INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES INC
10-Q, 1999-11-15
ADVERTISING AGENCIES
Previous: INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO /NEW/, 10-Q, 1999-11-15
Next: CUSTOMER SPORTS INC, 10KSB, 1999-11-15







================================================================================


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                -----------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

                                ----------------


           |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


                                ----------------


                         Commission File Number: 1-6686


                    THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

      Delaware                                              13-1024020
- -------------------------------                        -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                         Identification No.)

1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York               10020
- -----------------------------------------------        -------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 399-8000
                                                   --------------

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

Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest  practicable  date.  Common Stock  outstanding at
October 31, 1999: 280,651,942 shares.



<PAGE>
          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                                    I N D E X

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     Item 1.  Financial Statements

                  Consolidated Balance Sheet
                   September 30, 1999 (unaudited) and
                   December 31, 1998                                       3-4

                  Consolidated Income Statement
                   Three months ended September 30, 1999
                   and 1998 (unaudited)                                    5

                  Consolidated Income Statement
                   Nine months ended September 30, 1999
                   and 1998 (unaudited)                                    6

                  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
                   Three months ended September 30, 1999
                   and 1998 (unaudited)                                    7

                  Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
                   Nine months ended September 30, 1999
                   and 1998 (unaudited)                                    8

                  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
                   Nine months ended September 30, 1999
                   and 1998 (unaudited)                                    9

                  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   10-11

     Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                  Financial Condition and Results of Operations            12-15

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

     Item 2.   Changes in Securities

     Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     SIGNATURES

     INDEX TO EXHIBITS















<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1
         THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                     ASSETS

                                               September 30,  December 31,
                                                   1999            1998
                                                (unaudited)
                                               ------------   ------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents (includes
    certificates of deposit:  1999-$220,428;
                              1998-$152,064)    $  763,245      $  808,803
  Marketable securities, at cost which
    approximates market                             46,408          31,733
  Receivables (less allowance for doubtful
    accounts: 1999-$46,998; 1998-$53,093)        3,903,323       3,522,616
  Expenditures billable to clients                 376,645         276,610
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets        148,171         137,183
                                                ----------      ----------
    Total current assets                         5,237,792       4,776,945
                                                ----------      ----------
OTHER ASSETS:
  Investment in unconsolidated affiliates           60,132          47,561
  Deferred taxes on income                          81,759          97,350
  Other investments and miscellaneous assets       372,183         299,967
                                                ----------       ---------
    Total other assets                             514,074         444,878
                                                ----------       ---------
FIXED ASSETS, at cost:
  Land and buildings                                88,329          95,228
  Furniture and equipment                          694,586         650,037
                                                ----------       ---------
                                                   782,915         745,265
  Less: accumulated depreciation                   458,854         420,864
                                                ----------       ---------
                                                   324,061         324,401
  Unamortized leasehold improvements               126,368         115,200
                                                ----------       ---------
  Total fixed assets                               450,429         439,601
                                                ----------       ---------
INTANGIBLE ASSETS (net of accumulated
  amortization: 1999-$555,122;
                1998-$504,787)                   1,455,380       1,281,399
                                                ----------      ----------
TOTAL ASSETS                                    $7,657,675      $6,942,823
                                                ==========      ==========












<PAGE>

          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                  (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                               September 30,     December 31,
                                                    1999          1998<F1>
                                                (unaudited)
                                                ------------   ------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Payable to banks                              $  256,050       $  214,464
  Accounts payable                               3,897,163        3,613,699
  Accrued expenses                                 505,769          624,517
  Accrued income taxes                             242,867          205,672
                                                ----------       ----------
    Total current liabilities                    4,901,849        4,658,352
                                                ----------       ----------
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Long-term debt                                   339,543          298,691
  Convertible subordinated notes                   514,940          207,927
  Deferred compensation and reserve
    for termination liabilities                    327,202          319,526
  Accrued postretirement benefits                   49,046           48,616
  Other noncurrent liabilities                      84,829           88,691
  Minority interests in
    consolidated subsidiaries                       63,748           55,928
                                                ----------       ----------
    Total noncurrent liabilities                 1,379,308        1,019,379
                                                ----------       ----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
  Preferred Stock, no par value
    shares authorized: 20,000,000
    shares issued: none
  Common Stock, $.10 par value
    shares authorized: 550,000,000
    shares issued:
         1999 - 296,284,686
         1998 - 291,445,158                         29,628           29,145
  Additional paid-in capital                       794,725          652,692
  Retained earnings                              1,276,061        1,101,792
  Accumulated other comprehensive income          (202,882)        (160,476)
                                                ----------       ----------
                                                 1,897,532        1,623,153
Less:  Treasury stock, at cost:
    1999 - 15,278,368 shares
    1998 - 12,374,344 shares                       436,672          286,713
Unamortized expense of restricted
    stock grants                                    84,342           71,348
                                                ----------       ----------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                       1,376,518        1,265,092
                                                ----------       ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY      $7,657,675       $6,942,823
                                                ==========       ==========

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

<F1> All share data adjusted to reflect  two-for-one  stock split effective July
15, 1999.

