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 September 30,1999
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
001-14037
THE DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-3998945
- - ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
- - ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
(State of Incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
One Diamond Hill Road, Murray Hill, NJ 07974
- - -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
- - -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (908) 665-5000
--------------
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 September 30, 1999
Par value $0.01 per share 160,883,427
<PAGE>
THE DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
September 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 6-11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 12-22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 22
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 22
SIGNATURES 23
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended Year-to-Date
September 30, September 30,
------------------------- -------------------------------
Amounts in millions, except per share data 1999 1998 1999 1998
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating Revenues $473.7 $459.6 $1,461.9 $1,414.7
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Operating Costs:
Operating Expenses 129.1 130.2 427.0 419.9
Selling and Administrative Expenses 199.6 192.0 598.2 587.2
Depreciation and Amortization 33.5 34.3 105.1 105.2
Reorganization Costs - - - 28.0
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Operating Costs 362.2 356.5 1,130.3 1,140.3
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Operating Income 111.5 103.1 331.6 274.4
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Non-Operating Income (Expense) - Net:
Interest Income 0.5 2.4 1.5 5.1
Interest Expense (1.4) (0.2) (3.4) (11.8)
Minority Interest Expense (5.6) (5.6) (16.8) (16.9)
Other Income - Net 11.6 8.9 9.9 8.4
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Non-Operating Income (Expense) - Net 5.1 5.5 (8.8) (15.2)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Income from Continuing Operations before Provision for
Income Taxes 116.6 108.6 322.8 259.2
Provision for Income Taxes 50.5 39.9 129.9 99.4
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Income from Continuing Operations 66.1 68.7 192.9 159.8
Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income
Taxes of $22.5 for year-to-date 1998 - - - 33.7
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Net Income $ 66.1 $ 68.7 $192.9 $193.5
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
Continuing Operations $ 0.41 $ 0.40 $ 1.19 $ 0.93
Discontinued Operations - - - 0.20
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock $ 0.41 $ 0.40 $ 1.19 $ 1.13
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
Continuing Operations $ 0.41 $ 0.40 $ 1.17 $ 0.92
Discontinued Operations - - - 0.20
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock 0.41 0.40 1.17 1.12
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Dividends Paid Per Share of Common Stock $0.185 $0.185 $0.555 $0.625
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding:
Basic 160.9 169.6 162.7 170.7
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
Diluted 162.7 171.3 164.9 173.2
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------- --------------
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
September 30, December 31,
Dollar amounts in millions, except per share data 1999 1998
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents $ 70.8 $ 90.6
Accounts Receivable---Net of Allowance of $42.9 in 1999 and $39.0 in 1998 426.0 445.2
Other Current Assets 192.8 228.2
---------------- ---------------
Total Current Assets 689.6 764.0
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Non-Current Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment 277.7 298.3
Prepaid Pension Costs 253.1 224.3
Computer Software 154.6 148.6
Goodwill 168.5 191.8
Other Non-Current Assets 169.7 162.2
---------------- ---------------
Total Non-Current Assets 1,023.6 1,025.2
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total Assets $ 1,713.2 $1,789.2
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current Liabilities
Notes Payable $ 102.6 $ 36.9
Accrued Income Taxes 349.7 326.3
Other Accrued and Current Liabilities 437.6 529.9
Unearned Subscription Income 453.0 459.6
---------------- ---------------
Total Current Liabilities 1,342.9 1,352.7
---------------- ---------------
Pension and Postretirement Benefits 372.9 372.7
Other Non-Current Liabilities 129.3 133.1
Contingencies (Note 7)
Minority Interest 301.7 301.7
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred Stock, authorized---10,000,000 shares;
$.01 par value per share--- outstanding---none
Series Common Stock, authorized---10,000,000 shares;
$.01 par value per share--- outstanding---none
Common Stock, authorized---400,000,000 shares;
$.01 par value per share---1999 and 1998, issued---171,451,136 shares 1.7 1.7
Capital Surplus 233.1 251.1
Retained Earnings (108.7) (240.9)
Treasury Stock, at cost, 10,567,709 and 6,396,924 shares
for 1999 and 1998, respectively (329.8) (168.1)
Cumulative Translation Adjustment (185.3) (170.2)
Minimum Pension Liability (44.6) (44.6)
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total Shareholders' Equity (433.6) (371.0)
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 1,713.2 $1,789.2
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September, 30
-------------------------------
Dollar amounts in millions 1999 1998
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income $192.9 $193.5
Less:
Income from Discontinued Operations - 33.7
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Income from Continuing Operations 192.9 159.8
Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization 105.1 105.2
Gains from Sale of Business, Net of Income Taxes (7.5) (5.3)
Postemployment Benefit Payments (11.3) (12.7)
Net Decrease in Accounts Receivable 11.0 67.5
Deferred Income Taxes (10.4) (17.2)
Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Income Taxes 23.7 (8.8)
Increase in Long Term Liabilities - 8.4
Increase in Other Long Term Assets (26.9) (18.0)
Net (Increase) Decrease in Other Working Capital Items (4.0) 2.5
Other 4.1 18.0
--------------- --------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Continuing Operations 276.7 299.4
Discontinued Operations - 21.7
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 276.7 321.1
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Proceeds from Sales of Marketable Securities 16.3 37.5
Payments for Marketable Securities (17.6) (38.3)
Proceeds from Sale of Business - 26.5
Capital Expenditures (28.8) (38.0)
Additions to Computer Software and Other Intangibles (60.0) (58.2)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities of Discontinued Operations - (3.1)
Other 3.4 4.5
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (86.7) (69.1)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payment of Dividends (90.3) (107.2)
Payments for Purchase of Treasury Shares (227.5) (141.1)
Net Proceeds from Stock Plans 41.7 22.0
Increase (Decrease) in Commercial Paper Borrowings 66.6 (421.6)
Decrease in Other Short-term Borrowings (1.0) (28.4)
Proceeds from Debt Assumed by R.H. Donnelley - 500.0
Other 1.3 (0.6)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities (209.2) (176.9)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents (0.6) (0.5)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
(Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (19.8) 74.6
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year 90.6 81.8
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Quarter 70.8 156.4
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
THE DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(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 The Dun & Bradstreet
Corporation's (the "Company") 1998 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated
results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the
full year or any subsequent period. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows at
the dates and for the periods presented have been included. Certain prior-year
amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 1999 presentation.
Note 2 - Reorganization and Discontinued Operations
On June 30, 1998, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ("Old D&B") separated into
two publicly traded companies - The New Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ("New D&B"
or the "Company") and R.H. Donnelley Corporation. The separation (the
"Distribution") of the two companies was accomplished through a tax-free
dividend by Old D&B of the Company, which is a new entity comprised of Moody's
Investors Service ("Moody's") and Dun & Bradstreet, the operating company
("D&B"). The new entity is now known as "The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation" and
the continuing entity (i.e., Old D&B), consisting of R.H. Donnelley Inc., the
operating company, and the DonTech partnership, changed its name to "R.H.
