COGNIZANT CORP
10-Q, 1997-07-22
COMPUTER PROCESSING & DATA PREPARATION
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                                        SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                              Washington, D. C. 20549


                                                     FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

(X)        QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
           EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997

                                                        OR

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

For the transition period from             to
                               ----------        ---------

                 Commission file number 001-12275 


                       COGNIZANT CORPORATION
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Delaware                                  06-1450569
- - -------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
    (State of Incorporation)               (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

     200 Nyala Farms, Westport, CT                       06880
- - -------------------------------------     -------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code           (203) 222-4200   

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of 
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

    Title of Class                                     Shares Outstanding
     Common Stock,                                      at June 30, 1997
 par value $.01 per share                                 164,189,009


<PAGE>


                            COGNIZANT CORPORATION
                              INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                        PAGE(S)

Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
      Three Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                         3
      Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                           4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited)
      June 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996                               5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
      Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996                           6


Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)      7-10

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
            Condition and Results of Operations                      11-14



PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders            15

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                15

SIGNATURES                                                              16













                          -2-
<PAGE>


<TABLE>
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


COGNIZANT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Three Months Ended
                                                                                             June 30,
                                                                            -------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                               <C>                       <C> 
                                                                                  1997                      1996
                                                                            ------------------         ----------------
 

Operating Revenue                                                            $      464,609            $     415,703
                                                                                                        
Operating Costs                                                                     195,377                  174,138

Selling and Administrative Expenses                                                 139,431                  127,166

Depreciation and  Amortization                                                       34,642                   32,487
                                                                            ------------------         ----------------

Operating Income                                                                     95,159                   81,912

Interest Income                                                                       3,832                    1,615
Interest Expense                                                                       (131)                    (143)
Other Expense - Net                                                                 (10,542)                  (6,821)
                                                                            ------------------         ----------------
Non-Operating Expense - Net                                                          (6,841)                  (5,349)

Income Before Provision for Taxes                                                    88,318                   76,563

Provision for Income Taxes                                                          (28,263)                 (33,688)
                                                                            ------------------         ----------------

Net Income                                                                  $        60,055             $     42,875
                                                                            ==================         ================



Earnings Per Share of Common Stock                                                     $.36                     $.25
                                                                            ==================         ================


 
Average Number of Shares Outstanding                                            165,526,000              170,057,000
                                                                            ==================         ================













<FN>
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
</FN>
                                                       -3-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>

COGNIZANT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
<CAPTION>


                                                                                         Six Months Ended
                                                                                             June 30,
                                                                            -------------------------------------------

<S>                                                                              <C>                        <C> 
                                                                                 1997                       1996
                                                                            ----------------           ----------------
              

Operating Revenue                                                             $   899,310               $    785,722
                                                                                 
                                                                                                        
Operating Costs                                                                   388,493                    334,682

Selling and Administrative Expenses                                               266,277                    244,334

Depreciation and  Amortization                                                     72,134                     65,816
                                                                            ----------------           ----------------

Operating Income                                                                  172,406                    140,890

Interest Income                                                                     9,202                      3,702
Interest Expense                                                                     (581)                      (411)
Gains from Dispositions                                                             5,436                          0
Other Expense - Net                                                               (20,343)                    (8,194)
                                                                            ----------------           ----------------
Non-Operating Expense - Net                                                        (6,286)                    (4,903)

Income Before Provision for Taxes                                                 166,120                    135,987

Provision for Income Taxes                                                        (53,160)                   (59,835)
                                                                            ----------------           ----------------

Net Income                                                                  $     112,960                $    76,152
                                                                            ================           ================



Earnings Per Share of Common Stock                                                   $.67                       $.45
                                                                            ================           ================


 
Average Number of Shares Outstanding                                           167,610,000               169,808,000
                                                                            ================           ================














<FN>
             See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
</FN>
                                                       -4-
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>

COGNIZANT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
<CAPTION>
 
<S>                                                                              <C>                          <C>
                                                                            June 30,                 December 31,
                                                                               1997                       1996
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------

Assets
Current Assets
                                                        
   Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                  $    429,204             $      428,520
   Accounts Receivable-Net                                                         469,910                    453,791
   Other Current Assets                                                            109,810                    112,151
                                                                        -------------------       -------------------- 
       Total Current Assets                                                      1,008,924                    994,462
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------
Marketable Securities and Other Investments                                        133,347                    117,706
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net                                                  263,174                    268,888
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------
Other Assets-Net
   Computer Software                                                               139,002                    139,040
   Goodwill                                                                        237,282                    251,483
   Other Assets                                                                    105,608                    103,403
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------
       Total Other Assets-Net                                                      481,892                    493,926
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------

Total Assets                                                            $        1,887,337        $         1,874,982
                                                                        ===================       ====================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current Liabilities
   Accounts and Notes Payable                                                    $  53,075            $        46,923
   Accrued and Other Current Liabilities                                           242,843                    266,932
   Accrued Income Taxes                                                             61,193                     63,416
   Deferred Revenues                                                               353,685                    292,970
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------
       Total Current Liabilities                                                   710,796                    670,241

Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits                                          60,279                     60,269
Deferred Income Taxes                                                               85,746                    105,074
Minority Interests                                                                 225,434                     90,635
Other Liabilities                                                                   74,356                     76,150
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------

Total Liabilities                                                                1,156,611                  1,002,369
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------

Shareholders' Equity                                                               730,726                    872,613
                                                                        -------------------       --------------------

Total Liabilities and Shareholders'Equity                              $        1,887,337              $    1,874,982
                                                                        ===================       ====================





<FN>
             See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
</FN>
                                                       -5-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


<TABLE>

COGNIZANT CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Six Months Ended
                                                                                                June 30,
                                                                                     --------------------------------

                                                                                        1997              1996
                                                                                     --------------    --------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>              <C>   

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income                                                                            $   112,960       $    76,152
Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash
  Provided by Operating Activities:
    Depreciation and Amortization                                                          72,134            65,816
    Gain from Sale of Investment                                                           (5,436)                0
    Restructuring Payments                                                                      0            (2,036)
    Postemployment Benefits Expense                                                             0             3,334
    Postemployment Benefits Payments                                                       (4,059)           (8,751)
    Payments Related to 1995 Non-recurring Charge                                          (2,886)           (8,073)
    Net (Increase) Decrease in Accounts Receivable                                        (32,533)            7,083
    Net Increase in Deferred Revenues                                                      63,214            24,437
    Minority Interest Expense                                                              18,960            12,006
    Deferred Income Taxes                                                                   8,861            26,255
    Net (Decrease) Increase in Accrued Income Taxes                                       (21,620)            2,822
    Net Increase in Other Working Capital Items                                           (28,694)          (41,612)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                                                 180,901           157,433
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from Maturities of Marketable Securities                                          18,285            14,129
Payments for Marketable Securities                                                        (15,488)          (44,685)
Payments for Acquisitions of Businesses                                                    (8,128)                0
Proceeds from Sale of  Investments                                                         17,999                 0
Capital Expenditures                                                                      (47,668)          (27,846)
Additions to Computer Software                                                            (27,921)          (16,877)
Additions to Deferred Charges                                                             (14,543)          (13,817)
(Increase) Decrease in Investments                                                        (14,831)            3,455
Other                                                                                      19,309              (738)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities                                                     (72,986)          (86,379)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payments for Purchase of Treasury Shares                                                 (204,564)                0
Proceeds from Exercise of  Stock Options                                                    4,345                 0
Payments of Dividends                                                                     (10,092)                0
Other Stock Transactions with Employees                                                     8,706             6,390
Net Transfers to The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation                                               0           (44,359)
Third-Parties Investment in Partnerships                                                  100,000                 0
Other                                                                                        (538)           (4,350)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities                                                    (102,143)          (42,319)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents                               (5,088)           (1,788)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                         684            26,947
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year                                              428,520           157,105
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                                                $ 429,204        $  184,052
=====================================================================================================================








<FN>
See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
</FN>
                                                      -6-
</TABLE>
<PAGE>


COGNIZANT CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Dollar amounts in thousands - (Unaudited)

Note 1- Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

     These  interim  consolidated  financial  statements  have been  prepared in
accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction
with the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  related  notes of  Cognizant
Corporation  (the "Company")  in the 1996  Annual  Report on Form 10-K.  In the
opinion  of  management,   all  adjustments  considered  necessary  for  a  fair
presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the
periods  presented  have been  included.  Certain  prior-year  amounts have been
reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation.

Note 2 - Investment Partnership

     Three of the Company's  subsidiaries  participate in a limited partnership,
one of which  serves as general  partner.  In the second  quarter,  third  party
investors  contributed $100 million to the partnership,  in exchange for limited
partnership interests.  The partnership,  which is a separate and distinct legal
entity, is in the business of licensing  database assets and computer  software.
For financial reporting purposes, the assets, liabilities, results of operations
and cash flows of the  partnership  are included in the  Company's  consolidated
financial statements.

Note 3 - Investments

     As of June 30, 1997, the Company had the ability to exercise voting control
of  Gartner  Group  Inc.  ("Gartner"),  with a voting  interest  exceeding  50%.
Accordingly,  the Company has  continued to  consolidate  Gartner.  In the third
quarter, the Company expects its voting interest will fall below 50%, based upon
the exercise of Gartner  employee stock options.  When this occurs,  the Company
will deconsolidate  Gartner and account for its ownership interest on the equity
basis.  Additionally,  prior quarters of 1997 will be restated to  deconsolidate
and present  Gartner on an equity  basis.  Although  net income and earnings per
share will  remain  the same,  revenue  and  operating  income  for these  prior
quarters will be restated.

     In July 1997,  the Company  realized gains arising from the sale of certain
Cognizant Enterprise  Investments and will continue to consider opportunities to
monetize such investments.

     In a separate third quarter assessment,  management is evaluating strategic
options for Pilot Software,  which might include  divestiture,  restructuring or
reorganization.

     Any  actions  taken  regarding  these  investments  are  not  expected,  in
aggregate,  to have a significant  impact on the Company's results of operations
or financial position.

Note 4 - Litigation

     The Company and its  subsidiaries  are  involved in legal  proceedings  and
litigation  arising  in the  ordinary  course of  business.  In the  opinion  of
management, the outcome of such current legal

                                                          -7-

<PAGE>

Note 4 - Litigation (continued)

proceedings,  claims and  litigation,  if decided  adversely,  could have a
material  effect on  quarterly  or annual  operating  results or cash flows when
resolved  in a future  period.  However,  in the  opinion of  management,  these
matters  will  not  materially  affect  the  Company's   consolidated  financial
position.

     In addition, on July 29, 1996, Information Resources,  Inc. ("IRI") filed a
complaint in the United States  District Court for the Southern  District of New
York,   naming  as  defendants  The  Dun  &  Bradstreet   Corporation   ("Dun  &
Bradstreet"),  A.C. Nielsen Company ("A.C.  Nielsen") and I.M.S.  International,
Inc. ("IMS"), a company that is owned by the Company (the "IRI Action").

     The complaint  alleges  various  violations of the United States  antitrust
laws,  including alleged  violations of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. The
complaint  also  alleges a claim of tortious  interference  with  contract and a
claim of tortious interference with a prospective business  relationship.  These
claims relate to the  acquisition by defendants of Survey Research Group Limited
("SRG").  IRI alleges  that SRG violated an alleged  agreement  with IRI when it
agreed to be acquired by the defendants  and that the defendants  induced SRG to
breach that agreement.  IRI's  complaint  alleges damages in excess of $350,000,
which  amount IRI has asked to be trebled  under the  antitrust  laws.  IRI also
seeks punitive damages in an unspecified amount.

