The Interpublic Group of Companies
IPG
#2079
Rank
ยฃ6.73 B
Marketcap
ยฃ18.40
Share price
-1.96%
Change (1 day)
-10.01%
Change (1 year)
The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. or simply IPG is an American advertising company. The company consists of five major networks: FCB, IPG Mediabrands, McCann Worldgroup, MullenLowe Group, and Marketing Specialists.

The Interpublic Group of Companies - 10-Q quarterly report FY


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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

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

FORM 10-Q

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


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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1999

OR

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


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


Commission File Number: 1-6686


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

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

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock outstanding at
July 31, 1999: 282,011,856 shares.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
I N D E X

Page
----

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

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

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

Consolidated Income Statement
Six months ended June 30, 1999
and 1998 (unaudited) 6

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

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

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

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) 10

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

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Changes in Securities

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

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

SIGNATURES

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1

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

June 30, December 31,
1999 1998

(unaudited)
------------ ------------
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes
certificates of deposit: 1999-$303,125;
1998-$152,064) $ 853,027 $ 808,803
Marketable securities, at cost which
approximates market 46,386 31,733
Receivables (less allowance for doubtful
accounts: 1999-$46,466; 1998-$53,093) 3,981,285 3,522,616
Expenditures billable to clients 340,145 276,610
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 152,391 137,183
---------- ----------
Total current assets 5,373,234 4,776,945
---------- ----------
OTHER ASSETS:
Investment in unconsolidated affiliates 57,532 47,561
Deferred taxes on income 93,926 97,350
Other investments and miscellaneous assets 333,496 299,967
---------- ---------
Total other assets 484,954 444,878
---------- ---------
FIXED ASSETS, at cost:
Land and buildings 88,468 95,228
Furniture and equipment 667,243 650,037
---------- ---------
755,711 745,265
Less: accumulated depreciation 438,550 420,864
---------- ---------
317,161 324,401
Unamortized leasehold improvements 120,757 115,200
---------- ---------
Total fixed assets 437,918 439,601
---------- ---------
INTANGIBLE ASSETS (net of accumulated
amortization: 1999-$536,282;
1998-$504,787) 1,393,241 1,281,399
---------- ----------
TOTAL ASSETS $7,689,347 $6,942,823
========== ==========
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

June 30, December 31,
1999 1998<F1>
(unaudited)
------------ ------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Payable to banks $ 249,327 $ 214,464
Accounts payable 4,059,203 3,613,699
Accrued expenses 450,416 624,517
Accrued income taxes 228,045 205,672
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 4,986,991 4,658,352
---------- ----------
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt 335,997 298,691
Convertible subordinated notes 511,447 207,927
Deferred compensation and reserve
for termination liabilities 308,690 319,526
Accrued postretirement benefits 49,046 48,616
Other noncurrent liabilities 93,458 88,691
Minority interests in
consolidated subsidiaries 59,718 55,928
---------- ----------
Total noncurrent liabilities 1,358,356 1,019,379
---------- ----------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock, no par value
shares authorized: 20,000,000
shares issued: none
Common Stock, $.10 par value
shares authorized: 550,000,000
shares issued:
1999 - 295,179,952
1998 - 291,445,158 29,518 29,145
Additional paid-in capital 759,097 652,692
Retained earnings 1,240,798 1,101,792
Accumulated other comprehensive income (241,811) (160,476)
---------- ----------
1,787,602 1,623,153
Less: Treasury stock, at cost:
1999 - 13,634,912 shares
1998 - 12,374,344 shares 363,746 286,713
Unamortized expense of restricted
stock grants 79,856 71,348
---------- ----------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 1,344,000 1,265,092
---------- ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $7,689,347 $6,942,823
========== ==========

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

<F1> All share data adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock split effective July
15, 1999.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
(unaudited)