Donnelley Corporation" ("Donnelley"). Due to the relative significance of the
new entity, the transaction has been accounted for as a reverse spin-off, and as
such Moody's and D&B have been classified as continuing operations and Donnelley
and DonTech have been classified as discontinued operations. The Distribution
was effected on June 30, 1998 and resulted in an increase to shareholders'
equity of $183.5 million.
For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between the
Company and Donnelley following the 1998 Distribution, the companies entered
into various agreements, including a Distribution Agreement, Tax Allocation
Agreement, Employee Benefits Agreement, Intellectual Property Agreement, Shared
Transaction Services Agreement, Data Services Agreement and Transition Services
Agreements.
Pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results
of Operations-Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and
Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions," the
net operating results of Donnelley have been reported in the caption "Income
from Discontinued Operations, Net of Income Taxes" in the consolidated
statements of operations. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
operating revenues of Donnelley were $107.8 million.
<PAGE>
Note 3 - Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
September 30, September 30,
---------------------------------- -------------------------------
(share data in thousands) 1999 1998 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted average number of shares-basic 160,918 169,635 162,713 170,742
Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock options,
restricted stock and performance share plans
1,683 1,640 2,009 2,285
Adjustment of shares applicable to stock options exercised
during the period and performance share plans
86 66 170 132
------- ------- ------- -------
Weighted average number of shares-diluted 162,687 171,341 164,892 173,159
======= ======= ======= =======
<FN>
As required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128,
"Earnings per Share," the Company has provided a reconciliation of basic
weighted average shares to diluted weighted average shares within the tables
outlined above. The conversion of diluted shares has no impact on the Company's
operating results. Options to purchase approximately 3.3 and 6.7 million shares
of common stock which were outstanding at September 30, 1999 and 1998,
respectively were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share
because the options' exercise prices were greater than the average market price
of the Company's common stock. The Company's options generally expire 10 years
after the initial grant date.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Note 4 - Comprehensive Income
The Company's total comprehensive income for the three and nine month periods
ended September 30 was as follows (amounts in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Nine Months
Ended Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------- -----------------------------
1999 1998 1999 1998
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net income $66.1 $68.7 $192.9 $193.5
Other comprehensive loss - foreign currency
translation adjustment (2.0) (0.3) (15.1) (7.1)
------ ----- ------ -----
Total comprehensive income $64.1 $68.4 $177.8 $186.4
===== ===== ====== ======
</TABLE>
Note 5 - Notes Payable
In June 1999, the Company renewed its $300 million 364-day revolving credit
facility. Under this facility the Company has the ability to borrow at
prevailing short-term interest rates. The Company has had no borrowings
outstanding under this facility since it was established in June 1998. At
September 30, 1999, the Company had $102.5 million of commercial paper
borrowings outstanding.
Note 6 - Non-recurring Items
During the third quarter of 1999, certain agreements related to the sale in July
1998 of Financial Information Systems, the financial publishing unit of Moody's,
expired or were completed. As a result, estimated liabilities established at
the time of the sale in connection with these agreements, which were
determined to be no longer required, were adjusted. These adjustments resulted
in a gain of $12.2 million included in Other Income - Net.
Note 7- Contingencies
The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings, claims,
litigation and tax matters, arising in the ordinary course of business. In the
opinion of management, the outcome of such current legal proceedings, claims,
litigation and tax matters 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
financial position.
In addition, the Company also has certain other contingencies discussed below.
Information Resources
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 Old D&B, A.C. Nielsen Company (a subsidiary of ACNielsen Corporation,
("ACNielsen")) and IMS International, Inc. (a subsidiary of the company then
known as Cognizant Corporation).
The complaint alleges various violations of United States antitrust laws,
including alleged violations of Section 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act. The
complaint also alleges a claim of tortious interference with a 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 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.
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 Company filed a counterclaim
alleging that IRI had made false and misleading statements about its services
and commercial activities. On July 7, 1997, IRI filed an Amended and Restated
Complaint repleading its alleged claim of monopolization in the United States
and realleging its other claims. By notice of motion dated August 18, 1997,
defendants moved for an order dismissing the amended claim. On December 1, 1997,
the Court denied the motion and, on December 16, 1997, defendants filed a
supplemental answer denying the remaining material allegations of the amended
complaint.
IRI's complaint alleges damages in excess of $350 million, which amount IRI
asked to be trebled under antitrust laws. IRI also seeks punitive damages in an
unspecified amount.
In connection with the IRI action, on October 28, 1996, Cognizant Corporation
("Cognizant"), ACNielsen and Old D&B 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 such time such
liabilities, if any, become payable (the "ACN Maximum Amount"), and that Old D&B
and Cognizant 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
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.
In connection with the Distribution, the Company and Donnelley entered into an
agreement whereby the Company has assumed all potential liabilities of Donnelley
arising from the IRI Action and agreed to indemnify Donnelley in connection with
such potential liabilities.
During 1998, Cognizant separated into two new companies, IMS Health Incorporated
("IMS") and Nielsen Media Research, Inc. ("NMR"). IMS and NMR are each jointly
and severally liable for all Cognizant liabilities under the Indemnity and Joint
Defense Agreement.
Management is unable to predict at this time the final outcome of the IRI Action
or whether the resolution of this matter could materially affect the Company's
results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
Tax Matters
The Company enters into global tax planning initiatives in the normal course of
business. These initiatives are subject to review by tax authorities. As a
result of the review process, uncertainties exist and it is possible that some
of these matters could be resolved unfavorably to the Company.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"), as part of its audit process, is currently
reviewing the Company's utilization of certain capital losses generated during
1989 and 1990. While the Company has not received a formal assessment with
respect to these transactions, the Company expects that the IRS will challenge
the Company's utilization of certain capital losses. At the present time, if
assessed, the Company intends to defend its position vigorously. If an
assessment is made and the IRS prevails in its view, the total cash obligation
to the IRS at September 30, 1999 would approximate $540 million for taxes and
accrued interest. Pursuant to a series of agreements, IMS and NMR are jointly
and severally liable to pay one-half and the Company the other half, of any
payments for taxes and accrued interest arising from this matter and certain
other potential tax liabilities after the Company pays the first $137 million.
In connection with the 1998 Distribution, the Company and Donnelley entered into
an agreement whereby the Company has assumed all potential liabilities of
Donnelley from these tax matters and agreed to indemnify Donnelley in connection
with such potential liabilities.
As of September 30, 1999, the Company has accrued its anticipated share of the
probable liability (approximately $340 million, including $177 million of
tax-deductible interest) arising from the Company's utilization of these capital
losses in 1989 and 1990. Therefore, the final resolution of this matter is not
expected to have a material effect on the results of operations, but could have
a material effect on cash flows and financial position.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
Note 8 - Segment Information
<CAPTION>
Quarter Ended Year-to-Date
September 30, September 30,
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Amounts in millions 1999 1998 1999 1998
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Operating Revenues:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Dun & Bradstreet U.S. $212.1 $219.8 $666.7 $658.3
Dun & Bradstreet Europe 96.9 98.9 301.4 297.9
Dun & Bradstreet Asia Pacific/Canada/Latin America 25.4 22.3 70.1 65.8
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total Dun & Bradstreet Operating Company 334.4 341.0 1,038.2 1,022.0
Moody's Investors Service 139.3 117.1 423.7 373.5
All Other (1) - 1.5 - 19.2
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Consolidated Operating Revenues $473.7 $459.6 $1,461.9 $1,414.7
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Operating Income (Loss):
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Dun & Bradstreet U.S. $ 56.7 $ 63.6 $184.3 $186.2
Dun & Bradstreet Europe (7.2) (2.9) (24.9) (20.9)
Dun & Bradstreet Asia Pacific/Canada/Latin America (0.3) (1.6) (6.1) (7.7)
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total Dun & Bradstreet Operating Company 49.2 59.1 153.3 157.6
Moody's Investors Service 68.1 51.3 204.6 169.4
All Other (1) (5.8) (7.3) (26.3) (52.6)
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Consolidated Operating Income $111.5 $103.1 $331.6 $274.4
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Notes:
(1) The tables below itemize the "All Other" for Operating Revenue and Operating
Income (Loss):
Quarter Ended Year-to-Date
September 30, September 30,
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Operating Revenues 1999 1998 1999 1998
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Divested Operations - Financial Information Services $ - $ 1.4 $ - $ 18.2
Other Revenues - 0.1 - 1.0
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total Revenues $ - $ 1.5 $ - $ 19.2
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Operating Income (Loss)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Divested Operations - Financial Information Services $ - $ 0.3 $ - $ 4.2
Corporate and Other (5.8) (7.6) (26.3) (28.8)
Reorganization Costs - - - (28.0)
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total Operating Loss $ (5.8) $ (7.3) $(26.3) $(52.6)
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Supplemental Geographic and Product Line Information:
Quarter Ended Year-to-Date
September 30, September 30,
--------------------------- ----------------------------
Geographic Revenue 1999 1998 1999 1998
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
United States $314.9 $315.2 $989.2 $977.1
International 158.8 144.4 472.7 437.6
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Consolidated Operating Revenues $473.7 $459.6 $1,461.9 $1,414.7
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Product Line Revenues
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Credit Information Services $218.3 $233.4 $697.7 $720.1
Marketing Information Services 74.0 69.0 217.0 191.3
Purchasing Information Services 6.3 5.4 17.8 14.8
Receivables Management Services 35.8 33.2 105.7 95.8
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
Total Dun & Bradstreet Operating Company $334.4 $341.0 $1,038.2 $1,022.0
------------- ------------ ------------- -------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
Overview
On June 30, 1998, The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ("Old D&B") separated into
two publicly traded companies - The New Dun & Bradstreet Corporation ("New D&B"
or the "Company") and R.H. Donnelley Corporation. The separation (the
"Distribution") of the two companies was accomplished through a tax-free
dividend by Old D&B of the Company, which is a new entity comprised of Moody's
Investors Service ("Moody's") and Dun & Bradstreet, the operating company
("D&B"). The new entity is now known as "The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation" and
the continuing entity (i.e., Old D&B), consisting of R.H. Donnelley Inc., the
operating company, and the DonTech partnership, changed its name to "R.H.
Donnelley Corporation" ("Donnelley"). Due to the relative significance of the
new entity, the transaction has been accounted for as a reverse spin-off, and as
such Moody's and D&B have been classified as continuing operations and Donnelley
and DonTech have been classified as discontinued operations. The Distribution
was effected on June 30, 1998 and resulted in an increase to shareholders'
equity of $183.5 million.
For purposes of governing certain of the ongoing relationships between the
Company and Donnelley following the Distribution, the companies entered into
various agreements, including a Distribution Agreement, Tax Allocation
Agreement, Employee Benefits Agreement, Intellectual Property Agreement, Shared
Transaction Services Agreement, Data Services Agreement and Transition Services
Agreements.
Pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, "Reporting the Results
of Operations-Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and
Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions," the
consolidated financial statements of the Company have been reclassified to
reflect Donnelley as discontinued operations. The net operating results of
Donnelley have been reported in the caption "Income from Discontinued
Operations, Net of Income Taxes" in the consolidated statements of operations.
Results of Operations
Consolidated Results
The Company's third quarter 1999 net income was $66.1 million and earnings per
share were $.41, basic and diluted. This compared to third quarter 1998 net
income of $68.7 million and earnings per share of $.40, basic and diluted. Both
the third quarters 1999 and 1998 results include non-recurring income resulting
from the July 1998 sale of Financial Information Services ("FIS"), the financial
publishing unit of Moody's. During the third quarter of 1999 certain agreements
entered into in connection with the sale of FIS expired or were completed.
Estimated liabilities established at the time of the sale in connection with
these agreements which were no longer required were adjusted. These adjustments
resulted in a $12.2 million pre-tax gain ($7.5 million after-tax, $.05 earnings
per share basic and diluted.) In July 1998, the Company recognized a $9.6
million pre-tax gain ($5.3 million after-tax, $.03 per share basic and diluted)
on the sale of FIS.
On a year-to-date basis, through September 30, 1999, the Company reported net
income of $192.9 million, or $1.19 per share basic and $1.17 per share diluted.
This compares with 1998 year-to-date income from continuing operations of $159.8
million and earnings per share from continuing operations of $.93 basic and $.92
diluted. Earnings per share growth in 1999 was benefited by the completion in
the second quarter of 1999 of the Company's $300 million stock repurchase
program (see more discussion following.) As noted above, the 1999 results
included a $12.2 million pre-tax gain related to the July 1998 sale of FIS,
while 1998 results included a $9.6 million pre-tax gain on the sale of FIS. 1998
year-to-date results also included reorganization costs of $28.0 million pre-tax
($23.2 million after-tax) associated with the separation from Donnelley. 1998
year-to-date results include income from discontinued operations of $33.7
million. For the nine months ended September 30, 1998 earnings per share of
$1.13 basic and $1.12 diluted include earning per share from discontinued
operations of $.20 basic and diluted.
Operating revenues for the third quarter were up 3% to $473.7 million in 1999
from $459.6 million in the third quarter of 1998. Excluding the third quarter
1998 results of FIS and the impact of foreign currency translation, revenue
would have increased 4%. Revenue growth for the third quarter reflects continued
strong growth at Moody's offset by a small decline at the D&B operating company.
The decline at the D&B operating company resulted from lower usage of
traditional credit services products and slower than expected growth in
value-added products and revenue from partnerships with providers of enterprise
software solutions. On a year-to-date basis, operating revenues of $1,461.9
million in 1999 were up 3% from $1,414.7 million in the same period in the prior
year. Excluding the results of FIS in the first three quarters of 1998 and the
impact of foreign currency translation, operating revenues increased 5% in 1999
compared to 1998, again fueled by strong growth at Moody's.
Operating expenses decreased 1% to $129.1 million in the third quarter of 1999
compared to the same period in 1998. Operating expenses at the D&B operating
company were down resulting from expense control initiatives worldwide,
while Moody's operating expenses were up to support their growth in revenues.
Selling and administrative expenses increased by 4% to $199.6 million in the
third quarter of 1999 compared to the same period in 1998, resulting from
the D&B operating company's commitment to value-added products and partnerships
with providers of enterprise software solutions. For the nine months ended
September 30, 1999, operating expenses increased 2% to $427.0 million and
selling and administrative expenses increased 2% to $598.2 million from the
same period in 1998. Also included in operating costs in 1998 were $28.0
million in the nine months ended September 30, 1998 of reorganization costs
associated with the separation from Donnelley.
Operating income for the third quarter of 1999 was $111.5 million, up 8%
compared to $103.1 million during the third quarter of 1998. This growth
reflects the strong revenue results for Moody's and the impact of expense
control initiatives worldwide, offset by lower revenue and increased selling
and administrative expense at the D&B operating company. On a year to date
basis, operating income grew 21% to $331.6 million in 1999. Excluding the
reorganization costs and results of FIS, operating income grew 11% in the nine
months ended September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.
Non-operating income - net was $5.1 million for the third quarter of 1999
compared to $5.5 million in the third quarter of 1998. Included in non-operating
income (expense) - net is interest income and expense, minority interest expense
(which remained at constant levels for both the quarter and year-to-date) and
other income - net. For the quarter ended September 30, 1999, interest income
was lower and interest expense was higher than the comparable period of the year
earlier due to lower cash levels resulting from the Company's stock repurchase
program (see further discussion in the Liquidity and Financial Position
section.) As noted above, gains of $12.2 million and $9.6 million were included
in Other Income - Net in the third quarters of 1999 and 1998, respectively in
connection with the sale of FIS. These gains were offset by other miscellaneous
non-operating income and expense items, which remained stable for the quarter.
On a year-to-date basis, non-operating expense-net was $8.8 million in the nine
months ended September 30, 1999, compared to $15.2 million from the same period
in 1998. Interest income of $1.5 million in 1999 was lower than 1998 due to
lower cash levels, while interest expense was significantly lower as a result of
the lower debt levels in 1999 compared to 1998. As noted above other income -
net included the gains in connection with the sale of FIS of $12.2 million and
$9.6 million in 1999 and 1998, respectively, offset by higher foreign exchange
expense in the year-to-date 1999 period compared to the same period in 1998.
The Company increased its yearly effective tax rate in the third quarter of 1999
to 40.3% from 38.5%, yielding an effective tax rate of 43.3% in the third
quarter of 1999 compared to 36.8% in the third quarter of 1998. This increase
resulted from a number of factors including the change in composition of
non-deductible international losses and refinements of certain estimates. On a
year to date basis the effective tax rate was 40.2% for the first three quarters
of 1999 compared to 38.4% for the first three quarters of 1998, which in 1998
was higher than the underlying rate as a result of the non-deductibility of
certain reorganization costs.
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, was $33.7 million for
the nine months ended September 30,1998.
Segment Results
D&B U.S. revenues were $212.1 million in the third quarter of 1999, down 4% from
1998 third quarter revenues. In comparing the third quarter of 1999 revenues
with the third quarter of 1998 revenues, Credit Information Services ("Credit")
decreased 10% to $134.1 million, Marketing Information Services ("Marketing")
increased 7% to $51.9 million, Purchasing Information Services ("Purchasing")
increased 11% to $6.1 million and Receivables Management Services ("RMS")
increased 15% to $20.0 million. The decline in credit revenues resulted from a
number of factors including sales organization, compensation and training
issues. Additionally the shift by former annual contract customers to the
monthly discount plan has negatively impacted revenues, as selling incremental
projects to those customers is more challenging. The growth rates in Marketing,
Purchasing and RMS are largely driven by revenues from value-added products or
from partnerships with providers of enterprise software solutions. Management
has implemented several actions designed to improve revenue growth and
address the issues impacting the business. Senior sales management has been
changed and the sales organization has been realigned to clarify product and
channel responsibilities and provide better sales and marketing support, and
the sales compensation plans have been revised. In addition, efforts to
strengthen software and implementation partner relationships are being
intensified.
For the nine months ending September 30 1999, D&B U.S. revenues of $666.7
million were up 1% from the same period in the prior year. Revenues on a
year-to-date basis decreased 5% for Credit to $434.0 million and increased 15%
to $158.1 million for Marketing, 13% to $16.9 million for Purchasing and 18% to
$57.7 million for RMS in comparison with the same period of the prior year.
Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 were negatively impacted
by the factors noted above.
D&B U.S. operating income was $56.7 million in the third quarter of 1999, down
11% from the prior year, due to the lower revenues and higher selling and
administrative expenses resulting from the investment in value-added products
and partnerships with providers of enterprise software. On a year-to-date basis,
operating income in 1999 was $184.3 million, down 1% from operating income
of $186.2 million in the same period in 1998, largely driven by the third
quarter results.
D&B Europe's revenues were $96.9 million in the third quarter of 1999, down 2%
when compared to 1998 third quarter revenues of $98.9 million. Excluding the
impact of foreign exchange, D&B Europe's revenues were up 2%. D&B Europe's
revenue growth was positively impacted by two acquisitions made during the third
quarter of 1998. In comparing the third quarter of 1999 with the third quarter
of 1998, European Credit revenues decreased 5% to $67.1 million, while Marketing
revenues increased 9% to $18.5 million and RMS revenues decreased 4% to $11.1
million. D&B Europe also reported revenues from the newly introduced Purchasing
products of $.2 million during the third quarter of 1999. The decline in
European Credit revenues resulted from ongoing price competition in the local
credit markets. Marketing revenue growth was largely attributable to value added
products, while RMS revenues were flat excluding the impact of foreign exchange.
For the nine months ending September 30, 1999, operating revenues increased 1%
to $301.4 million from the same period of 1998. Excluding the negative impact of
foreign exchange, European revenues on a year to date basis were up 2%, with the
prior years' acquisitions positively impacting revenue growth. In comparing
year-to-date 1999 with the same period in 1998, European Credit revenues
decreased 2% to $215.9 million, as a consequence of the previously noted
factors, while Marketing revenues increased 15% to $49.2 million, Purchasing
revenues increased to $.9 million and RMS revenues increased 3% to $35.4
million.
D&B Europe reported an operating loss of $7.2 million in the third quarter of
1999, compared to a loss of $2.9 million in the same period of the prior year.
Europe's loss resulted largely from investment in sales and marketing
support for value added products and partnerships with providers of enterprise
software solutions and higher costs for new technology and systems in the
region. On a year-to-date basis, D&B Europe reported an operating loss of $24.9
million in 1999 compared to $20.9 million in 1998, due to the factors discussed
above.
D&B APCLA reported operating revenues of $25.4 million in the third quarter of
1999, up 14% from the same period in 1998. Favorable movements in foreign
exchange rates positively impacted D&B APCLA revenue growth. Excluding foreign
exchange, revenue growth would have been up 6%. In comparing the third quarter
of 1999 with the third quarter of 1998, APCLA Credit revenues increased 19% to
$17.1 million, Marketing revenues decreased 1% to $3.6 million and RMS revenues
increased 10% to $4.7 million. For the nine months ending September 30, 1999,
D&B APCLA reported operating revenues of $70.1 million, up 7% when compared to
$65.8 million in the same period of 1998. Excluding foreign exchange, revenue
growth would have been up 4%. In comparing the nine months ended September 30,
1999 with the same period in 1998, Credit revenues increased 14% to $47.8
million, while Marketing revenues decreased 14% to $9.7 million and RMS revenues
were flat at $12.6 million.
D&B APCLA reported an operating loss of $0.3 million in the third quarter of
1999, compared to an operating loss of $1.6 million in the same period of 1998.
On a year-to-date basis, D&B APCLA reported an operating loss of $6.1 million in
1999, compared to $7.7 million in 1998. The decrease in operating losses in 1999
compared to 1998 is due to expense control initiatives and revenue improvements.
Moody's revenues (excluding the third quarter 1998 results of FIS) of $139.3
million in the third quarter of 1999 were up 19% from the third quarter of 1998,
driven by growth in international structured finance issuance, primarily in the
European markets, and strength in syndicated bank loan ratings and corporate
bond ratings. On a year-to-date basis, Moody's revenues of $423.7 million
for the first three quarters of 1999 were up 13% from the same period in the
prior year (excluding 1998 FIS results), with year to date issuance and
ratings activity in line with that of the third quarter.
Moody's operating income of $68.1 million in the third quarter of 1999 was up
33% from third quarter 1998, reflecting strong revenue growth. On a year-to-date
basis, Moody's operating income was $204.6 million in 1999, up 21% from the same
period in 1998.
Adoption of Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133").
This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires recognition of all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measurement
of those instruments at fair value. If certain conditions are met, a derivative
may be designated specifically as: (a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the
fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment
(a fair value hedge); (b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a
forecasted transaction (a cash flow hedge); or (c) a hedge of the foreign
currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized
firm commitment, an available-for-sale security, or a
foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The Company currently
hedges foreign-currency-denominated transactions and will comply with the
requirements of SFAS No. 133 when adopted. In June, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued SFAS 137 delaying the effective date of SFAS 133. The
provisions of SFAS No. 133 are effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 2000. The Company expects to adopt SFAS No. 133
beginning January 1, 2001. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 133 is not expected
to be material.
Liquidity and Financial Position
At September 30, 1999, cash and cash equivalents totaled $70.8 million, a
decrease of $19.8 million from $90.6 million held at December 31, 1998. During
the nine months ended September 30, 1999, the Company's share repurchase program
and the increase in commercial paper borrowings needed to support the repurchase
program impacted cash flows. During the nine months ended September 30, 1998,
cash and cash equivalents increased by $74.6 million, largely attributable to
the assumption of $500 million of debt by Donnelley in connection with the
separation (see further details below) offset by the paydown of short-term
borrowings outstanding at the time of the Distribution of $287.1 million and
funds used to begin the share repurchase program. Also during the nine months
ended September 30, 1998, the cash generated by discontinued operations impacted
cash flows.
Operating activities generated net cash of $276.7 million during the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 compared to $299.4 million from continuing operations
in 1998. Cash flows from operations were positively impacted in 1999 by the
timing of tax payments in comparison to the same period in 1998 which was offset
by a decline in the change in Accounts Receivable when comparing the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 with the same period in 1998.
Net cash used in investing activities was $86.7 million for nine months ended
September 30, 1999 compared to $69.1 million in 1998. Offsetting cash used in
investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 1998, were
proceeds of $26.5 million received on the sale of FIS. In the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 the Company invested $88.8 million for capital expenditures
and additions to computer software and other intangibles compared to $96.2
million in the comparable period in 1998. During the nine months ended September
30, 1998, discontinued operations used $3.1 million for investing activities.
Net cash used in financing activities was $209.2 million during nine months
ended September 30, 1999 compared to $176.9 million in the same period of 1998.
Payments of dividends accounted for $90.3 million in the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 compared to $107.2 million in the same period in 1998.
During the nine months ended September 30, 1999, the Company completed its
special stock repurchase program, authorized by its Board of Directors in June
1998, by purchasing 4.2 million shares for $150.0 million. During the nine
months ended September 30, 1999, the Company also repurchased 2.2 million shares
for $77.5 million in connection with the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan
and to offset awards made under incentive plans. In comparison, during the nine
months ended September 30, 1998, the Company repurchased 3.5 million shares for
a total of $90.2 million under the repurchase program and purchased shares to
offset awards made under incentive plans for a total of $50.9 million. Shares
issued for company stock plans totaled 1.9 million shares during the nine months
ended September 30, 1999. Proceeds received in connection with the Company's
stock plans were $41.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999
compared to $22.0 million in the same period in1998.
In June 1999, the Company renewed its $300 million 364-day revolving credit
facility. Under this facility the Company has the ability to borrow at
prevailing short-term interest rates. The Company has had no borrowings
outstanding under this facility since it was established in June 1998. During
the nine months ended September 30, 1999, the Company increased its net
commercial paper borrowings by $66.6 million. At September 30, 1999, the Company
had $102.5 million of commercial paper borrowings outstanding.
In connection with the 1998 Distribution, during June 1998, R.H. Donnelley Inc.
borrowed $500 million under two facilities. The proceeds of these borrowings
were used to repay existing indebtedness of Old D&B in the amount of $287.1
million at the time of the Distribution; the Company used the excess for general
corporate purposes, including the payment of reorganization costs. Prior to the
Distribution, during the nine months ended September 30, 1998 the Company had
reduced short-term borrowings by $163.6 million. The $500 million of debt became
an obligation of Donnelley upon the Distribution.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is continuing its review of the utilization
of certain capital losses during 1989 and 1990 and the Company expects that the
IRS will challenge the Company's treatment of certain of these losses. If an
assessment is made and should the IRS prevail, the total cash obligation to the
IRS would approximate $540 million for taxes and accrued interest as of
September 30, 1999. Pursuant to a series of agreements, IMS and NMR are jointly
and severally liable to pay one-half, and the Company the other half, of any
payments for taxes and accrued interest arising from this matter and certain
other potential tax liabilities after the Company pays the first $137 million.
If assessed, the Company will consider available alternatives to vigorously
defend its position. Certain alternatives would require making a payment to the
IRS for its share of the taxes and accrued interest (approximately $340 million,
of which $177 million represents tax-deductible interest), which would be repaid
to the Company if it prevails in its position. The funds that would be needed to
make the Company's share of such payment are expected to come from external
borrowings.
Year 2000
General
The Company relies on computer hardware, software and related information
technology ("IT Systems"). IT Systems are used in the creation and delivery of
the Company's products and services, and are also used in the Company's internal
operations, such as billing and accounting. IT Systems include systems that use
information provided by third-party data suppliers to update the Company's
databases. The Company also relies on other systems, such as elevators, and on
utilities, such as telecommunications and power, to operate ("Non-IT Systems").
The Company has recognized the potential impact of the year 2000 on its business
since 1996, when it began actively addressing the information-technology-related
components of the Year 2000 issue in its European and U.S. operations. In 1997,
the Company created a Corporate Year 2000 Program Office to manage overall risks
and to facilitate activities across the Company. The Corporate Year 2000 Program
Office reports directly to the Company's Year 2000 Executive Committee
(comprised of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer,
Chief Technology Officer and Chief Legal Counsel), which sets overall priorities
and monitors progress. Since 1997, each operating unit has had business and
technology executives and project teams in place to plan and carry out all Year
2000 efforts within their units. The Company has used the services of outside
consultants and subject-area specialists working with the Corporate Year 2000
Program Office to assess the progress of its Year 2000 program.
The most important areas of focus of the Company's Year 2000 program are the
Company's products and services (including its databases, software that
manipulates these databases and software provided to customers); billing,
ordering and tracking systems; technical infrastructure (such as LANs, WANs,
voice and e-mail systems and web sites); desktop computers; suppliers; business
operation support systems (such as payroll); facilities and equipment; and
contingency planning.
State of Readiness
The Company has focused its efforts on becoming "Year 2000 Ready." The Company
defines this term to mean that a process will continue to run in the same manner
when dealing with dates on or after January 1, 2000, as it did before January 1,
2000.
With respect to IT Systems, the Company's Year 2000 program includes the
following phases: Inventory, Assessment, Remediation, Year 2000 Ready Testing
and Transaction-based testing.
Year 2000 Ready Testing involves two major tests. A "system test" checks the
system's functions in a Year 2000 test environment that uses simulated or
forward-dated system clocks and a variety of other simulated forward-dated data
or systems interfaces as required. A "production integration" test confirms that
the system will continue to perform its current-date processes when put into
production. Transaction-Based Testing further tests the Company's most critical
work flows at regional and global levels.
Early in its Year 2000 program, the Company categorized its IT Systems in terms
of criticality to allow the work to be phased consistent with its importance to
the Company. Criticality 1 systems are defined as those systems that are most
critical to the Company's business and revenue. Criticality 2 systems are
defined as those systems that are very important to the Company and would have a
severe impact on business and revenue if not made Year 2000 Ready. Criticality 3
systems are not essential but would have some impact on business and revenue if
not made Year 2000 Ready. Criticality 4 systems have little or no impact on
business and revenue and are scheduled to be decommissioned prior to the year
2000.
As of June 30, 1999, substantially all of the Company's more than 2000
Criticality 1 and Criticality 2 systems were Year 2000 Ready. Transaction-Based
Testing of the Company's most critical work flows has been completed at global
and regional levels.
Further testing will continue throughout the remainder of 1999.
Remediation of the Company's Criticality 3 systems was substantially complete as
of September 30, 1999. Decommissioning of Criticality 4 IT Systems is well under
way and will continue through 1999. In order to maintain the integrity of the
Company's Year 2000 Ready systems, a system change freeze has begun. Exceptions
to the freeze are being carefully controlled so that minor changes which do not
increase risk can continue, avoiding unnecessary constraints on normal business
operations.
The Company has addressed Year 2000 Readiness issues regarding its Non-IT
Systems.
All of the Company's material suppliers have been identified and assessed, and
proactive corrective actions have been taken, where necessary. Where suppliers
were assessed to be sufficiently Year 2000 Ready, appropriate contact
information has been gathered for contingency planning purposes. Where the
assessment raised concerns about a supplier's Year 2000 program, the Company has
switched to an alternate supplier or product. Where a supplier was assessed to
have some issues but with whom it is most prudent for the Company to continue
its relationship, the Company has created contingency plans to deal with
potential issues.
Costs
External and internal costs associated with modifying software for Year 2000
Readiness are expensed as incurred and are funded through operating cash flow.
It is currently estimated that the aggregate cost of the Company's Year 2000
program will be approximately $80 million. Through September 30, 1999, the
Company had incurred approximately $73 million ($11 million in 1997, $43 million
in 1998 and $19 million in the first three quarters of 1999) and expects to
incur approximately $4 million in the final quarter of 1999 and $3 million in
2000. These estimates do not include the costs of software and systems that are
being replaced or upgraded in the normal course of business.
Risks and Contingency Plans
The Company believes that it will substantially complete the implementation of
its Year 2000 program prior to the commencement of the year 2000. If the Company
does not complete its Year 2000 program prior to the commencement of the year
2000, if it fails to identify and remediate all critical Year 2000 problems, or
if suppliers or customers which are individually or in the aggregate material to
the Company experience Year 2000 issues, or are diverted from making purchases
while dealing with their Year 2000 issues, the Company's results of operations
or financial condition could be materially affected.
The Company's global contingency plan, addressing the most likely remaining
impacts on the Company from external risks, was completed as scheduled on June
30, 1999. The plan provides detailed guidelines for the Company's operations
worldwide regarding the planned backup, testing and re-starting of the Company's
systems throughout the millennium weekend. In addition, the plan details
procedures for addressing problems should they arise.
In addition to supplier-related activities, contingency plans have been
developed for facilities and equipment, telecommunications infrastructure,
product development and fulfillment, internal administrative processes, human
resources, communications and employee benefits.
New European Currency
On January 1, 1999, eleven of the countries in the European Union began a
three-year transition to a single European currency ("euro") to replace the
national currency of each participating country. The Company intends to phase in
the transition to the euro over the next three years. The Company has
established a task force to address issues related to the euro. The Company
believes that the euro conversion may have a material impact on its operations
and financial condition if it fails to successfully address such issues. The
task force has prepared a project plan and is proceeding with the implementation
of that plan. The Company's project plan includes the following: ensuring that
the Company's information technology systems that process data for inclusion in
the Company's products and services can appropriately handle amounts denominated
in euro contained in data provided to the Company by third-party data suppliers;
modification of the Company's products and services to deal with euro-related
issues; and modification of the Company's internal systems (such as payroll,
accounting and financial reporting) to deal with euro-related issues. The
Company does not believe that the cost of such modifications will have a
material effect on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
There is no guarantee that all problems will be foreseen and corrected, or that
no material disruption of the Company's business will occur. The conversion to
the euro may have competitive implications for the Company's pricing and
marketing strategies, which could be material in nature; however, any such
impact is not known at this time.
Dividends
On October 20, 1999, the Board of Directors approved a third quarter 1999
dividend of $.185 per share, payable December 10, 1999 to shareholders of record
at the close of business November 20, 1999.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations are forward looking. These may be identified
by the use of forward-looking words or phrases, such as "believe," "expect,"
"anticipate," "should," "planned," "estimated," "potential," "target" and
"goal," among others. All such forward-looking statements are based on the
Company's reasonable expectations at the time they are made. The Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for such
forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the safe
harbor, the Company notes that a variety of factors could cause the Company's
actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results
or other expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. The risks
and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development and
results of the Company's businesses include: (1) complexity and uncertainty
regarding the development of new high-technology products; (2) possible loss of
market share through competition; (3) introduction of competing products or
technologies by other companies; (4) pricing pressures from competitors and/or
customers; (5) changes in the business information and risk management
industries and markets; (6) the Company's ability to protect proprietary
information and technology or to obtain necessary licenses on commercially
reasonable terms; (7) the Company's ability to complete the implementation of
its Year 2000 and euro plans on a timely basis; (8) a reduction in demand for
the Company's products and services resulting from its customers' Year 2000
issues; (9) the possible loss of key employees to investment or commercial
banks, or elsewhere; (10) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; (11)
changes in the interest-rate environment; and (12) the outcome of the IRS's
review of the Company's utilization of capital losses described above under
"Liquidity and Financial Position" and the associated cash flow implications.
The risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's assessment of Year
2000 issues and new European currency issues include: (1) the complexity
involved in ascertaining all situations in which Year 2000 or new European
currency issues may arise; (2) the inability of the Company to obtain the
services of sufficient personnel to implement the programs; (3) possible
increases in the cost of personnel required to implement the programs; (4)
delays in scheduled deliveries of new hardware and software from third-party
suppliers; (5) unreliability of responses from suppliers and others to whom
inquiries are being made; (6) inability of the Company to meet the scheduled
dates for completion of the programs; and (7) unforeseen events that could delay
timely implementation of the programs.
The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to any
forward-looking statement to reflect any future events or circumstances.
The Company may from time to time make oral forward-looking statements. In
connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the Company is hereby identifying important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in any such forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the
Company. Any such statement is qualified by reference to the factors set forth
above.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Information in response to this item is set forth in Note 7 - Contingencies on
Pages 8-10 in Part I. Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
10 Material Contracts
.18 The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation Nonfunded Deferred
Compensation Plan For Non-Employee Directors (As amended
effective September 15, 1999)
(27) Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended
September 30, 1999.
<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.
E DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION
Date: October 20,1999 BY: CHESTER J. GEVEDA
------------------------------
Chester J. Geveda, Jr.
Vice President Controller and
Acting Chief Financial Officer
<PAGE>
THE DUN & BRADSTREET CORPORATION
NONFUNDED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
(As amended effective September 15, 1999)
1. Directors who are not employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
("Non-Employee Directors") may elect on or before December 31 of any year to
have payment of all or a specified part of all fees payable to them for their
services as Directors (including fees payable to them for services as members of
a committee of the Board) during the calendar year following such election and
succeeding calendar years deferred until they cease to be Directors of the
Company. Any person, not an employee, who shall become a Director during any
calendar year, and who was not a Director of the Company on the preceding
December 31, may elect, within 30 days of the date on which his or her term as a
Director begins, to have payment of all or a specified part of such fees for the
remainder of such calendar year and for succeeding calendar years so deferred.
Any such election shall be made in the manner specified by the Compensation and
Benefits Committee of the Board (the "Committee") or its delegee. The "Company"
means The New Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, to be renamed "The Dun & Bradstreet
Corporation" after the shares of the New Dun & Bradstreet Corporation are
distributed as a dividend to the shareholders of The Dun & Bradstreet
Corporation ("D&B") (the "Spinoff").
2. All deferred fees shall be held in the general funds of the Company, shall be
credited to the Director's account and shall be deemed to have been invested in
one or more of the funds (as described in the fund descriptions provided by the
Company from time to time) in the Addendum to the Company's Profit Participation
Plan (or successor plan) (the "Employee Plan") as such Director shall have most
recently elected. Such election shall be made in the manner specified by the
Committee or its delegee. The Director's account shall be credited with deferred
fees and with the investment performance of the respective funds in which the
account is invested on the same basis and in the same manner as is applicable to
employees participating in the Employee Plan. Directors may elect to have
deferred amounts held and invested in one or more of the funds in multiples of
1%, except that no Director may elect to have more than 50% of his or her
account invested in the Dun & Bradstreet Common Stock Fund. Subject to the
foregoing investment limitation in the Dun & Bradstreet Common Stock Fund and to
the limitation on multiples of 1%, each Director may, at any time, make a
revised investment election applicable to amounts deferred, or elect to have the
amount credited to his or her account reallocated among the investment funds,
such revised election or reallocation to be effective on the day on which an
equivalent election or reallocation would have been effective under the Employee
Plan. In the event a Director fails to make an investment election, his or her
entire account shall be credited to the Special Fixed Income Fund.
3. With respect to each Non-Employee Director who was a non-employee director of
The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation prior to the Spinoff, each such Director's
account shall be credited with the balance in the Director's account as of the
effective date of the Spinoff under The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation Nonfunded
Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as amended effective July
16, 1997 ("Prior Plan"), giving effect to the funds such account was invested in
under the Prior Plan; provided, however, that with respect to amounts deemed to
be invested in the Dun & Bradstreet Common Stock Fund under the Prior Plan (the
"D&B Fund"), each Director shall have an amount of Company stock credited to the
Dun & Bradstreet Common Stock Fund under the Plan equal to (i) the number of
shares of Company stock such Director would have received pursuant to the
Spinoff if such Director owned the D&B stock credited to the D&B Fund plus (ii)
the number of deemed shares of D&B stock such Director held under the D&B Fund
multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which equals the average of high and
low trading prices of a share of R.H. Donnelley Corporation common stock for the
five trading days starting on the ex-dividend date, and the denominator of which
equals the average of high and low trading prices of a share of Company common
stock for the five trading days starting on the regular way trading date.
4. The aggregate balance in the Director's account, giving effect to the
investment performance of the fund(s) to which deferred fees were credited,
shall be paid to the Director in five or ten annual installments or in a lump
sum, as the Director shall elect in the notice referred to in Paragraph 1 above.
The first installment (or lump sum payment if the Director so elects) shall be
paid on the tenth day of the calendar year immediately following the calendar
year in which the Director ceases to be a Director of the Company, and
subsequent installments shall be made on the tenth day of each succeeding
calendar year until the entire amount credited to the Director's account shall
have been paid. The amount of each installment shall be determined by
multiplying the balance credited to the Director's account as of the December 31
immediately preceding the installment payment date by a fraction, the numerator
of which shall be one and the denominator of which shall be the number of
installment payments over which payment of such amount is to be made, less the
number of installments theretofore made. Thus, if payment is to be made in ten
installments, the fraction for the first installment shall be 1/10th, for the
second installment 1/9th, and so on.
5. If a Director should die before full payment of all amounts credited to the
Director's account, the full amount credited to the account as of December 31 of
the year of the Director's death shall be paid on the tenth day of the calendar
year following the year of death to the Director's estate or to such beneficiary
or beneficiaries as previously designated by the Director in a written notice
delivered to the Secretary of the Company.
6. A Director's election to defer compensation shall continue until a Director
ceases to be a Director or until the Director changes or terminates such
election by notice given in the manner specified by the Committee or its
delegee. Any such notice of change or termination shall become effective as of
the end of the calendar year in which such notice is given. Amounts credited to
the account of a Director prior to the effective date of such change or
termination shall not be affected thereby and shall be paid to the Director only
in accordance with Paragraph 3 (or Paragraph 4 in the event of death) above.
7. The right of a Director to any deferred fees and/or the interest thereon
shall not be
subject to assignment by the Director. If a Director does make an assignment of
any deferred fees and/or the interest thereon, the Company may disregard such
assignment and discharge its obligation hereunder by making payment as though no
such assignment has been made.
8. If there is a "Change in Control" of the Company, as defined in Paragraph 9:
a) The total amount to the credit of each Director's account
under the Plan shall be paid to the Director in a lump sum within 30
days from the date of such Change in Control; provided, however, if
such payment is not made within such 30-day period, the amount to the
credit of the Director's account shall be credited with interest from
the date of such Change in Control until the actual payment date at an
annual rate equal to the yield on 90-day U.S. Treasury Bills plus one
percentage point. For this purpose the yield on U.S. Treasury Bills
shall be the rate published in The Wall Street Journal on the first
business day of the calendar month in which the Change in Control
occurred.
b) The total amount credited to each Director's account under
the Plan from the date of the Change in Control until the date the
Director ceases to be a Director shall be paid to the Director in a
lump sum within 30 days from the date the Director ceases to be a
Director.
c) If a Director elects to change or terminate an election
with respect to the deferral of fees by written notice given in the
manner specified by the Committee or its delegee, and such notice is
given during the calendar year in which a Change in Control occurs and
on or before the date of the Change in Control, the change or
termination of election shall become effective as of the date of the
Change in Control. If such notice is given subsequent to the date of
the Change in Control, it shall become effective as of the end of the
calendar year in which the notice is given.
9. A "Change in Control" of the Company shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events:
a) any "Person," as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and
14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, or any
corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the
Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of
stock of the Company), is or becomes the "Beneficial Owner" (as defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing 20% or more of the combined
voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities;
b) during any period of twenty-four months (not including any
period prior to the execution of this Agreement), individuals who at
the beginning of such period constitute the Board, and any new Director
(other than (1) a Director designated by a person who has entered into
an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in
clause (a), (c) or (d) of this Section, (2) a Director designated by
any Person (including the Company) who publicly announces an intention
to take or to consider taking actions (including, but not limited to,
an actual or threatened proxy contest) which if consummated would
constitute a Change in Control or (3) a Director designated by any
Person who is the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing 10% or more of the combined
voting power of the Company's securities) whose election by the Board
or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders was approved
by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors then still in
office who either were Directors at the beginning of the period or
whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved
cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof;
c) the shareholders of the Company approve a merger or
consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a
merger or consolidation (1) which would result in the voting securities
of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to
represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into
voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the
combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such
surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or
consolidation and (2) after which no Person would hold 20% or more of
the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the
Company or such surviving entity; or
d) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete
liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition
by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.
10. Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, amounts payable under
this Plan shall not be funded and shall be made out of the general funds of the
Company; provided, however, that the Company reserves the right to establish one
or more trusts to provide alternate sources of benefit payments under this Plan;
provided, further, however, that upon the occurrence of a "Potential Change in
Control" of the Company, as defined below, the appropriate officers of the
Company are authorized to make transfers to such a trust fund, established as an
alternate source of benefits payable under the Plan, as are necessary to fund
the lump sum payments to Directors required pursuant to Paragraph 8 of this Plan
in the event of a Change in Control of the Company; provided, further, however,
that if payments are made from such trust fund, such payments will satisfy the
Company's obligations under this Plan to the extent made from such trust fund.
For the purposes of this Plan, "Potential Change in Control" means:
a) the Company enters into an agreement, the consummation
of which would result in the occurrence of a Change in Control of the
Company;
b) any person (including the Company) publicly announces an
intention to take or to consider taking actions which if consummated
would constitute a Change in Control of the Company;
c) any person, other than a trustee or other fiduciary holding
securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company (or a company
owned, directly or indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the
Company), who is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 9.5% or more of
the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities,
increases such person's beneficial ownership of such securities by 5%
or more over the percentage so owned by such person; or
d) the Board of Directors of the Company adopts a resolution
to the effect that, for purposes of this Plan, a Potential Change in
Control of the Company has occurred.
11. The Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board (the "Committee") shall
be responsible for the administration of the Plan and may delegate to any
management committee, employee, Director or agent its responsibility to perform
any act hereunder, including without limitation those matters involving the
exercise of discretion, provided that such delegation shall be subject to
revocation at any time at its discretion. The Committee shall have full
authority to interpret the provisions of the Plan and construe all of its terms,
to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations for the administration of the
Plan, and generally to conduct and administer the Plan and to make all
determinations in connection with the Plan as may be necessary or advisable,
other than those determinations delegated to management employees or independent
third parties by the Board. All of its rules, interpretations and decisions
shall be applied in a uniform manner to all Directors similarly situated and
decisions of the Committee shall be conclusive and binding on all persons. Any
action permitted to be taken by the Committee may be taken by the Board of
Directors, in its discretion.
12. Neither participation in the Plan nor any action under the Plan shall be
construed to give any Director a right to be retained in the service of the
Company.
13. The Plan may be modified, amended or revoked at any time by the Board of
Directors of the Company.
14. The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and to be performed in the
State of Delaware.
Amended by the Board of Directors
effective: September 15, 1999
[ARTICLE] 5
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[PERIOD-TYPE] 9-MOS
[FISCAL-YEAR-END] DEC-31-1999
[PERIOD-END] SEP-30-1999
[CASH] 70830
[SECURITIES] 1924
[RECEIVABLES] 426043
[ALLOWANCES] 0
[INVENTORY] 0
[CURRENT-ASSETS] 190836
[PP&E] 727998
[DEPRECIATION] 450281
[TOTAL-ASSETS] 1713166
[CURRENT-LIABILITIES] 1342886
[BONDS] 0
[PREFERRED-MANDATORY] 0
[PREFERRED] 0
[COMMON] 1714
[OTHER-SE] (435320)
[TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY] 1713166
[SALES] 0
[TOTAL-REVENUES] 1461948
[CGS] 0
[TOTAL-COSTS] 1130355
[OTHER-EXPENSES] 6867
[LOSS-PROVISION] 0
[INTEREST-EXPENSE] 1904
[INCOME-PRETAX] 322821
[INCOME-TAX] 129877
[INCOME-CONTINUING] 192945
[DISCONTINUED] 0
[EXTRAORDINARY] 0
[CHANGES] 0
[NET-INCOME] 192945
[EPS-BASIC] 1.19
[EPS-DILUTED] 1.17
</TABLE>