<PAGE>

          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
                         THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                  (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
                                   (unaudited)

                                                 1999             1998<F1>
                                                 ----             ----
Revenue                                      $ 1,021,357      $   886,453
Other income, net                                 22,646           24,077
                                             -----------      -----------
     Gross income                              1,044,003          910,530
                                             -----------      -----------
Costs and expenses:
  Operating expenses                             914,821          804,912
  Interest                                        17,478           16,029
                                             -----------      -----------
     Total costs and expenses                    932,299          820,941
                                             -----------      -----------

Income before provision for income taxes         111,704           89,589

Provision for income taxes                        47,698           38,603
                                             -----------      -----------
Income of consolidated companies                  64,006           50,986
Income applicable to minority interests           (5,981)          (5,490)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
  affiliates                                       1,019            1,491
                                             -----------      -----------
Net income                                   $    59,044      $    46,987
                                             ===========      ===========
Weighted average shares:
  Basic                                      274,301,278      270,915,168
  Diluted                                    284,743,575      280,464,242

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                                      $       .22      $       .17
  Diluted                                    $       .21      $       .17

Dividends per share                          $       .085     $       .075


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

<F1> All share data adjusted to reflect  two-for-one  stock split effective July
15, 1999.















<PAGE>

          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                  (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
                                   (unaudited)

                                                 1999             1998<F1>
                                                 ----             ----
Revenue                                      $ 3,026,058      $ 2,706,573
Other income, net                                 77,458           67,382
                                             -----------      -----------
     Gross income                              3,103,516        2,773,955
                                             -----------      -----------
Costs and expenses:
  Operating expenses                           2,618,122        2,365,428
  Interest                                        47,921           43,394
                                             -----------      -----------
     Total costs and expenses                  2,666,043        2,408,822
                                             -----------      -----------

Income before provision for income taxes         437,473          365,133

Provision for income taxes                       180,192          150,767
                                             -----------      -----------
Income of consolidated companies                 257,281          214,366
Income applicable to minority interests          (18,485)         (14,689)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
  affiliates                                       4,442            3,560
                                             -----------      -----------
Net income                                   $   243,238      $   203,237
                                             ===========      ===========
Weighted average shares:
  Basic                                      273,565,998      270,908,867
  Diluted                                    284,086,231      281,068,263

Earnings Per Share:
  Basic                                      $       .89      $       .75
  Diluted                                    $       .86      $       .72

Dividends per share                          $       .245     $       .215


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

<F1> All share data adjusted to reflect  two-for-one  stock split effective July
15, 1999.















<PAGE>

          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                         THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

                                                  1999           1998
                                                  ----           ----
Net Income                                      $  59,044      $  46,987
                                                ---------      ---------
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments           13,636         (3,343)

Net Unrealized Gains on Securities                 25,293         30,049
                                                ---------      ---------
Other Comprehensive Income                         38,929         26,706
                                                ---------      ---------
Comprehensive Income                            $  97,973       $ 73,693
                                                =========      =========

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







































<PAGE>

          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

                                                  1999           1998
                                                  ----           ----
Net Income                                      $ 243,238      $ 203,237
                                                ---------      ---------
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments          (67,019)        12,530

Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Securities        24,613         (2,388)
                                                ---------      ---------
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income                 (42,406)        10,142
                                                ---------      ---------
Comprehensive Income                            $ 200,832       $213,379
                                                =========      =========

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







































<PAGE>
          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                         NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30
                             (Dollars in Thousands)
                                   (unaudited)
                                                           1999          1998
                                                           ----          ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                              $243,238      $ 203,237
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
    provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets           79,065         68,175
  Amortization of intangible assets                       50,335         41,727
  Amortization of restricted stock awards                 13,986         14,634
  Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates       (4,443)        (3,560)
  Income applicable to minority interests                 18,485         14,689
  Translation losses                                       1,183         (7,999)
  Net gain from sale of investments                      (13,952)        (7,579)
  Other                                                   (9,732)        (2,764)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
  Receivables                                           (384,465)          (102)
  Expenditures billable to clients                       (83,286)       (70,733)
  Prepaid expenses and other assets                      (12,341)       (29,472)
  Accounts payable and other liabilities                 161,280        (69,526)
  Accrued income taxes                                     7,570          4,918
  Deferred income taxes                                   (7,881)        (1,755)
  Deferred compensation and reserve for
    termination allowances                                11,202          2,249
                                                       ---------      ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities                 70,244        156,139
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                  ---------      ---------
  Acquisitions                                          (179,241)       (83,857)
  Proceeds from sale of investments                       39,734         22,841
  Capital expenditures                                   (89,457)       (85,554)
  Net purchases of marketable securities                 (17,174)        (9,331)
  Other investments and miscellaneous assets              10,358         (4,146)
  Investments in unconsolidated affiliates                (8,251)        (7,923)
                                                       ---------      ---------
Net cash used in investing activities                   (244,031)      (167,970)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                  ---------      ---------
  Increase in short-term borrowings                       41,488         84,919
  Proceeds from long-term debt                           362,161          6,535
  Payments of long-term debt                             (20,910)       (23,796)
  ESOP Payment                                                            7,420
  Treasury stock acquired                               (209,024)      (148,639)
  Issuance of common stock                                51,687         26,795
  Cash dividends - pooled companies                            -         (2,861)
  Cash dividends - Interpublic                           (67,534)       (56,557)
                                                       ---------      ---------
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities      157,868       (106,184)
                                                       ---------      ---------
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash
  equivalents                                            (29,639)         3,680
                                                       ---------      ---------
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         (45,558)      (114,335)