1999 1998<F1>
---- ----
Revenue $ 1,096,621 $ 1,003,090
Other income, net 37,812 29,152
----------- -----------
Gross income 1,134,433 1,032,242
----------- -----------
Costs and expenses:
Operating expenses 873,170 807,560
Interest 16,497 14,564
----------- -----------
Total costs and expenses 889,667 822,124
----------- -----------

Income before provision for income taxes 244,766 210,118

Provision for income taxes 98,878 86,665
----------- -----------
Income of consolidated companies 145,888 123,453
Income applicable to minority interests (8,905) (6,360)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
affiliates 2,426 1,418
----------- -----------
Net income $ 139,409 $ 118,511
=========== ===========
Weighted average shares:
Basic 273,862,855 271,437,338
Diluted 292,978,367 288,955,570

Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ .51 $ .44
Diluted $ .49 $ .42

Dividends per share $ .085 $ .075


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

<F1> All share data adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock split effective July
15, 1999.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
(Dollars in Thousands Except Per Share Data)
(unaudited)

1999 1998<F1>
---- ----
Revenue $ 2,004,702 $ 1,820,120
Other income, net 54,811 43,305
----------- -----------
Gross income 2,059,513 1,863,425
----------- -----------
Costs and expenses:
Operating expenses 1,703,300 1,560,516
Interest 30,443 27,365
----------- -----------
Total costs and expenses 1,733,743 1,587,881
----------- -----------

Income before provision for income taxes 325,770 275,544

Provision for income taxes 132,495 112,163
----------- -----------
Income of consolidated companies 193,275 163,381
Income applicable to minority interests (12,505) (9,200)
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
affiliates 3,424 2,069
----------- -----------
Net income $ 184,194 $ 156,250
=========== ===========
Weighted average shares:
Basic 273,198,358 270,905,717
Diluted 290,450,560 281,370,273

Earnings Per Share:
Basic $ .67 $ .58
Diluted $ .65 $ .56

Dividends per share $ .16 $ .14


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

<F1> All share data adjusted to reflect two-for-one stock split effective July
15, 1999.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
(Dollars in Thousands)
(unaudited)

1999 1998
---- ----
Net Income $ 139,409 $ 118,511
--------- ---------
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (20,189) (2,711)

Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Securities (23,452) (3,206)
--------- ---------
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (43,641) (5,917)
--------- ---------
Comprehensive Income $ 95,768 $112,594
========= =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
(Dollars in Thousands)
(unaudited)

1999 1998
---- ----
Net Income $ 184,194 $ 156,250
--------- ---------
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax:

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments (80,656) (17,519)

Net Unrealized Gains/(Losses) on Securities (679) 955
--------- ---------
Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (81,335) (16,564)
--------- ---------
Comprehensive Income $ 102,859 $139,686
========= =========

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30
(Dollars in Thousands)
(unaudited)
1999 1998
---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $184,194 $ 156,250
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets 52,200 46,380
Amortization of intangible assets 31,495 26,137
Amortization of restricted stock awards 12,227 9,582
Equity in net income of unconsolidated
affiliates (3,424) (2,069)
Income applicable to minority interests 12,505 9,200
Translation losses 798 (8,966)
Net gain from sale of investments (9,738) (6,255)
Other 1,429 (7,474)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables (544,290) (231,002)
Expenditures billable to clients (61,063) (48,099)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (17,030) (24,245)
Accounts payable and other liabilities 355,862 139,303
Accrued income taxes 26,368 18,567
Deferred income taxes (1,387) 810
Deferred compensation and reserve for
termination allowances (366) 5,818
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 39,780 83,937
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: --------- ---------
Acquisitions (130,792) (58,583)
Proceeds from sale of investments 17,019 16,199
Capital expenditures (52,209) (60,376)
Net purchases of marketable securities (18,308) (21,939)
Other investments and miscellaneous assets (41,685) (8,452)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (4,160) (7,073)
--------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities (230,135) (140,224)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: --------- ---------
Increase in short-term borrowings 45,704 88,206
Proceeds from long-term debt 354,078 7,078
Payments of long-term debt (5,791) (4,285)
Treasury stock acquired (126,977) (106,146)
Issuance of common stock 40,400 19,805
Cash dividends - pooled companies - (2,915)
Cash dividends - Interpublic (43,755) (36,612)
--------- ---------
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 263,659 (34,869)
--------- ---------
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash
equivalents (29,080) (7,965)
--------- ---------
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 44,224 (99,121)

Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 808,803 738,112
--------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $853,027 $ 638,991
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
THE INTERPUBLIC GROUP OF COMPANIES, INC. AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Consolidated Financial Statements

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

(b) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 95 "Statement
of Cash Flows" requires disclosures of specific cash payments and
noncash investing and financing activities. The Company considers all
highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less to
be cash equivalents. Income tax cash payments were approximately $65.8
million and $103.9 million in the first six months of 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Interest payments during the first six months of 1999
and 1998 were approximately $17.7 million and $20.8 million,
respectively.

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

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

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


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Working capital at June 30, 1999 was $386.2 million, an increase of $267.7
million from December 31, 1998. The increase in working capital was largely
attributable to net proceeds of approximately $295 million from the 1.87%
Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2006 issued in June, 1999. The ratio of
current assets to current liabilities was approximately 1.1 to 1 at June 30,
1999.

Historically, cash flow from operations has been the primary source of working
capital and management believes that it will continue to be so in the future.
The principal use of the Company's working capital is to provide for the
operating needs of its advertising agencies, which include payments for space or
time purchased from various media on behalf of its clients. The Company's
practice is to bill and collect from its clients in sufficient time to pay the
amounts due media. Other uses of working capital include the payment of cash
dividends, acquisitions, capital expenditures and the reduction of long-term
debt. In addition, during the first six months of 1999, the Company acquired
3,354,292 shares of its own stock for approximately $127 million for the
purpose of fulfilling the Company's obligations under its various compensation
plans.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended June 30, 1999 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 1998

Total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 1999 increased $93.5 million,
or 9.3%, to $1,096.6 million compared to the same period in 1998. Domestic
revenue increased $66.7 million or 13.2% from 1998 levels. Foreign revenue
increased $26.8 million or 5.4% during the second quarter of 1999 compared to
1998. Foreign revenue would have increased 9.8%, except for the strengthening of
the U.S. dollar against certain major currencies. Other income, net, increased
by $8.7 million during the second quarter of 1999 compared to the same period in
1998.

Operating expenses increased $65.6 million or 8.1% during the three months ended
June 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Interest expense increased
13.3% as compared to the same period in 1998.

Pretax income increased $34.6 million or 16.5% during the three months ended
June 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.

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

Net losses from exchange and translation of foreign currencies for the three
months ended June 30, 1999 were approximately $.3 million versus $1.4 million
for the same period in 1998.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 1999 was 40.4%, as
compared to 41.2% in 1998.

The difference between the effective and statutory rates is primarily due to
foreign losses with no tax benefit, losses from translation of foreign
currencies which provided no tax benefit, state and local taxes, foreign
withholding taxes on dividends and nondeductible goodwill expense.
Six Months Ended June 30, 1999 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 1998

Total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 1999, increased $184.6 million,
or 10.1%, to $2,004.7 million compared to the same period in 1998. Domestic
revenue increased $118.3 million or 12.6% from 1998 levels. Foreign revenue
increased $66.2 million or 7.5% during the first six months of 1999 compared to
1998. Foreign revenue would have increased 11%, except for the strengthening of
the U.S. dollar against certain major currencies. Other income increased $11.5
million in the first six months of 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.

Operating expenses increased $142.8 million or 9.1% during the six months ended
June 30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998. Interest expense increased
11.2% during the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the same six
month period in 1998.

Pretax income increased $50.2 million or 18.2% during the six months ended June
30, 1999 compared to the same period in 1998.

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

Net losses from exchange and translation of foreign currencies for the six
months ended June 30, 1999 were approximately $1.2 million versus $2.2 million
for the same period in 1998.

