SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
                                      
                          - - - - - - - - - - - - -
                                      
                                  FORM 8-K
                               CURRENT REPORT
                                      
                           - - - - - - - - - - - -
   PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                       Date of Report (July 1, 1998):

                    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)


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


                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      
                                      




ITEM 5.   OTHER EVENTS

As more fully discussed in Note 16 of the supplemental consolidated
financial statements of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (the
"Company"), in April 1998, the Company acquired three companies in stock for
stock transactions, which were accounted for as poolings of interests. This
report on Form 8-K includes the Company's supplemental consolidated
financial statements and other financial information restated to reflect the
aggregate effect of the April 1998 pooled companies and all prior poolings
as of the earliest period presented. These combined results will become the
historical results of the Company upon publication of financial results for
periods inclusive of the date of consummation of the April 1998
transactions. This report may be incorporated by reference into other
reports or registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


ITEM 7.   SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

          Financial Highlights

                      Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial
          Condition and Results of Operations

Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statements

          Report of Independent Accountants - Price Waterhouse LLP

          Report of Independent Accountants - Ernst & Young LLP

          Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet
            December 31, 1997 and 1996

          Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Income for the Years Ended
            December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

          Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
            for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995
            
            
            
          Supplemental  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for  the  Years
            Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995

          Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity
            Three Years Ended December 31, 1997

          Notes to Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statements

          Selected Financial Data For Five Years

Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule

          Schedule VIII: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Supplemental Financial Statements

            Supplemental Consolidated Balance Sheet
             March 31, 1998 (unaudited) and
             December 31, 1997

            Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Income for the
             Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited)

            Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for
             the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited)

            Supplemental Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
             Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited)

            Notes to Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statements
            (unaudited)

            Management's Discussion and Analysis of
             Financial Condition and Results of Operations (unaudited)






            SIGNATURES

Exhibit 11  COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

            For the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997

            For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1998

Exhibit 23  CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

            PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

            Ernst & Young LLP


Exhibit 27  RESTATED FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE

            For the Year Ended December 31, 1997

            For the Years Ended December 31, 1996 and 1995

            For the Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 and 1997


















                  THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC.


The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. is one of the largest organizations
of advertising agencies and marketing communications companies in the world.
It  includes  the parent company, The Interpublic Group of Companies,  Inc.,
McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, Ammirati Puris Lintas, The Lowe  Group,  Western
International  Media,  DraftWorldwide,  The  Allied  Communications   Group,
Octagon,  and other related companies. Interpublic employs more than  28,000
people and maintains offices in over 120 countries.




                                      
                                      
                                      























                         FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS  
                (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
______________________________________________________________________
December 31
                                                              Percent
                                  1997           1996        Increase
______________________________________________________________________
Operating Data
Gross income                  $ 3,264,120    $ 2,786,655     17.1%
Net Income                    $   205,033    $   211,113     (2.9)%
Per Share Data:
   Basic EPS                  $      1.61    $      1.66     (3.0)%
   Diluted EPS                       1.55           1.60     (3.1)%
Cash dividends (Interpublic)          .50            .44     13.6%
Share price at December 31    $  49 13/16    $    31 5/8      57.5%
Weighted-average shares:
   Basic                      127,457,013    127,504,436       -
   Diluted                    136,016,598    135,795,875       .2%
Financial Position
Working capital               $   245,757    $   143,859     70.8%
Total assets                    5,877,605      5,017,419     17.1%
Book value per share          $      8.05    $      6.73 19.6%
Return on average stockholders'
     equity                         20.8%           25.8%(19.4)%
Gross Income
1997      $3,264,120
1996      $2,786,655
1995      $2,429,341
Basic Earnings Per Share:
1997      $ 1.84/1.61
1996      $ 1.66/1.60
1995      $ 1.43/1.12
Cash Dividends Per Share (Interpublic)
1997      $  .50
1996      $  .44
1995      $  .40
Return On Average Stockholders' Equity
1997 24.2%/20.8%
1996 25.8%/24.8%
1995 25.3%/19.8%
________________________________________________________________________
 Restated  to  reflect  the aggregate effect of pooling  of  interests
     transactions. See Note 16.
 Includes after-tax charge of $29.7 million or $.23 per share  (basic)
     for special compensation charges.
 Includes an after-tax gain of approximately $8.1 million or $.06  per
share  (basic)  resulting  from the sale of a  portion  of  the  Company's
shares in CKS Group, Inc.
  Includes  an  after-tax charge of $38.2 million or  $.31  per  share
(basic) for the write-down of goodwill and related assets.


MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
As  more  fully  discussed  in  Note 16 of the  supplemental  consolidated
financial  statements, the Company acquired three companies in April  1998
which were accounted for as poolings of interests. The Company's financial
statements,  including the related notes, have been  restated  as  of  the
earliest  period presented to include the results of operations, financial
position  and cash flows of the April 1998 pooled entities in addition  to
all prior pooled entities. A noteworthy item is that one of the April 1998
pooled  companies recorded after-tax special compensation charges  in  the
fourth quarter of 1997 totaling $29.7 million or $.23 per share (basic) as
further  explained  in  Note 6. The following discussion  relates  to  the
combined  results  of  the  Company after  giving  effect  to  all  pooled
companies.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
The  Company's  financial position continued to  be  strong  during  1997.
Working capital increased $101.9 million over 1996 to $245.8 million. This
increase  in  working capital was a result of growing operations  and  the
payment of short-term borrowings with some of the proceeds from the  1.80%
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 issued during the latter  part  of
1997.  Working capital increased $15.2 million and $53.5 million  in  1996
and 1995, respectively. The increase in working capital in 1995 related to
the refinancing of short-term debt with long-term debt.

The  current  ratio was approximately 1.1 to 1 for the past  three  years,
which is another indication of the Company's strong liquidity. The Company
utilized  its strong financial position to obtain short-term and long-term
financing on competitive terms.

The  Company  and  its subsidiaries maintained credit  facilities  in  the
United  States and in countries where it conducts business to  manage  its
future liquidity requirements.
                                 Summary of
                Short-term credit facilities at December 31,
                            (Dollars in millions)
                 Domestic                         International
       Available          Utilized             Available        Utilized
1997   $307.0             $ 2.1                $210.8           $86.1
1996   $217.6             $17.4                $215.7           $86.7
1995   $215.1             $39.2                $229.1           $73.5

Approximately 46%, 51% and 53% of the Company's assets at December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, were outside the United States. The
Company actively hedges to minimize the impact of foreign exchange
exposure. However, the notional value and fair value of all outstanding
forwards and options contracts at the end of the year were not
significant.

The Company is not aware of any significant occurrences that could
negatively impact its liquidity. However, should such a trend develop, the
Company believes that there are sufficient funds available under its
existing lines of credit and from internal cash-generating capabilities to
meet future needs.

The principal use of the Company's working capital is to provide for the
operating needs of its subsidiaries, which includes payments for space or
time purchased from various media on behalf of clients. The Company's
practice is to bill and collect from its clients in sufficient time to pay
the amounts due media on a timely basis. Other uses of working capital
include the repurchase of the Company's common stock, payment of cash
dividends, capital expenditures and acquisitions.

During 1997, the Company, excluding pooled companies, purchased
approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock for an average price
of $41.57 per share. During 1996 and 1995, the Company, excluding pooled
companies, acquired approximately 2.9 million shares each year for $86.9
million and $69.7 million, respectively. The Company repurchases its stock
to meet its obligations under various compensation plans.

The Company, excluding pooled entities, paid $61.2 million ($.50 per
share) in dividends to stockholders in 1997, an 18% increase over 1996
dividends of $51.8 million ($.44 per share). During 1995, the Company,
excluding pooled entities, paid $46.1 million in dividends or $.40 per
share.

The Company's capital expenditures in 1997 were $102.5 million. The
primary purpose of expenditures was to modernize the offices and upgrade
the computer and communications systems to better serve clients. During
1996, the Company spent $88.4 million for capital improvements, an
increase of 17.2% from 1995. The increase in capital expenditures year
over year resulted from the continuing growth of operations.

During 1997, the Company paid approximately $302 million in cash and stock
to acquire a number of marketing communications companies to complement
its existing agency systems and to optimally position itself in the ever-
broadening communications marketplace.

In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company called for redemption its 3
3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002. Substantially all of
the outstanding debentures were converted into approximately 4.3 million
shares of the Company's common stock.

Return  on average stockholders' equity was 20.8% in 1997, 25.8%  in  1996
and  19.8% in 1995. The return on average stockholders' equity in 1997 was
24.2%  excluding the special compensation charges. The return  on  average
stockholders'  equity in 1995, excluding the effect of the  write-down  of
goodwill and other related assets was 25.3%.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Worldwide income from commissions and fees increased 17.1% in 1997, 14.3%
in 1996 and 10.7% in 1995. The continued growth in revenue was mainly due
to the expansion of the business and new business gains.

International revenue, which represented 51.2% of worldwide revenue in
1997, increased $141.0 million or 9.6% over 1996. This was after an
unfavorable currency impact of 4.5%. During 1996 and 1995, revenue from
international operations increased $94.4 million and $146.0 million,
respectively. During 1997, commissions and fees from domestic operations
increased 26.0% primarily due to the effect of new business gains.
Commissions and fees from domestic operations increased 24.7% in 1996 and
8.9% in 1995.

Other income increased 18.4% in 1997, 25.2% in 1996 and 26.0% in 1995. The
increases were primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of investments,
primarily All American Communications, Inc. in 1997, CKS Group,  Inc.  and
Spotlink in 1996 and Fremantle International, Inc. in 1995.
                                      
Total operating expenses worldwide increased 16.8% in 1997, 14.1% in 1996,
and 10.4% in 1995. Cost increases for both domestic and international are
in line with revenue increases. Operating expenses outside the United
States increased 8.2% in 1997, 6.7% in 1996 and 11.1% in 1995. Domestic
operating expenses increased 27.7% in 1997, 24.7% in 1996 and 8.7% in
1995. The 1997 increase in domestic operating expenses resulted from a
greater proportion of the Company's earnings being generated domestically.

Significant portions of the Company's expenses relate to employee
compensation and various employee incentive and benefit programs which are
based primarily upon operating results. In 1997, as part of its continuing
cost containment efforts, the Company announced that it was curtailing its
domestic pension plan effective April 1, 1998 and recorded pre-tax charges
of approximately $16.7 million. The Company will realize a pre-tax savings
of approximately $9 million per year. The Company continues to sponsor a
domestic defined contribution plan. In 1997, one of the 1998 pooled
companies recorded one-time after-tax charges of $29.7 million primarily
related to compensation.

Interest expense increased 17.5% in 1997 after increasing 5.2% and 20.0%
in 1996 and 1995, respectively.  The increase in 1997 was primarily
attributable to the issuance of the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes
due 2004 and additional financing of acquisitions.

Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates decreased in 1997, after
increasing in 1996 and 1995. The decrease in equity income in 1997
primarily resulted from the consolidation of a company previously
accounted for on the equity basis. The 1996 and 1995 increases were
primarily due to the Company's investment in Campbell Mithun Esty.

Income applicable to minority interests increased in 1997, 1996 and 1995
primarily due to the strong performance of companies which were not wholly
owned as well as the consolidation of a company with a significant
minority interest in 1997, which was previously accounted for on the
equity basis.

In 1995, the Company wrote down goodwill and other related assets of $38.2
million or $.31 per share (basic). The reason for the write-down was that
the carrying value of the assets exceeded management's estimate of the
fair value of these operations which was based primarily on discounted
projected cash flows.

The Company's effective income tax rate was 45.3% in 1997, 42.0% in 1996
and 47.2% in 1995. The higher rate in 1997 was attributable to the pooled
companies. The higher rate in 1995 was primarily attributable to the
impact of the write-down of goodwill and other related assets of $38.2
million.

The Company's management continuously evaluates and manages its exposure
to exchange, economic, and political risks. The 1997 exchange crisis in
Asia had a minimal impact on the Company partly due to the agency systems'
contingency plans that included active hedging, repatriation of cash, cost-
cutting, and capital improvement freezes.

The Company is engaged in a global effort to assess the required
modification or replacement of its internal software to become Year 2000
compliant. Additionally, the Company is working with its major software
providers to ensure that they are Year 2000 compliant. Management believes
that the required software changes will be completed without causing
operational issues. The costs of addressing the Year 2000 issues are not
expected to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial
condition or results of operations. If the Company's Year 2000 remediation
efforts are not successful, it will implement contingency plans to ensure
that operations are not disrupted.


























Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

In our opinion, based upon our audits and the report of other auditors,
the accompanying supplemental consolidated balance sheet and the related
supplemental consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income,
of stockholders' equity, and of cash flows present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of The Interpublic Group of Companies,
Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.  These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.  We
did not audit the financial statements of Hill, Holliday, Connors,
Cosmopulos, Inc. ("Hill Holliday"), a wholly-owned subsidiary, which
statements reflect total net loss constituting approximately 16% of the
related 1997 supplemental consolidated financial statement total.  Those
statements were audited by other auditors whose report thereon has been
furnished to us, and our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates
to the amounts included for Hill Holliday, is based solely on the report
of the other auditors.  We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which require that
we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that
our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for
the opinion expressed above.

As discussed in Note 4 to the supplemental consolidated financial
statements, during 1995, the Company changed its method of accounting for
long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 121.

As more fully described in Note 16 to the supplemental consolidated
financial statements, the Company merged with three entities in April 1998
in transactions accounted for as poolings of interests.  The accompanying
supplemental consolidated financial statements give retroactive effect to
the mergers of the Company with those pooled entities as well as all
entities pooled during 1995 through 1997.


/s/ By: PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
        Price Waterhouse LLP
        New York, New York
        February 20, 1998, except for
        Note 16 which is as of April 16, 1998

Report of Independent Auditors


Board of Directors
Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc.


We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Hill, Holliday, Connors,
Cosmopulos, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 1997,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficit), and cash flows for the twelve-month period then ended,
not separately presented herein. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc. and Subsidiaries at
December 31, 1997, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for the twelve-month period then ended, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.

BY /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 13, 1998




                                      
                                      