Cash and cash equivalents at
  beginning of year                                      808,803        738,112
                                                       ---------      ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              $763,245      $ 623,777
                                                       =========      =========
The  accompanying  notes are an integral  part of these  consolidated  financial
statements.
<PAGE>
          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)

  1. Consolidated Financial Statements

     (a)  In the opinion of  management,  the  consolidated  balance sheet as of
          September 30, 1999, the consolidated  income  statements for the three
          months  and  nine  months  ended  September  30,  1999 and  1998,  the
          consolidated  statements of comprehensive  income for the three months
          and  nine  months  ended   September  30,  1999  and  1998,   and  the
          consolidated  statement  of cash  flows  for  the  nine  months  ended
          September 30, 1999 and 1998,  contain all  adjustments  (which include
          only normal  recurring  adjustments)  necessary to present  fairly the
          financial position,  results of operations and cash flows at September
          30,  1999  and for all  periods  presented.  Certain  information  and
          footnote   disclosures   normally  included  in  financial  statements
          prepared in accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles
          have been omitted.  It is suggested that these consolidated  financial
          statements  be read in  conjunction  with the  consolidated  financial
          statements  and notes  thereto  included in the  Interpublic  Group of
          Companies,  Inc.'s (the "Company")  December 31, 1998 annual report to
          stockholders.

     (b)  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards (SFAS) No. 95 "Statement
          of Cash Flows"  requires  disclosures  of specific  cash  payments and
          noncash investing and financing activities.  The Company considers all
          highly liquid  investments  with a maturity of three months or less to
          be  cash  equivalents. Income  tax  cash  payments  were approximately
          $118.9 million and $139.5 million in the first nine months of 1999 and
          1998, respectively.  Interest payments during the first nine months of
          1999 and 1998 were approximately  $32.8  million for each period.

     (c)  In June 1998, the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board (the "FASB")
          issued   Statement  of  Financial   Accounting   Standards   No.  133,
          "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging  Activities" ("SFAS
          133").  SFAS 133 will require the Company to record all derivatives on
          the balance  sheet at fair value.  Changes in  derivative  fair values
          will  either be  recognized  in  earnings as offsets to the changes in
          fair value of related hedged assets,  liabilities and firm commitments
          or, for  forecasted  transactions,  deferred and later  recognized  in
          earnings  at the same time as the  related  hedged  transactions.  The
          impact of SFAS 133 on the Company's  financial  statements will depend
          on a variety of factors, including future interpretative guidance from
          the FASB, the future level of forecasted  and actual foreign  currency
          transactions,  the extent of the  Company's  hedging  activities,  the
          types  of  hedging  instruments  used  and the  effectiveness  of such
          instruments.  However,  the  Company  does not  believe  the effect of
          adopting SFAS 133 will be material to its financial condition. In June
          1999, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting  Standards No.
          137,  "Accounting for Derivative  Instruments and Hedging Activities -
          Deferral  of the  Effective  Date of FASB  Statement  No.  133" ("SFAS
          137").  SFAS 137 defers the effective date of SFAS 133 for one year to
          fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000.









<PAGE>


     (d)  On May 17,  1999,  the Board of  Directors  announced  a 2 for 1 stock
          split,  payable July 15, 1999, to  shareholders of record at the close
          of business on June 29, 1999.  All share data has been restated in the
          accompanying  consolidated financial statements to reflect the 2 for 1
          stock split.

     (e)  On October 29, 1999,  the Company  announced  the merger of two of its
          agency networks - Ammirati Puris Lintas and Lowe & Partners Worldwide.
          The  new  agency  network  will  be  called  Lowe  Lintas  &  Partners
          Worldwide.  The Company is currently assessing the potential financial
          implications of this merger.

     (f)  On November 9, 1999, the Company  announced an offer to acquire Brands
          Hatch Leisure Plc, a leading promoter of motorsport events, as well as
          an operator of leisure venues,  in the United Kingdom.  A Registration
          Statement  on  Form  S-4 was  filed  on that  date  on  behalf  of the
          Registrant.












































<PAGE>

Item 2
          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                     MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                  FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Working capital at September 30, 1999 was $335.9 million,  an increase of $217.4
million  from  December 31,  1998.  The increase in working  capital was largely
attributable  to net  proceeds  of  approximately  $295  million  from the 1.87%
Convertible  Subordinated  Notes  due 2006  issued in June,  1999.  The ratio of
current assets to current  liabilities was  approximately  1.1 to 1 at September
30, 1999.

Historically,  cash flow from  operations has been the primary source of working
capital and  management  believes  that it will continue to be so in the future.
The  principal  use of the  Company's  working  capital  is to  provide  for the
operating needs of its advertising agencies, which include payments for space or
time  purchased  from  various  media on behalf of its  clients.  The  Company's
practice is to bill and collect from its clients in  sufficient  time to pay the
amounts  due media.  Other uses of working  capital  include the payment of cash
dividends,  acquisitions,  capital  expenditures  and the reduction of long-term
debt. In addition,  during the first nine months of 1999,  the Company  acquired
5,419,698 shares of its own stock for approximately $209 million for the purpose
of fulfilling the Company's obligations under its various compensation plans.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended  September 30, 1999 Compared to Three Months Ended  September
30, 1998.

Total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 1999 increased
$134.9  million,  or 15.2%, to $1,021.4  million  compared to the same period in
1998.  Domestic  revenue  increased  $101.7  million or 22.5% from 1998  levels.
Foreign revenue increased $33.2 million or 7.6% during the third quarter of 1999
compared to 1998.  Foreign  revenue would have increased  11.5%,  except for the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain major currencies. Other income,
net,  decreased by $1.4 million during the third quarter of 1999 compared to the
same period in 1998.

Operating  expenses  increased  $109.9  million or 13.7% during the three months
ended September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.  Interest  expense
increased 9% as compared to the same period in 1998.

Pretax  income  increased  $22.1  million or 24.7% during the three months ended
September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.

The  increase  in total  revenue,  operating  expenses,  and  pretax  income  is
primarily due to the effect of new business gains.

Net losses from exchange and  translation  of foreign  currencies  for the three
months ended  September  30, 1999 were  approximately  $2.1  million  versus $.4
million for the same period in 1998.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended  September 30, 1999 was 42.7%,
as compared to 43.1% in 1998.

The  difference  between the effective  and statutory  rates is primarily due to
foreign  losses  with  no  tax  benefit,  losses  from  translation  of  foreign
currencies  which  provided  no tax  benefit,  state  and local  taxes,  foreign
withholding taxes on dividends and nondeductible goodwill expense.
<PAGE>

Nine Months Ended September 30, 1999 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30,
1998.

Total  revenue for the nine months ended  September 30, 1999,  increased  $319.5
million,  or 11.8%,  to  $3,026.1  million  compared to the same period in 1998.
Domestic  revenue  increased  $220  million or 15.8% from 1998  levels.  Foreign
revenue  increased  $99.5  million or 7.6%  during the first nine months of 1999
compared to 1998.  Foreign  revenue would have increased  11.2%,  except for the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar against certain major currencies.  Other income
increased  $10.1  million in the first nine months of 1999  compared to the same
period in 1998.

Operating  expenses  increased  $252.7  million or 10.7%  during the nine months
ended September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.  Interest  expense
increased  10.4% during the nine months ended  September 30, 1999 as compared to
the same nine-month period in 1998.

Pretax  income  increased  $72.3  million or 19.8%  during the nine months ended
September 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.

The  increase  in total  revenue,  operating  expenses,  and  pretax  income  is
primarily due to the effect of new business gains.

Net losses from  exchange and  translation  of foreign  currencies  for the nine
months ended  September  30, 1999 were  approximately  $3.2 million  versus $2.6
million for the same period in 1998.

The effective tax  rate for the nine months ended  September 30, 1999 was 41.2%,
versus 41.3% for the same period in 1998.


Year 2000 Issue

The Year 2000 (or "Y2K") Issue refers to the problem caused by computer programs
that have been  written to  reflect  two-digit  years,  with the  century  being
assumed  as  "19".  This  practice  was  widely  accepted  by  the  applications
development community in the 1960's through the early 1980's, with many of these
programs  remaining in use today. As a result,  programs that are date sensitive
may recognize the year "00" as 1900,  rather than the year 2000.  This may cause
programs to fail or cause them to incorrectly report and accumulate data.

The Company and its operating  subsidiaries are in the final phases of executing
a Year 2000  readiness  program with the goal of having all  "mission  critical"
systems functioning  properly prior to January 1, 2000. Many of the subsidiaries
in  the  Company's  larger  markets  are  dependent  upon  third  party  systems
providers,  while  subsidiaries  in the  secondary  markets  rely  primarily  on
off-the-shelf applications or home-grown applications. Considerable progress has
been made with third party systems  providers in larger  markets with respect to
remediating  their Year 2000 issues.  Although the secondary  markets  present a
greater  challenge,  they  typically  involve  smaller  offices  that  are  less
dependent upon automated solutions.