     On October 15, 1996, defendants moved for an order dismissing all claims in
the complaint.  On May 6, 1997 the United States District Court for the Southern
District  of New York  issued a decision  dismissing  IRI's  claim of  attempted
monopolization  in the United  States,  with leave to replead within sixty days.
The Court denied  defendants' motion with respect to the remaining claims in the
complaint.  On June 3, 1997,  defendants  filed an answer  denying the  material
allegations in IRI's complaint,  and A.C. Nielsen filed a counterclaim  alleging
that IRI has made  false  and  misleading  statements  about  its  services  and
commercial  activities.  On  July  7,  1997,  IRI  filed  an  amended  complaint
repleading  its claim of  attempted  monopolization  in the  United  States  and
realleging its other claims.

     In connection with the IRI Action, Dun & Bradstreet,  ACNielsen Corporation
("ACNielsen")  (the parent company of A.C. Nielsen) and the Company have entered
into an Indemnity and Joint Defense  Agreement (the "Indemnity and Joint Defense
Agreement")  pursuant  to which they have  agreed  (i) to  certain  arrangements
allocating potential liabilities ("IRI Liabilities") that may arise out of or in
connection  with the IRI  Action  and (ii) to  conduct a joint  defense  of such
action. In particular,  the Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement  provides that
ACNielsen will assume  exclusive  liability for IRI  Liabilities up to a maximum
amount to be calculated at the time such  liabilities,  if any,  become  payable
(the "ACN Maximum Amount"), and that the Company and Dun & Bradstreet will share
liability equally for any amounts in excess of the ACN Maximum Amount.

     The ACN Maximum Amount will be determined by an investment  banking firm as
the maximum amount which ACNielsen is able to pay after giving effect to (i) any
plan  submitted  by such  investment  bank which is  designed  to  maximize  the
claims-paying  ability of ACNielsen  without  impairing the  investment  banking
firm's ability to deliver a viability opinion (but which will not

                                                          -8-

<PAGE>

Note 4 - Litigation (continued)

require any action  requiring  stockholder  approval),  and (ii) payment of
related fees and expenses.  For these  purposes,  financial  viability means the
ability of ACNielsen,  after giving effect to such plan,  the payment of related
fees and expenses and the payment of the ACN Maximum Amount, to pay its debts as
they become due and to finance the current and anticipated operating and capital
requirements of its business,  as reconstituted by such plan, for two years from
the date any such plan is expected to be implemented.

     Management  of the  Company  is  unable to  predict  at this time the final
outcome of this matter or whether the resolution of the matter could  materially
affect the Company's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

Note 5 - Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

     IMS uses foreign exchange  forward  contracts which provide for the sale of
foreign currencies to hedge a portion of committed revenues. While these hedging
instruments are subject to fluctuations in value,  such  fluctuations are offset
by changes in the value of the underlying  exposures being hedged. The principal
currencies  hedged are the Japanese  Yen,  German Mark,  Swiss Franc and Italian
Lira. At May 31, 1997,  the notional  amount  hedged was $56,000.  These forward
contracts  are valued at market  quotes and have  expiration  dates through July
1997.  Gains and losses on  forward  contracts  of  committed  foreign  currency
revenues are included in deferred  revenues and deferred until such revenues are
recognized.

     In addition,  foreign  exchange  forward  contracts are entered into in the
normal course of business to hedge against foreign exchange movements on certain
assets and liabilities of subsidiaries  that are denominated in currencies other
than  the  subsidiary's   functional   currency.   At  May  31,  1997,  IMS  had
approximately  $84,000 in foreign  exchange forward  contracts  outstanding with
various expiration dates through June 1997.

     The  Company  does  not use any  derivatives  for  trading  or  speculative
purposes.  If a  derivative  ceases  to  qualify  for  hedge  accounting,  it is
accounted for on a mark-to-market basis.

Note 6 - Adoption of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards

     In February 1997, the Financial  Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standard  ("SFAS")  No. 128,  "Earnings  per
Share" which simplifies existing  computational  guidelines,  revises disclosure
requirements  and increases the  comparability  of earnings per share data on an
international  basis.  The Company is currently  evaluating  the new  statement;
however,  the  impact of  adoption  of SFAS No. 128 on the  Company's  financial
statements is not expected to be  significant.  This  statement is effective for
financial  statements  for periods  ending after  December 15, 1997 and requires
restatement of all prior period earnings per share data presented.

     In June  1997,  the FASB  issued  SFAS No.  130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income",  which  requires  that  changes in  comprehensive  income be shown in a
financial  statement  that is  displayed  with  the  same  prominence  as  other
financial  statements.  This  statement  is effective  for periods  ending after
December 15, 1997.  Management  has not yet evaluated the effects of this change
on the Company's financial statements.


                                                        -9-


<PAGE>

Note 6 - Adoption of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards - (continued)

     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131,  "Disclosures About Segments of
an Enterprise and Related  Information",  which changes the way public companies
report  information  about  segments.  SFAS  No.  131,  which  is  based  on the
management  approach  to  segment  reporting,  includes  requirements  to report
selected  segment  information  quarterly  and  entity-wide   disclosures  about
products and services,  major customers, and the material countries in which the
entity  holds assets and reports  revenues.  This  statement  is  effective  for
financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997.  Management has
not  yet  evaluated  the  effects  of this  change  on the  Company's  financial
statements.





































                                                       -10-

<PAGE>

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

     Revenue for the second  quarter of 1997  increased  11.8% to $464,609  from
$415,703 for the second  quarter of the prior year.  For the quarter ended March
31,  1996,  reported  results for  Gartner,  included in  Cognizant's  financial
statements, varied from Gartner's reported results, due to timing differences in
their quarterly  closing schedules ("the Gartner timing  difference").  Reported
results were based on preliminary  Gartner financial results,  which were $6,900
lower in revenue  than  Gartner's  final  reported  results.  The  variance  was
adjusted in 1996 second quarter  results.  This created a higher growth rate for
Gartner in the  Company's  1997 first  quarter  results,  relative to  Gartner's
reported  results,  and a lower growth  comparison in the Company's  1997 second
quarter results.  Adjusting for the Gartner timing  difference,  revenue for the
second quarter 1997 increased 13.7%.

     Consolidated  first-half  revenue increased 14.5% to $899,310 from $785,722
for the  comparable  period a year ago. The increase  reflected  continued  high
growth at Gartner,  through  strengthening  of its product  line and new product
offerings,  moderate revenue growth at IMS, and  double-digit  revenue growth at
Nielsen  Media  Research  Inc.  ("Nielsen  Media  Research").  The  increase was
partially  offset by declining  revenues at Pilot Software Inc.  ("Pilot").  The
impact of a stronger U.S. dollar  decreased  revenue by  approximately 2% in the
second  quarter and in the first half,  including the impact of gains related to
the Company's hedging strategy.

     Operating  income for the second  quarter  increased  16.2% to $95,159 from
$81,912  for the  second  quarter  of the prior  year.  Excluding  the impact of
discontinued  operations  in  1996,  operating  income  for the  second  quarter
increased  18.1%.  Adjusting for the Gartner timing  difference and discontinued
operations,  operating  income  for the second  quarter  1997  increased  20.8%.
Consolidated  first half  operating  income  increased  22.4% to  $172,406  from
$140,890  for  the  comparable  period  a year  ago.  Excluding  the  impact  of
discontinued  operations in 1996,  consolidated  first half operating income for
1997 increased 23.6%.  Operating income growth outpaced revenue growth primarily
due to  Gartner's  ability to take  advantage  of  economies  of scale and IMS's
ability  to  leverage  its  resources.  The  impact of a  stronger  U.S.  dollar
decreased   operating  income  less  than  1%  in  the  second  quarter  and  by
approximately 2% in the first half, including the impact of gains related to the
Company's hedging strategy.

     Non-operating  expense-net  for the second quarter was $6,841 compared with
non-operating expense-net of $5,349 for the prior year. First half non-operating
expense-net was $6,286, compared with non-operating expense-net of $4,903 a year
ago.

     The Company's effective tax rate was 32.0% for the second quarter and first
half of 1997,  compared  with an effective  tax rate of 44.0% in the  comparable
periods of the prior  year.  The  Company  has  initiated  global  tax  planning
strategies that have lowered its effective tax rate.

     The Company's net income for the second quarter  increased 40.1% to $60,055
from $42,875 in the comparable period of the prior year. Consolidated first half
net income increased 48.3% to $112,960, from $76,152 for the comparable period a
year ago. First half net income in 1997 includes an after-tax gain of $3,696
from the sale of WEFA Group, Inc. ("WEFA"), a Cognizant Enterprises venture
capital fund investment. Excluding the impact of the higher tax rate and 


                                                       -11-

<PAGE>

     Item 2.  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations (continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share
data)

discontinued  operations in 1996,  net income for the quarter and the first
half increased 17.4% and 23.5%,  respectively.  Excluding the WEFA gain in first
quarter of 1997 first half net income growth is 19.4%.

     Earnings per share for the second quarter increased 44.0% to $.36 from $.25
in the prior  year.  First  half  earnings  per share  was $.67,  compared  with
earnings  per share of $.45 a year ago.  Excluding  the impact of the higher tax
rate and  discontinued  operations in 1996 earning per share for the quarter and
the first half increased 20.0% and 24.1%, respectively.  Excluding the impact of
the 1997 first quarter WEFA gain of $.02 per share, earnings per share increased
20.4% for the first half.
 
     On February 18, 1997 the Company  announced that its Board of Directors had
authorized a systematic stock repurchase program to buy up to 8.5 million shares
of the Company's  outstanding common stock over a two-year period.  Through June
30,  1997,  6.2 million  shares have been  acquired at a total cost of $204,564.
Stock  repurchases  are held in Treasury and reissued  upon exercise of employee
stock options.

Results by Business Segment

     The Marketing  Information  Services segment consists of IMS, Nielsen Media
Research,  as  well  as  Pilot,  Erisco  Inc.,  Cognizant  Technology  Solutions
Corporation and Cognizant  Enterprises.  Marketing  Information Services revenue
for the second  quarter 1997  increased  8.6% to $338,260  from  $311,393 in the
comparable period of the prior year, up 11.0% excluding the impact of a stronger
U.S. dollar and the impact of gains related to the Company's  hedging  strategy.
IMS had second quarter revenue in 1997 of $229,364, up 8.0% from $212,337 in the
second  quarter 1996.  Excluding  the impact of a stronger  U.S.  dollar and the
impact of gains related to the Company's hedging strategy, IMS revenue increased
11.4%.  IMS  revenue  growth  benefited  from  strong  performance  of its sales
management products, geographic expansion and excellent growth of its electronic
territory  management  product.  Nielsen Media  Research  revenue for the second
quarter 1997 increased 11.5% to $87,184 from $78,194 in the comparable period of
the prior year.  The growth at Nielsen Media Research was driven by the addition
of a new metered  market and the  continued  impact of new  broadcast  and cable
network  subscribers.  Growth  in the  second  quarter  1997  was  held  down by
declining revenues at Pilot Software.

     Marketing  Information  Services  first  half  revenue  increased  9.6%  to
$653,836 from $596,665 for the comparable  period a year ago, up 11.4% excluding
the impact of a  stronger  U.S.  dollar  and the impact of gains  related to the
Company's  hedging  strategy.  Revenue  growth in the first  half was  adversely
impacted by declining revenues at Pilot Software.

     Marketing Information Services operating income for the second quarter 1997
increased  7.9% to $73,791  from $68,418 in the  comparable  period of the prior
year, up 8.7%  excluding the impact of a stronger U.S.  dollar and the impact of
gains related to the Company's hedging

                                                       -12-
<PAGE>


     Item 2.  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations (continued) (Dollar amounts in thousands)

Results by Business Segment (continued)

strategy. IMS, the largest business within this segment, had second quarter
operating  income  growth in 1997 of 16.8%.  Excluding  the impact of a stronger
U.S. dollar and the impact of gains related to the Company's  hedging  strategy,
IMS operating income increased  17.8%.  Nielsen Media Research  operating income
for the second quarter 1997 increased  11.1%.  Growth in the second quarter 1997
was partially offset by a higher operating loss at Pilot Software.

     Marketing  Information  Services first half operating income increased 6.8%
to $128,578  from  $120,425  for the  comparable  period a year ago, and up 8.7%
excluding the impact of a stronger  U.S.  dollar and the impact of gains related
to the Company's hedging strategy. Operating Income growth in the first half was
partially offset by a higher operating loss at Pilot Software.

     In July 1997,  the Company  realized gains arising from the sale of certain
Cognizant Enterprise  Investments and will continue to consider opportunities to
monetize such investments.

     In a separate third quarter assessment,  management is evaluating strategic
options for Pilot Software,  which might include  divestiture,  restructuring or
reorganization.

     Any  actions  taken  regarding  these  investments  are  not  expected,  in
aggregate,  to have a significant  impact on the Company's results of operations
or financial position.

     The  Information  Technology  Services  segment  consists of the  Company's
majority-owned subsidiary,  Gartner. Information Technology Services revenue for
the second  quarter  1997  increased  21.1% to  $126,349  from  $104,310  in the
comparable period of the prior year. Second quarter revenue growth, adjusted for
the  Gartner  timing  difference,  was  29.7%.  The growth  reflected  Gartner's
continued  strengthening of its product line and the introduction of new product
offerings. Information Technology Services first half revenue increased 29.8% to
$245,474 from $189,057 for the comparable period a year ago.

     Information  Technology  Services  operating  income for the second quarter
1997  increased  22.1% to $28,458 from $23,299 in the  comparable  period of the
prior year.  Second quarter  operating  income growth,  adjusted for the Gartner
timing  difference,  was  32.4%.  Information  Technology  Services  first  half
operating  income  increased  42.2% to $57,818 from  $40,666 for the  comparable
period a year ago.

     As of June 30, 1997, the Company had the ability to exercise voting control
of Gartner, with a voting interest exceeding 50%.  Accordingly,  the Company has
continued to consolidate  Gartner. In the third quarter, the Company expects its
voting interest will fall below 50%, based upon the exercise of Gartner employee
stock  options.  When this occurs,  the Company will  deconsolidate  Gartner and
account for its  ownership  interest on the equity  basis.  Additionally,  prior
quarters  of 1997 will be restated to  deconsolidate  and present  Gartner on an
equity  basis.  Although net income and earnings per share will remain the same,
revenue and operating income for these prior quarters will be restated.

                             -13-

<PAGE>

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 1997 and 1996
(Dollar amounts in thousands)

     Net cash  provided by  operating  activities  totaled  $180,901 for the six
months ended June 30, 1997 compared with $157,433 for the  comparable  period in
1996.  The  increase  of $23,468  principally  reflects  an increase in business
operating  results  ($43,126),   (including  net  income  and  depreciation  and
amortization),  an increase in deferred revenues ($38,777) at IMS and Gartner, a
lower   increase  in  other  working   capital   items   ($12,918)  and  reduced
restructuring,  postemployment  and 1995  non-recurring  charge payments in 1997
($11,915).  These  sources  were  partially  offset by an  increase  in accounts
receivable  in  1997  compared  to  a  decrease  in  1996  ($39,616),  primarily
reflecting  increased  sales at IMS and  Gartner,  and a change in deferred  and
accrued income taxes ($41,836), primarily payment of taxes.

     Net cash used in investing  activities  totaled  $72,986 for 1997  compared
with $86,379 for the  comparable  period in 1996.  The decrease in cash used for
investing  activities of $13,393 is  principally  due to lower  payments for and
higher  proceeds from  marketable  securities by Gartner  ($33,353) and proceeds
from sale of investments  ($17,999),  partially offset by an increase in capital
expenditures ($19,822) and an increase in investments ($18,286).

     Net cash used in financing  activities  totaled $102,143 for the six months
ended in 1997  compared  with  $42,319 for the  comparable  period in 1996.  The
increase in cash usage of $59,824 is primarily  due to payments for the purchase
of treasury  shares  ($204,564) and dividends paid ($10,092) in 1997,  partially
offset by third party  investments in partnerships  ($100,000) and net transfers
to The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ($44,359 in 1996).

Changes in Financial Position at June 30, 1997 Compared to December 31, 1996
(Dollar amounts in thousands)

Deferred Revenues  increased to $353,685 at June 30, 1997, from $292,970 at
December 31, 1996,  primarily  reflecting an increase in  subscription  sales at
Gartner and IMS.

Minority Interests  increased to $225,434 at June 30, 1997, from $90,635 at
December  31,  1996,   primarily   reflecting  the  third  party  investment  in
partnerships  ($100,000) and an increase in minority interest related to Gartner
($34,464).

Shareholders'  Equity decreased to $730,726 at June 30, 1997, from $872,613
at December  31, 1996,  primarily  reflecting  the  purchase of treasury  shares
($204,564),  payments  of  dividends  ($10,092)  and the  change  in  cumulative
translation adjustment ($42,484), partially offset by net income ($112,960).







                               -14-

<PAGE>

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cognizant Corporation was held on May
27, 1997.

     The  following  nominees for director  named in the Proxy  Statement  dated
April 24, 1997 were elected at the Meeting by the votes indicated.

                                        For                      Withheld
                              --------------------      -----------------------

   John P. Imlay, Jr.               124,874,705                   14,107,688

   Robert Kamerschen                124,882,482                   14,099,911

   H. Eugene Lockhart               124,855,745                   14,126,648

     The votes in favor of the election of the nominees represent at least 89.8%
of the shares present at the meeting.

     Approval of the  appointment  of Coopers & Lybrand  L.L.P.  as  Independent
Accountants was approved by the following vote:

                          For                  Against              Abstain
                  -------------------     ----------------     ----------------

 Number of Shares     138,460,305              163,590              358,498

     The proposal on the  implementation  of Cognizant  Employee  Stock Purchase
Plan was approved by the following vote:
 
                          For                  Against              Abstain
                  -------------------     ----------------     ----------------

 Number of Shares      135,245,034            2,852,995              884,364


Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)     Exhibits:

        27  Financial Data Schedule
            (Filed Electronically)

(b)     Reports on Form 8-K:

     There were no reports on Form 8-K filed  during the quarter  ended June 30,
1997.


                                    -15-

<PAGE>

                                SIGNATURES



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


                          COGNIZANT CORPORATION
                          ---------------------
                             (Registrant)




Date: July 21, 1997      By:  /s/ Victoria R. Fash
                         ------------------------------
                                  (Signature)
                             Victoria R. Fash
                             Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer



Date: July 21, 1997      By:  /s/ James C. Malone
                         ===============================
                                  (Signature)
                             James C. Malone
                             Senior Vice President - Finance & Controller
























                                  -16-


             

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