                            FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
        THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
                   SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 DECEMBER 31
                (Dollars in thousands except per share data)
ASSETS 1997 1996 CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents (includes certificates of deposit: 1997-$256,934; 1996-$84,543) $ 735,440 $ 507,394 Marketable securities 31,944 36,940 Receivables (net of allowance for doubtful accounts: 1997-$39,896; 1996-$34,953) 3,050,917 2,747,323 Expenditures billable to clients 240,000 190,595 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 105,504 78,637 Total current assets 4,163,805 3,560,889 OTHER ASSETS: Investment in unconsolidated affiliates 46,665 102,808 Deferred taxes on income 59,424 84,336 Other investments and miscellaneous assets 219,839 188,202 Total other assets 325,928 375,346 FIXED ASSETS, at cost: Land and buildings 83,621 83,764 Furniture and equipment 503,823 452,324 587,444 536,088 Less: accumulated depreciation 330,593 302,681 256,851 233,407 Unamortized leasehold improvements 103,494 92,280 Total fixed assets 360,345 325,687 INTANGIBLE ASSETS (net of accumulated amortization: 1997-$227,401; 1996-$187,638) 1,027,527 755,497 TOTAL ASSETS $5,877,605 $5,017,419
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DECEMBER 31 (Dollars in thousands except per share data) LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1997 1996 CURRENT LIABILITIES: Payable to banks $ 162,807 $ 129,994 Accounts payable 3,156,049 2,807,042 Accrued expenses 448,054 345,056 Accrued income taxes 151,138 134,938 Total current liabilities 3,918,048 3,417,030 NONCURRENT LIABILITIES: Long-term debt 253,910 239,411 Convertible subordinated debentures and notes 201,768 115,192 Deferred compensation and reserve for termination allowances 263,463 228,518 Accrued postretirement benefits 47,404 46,726 Other noncurrent liabilities 70,791 69,167 Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries 31,917 23,687 Total noncurrent liabilities 869,253 722,701 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred Stock, no par value shares authorized: 20,000,000 shares issued: none Common Stock, $.10 par value shares authorized: 225,000,000 shares issued: 1997 - 143,567,843; 1996 - 136,410,542 14,357 13,641 Additional paid-in capital 552,282 284,756 Retained earnings 995,702 860,988 Adjustment for minimum pension liability (13,207) (12,979) Net unrealized gain on equity securities 12,405 - Cumulative translation adjustment (154,093) (82,486) 1,407,446 1,063,920 Less: Treasury stock, at cost: 1997 - 8,063,983 shares; 1996 - 5,967,554 shares 253,088 131,082 Unearned ESOP compensation 7,420 7,800 Unamortized expense of restricted stock grants 56,634 47,350 Total stockholders' equity 1,090,304 877,688 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (SEE NOTE 15) ___________ __________ TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $5,877,605 $5,017,419 All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note 16. The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (Dollars in thousands except per share data) 1997 1996 1995 Commissions and fees $3,134,512 $2,677,173 $2,341,901 Other income 129,608 109,482 87,440 Gross income 3,264,120 2,786,655 2,429,341 Salaries and related expenses 1,781,410 1,504,772 1,308,027 Office and general expenses 993,401 870,794 774,170 Interest expense 50,574 43,041 40,924 Write-down of goodwill and other related assets - - 38,177 Special compensation charges 32,229 - - Total costs and expenses 2,857,614 2,418,607 2,161,298 Income before provision for income taxes 406,506 368,048 268,043 Provision for income taxes 184,227 154,507 126,619 Income of consolidated companies 222,279 213,541 141,424 Income applicable to minority interests (23,754) (14,872) (7,922) Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates 6,508 12,444 6,086 Net Income $ 205,033 $ 211,113 $ 139,588 Per Share Data: Basic EPS $1.61 $1.66 $1.12 Diluted EPS $1.55 $1.60 $1.09 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note 16.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 (Dollars in Thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Net Income $205,033 $211,113 $139,588 Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (71,607) 11,036 4,025 Net Unrealized Gains on Securities 12,405 - - Minimum Pension Liability Adjustments (228) (3,891) (2,666) Other Comprehensive Income (59,430) 7,145 1,359 Comprehensive Income $145,603 $218,258 $140,947 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note 16. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Dollars in thousands) THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 1997 1996 1995 Net Income $205,033 $211,113 $139,588 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets 78,258 65,297 53,870 Amortization of intangible assets 39,763 29,317 27,995 Amortization of restricted stock awards 16,222 14,451 13,558 Stock bonus plans/ESOP 1,389 4,067 769 Provision for deferred income taxes 9,530 3,986 12,071 Noncash pension plan charges 16,700 - - - Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates (6,508) (12,444) (6,086) Income applicable to minority interests 23,754 14,872 7,922 Translation losses 1,321 3,484 4,071 Write-down of goodwill and other related assets - - 38,177 Special compensation charges 31,553 - - - Sale of investments (44,598) (35,043) - Other (11,963) 4,446 (2,430) Change in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Receivables (335,344) (285,884) (236,266) Expenditures billable to clients (45,972) (25,347) (10,998) Prepaid expenses and other assets (13,289) (39,073) (30,925) Accounts payable and accrued expenses 292,624 298,203 160,391 Accrued income taxes 2,622 25,756 23,470 Deferred compensation and reserve for termination allowances 18,397 (13,503) 2,517 Net cash provided by operating activities 279,492 263,698 197,694 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisitions, net (89,910) (51,848) (66,387) Capital expenditures (102,521) (88,362) (75,413) Proceeds from sales of assets 113,374 39,474 1,722 Net proceeds from(net purchase of) marketable securities 324 476 (9,203) Investment in unconsolidated affiliates (8,371) 17,210 (14,044) Net cash used in investing activities (87,104) (83,050) (163,325) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Increase (decrease)in short-term borrowings 22,418 (23,176) 19,263 Proceeds from long-term debt 256,337 84,060 72,744 Payments of long-term debt (24,577) (63,663) (27,968) Treasury stock acquired (144,470) (86,949) (72,249) Issuance of common stock 36,862 19,588 31,206 Cash dividends - Interpublic (61,242) (51,786) (46,124) Cash dividends - pooled companies (7,416) (3,979) (6,733) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 77,912 (125,905) (29,861) Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (42,254) (2,234) 10,048 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 228,046 52,509 14,556 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 507,394 454,885 440,329 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $735,440 $507,394 $454,885 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions for as poolings of interests. See Note 16.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dollars in thousands) FOR THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 Net Unrealized Unamortized Additional Minimum Gain on Cumulative Expense Unearned Common Paid-In Retained Pension Equity Translation Treasury of Restricted ESOP Stock Capital Earnings Liability Securities Adjustment Stock Stock Grants Plan BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1996 $13,641 $284,756 $860,988 $(12,979) $ - $(82,486) $131,082 $ 47,350 $ 7,800 Net income 205,033 Cash dividends - IPG (61,242) Cash dividends - pooled cos. ( 7,416) Retained Earnings - pooled cos. ( 1,661) Foreign currency translation adjustment (71,607) Awards of common stock under Company plans: Management incentive compensation 534 Achievement stock awards 253 (175) Restricted stock 53 27,821 27,873 Employee stock purchases 23 9,684 Exercise of stock options 138 27,905 Purchase of Company's own stock 144,094 Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options 12,950 Restricted Stock: Forfeitures 3,664 (2,367) Amortization (16,222) Issuance of shares for acquisitions 47,574 (25,577) Conversion of convertible debentures 443 118,357 Adjustment for minimum pension liability (228) Par value of shares issued for three-for-two stock split 59 Change in market value of securities available-for-sale 12,405 Payments from ESOP (380) Special compensation charges 27,324 Deferred stock bonus charges (4,876) ________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1997 $14,357 $552,282 $995,702 $(13,207) $ 12,405 $(154,093) $253,088 $ 56,634 $ 7,420
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (Dollars in thousands) Net Unrealized Unamortized Additional Minimum Gain on Cumulative Expense Unearned Common Paid-In Retained Pension Equity Translation Treasury of Restricted ESOP Stock Capital Earnings Liability Securities Adjustment Stock Stock Grants Plan BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1995 $8,963 $232,504 $711,236 $( 9,088) $ - $(93,522) $ 41,126 $ 39,664 $ 9,900 Net income 211,113 Cash dividends - IPG (51,786) Cash dividends - pooled cos. ( 3,979) Retained Earnings - pooled cos. ( 1,049) Foreign currency translation adjustment 11,036 Awards of common stock under Company plans: Management incentive compensation 172 Achievement stock awards 159 (103) Restricted stock 50 22,831 23,247 Employee stock purchases 19 7,273 Exercise of stock options 61 12,738 Purchase of Company's own stock 86,949 Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options 4,381 Restricted Stock: Forfeitures (1) 1,244 (1,110) Amortization (14,451) Issuance of shares for acquisitions 3,775 1,866 Conversion of convertible debentures 2 923 Adjustment for minimum pension liability ( 3,891) Par value of shares issued for three-for-two stock split 4,547 (4,547) Payments from ESOP (2,100) ________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1996 $13,641 $284,756 $860,988 $(12,979) $ - $(82,486) $131,082 $ 47,350 $ 7,800
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 (Dollars in thousands) Net Unrealized Unamortized Additional Minimum Gain on Cumulative Expense Unearned Common Paid-In Retained Pension Equity Translation Treasury of Restricted ESOP Stock Capital Earnings Liability Securities Adjustment Stock Stock Grants Plan BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1994 $8,771 $174,882 $626,925 $(6,422) $ - $ (97,547) $ 11,644 $ 35,942 $ 11,123 Net income 139,588 Cash dividends - IPG (46,124) Cash dividends - pooled cos. ( 6,733) Retained Earnings - pooled cos. ( 2,420) Foreign currency translation adjustment 4,025 Awards of common stock under Company plans: Achievement stock awards 167 (98) Restricted stock 50 18,256 18,306 Employee stock purchases 15 5,073 Exercise of stock options 127 28,849 Purchase of Company's own stock 75,229 Tax benefit relating to exercise of stock options 5,809 Restricted Stock: Forfeitures 1,608 (1,026) Amortization (13,558) Issuance of shares for acquisitions (532) (47,257) Adjustment for minimum pension liability (2,666) Payment from ESOP (1,223) ________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ BALANCES, DECEMBER 31, 1995 $8,963 $232,504 $711,236 $(9,088) $ - $(93,522) $ 41,126 $ 39,664 $ 9,900 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note 16.
NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Operations: The Company is a worldwide provider of advertising agency and related services. The Company conducts business through the following subsidiaries: McCann-Erickson WorldGroup, Ammirati Puris Lintas, The Lowe Group, Western International Media, DraftWorldwide, Allied Communications Group, Octagon and other related companies. Interpublic also has arrangements through association with local agencies in various parts of the world. Other "marketing communications" activities conducted by the Company are market research, sales promotion, product development, direct marketing, telemarketing and other related services. Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries, most of which are wholly owned. The Company also has certain investments in unconsolidated affiliates that are carried on the equity basis. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. Short-term and Long-term Investments: The Company's investments in marketable and equity securities are categorized as available-for-sale securities, as defined by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, (SFAS 115),"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". Unrealized holding gains and losses are reflected as a net amount in a separate component of stockholders' equity until realized. The cost of securities sold is based on the average cost of securities when computing realized gains and losses. Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Translation of Foreign Currencies: Balance sheet accounts are translated principally at rates of exchange prevailing at the end of the year except for fixed assets and related depreciation in countries with highly inflationary economies which are translated at rates in effect on dates of acquisition. Revenue and expense accounts are translated at average rates of exchange in effect during each year. Translation adjustments are included as a separate component of stockholders' equity except for countries with highly inflationary economies, which are included in current operations. Commissions, Fees and Costs: Commissions and fees are generally recognized when media placements appear and production costs are incurred. Salaries and other agency costs are generally expensed as incurred. Depreciation and Amortization: Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the related assets, ranging generally from 3 to 20 years for furniture and equipment and from 10 to 45 years for various component parts of buildings. Leasehold improvements and rights are amortized over the terms of related leases. Company policy provides for the capitalization of all major expenditures for renewal and improvements and for current charges to income for repairs and maintenance. Long-lived Assets: The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired is amortized on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding 40 years. The Company evaluates the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the net book value of an operation may not be recoverable. If the sum of projected future undiscounted cash flows of an operation is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized. The impairment loss is measured by the excess of the carrying value over fair value based on estimated discounted future cash flows or other valuation measures. Income Taxes: Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of temporary differences between the amount of assets and liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for income tax purposes. Earnings per Common and Common Equivalent Share: As further discussed in Note 3, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, (SFAS 128), "Earnings Per Share", in the fourth quarter of 1997. Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share also includes common equivalent shares applicable to grants under the stock incentive and stock option plans and the assumed conversion of convertible subordinated debentures and notes, if they are determined to be dilutive. Treasury Stock: Treasury stock is acquired at market value and is recorded at cost. Issuances are accounted for on a first in, first out basis. Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company's clients are in various businesses, located primarily in North America, Latin America, Europe and the Pacific Region. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its clients. Reserves for credit losses are maintained at levels considered adequate by management. The Company invests its excess cash in deposits with major banks and in money market securities. These securities typically mature within 90 days and bear minimal risk. NOTE 2: STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY On May 19, 1997, the stockholders approved an increase in the number of authorized common shares from 150,000,000 shares to 225,000,000 shares. The stockholders also approved a three-for-two stock split, effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend paid on July 15, 1997 to stockholders of record as of June 27, 1997. The number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to various plans under which stock is issued was increased by 50%. The three- for-two stock split has been reflected retroactively in the consolidated financial statements and all per share data, shares, and market prices of the Company's common stock included in the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto have been adjusted to give effect to the stock split. The Company has a Preferred Share Rights Plan designed to deter coercive takeover tactics. Pursuant to this plan, common stockholders are entitled to purchase 1/100 of a share of preferred stock at an exercise price of $100 if a person or group acquires or commences a tender offer for 15% or more of Interpublic's common stock. Rights holders (other than the 15% stockholder) will also be entitled to buy, for the $100 exercise price, shares of Interpublic's common stock with a market value of $200 in the event a person or group actually acquires 15% or more of Interpublic's common stock. Rights may be redeemed at $.01 per right under certain circumstances.NOTE 3: EARNINGS PER SHARE In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, (SFAS 128), "Earnings Per Share", which specifies the method of computation, presentation and disclosure for earnings per share(EPS). SFAS 128 replaces the presentation of primary EPS with basic EPS and requires dual presentation of basic and diluted EPS. All prior period EPS data has been restated to comply with SFAS 128 and to reflect the three-for-two stock split effected July 1997. In accordance with SFAS 128, the following is a reconciliation of the components of the basic and diluted EPS computations for income available to common stockholders: FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 PER PER PER SHARE SHARE SHARE INCOME SHARES AMOUNT INCOME SHARES AMOUNT INCOME SHARES AMOUNT BASIC EPS Income available to common stockholders $205,033 127,457,013 $1.61 $211,113 127,504,436 $1.66 $139,588 125,009,700 $1.12 EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES Options 2,910,648 2,219,373 1,921,923 Restricted stock 447 1,638,646 384 1,605,564 461 2,080,067 3 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures 5,929 4,010,291 6,410 4,466,502 DILUTED EPS $211,409 136,016,598 $1.55 $217,907 135,795,875 $1.60 $140,049 129,011,690 $1.09 The computation of diluted EPS for 1995 and 1997 excludes the assumed conversion of the 3 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures and the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes, respectively, because they were antidilutive.
NOTE 4: ACQUISITIONS AND RELATED COSTS The Company acquired a number of advertising and communications companies during the three year period ended December 31, 1997. The aggregate purchase price, including cash and stock payments, was $302 million, $173 million and $142 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In 1997, 4,059,255 shares of the Company's common stock were issued for acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. Some of the companies pooled and the respective shares of the Company's common stock issued were Complete Medical Group- 708,789 shares, Integrated Communications Corporation - 585,054 shares, Advantage International- 579,206 shares and Ludgate- 539,459 shares. Additional companies accounted for as poolings of interests include Adler Boschetto Peebles, Barnett Fletcher, Davies Baron, Diefenbach Elkins, D.L. Blair, Rubin Barney & Birger, Inc. and Technology Solutions Inc. In 1997, the Company also paid $81 million in cash and issued 1,200,059 shares of its common stock for acquisitions accounted for as purchases and equity investments. Such acquisitions included Marketing Corporation of America, Medialog, The Sponsorship Group, Kaleidoscope and Addis Wechsler (51% interest). The Company also increased its interest in Campbell Mithun Esty by 25%. The Company also recorded acquisition related deferred payments of $38 million. In 1996, the Company issued 3,519,847 shares of its stock for acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. Pooled companies included DraftDirect- 2,736,914 shares, The Weber Group- 495,996 shares and Torre Renta Lazur- 286,937 shares. During 1996, the Company paid $57 million in cash and issued 190,653 shares of its common stock for acquisitions accounted for as purchases and equity investments. Such acquisitions included Angotti Thomas Hedge, Jay Advertising, Media Inc., McAdams Healthcare, GGK (49% interest) and Goldberg Moser O'Neill (49% interest). In 1995, the Company acquired Anderson & Lembke and Addison Whitney for 881,763 and 391,134 shares of its common stock, respectively. These acquisitions were accounted for as poolings of interests. The Company also issued 1,364,039 shares of its common stock and paid $47 million in cash for companies accounted for as purchases and equity investments. Such acquisitions included Newspaper Services of America, Kevin Morley Marketing, Bosch & Butz (80% interest), Mark Goodson Productions (50% interest), Campbell Mithun Esty (50% interest) and CKS Group, Inc. (28% interest). As more fully discussed in Note 16, the Company acquired three companies in April 1998 which were accounted for as poolings of interests. The Company's supplemental consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, have been restated as of the earliest period presented to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the April 1998 pooled entities in addition to all prior pooled entities. Gross income and net income for the combining entities included in the supplemental consolidated statement of income for the years ending December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are summarized below. Gross Income Net Income/(Loss) For the year ended December 31, 1997: As Reported $3,125,846 $ 239,146 Pooled Companies 138,274 (34,113) As Restated $3,264,120 $ 205,033 For the year ended December 31, 1996: As Reported $2,537,516 $ 205,205 Pooled Companies 249,139 5,908 As Restated $2,786,655 $ 211,113 For the year ended December 31, 1995: As Reported $2,179,739 $ 129,812 Pooled Companies 249,602 9,776 As Restated $2,429,341 $ 139,588 Deferred payments of both cash and shares of the Company's common stock for prior years' acquisitions were $43 million, $16 million, and $27 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. During 1997, the Company sold its investment in All American Communications, Inc. for approximately $77 million. During 1996, the Company sold its 50% investment in Mark Goodson Productions for approximately $29 million, a portion of its investment in CKS Group, Inc. for $37.6 million and its investment in Spotlink for $11.7 million in shares of the purchaser's common stock. In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, (SFAS 121), "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of". SFAS 121 established accounting standards for the recognition and the measurement of impairment of long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles including goodwill. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 121, the Company recorded a noncash charge of $38.2 million, comprised of a write-down of $25.8 million for goodwill and $12.4 million for investments and advances. The write-down related to sixteen separate operating units, primarily advertising and promotion agencies. All but two of these units are located in Europe or North America and were acquired between 1978 and 1994. The reason for the write-down was that the carrying value of the assets exceeded management's estimate of the fair value of these operations which was based primarily on discounted projected cash flows. The fair values estimated by management took into consideration the following: the profitability and trend in profitability of each of the operations, the effects of economic recessions in the various markets, changes in client relationships, trends in clients' spending patterns, the strength of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies and additional political, economic and legal factors where applicable. In some instances, strategies had been implemented to improve operating results which did not prove successful and in some instances management reached a decision in 1995 to sell, merge, or discontinue the operations. NOTE 5: PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, (SFAS 109), "Accounting for Income Taxes". SFAS 109 applies an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities with respect to the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements and tax returns. The components of income before provision for income taxes are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Domestic $179,815 $176,998 $118,209 Foreign 226,691 191,050 149,834 Total $406,506 $368,048 $268,043 The provision for income taxes consisted of: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Federal income taxes (including foreign withholding taxes): Current $ 67,476 $ 59,260 $ 39,454 Deferred 5,601 181 3,297 73,077 59,441 42,751 State and local income taxes: Current 21,900 20,358 12,451 Deferred 1,447 2,803 552 23,347 23,161 13,003 Foreign income taxes: Current 85,321 70,903 62,643 Deferred 2,482 1,002 8,222 87,803 71,905 70,865 Total $184,227 $154,507 $126,619 At December 31, 1997 and 1996 the deferred tax assets/(liabilities) consisted of the following items: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 Postretirement/postemployment benefits $ 40,760 $ 40,030 Deferred compensation 25,427 12,450 Pension costs 11,873 6,785 Depreciation (9,269) (8,132) Rent (3,546) 10,846 Interest 2,056 6,051 Accrued reserves 4,361 4,551 Investments in equity securities (8,956) - Tax loss/tax credit carryforwards 22,172 22,510 Other (4,139) 3,867 Total deferred tax assets 80,739 98,958 Deferred tax valuation allowance 21,315 14,622 Net deferred tax assets $ 59,424 $ 84,336 The valuation allowance of $21,315,000 and $14,622,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, represents a provision for uncertainty as to the realization of certain deferred tax assets, including U.S. tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards in certain jurisdictions. The change during 1997 in the deferred tax valuation allowance primarily relates to net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of the tax credit. At December 31, 1997 there were $7,052,000 of tax credit carryforwards with expiration periods through 2002 and net operating loss carryforwards with a tax effect of $15,120,000 with various expiration periods. The Company has concluded that based upon expected future results, it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax asset balance will be realized. A reconciliation of the effective income tax rate as shown in the consolidated statement of income to the federal statutory rate is as follows: 1997 1996 1995 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 3.5 2.9 3.2 Impact of foreign operations, including withholding taxes 1.0 1.1 3.8 Goodwill and intangible assets 2.5 2.5 7.3 Effect of pooled companies 3.4 0.0 (1.1) Other (0.1) 0.5 (1.0) Effective tax rate 45.3% 42.0% 47.2% The total amount of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries for income tax purposes was approximately $415.4 million at December 31, 1997. No provision has been made for foreign withholding taxes or United States income taxes which may become payable if undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries were paid as dividends to the Company, since a major portion of these earnings has been reinvested in working capital and other business needs. The additional taxes on that portion of undistributed earnings which is available for dividends are not practicably determinable. NOTE 6: INCENTIVE PLANS The 1997 Performance Incentive Plan, ("1997 PIP Plan"), approved by the Company's stockholders in May 1997, replaced the Company's Management Incentive Compensation Plan, Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, 1996 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1986 Stock Incentive Plan ("Predecessor Plans"). Awards made under the Predecessor Plans remain subject to their terms and conditions. The 1997 PIP Plan includes the following types of awards: (1) stock options, (2) stock appreciation rights, (3) restricted stock, (4) phantom shares, (5) performance units and (6) management incentive compensation performance awards. The maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock which may be granted in any year under the 1997 PIP Plan, excluding management incentive compensation performance awards, is equal to a base amount (1.85% of the total number of shares of the Company's common stock outstanding on the first day of the year) supplemented by additional shares as defined in the 1997 PIP Plan document. The 1997 PIP Plan also limits the number of shares available with respect to stock option and stock appreciation rights awards made each year to any one participant as well as the number of shares available under certain types of awards. The following discussion relates to transactions under the 1997 PIP Plan, the Predecessor Plans as well as other incentive plans. Except as otherwise noted, awards under the 1997 PIP Plan have terms similar to awards made under the respective Predecessor Plans. All prior years' EPS and share data has been restated to reflect a three-for-two stock split effected July 1997. Stock Options The 1997 PIP Plan provides for the granting of either incentive stock options (ISO's) or nonstatutory options to purchase shares at the fair value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, ( the "Committee"), is responsible for determining the vesting terms and the exercise period of each grant within the limitations set forth in the 1997 PIP Plan document. Outstanding options are generally granted at the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and are exercisable based on a schedule determined by the Committee. Generally, options become exercisable between two and five years after the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Under the 1988 Stock Option Plan, the Company can grant, through 1998, options to purchase 900,000 shares of the Company's common stock to key employees who are employed outside the United States. As permitted under this Plan, certain options were granted at prices less than the market value of the Company's common stock. The Company also maintains a stock plan for outside directors. Under this plan, 300,000 shares of common stock of the Company are reserved for issuance. Stock options under this plan are awarded at the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date the option is granted. Options generally become exercisable three years after the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of grant. Following is a summary of stock option transactions during the three-year period ended December 31, 1997: Number of Weighted- Shares Average Under Option Exercise Price ________________________________________________________________ Balance, December 31, 1994 9,135,213 $16 Exercisable, December 31, 1994 2,345,247 10 ________________________________________________________________ New Awards 3,115,196 22 Exercised (1,903,550) 14 Cancelled (409,707) 20 Balance, December 31, 1995 9,937,152 22 Exercisable, December 31, 1995 4,538,483 11 _________________________________________________________________ New Awards 3,503,580 31 Exercised (907,866) 14 Cancelled (466,923) 22 Balance, December 31, 1996 12,065,943 22 Exercisable, December 31, 1996 3,846,002 14 _________________________________________________________________ New Awards 2,210,980 38 Exercised (1,733,559) 16 Cancelled (521,160) 24 Balance, December 31, 1997 12,022,204 26 Exercisable, December 31, 1997 4,201,219 17 _________________________________________________________________ The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1997: Weighted- Average Weighted- Weighted- Number Remaining Average Number Average Range of Outstanding Contractual Exercise Exercisable Exercise Exercise Prices at 12/31/97 Life Price at 12/31/97 Price $4.91 to $14.99 2,255,982 3.50 $14 2,252,156 $14 15.00 to 21.99 3,751,339 6.19 21 1,812,194 20 22.00 to 31.99 3,772,182 8.19 30 136,869 25 32.00 to 49.09 2,242,701 9.34 39 - - Stock Appreciation Rights The 1997 PIP Plan permits the Company to grant stock appreciation rights. A stock appreciation right entitles the holder to receive an amount equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock of the Company on the date of exercise over a base price. No such awards have been made to date. Restricted Stock Various incentive plans incorporate the issuance of restricted stock subject to certain restrictions and vesting requirements determined by the Committee. Restricted stock awards are subject to certain restrictions and vesting requirements, generally five to seven years. No monetary consideration is paid by a recipient for a restricted stock award. The cost of these shares is amortized over the restriction periods. The Committee is authorized to direct that discretionary tax assistance payments may be made to recipients when the restrictions lapse. Such payments are expensed as awarded. At December 31, 1997, there were a total of 3,589,605 shares of restricted stock outstanding. During 1997, 1996 and 1995, the Company awarded 699,257 shares, 720,903 shares and 745,842 shares of restricted stock with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $38.96, $31.14 and $24.55, respectively. Restricted shares under the Outside Directors' Plan are subject to certain restrictions and vesting requirements, generally five years. At December 31, 1997, there were 18,000 shares of restricted stock outstanding. During 1997, the Company awarded 6,000 shares under this Plan with a weighted-average grant date fair value of $40. Phantom Shares The 1997 PIP Plan permits the Company to grant phantom shares. A phantom share represents the right of the holder to receive an amount determined by the Committee based on the achievement of performance goals. No such grants have been made under the 1997 PIP Plan. Performance Units The 1997 PIP Plan and its predecessor, the Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, permit the Company to grant performance units. Performance units represent the contractual right of the holder to receive a payment that becomes vested upon the attainment of performance objectives determined by the Committee. Grants consisting of performance units have been awarded to certain key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The ultimate value of these performance units is contingent upon the annual growth of profit (as defined) of the Company, its operating components or both, over the 1995- 1998 and 1997-2000 performance periods. The awards are generally paid in cash. The projected value of these units is accrued by the Company and charged to expense over the four-year performance period. The Company expensed $19.9 million in 1997, $13.6 million in 1996 and $9.6 million in 1995 relating to performance units. As of December 31, 1997, the Company's liability for the 1995-1998 and 1997-2000 performance periods was $31.7 million, which represents a proportionate part of the total estimated amounts payable for the two performance periods. The Company's payout to participants for the 1993-1996 performance period was $20.2 million, of which $7.9 million was paid in December 1996, and the remaining $12.3 million was paid in the first quarter of 1997. Management Incentive Compensation Plan Under the management incentive compensation component of the 1997 PIP Plan the Committee is authorized to make management incentive compensation awards to employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates, subject to the limitation that no individual may receive in excess of $2 million and certain limitations of common shares issued. Miscellaneous Incentive Arrangements Under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), employees may purchase common stock of the Company through payroll deductions not exceeding 10% of their compensation. The price an employee pays for a share of stock is 85% of the market price on the last business day of the month. The Company issued 281,852 shares, 279,879 shares and 237,821 shares during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, under the ESPP. An additional 8,305,378 shares were reserved for issuance at December 31, 1997. Under the Company's Achievement Stock Award Plan, awards may be made up to an aggregate of 1,872,000 shares of common stock together with cash awards to cover any applicable withholding taxes. The Company issued 10,130 shares, 8,505 shares and 10,778 shares during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, under this plan. The weighted-average fair value on the dates of grant in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $42.25, $30.86 and $24.73, respectively. SFAS 123 Disclosures The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, (SFAS 123), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" in the fourth quarter of 1996. As permitted by the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company applies APB Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based employee compensation plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Company's stock options or for purchases under the ESPP. The cost recorded for restricted stock and achievement stock awards in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $16,684,652, $14,527,086 and $13,738,872, respectively. If compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans and its ESPP had been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates as defined by SFAS 123, the Company's pro forma net income and earnings per share would have been as follows: 1997 1996 1995 (Dollars in thousands except per share data) Net Income As reported $205,033 $211,113 $139,588 Pro forma $195,198 $204,127 $135,412 Earnings per share Basic As reported $1.61 $1.66 $1.12 Pro forma $1.53 $1.60 $1.08 Diluted As reported $1.55 $1.60 $1.09 Pro forma $1.48 $1.55 $1.05 For purposes of this pro forma information, the fair value of shares issued under the ESPP was based on the 15% discount received by the employees. The weighted-average fair value on the date of purchase for stock purchased under this Plan was $5.36, $4.60 and $3.72 in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. For purposes of this pro forma information, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option- pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively: dividend yield of 1.3%, 1.41% and 1.72%; expected volatility of 19.17%, 20.71% and 22.08%; risk-free interest rate of 6.51%, 6.43% and 7.66%; and expected life of six years for each of the three years. The weighted-average fair value on the dates of grant for options granted in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $11.83, $9.63 and $7.26, respectively. As required by SFAS 123, this pro forma information is based on stock awards beginning in 1995 and accordingly is not likely to be representative of the pro forma effects in future years because options vest over several years and additional awards generally are made each year. Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc. Compensation Plans Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc.,("Hill Holliday"), had an Equity Participation Plan (the "EPP") for various members of management and certain agreements (the "Awards") with three key members of their management, which provide for participants to receive a portion of the proceeds in the event of the sale or merger of Hill Holliday. As a result of the merger discussions initiated in November 1997 and the subsequent agreement entered into on February 19, 1998, Hill Holliday recognized $25,951,000 of compensation expense based on management's assessment that as of December 31, 1997, it was probable that the obligations under the EPP and the Awards would become payable. Also included in the special compensation charge was $869,000 related to the value of certain compensatory stock options and $504,000 related to other stock grants. The remaining balance of the special charge consisted of $4,228,000 of payments on a consulting and supplemental retirement agreement under which no future services are expected, $1,017,000 payable under an employment agreement in the event of the sale of Hill Holliday and $1,033,000 of other expenses. Carmichael Lynch, Inc. Compensation Plans Carmichael Lynch maintained an Employee Stock Ownership Program ("ESOP") which was funded by a loan in the original amount of $10,457,694 and contributions from Carmichael Lynch which were approximately $749,000 in 1997, $2,350,000 in 1996 and $1,623,000 in 1995. In accordance with SOP 93-6 the ESOP loan is carried as "Unearned ESOP Compensation" in the supplemental consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 1997, the loan had a balance of $7,420,000 which will be repaid from proceeds from sale of Company stock received in the merger and the Plan will be terminated. Carmichael Lynch also had a deferred stock equivalent plan payable in cash or stock. In 1997, it was determined that the units would be paid in cash and accordingly the balance of $4,876,399 was reclassified from "Additional Paid in Capital" to "Deferred Compensation". At December 31, 1997, the outstanding units were valued at $3,819,000. NOTE 7: RETIREMENT PLANS Domestic Retirement Plan The Company and certain of its domestic subsidiaries have a defined benefit plan ("Domestic Plan") and a defined contribution plan ("Savings Plan") which covers substantially all regular employees. The Company announced that it was freezing benefit accruals under the Domestic Plan effective April 1, 1998. Participants with five or less years of service will become fully vested in the plan effective April 1, 1998. Participants with five or more years of service as of March 31, 1998 will retain their vested balances and participate in a new compensation plan. Under the new plan, each participant's account will be credited with an annual allocation, equal to the projected discounted pension benefit accrual plus interest, while they continue to work for the Company. Participants will be eligible to receive up to ten years of allocations coinciding with the number of years of service with the Company after March 31, 1998. As a result of the change in the Domestic Plan, the Company recorded charges of approximately $16.7 million in the fourth quarter of 1997. The Company's policy was to fund pension costs as permitted by applicable tax regulations. Pension costs were determined by the projected unit credit method based upon career average pay. Funding requirements for the Domestic Plan were determined using the accrued benefit unit credit method. Under the "cash balance" formula, the participant's account balance was credited each year with an amount equal to the percentage of the year's annual compensation, plus interest credits. Participants in the Domestic Plan on December 31, 1991 who continued to work for the Company after that date had their normal retirement benefits under the plan as of that date converted on an actuarial basis into an opening account balance as of January 1, 1992. Prior to the 1998 change in the Domestic Plan, the Company was required to record an intangible asset to the extent of unrecognized prior service cost and net transition obligation. In 1996 and 1995, the Company recorded an intangible asset of $10.4 million and $10.5 million, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded a reduction to stockholders' equity of $13.2 million, $13.0 million and $9.1 million, in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Net pension costs for the Domestic Plan for 1997, 1996 and 1995 included the following components: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Service cost $ 4,179 $ 4,057 $ 3,322 Interest cost 10,567 10,248 10,398 Actual return on plan assets (14,346) (10,983) (20,622) Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation 1,887 1,887 1,887 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost (1,276) (1,769) (1,769) Amortization of unrecognized losses 943 1,005 309 Curtailment charge 9,727 - - Deferred investment gain 3,335 129 10,874 Net periodic pension cost $15,016 $ 4,574 $ 4,399 The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized for the Domestic Plan in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit obligation (including vested benefits of $130,707 in 1997 and $128,649 in 1996) $130,707 $132,110 Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligation 134,348 139,142 Plan assets at fair value 115,944 112,284 Projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets (18,404) (26,858) Unrecognized net losses 13,207 20,010 Unrecognized prior service cost - 902 Unrecognized net transition obligation - 9,437 Additional minimum liability (13,207) (23,317) Accrued pension liability $(18,404) $(19,826) At December 31, 1997, Domestic Plan assets were primarily invested in fixed income and equity securities. Prior service costs were being amortized over the estimated average remaining service period of active employees. The initial net transition obligation was being amortized over 15 years. A discount rate of 7.25% in 1997, 7.5% in 1996 and 7.25% in 1995 and a salary increase assumption of 6% in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation. The expected return on assets was 10% in 1997, 1996 and 1995. In addition to the defined benefit plan described above, the Company also sponsors a Savings Plan that covers substantially all domestic employees of the Company and participating subsidiaries who have completed one year of service. The Savings Plan permits participants to make contributions on a pre-tax and/or after-tax basis. The Savings Plan allows participants to designate in which fund(s) they want their contributions invested. The Company matches a portion of participants' contributions based upon the number of years of service. The Company contributed $6,320,738, $5,389,464 and $4,866,881 to the Savings Plan in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Foreign Retirement Plans The Company has several foreign pension plans in which benefits are based primarily on years of service and employee compensation. It is the Company's policy to fund these plans in accordance with local laws and income tax regulations. Net pension costs for foreign pension plans for 1997, 1996 and 1995 included the following components: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Service cost $ 5,266 $ 4,900 $ 5,276 Interest cost 10,589 10,084 11,054 Net return on plan assets (10,506) (9,077) (8,738) Net amortization and deferral 1,159 1,251 1,372 Unrecognized net gain (1,745) (2,026) (1,367) Other - (50) - Net pension costs $ 4,763 $ 5,082 $ 7,597 The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized for the foreign pension plans in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 Assets Accumulated Assets Accumulated Exceed Benefits Exceed Benefits Accumulated Exceed Accumulated Exceed Benefits Assets Benefits Assets Actuarial present value of accumulated benefit obligation (including vested benefits of: 1997 - $95,139 and $60,888; 1996 - $76,092 and $66,113) $ 95,265 $ 64,650 $ 76,293 $ 71,779 Actuarial present value of projected benefit obligation 105,051 72,119 84,404 79,290 Plan assets at fair value 141,215 4,195 129,488 6,336 Projected benefit obligation less than (in excess of) plan assets 36,164 (67,924) 45,084 (72,954) Unrecognized net (gain)/loss (14,373) 1,490 (27,517) (1,884) Unrecognized prior service cost 3,524 - 4,519 - Unrecognized net (asset) obligation (1,043) 4,384 (1,492) 5,777 Prepaid (accrued) pension cost at December 31, 1997 and 1996 $ 24,272 $(62,050) $ 20,594 $(69,061)
Foreign plans utilized discount rates ranging from 3.5% to 14.0% in 1997 and from 5.5% to 12.0% in both 1996 and 1995 and salary increase assumptions ranging from 2.0% to 10.0% in 1997, 1996 and 1995, to determine the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation. The expected rates of return on assets of foreign plans ranged from 3.5% to 14.0% in 1997 and 4.0% to 12.0% in both 1996 and 1995. The Company also has special deferred benefit arrangements with certain key employees. Vesting is based upon the age of the employee and the terms of the employee's contract. Life insurance contracts have been purchased in amounts which may be used to fund these arrangements. NOTE 8: POSTRETIREMENT AND POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Postretirement Benefit Plans The Company and its subsidiaries provide certain postretirement health care benefits for employees who were in the employ of the Company as of January 1, 1988, and life insurance benefits for employees who were in the employ of the Company as of December 1, 1961. The plans cover certain employees in the United States and certain key employees in foreign countries. Effective January 1, 1993, the Company's plan covering postretirement medical benefits was amended to place a cap on annual benefits payable to retirees. Such coverage is self-insured, but is administered by an insurance company. The Company accrues the expected cost of postretirement benefits other than pensions over the period in which the active employees become eligible for such postretirement benefits. The components of periodic expense for these postretirement benefits for 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Service cost $ 612 $ 610 $ 583 Interest cost 2,958 2,824 3,047 Amortization of prior service cost (934) (934) (934) Total periodic expense $2,636 $2,500 $2,696 The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts recognized for the Company's postretirement benefit plans in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 1997 and 1996: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Retirees $ 22,619 $ 21,227 Fully eligible active plan participants 5,484 5,110 Other active plan participants 13,534 12,420 Total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 41,637 38,757 Plan assets at fair value - - Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation in excess of plan assets (41,637) (38,757) Unrecognized net loss (2,004) (3,272) Unrecognized prior service cost (3,763) (4,697) Accrued postretirement benefit liability $(47,404) $(46,726) A discount rate of 7.25% in 1997, 7.50% in 1996 and 7.25% in 1995 and a salary increase assumption of 6.0% in 1997, 1996 and 1995 were used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. A 9.0% and a 10.0% increase in the cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 1997 and 1996, respectively. This rate is assumed to decrease incrementally to 5.5% in the year 2002 and remain at that level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption does not have a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a 1% increase in the health care cost trend rate would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1997 by approximately $1.9 million, and the net periodic cost for 1997 by approximately $0.2 million. Postemployment Benefits Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112, (SFAS 112), "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits", and recognized a one-time after-tax charge of $29.6 million. This Statement requires the Company to accrue the costs of certain benefits which include severance, worker's compensation and health care coverage over an employee's service life. The Company's liability for postemployment benefits totaled $46.7 million and $40.8 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and is included in deferred compensation and reserve for termination allowances. The net periodic expense recognized in 1997, 1996 and 1995 was $28.9 million, $21.2 million and $9.6 million, respectively. NOTE 9: SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS The Company and its domestic subsidiaries have lines of credit with various banks. These credit lines permit borrowings at fluctuating interest rates determined by the banks. Short-term borrowings by subsidiaries outside the United States principally consist of drawings against bank overdraft facilities and lines of credit. These borrowings bear interest at the prevailing local rates. Where required, the Company has guaranteed the repayment of the borrowings. Unused lines of credit by the Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1997 and 1996 aggregated $430 million and $329 million, respectively. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding balances at December 31, 1997 was approximately 6.61%. Current maturities of long-term debt are included in the payable to banks balance. NOTE 10: LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following: 1997 1996 (Dollars in thousands) Convertible Subordinated Notes - 1.80% $201,768 $ - Convertible Subordinated Debentures - 3 3/4% - 115,192 Term loans- 6.45% to 14.0% 236,833 206,914 Mortgage notes payable and other long-term loans- 4.0% to 16.0% 39,838 50,791 478,439 372,897 Less: current portion 22,761 18,294 Long-term debt $455,678 $354,603 On September 16, 1997, the Company issued $250 million face amount of Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 ("2004 Notes") with a coupon rate of 1.80%. The 2004 Notes were issued at an original price of 80% of the face amount, generating proceeds of approximately $200 million. The notes are convertible into 3.3 million shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 13.386 shares per $1,000 face amount. These shares have been reserved for the conversion of the notes. The fair value of the 2004 Notes as of December 31, 1997 was approximately $208 million and was determined by obtaining quotes from brokers. In the fourth quarter of 1997, the Company called for redemption its 3 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002. Substantially all of the outstanding debentures were converted into approximately 4.3 million shares of the Company's common stock. The increase in term loans during 1997 was primarily due to an additional $50 million private placement with Prudential. Term loans at December 31, 1997 consisted of $146.7 million of private placements with Prudential, $25.0 million in term loans with First Chicago NBD, $40.0 million in term loans with SunTrust Bank, $20.0 million in term loans with Wachovia Bank, $3.5 million in loans with Norwest and a $1.6 million private placement loan with Massachusetts Mutual. Mortgage notes payable and other long-term loans at December 31, 1997 primarily related to a $31.6 million mortgage which was used to finance the purchase of a building and land by one of the Company's subsidiaries during 1993. Under various loan agreements, the Company must maintain specified levels of net worth and meet certain cash flow requirements, and is limited in the level of indebtedness. The Company has complied with the limitations under the terms of these loan agreements. Long-term debt maturing over the next five years is as follows: 1998-$22.8 million; 1999-$27.5 million; 2000-$6.1 million; 2001-$14.3 million; 2002- $45.6 million, and thereafter $362.1 million. All material long-term debt is carried in the consolidated balance sheet at amounts which approximate fair values based upon current borrowing rates available to the Company unless otherwise disclosed. NOTE 11: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Income Tax and Interest Payments Cash paid for income taxes was approximately $124.8 million, $105.8 million and $84.0 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Interest payments were approximately $24.2 million in 1997, $28.1 million in 1996 and $26.4 million in 1995. Noncash Financing Activity As more fully described in Note 10, the Company called for redemption all outstanding issues under the 3 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002. The debentures were converted into approximately 4.3 million shares of the Company's common stock. Acquisitions As more fully described in Note 4 and in connection with acquisitions, the Company issued 5,259,314 shares, 3,710,500 shares, and 2,636,936 shares of the Company's common stock during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Details of businesses acquired in transactions accounted for as purchases were as follows: 1997 1996 1995 (Dollars in thousands) Fair value of assets acquired $262,925 $182,572 $ 75,305 Liabilities assumed 89,686 106,289 11,170 Net assets acquired 173,239 76,283 64,135 Less: noncash consideration 76,794 7,568 9,637 Less: cash acquired 6,535 16,867 5,481 Net cash paid for acquisitions $ 89,910 $ 51,848 $ 49,017 The amounts shown above exclude acquisition related deferred payments due in subsequent years, but include cash deferred payments of $30 million, $14 million and $27 million made during 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. NOTE 12: RESULTS BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED) ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ (Dollars in thousands 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter except per share data) 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 Gross income $679,297 $583,133 $825,358 $719,577 $732,959 $621,702 $1,026,506 $862,243 Operating expenses 614,874 534,105 649,291 558,461 660,465 557,084 850,181 725,916 Special compensation charges 32,229 Interest expense 10,698 10,280 11,306 10,097 14,343 10,753 14,227 11,911 Income before provision for taxes 53,725 38,748 164,761 151,019 58,151 53,865 129,869 124,416 Provision for income taxes 21,590 15,023 66,428 61,481 26,124 20,742 70,085 57,261 Net equity interests (2,704) 441 (5,113) 61 (942) (555) (8,487) (2,375) Net income 29,431 24,166 93,220 89,599 31,085 32,568 51,297 64,780 Per share data: Basic EPS .23 .19 .73 .70 .24 .26 .40 .51 Diluted EPS .23 .18 .70 .67 .24 .25 .38 .49 Cash dividends per share (IPG) $.113 $.103 $.130 $.113 $.130 $.113 $.130 $.113 Weighted-average shares: Basic 126,734,506 127,756,770 127,161,514 127,730,182 127,078,261 127,561,172 128,853,772 126,969,620 Diluted 130,669,256 131,671,984 136,044,790 136,034,532 132,181,681 131,327,207 133,592,508 135,162,648 Stock Price: High $36 5/8 $31 1/2 $41 3/8 $33 1/8 $51 3/8 $32 3/8 $52 1/2 $33 3/8 Low $32 1/4 $26 5/8 $35 $30 3/8 $41 1/2 $27 7/8 $45 1/4 $29 5/8 ________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of the acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note 16.
NOTE 13: GEOGRAPHIC AREAS Total assets, income from commissions and fees and income before provision for income taxes are presented below by major geographic area: (Dollars in thousands) 1997 1996 1995 Total Assets: United States $3,179,103 $2,458,270 $2,117,696 International Europe 1,735,068 1,653,242 1,569,650 Asia Pacific 571,153 545,350 515,505 Latin America 257,730 224,683 193,592 Other 134,551 135,874 135,243 Total International 2,698,502 2,559,149 2,413,990 Total Consolidated $5,877,605 $5,017,419 $4,531,686 Income From Commissions and Fees: United States $1,531,152 $1,214,785 $ 973,943 International Europe 996,823 907,373 860,502 Asia Pacific 323,626 311,576 282,200 Latin America 204,894 170,024 152,503 Other 78,017 73,415 72,753 Total International 1,603,360 1,462,388 1,367,958 Total Consolidated $3,134,512 $2,677,173 $2,341,901 Income Before Provision for Income Taxes: Operating income: United States $ 215,167 $ 206,898 $ 144,681 International Europe 129,757 99,778 77,798 Asia Pacific 53,485 57,831 48,290 Latin America 48,067 35,578 31,626 Other 10,604 11,004 6,572 Total International 241,913 204,191 164,286 Items not allocated to operations, principally interest expense: United States (35,352) (29,900) (26,472) International (15,222) (13,141) (14,452) Total Consolidated $ 406,506 $ 368,048 $ 268,043 The largest client of the Company contributed approximately 11% in 1997, 1996 and 1995 to income from commissions and fees. The Company's second largest client contributed approximately 8% in 1997, 1996 and 1995 to income from commissions and fees. Dividends received from foreign subsidiaries were approximately $40.8 million in 1997, $35.2 million in 1996 and $31.8 million in 1995. Net assets of foreign subsidiaries were approximately $645 million, $679 million and $586 million at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Consolidated net income includes losses from exchange and translation of foreign currencies of $5.6 million, $4.1 million and $4.7 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. NOTE 14: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Financial assets, which include cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and receivables, have carrying values, which approximate fair value. Long-term equity securities, included in other investments and miscellaneous assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, are deemed to be available-for-sale as defined by SFAS 115 and accordingly are reported at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses reported within stockholders' equity. At December 31, 1997, long-term equity securities had a cost basis of $20 million with a market value of $42 million. Financial liabilities with carrying values approximating fair value include accounts payable and accrued expenses, as well as payable to banks and long- term debt. As of December 31, 1997, the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 had a cost basis of $202 million with a market value of $208 million. The fair value was determined by obtaining quotes from brokers(refer to Note 10 for additional information on long-term debt). The Company occasionally uses forwards and options to hedge a portion of its net investment in foreign subsidiaries and certain intercompany transactions in order to mitigate the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on working capital. The notional value and fair value of all outstanding forwards and options contracts at the end of the year as well as the net cost of all settled contracts during the year were not significant. NOTE 15: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES At December 31, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries operating outside the United States were contingently liable for discounted notes receivable of approximately $11.5 million. The Company and its subsidiaries lease certain facilities and equipment. Gross rental expense amounted to approximately $200 million for 1997, $193 million for 1996 and $180 million for 1995, which was reduced by sublease income of $30.5 million in 1997, $29.1 million in 1996 and $19.5 million in 1995. During 1995, the Company entered into a transaction whereby it acquired the leasing operations of a third party at a cost of approximately $7 million. These leasing operations include equipment leased from the equipment owner (the "Owner"), which was in turn leased to a third party (the "Sublessee"). These leases were accounted for by the Company as operating leases. The Sublessee prepaid $46.6 million of its obligations under the sublease agreement. This prepayment is held in an interest-bearing escrow account and is used to meet the Company's lease obligations to the Owner. At December 31, 1997, the remaining escrow balance was $5.2 million and is reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets. The unearned sublease income amount was $3.3 million and is reflected in other noncurrent liabilities. The deferred tax asset attributable to the prepaid sublease obligation amounted to $4.4 million at December 31, 1997. Minimum rental commitments for the rental of office premises and equipment under noncancellable leases, some of which provide for rental adjustments due to increased property taxes and operating costs for 1998 and thereafter, are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Gross Sublease Period Amount Income 1998 $159,588 $13,385 1999 144,811 10,071 2000 127,787 7,812 2001 110,785 6,898 2002 98,090 4,105 2003 and thereafter 437,627 4,020 Certain of the Company's acquisition agreements provide for the payment by the Company of future contingent consideration based upon future revenues or profits of the companies acquired. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to various tax examinations, some of which have resulted in assessments. The Company intends to vigorously defend any and all assessments and believes that additional taxes (if any) that may ultimately result from the settlement of such assessments and open examinations would not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements. NOTE 16: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS In April 1998, the Company issued 4,685,334 shares of its common stock for three acquisitions, which were accounted for as poolings of interests. These included Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc. - 2,062,434 shares, The Jack Morton Company - 2,135,996 shares and Carmichael Lynch Inc. - 486,904 shares. The Company's consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, have been restated as of the earliest period presented to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the April 1998 pooled entities in addition to all prior pooled entities. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FOR FIVE YEARS (Dollars in thousands except per share data) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Operating Data Gross income $ 3,264,120 $ 2,786,655 $ 2,429,341 $ 2,185,411 $ 2,032,541 Operating expenses 2,774,811 2,375,566 2,082,197 1,886,529 1,783,854 Restructuring charges - - - 48,715 - Write-down of goodwill and other related assets - - 38,177 - - - Special compensation charges 32,229 - - - - - Interest expense 50,574 43,041 40,924 34,095 27,906 Provision for income taxes 184,227 154,507 126,619 89,445 103,523 Income before effect of accounting changes 205,033 211,113 139,588 127,107 110,466 Effect of accounting changes: Postemployment benefits - - - - (29,564) - Income taxes - - - - - (512) Net Income $ 205,033 $ 211,113 $ 139,588 $ 97,543 $ 109,954 Per Share Data Basic Income before effect of accounting changes $ 1.61 $ 1.66 $ 1.12 $ 1.04 $ .90 Effect of accounting changes - - - (.25) - Net Income $ 1.61 $ 1.66 $ 1.12 $ 0.79 $ .90 Weighted-average shares 127,457,013 127,504,436 125,009,700 122,770,794 121,920,904 Diluted Income before effect of accounting changes $ 1.55 $ 1.60 $ 1.09 $ 1.01 $ .88 Effect of accounting changes - - - (.23) - Net Income $ 1.55 $ 1.60 $ 1.09 $ 0.78 $ .88 Weighted-average shares 136,016,598 135,795,875 129,011,690 126,165,896 125,964,561 Financial Position Working capital $ 245,757 $ 143,859 $ 128,687 $ 75,159 $ 161,798 Total assets 5,877,605 5,017,419 4,531,686 3,995,901 3,335,832 Long-term debt 455,678 354,603 303,894 255,052 229,882 Book value per share $ 8.05 $ 6.73 $ 5.77 $ 4.98 $ 4.58 Other Data Cash dividends (Interpublic) $ 61,242 $ 51,786 $ 46,124 $ 40,360 $ 35,901 Cash dividends per share (IPG) $ .50 $ .44 $ .40 $ .36 $ .33 Number of employees 28,100 23,600 22,000 19,800 20,100 All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note 16. Reflects the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 112, "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits." Reflects the cumulative effect of adopting SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
SCHEDULE VIII THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (Dollars in thousands) COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E Additions Balance Charged Charged at to to Other Balance Beginning Costs & Accounts- Deductions- at End Description of Period Expenses Describe Describe of Period Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - deducted from Receivables in the Consolidated Balance Sheet: 1997 $34,953 $12,698 $2,256 $ (2,566) $39,896 848 (5,919) (2,374) 1996 $22,811 $17,219 $ 240 $ (815) $34,953 1,060 (5,234) (328) 1995 $22,839 $10,448 $1,324 $(10,421) $22,811 137 (819) (697) Allowance for doubtful accounts of acquired and newly consolidated companies. Foreign currency translation adjustment. Principally amounts written off. Reversal of previously recorded allowances on accounts receivable. Miscellaneous.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Dollars in thousands except per share data) ASSETS (unaudited) MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, 1998 1997 Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents (includes certificates of deposit: 1998-$80,777 1997 - $256,934) $ 486,103 $ 735,440 Marketable securities, at cost which approximates market 45,868 31,944 Receivables (less allowance for doubtful accounts: 1998-$39,782; 1997-$39,896) 2,983,028 3,050,917 Expenditures billable to clients 259,167 240,000 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 116,185 105,504 Total current assets 3,890,351 4,163,805 Other Assets: Investment in unconsolidated affiliates 46,015 46,665 Deferred taxes on income 56,750 59,424 Other investments and miscellaneous assets 230,887 219,839 Total other assets 333,652 325,928 Fixed Assets, at cost: Land and buildings 83,227 83,621 Furniture and equipment 518,126 503,823 601,353 587,444 Less accumulated depreciation 340,292 330,593 261,061 256,851 Unamortized leasehold improvements 104,928 103,494 Total fixed assets 365,989 360,345 Intangible Assets (less accumulated amortization: 1998-$239,981; 1997-$227,401) 1,113,549 1,027,527 Total assets $5,703,541 $5,877,605 THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited) MARCH 31, DECEMBER 31, 1998 1997 Current Liabilities: Payable to banks $ 225,110 $ 162,807 Accounts payable 2,894,050 3,156,049 Accrued expenses 423,045 448,054 Accrued income taxes 140,502 151,138 Total current liabilities 3,682,707 3,918,048 Noncurrent Liabilities: Long-term debt 256,954 253,910 Convertible subordinated notes 201,018 201,768 Deferred compensation and reserve for termination liabilities 271,753 263,463 Accrued postretirement benefits 47,404 47,404 Other noncurrent liabilities 66,805 70,791 Minority interests in consolidated subsidiaries 31,967 31,917 Total noncurrent liabilities 875,901 869,253 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred Stock, no par value shares authorized: 20,000,000 shares issued:none Common Stock, $.10 par value shares authorized: 225,000,000 shares issued: 1998 - 144,322,587 1997 - 143,567,843 14,432 14,357 Additional paid-in capital 606,863 552,282 Retained earnings 1,014,527 995,702 Adjustment for minimum pension liability (13,207) (13,207) Net unrealized gain on equity securities 16,566 12,405 Cumulative translation adjustments (161,600) (154,093) 1,477,581 1,407,446 Less: Treasury stock, at cost: 1998 - 7,785,786 shares 1997 - 8,063,983 shares 266,906 253,088 Unearned ESOP compensation 7,420 7,420 Unamortized expense of restricted stock grants 58,322 56,634 Total stockholders' equity 1,144,933 1,090,304 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $5,703,541 $5,877,605 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note (d). THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) 1998 1997 Revenue $ 761,147 $ 665,064 Other income 14,153 14,233 Gross income 775,300 679,297 Costs and expenses: Operating expenses 700,567 614,874 Interest 10,936 10,698 Total costs and expenses 711,503 625,572 Income before provision for income taxes 63,797 53,725 Provision for income taxes 25,768 21,590 Income of consolidated companies 38,029 32,135 Income applicable to minority interests (2,840) (4,257) Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates 651 1,553 Net income $ 35,840 $ 29,431 Weighted average shares: Basic 132,394,115 126,734,506 Diluted 137,446,055 130,669,256 Earnings per share: Basic EPS $ .27 $ .23 Diluted EPS $ .26 $ .23 Dividend per share - Interpublic $ .13 $ .11 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note (d). THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 (Dollars in Thousands) 1998 1997 Net Income $ 35,840 $ 29,431 Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (7,507) (35,163) Net Unrealized Gains on Securities 4,161 - Other Comprehensive Income (3,346) (35,163) Comprehensive Income $ 32,494 $( 5,732) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note (d). THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31 (Dollars in Thousands) CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: 1998 1997 Net income $ 35,840 $ 29,431 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets 21,062 18,680 Amortization of intangible assets 12,580 7,972 Amortization of restricted stock awards 5,052 3,733 Equity in net income of unconsolidated affiliates (651) (1,553) Income applicable to minority interests 2,840 4,257 Translation losses 276 873 Other (4,096) (174) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Receivables 53,951 28,752 Expenditures billable to clients (20,102) (35,846) Prepaid expenses and other assets (11,511) (13,450) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (270,173) (180,224) Accrued income taxes (9,303) (23,278) Deferred income taxes 2,907 632 Deferred compensation and reserve for termination liabilities 7,261 (4,808) Net cash used in operating activities (174,067) (165,003) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Acquisitions (48,051) (13,130) Proceeds from sale of investments 607 102 Capital expenditures (27,978) (19,029) Net purchases of marketable securities (14,559) (8,580) Other investments and miscellaneous assets (5,684) (1,497) Unconsolidated affiliates (612) 2,000 Net cash used in investing activities (96,277) (40,134) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Increase in short-term borrowings 63,263 188,530 Proceeds from long-term debt 1,997 1,870 Payments of debt (390) (1,511) Treasury stock acquired (32,917) (34,437) Issuance of common stock 9,832 11,048 Cash dividends - Interpublic (17,015) (13,464) Cash dividends - pooled companies - (1,560) Net cash provided by financing activities 24,770 150,476 Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents (3,763) (12,282) Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (249,337) (66,943) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 735,440 507,394 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $486,103 $440,451 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. All periods have been restated to reflect the aggregate effect of acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests. See Note (d). THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO SUPPLEMENTAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) 1. Supplemental Consolidated Financial Statements (a) In the opinion of management, the supplemental consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1998, the supplemental consolidated statement of income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, the supplemental consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997 and the supplemental consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows at March 31, 1998 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 supplemental consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.'s (the "Company's") December 31, 1997 annual report to stockholders and the supplemental consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 1998. (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 $49.1 million and $33.3 million in the first three months of 1998 and 1997, respectively. Interest payments during the first three months of 1998 and 1997 were approximately $7.7 million and $4.7 million, respectively. (c) In July 1997, a three-for-two stock split was effected by payment of a stock dividend. This split has been reflected in the accompanying supplemental consolidated financial statements. (d) Subsequent events In April 1998, the Company issued 4,685,334 shares of its common stock for acquisitions accounted for as poolings if interests. These included Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos Inc. - 2,062,434 shares, The Jack Morton Company - 2,135,996 shares and Carmichael Lynch Inc. - 486,904 shares. The Company's consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, have been restated as of the earliest period presented to include the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the April 1998 pooled entities in addition to all prior pooled entities. 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 March 31, 1998 was $207.6 million, a decrease of $38.1 million from December 31, 1997. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was approximately 1.1 to 1 at March 31, 1998. Historically, cash flow from operations has been the primary source of working capital and management believes that it will continue to be 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 three months of 1998, the Company acquired 649,915 shares of its own stock for approximately $32.9 million for the purpose of fulfilling the Company's obligations under its various compensation plans. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 1998 increased $96.1 million, or 14.4%, to $761.1 million compared to the same period in 1997. Domestic revenue increased $67.4 million or 20% from 1997 levels. Foreign revenue increased $28.7 million or 8.8% during the first quarter of 1998 compared to 1997. Other income during the first quarter of 1998 was flat compared to the same period in 1997. Operating expenses increased $85.7 million or 13.9% during the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. Interest expense increased 2.2% as compared to the same period in 1997. Pretax income increased $10.1 million or 18.7% during the three months ended March 31, 1998 compared to the same period in 1997. 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 March 31, 1998 were approximately $.6 million versus $2.0 million for the same period in 1997. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 1998 was 40.4%, as compared to 40.2% in 1997. 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. 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: July 1, 1998 BY /S/ EUGENE P. BEARD Eugene P. Beard Vice Chairman - Finance and Operations Date: July 1, 1998 BY /S/ JOSEPH M. STUDLEY Joseph M. Studley Chief Accounting Officer

                                                                      EXHIBIT 11
                                                               Page 1 of
2
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 BASIC: Net Income before effect of accounting changes $205,033 $211,113 $139,588 $127,107 $110,466 Effect of accounting changes - - - (29,564) (512) ________ ________ ________ ________ ________Net income, as adjusted $205,033 $211,113 $139,588 $ 97,543 $109,954 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 127,457,013 127,504,436 125,009,700 122,770,794 121,920,904Basic earnings per share data:Income before effect of accounting changes $1.61 $1.66 $1.12 $1.04 $ .90 Effect of accounting changes - - - (.25) - - ________ _______ _______ _______ _______Net Income $1.61 $1.66 $1.12 $ .79 $ .90
EXHIBIT 11
Page 2 of 2 THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data) Year Ended December 31 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 DILUTED: Net Income before effect of accounting changes $ 205,033 $ 211,113 $ 139,588 $ 127,107 $ 110,466 Effect of accounting changes - - - (29,564) (512) After tax interest savings on assumed conversion of subordinated debentures 5,929 6,410 - - - - Add: Dividends paid net of related income tax applicable to the Restricted Stock Plan 447 384 461 366 330 Net income, as adjusted $ 211,409 $ 217,907 $ 140,049 $ 97,909 $ 110,284 Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 127,457,013 127,504,436 125,009,700 122,770,794 121,920,904 Assumed conversion of subordinated debentures 4,010,291 4,466,502 - - - - Weighted average number of incremental shares in connection with assumed exercise of stock options 2,910,648 2,219,373 1,921,923 1,523,756 1,646,618 Weighted average number of incremental shares in connection with the Restricted Stock Plan 1,638,646 1,605,564 2,080,067 1,871,346 2,397,039 Total 136,016,598 135,795,875 129,011,690 126,165,896 125,964,561 Diluted Earnings Per Share Data: Income before effect of accounting changes 1.55 1.60 1.09 1.01 .88 Effect of accounting changes - - - (.23) - Net Income 1.55 1.60 1.09 .78 .88 The computation of diluted EPS for 1997 excludes the assumed conversion of the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2004 because they were antidilutive. Similarly, the computation of diluted EPS for 1995, 1994 and 1993 excludes the assumed conversion of the 3 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due 2002 as they were antidilutive.
                                                                 Exhibit 11
                                                                           
       THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
        SUPPLEMENTAL COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE (unaudited)
                                     
               (Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)


                                          Three Months Ended March 31
Basic                                           1998           1997

Net income                                  $     35,840   $     29,431

Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                132,394,115    126,734,506


Earnings per common and
  common equivalent share                   $        .27   $        .23

                                          Three Months Ended March 31
Diluted                                     1998          1997

Net income                                  $     35,840   $     29,431
Add:
Dividends paid net of related income tax
  applicable to restricted stock                     123             91
Net income, as adjusted                     $     35,963   $     29,522
Weighted average number of common shares
  outstanding                                132,394,115    126,734,506
Weighted average number of incremental shares
  in connection with restricted stock
  and assumed exercise of stock options        5,051,940      3,934,750
        Total                                137,446,055    130,669,256
Earnings per common and common equivalent
  share                                     $        .26   $        .23

 The computation of diluted EPS for 1998 excludes the assumed
conversion of the 1.80% Convertible Subordinated Notes because they were
anti-dilutive. Similarly, the computation of diluted EPS for 1997 excludes
the assumed conversion of the 3 3/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures as
they were anti-dilutive.


                  REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
            ON SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Board of Directors of
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.

Our audits of the supplemental consolidated financial statements
referred to in our report dated February 20, 1998 except for Note 16
which is as of April 16, 1998, which appears in this Current Report
on Form 8-K also included an audit of the Supplemental Financial
Statement Schedule listed in Item 7 of this Form 8-K.  In our
opinion, this Supplemental Financial Statement Schedule presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein
when read in conjunction with the related supplemental consolidated
financial statements.


/s/ By: PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
        Price Waterhouse LLP
New York, New York
February 20, 1998 except
for Note 16 which is as of
April 16, 1998


                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the
Registration Statements on Form S-8 of The Interpublic Group of
Companies, Inc. (the "Company"), of our reports dated February 20,
1998, except for Note 16 which is as of April 16, 1998, which appear
in this Current Report on Form 8-K: Registration Statements No. 2-
79071; No. 2-43811; No. 2-56269; No. 2-61346; No. 2-64338; No. 2-
67560; No. 2-72093; No. 2-88165; No. 2-90878; No. 2-97440 and No. 33-
28143, relating variously to the Stock Option Plan (1971), the Stock
Option Plan (1981), the Stock Option Plan (1988) and the Achievement
Stock Award Plan of the Company; Registration Statements No. 2-
53544; No. 2-91564; No. 2-98324; No. 33-22008; No. 33-64062 and No.
33-61371, relating variously to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(1975), the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1985) and the Employee
Stock Purchase Plan of the Company (1995); Registration Statements
No. 33-20291 and No. 33-2830 relating to the Management Incentive
Compensation Plan of the Company; Registration Statements No. 33-
5352; No. 33-21605; No. 333-4747 and No. 333-23603 relating to the
1986 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1986 United Kingdom Stock Option Plan
and the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, of the Company; Registration
Statements No. 33-10087 and No. 33-25555 relating to the Long-Term
Performance Incentive Plan of the Company; Registration Statement
No. 333-28029 relating to The Interpublic Outside Directors' Stock
Incentive Plan of the Company; and Registration Statement No. 33-
42675 relating to the 1997 Performance Incentive Plan of the
Company.  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the
Prospectuses constituting part of the Registration Statements on
Form S-3 (No. 333-42243 and No. 333-45569) of The Interpublic Group
of Companies, Inc. of our reports dated February 20, 1998, except
for Note 16 which is as of April 16, 1998, which appear in this
Current Report on Form 8-K.



/s/ BY: PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
        PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
July 1, 1998
                                 F-2






                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We  consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration
Statements  on Form S-8 of The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.  ("IPG"
or  the  "Company"), of our report dated March 13, 1998, included  in  this
Current  Report  on  Form  8-K, with respect to the consolidated  financial
statements  of  Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc. for  the  twelve-
month  period  ended  December 31, 1997 (not separately presented  herein),
which  statements  are included in the supplemental consolidated  financial
statements of IPG,: Registration Statements No. 2-79071; No. 2-43811; No. 2-
56269; No. 2-61346; No. 2-64338; No. 2-67560; No. 2-72093; No. 2-88165; No.
2-90878;  No.  2-97440 and No. 33-28143, relating variously  to  the  Stock
Option  Plan  (1971), the Stock Option Plan (1981), the Stock  Option  Plan
(1988)  and  the Achievement Stock Award Plan, of the Company; Registration
Statements  No.  2-53544; No. 2-91564; No. 2-98324; No. 33-22008;  No.  33-
64062  and No. 33-61371, relating variously to the Employee Stock  Purchase
Plan (1975), the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1985) and the Employee Stock
Purchase  Plan, of the Company (1995); Registration Statements No. 33-20291
and No. 33-2830 relating to the Management Incentive Compensation Plan,  of
the  Company; Registration Statements No. 33-5352; No. 33-21605;  No.  333-
4747  and No. 333-23603 relating to the 1986 Stock Incentive Plan, the 1986
United Kingdom Stock Option Plan and the 1996 Stock Incentive Plan, of  the
Company; Registration Statements No. 33-10087 and No. 33-25555 relating  to
the  Long-Term  Performance  Incentive Plan, of the  Company;  Registration
Statement  No.  333-28029  relating to The Interpublic  Outside  Directors'
Stock  Incentive Plan, of the Company; and Registration Statement  No.  33-
42675 relating to the 1997 Performance Incentive Plan, of the Company.

We  also  consent  to  the incorporation by reference in  the  Prospectuses
constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-42243
and  No. 333-45569) of IPG of our report dated March 13, 1998, included  in
this Current Report on Form 8-K, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements  of Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, Inc., for  the  twelve-
month  period  ended  December 31, 1997 (not separately  included  herein),
which  statements  are included in the supplemental consolidated  financial
statements of IPG.


/s/ BY: ERNST & YOUNG LLP
        Ernst & Young LLP
        Boston, Massachusetts
        July 1, 1998

 

5 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. 1,000 3-MOS 3-MOS DEC-31-1998 DEC-31-1997 MAR-31-1998 MAR-31-1997 486,103 440,451 45,868 42,690 2,983,028 2,785,257 39,782 36,053 0 0 3,890,351 3,583,267 601,353 541,278 340,292 308,299 5,703,541 5,078,481 3,682,707 3,506,148 201,018 115,929 0 0 0 0 14,432 13,695 1,144,933 842,647 5,703,541 5,078,481 0 0 775,300 679,297 0 0 711,503 625,572 0 0 0 0 10,936 10,698 63,797 53,725 25,768 21,590 35,840 29,431 0 0 0 0 0 0 35,840 29,431 .27 .23 .26 .23
 

5 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 STATMENTS. THE EPS PRIMARY NUMBER BELOW REFLECTS THE BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE AS REQUIRED BY FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NUMBER 128. 1,000 YEAR DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997 735,440 31,944 3,050,917 39,896 0 4,163,805 587,444 330,593 5,877,605 3,918,048 201,768 0 0 14,357 1,090,304 5,877,605 0 3,264,120 0 2,857,614 0 0 50,574 406,506 184,227 205,033 0 0 0 205,033 1.61 1.55
 

5 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. 1,000 YEAR YEAR DEC-31-1995 DEC-31-1996 DEC-31-1995 DEC-31-1996 454,885 507,394 39,831 36,940 2,422,811 2,747,323 22,811 34,953 0 0 3,175,929 3,560,889 480,665 536,088 265,533 302,681 4,531,686 5,017,419 3,047,242 3,417,030 113,235 115,192 0 0 0 0 8,963 13,641 759,402 877,688 4,531,686 5,017,419 0 0 2,429,341 2,786,655 0 0 2,161,298 2,418,607 0 0 0 0 40,924 43,041 268,043 368,048 126,619 154,507 139,588 211,113 0 0 0 0 0 0 139,588 211,113 1.12 1.66 1.09 1.60