In 1997,  the Company  established a Y2K Project  Management  Office and shortly
thereafter  created a Y2K Task  Force,  comprised  of  representatives  from the
operating companies. Through the Y2K Task Force, the Company in conjunction with
outside consultants,  is working to address the impact of the Year 2000 Issue on
the Company.  The Company has inventoried  and assessed date sensitive  computer
software  applications,  and  approximately  35% of systems were  identified  as




<PAGE>

requiring some degree of remediation.  In addition, the Company has reviewed all
of  its  hardware  believed  to  contain  embedded  chips,   including  personal
computers, file servers,  mid-range and mainframe computers,  telephone switches
and routers. The Company has also investigated its security systems, life safety
systems,  HVAC systems and elevators in the majority of its facilities.  As part
of this effort,  the Company has identified those systems and applications  that
are deemed "mission  critical",  which are being handled on a priority basis and
has  developed a detailed  project and  remediation  plan that  includes  system
testing  schedules and contingency  planning.  To date the Company has completed
approximately  97%  of its  remediation  and  compliance  testing  for  "mission
critical"  applications,  with the  remaining 3%  scheduled  for  completion  by
November  30,  1999.  The  Company's  Board  of  Directors,  through  the  Audit
Committee,  has been monitoring the progress of this project.  Project  progress
reports  are given to the Audit  Committee  at each  regularly  scheduled  Audit
Committee meeting.

The Company  estimates  that the  modification  and testing of its  hardware and
software will cost  approximately  $20 million,  of which  approximately 90% has
been spent to date.  Approximately 50% of the unexpended portion is allocated to
the retention of Y2K consultants that Interpublic will retain through the end of
1999. These costs are being expensed.  In addition,  the Company has accelerated
the implementation of a number of business process re-engineering  projects over
the past few years that have  provided  both Year 2000  readiness  and increased
functionality  of certain systems.  The Company  estimates that the hardware and
software costs incurred in connection with these projects are  approximately $53
million, which are being capitalized.  Included in the above-mentioned Y2K costs
are internal  costs  incurred for the Y2K project  which are  primarily  payroll
related costs for the information systems groups. A substantial portion of these
estimated costs relates to systems and  applications  that were  anticipated and
budgeted.

The Company is also in the process of developing  contingency plans for affected
areas of its  operations.  The Y2K  Project  Management  Office  has  drafted  a
Contingency  Plan  Guideline.   This  guideline   requires  the  development  of
contingency plans for applications,  vendors, facilities,  business partners and
clients.  The  contingency  plans  continue to be developed and refined to cover
those  elements of the business  that have been deemed  "mission  critical"  and
extend beyond software  applications.  The contingency plans include  procedures
for workforce mobilization,  crisis management,  facilities management, disaster
recovery and damage  control,  and are scheduled for  completion by November 30,
1999. The Company nevertheless  recognizes that contingency plans may need to be
adjusted thereafter and therefore considers them working documents.

The Company is assessing  the Year 2000  readiness of material  third parties by
asking all critical vendors,  business partners and facility managers to provide
letters  of  compliance.  In  addition  to having  sent out over  70,000  vendor
compliance  letters,  the Company is conducting  detailed tests and face to face
Y2K  working  sessions  with those  identified  as key vendors  with  respect to
"mission  critical"  systems.  Furthermore,  the  Company  is  working  with the
American  Association of Advertising  Agencies and other trade  associations  to
form Year 2000  working  groups  that are  addressing  the issues on an industry
level.

The  Company's  efforts to address the Year 2000 Issue are designed to avoid any
material   adverse   effect   on  its   operations   or   financial   condition.
Notwithstanding these efforts,  however,  there is no assurance that the Company
will not encounter difficulties due to the Year 2000 Issue. The "most reasonably
likely worst case scenario"  would be a significant  limitation on the Company's
ability to continue to provide business services for an undetermined duration in



<PAGE>
those offices encountering difficulties.  The Company also recognizes that it is
dependent upon infrastructure  services and third parties,  including suppliers,
broadcasters,  utility providers and business  partners,  whose failure may also
significantly impact its ability to provide business services.


Cautionary Statement

Statements by the Company in this document and in other contexts  concerning its
Year 2000 compliance  efforts that are not historical  fact are  forward-looking
statements as defined in the Private  Securities  Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking  statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ  materially from those  anticipated in
the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following:

(i) uncertainties relating to the ability of the Company to identify and address
Year 2000  issues  successfully  and in a timely  manner  and at costs  that are
reasonably  in line with the  Company's  estimates;  and (ii) the ability of the
Company's vendors,  suppliers, other service providers and customers to identify
and address successfully their own Year 2000 issues in a timely manner.


Conversion to the Euro

On January 1, 1999,  certain member countries of the European Union  established
fixed  conversion  rates  between  their  existing  currencies  and the European
Union's common currency (the "Euro").  The Company  conducts  business in member
countries.  The  transition  period  for the  introduction  of the Euro  will be
between January 1, 1999, and June 30, 2002. The Company is addressing the issues
involved with the  introduction of the Euro. The major  important  issues facing
the Company include:  converting  information  technology  systems;  reassessing
currency  risk;  negotiating  and amending  contracts;  and  processing  tax and
accounting records.

Based upon  progress to date the Company  believes that use of the Euro will not
have a  significant  impact on the  manner  in which it  conducts  its  business
affairs  and  processes  its  business  and  accounting  records.   Accordingly,
conversion  to the  Euro  is not  expected  to  have a  material  effect  on the
Company's financial condition or results of operations.
























<PAGE>
                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 2(c).    CHANGES IN SECURITIES


         (1) On July 5, 1999, a subsidiary  of the  Registrant  acquired 100% of
the capital stock of a foreign  company in  consideration  for which  Registrant
paid  $319,669.49  in cash and issued without  registration  1,862 shares of the
Common Stock,  $.10 par value of  Registrant  (the  "Interpublic  Stock") to the
shareholders  of the  acquired  company.  The shares of  Interpublic  Stock were
valued at $82,044.38 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule  903(b)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, (the "Securities Act").

         (2) On July 9, 1999, the Registrant  issued 2,373 shares of Interpublic
Stock and on July 13, 1999 the  Registrant  paid  $257,496 in cash to the former
shareholder  of a company  which was  previously  acquired.  This  represented a
deferred  payment of the purchase  price.  The shares of Interpublic  Stock were
valued at $85,832 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration  in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Securities Act, based on the
sophistication of the acquired company's former stockholder.

         (3)  On  July  9,  1999,  a  subsidiary  of  the  Registrant   acquired
substantially all of the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of
a domestic company in consideration  for which the Registrant paid $1,310,000 in
cash and issued a total of 29,124  shares of  Interpublic  Stock to the security
holders of the company.  The shares of  Interpublic  Stock had a market value of
$1,250,000 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in reliance on Section 4 (2) under the Securities Act, based on the
sophistication of the acquired company's former stockholders.

         (4) On July 13, 1999, a subsidiary of the Registrant acquired 10.44% of
the capital stock of a foreign  company in  consideration  for which  Registrant
paid  $493,803.69  in cash and issued 6,066 shares of  Interpublic  Stock to the
shareholder of the foreign company.  The shares of Interpublic Stock were valued
at $265,387.50 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

         (5) On July 19, 1999, Registrant acquired 25% of the capital stock of a
foreign company in consideration  for which Registrant paid $705,854 in cash and
issued 6,704 shares of Interpublic Stock to the shareholders of the company. The
shares of Interpublic Stock were valued at $576,251 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

         (6)  On  July  21,  1999,  the  Registrant  issued  123,442  shares  of
Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a foreign company as an additional  payment
of the purchase price for 100% of the capital stock of the foreign company.  The
Interpublic Stock had a market value of U.S. $5,360,000 on the date of issuance.

<PAGE>

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

         (7) On July 22, 1999, a subsidiary of the  Registrant  acquired 100% of
the capital stock of a foreign  company in  consideration  for which  Registrant
paid  $3,468,375.16 in cash and issued 24,012 shares of Interpublic Stock to the
shareholders  of the  acquired  company.  The shares of  Interpublic  Stock were
valued at $985,992.75 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

         (8)  On  August  11,  1999,  the  Registrant  issued  6,974  shares  of
Interpublic  Stock as a deferred  payment to  shareholders  of a foreign company
previously  acquired by a subsidiary of  Registrant.  The shares of  Interpublic
Stock were valued at $275,908.88 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule 903(b)(3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

         (9) On August 20, 1999, a subsidiary of the Registrant acquired 100% of
the issued and outstanding  shares of a company in  consideration  for which the
Registrant paid $400,000 in cash and issued 4,874 shares of Interpublic Stock to
the  acquired  company's  shareholders.  The shares of  Interpublic  Stock had a
market value of $200,000 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

         (10) On August 23,  1999,  the  Registrant  made a deferred  payment of
purchase price of $263,000 and issued 55,657 shares of Interpublic  Stock to the
former shareholder of a company.  The shares of Interpublic Stock were valued at
$2,191,494 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration  in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Securities Act, based on the
sophistication of the acquired company's former stockholder.

         (11) On August 31, 1999, a subsidiary of the Registrant acquired 80% of
the  assets  of a  company  in  consideration  for  which  the  Registrant  paid
$3,500,000 in cash and issued 37,724 shares of Interpublic  Stock to the selling
company. The shares of Interpublic stock had a market value of $1,500,000 on the
date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

         (12) On September 16, 1999,  the  Registrant  issued a total of 140,194
shares of Interpublic  Stock to the former  shareholders of a domestic  company.
These shares represented (i) a deferred payment of purchase price for 49% of the
equity of the company and (ii) the first  payment for an  additional  31% of the
shares of the company. In connection with the purchase of additional shares, the
Registrant  also  paid  $8,952,390  in cash on  August 3,  1999.  The  shares of
Interpublic Stock were valued at $5,327,372 on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration  in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Securities Act, based on the
sophistication of the acquired company's former stockholders.

<PAGE>

         (13) On September 28, 1999, the Registrant paid $3,097,000 and issued a
total of 26,657 shares of Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a foreign company
as a deferred  payment of the purchase price for 60% of the capital stock of the
foreign company.  The Interpublic  Stock issued had a market value of $1,038,624
on the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in an "offshore  transaction"  and solely to "non-U.S.  persons" in
reliance on Rule 903(b) (3) of Regulation S under the Securities Act.

         (14) On September 29, 1999, the Registrant  made an initial  payment of
$750,000 and issued  6,581  shares of  Interpublic  Stock to  shareholders  of a
domestic  company in connection with the acquisition of all of the assets of the
domestic company. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $250,000 on
the date of issuance.

The  shares  of  Interpublic  Stock  were  issued  by  the  Registrant   without
registration in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.












































<PAGE>

Item 6.   EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

          (a)  EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT NO.    DESCRIPTION
- ----------     -----------
EXHIBIT 10     Supplemental  Agreement  made as of July 28, 1999 to an Executive
               Special  Benefits Agreement  made as of April 1, 1996 between the
               Registrant and Martin Puris.

Exhibit 11     Computation of Earnings Per Share.

Exhibit 27     Financial Data Schedule.


          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

         No reports on Form 8-K were  filed on behalf of the  Registrant  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.


                                        THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.
                                        ---------------------------------------
                                                     (Registrant)



Date:    November 15, 1999                  BY /S/ PHILIP H. GEIER, JR.
                                               Philip H. Geier, Jr.
                                               Chairman of the Board
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                               Officer



Date:    November 15, 1999                  BY /S/ EUGENE P. BEARD
                                               Eugene P. Beard
                                               Vice Chairman -
                                               Finance and Operations



Date:    November 15, 1999                  BY /S/ FREDERICK MOLZ
                                               Frederick Molz
                                               Chief Accounting Officer






























<PAGE>

                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT NO.    DESCRIPTION
- ----------     -----------

EXHIBIT 10     Supplemental Agreement made as of July 28, 1999 to  an  Executive
               Special  Benefits  Agreement made as of April 1, 1996 between the
               Registrant and Martin Puris

Exhibit 11     Computation of Earnings Per Share

Exhibit 27     Financial Data Schedule

















































                                                                      EXHIBIT 10

                             SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT
                             ----------------------

                  SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT made as of July 28, 1999 by and between

THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC., a corporation of the State of Delaware

(hereinafter  referred  to as  "Interpublic"),  and  MARTIN  PURIS  (hereinafter

referred to as "Executive").


                              W I T N E S S E T H:
                              - - - - - - - - - -

                  WHEREAS, Interpublic and Executive are parties to an Executive

Special Benefit Agreement made as of April 1, 1996  (hereinafter  referred to as

the "Agreement"); and

                  WHEREAS,  Interpublic  and   Executive  desire  to  amend  the

Agreement;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein

and in the  Agreement  set forth,  the parties  hereto,  intending to be legally

bound, agree as follows:

                  1. Section 1.04 of the Agreement is hereby amended,  effective

as of July  28,  1999,  so as to  delete  "on or after  Executive's  sixty-fifth

birthday" and substitute, "on or after Executive's sixty-third birthday".

                  2. Section 1.05 of the Agreement is hereby amended,  effective

as of July 28, 1999 so as to delete "Executive's  sixty-third birthday but prior

to Executive's sixty-fifth birthday",  and substitute  "Executive's  sixty-first

birthday but prior to Executive's  sixty-third  birthday" and delete

Last Day of Employment                                             Annual Rate
- ----------------------                                             -----------
On or after 63rd birthday but prior to 64th birthday                $230,000
On or after 64th birthday but prior to 65th birthday                $265,000

and substitute

Last Day of Employment                                             Annual Rate
- ----------------------                                             -----------
On or after 61st birthday but prior to 62nd birthday                $230,000
On or after 62nd birthday but prior to 63rd birthday                $265,000

<PAGE>

                  3. Section 2.01 of the Agreement is hereby amended,  effective

as of July 28,  1999 so as to  delete  "Executive's  sixty-third  birthday"  and

substitute "Executive's sixty-first birthday".

                  4.       This Supplemental  Agreement shall be governed by the

laws of the State of New York. Except as hereinabove

amended, the Agreement shall continue in full force

and effect.