The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 1999 was 40.7%,
unchanged from the same period in 1998.

Year 2000 Issue

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

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

In 1997, the Company established a Y2K Project Management Office and shortly
thereafter created a Y2K Task Force, comprised of representatives from the
operating companies. Through the Y2K Task Force, the Company in conjunction with
outside consultants, is working to address the impact of the Year 2000 Issue on
the Company. The Company has inventoried and assessed date sensitive computer
software applications, and approximately 35% of systems were identified as
requiring some degree of remediation. In addition, the Company has reviewed all
of its hardware believed to contain embedded chips, including personal
computers, file servers, mid-range and mainframe computers, telephone switches
and routers. The Company has also investigated its security systems, life safety
systems, HVAC systems and elevators in the majority of its facilities. As part
of this effort, the Company has identified those systems and applications that
are deemed "mission critical", which are being handled on a priority basis and
has developed a detailed project and remediation plan that includes system
testing  schedules and contingency  planning.  To date the Company has completed
approximately 95% of its remediation and compliance testing for "mission
critical" applications, with the remaining 5% scheduled for completion by
September 30, 1999. The Company's Board of Directors, through the Audit
Committee, has been monitoring the progress of this project. Project progress
reports are given to the Audit Committee at each regularly scheduled Audit
Committee meeting.

The Company estimates that the modification and testing of its hardware and
software will cost approximately $20 million, of which approximately 80% has
been spent to date. These costs are being expensed. In addition, the Company has
accelerated the implementation of a number of business process re-engineering
projects over the past few years that have provided both Year 2000 readiness and
increased functionality of certain systems. The Company estimates that the
hardware and software costs incurred in connection with these projects are
approximately $55 million, which are being capitalized. Included in the
above-mentioned Y2K costs are internal costs incurred for the Y2K project which
are primarily payroll related costs for the information systems groups. A
substantial portion of these estimated costs relates to systems and applications
that were anticipated and budgeted. All of the above amounts have been updated
to include companies acquired through the second quarter of 1999.

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

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

The Company's efforts to address the Year 2000 Issue are designed to avoid any
material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition.
Notwithstanding these efforts, however, there is no assurance that the Company
will not encounter difficulties due to the Year 2000 Issue. The "most reasonably
likely worst case scenario" would be a significant limitation on the Company's
ability to continue to provide business services for an undetermined duration in
those offices encountering difficulties. The Company also recognizes that it is
dependent upon infrastructure services and third parties, including suppliers,
broadcasters, utility providers and business partners, whose failure may also
significantly impact its ability to provide business services.


Cautionary Statement

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

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


Conversion to the Euro

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

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


Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES


(1) On April 1, 1999, the Registrant paid $106,000 and issued a total of
6,564 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant, par value $.10 per share (the
"Interpublic Stock") to shareholders of a foreign company as an installment
payment of the purchase price for 60% of the capital stock of the foreign
company. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $248,000 on the date
of issuance.

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

(2) On April 6, 1999 the Registrant issued shares to the acquired company's
former shareholders as the first installment payment for 100% of the company's
capital stock. A total of 104,400 shares of Interpublic stock were issued and
had a market value on the date of issuance of $3,848,800.

In connection with the above installment payment an additional payment was
issued to the former shareholder's of this acquired company on April 28, 1999. A
total of 10,764 shares of Interpublic stock were issued with a total market
value of $396,800.

The shares of Interpublic Stock were issued by the Registrant without
registration in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act
based on the accredited investor status or sophistication of the shareholders.

(3) On April 7, 1999, the Registrant issued a total of 445,578 shares of
Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a domestic company as an installment
payment of purchase price for substantially all of the assets of the domestic
company. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $16,792,721 on the
date of issuance.

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

(4) On April 9, 1999, the Registrant issued 19,236 shares of Interpublic
Stock and paid $2,087,617 in cash to the former shareholder of a company which
previously was acquired. This represented a deferred payment of the purchase
price. The shares of Interpublic Stock were valued at $695,872 on the date of
issuance.

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

(5) On April 15, 1999, the Registrant issued 18,456 shares of Interpublic
Stock and paid $4,000,000 to shareholders of a foreign corporation in connection
with the acquisition of 35% of the capital stock of the foreign corporation. The
Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $700,000 on the date of issuance.

The transaction was effected in an "offshore transaction" and in accordance with
the "offering restrictions" and "no directed selling efforts" requirements of
Rule 903(a) and 903(b)(3)(iii) of Regulation S under the Securities Act of
1933."

(6) On April 22, 1999, the Registrant issued a total of 62,890 shares of
Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a domestic company as an installment
payment of purchase  price of  substantially  all of the assets of the  domestic
company. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $2,325,947 on the
date of issuance.

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

(7) On April 23, 1999, the Registrant paid $224,000 and issued a total of
1,960 shares of Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a foreign company as an
installment payment of purchase price for 65% of the capital stock of the
foreign company. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $73,550 on
the date of issuance.

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

(8) On May 5, 1999, the Registrant issued a total of 52,500 shares of
Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a company as an installment of the purchase
price for the acquisition of 51% of the capital stock of the company. The shares
of Interpublic Stock had a market value of $2,000,000 on the date of issuance.

The shares of Interpublic Stock were issued by the Registrant without registrant
in reliance on Rule 506 of Regulation D under the Securities Act, based on the
accredited investor status or sophistication of the shareholders of the acquired
company.

(9) On May 6, 1999, the Registrant paid $920,000 and issued 8,364
shares of Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a foreign company in connection
with the acquisition of 25% of the foreign corporation. The Interpublic Stock
issued had a market value of $308,952 on the date of issuance.

The transaction was effected in an "offshore transaction" and in accordance with
the "offering restrictions" and "no directed selling efforts" requirements of
Rule 903(a) and 903(b)(3)(iii) of Regulation S under the Securities Act of
1933."

(10) On May 7, 1999, a subsidiary of the Registrant acquired 100% of
the capital stock of a company in consideration for which Registrant paid
$611,437.50 in cash and issued 15,940 shares of Interpublic Stock to the
shareholders of the acquired company.
The shares of Interpublic Stock were valued at $597,750 on the date of issuance.

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

(11) On May 26, 1999, the Registrant issued a total of 85,572 shares of
Interpublic Stock to shareholders of two affiliated domestic companies as an
installment payment of the purchase price of substantially all of the assets of
the companies. In connection with this installment payment, on June 17, 1999,
the Registrant paid $553,554 in cash. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market
value of $3,176,861 on the date of issuance.

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

(12) On June 1, 1999, the Registrant issued $361,000,000 principal amount
at maturity of 1.87% Convertible Subordinated Notes with a scheduled maturity in
2006 (the "2006 Notes") in a private placement. The issue price of the 2006
Notes was  83.018%  of the  principal  amount at  maturity.  The 2006  Notes are
convertible into Common Stock of the Registrant at any time after the latest
date of original issuance thereof through maturity, unless previously redeemed
or otherwise purchased by the Registrant. The current conversion rate is 17.616
shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount at maturity of the 2006
Notes, subject to adjustment in certain events. The 2006 Note holders have the
right to require the Registrant to redeem the 2006 Notes upon the occurrence of
a Fundamental Change, as defined in the 2006 Notes, as a whole or in part, at a
price initially equal to $830.18 per $1,000 principal amount and increasing
thereafter in increments to $896.20 per $1,000 on June 1, 2002 and thereafter at
the redemption price at which the Registrant may redeem the 2006 Notes. The
Registrant may redeem the 2006 Notes, in whole or in part, at any time after
June 5, 2002 initially at $896.67 per $1,000 principal amount and at increasing
prices thereafter to $1,000 per $1,000 principal amount on June 1, 2006. Unless
the 2006 Notes are redeemed, repaid or converted prior thereto, the 2006 Notes
will mature on June 1, 2006 at their principal amount. The proceeds of this
issuance are being used for general corporate purposes, which may include the
retirement of indebtedness.

Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, a Delaware corporation ("Morgan Stanley")
acted as lead Initial Purchaser for the 2006 Notes. Of the total principal
amount, (i) $360,700,000 in principal amount 2006 Notes were distributed to
"Qualified Institutional Buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Act) in
compliance with Rule 144A and (ii) $300,000 principal amount of 2006 Notes were
distributed to a limited number of other institutional "Accredited Investors"
(as defined in Rule 501 (a) (1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Act that, prior to
their purchase of the 2006 Notes, delivered to the Registrant and Morgan Stanley
a letter containing certain representations and agreements. The 2006 Notes and
the shares of the Registrant's Common Stock into which the 2006 Notes may be
converted were not registered under the Act when issued. However, in accordance
with the terms of a registration rights agreement between the Registrant and the
initial purchasers, entered into in connection with the private placement, the
Registrant is under an obligation to use reasonable efforts to file and keep
effective a shelf registration statement, covering the resale of the 2006 Notes
and the underlying Common Stock until either (i) all securities covered by the
shelf registration statement have been sold; or (ii) the expiration of the
holding period applicable under Rule 144(k) of the Act, or any successor
provision. The Registrant filed such shelf registration statement with the SEC
on August 5, 1999.

The 2006 Notes were issued by the Registrant without registration in reliance
upon Section 4(2) of the Act.

(13) On June 3, 1999, the Registrant paid $2,688,000 and issued a total of
30,576 shares of Interpublic Stock to shareholders of a foreign company as an
installment payment of purchase price for 71% of the capital stock of the
foreign company. The Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $1,177,503
on the date of issuance.

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

(14) On June 7, 1999, the Registrant issued 7,946 shares of Interpublic
Stock and paid $862,500 in cash to the former shareholder of a company which
previously was acquired. This represented a deferred payment of the purchase
price. The shares of Interpublic Stock were valued at $287,500 on the date of
issuance.

The shares of Interpublic Stock were issued by the Registrant without
registration in reliance on Section 4(2) under the Securities Act, based on the
sophistication of the acquired company's former stockholder.
(15) On June 7, 1999,  the  Registrant  issued 33,016 shares of Interpublic
Stock to the former shareholders of a company which previously was acquired.
This represented a deferred payment of the purchase price. The shares of
Interpublic Stock were valued at $1,194,398 on the date of issuance.

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

(16) On June 10, 1999, the Registrant issued 48,970 shares of Interpublic
Stock to a shareholder of a foreign company as an installment payment of
purchase price for 50% of the capital stock of the foreign company. The
Interpublic Stock issued had a market value of $1,878,402 on the date of
issuance.

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

(17) On June 10, 1999, a subsidiary of the Registrant acquired 80% of the
issued and outstanding shares of a company in consideration for which the
Registrant paid $18,302,400 in cash and issued 318,450 shares of Interpublic
Stock to the acquired company's shareholders. The shares of Interpublic Stock
had a market value of $12,201,600 on the date of issuance.

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

All amounts of shares of Interpublic Stock reported in this Item 2 have been
adjusted for a 2-for-1 stock split of the Registrant's Common Stock effective
July 15, 1999.
ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

(a) This item is answered in respect of the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders held on May 17, 1999.

(b) No response is required to Paragraph (b) because (i) proxies for
the meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; (ii) there was no solicitation in opposition
to Management=s nominees as listed in the proxy statement; and (iii) all such
nominees were elected.

(c) At the Annual Meeting, the following number of shares were cast
with respect to each matter voted upon:

-- Proposal to approve Management=s nominees for director as follows:

BROKER
NOMINEE FOR WITHHELD NONVOTES
------- --- -------- --------
Eugene P. Beard 115,155,201 674,240 0
Frank J. Borelli 115,142,819 686,622 0
Reginald K. Brack 115,148,472 680,969 0
Jill M. Considine 115,141,345 688,096 0
John J. Dooner, Jr 115,150,954 678,487 0
Philip H. Geier, Jr 115,154,016 675,425 0
Frank B. Lowe 115,140,845 688,596 0
Leif H. Olsen 115,137,970 691,471 0
Martin F. Puris 115,085,971 743,470 0
Allen Questrom 115,141,205 688,236 0
J. Phillip Samper 99,095,499 16,733,942 0

-- Proposal to approve an amendment to the Registrant's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares of the Registrant's
Common Stock, $.10 par value, to 550 million shares.

BROKER
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN NONVOTES
--- ------- ------- --------
93,971,078 21,521,864 336,499 0

-- Proposal to approve confirmation of independent accountants.

FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN NONVOTES
--- ------- ------- --------

115,266,879 37,693 524,869 0
Item 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a) EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------------ -----------
Exhibit 3(i) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as
amended.

Exhibit 4(a) Indenture, dated June 1, 1999 between the Registrant and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee is not included as an Exhibit to this
Report, but will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") upon its request.

Exhibit 4(b) Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 1, 1999 among the
Registrant, Morgan Stanley & Co, Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs &
Co. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. is not included as an Exhibit
to this Report, but will be furnished to the Commission upon its
request.

Exhibit 10(a) Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 1999 between the Registrant
and HSBC Bank U.S.A.

Exhibit 10(b) Note, dated May 1, 1999 and executed by Registrant in the
principal amount of $25,000,000.

Exhibit 10(c) Money Market Note, dated May 1, 1999 and executed by Registrant.

Exhibit 10(d) Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 1999, by and among the
Registrant, Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated, Goldman,Sachs &
Co. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc.

Exhibit 10(e) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Frank J. Borelli.

Exhibit 10(f) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Reginald K. Brack.

Exhibit 10(g) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Jill M. Considine.

Exhibit 10(h) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Leif H. Olsen.

Exhibit 10(i) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Allen Questrom.

Exhibit 10(j) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
J. Phillip Samper.

Exhibit 11 Computation of Earnings Per Share.

Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule.


(b) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter ended June
30, 1999.
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: August 13, 1999 BY /S/ PHILIP H. GEIER, JR.
Philip H. Geier, Jr.
Chairman of the Board
President and Chief Executive
Officer


Date: August 13, 1999 BY /S/ EUGENE P. BEARD
Eugene P. Beard
Vice Chairman -
Finance and Operations


Date: August 13, 1999 BY /S/ FREDERICK MOLZ
FREDERICK MOLZ
Chief Accounting Officer
INDEX TO EXHIBITS


EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------------ -----------
Exhibit 3(i) Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, as
amended.

Exhibit 4(a) Indenture, dated June 1, 1999 between the Registrant and The Bank
of New York, as Trustee is not included as an Exhibit to this
Report, but will be furnished to the Commission upon its request.

Exhibit 4(b) Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 1, 1999 among the
Registrant, Morgan Stanley & Co, Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs &
Co. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. is not included as an Exhibit
to this Report, but will be furnished to the Commission upon its
request.

Exhibit 10(a) Credit Agreement dated as of May 1, 1999 between the Registrant
and HSBC Bank U.S.A.

Exhibit 10(b) Note, dated May 1, 1999 and executed by Registrant in the
principal amount of $25,000,000.

Exhibit 10(c) Money Market Note, dated May 1, 1999 and executed by Registrant.

Exhibit 10(d) Purchase Agreement, dated May 26, 1999, by and among the
Registrant, Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated, Goldman,Sachs &
Co. and Salomon Smith Barney Inc.

Exhibit 10(e) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Frank J. Borelli.

Exhibit 10(f) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Reginald K. Brack.

Exhibit 10(g) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Jill M. Considine.

Exhibit 10(h) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Leif H. Olsen.

Exhibit 10(i) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
Allen Questrom.

Exhibit 10(j) Plan Option Certificate of Registrant, dated June 4, 1999 for
J. Phillip Samper.

Exhibit 11 Computation of Earnings Per Share.

Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule.