14443

Gartner, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware	04-3099750
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification Number)

P.O. Box 10212	06902-7700
56 Top Gallant Road	(Zip Code)
Stamford, CT
(Address of principal executive offices)

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

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

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

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



Large accelerated filer þ	Accelerated filer ¨	Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨
	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of October 31, 2014, 88,027,698 shares of the registrant’s common shares were outstanding.

Table of Contents



	Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013	6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	24
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	36
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	37
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	38
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	38
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	38
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	39

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GARTNER, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited; in thousands)



	September 30,			December 31,
	2014			2013
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	341,220		$	423,990
Fees receivable, net of allowances of $6,900 and $7,000, respectively	449,923			490,923
Deferred commissions	80,599			106,287
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	87,492			63,682
Total current assets	959,234			1,084,882
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net	93,625			91,759
Goodwill	593,212			519,203
Intangible assets, net	33,515			6,107
Other assets	89,367			81,631
Total Assets	$	1,768,953		$	1,783,582
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	266,545		$	325,059
Deferred revenues	847,327			766,114
Current portion of long-term debt	245,000			68,750
Total current liabilities	1,358,872			1,159,923
Long-term debt	125,000			136,250
Other liabilities	132,558			126,093
Total Liabilities	1,616,430			1,422,266
Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $.0005 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 156,234,415 shares issued for both periods	78			78
Additional paid-in capital	754,827			718,644
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	(2,001		)	8,345
Accumulated earnings	1,215,905			1,091,283
Treasury stock, at cost, 68,213,874 and 64,268,863 common shares, respectively	(1,816,286		)	(1,457,034		)
Total Stockholders’ Equity	152,523			361,316
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	1,768,953		$	1,783,582

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GARTNER, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Revenues:
Research	$	365,334		$	316,518		$	1,071,943		$	938,082
Consulting	82,300			70,149			260,059			228,710
Events	23,306			24,038			105,460			96,714
Total revenues	470,940			410,705			1,437,462			1,263,506
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	188,059			161,735			562,058			503,376
Selling, general and administrative	217,025			181,546			640,179			547,653
Depreciation	7,945			7,258			23,125			21,375
Amortization of intangibles	2,505			1,351			5,763			4,089
Acquisition and integration charges	6,015			72			16,015			278
Total costs and expenses	421,549			351,962			1,247,140			1,076,771
Operating income	49,391			58,743			190,322			186,735
Interest expense, net	(2,656		)	(2,124		)	(7,586		)	(6,704		)
Other (expense) income, net	(287		)	5			(341		)	(64		)
Income before income taxes	46,448			56,624			182,395			179,967
Provision for income taxes	12,602			18,430			57,773			58,584
Net income	$	33,846		$	38,194		$	124,622		$	121,383

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.38		$	0.41		$	1.39		$	1.30
Diluted	$	0.38		$	0.40		$	1.37		$	1.28
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic	88,513			92,689			89,901			93,286
Diluted	89,708			94,355			91,273			95,100

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GARTNER, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited; in thousands)



	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2014			2013		2014			2013
Net income	$	33,846		$	38,194	$	124,622		$	121,383
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(12,588		)	4,109		(11,990		)	(900		)
Interest rate hedge – gain	619			261		1,600			1,636
Pension – actuarial gain	15			6		44			30
Other comprehensive (loss) income	(11,954		)	4,376		(10,346		)	766
Comprehensive income	$	21,892		$	42,570	$	114,276		$	122,149

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GARTNER, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited; in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014			2013
Operating activities:
Net income	$	124,622		$	121,383
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	28,888			25,464
Stock-based compensation expense	29,425			27,049
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	(19,275		)	(18,412		)
Deferred taxes	(1,299		)	4,989
Amortization and write-off of debt issue costs	1,572			2,107
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Fees receivable, net	37,365			69,732
Deferred commissions	24,546			10,055
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(23,831		)	(20,840		)
Other assets	(1,303		)	(3,064		)
Deferred revenues	92,593			64,662
Accounts payable, accrued, and other liabilities	(17,694		)	(41,056		)
Cash provided by operating activities	275,609			242,069
Investing activities:
Additions to property, equipment and leasehold improvements	(25,516		)	(27,772		)
Acquisitions - cash paid (net of cash acquired)	(107,528		)	—
Acquisitions - increase in restricted cash (escrow)	(14,363		)	—
Cash used in investing activities	(147,407		)	(27,772		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from stock issued under stock plans	6,365			4,539
Proceeds from debt issuance	174,375			203,750
Payments for debt issuance costs	—			(3,553		)
Payments on debt	(9,375		)	(203,750		)
Purchases of treasury stock	(387,126		)	(157,251		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	19,275			18,412
Cash used in financing activities	(196,486		)	(137,853		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(68,284		)	76,444
Effects of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(14,486		)	(1,775		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	423,990			299,852
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	341,220		$	374,521

See the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

GARTNER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

Note 1 — Business and Basis of Presentation

Business. Gartner, Inc. is a global information technology research and advisory company with its headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. Gartner delivers its products and services globally through three business segments: Research, Consulting, and Events. When used in these notes, the terms “Gartner,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Basis of presentation. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 270 for interim financial information and with the applicable instructions of the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X on Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Company filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

The fiscal year of Gartner is the twelve-month calendar period from January 1 through December 31. In the opinion of management, all normal recurring accruals and adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at the dates and for the periods presented herein have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 may not be indicative of the results of operations for the remainder of 2014.

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

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

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

Adoption of new accounting rules. Effective January 1, 2014, the Company adopted two new accounting rules issued by the FASB, as follows:

The Company adopted ASU No. 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists" ("ASU No. 2013-11"). ASU No. 2013-11 addresses the balance sheet presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. ASU No. 2013-11 requires that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The balance sheet impact from the adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 was not material to the Company.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2013-05, Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity ("ASU No. 2013-05"). ASU No. 2013-05 provides updated guidance to resolve diversity in practice concerning the release of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment into net income when a parent sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within a foreign entity. When a company ceases to have a controlling financial interest, the company should recognize any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary had

resided. Upon a partial sale, the company should release into earnings a pro rata portion of the cumulative translation adjustment. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-05 did not impact the Company's financial statements and will only have an impact upon the occurrence of a transaction within its scope.

Acquisitions. The Company made three acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (the "2014 Acquisitions"), which are discussed below.

In June 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of SircleIT Inc., a developer of cloud-based knowledge automation software, for $5.7 million in cash. SircleIT Inc. is a domestic company that conducts its operations principally through Senexx Israel Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary in Israel with 2 employees. Gartner paid $4.9 million in cash at close and an additional $0.9 million was placed in escrow as security for certain indemnity claims, which is payable 18 months from the date of close.

In May 2014, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Market-Visio Oy ("Market-Visio"), a privately-owned Finnish company with 68 employees, now named Gartner Finland Oy. Market-Visio was previously an independent sales agent of Gartner research products, as well as locally-created research content, in Finland and Russia. Gartner Finland Oy conducts its operations in Russia through a wholly-owned operating subsidiary. The Company paid a total of $6.5 million in cash for Market-Visio, which included $4.1 million paid at close and $2.5 million paid in October 2014 for working capital adjustments.

In March 2014, the Company acquired Software Advice, Inc., (“Software Advice”), a privately-owned company based in Austin, Texas with 120 employees. Software Advice assists customers with software purchases. At closing, the Company paid $103.2 million in cash for 100% of the outstanding shares of Software Advice. The Company is also obligated to pay up to an additional $31.9 million in cash related to the acquisition. This includes $13.5 million placed in escrow as security for potential losses. Release of the escrowed funds is also subject to the achievement of certain employment conditions. The escrow amount is considered restricted cash and is recorded in Other Assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. An additional $18.4 million is also payable contingent on the achievement of certain employment conditions. This amount is also subject to any indemnified losses in excess of the escrowed funds. The $31.9 million obligation (adjusted for any indemnified losses) will be recognized as compensation expense over the two-year service period of the relevant employees in Acquisition and integration charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. If the employment conditions are not met, any expense previously accrued will be reversed in the period employment terminates.

The Company's financial statements include the operating results of these businesses beginning from their respective dates of acquisition. The operating results of these businesses were not material to the Company's consolidated and segment operating results for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2014. Had the Company acquired these businesses in prior periods the impact to the Company's operating results for prior periods would not have been material, and as a result pro forma financial information for prior periods has not been presented. The Company recorded $6.0 million and $16.0 million of pre-tax acquisition and integration charges in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, which are classified in Acquisition and integration charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Included in these charges are legal, consulting, retention, severance, and other direct acquisition and integration costs.

The Company accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting as prescribed by FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition method of accounting requires the consideration paid to be allocated to the net assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date, and any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, must be allocated to goodwill.

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the 2014 Acquisitions (in thousands):



	Software Advice		Other Acquisitions (1)		Total
Assets:
Cash	$	1,450	$	3,203	$	4,653
Fees receivable and other current assets	3,606		3,547		7,153
Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements	235		169		404
Amortizable intangible assets (2)	26,928		5,047		31,975
Goodwill (3), (4)	73,663		4,929		78,592
Total assets	$	105,882	$	16,895	$	122,777

Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	2,657	$	4,554	$	7,211
Total liabilities	$	2,657	$	4,554	$	7,211

Net assets acquired (5)	$	103,225	$	12,341	$	115,566


(1)	Includes the SircleIT Inc. and Market-Visio acquisitions.


(2)	See Note 6 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets for additional information regarding the types and amounts of amortizable intangibles recorded from the 2014 Acquisitions.


(3)	During the third quarter of 2014 certain tax, working capital and other minor adjustments were recorded which decreased the recorded goodwill resulting from the Market-Visio acquisition by approximately $0.1 million on a net basis.


(4)	During the second quarter of 2014, the recorded amount of an amortizable intangible asset resulting from the Software Advice acquisition was reduced by $2.7 million and goodwill was increased by the same amount. This measurement period adjustment was based on a change in the underlying assumptions used to value the amortizable intangible asset and was due to the consideration of new information.

(5)

The Company paid $112.2 million in cash on a gross basis for the net assets acquired through September 30, 2014. On a net basis, and for cash flow reporting, the Company paid $107.5 million through September 30, which represents the $112.2 million in cash paid on a gross basis minus the $4.7 million of cash acquired from the purchased companies. The Company has also recorded a liability for an additional $3.4 million to be paid for the 2014 Acquisitions, of which $2.5 million was paid in late October 2014.

The determination of the fair value of the amortizable intangibles required management judgment and the consideration of a number of factors, significant among them the historical financial performance of the acquired businesses and projected performance, estimates surrounding customer turnover, as well as assumptions regarding the level of competition and the cost to reproduce certain assets. In determining the fair value of the intangibles, management primarily relied on income methodologies, in particular the discounted cash flow approach. Establishing the useful lives of the amortizable intangibles also required management judgment and the evaluation of a number of factors, among them projected cash flows and the likelihood of competition.

The Company considers the allocation of the purchase price for the 2014 Acquisitions to be preliminary with respect to certain tax and other contingencies, as well as the finalization of certain working capital and other adjustments. The majority of the recorded goodwill and intangibles from these transactions will be deductible for tax purposes over 15 years. All of the recorded goodwill from the 2014 Acquisitions was included in the Company’s Research segment. The Company believes the recorded goodwill is supported by the anticipated revenue synergies, customer retention, and cost savings resulting from the combined operations.

Note 2 — Comprehensive Income

The following tables disclose information about changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI") by component and amounts reclassified out of AOCI to income during the periods indicated (net of tax, in thousands) (1):

For the three months ended September 30, 2014:



	Interest Rate Swap			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
Balance – June 30, 2014	$	(2,922	)	$	(1,782	)	$	14,657		$	9,953
Changes during the period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(1		)	—			(12,588		)	(12,589		)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income (2), (3)	620			15			—			635
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	619			15			(12,588		)	(11,954		)
Balance – September 30, 2014	$	(2,303	)	$	(1,767	)	$	2,069		$	(2,001	)

For the three months ended September 30, 2013:



	Interest Rate Swap			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments		Total
Balance – June 30, 2013	$	(4,635	)	$	(1,554	)	$	8,547	$	2,358
Changes during the period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(360		)	—			4,109		3,749
Reclassifications from AOCI to income (2), (3)	621			6			—		627
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	261			6			4,109		4,376
Balance – September 30, 2013	$	(4,374	)	$	(1,548	)	$	12,656	$	6,734

For the nine months ended September 30, 2014:



	Interest Rate Swap			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
Balance – December 31, 2013	$	(3,903	)	$	(1,811	)	$	14,059		$	8,345
Changes during the period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(236		)	—			(11,990		)	(12,226		)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income (2), (3)	1,836			44			—			1,880
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,600			44			(11,990		)	(10,346		)
Balance – September 30, 2014	$	(2,303	)	$	(1,767	)	$	2,069		$	(2,001	)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013:



	Interest Rate Swap			Defined Benefit Pension Plans			Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Total
Balance – December 31, 2012	$	(6,010	)	$	(1,578	)	$	13,556		$	5,968
Changes during the period:
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(153		)	17			(900		)	(1,036		)
Reclassifications from AOCI to income (2), (3)	1,789			13			—			1,802
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period	1,636			30			(900		)	766
Balance – September 30, 2013	$	(4,374	)	$	(1,548	)	$	12,656		$	6,734


(1)	Amounts in parentheses represent debits (deferred losses).


(2)	The reclassifications related to the interest rate swap (cash flow hedge) were recorded in Interest expense and exclude a related tax benefit reflected in the Provision for income taxes. See Note 10 – Derivatives and Hedging for information regarding the hedge.


(3)	The reclassifications related to defined benefit pension plans were recorded in Selling, general and administrative expense and had an immaterial tax effect for both periods. See Note 12 – Employee Benefits for information regarding the Company’s defined benefit pension plans.

Note 3 — Earnings per Share

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



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Numerator:
Net income used for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share	$	33,846	$	38,194	$	124,622	$	121,383
Denominator:
Weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic earnings per share	88,513		92,689		89,901		93,286
Common stock equivalents associated with stock-based compensation plans (1)	1,195		1,666		1,372		1,814
Shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share	89,708		94,355		91,273		95,100
Basic earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.41	$	1.39	$	1.30
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.40	$	1.37	$	1.28


(1)	Certain common stock equivalents were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive. These shares totaled less than 0.4 million in each of the periods presented.

Note 4 — Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock-based compensation awards as an incentive for employees and directors to contribute to the Company’s long-term success. The Company currently awards stock-settled stock appreciation rights, service-based and performance-based restricted stock units, and common stock equivalents. On May 29, 2014, the Company's shareholders approved the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2014 Plan") which replaces the 2003 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2003 Plan"). All 5.8 million shares remaining available under the 2003 Plan were transferred to the 2014 Plan, and an additional 2.2 million shares were made available for awards under the 2014 Plan, for a total availability of 8.0 million shares. At September 30, 2014, the Company had a total of 7.96 million shares of its common stock, par value $.0005 per share (the “Common Stock”), remaining available for awards of stock-based compensation under its 2014 Plan.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 505 and 718, as interpreted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletins No. 107 (“SAB No. 107”) and No. 110 (“SAB No. 110”). Stock-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the award on the date of grant, which is then recognized as expense 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. The Company currently issues treasury shares upon the exercise, release or settlement of stock-based compensation awards.

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock compensation awards and the Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the amount of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of the achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based 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-based compensation expense could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

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



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Award type:	2014		2013		2014		2013
Stock appreciation rights	$	1.0	$	1.1	$	3.9	$	4.1
Common stock equivalents	0.2		0.1		0.5		0.4
Restricted stock units	7.6		6.2		25.0		22.5
Total stock-based compensation expense (1), (2)	$	8.8	$	7.4	$	29.4	$	27.0



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
Amount recorded in:	2014		2013		2014		2013
Cost of services and product development	$	4.0	$	3.2	$	13.5	$	12.0
Selling, general and administrative	4.8		4.2		15.9		15.0
Total stock-based compensation expense (1), (2)	$	8.8	$	7.4	$	29.4	$	27.0


(1)	Includes charges of $2.9 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $12.7 million and $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, for awards to retirement-eligible employees since these awards vest on an accelerated basis.


(2)	The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes a reversal of $1.9 million of expense from forfeited awards related to the departure of the Company's former chief financial officer.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company had $51.7 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation cost, which is expected to be expensed over the remaining weighted-average service period of approximately 2.3 years.

Stock-Based Compensation Awards

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

Stock Appreciation Rights

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

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

The following table summarizes changes in SARs outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:



	SARs (in millions)		Per Share Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Per Share Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1.6		$	34.14	$	11.63	4.34 years
Granted	0.4		64.64		14.99		6.36 years
Forfeited	(0.1	)	52.15		n/a		n/a
Exercised	(0.4	)	23.72		8.73		n/a
Outstanding at September 30, 2014 (1), (2)	1.5		$	44.01	$	13.17	4.48 years
Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2014 (2)	0.6		$	33.05	$	11.51	3.27 years

n/a=not applicable.


(1)	As of September 30, 2014, 0.9 million of the SARs outstanding were unvested. The Company expects that substantially all of these unvested awards will vest in future periods.


(2)	Total SARs outstanding had an intrinsic value of $43.2 million. SARs vested and exercisable had an intrinsic value of $25.5 million.

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



	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014		2013
Expected dividend yield (1)	—	%	—	%
Expected stock price volatility (2)	25	%	35	%
Risk-free interest rate (3)	1.3	%	0.8	%
Expected life in years (4)	4.4		4.5


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


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


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


(4)	The expected life represents the Company’s weighted-average estimate of the period of time the SARs are expected to be outstanding (defined as the period between the service inception date and the expected exercise date), which is based on historical exercise data.

Restricted Stock Units

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

The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:



	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) (in millions)		Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	1.8		$	38.83
Granted (1)	0.5		65.30
Vested and released	(0.8	)	34.15
Forfeited	(0.1	)	—
Outstanding at September 30, 2014 (2), (3)	1.4		$	50.67

(1)

The 0.5 million RSUs granted consisted of 0.2 million performance-based RSUs awarded to executives and 0.3 million service-based RSUs awarded to non-executive employees and certain board members. The 0.2 million performance-based RSUs represents the target amount of the grant for the year, which is tied to an increase in the Company’s subscription-based research contract value (“CV”) for 2014. The final number of performance-based RSUs that will ultimately be awarded for 2014 ranges from 0% to 200% of the target amount, with the final number dependent on the actual increase in CV for 2014 as measured on December 31, 2014. If the specified minimum level of achievement is not met, the performance-based RSUs will be forfeited in their entirety, and any compensation expense previously recorded will be reversed.


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


(3)	The weighted-average remaining contractual term of the outstanding RSUs is approximately 1.3 years.

Common Stock Equivalents

Common stock equivalents (CSEs) are convertible into Common Stock and each CSE entitles the holder to one common share. CSEs are only awarded to members of our Board of Directors who receive directors’ fees payable in CSEs unless they opt to receive up to 50% of the directors' fees in cash. Generally, the CSEs have no defined term and are converted into common shares when service as a director terminates, unless the director has elected an accelerated release. The number of CSEs awarded is determined by dividing directors' fees owing for the quarter and not payable in cash by the closing price of the Common Stock as reported by the New York Stock Exchange on that date. CSEs vest immediately and as a result are recorded as expense on the date of grant.

The following table summarizes the changes in CSEs outstanding during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:



	Common Stock Equivalents (CSEs)		Per Share Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2013	102,479		$	17.71
Granted	6,614		71.86
Converted to common shares	(5,274	)	71.86
Outstanding at September 30, 2014	103,819		$	18.41

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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

At September 30, 2014, the Company had 1.1 million shares available for purchase under the ESP Plan. The ESP Plan is considered non-compensatory under FASB ASC Topic 718, and as a result the Company does not record stock-based compensation expense for employee share purchases. The Company received $6.4 million and $4.5 million in cash from purchases under the ESP Plan and exercises of stock options during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Note 5 — Segment Information

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

The Company evaluates reportable segment performance and allocates resources based on gross contribution margin. Gross contribution, as presented in the table below, is defined as operating income excluding certain Cost of services and product development expenses, Selling, general and administrative expense, depreciation, amortization of intangibles, and acquisition and integration charges. Certain bonus and fringe benefit costs included in consolidated Cost of services and product development are not allocated to segment expense. The accounting policies used by the reportable segments are the same as those used by the Company. There are no intersegment revenues. The Company does not identify or allocate assets, including capital expenditures, by reportable segment. Accordingly, assets are not reported by segment because the information is not available by segment and is not reviewed in the evaluation of segment performance or in making decisions in the allocation of resources.

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



Three Months Ended September 30, 2014	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
Revenues	$	365,334	$	82,300	$	23,306	$	470,940
Gross contribution	251,113		24,774		6,946		282,833
Corporate and other expenses							(233,442		)
Operating income							$	49,391



Three Months Ended September 30, 2013	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
Revenues	$	316,518	$	70,149	$	24,038	$	410,705
Gross contribution	220,329		21,114		7,095		248,538
Corporate and other expenses							(189,795		)
Operating income							$	58,743



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
Revenues	$	1,071,943	$	260,059	$	105,460	$	1,437,462
Gross contribution	745,477		91,347		44,141		880,965
Corporate and other expenses							(690,643		)
Operating income							$	190,322



Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013	Research		Consulting		Events		Consolidated
Revenues	$	938,082	$	228,710	$	96,714	$	1,263,506
Gross contribution	648,954		76,836		37,318		763,108
Corporate and other expenses							(576,373		)
Operating income							$	186,735

The following table provides a reconciliation of total segment gross contribution to net income for the periods indicated (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014		2013
Total segment gross contribution	$	282,833		$	248,538		$	880,965	$	763,108
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development - unallocated (1), (2)	(48		)	(432		)	5,561		2,978
Selling, general and administrative	217,025			181,546			640,179		547,653
Depreciation and amortization	10,450			8,609			28,888		25,464
Acquisition and integration charges	6,015			72			16,015		278
Operating income	49,391			58,743			190,322		186,735
Interest expense and other	2,943			2,119			7,927		6,768
Provision for income taxes	12,602			18,430			57,773		58,584
Net income	$	33,846		$	38,194		$	124,622	$	121,383


(1)	The unallocated amounts consist of certain bonus and related fringe expenses recorded in Consolidated cost of services and product development expense that are not allocated to segment expense. The Company's policy is to only allocate bonus and related fringe charges to segments for up to 100% of the segment employee's target bonus. Amounts above 100% are absorbed by corporate.


(2)	Amounts in parentheses in the three months ended periods result from adjustments to the year-to-date balances.

Note 6 — Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized but is periodically evaluated for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires an annual assessment of potential goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level, which the Company completes each year in the third quarter. A reporting unit can be an operating segment or a business if discrete financial information is prepared and reviewed by management.

The following table presents changes to the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands):



	Research			Consulting			Events			Total
Balance, December 31, 2013 (1)	$	376,568		$	100,677		$	41,958		$	519,203
Additions due to acquisitions (2)	78,592			—			—			78,592
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(4,111		)	(383		)	(89		)	(4,583		)
Balance, September 30, 2014	$	451,049		$	100,294		$	41,869		$	593,212


(1)	The Company does not have any accumulated goodwill impairment losses.


(2)	The Company made three acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (See Note 1 for additional discussion). All of the recorded goodwill from these acquisitions has been included in the Research segment.

Amortizable Intangible Assets

The following tables present reconciliations of the carrying amounts of amortizable intangible assets as of the dates indicated (in thousands):



September 30, 2014	Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Content			Software			Non-Compete			Total
Gross cost, December 31, 2013	$	6,023		10,146			3,496			2,143			$	—		$	21,808
Additions due to acquisitions (1)	915			18,054			206			5,000			7,800			31,975
Non-competition agreement (2)	—			—			—			—			1,500			1,500
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(9		)	(35		)	(82		)	(290		)	(14		)	(430		)
Gross cost	6,929			28,165			3,620			6,853			9,286			54,853
Accumulated amortization (3)	(5,859		)	(10,371		)	(2,041		)	(2,103		)	(964		)	(21,338		)
Balance, September 30, 2014	$	1,070		$	17,794		$	1,579		$	4,750		$	8,322		$	33,515



December 31, 2013	Trade Name			Customer Relationships			Content			Software			Total
Gross cost, December 31, 2012	$	6,023		$	10,146		$	3,496		$	2,143		$	21,808
Accumulated amortization (3)	(4,817		)	(8,372		)	(1,388		)	(1,124		)	(15,701		)
Balance, December 31, 2013	$	1,206		$	1,774		$	2,108		$	1,019		$	6,107


(1)	See Note 1 for additional disclosure.


(2)	The non-competition intangible relates to a separation agreement with the Company's former chief financial officer which was entered into in June 2014.


(3)	Intangible assets are being amortized against earnings over the following periods: Trade name—2 to 5 years; Customer relationships—4 to 7 years; Content—1.5 to 4 years; Software—3 years; Non-compete—4 to 5 years.

Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets was $2.5 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $5.8 million and $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

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



2014 (remaining three months)	$	2,475
2015	8,345
2016	6,990
2017	5,570
2018	4,330
After 2018	5,805
	$	33,515

Note 7 — Debt

2013 Credit Agreement

The Company has a credit arrangement (the “2013 Credit Agreement”) that provides for a five-year, $150.0 million term loan and a $600.0 million revolving credit facility. In addition, the 2013 Credit Agreement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, by up to an additional $250.0 million in the aggregate. The term loan will be repaid in 16 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced on June 30, 2013, plus a final payment due on March 7, 2018, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium (other than applicable breakage costs) at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until March 7, 2018, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid.

Amounts borrowed under the 2013 Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at Gartner’s option, either (i) the greatest of: the Administrative Agent’s prime rate; the average rate on overnight federal funds plus 1/2 of 1%; and the Eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus 1%, in each case plus a margin equal to between 0.25% and 0.75% depending on Gartner’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended, or (ii) the Eurodollar rate (adjusted for statutory reserves) plus a margin equal to between 1.25% and 1.75%, depending on Gartner’s leverage ratio as of the end of the four consecutive fiscal quarters most recently ended.

The 2013 Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, financial covenants requiring a maximum leverage ratio, a minimum interest expense coverage ratio, and covenants limiting Gartner’s ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, be acquired, dispose of assets, pay dividends, repurchase stock, make capital expenditures, make investments and enter into certain transactions with affiliates. The 2013 Credit Agreement contains customary events of default that include, among others, non-payment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, violation of covenants, cross defaults to certain other indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency events, ERISA defaults, material judgments, and events constituting a change of control. The occurrence of an event of default will increase the applicable rate of interest by 2.0%, allows the lenders to terminate their obligations to lend under the 2013 Credit Agreement and could result in the acceleration of Gartner’s obligations under the credit facility and an obligation of any or all of the guarantors to pay the full amount of Gartner’s obligations under the credit facility. As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in full compliance with the loan covenants.

The following table provides information regarding the Company’s total outstanding borrowings (in thousands):



	Balance		Balance
	September 30,		December 31,
Description:	2014		2013
Term loans (1)	$	135,000	$	144,375
Revolver loans (1), (2)	230,000		55,625
Other (3)	5,000		5,000
Total	$	370,000	$	205,000

(1)

The contractual annualized interest rates as of September 30, 2014 on the term loan and the revolver ranged from 1.53% to 1.61%, which consists of a floating Eurodollar base rate ranging from 0.15% to 0.23% plus a margin of 1.38%. However, the Company has an interest rate swap contract which converts the floating Eurodollar base rates to a 2.26% fixed base rate on the first $200.0 million of Company borrowings (see below) and, combined with the 1.38% margin, results in an effective rate of approximately 3.63% on the first $200.0 million of borrowings.

The annual effective rate on the Company's total debt outstanding as of September 30, 2014, including the effect of the swap, was approximately 3.64%.


(2)	The Company had $366.6 million of available borrowing capacity on the revolver (not including the expansion feature) as of September 30, 2014.

(3)

The Company borrowed $5.0 million in 2012 through a State of Connecticut economic development program. The loan has a 10 year maturity and bears a 3.0% fixed rate of interest. Principal payments are deferred for the first five years and the loan may be repaid at any point by the Company without penalty. The loan has a principal forgiveness provision in which up to $2.5 million of the loan may be forgiven if the Company meets certain employment targets in Connecticut during the first five years of the loan.

Interest Rate Swap

The Company has a $200.0 million notional fixed-for-floating interest rate swap contract which it designates as a hedge of the forecasted interest payments on the Company’s variable rate borrowings. Under the swap terms, the Company pays a base fixed rate of 2.26% and in return receives a floating Eurodollar base rate on $200.0 million of notional borrowings. The swap matures in late 2015.

The Company accounts for the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815. Since the swap is hedging forecasted interest payments, changes in the fair value of the swap are recorded in OCI as long as the swap continues to be a highly effective hedge of the designated interest rate risk. Any ineffective portion of change in the fair value of the hedge is recorded in earnings. The swap continued to be a highly effective hedge of the forecasted interest payments as of September 30, 2014. The interest rate swap had a negative fair value to the Company of $3.8 million at September 30, 2014, which is deferred and classified in OCI, net of tax effect.

Letters of Credit

The Company had $9.6 million of letters of credit and related guarantees outstanding at September 30, 2014. The Company enters into these instruments in the ordinary course of business to facilitate transactions with customers and others.

Note 8 — Equity

Share Repurchase Program

On February 4, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized $800.0 million to repurchase the Company's common stock. This authorization succeeds the Company’s prior $500.0 million share repurchase authorization, which was substantially utilized. The Company may repurchase its common stock from time to time in amounts and at prices the Company deems appropriate, subject to the availability of stock, prevailing market conditions, the trading price of the stock, the Company’s financial performance and other conditions. Repurchases may be made through open market purchases, private transactions or other transactions and will be funded from cash on hand and borrowings under the Company’s credit agreement.

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



	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Number of shares repurchased (1)	1,124,117		1,016,978		5,350,915		2,859,246
Cost of repurchased shares (in thousands) (2)	$	79,678	$	59,252	$	387,126	$	157,251


(1)	The average purchase price for the shares was $72.94 and $70.67 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $58.26 and $55.00 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.


(2)	The cost of repurchased shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes payment for share repurchase transactions that occurred in late December 2013 but were paid in early January 2014.

Note 9 — Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $18.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013. The effective income tax rate was 27.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 32.5% for the same period in 2013. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of benefits associated with tax credits.

The provision for income taxes was $57.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $58.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The effective income tax rate was 31.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 32.6% for the same period in 2013. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of benefits associated with tax credits partially offset by a favorable retroactive tax law change enacted in the first quarter of 2013.

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $18.9 million and $14.5 million, respectively. It is reasonably possible that gross unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $5.0 million within the next 12 months, due to the anticipated closure of audits and the expiration of certain statutes of limitation. These unrecognized tax benefits relate primarily to the utilization of tax attributes, as well as certain other unrecognized tax positions, each of which are individually insignificant.

In 2013, the Internal Revenue Service commenced an audit of the Company's federal income tax returns for the 2010 and 2011 tax years. The audits are substantially complete and the Company believes the ultimate disposition will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Note 10 — Derivatives and Hedging

The Company enters into a limited number of derivative contracts to offset the potentially negative economic effects of interest rate and foreign exchange movements. The Company accounts for its outstanding derivative contracts in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, which requires all derivatives, including derivatives designated as accounting hedges, to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The following tables provide information regarding the Company’s outstanding derivatives contracts as of the dates indicated (in thousands, except for number of outstanding contracts):



September 30, 2014
Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts	Notional Amounts		Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net (3)			Balance Sheet Line Item	Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI
Interest rate swap (1)	1	$	200,000	$	(3,839	)	Other liabilities	$	(2,303	)
Foreign currency forwards (2)	19	6,630		(19		)	Accrued liabilities	—
Total	20	$	206,630	$	(3,858	)		$	(2,303	)



December 31, 2013
Derivative Contract Type	Number of Outstanding Contracts	Notional Amounts		Fair Value Asset (Liability), Net (3)			Balance Sheet Line Item	Unrealized Loss Recorded in OCI
Interest rate swap (1)	1	$	200,000	$	(6,505	)	Other liabilities	$	(3,903	)
Foreign currency forwards (2)	89	61,325		(60		)	Accrued liabilities	—
Total	90	$	261,325	$	(6,565	)		$	(3,903	)


(1)	This swap has been designated, and is accounted for, as a cash flow hedge of the forecasted interest payments on borrowings (see Note 7 — Debt). As a result, changes in fair value of this swap are deferred and are recorded in OCI, net of tax effect.

(2)

The Company has foreign exchange transaction risk since it typically enters into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency. The Company enters into short-term foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the economic effects of these foreign currency transaction risks. These forward exchange contracts are accounted for at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses recognized in Other expense, net. All of the contracts outstanding at September 30, 2014 matured by the end of October 2014.


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

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

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



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
Amount recorded in:	2014			2013			2014			2013
Interest expense, net (1)	$	1,034		$	1,034		$	3,059		$	2,981
Other expense (income), net (2)	(12		)	(20		)	(110		)	138
Total expense, net	$	1,022		$	1,014		$	2,949		$	3,119


(1)	Consists of interest expense from an interest rate swap contract.


(2)	Consists of realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts.

Note 11 — Fair Value Disclosures

The Company’s financial instruments include cash equivalents, fees receivable from customers, accounts payable, and accruals which are normally short-term in nature. The Company believes the carrying amounts of these financial instruments reasonably approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature. The Company’s financial instruments also include its outstanding borrowings. The Company believes the carrying amount of the outstanding borrowings reasonably approximates their fair value since the rate of interest on the borrowings reflect current market rates of interest for similar instruments with comparable maturities.

FASB ASC Topic 820 provides a framework for the measurement of fair value and a valuation hierarchy based upon the transparency of inputs used in the valuation of assets and liabilities. Classification within the hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the resulting fair value measurement. The valuation hierarchy contains three levels. Level 1 measurements consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 measurements include significant other observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets; observable inputs such as interest rates and yield curves; and other market-corroborated inputs. Level 3 measurements include significant unobservable inputs, such as internally-created valuation models.

The Company has a limited number of assets and liabilities recorded in its Consolidated Balance Sheets that are remeasured to fair value on a recurring basis, and the Company does not currently utilize Level 3 valuation inputs to remeasure any of its assets or liabilities. In addition, the Company typically does not transfer assets or liabilities between different levels of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s assets and liabilities that are remeasured to fair value are presented in the following table for the periods indicated (in thousands):



	Fair Value		Fair Value
Description:	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Assets:
Values based on Level 1 inputs:
Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	$	7,525	$	7,775
Total Level 1 inputs	$	7,525	$	7,775
Values based on Level 2 inputs:
Deferred compensation plan assets (1)	$	26,185	$	24,780
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	7		116
Total Level 2 inputs	$	26,192	$	24,896
Total Assets	$	33,717	$	32,671
Liabilities:
Values based on level 2 inputs:
Deferred compensation plan liabilities (1)	$	38,150	$	36,410
Foreign currency forward contracts (2)	26		176
Interest rate swap contract (3)	3,839		6,505
Total Level 2 inputs	$	42,015	$	43,091
Total Liabilities	$	42,015	$	43,091

(1)

The Company has a deferred compensation plan for the benefit of certain highly compensated employees. The assets consist of investments in money market and mutual funds, and company-owned life insurance contracts, all of which are valued based on Level 1 or Level 2 valuation inputs. The related deferred compensation plan liabilities are recorded at fair value, or the estimated amount needed to settle the liability, which the Company considers to be based on a Level 2 input.


(2)	The Company enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to hedge the effects of adverse fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. Valuation of the foreign currency forward contracts is based on observable foreign currency exchange rates in active markets, which the Company considers a Level 2 input.

(3)

The Company has an interest rate swap contract which hedges the forecasted interest payments on its borrowings (see Note 7 — Debt). To determine the fair value of this over-the-counter financial instrument, the Company relies on a mark-to-market valuation prepared by a third-party broker. The valuation is based on observable interest rates from recently executed market transactions or broker quotes corroborated by other observable market data. Accordingly, the fair value of the swap is determined under a Level 2 input. The Company independently corroborates the reasonableness of the swap valuation prepared by the third-party broker through the use of an electronic quotation service.

Note 12 — Employee Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The Company has defined-benefit pension plans in several of its international locations. Benefits paid under these plans are based on years of service and level of employee compensation. The Company’s defined benefit pension plans are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC Topics 715 and 960. Net periodic pension expense was $0.8 million and $2.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and $0.8 million and $2.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

Note 13 — Commitments and Contingencies

Contingencies

The Company is 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, cash flows, 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 September 30, 2014, the Company did not have any material payment obligations under any such indemnification agreements.

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

The purpose of the following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is to help facilitate the understanding of significant factors influencing the quarterly operating results, financial condition and cash flows of Gartner, Inc. Additionally, the MD&A also conveys our expectations of the potential impact of known trends, events or uncertainties that may impact future results. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (the "2013 10-K"). Historical results and percentage relationships are not necessarily indicative of operating results for future periods. References to “Gartner,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” in this MD&A are to Gartner, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

We have made three acquisitions in 2014 through September 30 (the "2014 Acquisitions"). These include Software Advice, Inc., which assists customers with software purchases; Market Visio Oy, a Finnish company and former sales agent for Gartner research in Finland and Russia; and SircleIT, Inc., a provider of cloud-based search technology that identifies subject-matter experts. Note 1 — Acquisitions in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q provides additional information regarding the 2014 Acquisitions. The operating results of these businesses have been included in our consolidated and segment operating results beginning on their respective dates of acquisition. The results of these businesses were not material to our consolidated or segment results for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report contains certain 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,” “expect,” “should,” “could,” “believe,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “predict,” “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 Quarterly Report and in the 2013 10-K. 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 should review carefully any risk factors described in the 2013 10-K.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Gartner, Inc. is the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company 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 thousands of client organizations across the globe. Our client base consists primarily of CIOs and other senior IT and executives from a wide variety of business enterprises, government agencies and the investment community. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, U.S.A., and as of September 30, 2014, we had 6,590 associates, including 1,545 research analysts and consultants, and clients in 85 countries.

We have three business segments: Research, Consulting and Events.

•

Research provides objective insight on critical and timely technology, supply chain, and marketing initiatives for CIOs, other IT professionals, supply chain leaders, technology companies and the investment community through reports, briefings, proprietary tools, access to our analysts, peer networking services, and membership programs that enable our clients to make better decisions about their IT and supply chain investments.


•	Consulting provides customized solutions to unique client needs through on-site, day-to-day support, as well as proprietary tools for measuring and improving IT performance with a focus on cost, performance, efficiency, and quality.


•	Events provide IT, supply chain, and business professionals the opportunity to attend various symposia, conferences and exhibitions to learn, contribute and network with their peers. From our flagship event Symposium/ITxpo, to Summits focused

on specific technologies and industries, to experimental workshop-style Seminars, our events distill the latest Gartner research into applicable insight and advice.

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

BUSINESS MEASUREMENTS

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



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

		Client retention rate represents a measure of client satisfaction and renewed business relationships at a specific point in time. Client retention is calculated on a percentage basis by dividing our current clients, who were also clients a year ago, by all clients from a year ago. Client retention can be calculated on both an enterprise and organization level. Enterprise level represents a single company or customer whereas an organization is a buying center within an enterprise, such as a location or department. A single enterprise may have multiple organizations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL POSITION

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

We had total revenues of $470.9 million in the third quarter of 2014, an increase of 15% compared to the third quarter of 2013. Quarterly revenues increased 14% in 2014 adjusted for the impact of foreign exchange. Revenues increased by double-digits in our Research and Consulting segments but declined 3% in Events due to changes in our events schedule. For a more complete discussion of our results by segment, see Segment Results below. For the third quarter of 2014, we had net income of $33.8 million and diluted earnings per share of $0.38.

Our operating cash flow was $275.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $242.1 million for the same period in 2013, a 14% increase. We had $341.2 million of cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 and almost $367.0 million of available borrowing capacity on our revolver facility. We believe that our liquidity is adequate to fund our current plans. We continue to enhance shareholder value through our share repurchase plan, and we repurchased 5.4 million shares of our Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements requires the application of appropriate accounting policies and the use of estimates. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Gartner, Inc. contained in the 2013 10-K. Management considers the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our financial statements because their application requires complex and subjective management judgments and estimates. Specific risks for these critical accounting policies are also described below.

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

Our critical accounting policies are as follows:

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


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

•

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


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

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

Uncollectible fees receivable — We maintain an allowance for losses which is composed of a bad debt allowance and a sales reserve. Provisions are charged against earnings, either as a reduction in revenues or an increase to expense. The measurement of

likely and probable losses and the allowance for losses is based on historical loss experience, aging of outstanding receivables, an assessment of current economic conditions and the financial health of specific clients. This evaluation is inherently judgmental and requires estimates. These valuation reserves are periodically re-evaluated and adjusted as more information about the ultimate collectability of fees receivable becomes available. Circumstances that could cause our valuation reserves to increase include changes in our clients’ liquidity and credit quality, other factors negatively impacting our clients’ ability to pay their obligations as they come due, and the effectiveness of our collection efforts.

The following table provides our total fees receivable and the related allowance for losses as of the dates indicated (in thousands):



	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
Total fees receivable	$	456,823		$	497,923
Allowance for losses	(6,900		)	(7,000		)
Fees receivable, net	$	449,923		$	490,923

Goodwill and other intangible assets — Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of acquired businesses over the estimated fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized against earnings, but is periodically evaluated for impairment in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, which requires goodwill to be assessed for impairment at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In addition, an impairment evaluation of our amortizable intangible assets may also be performed on a periodic basis should events or circumstances indicate potential impairment. If we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit or an intangible asset is less than its related carrying amount, we must recognize an impairment charge against earnings. Among the factors we consider important that could trigger an impairment review are 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 general economic trends;


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


•	Our market capitalization relative to net book value.

The determination of the estimated fair value of our reporting units, whether based on a quantitative or qualitative assessment, contains judgments and assumptions regarding future trends and events, with both the precision and reliability of the resulting estimates subject to uncertainty. As a result, if the Company deems it necessary in the future to modify its judgments and assumptions, or if actual results are materially different from our expectations, then the estimated reporting unit values could change, potentially resulting in goodwill impairment charges in future periods. We completed the required annual goodwill impairment assessment as of September 30, 2014 utilizing a qualitative approach and concluded that the fair values of our reporting units continued to exceed their respective carrying amounts.

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

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

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards requires the input of certain complex and subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock-based compensation awards and the Company’s Common Stock price volatility. In addition, determining the appropriate amount of associated periodic expense requires management to estimate the rate of employee forfeitures and the likelihood of the achievement of certain performance targets. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based 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 periodic stock-based compensation expense may need to be adjusted which could be materially different from what has been recorded in the current period.

Restructuring and other accruals — We may record accruals for severance costs, costs associated with excess facilities that we have leased, contract terminations, asset impairments, the integration of acquired businesses, and other costs as a result of on-going actions we undertake to streamline our organization, reposition certain businesses and reduce ongoing costs, or acquire other companies. Estimates of costs to be incurred to complete these actions, such as future lease payments, sublease income, the fair value of assets, and severance and related benefits, are based on assumptions at the time the actions are initiated. These accruals may need to be adjusted to the extent actual costs differ from such estimates. In addition, these actions may be revised due to changes in business conditions that we did not foresee at the time such plans were approved. We also record accruals during the year for our various employee cash incentive programs. Amounts accrued at the end of each reporting period are based on our estimates and may require adjustment as the ultimate amount paid for these incentives are sometimes not known with certainty until the end of our fiscal year.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overall Results

The following tables summarize the changes in selected income and expense lines in our interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods indicated (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014			Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Income Increase (Decrease) $			Increase (Decrease) %
Total revenues	$	470,940		$	410,705		$	60,235		15	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	188,059			161,735			(26,324		)	(16	)
Selling, general and administrative	217,025			181,546			(35,479		)	(20	)
Depreciation	7,945			7,258			(687		)	(9	)
Amortization of intangibles	2,505			1,351			(1,154		)	(85	)
Acquisition and integration charges	6,015			72			(5,943		)	>(100)
Operating income	49,391			58,743			(9,352		)	(16	)
Interest expense, net	(2,656		)	(2,124		)	(532		)	(25	)
Other (expense) income, net	(287		)	5			(292		)	>(100)
Provision for income taxes	(12,602		)	(18,430		)	5,828			32
Net income	$	33,846		$	38,194		$	(4,348	)	(11	)%



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Income Increase (Decrease) $			Increase (Decrease) %
Total revenues	$	1,437,462		$	1,263,506		$	173,956		14	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of services and product development	562,058			503,376			(58,682		)	(12	)
Selling, general and administrative	640,179			547,653			(92,526		)	(17	)
Depreciation	23,125			21,375			(1,750		)	(8	)
Amortization of intangibles	5,763			4,089			(1,674		)	(41	)
Acquisition and integration charges	16,015			278			(15,737		)	>(100)
Operating income	190,322			186,735			3,587			2
Interest expense, net	(7,586		)	(6,704		)	(882		)	(13	)
Other expense, net	(341		)	(64		)	(277		)	>(100)
Provision for income taxes	(57,773		)	(58,584		)	811			1
Net income	$	124,622		$	121,383		$	3,239		3	%

Total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2014 increased $60.2 million, to $470.9 million, an increase of 15% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. Revenues increased by double-digits in both our Research and Consulting segments but declined slightly in our Events segment due to changes in our events schedule. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange, quarterly revenues increased 14%. For the nine month periods, total revenues increased to $1,437.5 million in 2014, a 14% increase over 2013 on both a reported basis and excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange. Please refer to the section of this MD&A below entitled “Segment Results” for a discussion of revenues and results by segment.

Cost of services and product development increased $26.3 million, or 16%, in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013. The impact of foreign currency exchange was not significant. The increase was primarily attributable to $21.0 million in higher payroll and related benefits costs resulting from increased headcount and merit salary increases. The headcount increase includes the impact of the additional employees resulting from the 2014 acquisitions. We also had higher travel and severance charges. Cost of services and product development as a percentage of revenues was 40% and 39% for the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

For the nine month periods, Cost of services and product development expense increased $58.7 million, or 12%, in 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, and 11% adjusted for foreign currency impact. Consistent with the quarterly increase, the additional expense was primarily attributable to higher payroll and benefit costs resulting from increased headcount and merit salary increases, which together accounted for $52.0 million of the increase. Travel and severance charges were also higher in the 2014 period. Cost of services and product development as a percentage of revenues was 39% and 40% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense increased $35.5 million, or 20% quarter-over-quarter (19% adjusted for foreign currency impact). The increase was primarily due to $25.0 million in additional payroll and related benefit costs. The higher payroll and benefit costs resulted from additional headcount, higher sales commissions, and merit salary increases. We also had additional severance, travel, and higher costs related to our investment in recruiting and training. The increased headcount reflects our investment in additional quota-bearing sales associates, which increased to 1,820 as of September 30, 2014, a 13% increase compared to September 30, 2013. SG&A expense increased 17%, or $92.5 million, in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in the prior year. Consistent with the quarter, the increase was primarily driven by higher payroll and benefit costs.

Depreciation expense increased 9% and 8% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2013, which reflects our additional investment.

Amortization of intangibles increased in both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 due to the addition of intangibles from the 2014 Acquisitions.

Acquisition and integration charges include legal, consulting, retention, severance, and other costs directly related to acquisitions. The higher charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same periods in 2013 are due to the 2014 Acquisitions.

Operating income decreased $9.4 million, or 16%, quarter-over-quarter. Operating income as a percentage of revenues was 10% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 15% in the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease was primarily driven by headcount growth, severance, and other corporate expenses, and substantially higher acquisition and integration charges related to the 2014 Acquisitions. For the nine month periods, operating income increased $3.6 million, or 2%. As a percentage of revenues, operating income was 13% and 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, with the decrease due to the same factors impacting the quarterly decline.

Interest expense, net increased 25% quarter-over-quarter due to additional revolver borrowings in the 2014 period. For the nine month periods, interest expense, net increased 13% in the 2014 period, again due to additional revolver borrowings.

Other (expense) income, net consisted of foreign currency exchange gains and losses.

Provision for income taxes was $12.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $18.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013. The effective income tax rate was 27.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 32.5% for the same period in 2013. The quarter-over-quarter decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of benefits associated with tax credits.

Provision for income taxes was $57.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $58.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The effective income tax rate was 31.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 32.6% for the same period in 2013. The decrease in the effective income tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of benefits associated with tax credits partially offset by a favorable retroactive tax law change enacted in the first quarter of 2013.

Net income decreased 11% quarter-over-quarter while diluted earnings per share decreased 5%. For the nine month periods, net income increased 3% while diluted earnings per share increased 7%.

SEGMENT RESULTS

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

The following sections present the results of our three business segments:

Research



	As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2014			As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Increase (Decrease)		Percentage Increase (Decrease)		As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Increase (Decrease)		Percentage Increase (Decrease)
Financial Measurements:
Revenues (1)	$	365,334		$	316,518		$	48,816	15	%	$	1,071,943		$	938,082		$	133,861	14	%
Gross contribution (1)	$	251,113		$	220,329		$	30,784	14	%	$	745,477		$	648,954		$	96,523	15	%
Gross contribution margin	69		%	70		%	(1) point		—		70		%	69		%	1 point		—

Business Measurements:
Contract value (1)	$	1,485,832		$	1,326,733		$	159,099	12	%
Client retention - enterprise level	84		%	83		%	1 point		—
Client retention - organization level	83		%	82		%	1 point		—
Wallet retention - enterprise level	105		%	104		%	1 point		—
Wallet retention - organization level	100		%	97		%	3 points		—


(1)	Dollars in thousands.

Research segment revenues increased 15% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same quarter in 2013. The impact of foreign currency exchange was not significant. The segment gross contribution margin decreased 1% quarter-over-quarter. When comparing the nine month periods, revenues increased 14% in 2014 while the impact of foreign exchange was not significant. and the contribution margin increased by 1 point, to 70%.

Research contract value at September 30, 2014 increased 12% compared to September 30, 2013 and 14% adjusted for the impact of foreign currency. Contract value increased by double-digits across all of the Company’s sales regions, client sizes, and industry sectors. At September 30, 2014, enterprise client retention was 84% and enterprise wallet retention was 105%.

Consulting



	As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2014			As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Increase (Decrease)		Percentage Increase (Decrease)		As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Increase (Decrease)		Percentage Increase (Decrease)
Financial Measurements:
Revenues (1)	$	82,300		$	70,149		$	12,151	17	%	$	260,059		$	228,710		$	31,349	14	%
Gross contribution (1)	$	24,774		$	21,114		$	3,660	17	%	$	91,347		$	76,836		$	14,511	19	%
Gross contribution margin	30		%	30		%	—		—		35		%	34		%	1 point		—

Business Measurements:
Backlog (1)	$	111,926		$	96,509		$	15,417	16	%
Billable headcount	534			516			18		3	%
Consultant utilization	65		%	58		%	7 points		—		66		%	63		%	3 points		—
Average annualized revenue per billable headcount (1)	$	423		$	374		$	49	13	%	$	432		$	402		$	30	7	%


(1)	Dollars in thousands.

Consulting revenues increased $12.2 million, or 17%, quarter-over-quarter. The impact of foreign currency exchange was not significant. We had revenue increases across all of our Consulting businesses, with the largest increase in our strategic advisory business. The gross contribution margin was 30% for both periods.

For the nine month periods, Consulting revenues increased 14% in 2014, primarily attributable to increases in the contract optimization business and in core consulting. Excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange, Consulting revenues increased 13%. The gross contribution margin increased by 1 point, primarily due to the additional revenues in the contract optimization business.

Backlog was $111.9 million at September 30, 2014, a 16% increase compared to September 30, 2013.

Events



	As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2014			As Of And For The Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Increase (Decrease)			Percentage Increase (Decrease)		As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			As Of And For The Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Increase (Decrease)			Percentage Increase (Decrease)
Financial Measurements:
Revenues (1)	$	23,306		$	24,038		$	(732	)	(3	)%	$	105,460		$	96,714		$	8,746		9	%
Gross contribution (1)	$	6,946		$	7,095		$	(149	)	(2	)%	$	44,141		$	37,318		$	6,823		18	%
Gross contribution margin	30		%	30		%	—			—		42		%	39		%	3 points			—

Business Measurements:
Number of events	12			16			(4		)	(25	)%	48			53			(5		)	(9	)%
Number of attendees	5,606			6,353			(747		)	(12	)%	25,594			24,200			1,394			6	%


(1)	Dollars in thousands.

Events revenues decreased 3% quarter-over-quarter, or 2% adjusted for foreign currency impact, to $23.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $24.0 million in the same quarter of 2013. The revenue decrease was due to changes in our events schedule, with 12 events held in the third quarter of 2014, which consisted of 11 ongoing events and 1 new event, compared to 16 events held in the third quarter of 2013. Five events that were held in the third quarter of 2013 were held in different quarters in 2014 or were discontinued. While quarter-over-quarter revenues declined due to the change in our events schedule, revenues from the 11 ongoing events that were held in both the third quarter of 2014 and 2013 increased 17%. The gross contribution margin was 30% for both quarters.

For the nine month periods, Events revenues increased $8.7 million in 2014 when compared to 2013, or 9%. The impact of foreign currency was not significant. Although we held fewer events in the 2014 period, overall revenues increased due to significantly better performance from our ongoing events. We held 48 events through September 30, 2014, which consisted of 47 ongoing events and one new event, compared to 53 events held in the 2013 period. Five events that were held in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were discontinued in 2014 while one event was moved to the fourth quarter of 2014. Revenue from the 47 events held in both periods increased 20%. We had a 6% increase in the number of attendees and an 11% increase in the number of exhibitors, and average revenue increased 4% for attendees and 6% for exhibitors. The gross contribution margin increased 3 points due to better performance from our ongoing events.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We finance our operations primarily through cash generated from our on-going operating activities. At September 30, 2014, we had $341.2 million of cash and cash equivalents and $366.6 million of available borrowing capacity under the revolver portion of the 2013 Credit Agreement. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in numerous locations throughout the world, with approximately 95% held outside the United States at September 30, 2014. We believe that we have adequate liquidity and that the cash we expect to earn from our on-going operating activities, our existing cash balances, and the borrowing capacity we have under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient for our currently anticipated needs.

The 2013 Credit Agreement provides for a five-year, $150.0 million term loan and a $600.0 million revolving credit facility. The Company is currently exploring refinancing options to take advantage of favorable market conditions.

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



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013			Cash Increase (Decrease)
Cash provided by operating activities	$	275,609		$	242,069		$	33,540
Cash used in investing activities	(147,407		)	(27,772		)	(119,635		)
Cash used by financing activities	(196,486		)	(137,853		)	(58,633		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(68,284		)	76,444			(144,728		)
Effects of exchange rates	(14,486		)	(1,775		)	(12,711		)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents	423,990			299,852			124,138
Ending cash and cash equivalents	$	341,220		$	374,521		$	(33,301	)

Operating

Operating cash flow increased by $33.5 million, or 14% when comparing the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. The increase was primarily due to additional cash collections in our Research and Events businesses. Partially offsetting the additional collections were higher cash payments for bonus, commissions, and taxes.

Investing

We used an additional $119.6 million of cash in our investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 principally due to the 2014 Acquisitions, in which a total of $107.5 million was paid at closing (net of the cash acquired), and an additional $14.4 million was placed in escrow. The Company used both existing

cash and additional revolver borrowings to finance the 2014 Acquisitions. Slightly offsetting the cash used for acquisitions was a decline of $2.3 million in capital expenditures in the 2014 period.

Financing

We used $196.5 million of cash in our financing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 period compared to $137.9 million of cash used in the same period of 2013. During the 2014 period the Company used $387.1 million of cash for share repurchases, which was partially offset by $190.6 million of net proceeds from debt issuance, stock option and ESP plan proceeds, and the impact of excess tax benefits from stock compensation plans. In the 2013 period the Company used $157.3 million of cash for share repurchases and $3.6 million for debt refinancing fees, which was partially offset by $23.0 million of net proceeds from stock options and the ESP Plan, and excess tax benefits.

OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

2013 Credit Agreement

The Company has a five-year credit arrangement which it entered into in March 2013 that provides for a $150.0 million term loan and a $600.0 million revolving credit facility (the “2013 Credit Agreement”). Under the revolving credit facility, amounts may be borrowed, repaid, and re-borrowed through the maturity date of the agreement. The credit arrangement contains an expansion feature by which the term loan and revolving credit facility may be increased, at the Company’s option and under certain conditions, up to an additional $250.0 million in the aggregate. The Company had $370.0 million outstanding under the 2013 Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2014, which included $135.0 million outstanding under the term loan and $230.0 million outstanding under the revolver.

The term loan will be repaid in 16 consecutive quarterly installments which commenced on June 30, 2013, plus a final payment due on March 7, 2018, and may be prepaid at any time without penalty or premium at the Company’s option. The revolving credit facility may be used for loans, and up to $40.0 million may be used for letters of credit. The revolving loans may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed until March 7, 2018, at which time all amounts borrowed must be repaid. See Note 7 — Debt herein in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the 2013 Credit Agreement.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Through September 30, 2014, 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 revenues, operating income, and cash flows fluctuate as a result of many factors, including: the timing of our Symposium/ITxpo series that normally occurs during the fourth quarter, as well as our other events; the amount of new business generated; the mix of domestic and international business; domestic and international economic conditions; changes in market demand for our products and services; changes in foreign currency rates; the timing of the development, introduction and marketing of new products and services; competition in the industry; the payment of performance compensation; and other factors. The potential fluctuations in our operating income could cause period-to-period comparisons of operating results not to be meaningful and could provide an unreliable indication of future operating results.

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE PERFORMANCE

We operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment that involves numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. A description of the risk factors associated with our business is included under “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K which is incorporated herein by reference.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

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

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU No. 2014-09"). ASU No. 2014 -09 is intended to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue by removing inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements; providing a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; improving comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions and capital markets; and providing more useful information to users of financial statements through improved revenue disclosure requirements. The provisions of the new rule are effective for Gartner on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of ASU No. 2014-09.

Discontinued Operations

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity ("ASU 2014-08"), which changes the criteria for determining which disposal transactions can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. Under the new guidance, a discontinued operation is defined as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. The Company must adopt the new rule on a prospective basis on January 1, 2015. However, early adoption is permitted. We are currently reviewing the requirements of ASU 2014-08, which will only impact the Company's financial statements upon the occurrence of a future disposal transaction within its scope.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

INTEREST RATE RISK

We have exposure to changes in interest rates arising from borrowings under our 2013 Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2014, we had $135.0 million outstanding under the term loan and $230.0 million outstanding under the revolver. Borrowings under this facility are floating rate, which may be either prime-based or Eurodollar-based. The rate paid for these borrowings includes a base floating rate plus a margin between 0.25% and 0.75% on prime borrowings and between 1.25% and 1.75% on Eurodollar-based borrowings.

We have an interest rate swap contract which effectively converts the floating base rate on the first $200.0 million of our borrowings to a 2.26% fixed rate. The Company only hedges the base interest rate risk on the first $200.0 million of its outstanding borrowings. Accordingly, we are exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings in excess of $200.0 million. A 25 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would change pre-tax annual interest expense on the additional revolver borrowing capacity under the 2013 Credit Agreement (not including the expansion feature) by approximately $1.0 million.

FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK

We have customers in numerous countries, and 45% of our revenues for the last full fiscal year, December 31, 2013, were derived from sales outside of the U.S. As a result, we conduct business in numerous currencies other than the U.S dollar. Among the major foreign currencies in which we conduct business are the Euro, the British Pound, the Japanese Yen, the Australian dollar, and the Canadian dollar. Our foreign currency exposure results in both translation risk and transaction risk:

Translation Risk

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

A measure of the potential impact of foreign currency translation on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets can be determined through a sensitivity analysis of our cash and cash equivalents. At September 30, 2014, we had $341.2 million of cash and cash equivalents, 95% of which was denominated in foreign currencies. If the foreign exchange rates of the major currencies in which we operate changed in comparison to the U.S. dollar by 10%, the amount of cash and cash equivalents we would have reported on September 30, 2014, could have increased or decreased by approximately $26.0 million.

Because our foreign subsidiaries generally operate in a local functional currency that differs from the U.S. dollar, revenues and expenses in these foreign currencies translate into higher or lower revenues and expenses in U.S. dollars as the U.S. dollar continuously weakens or strengthens against these other currencies. Therefore, changes in exchange rates may affect our consolidated revenues and expenses (as expressed in U.S. dollars) from foreign operations. Historically, this impact on our consolidated earnings has not been material since foreign currency movements in the major currencies in which we operate tend to impact our revenues and expenses fairly equally.

Transaction Risk

We have foreign exchange transaction risk since we typically enter into transactions in the normal course of business that are denominated in foreign currencies that differ from the local functional currency in which the foreign subsidiary operates. We typically enter into foreign currency forward exchange contracts to offset the effects of foreign currency transaction risk. These contracts are normally short term in duration and unrealized and realized gains and losses are recognized in current period earnings. At September 30, 2014, we had 19 outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with a total notional amount of $6.6 million and an immaterial net unrealized loss. All of these outstanding contracts matured by the end of October 2014.

CREDIT RISK

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist primarily of short-term, highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and interest rate swap contracts. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, its interest rate swap contract, and its foreign exchange contracts are with large investment

grade commercial banks that are participants in the Company’s 2013 Credit Agreement. Accounts receivable balances deemed to be collectible from customers have limited concentration of credit risk due to our diverse customer base and geographic dispersion.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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

Management conducted an evaluation, as of September 30, 2014, 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 Exchange 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.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

A description of the risk factors associated with our business is included under “Risk Factors” contained in Item 1A. of the 2013 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides detail related to repurchases of our Common Stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2014:



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under our Share Repurchase Program (in thousands)
2014
January	925	$	69.28
February	929,766	67.81
March	1,769,023	71.67
Total	2,699,714	$	70.34



April	545,916	$	67.93
May	508,187	70.49
June	472,981	70.54
Total	1,527,084	$	69.59



July	174,399	$	69.64
August	606,819	72.98
September	342,899	74.55
Total	1,124,117	$	72.94	$	453,803

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.

101		Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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

SIGNATURE

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



		Gartner, Inc.

Date:	November 6, 2014	/s/ Craig W. Safian
		Craig W. Safian
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)