                                           THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP COMPANIES, INC.



                                               By: /S/ C. KENT KROEBER
                                                   -----------------------------
                                                       C. KENT KROEBER



                                                  /S/ MARTIN PURIS
                                               ---------------------------------
                                                      MARTIN PURIS


































                                                                      EXHIBIT 11

      THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                   COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
              (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

                                                 Three Months Ended September 30
                                                 -------------------------------
Basic                                                   1999            1998<F1>
                                                    ------------    ------------
Net income                                          $     59,044    $     46,987

Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                        274,301,278     270,915,168

Earnings per common and
  common equivalent share                           $        .22    $        .17
                                                    ============    ============


                                                 Three Months Ended September 30
                                                 -------------------------------
Diluted                                                 1999            1998<F1>
                                                    ------------    ------------

Net income                                          $     59,044    $     46,987
Add:
Dividends paid net of related income tax
  applicable to restricted stock                             163             129
                                                    ------------    ------------
Net income, as adjusted                             $     59,207    $     47,116
                                                    ============    ============
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                        274,301,278     270,915,168
Weighted average number of incremental shares
  in connection with restricted stock
  and assumed exercise of stock options               10,442,297       9,549,074
                                                    ------------    ------------
        Total                                        284,743,575     280,464,242
                                                    ============    ============
Earnings per common and common equivalent
  share                                             $        .21    $        .17
                                                    ============    ============

Note: The  computation of  diluted EPS for 1999 excludes the assumed  conversion
      of the 1.87% and 1.80% Convertible  Subordinated  Notes because  they were
      antidilutive.  Similarly, the computation of diluted EPS for 1998 excludes
      the assumed conversion of the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes as they
      were antidilutive.

<F1> All share data adjusted  to reflect two-for-one stock split  effective July
     15, 1999.






<PAGE>

          THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                        COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                  (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)

                                                  Nine Months Ended September 30
                                                  ------------------------------
Basic                                                      1999        1998 <F1>
                                                      -----------    -----------
Net income                                            $   243,238    $   203,237

Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                         273,565,998    270,908,867

Earnings per common share                             $       .89    $       .75
                                                      ===========    ===========


                                                  Nine Months Ended September 30
                                                  ------------------------------
Diluted                                                    1999        1998 <F1>
                                                      -----------    -----------

Net income                                            $   243,238    $   203,237
Add:
After tax interest savings on assumed
  conversion of subordinated debentures and notes               -              -
Dividends paid net of related income tax
  applicable to restricted stock                              466            405
                                                      -----------    -----------
Net income, as adjusted                               $   243,704    $   203,642
                                                      ===========    ===========
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                         273,565,998    270,908,867
Weighted average number of incremental shares
  in connection with restricted stock
  and assumed exercise of stock options                10,520,233     10,152,302
Assumed conversion of subordinated
  debentures and notes                                          -          7,094
                                                      -----------    -----------
        Total                                         284,086,231    281,068,263
                                                      ===========    ===========
Earnings per common and common equivalent share       $       .86    $       .72
                                                      ===========    ===========

Note: The  computation of  diluted EPS for 1999 excludes the assumed  conversion
      of the 1.87% and 1.80% Convertible  Subordinated  Notes because  they were
      antidilutive.  Similarly, the computation of diluted EPS for 1998 excludes
      the assumed conversion of the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes as they
      were antidilutive.

<F1> All share data adjusted  to reflect two-for-one stock split  effective July
     15, 1999.










<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL  INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE BALANCE
SHEET AND THE INCOME  STATEMENT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO
SUCH  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS.  THE EPS PRIMARY  NUMBER  BELOW  REFLECTS THE BASIC
EARNINGS PER SHARE AS REQUIRED BY FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NUMBER 128.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>  1,000

<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1999           DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1999           SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                         763,245               623,777
<SECURITIES>                                    46,408                46,440
<RECEIVABLES>                                3,903,323             3,205,398
<ALLOWANCES>                                    46,998                53,776
<INVENTORY>                                          0                     0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             5,237,792             4,362,123
<PP&E>                                         782,915               824,807
<DEPRECIATION>                                 458,854               414,480
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               7,657,675             6,309,527
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        4,901,849             4,174,089
<BONDS>                                        514,940               201,847
                                0                     0
                                          0                     0
<COMMON>                                        29,628                14,536
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,376,518             1,161,208
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 7,657,675             6,309,527
<SALES>                                              0                     0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,103,516             2,773,955
<CGS>                                                0                     0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,666,043             2,408,822
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              47,921                43,394
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                437,473               365,133
<INCOME-TAX>                                   180,192               150,767
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            243,238               203,237
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                     0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                     0
<CHANGES>                                            0                     0
<NET-INCOME>                                   243,238               203,237
<EPS-BASIC>                                      .89                   .75
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .86                   .72


</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission