SCOR 9.30.12 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________
(Mark One)
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x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
or
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o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-33520
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comScore, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 54-1955550 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
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11950 Democracy Drive, Suite 600 Reston, VA | | 20190 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
(703) 483-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
________________________________
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 ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filer | | ý | | Accelerated filer | | o |
Non-accelerated filer | | o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | Smaller reporting company | | o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of October 31, 2012, there were 35,630,808 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
COMSCORE, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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EX-31.1 | |
EX-31.2 | |
EX-32.1 | |
EX-32.2 | |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the sections entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” under Items 2 and 3, respectively, of Part I of this report, and the sections entitled “Legal Proceedings,” “Risk Factors,” and “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds” under Items 1, 1A and 2, respectively, of Part II of this report, may contain forward-looking statements. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, expectations of future operating results or financial performance, macroeconomic trends that we expect may influence our business, plans for capital expenditures, expectations regarding the introduction of new products, regulatory compliance and expected changes in the regulatory landscape affecting our business, expected impact of litigation, plans for growth and future operations, effects of acquisitions, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. These risks and other factors include, but are not limited to, those listed under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “continue,” “seek” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events and/or results may differ materially.
We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are not able to accurately predict or control and that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, we do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, other than through the filing of periodic reports in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors and potential investors should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Before you invest in our common stock, you should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in the “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q could harm our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
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| | | | | | | |
| September 30, 2012 | | December 31, 2011 |
| (Unaudited) | | |
Assets | | | |
Current assets: | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 59,147 |
| | $ | 38,071 |
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Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $917 and $903, respectively | 52,114 |
| | 64,429 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 11,167 |
| | 10,379 |
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Deferred tax assets | 5,868 |
| | 6,494 |
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Total current assets | 128,296 |
| | 119,373 |
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Property and equipment, net | 30,427 |
| | 28,272 |
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Other non-current assets | 430 |
| | 347 |
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Long-term deferred tax assets | 15,234 |
| | 16,613 |
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Intangible assets, net | 42,727 |
| | 53,114 |
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Goodwill | 102,336 |
| | 102,338 |
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Total assets | $ | 319,450 |
| | $ | 320,057 |
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Liabilities and Equity | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | |
Borrowings under revolving credit facility | $ | 4,244 |
| | $ | — |
|
Accounts payable | 6,936 |
| | 10,300 |
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Accrued expenses | 21,940 |
| | 25,891 |
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Deferred revenues | 69,824 |
| | 68,726 |
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Deferred rent | 651 |
| | 1,013 |
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Deferred tax liabilities | — |
| | 155 |
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Capital lease obligations | 7,452 |
| | 6,305 |
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Total current liabilities | 111,047 |
| | 112,390 |
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Deferred rent, long-term | 8,580 |
| | 7,634 |
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Deferred revenue, long-term | 728 |
| | 1,709 |
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Deferred tax liabilities, long-term | — |
| | 183 |
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Capital lease obligations, long-term | 5,520 |
| | 6,676 |
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Other long-term liabilities | 980 |
| | 898 |
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Total liabilities | 126,855 |
| | 129,490 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
| |
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Stockholders’ equity: | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; no shares issued or outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 | — |
| | — |
|
Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011; 35,645,043 and 34,015,434 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively | 36 |
| | 34 |
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Additional paid-in capital | 270,627 |
| | 258,967 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive income | 1,159 |
| | 617 |
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Accumulated deficit | (79,227 | ) | | (69,051 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | 192,595 |
| | 190,567 |
|
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 319,450 |
| | $ | 320,057 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three months ended September 30, | | Nine months ended September 30, |
| 2012 | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Revenues | $ | 64,273 |
| | $ | 58,759 |
| | $ | 186,839 |
| | $ | 169,805 |
|
Cost of revenues (excludes amortization of intangible assets) (1) | 21,933 |
| | 19,560 |
| | 62,705 |
| | 56,000 |
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Selling and marketing (1) | 22,928 |
| | 20,330 |
| | 66,508 |
| | 58,216 |
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Research and development (1) | 8,963 |
| | 9,219 |
| | 25,266 |
| | 25,951 |
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General and administrative (1) | 9,400 |
| | 12,568 |
| | 28,231 |
| | 36,863 |
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Amortization of intangible assets | 2,385 |
| | 2,458 |
| | 7,007 |
| | 6,886 |
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Impairment of intangible assets | — |
| | — |
| | 3,349 |
| | — |
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Total expenses from operations | 65,609 |
| | 64,135 |
| | 193,066 |
| | 183,916 |
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Loss from operations | (1,336 | ) | | (5,376 | ) | | (6,227 | ) | | (14,111 | ) |
Interest and other (expense), net | (174 | ) | | (143 | ) | | (541 | ) | | (356 | ) |
Loss from foreign currency | (205 | ) | | (342 | ) | | (772 | ) | | (90 | ) |
Gain on sale of marketable securities | — |
| | 211 |
| | — |
| | 211 |
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Loss before income tax (provision) benefit | (1,715 | ) | | (5,650 | ) | | (7,540 | ) | | (14,346 | ) |
Income tax (provision) benefit | (1,403 | ) | | 1,712 |
| | (2,636 | ) | | 1,845 |
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Net loss | $ | (3,118 | ) | | $ | (3,938 | ) | | $ | (10,176 | ) | | $ | (12,501 | ) |
Net loss available to common stockholders per common share: | | | | | | | |
Basic | (0.09 | ) | | (0.12 | ) | | (0.31 | ) | | (0.39 | ) |
Diluted | (0.09 | ) | | (0.12 | ) | | (0.31 | ) | | (0.39 | ) |
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share calculation - common stock: | | | | | | | |
Basic | 33,470,628 |
| | 32,492,939 |
| | 33,120,233 |
| | 31,996,867 |
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Diluted | 33,470,628 |
| | 32,492,939 |
| | 33,120,233 |
| | 31,996,867 |
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Comprehensive loss: | | | | | | | |
Net loss | $ | (3,118 | ) | | $ | (3,938 | ) | | $ | (10,176 | ) | | $ | (12,501 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment | 1,226 |
| | (2,716 | ) | | 542 |
| | 522 |
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Unrealized loss on marketable securities | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (228 | ) |
Realized gain on sale of marketable securities, net | — |
| | (211 | ) | | — |
| | (211 | ) |
Total comprehensive loss | $ | (1,892 | ) | | $ | (6,865 | ) | | $ | (9,634 | ) | | $ | (12,418 | ) |
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(1) Amortization of stock-based compensation is included in the line items above as follows: |
Cost of revenues | $ | 636 |
| | $ | 514 |
| | $ | 1,840 |
| | $ | 1,582 |
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Selling and marketing | $ | 3,113 |
| | $ | 2,291 |
| | $ | 8,297 |
| | $ | 6,310 |
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Research and development | $ | 504 |
| | $ | 536 |
| | $ | 1,394 |
| | $ | 1,594 |
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General and administrative | $ | 1,911 |
| | $ | 2,069 |
| | $ | 6,062 |
| | $ | 6,955 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share data)
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| Common Stock | | Additional Paid-In Capital | | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income | | Accumulated Stockholders’ Deficit | | Total Stockholders’ Equity |
| Shares | | Amount | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2010 | 31,523,559 |
| | $ | 32 |
| | $ | 216,895 |
| | $ | 2,166 |
| | $ | (53,261 | ) | | $ | 165,832 |
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Net loss | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (12,501 | ) | | (12,501 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 522 |
| | — |
| | 522 |
|
Unrealized/realized gain on marketable securities | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (439 | ) | | — |
| | (439 | ) |
Common stock issued in conjunction with acquisitions | 982,285 |
| | 1 |
| | 15,057 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 15,058 |
|
Exercise of common stock options | 195,200 |
| | — |
| | 343 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 343 |
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Issuance of restricted stock | 607,931 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Restricted stock cancelled | (100,072 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Restricted stock units vested | 101,881 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Common stock received for tax withholding | (280,410 | ) | | — |
| | (7,181 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (7,181 | ) |
Stock based compensation | — |
| | — |
| | 14,203 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14,203 |
|
Balance at September 30, 2011 | 33,030,374 |
| | $ | 33 |
| | $ | 239,317 |
| | $ | 2,249 |
| | $ | (65,762 | ) | | $ | 175,837 |
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| | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at December 31, 2011 | 34,015,434 |
| | $ | 34 |
| | $ | 258,967 |
| | $ | 617 |
| | $ | (69,051 | ) | | $ | 190,567 |
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Net loss | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (10,176 | ) | | (10,176 | ) |
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 542 |
| | — |
| | 542 |
|
Exercise of common stock options | 362,680 |
| | — |
| | 222 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 222 |
|
Exercise of common stock warrants | 19,895 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Issuance of restricted stock | 1,649,814 |
| | 2 |
| | (2 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Restricted stock cancelled | (204,495 | ) | | — |
| | | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Restricted stock units vested | 151,641 |
| | — |
| | | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
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Common stock received for tax withholding | (349,926 | ) | | — |
| | (7,176 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (7,176 | ) |
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation, net | — |
| | — |
| | (51 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (51 | ) |
Stock based compensation | — |
| | — |
| | 18,667 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 18,667 |
|
Balance at September 30, 2012 | 35,645,043 |
| | $ | 36 |
| | $ | 270,627 |
| | $ | 1,159 |
| | $ | (79,227 | ) | | $ | 192,595 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
|
| | | | | | | |
| Nine months ended September 30, |
| 2012 | | 2011 |
Operating activities | | | |
Net loss | $ | (10,176 | ) | | $ | (12,501 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | |
Depreciation | 10,469 |
| | 9,808 |
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Amortization of intangible assets | 7,007 |
| | 6,886 |
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Impairment of intangible assets | 3,349 |
| | — |
|
Provision for bad debts | 1,151 |
| | 116 |
|
Stock-based compensation | 17,593 |
| | 16,441 |
|
Amortization of deferred rent | 543 |
| | (647 | ) |
Deferred tax provision (benefit) | 1,651 |
| | (3,362 | ) |
(Gain) Loss on asset disposal | (24 | ) | | 8 |
|
Gain on sale of marketable securities | — |
| | (211 | ) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | |
Accounts receivable | 11,540 |
| | 4,218 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (847 | ) | | (628 | ) |
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities | (8,839 | ) | | 6,183 |
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Deferred revenues | (314 | ) | | (8,072 | ) |
Deferred rent | 25 |
| | 520 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities | 33,128 |
| | 18,759 |
|
| | | |
Investing activities | | | |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | — |
| | (4,687 | ) |
Sales and maturities of investments | — |
| | 2,591 |
|
Purchase of property and equipment | (4,960 | ) | | (5,899 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (4,960 | ) | | (7,995 | ) |
| | | |
Financing activities | | | |
Proceeds from the exercise of common stock options | 222 |
| | 343 |
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Repurchase of common stock | (7,176 | ) | | (7,181 | ) |
Principal payments on capital lease obligations | (5,113 | ) | | (3,879 | ) |
Proceeds from financing arrangements | 4,131 |
| | — |
|
Debt issuance costs | — |
| | (69 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | (7,936 | ) | | (10,786 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | 844 |
| | (312 | ) |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 21,076 |
| | (334 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 38,071 |
| | 33,736 |
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Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 59,147 |
| | $ | 33,402 |
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Supplemental cash flow disclosures | | | |
Interest paid | $ | 576 |
| | $ | 536 |
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Income taxes paid | $ | 554 |
| | $ | 1,551 |
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Supplemental noncash investing and financing activities | | | |
Capital lease obligations incurred | $ | 5,150 |
| | $ | 4,218 |
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Accrued capital expenditures | $ | 1,892 |
| | $ | — |
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Leasehold improvements acquired through lease incentives | $ | — |
| | $ | 331 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
comScore, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation incorporated in August 1999, provides on-demand digital analytics that enable customers to make well-informed business decisions and implement more effective digital business strategies. More specifically, the Company is an Internet technology company that measures what people do as they navigate the digital world and analyzes that information to provide insights and recommended actions for the Company's customers to maximize the value of their digital investments. The Company’s products offer customers deep insights into consumer behavior, including objective, detailed information regarding usage of their online properties and those of their competitors, coupled with information on consumer demographic characteristics, attitudes, lifestyles and offline behavior. The Company provides its products through a scalable, Software-as-a-Service, SaaS, delivery model, which eliminates the need for customers to install and maintain hardware and software in order to use the Company’s products.
The Company’s digital marketing intelligence platform is comprised of proprietary databases and a computational infrastructure that measures, analyzes and reports on digital activity worldwide. The foundation of the platform is data collected from a panel of more than two million Internet users worldwide who have granted to the Company explicit permission to confidentially measure their Internet usage patterns, online and certain offline buying behavior and other activities. For measuring and reporting online audiences, comScore also supplements panel information with census information obtained from the Company's tagged network of global websites, referred to as the comScore Census Network. This panel information is complemented by a Unified Digital Measurement approach to digital audience measurement. Unified Digital Measurement blends panel and census methodologies into a product that provides a direct linkage and reconciliation between census and panel measurement. By applying advanced statistical methodologies to the panel data, the Company projects consumers’ online behavior for the total online population and a wide variety of user categories. In addition to the Company’s comScore Census Network products, the Company provides products to the large mobile networks that deliver network analysis focused on the experience of wireless subscribers, as well as network intelligence with respect to performance, capacity and configuration analytics. The Company also provides digital and monetization analytics and innovative video measurement products.
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2. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated upon consolidation. The Company consolidates investments where it has a controlling financial interest. The usual condition for controlling financial interest is ownership of a majority of the voting interest and, therefore, as a general rule, ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the outstanding voting shares is a condition indicating consolidation. For investments in variable interest entities, the Company would consolidate when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. The Company does not have any variable interest entities.
Unaudited Interim Financial Information
The consolidated interim financial statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q have been prepared by the Company without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated interim financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, the Company believes that the disclosures contained in this quarterly report comply with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for a quarterly report on Form 10-Q and are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The consolidated interim financial statements included herein, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. These consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, filed February 22, 2012 with the SEC. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated for the entire year ending December 31, 2012 or thereafter. All references to September 30, 2012 and 2011 or to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 in the notes to the consolidated interim financial statements are unaudited.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Significant estimates and assumptions are inherent in the analysis and the measurement of deferred tax assets, the identification and quantification of income tax liabilities due to
uncertain tax positions, recoverability of intangible assets, other long-lived assets and goodwill, estimates related to outstanding litigation, and the determination of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and assumptions that it believes are reasonable. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company evaluates the fair value of certain assets and liabilities using the fair value hierarchy. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, the Company applies the fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1 — observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 — inputs other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly;
Level 3 — unobservable inputs of which there is little or no market data, which require the Company to develop its own assumptions.
The Company does not currently have any assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, deferred revenue, deferred rent and capital lease obligations reported in the consolidated balance sheets equal or approximate their respective fair values.
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include fixed assets, intangible assets and goodwill. The Company recognizes these items at fair value when they are considered to be impaired. During the second quarter of 2012, certain intangible assets were measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as described in Note 3. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.3 million pertaining to these assets as follows:
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Fair Value Measurements Using | | |
| | June 30, 2012 | | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets | | Significant Other Observable Inputs | | Significant Unobservable Inputs | | Total Gains |
| | | (Level 1) | | (Level 2) | | (Level 3) | | (Losses) |
Description | | (In thousands) |
Long-lived assets held and used | | $ | 2,500 |
| |
| |
| | $ | 2,500 |
| | $ | (3,349 | ) |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no impairments and as such, no fair value adjustments were recorded for assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments
Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of bank deposit accounts.
Interest income on investments and excess cash balances was a nominal amount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and a nominal amount and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and are non-interest bearing. The Company generally grants uncollateralized credit terms to its customers and maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reserve for potentially uncollectible receivables. Allowances are based on management’s judgment, which considers historical experience and specific knowledge of accounts where collectability may not be probable. The Company makes provisions based on historical bad debt
experience, a specific review of all significant outstanding invoices and an assessment of general economic conditions. If the financial condition of a customer deteriorates, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Property and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, ranging from three to five years. Assets under capital leases are recorded at their net present value at the inception of the lease and are included in the appropriate asset category. Assets under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the related lease terms or their useful lives. Replacements and major improvements are capitalized; maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included within the expense category in which the asset is deployed.
Business Combinations
The Company recognizes all of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, contractual contingencies, and contingent consideration at their fair value on the acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs are recognized separately from the acquisition and expensed as incurred. Generally, restructuring costs incurred in periods subsequent to the acquisition date are expensed when incurred. Subsequent changes to the purchase price (i.e., working capital adjustments) or other fair value adjustments determined during the measurement period are recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. All subsequent changes to an income tax valuation allowance or uncertain tax position that relate to the acquired company and existed at the acquisition date that occur both within the measurement period and as a result of facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date are recognized as an adjustment to goodwill. All other changes in income tax valuation allowances are recognized as a reduction or increase to income tax expense or as a direct adjustment to additional paid-in capital as required.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed when a business is acquired. The allocation of the purchase price to intangible assets and goodwill involves the extensive use of management’s estimates and assumptions, and the result of the allocation process can have a significant impact on future operating results. The Company estimates the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired using various valuation methods, including the excess earnings and relief from royalty methods.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their useful lives while goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for potential impairment at least annually by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill recorded by the reporting unit. If the carrying value exceeds the fair value, impairment is measured by comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill to its carrying value, and any impairment determined is recorded in the current period. All of the Company’s goodwill is associated with its single reporting unit. Accordingly, on an annual basis the Company performs the impairment assessment for goodwill at the enterprise level. The Company completed its annual impairment analysis as of October 1st for 2011 and determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. There have been no indicators of impairment suggesting that an interim assessment was necessary for goodwill since the October 1, 2011 analysis.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:
|
| | |
| Useful Lives (Years) |
Acquired methodologies/technology | 3 to 10 |
|
Customer relationships | 3 to 12 |
|
Panel | 7 |
|
Intellectual property | 7 to 13 |
|
Trade names | 2 to 10 |
|
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company’s long-lived assets primarily consist of property and equipment and intangible assets. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If an indication of impairment is present, the Company compares the estimated undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by the asset to its carrying amount. Recoverability measurement and estimation of undiscounted cash flows are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. If the undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset group,
the Company records an impairment loss equal to the excess of the asset group’s carrying amount over its fair value. The fair value is determined based on valuation techniques such as a comparison to fair values of similar assets or using a discounted cash flow analysis. Although the Company believes that the carrying values of its long-lived assets are appropriately stated, changes in strategy or market conditions or significant technological developments could significantly impact these judgments and require adjustments to recorded asset balances. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $3.3 million related to certain intangible assets as described in Note 3. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, there were no impairment charges recognized.
Leases
The Company leases its facilities and accounts for those leases as operating leases. For facility leases that contain rent escalations or rent concession provisions, the Company records the total rent payable during the lease term on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The Company records the difference between the rent paid and the straight-line rent as a deferred rent liability. Leasehold improvements funded by landlord incentives or allowances are recorded as leasehold improvement assets and a deferred rent liability which is amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease.
The Company records capital leases as an asset and an obligation at an amount equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments as determined at the beginning of the lease term. Amortization of capitalized leased assets is computed on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and is included in depreciation and amortization expense.
Foreign Currency
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. All assets and liabilities are translated at the current exchange rate as of the end of the period, and revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect during the period. The gain or loss resulting from the process of translating foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars is reflected as foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment and reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
The Company incurred foreign currency transaction losses of $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and foreign currency transaction losses of $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. These gains and losses are the result of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries. The majority of the Company’s foreign operations are denominated in the euro, the British Pound and various currencies in Latin America.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenues when the following fundamental criteria are met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery has occurred or the services have been rendered, (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collection of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
The Company generates revenues by providing access to the Company’s online database or delivering information obtained from the database, usually in the form of periodic reports. Revenues are typically recognized on a straight-line basis over the period in which access to data or reports is provided, which generally ranges from three to twenty-four months.
Revenues are also generated through survey services under contracts ranging in term from two months to one year. Survey services consist of survey and questionnaire design with subsequent data collection, analysis and reporting. At the outset of an arrangement, total arrangement consideration is allocated between the development of the survey questionnaire and subsequent data collection, analysis and reporting services based on relative selling price. Revenue allocated to the survey questionnaire is recognized when it is delivered and revenue allocated to the data collection, analysis and reporting services is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated data collection period once the survey or questionnaire design has been delivered. Any change in the estimated data collection period results in an adjustment to revenues recognized in future periods.
Certain of the Company’s arrangements contain multiple elements, consisting of the various services the Company offers. Multiple element arrangements typically consist of either subscriptions to multiple online products or a subscription to the Company’s online database combined with customized services.
For these types of arrangements, the Company uses a hierarchy to determine the selling price to be used for allocating arrangement consideration to deliverables: (i) vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value (“VSOE”), (ii) third-party evidence of selling price (“TPE”) if VSOE is not available, or (iii) an estimated selling price (“ESP”) if neither VSOE nor TPE are available. VSOE generally exists only when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged
by the Company for that deliverable on a stand-alone basis. ESP reflects the Company’s estimate of what the selling price of a deliverable would be if it was sold regularly on a stand-alone basis.
The Company has concluded it does not have VSOE, for these types of arrangements, and TPE is generally not available because the Company’s service offerings are highly differentiated and the Company is unable to obtain reliable information on the products and pricing practices of the Company’s competitors. As such, ESP is used to allocate the total arrangement consideration at the arrangement inception based on each element’s relative selling price.
The Company’s process for determining ESP involves management’s judgments based on multiple factors that may vary depending upon the unique facts and circumstances related to each product suite and deliverable. The Company determines ESP by considering several external and internal factors including, but not limited to, current pricing practices, pricing concentrations (such as industry, channel, customer class or geography), internal costs and market penetration of a product or service. The total arrangement consideration is allocated to each of the elements based on the relative selling price. If the ESP is determined as a range of selling prices, the mid-point of the range is used in the relative-selling-price method. Once the total arrangement consideration has been allocated to each deliverable based on the relative allocation of the arrangement fee, the Company commences revenue recognition for each deliverable on a stand-alone basis as the data or service is delivered.
Generally, contracts are non-refundable and non-cancelable. In the event a portion of a contract is refundable, revenue recognition is delayed until the refund provisions lapse. A limited number of customers have the right to cancel their contracts by providing a written notice of cancellation. In the event that a customer cancels its contract, the customer is not entitled to a refund for prior services, and will be charged for costs incurred plus services performed up to the cancellation date.
Advance payments are recorded as deferred revenues until services are delivered or obligations are met and revenue can be recognized. Deferred revenues represent the excess of amounts invoiced over amounts recognized as revenues.
The Company also generates revenue through software licenses, professional services (including software customization, implementation, training and consulting services), and maintenance and technical support contracts. The Company’s arrangements generally contain multiple elements, consisting of the various service offerings. The Company recognizes software license arrangements that include significant modification and customization of the software in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 985-605, Software Recognition, and ASC 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts, typically using the completed-contract method. Prior to March 31, 2011, the Company had not established VSOE of fair value for the multiple deliverables and therefore accounted for all elements in these arrangements as a single unit of accounting, recognizing the entire arrangement fee as revenue on a straight line basis over the service period of the last delivered element. During the period of performance, billings and costs (to the extent they are recoverable) are accumulated on the balance sheet, but no profit or income is recorded before user acceptance of the software license. To the extent estimated costs are expected to exceed revenue, the Company accrues for costs immediately. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011 the Company established VSOE of fair value for post contract support (“PCS”) services for a group of certain Nexius customers. The establishment of VSOE of fair value followed an alignment of the Company’s pricing practices for these services.
The Company accounts for nonmonetary transactions under ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions. Nonmonetary transactions with commercial substance are recorded at the estimated fair value of assets surrendered including cash, if cash is less than 25% of the fair value of the overall exchange, unless the fair value of the assets received is more clearly evident, in which case the fair value of the asset received is used. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 the Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in revenue related to nonmonetary transactions. Due to timing differences in the delivery and receipt of the respective nonmonetary assets exchanged, the expense recognized in each period is different from the amount of revenue recognized. As a result, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recognized $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, in expense related to nonmonetary transactions.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company estimates the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant. The fair value of stock options with only service conditions is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The fair value of market-based stock options and restricted stock units is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation embedded in a lattice model. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The determination of the fair value of the Company’s stock option awards and restricted stock awards is based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the Company’s common stock price, expected stock price volatility over the expected life of awards, and actual and projected exercise behavior. Additionally, the Company has estimated forfeitures for share-based awards at the dates of grant based on historical experience and future expectations. The forfeiture estimate is revised as necessary if actual forfeitures differ from these estimates.
The Company issues restricted stock awards where restrictions lapse upon the passage of time (service vesting), achieving performance targets, or some combination of these restrictions. For those restricted stock awards with only service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the explicit service period. For awards with both performance and service conditions, the Company starts recognizing compensation cost over the remaining service period, when it is probable the performance condition will be met. For stock awards that contain performance or market vesting conditions, the Company excludes these awards from diluted earnings per share computations until the contingency is met as of the end of that reporting period.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences in recognizing certain income, expense and credit items for financial reporting purposes and tax reporting purposes. Such deferred income taxes primarily relate to the difference between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the future years in which deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or realized.
The Company records a valuation allowance when it determines, based on available positive and negative evidence, that it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company determines the realizability of its deferred tax assets primarily based on the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and projections of future taxable income (exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards). In evaluating such projections, the Company considers its history of profitability, the competitive environment, the overall outlook for the online marketing industry and general economic conditions. In addition, the Company considers the timeframe over which it would take to utilize the deferred tax assets prior to their expiration.
For certain tax positions, the Company uses a more-likely-than-not threshold based on the technical merits of the tax position taken. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax benefits determined on a cumulative probability basis, which are more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Earnings Per Share
Basic net loss per common share excludes dilution for potential common stock issuances and is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net loss per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Diluted earnings per share assumes the exercise of stock options and warrants using the treasury stock method.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic and diluted net loss per common share:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2012 | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
| (In thousands, except share and per share data) |
Net loss | $ | (3,118 | ) | | $ | (3,938 | ) | | $ | (10,176 | ) | | $ | (12,501 | ) |
Net loss per share - common stock: | | | | | | | |
Basic | $ | (0.09 | ) | | $ | (0.12 | ) | | $ | (0.31 | ) | | $ | (0.39 | ) |
Diluted | $ | (0.09 | ) | | $ | (0.12 | ) | | $ | (0.31 | ) | | $ | (0.39 | ) |
Weighted-average shares outstanding-common stock, basic and dilutive | 33,470,628 |
| | 32,492,939 |
| | 33,120,233 |
| | 31,996,867 |
|
The following is a summary of common stock equivalents for the securities outstanding during the respective periods that have been excluded from the earnings per share calculations as their impact was anti-dilutive.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| 2012 | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Stock options and restricted stock | 1,922,373 |
| | 687,851 |
| | 1,759,335 |
| | 668,032 |
|
Common stock warrants | — |
| | 16,218 |
| | 4,002 |
| | 12,998 |
|
Recent Pronouncements
In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-5, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220)—Presentation of Comprehensive Income, to require an entity to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. ASU 2011-5 eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of equity. ASU 2011-5 became effective for comScore beginning on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-5 had no impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-4, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (Topic 820)—Fair Value Measurement, to provide a consistent definition of fair value and ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-4 changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements particularly for level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2011-4 became effective for comScore beginning on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-5 had no material impact on the Company’s financial statements.
In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-8, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), which provides entities with an option to first assess certain qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less that it’s carrying amount. If, after performing a qualitative assessment, an entity determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, then performing the two-step impairment test outlined in the guidance is unnecessary. However, if the entity concludes otherwise, then it must perform the first step of the two-step impairment test. ASU 2011-8 became effective for comScore beginning on January 1, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-8 had no impact on the Company’s financial statements.
|
| |
3. | Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
The change in the carrying value of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | |
Balance as of December 31, 2011 | $ | 102,338 |
|
AdXpose, Inc. deferred tax adjustments | 80 |
|
Translation adjustments | (82 | ) |
Balance as of September 30, 2012 | $ | 102,336 |
|
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company recorded a reduction in its estimated amount of acquired deferred tax assets associated with the acquisition of AdXpose, Inc., that occurred in August 2011, with an offsetting adjustment to goodwill. During the third quarter of 2012, the Company finalized its purchase accounting for the acquisition of AdXpose, Inc., and no additional adjustments were recorded.
During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company noted a significant decline in revenues from ARSgroup (“ARS”), which the Company acquired in February 2010. As a result, the Company performed an impairment test of the long-lived assets of ARS. The long-lived assets of ARS consist of customer relationships and acquired methodologies and technology. The first step in testing the long-lived assets of ARS for impairment was to compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of ARS to the carrying value of ARS’s long-lived assets. Based on this analysis, the Company determined as of June 30, 2012 that the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated from ARS was less than the carrying value of the ARS intangible assets. As such, the Company concluded that the ARS intangible assets were impaired as of June 30, 2012. To measure the amount of the impairment, the Company then estimated the fair value of the intangible assets as of June 30, 2012. In determining the fair value of the intangible assets, the Company prepared a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis for each intangible asset. In preparing the DCF analysis, the Company used a combination of income approaches including the relief from royalty approach and the excess earnings approach. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, terminal growth rates, royalty rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis were based on the Company’s most recent budgets, forecasts and business plans as well as growth rate assumptions for years beyond the current business plan period. Significant assumptions used include a discount rate of 18.5%, which is based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future revenue streams and cash flows of ARS, as well as a royalty rate of 3.0%, which is based on an analysis of royalty rates in similar, market transactions. Based on the DCF analysis, the Company estimated the fair value of the intangible assets of ARS to be $2.5 million as of June 30, 2012, which resulted in an impairment charge of $3.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012. The impairment charge had a negative impact on income from continuing operations and net income of $3.3 million and an impact on earnings per share of $0.10 per share
during the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 as well as the nine months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, these intangible assets will be amortized over a remaining estimated useful life of eighteen months, beginning July 1, 2012. During the three months ended September 30, 2012 there were no events or circumstances to indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill or intangible assets, including those of ARS, were not recoverable.
Certain of the Company’s intangible assets are recorded in euros, British Pounds and the local currencies of the Company’s South American subsidiaries, and therefore, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization are subject to foreign currency translation adjustments. The carrying values of the Company’s amortizable acquired intangible assets are as follows (in thousands):
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2012 | | December 31, 2011 |
| | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount | | Gross Carrying Amount | | Accumulated Amortization | | Net Carrying Amount |
Acquired methodologies/technology | | $ | 8,360 |
| | $ | (3,804 | ) | | $ | 4,556 |
| | $ | 11,244 |
| | $ | (3,307 | ) | | $ | 7,937 |
|
Customer relationships | | 35,347 |
| | (9,868 | ) | | 25,479 |
| | 38,157 |
| | (7,698 | ) | | 30,459 |
|
Panel | | 1,639 |
| | (1,015 | ) | | 624 |
| | 1,615 |
| | (826 | ) | | 789 |
|
Intellectual property | | 13,571 |
| | (2,074 | ) | | 11,497 |
| | 13,561 |
| | (918 | ) | | 12,643 |
|
Trade names | | 4,112 |
| | (3,541 | ) | | 571 |
| | 4,107 |
| | (2,821 | ) | | 1,286 |
|
| | $ | 63,029 |
| | $ | (20,302 | ) | | $ | 42,727 |
| | $ | 68,684 |
| | $ | (15,570 | ) | | $ | 53,114 |
|
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $2.4 million and $7.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $2.5 million and $6.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
The weighted average remaining amortization period by major asset class as of September 30, 2012, is as follows:
|
| |
| (In years) |
Acquired methodologies/technology | 2.5 |
Customer relationships | 6.9 |
Panel | 2.7 |
Intellectual property | 8.5 |
Trade names | 2.7 |
The estimated future amortization of acquired intangible assets as of September 30, 2012 is as follows:
|
| | | |
| (In thousands) |
2012 | $ | 2,278 |
|
2013 | 8,984 |
|
2014 | 7,135 |
|
2015 | 6,133 |
|
2016 | 5,143 |
|
Thereafter | 13,054 |
|
| $ | 42,727 |
|
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, | | December 31, |
| | 2012 | | 2011 |
| | (In thousands) |
Payroll and related | | $ | 5,813 |
| | $ | 5,734 |
|
Income, sales and other taxes | | 2,829 |
| | 5,789 |
|
Cost of revenues | | 3,566 |
| | 3,526 |
|
Other | | 5,011 |
| | 2,685 |
|
Professional fees | | 1,194 |
| | 3,128 |
|
Stock-based compensation | | 3,527 |
| | 5,029 |
|
| | $ | 21,940 |
| | $ | 25,891 |
|
|
| |
5. | Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangement |
Capital Leases
The Company has a lease financing arrangement with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC in the amount of $22.9 million, of which the Company can utilize approximately $9.0 million as of September 30, 2012, for future capital leases. This arrangement allows the Company to lease new software, hardware and other computer equipment as it expands its technology infrastructure in support of its business growth. Under this arrangement, the Company may enter into new capital leases prior to March 13, 2013. Future minimum payments under capital leases with initial terms of one year or more are as follows:
|
| | | |
| (In thousands) |
2012 | $ | 2,038 |
|
2013 | 7,301 |
|
2014 | 3,160 |
|
2015 | 1,091 |
|
2016 | 66 |
|
Total minimum lease payments | 13,656 |
|
Less amount representing interest | (684 | ) |
Present value of net minimum lease payments | 12,972 |
|
Less current portion | 7,452 |
|
Capital lease obligations, long-term | $ | 5,520 |
|
During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, the Company acquired $4.7 million and $3.9 million, respectively, in computer equipment through the issuance of capital leases. This non-cash investing activity has been excluded from the consolidated statement of cash flows.
Secured Revolving Credit Facility
On June 30, 2011, the Company entered into a secured credit and security agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) for a two-year, $50.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The agreement includes a maximum $7.0 million sublimit for a euro loan facility and a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is June 30, 2013. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility shall be used towards working capital and other general corporate purposes as well as for the issuance of letters of credit. Loans made under the Revolving Credit Facility will bear interest at a fluctuating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin, which will range from 1.75% to 2.75%, based on the Company’s funded debt ratio. The Company and each of the Company’s material, wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a Security Agreement in favor of Bank of America (the “Security Agreement”). Pursuant to the Security Agreement, the obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the Company’s assets.
Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is restricted from paying dividends and incurring certain indebtedness, among other restrictive covenants. The Company continues to be in full compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility.
As of September 30, 2012, €3.3 million (or approximately $4.2 million) is outstanding under the terms of the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility.
The Company maintains letters of credit in lieu of security deposits with respect to certain office leases. As of September 30, 2012, $3.9 million in letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $6.1 million available for additional letters of credit. These letters of credit may be reduced periodically provided the Company meets the conditional criteria of each related lease agreement.
|
| |
6. | Commitments and Contingencies |
Leases
In addition to equipment financed through capital leases, the Company is obligated under various noncancelable operating leases for office facilities and equipment. These leases generally provide for renewal options and escalation increases. Future minimum payments under noncancelable lease agreements with initial terms of one year or more are as follows:
|
| | | |
| (In thousands) |
2012 | $ | 1,867 |
|
2013 | 8,809 |
|
2014 | 9,540 |
|
2015 | 9,653 |
|
2016 | 9,741 |
|
Thereafter | 46,389 |
|
Total minimum lease payments | $ | 85,999 |
|
Total rent expense, under non-cancellable operating leases, was $2.3 million and $6.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $1.7 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
Contingencies
On August 23, 2011, the Company received notice that Mike Harris and Jeff Dunstan, individually and on behalf of a class of similarly situated individuals, filed a lawsuit against the Company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, alleging, among other things, violations by the Company of the Stored Communications Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act as well as unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including statutory damages per violation and punitive damages, injunctive relief and reasonable attorneys’ fees of the plaintiffs. Based on review of these claims, the Company believes that they are without merit. The Company continues to investigate the claims and intends to vigorously protect and defend itself. It is not possible for the Company to estimate a potential range of loss at this time.
From time to time, the Company is exposed to unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. Although the outcome of any legal proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final outcome and resolution of these matters will not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
The Company’s income tax provision for interim periods is calculated by applying its estimated annual effective tax rate on ordinary income before taxes to year-to-date ordinary book income before taxes. The income tax effects of any extraordinary, significant unusual or infrequent items not included in ordinary book income are determined separately and recognized in the period in which the items arise.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded income tax provisions of $1.4 million and $2.6 million resulting in effective tax rates of 81.8% and 35.0%, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $1.7 million and $1.8 million resulting in effective tax rates of 30.3% and 12.9%, respectively. These effective tax rates differ from the Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the effects of valuation allowances associated with foreign losses, state income taxes, foreign income taxes, nondeductible expenses such as certain stock compensation and meals and entertainment, unrecognized tax benefits and changes in statutory tax rates which took effect during the year. As of September 30, 2012, the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate was 30.6%, compared to 80.2% as of June 30, 2012. The change in the estimated annual effective tax rate is primarily due to a significant reduction in forecasted pre-tax book income in jurisdictions where the Company is able to recognize an income tax benefit.
During the three months ended June 30, 2012, the Company recorded deferred tax expense of $2.5 million associated with the write-off of a deferred tax asset related to certain market-based stock awards that will never be realized due to the expiration of the stock awards prior to vesting. The write-off of the deferred tax asset has been included as a discrete item in the tax provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
The exercise of certain stock options and the vesting of certain restricted stock awards during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, generated income tax deductions equal to the excess of the fair market value over the exercise price or grant date fair value, as applicable. The Company will not recognize a deferred tax asset with respect to the excess of tax over book stock compensation deductions until the tax deductions actually reduce its current taxes payable. As such, the Company has not recorded a deferred tax asset in the accompanying consolidated financial statements related to the additional net operating losses generated from the windfall tax deductions associated with the exercise of these stock options and the vesting of restricted stock awards. If and when the Company utilizes these net operating losses to reduce income taxes payable, the tax benefit will be recorded as an increase in additional paid-in capital.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, certain stock options were exercised and certain shares related to restricted stock awards vested at times when the Company’s stock price was substantially lower than the fair value of those shares at the time of grant. As a result, the income tax deduction related to such shares is less than the expense previously recognized for book purposes. Such shortfalls reduce additional paid-in capital to the extent windfall tax benefits have been previously recognized. The Company recognized certain windfall tax benefits in 2011 and recorded an increase to additional paid-in capital. As a result, $0.0 million and $0.1 million of the shortfalls reduced additional paid-in capital for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.5 million of the shortfalls has been included in income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. There was no comparative amount for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had a valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets of the foreign subsidiaries (primarily net operating loss carryforwards) that are either loss companies or are in their start-up phases and on the capital loss carryforwards for Federal tax purposes. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded a valuation allowance related to certain state net operating loss carryforwards, primarily related to Indiana, where ARS is located, due to a current expectation that certain net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized. Management will continue to evaluate the Company’s deferred tax position of its U.S. and foreign companies throughout 2012 to determine the appropriate level of valuation allowance required against its deferred tax assets.
As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.4 million. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amount of accrued interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $0.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. For income tax returns filed by the Company, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009 or state and local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2008 although tax attribute carryforwards generated prior to these years may still be adjusted upon examination by tax authorities.
1999 Stock Option Plan and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan
Prior to the effective date of the registration statement for the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO”) on June 26, 2007, eligible employees and non-employees were awarded options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, restricted stock or restricted stock units pursuant to the Company’s 1999 Stock Plan (the “1999 Plan”). Upon the effective date of the registration statement of the Company’s IPO, the Company ceased using the 1999 Plan for the issuance of new equity awards. Upon the closing of the Company’s IPO on July 2, 2007, the Company established its 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2007 Plan” and together with the 1999 Plan, the “Plans”). The 1999 Plan will continue to govern the terms and conditions of outstanding awards granted thereunder, but no further shares are authorized for new awards under the 1999 Plan. As of September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Plans provided for the issuance of a maximum of approximately 8.5 million shares and 7.2 million shares, respectively, of common stock. In addition, the 2007 Plan provides for annual increases in the number of shares available for issuance thereunder on the first day of each fiscal year beginning with the 2008 fiscal year, equal to the lesser of: (i) 4% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; (ii) 1,800,000 shares; or (iii) such other amount as the Company’s Board of Directors may determine. The vesting period of options granted under the Plans is determined by the Board of Directors, although, for service-based options the vesting has historically been generally ratably over a four-year period. Options generally expire 10 years from the date of
the grant. Effective January 1, 2012, the shares available for grant increased 1,360,617 pursuant to the automatic share reserve increase provision under the Plans. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2012, a total of 2,837,496 shares were available for future grant under the 2007 Plan.
The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula and a single option award approach. The Company then amortizes the fair value of awards expected to vest on a ratable straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the period from the grant date to the end of the vesting period.
During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company granted 210,000 time-based restricted stock awards to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer that vest ratably over three years and 380,000 time-based restricted stock awards to members of executive management that vest ratably over four years. In addition, the Company granted its Chief Executive Officer 580,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the form of restricted stock and restricted stock units (the “Performance Award”). The Performance Award represents the maximum number of shares that can vest over a three year period. The Performance Awards will vest based on achievement of revenue and adjusted EBITDA goals during 2012, 2013 and 2014, with the revenue and adjusted EBITDA milestones each carrying a 50% weight. Assuming achievement of 100% of the target performance metrics in each case over a three-year period, the Chief Executive Officer would be eligible to vest in 290,000 total shares, and in any given year 96,666 shares. Assuming achievement of 200% of the target performance metrics in each case over a three-year period, the maximum number permitted under the arrangement, the Chief Executive Officer would be eligible to vest in 580,000 total shares, and in any given year, 193,334 shares. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, no stock options were granted.
A summary of the Plans is presented below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Number of Shares | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years) | | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) |
Options outstanding at December 31, 2011 | | 1,507,519 |
| | $ | 13.02 |
| | | | |
Options granted | | — |
| | — |
| | | | |
Options exercised | | (362,680 | ) | | 0.61 |
| | | | $ | 4,993 |
|
Options forfeited | | (1,048,478 | ) | | 18.12 |
| | | | |
Options expired | | (255 | ) | | 8.87 |
| | | | |
Options outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2012 | | 96,106 |
| | $ | 4.31 |
| | 3.16 | | $ | 1,051 |
|
The intrinsic value of exercised stock options is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price and the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock as of the close of the exercise date. The aggregate intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock option awards and the quoted market price of the Company’s common stock at September 30, 2012. As of September 30, 2012, there is no unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted prior to that date. The Company’s nonvested stock awards are comprised of restricted stock and restricted stock units. The Company has a right of repurchase on such shares that lapse at a rate of twenty-five percent (25)% of the total shares awarded at each successive anniversary of the initial award date, provided that the employee continues to provide services to the Company. In the event that an employee terminates their employment with the Company, any shares that remain unvested and consequently subject to the right of repurchase shall be automatically reacquired by the Company at the original purchase price paid by the employee. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, 81,755 and 204,495 forfeited shares of restricted stock have been repurchased by the Company at no cost.
A summary of the status for nonvested stock awards as of September 30, 2012 is presented as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nonvested Stock Awards | | Restricted Stock | | Restricted Stock Units | | Total Number of Shares Underlying Awards | | Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value |
Nonvested at December 31, 2011 | | 1,385,420 |
| | 419,094 |
| | 1,804,514 |
| | $ | 19.75 |
|
Granted | | 1,649,814 |
| | 417,377 |
| | 2,067,191 |
| | 21.17 |
|
Vested | | (864,040 | ) | | (151,641 | ) | | (1,015,681 | ) | | 18.91 |
|
Forfeited | | (204,495 | ) | | (227,089 | ) | | (431,584 | ) | | 21.58 |
|
Nonvested at September 30, 2012 | | 1,966,699 |
| | 457,741 |
| | 2,424,440 |
| | $ | 20.99 |
|
The aggregate intrinsic value for all non-vested shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2012 was $37.0 million.
As of September 30, 2012, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units was $29.3 million, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.39 years. Total unrecognized compensation expense may be increased or decreased in future periods for subsequent grants or forfeitures.
Of the 258,952 shares of the Company’s restricted stock and restricted stock units vesting during the three months ended September 30, 2012, the Company repurchased 81,364 shares at an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1 million pursuant to the stockholder’s right under the Plans to elect to use common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations.
Common Stock Warrant
As of December 31, 2011, a warrant to purchase 24,375 shares of common stock was outstanding. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, this warrant was completely exercised on a net basis. As a result, the Company issued 19,895 shares of common stock and received no cash upon the exercise of the warrant.
Shares Reserved for Issuance
At September 30, 2012, the Company had reserved for future issuance the following shares of common stock upon the exercise of options:
|
| | |
Common stock available for future issuances under the Plans | 2,837,496 |
|
Common stock reserved for outstanding options and restricted stock units | 553,847 |
|
| 3,391,343 |
|
The Company attributes revenues to customers based on the location of the customer. The composition of the Company’s sales to unaffiliated customers between those in the United States and those in other locations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 is set forth below:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three months ended September 30, | | Nine months ended September 30, |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
| | (In thousands) |
United States | | $ | 46,979 |
| | $ | 42,954 |
| | $ | 135,507 |
| | $ | 126,861 |
|
Europe | | 10,361 |
| | 9,727 |
| | 31,273 |
| | 25,169 |
|
Canada | | 2,922 |
| | 2,607 |
| | 8,429 |
| | 7,221 |
|
Other | | 4,011 |
| | 3,471 |
| | 11,630 |
| | 10,554 |
|
Total Revenues | | $ | 64,273 |
| | $ | 58,759 |
| | $ | 186,839 |
| | $ | 169,805 |
|
The composition of the Company’s property and equipment between those in the United States and those in other countries as of the end of each period is set forth below:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | September 30, 2012 | | December 31, 2011 |
| | (In thousands) |
United States | | $ | 23,557 |
| | $ | 22,834 |
|
Europe | | 5,728 |
| | 4,526 |
|
Canada | | 311 |
| | 344 |
|
Other | | 831 |
| | 568 |
|
Total | | $ | 30,427 |
| | $ | 28,272 |
|
|
| |
ITEM 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q . In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results and timing of selected events may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under “Risk factors” and elsewhere in this document. See also “Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Overview
We provide leading, on-demand digital analytics that enable our customers to make well-informed, data-driven decisions and implement more effective digital business strategies. More specifically, we are an Internet technology company that measures what people do as they navigate the digital world and we turn that information into insights and actions for our clients to maximize the value of their digital investments. One of the key elements of our products is our ability to effectively combine our proprietary comScore data (which we obtain via our global panel and census network) with our clients own data. Our products provide our customers with deep insight into consumer behavior, including objective, detailed information regarding usage of their online properties and those of their competitors, coupled with information on consumer demographic characteristics, attitudes, lifestyles and offline behavior. In addition, we provide mobile operator analytics products which provides comprehensive marketing and customer care insight to the various mobile carriers worldwide. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we provided service to over 2,100 customers worldwide with our broad geographic base of employees located in 32 locations in 23 countries.
We deliver our products on-demand using our digital measurement and analytics platforms, which are comprised of proprietary databases, internally developed software, and a computational infrastructure that measures, analyzes and reports on digital activity. Our scalable, Software-as-a-Service, or SaaS, delivery model, eliminates the need for our customers to install and maintain hardware and software in order to use our products. Our products are hosted and maintained by us, which significantly reduces the cost and complexity for our customers relative to traditional software products and provides significant operating efficiencies. We can quickly deploy or update our products with minimal to no lead time, which significantly enhances our customers’ productivity. We offer our products as a subscription-based service for which our customers pay a recurring fee during the subscription term.
Our digital media measurement and analytics platforms are comprised of proprietary databases and a computational infrastructure that measures, analyzes and reports on digital activity worldwide. The foundation of our platform is data collected from our comScore panel of approximately two million Internet users worldwide who have granted us explicit permission to confidentially measure their Internet usage patterns, online and certain offline buying behavior and other activities. By applying advanced statistical methodologies to our panel data, we project consumers’ online behavior for the total online population and a wide variety of user categories. This panel information is complemented by our Unified Digital Measurement methodology which enables us to more accurately measure digital audiences. Our Unified Digital Measurement approach blends panel and census methodologies into products that provide a direct linkage and reconciliation between census and panel measurement. The combination of our panel data and our tagged network of global websites is referred to as the comScore Census Network™, which has been built with a world-class infrastructure and technology that processes over 1.3 trillion events per month worldwide. In addition to our comScore Census Network™ based platforms, we also provide products to the large mobile networks that deliver network analysis focused on the experience of wireless subscribers, as well as network intelligence with respect to performance, capacity and configuration analytics. We also provide digital (web, apps, video, gaming, and other digital assets) and monetization analytics and innovative video measurement solutions.
We deliver our Analytics for a Digital World™ through a wide array of products organized around the following four major suites; audience analytics, advertising analytics, digital business analytics and mobile operator analytics. Our audience analytics products deliver digital media intelligence by providing an independent, third-party measurement of the size, behavior and characteristics of Internet users on multiple devices, such as TVs, PCs, smartphones and tablets as well as insight into the effectiveness of online advertising. Our core product offerings are built around our Media Metrix ™ product, but also include Video Metrix ™, Mobile Metrix ™, Plan Metrix™ and Ad Metrix ™. As the Internet evolves, we are continually creating new solutions, such as Social Essentials, which provides insight into the audience size, composition, behavior and brand engagement of consumers reached by brands on Facebook. We typically deliver our audience analytics products electronically in the form of weekly, monthly or quarterly subscription based reports. Customers can access current and historical data and analyze this data anytime online.
Our advertising analytics products combine the proprietary information gathered from our comScore Census Network with the vertical industry expertise of comScore analysts to deliver digital marketing intelligence, including the measurement of online advertising effectiveness, customized for specific industries. Our advertising analytics products include AdEffx ™, Media Planner 2.0 ™ and validated Campaign Essentials ™, which provide a solution for developing, executing and evaluating online advertising campaigns across multiple platforms, including TV, Web (Display and Video) and Mobile (Smartphones and Tablets). In August 2011, we acquired AdXpose, which provides advertisers and publishers with greater transparency in the quality, safety, and performance of their digital advertising campaigns by allowing them to verify and optimize billions of campaign data points captured in real-time. The combination of AdXpose with our Campaign Essentials product has enabled us to develop a new product we refer to as validated Campaign Essentials, or vCE, which provides intelligence regarding validated impressions, ads that are actually seen, shown in safe content and delivered to the right target audience. Our advertising analytics products are typically delivered on a monthly, quarterly or ad hoc basis.
Our digital business analytics products help organizations optimize the customer experience on their digital assets (websites, apps, video, etc.) and maximize return on digital media investments by allowing marketers to collect, view and distribute information tailored to their specific business requirements. Our digital business analytics platform is designed to integrate data from multiple sources including web, mobile, video and social media interactions. Our digital business analytics services are provided primarily through Digital Analytix ™ (“Dax”) our SaaS based product that enables our customers to have access to all of their proprietary click stream data. Our digital business analytics platform is further enhanced by data obtained as part of our audience measurement efforts, and viewable on a quick turnaround basis. Customers can access our digital business analytics data sets and reports anytime online.
Our mobile operator analytics products suite connects mobile consumer behavior, content merchandising, and device capabilities to provide comprehensive mobile market intelligence to the various mobile carriers worldwide. Our core software product, Subscriber Analytix ("SAx"), powered by XPLORE ™, provides mobile carriers with information on network optimization & capacity planning, customer experience, and market intelligence. Our mobile operator analytics platform is designed to integrate data from multiple sources including web and mobile interactions as well as customer relationship management, call center and back office systems. Customers can access our mobile and network data sets and reports anytime online.
During the second quarter of 2012, we noted a significant decline in revenues from ARSgroup (“ARS”), which we acquired in February 2010. As a result, we performed an impairment test of the long-lived assets of ARS and ultimately recorded an impairment charge of $3.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012. As a result of the significant decline in revenue from ARS and the resulting impairment charge of $3.3 million, we are exploring all strategic options with respect to maximizing the value of ARS, including a potential sale of some or all of ARS.
Brief Company History
Our company was founded in August 1999. In 2007, we completed our initial public offering. We have complemented our internal development initiatives with targeted acquisitions. In February 2010, we acquired the outstanding stock of ARSgroup, Inc. to expand our ability to provide our customers with actionable information to improve their creative and strategic messaging targeted against specific audiences. In July 2010, we acquired the outstanding stock of Nexius, Inc., a provider of products to the large mobile networks that deliver network analysis focused on the experience of wireless subscribers, as well as network intelligence with respect to performance, capacity and configuration analytics. In August 2010, we acquired the outstanding stock of Nedstat B.V., a provider of web analytics and innovative video measurement products based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands. In August 2011, we acquired all of the outstanding equity of AdXpose, Inc., a provider of digital advertising analytics products based out of Seattle, Washington.
Since our initial public offering in 2007, our revenues and expenses have grown significantly. We attribute the growth in our revenue and expenses primarily to:
| |
• | increased sales to existing customers, as a result of our efforts to deepen our relationships with these customers by increasing their awareness of, and confidence in, the value of our digital marketing intelligence platform; |
| |
• | growth in our customer base through the addition of new customers and from acquired businesses; |
| |
• | the sales of new products to existing and new customers; and |
| |
• | growth in sales outside of the U.S., as a result of entering into new international markets. |
As a result of economic events such as the global financial crisis in the credit markets, softness in the housing markets, difficulties in the financial services sector, political uncertainty in the Middle East, and concerns regarding the eurozone, the direction and relative strength of the U.S. and global economies have become somewhat uncertain in recent periods. During 2010 and the first half of 2012, we experienced a limited number of our current and potential customers ceasing, delaying or
reducing renewals of existing subscriptions and purchases of new or additional services and products presumably due to the economic downturn. Further, certain of our existing customers exited the market due to industry consolidation and bankruptcy in connection with these challenging economic conditions. Since these negative economic events began in 2008, we continued to annually add net new customers and our existing customers renewed their subscriptions at a rate of over 90% based on dollars renewed each year. Notwithstanding our performance during these macroeconomic trends, if economic recovery slows or economic conditions deteriorate, our operating results could be adversely affected in coming periods.
Our Revenues
We derive our revenues primarily from the fees that we charge for subscription-based products, customized projects, and software licenses. We define subscription-based revenues as revenues that we generate from products that we deliver to a customer on a recurring basis, as well as arrangements where a customer is committing up-front to purchase a series of deliverables over time, which includes revenue from software licenses as further discussed below. We define project revenues as revenues that we generate from customized projects that are performed for a specific customer on a non-recurring basis. A significant characteristic of our SaaS-based business model is our large percentage of subscription-based contracts. Subscription-based revenues accounted for 84% and 85% of total revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the full year 2011, respectively. Many of our customers who initially purchased a customized project have subsequently purchased one of our subscription-based products. Similarly, many of our subscription-based customers have subsequently purchased additional customized projects.
Historically, we have generated most of our revenues from the sale and delivery of our products to companies and organizations located within the United States. We intend to expand our international revenues by selling our products and deploying our direct sales force model in additional international markets in the future. For the year ended December 31, 2011, our international revenues were $60.0 million, an increase of $27.3 million, or 84% over international revenues of $32.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our international revenues were $51.3 million, an increase of $8.4 million, or 20% over international revenues of $42.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. International revenues comprised approximately 27%, 26% and 19% of our total revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
We anticipate that revenues from our U.S. customers will continue to constitute a substantial portion of our revenues in coming periods, but we expect that revenues from customers outside of the U.S. will increase as a percentage of total revenues as we build greater international recognition of our brand and expand our sales operations globally.
Subscription Revenues
We generate a significant portion of our subscription-based revenues from our Media Metrix product suite. Products within the Media Metrix suite include Media Metrix 360, Media Metrix, Plan Metrix, World Metrix, Video Metrix and Ad Metrix. These product offerings provide subscribers with intelligence on digital media usage, audience characteristics, audience demographics and online and offline purchasing behavior. Customers who subscribe to our Media Metrix products are provided with login IDs to our web site, have access to our database and can generate reports at anytime.
We also generate subscription-based revenues from certain reports and analyses provided through our customer research product, if that work is procured by customers on a recurring basis. Through our customer research products, we deliver digital marketing intelligence relating to specific industries, such as automotive, consumer packaged goods, entertainment, financial services, media, pharmaceutical, retail, technology, telecommunications and travel. This marketing intelligence leverages our global consumer panel and extensive database to deliver information unique to a particular customer’s needs on a recurring schedule, as well as on a continual-access basis. Our Marketing Solutions customer agreements typically include a fixed fee with an initial term of at least one year. We also provide these products on a non-subscription basis as described under “Project Revenues” below.
In addition, we generate subscription-based revenues from survey products that we sell to our customers. In conducting our surveys, we generally use our global Internet user panel. After questionnaires are distributed to the panel members and completed, we compile their responses and then deliver our findings to the customer, who also has ongoing access to the survey response data as they are compiled and updated over time. These data include responses and information collected from the actual survey questionnaires and can also include behavioral information that we passively collect from our panelists. If a customer has a history of purchasing survey products in each of the last four quarters, then we believe this indicates the surveys are being conducted on a recurring basis, and we classify the revenues generated from such survey products as subscription-based revenues. Our contracts for survey services typically include a fixed fee with terms that range from two months to one year.
Our acquisition of Nedstat resulted in additional revenue sources, including software subscriptions, server calls, and professional services (including training and consulting). Our arrangements generally contain multiple elements, consisting of the various service offerings. Our acquisition of AdXpose, resulted in additional revenue sources, including fees for the use of the AdXpose platform. Fees for the use of the AdXpose platform are generally a fixed fee for each impression that is generated using the AdXpose technology. Revenue is recognized on a usage basis when the impression is delivered and reported via the AdXpose service portal.
Project Revenues
We generate project revenues by providing customized information reports to our customers on a nonrecurring basis through comScore Marketing Solutions. For example, a customer in the media industry might request a custom report that profiles the behavior of the customer’s active online users and contrasts their market share and loyalty with similar metrics for a competitor’s online user base. If this customer continues to request the report beyond an initial project term of at least nine months and enters into an agreement to purchase the report on a recurring basis, we begin to classify these future revenues as subscription-based.
Software Licenses
We generate subscription revenue through software licenses, professional services (including software customization, implementation, training and consulting services), and maintenance and technical support contracts. We recognize software license arrangements that include significant modification and customization of the software in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 985-605, Software Recognition, and ASC 605-35, Revenue Recognition-Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type Contracts, typically using the completed-contract method. Prior to March 31, 2011, we had not established VSOE of fair value for the multiple deliverables and therefore accounted for all elements in these arrangements as a single unit of accounting, recognizing the entire arrangement fee as revenue on a straight line basis over the service period of the last delivered element. During the period of performance, billings and costs (to the extent they are recoverable) are accumulated on the balance sheet, but no profit or income is recorded before user acceptance of the software license. To the extent estimated costs are expected to exceed revenue, we accrue for costs immediately. During the quarter ended June 30, 2011 we established VSOE of fair value for post contract support (“PCS”) services for certain customers. The establishment of VSOE of fair value followed an alignment of our pricing practices for these services.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Management considers an accounting policy to be critical if it is important to our financial condition and results of operations, and if it requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. The development and selection of these critical accounting policies have been determined by our management. Due to the significant judgment involved in selecting certain of the assumptions used in these areas, it is possible that different parties could choose different assumptions and reach different conclusions. Our critical accounting policies relates to: (a) revenue recognition; (b) fair value measurements; (c) business combinations; (d) goodwill and intangible assets; (e) long-lived assets; (f) allowance for doubtful accounts; (g) income taxes; and (h) stock-based compensation.
Our significant accounting policies are described in more detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 under the caption Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. We have made no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, except for the $3.3 million impairment charge associated with ARS recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2012.
Seasonality
Historically, a slightly higher percentage of our customers have renewed their subscription products with us during the fourth quarter.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of total revenues for each of the periods indicated.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | 2012 | | 2011 |
Revenues | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of revenues | | 34.1 |
| | 33.3 |
| | 33.6 |
| | 33.0 |
|
Selling and marketing | | 35.7 |
| | 34.6 |
| | 35.6 |
| | 34.3 |
|
Research and development | | 13.9 |
| | 15.7 |
| | 13.5 |
| | 15.3 |
|
General and administrative | | 14.6 |
| | 21.4 |
| | 15.1 |
| | 21.7 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets | | 3.7 |
| | 4.2 |
| | 3.8 |
| | 4.1 |
|
Impairment of intangible assets | | — |
| | — |
| | 1.8 |
| | — |
|
Total expenses from operations | | 102.0 |
| | 109.2 |
| | 103.4 |
| | 108.4 |
|
Loss from operations | | (2.0 | ) | | (9.2 | ) | | (3.4 | ) | | (8.4 | ) |
Interest and other (expense), net | | (.3 | ) | | (.2 | ) | | (.3 | ) | | (.2 | ) |
Loss from foreign currency | | (.3 | ) | | (.6 | ) | | (.4 | ) | | (.1 | ) |
Gain on sale of marketable securities | | — |
| | .4 |
| | — |
| | .1 |
|
Loss before income tax (provision) benefit | | (2.6 | ) | | (9.6 | ) | | (4.1 | ) | | (8.6 | ) |
Income tax (provision) benefit | | (2.2 | ) | | 2.9 |
| | (1.4 | ) | | 1.1 |
|
Net loss attributable to common stockholders | | (4.8 | )% | | (6.7 | )% | | (5.5 | )% | | (7.5 | )% |
Three and Nine Month period ended September 30, 2012 Compared to the Three and Nine Month period ended September 30, 2011
Revenues
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Change | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | Change |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % | | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % |
| | (In thousands) |
Revenues | | $ | 64,273 |
| | $ | 58,759 |
| | $ | 5,514 |
| | 9.4 | % | | $ | 186,839 |
| | $ | 169,805 |
| | $ | 17,034 |
| | 10.0 | % |
Total revenues increased by approximately $5.5 million, or approximately 9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. We attribute the revenue growth to increased sales to our existing customer base coupled with a slight increase in revenue from new customers. Revenue from existing customers increased $5.1 million from $52.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to $57.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, while revenue from new customers increased $0.4 million from $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 to $6.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, revenue associated with the ARS copy testing products decreased $1.5 million to $2.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 from $3.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2011.
We experienced continued revenue growth in subscription revenues, which increased by approximately $3.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $50.3 million in the prior year period. We also experienced continued revenue growth from our project-based revenues, which increased by approximately $2.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, from $8.5 million in the prior year period.
Revenues from U.S customers was $47.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, or approximately 73% of total revenues, while revenues from customers outside of the U.S. was $17.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012, or approximately 27% of total revenues. Our focus on organic growth efforts in international markets resulted in increased international revenues of $1.5 million, comprised primarily of increases of $0.6 million in Europe, $0.4 million in Asia and $0.4 million in Latin America during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior year period.
Total revenues increased by approximately $17.0 million, or approximately 10%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. We attribute the revenue growth to increased sales to our existing customer base offset by a reduction in revenue from new customers. Revenue from new customers decreased from the year ago quarter due to a significant focus on the selling of new products, especially vCE, to our current customer base. Revenue from existing customers increased $20.9 million from $146.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $167.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, while revenue from new customers decreased $3.9 million from $23.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 to $19.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. In addition, revenue associated with the ARS copy testing products decreased $5.0 million to $7.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 from $12.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2011.
We experienced continued revenue growth in subscription revenues, which increased by approximately $13.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $144.6 million in the prior year period. In addition, our project-based revenues increased by approximately $4.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, from $25.2 million in the prior year period.
Revenues from U.S customers increased to $135.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, or approximately 73% of total revenues, while revenues from customers outside of the U.S. increased to $51.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, or approximately 27% of total revenues. Our focus on organic growth efforts in international markets resulted in increased international revenues of $8.4 million, comprised primarily of increases of $6.1 million in Europe, $1.2 million in Canada, $1.1 million in Latin America and $1.0 million in Asia, partially offset by a reduction of $1.0 million in the Middle East during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the prior year period.
Operating Expenses
The majority of our operating expenses consist of employee salaries and related benefits, stock compensation expense, professional fees, rent and other facility related costs, depreciation expense, and amortization and impairment of acquired intangible assets. Our single largest operating expense relates to our people. In order to effectively motivate our employees and to provide them with proper long-term incentives, we pay the vast majority of our annual bonus arrangements using our common stock. In addition, three of our most senior executives, including our Chief Executive Officer, have agreed to receive shares of our common stock instead of a cash salary.
Our total operating expenses increased by approximately $1.5 million, or approximately 2%, during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to increased expenditures for employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $2.7 million associated with our increased headcount, increased use of stock-based compensation of $0.8 million, increased royalties and reseller fees of $0.8 million associated with an increase in the usage of third-parties to sell our products, and rent and other facilities related costs and depreciation expense of $0.7 million. The increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $3.4 million associated with patent infringement litigation that occurred in 2011 and was settled in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Our total operating expenses increased by approximately $9.2 million, or approximately 5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to increased expenditures for employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $7.4 million associated with our increased headcount, an impairment charge of $3.3 million related to a decline in value of intangible assets acquired as part of the ARS acquisition, increased royalties and reseller fees of $2.0 million associated with an increase in the usage of third-parties to sell our products, increased rent and other facilities related costs and depreciation expense of $1.7 million, increased use of stock-based compensation of $1.2 million, increased travel and airfare of $1.1 million associated with our sales efforts, and increased bad debt expense of $1.0 million associated with the write-off of accounts receivable deemed uncollectible. The increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $9.7 million associated with patent infringement litigation that occurred in 2011 and was settled in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Cost of Revenues
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Change | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | Change |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % | | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % |
| | (In thousands) |
Cost of revenues | | $ | 21,933 |
| | $ | 19,560 |
| | $ | 2,373 |
| | 12.1 | % | | $ | 62,705 |
| | $ | 56,000 |
| | $ | 6,705 |
| | 12.0 | % |
As a percentage of revenues | | 34.1 | % | | 33.3 | % | | | | | | 33.6 | % | | 33.0 | % | | | | |
Cost of revenues consists primarily of expenses related to operating our network infrastructure, producing our products, and the recruitment, maintenance and support of our consumer panels. Expenses associated with these areas include the salaries, stock-based compensation, and related personnel expenses of network operations, survey operations, custom analytics and technical support, all of which are expensed as they are incurred. Cost of revenues also includes data collection costs for our products, operational costs associated with our data centers, including depreciation expense associated with computer equipment that supports our panel and systems, and allocated overhead, which is comprised of rent and other facilities related costs, and depreciation expense generated by general purpose equipment and software.
Cost of revenues increased by approximately $2.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to increased expenditures for employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $1.4 million associated with our increased headcount, increased royalties and reseller fees of $0.8 million associated with an increase in the usage of third-parties to sell our products, increased panel recruitment costs of $0.5 million associated with new panels in the UK and Spain, increased incentives costs of $0.4 million associated with compensating members of our panels and increased third-party sample costs of $0.4 million associated with specific projects, such as the 2012 NBC summer Olympics coverage. These costs were partially offset by a decrease of $1.0 million associated with a reduction in the usage of third-party providers for customer service and support related to our data collection efforts.
Cost of revenues increased by approximately $6.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to increased expenditures for employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $3.9 million associated with our increased headcount, increased royalties and reseller fees of $2.0 million associated with an increase in the usage of third-parties to sell our products, increased technology related costs of $0.7 million, increased panel recruitment costs of $0.7 million associated with new panels in the UK and Spain, increased incentives costs of $0.7 million associated with compensating members of our panels and increased third-party sample costs of $0.4 million associated with specific projects, such as the 2012 NBC summer Olympics coverage. These costs were partially offset by a decrease of $2.3 million associated with a reduction in the usage of third-party providers for customer service and support related to our data collection efforts.
Cost of revenues increased slightly as a percentage of revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011 due to increased costs associated with our expanding panel.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Change | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | Change |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % | | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % |
| | (In thousands) |
Selling and marketing | | $ | 22,928 |
| | $ | 20,330 |
| | $ | 2,598 |
| | 12.8 | % | | $ | 66,508 |
| | $ | 58,216 |
| | $ | 8,292 |
| | 14.2 | % |
As a percentage of revenues | | 35.7 | % | | 34.6 | % | | | | | | 35.6 | % | | 34.3 | % | | | | |
Selling and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries, benefits, commissions, bonuses, and stock-based compensation paid to our direct sales force and industry analysts, as well as costs related to online and offline advertising, industry conferences, promotional materials, public relations, other sales and marketing programs, and allocated overhead, which is comprised of rent and other facilities related costs, and depreciation expense generated by general purpose equipment and software. All selling and marketing costs are expensed as they are incurred. Commission plans are developed for our account managers with criteria and size of sales quotas that vary depending upon the individual’s role. Commissions are expensed as selling and marketing costs when a sales contract is executed by both the customer and us. Selling and marketing expenses have increased because we have been recruiting for additional salespeople in order to support international growth, especially in our DAx and vCE product offerings.
Selling and marketing expenses increased by $2.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to increased employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $1.2 million, increased stock-based compensation of $0.8 million associated with our increased headcount
as well as a decision to pay certain sales related bonuses with our common stock, and increased rent and other facility related costs and depreciation expense allocations of $0.5 million. These costs were partially offset by a reduction in severance costs of $0.5 million that occurred in the third quarter of 2011.
Selling and marketing expenses increased by $8.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This increase is primarily attributable to increased employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $3.6 million and increased stock-based compensation of $2.0 million associated with our increased headcount as well as a decision to pay certain sales related bonuses with our common stock, increased travel costs of $1.1 million incurred to support our sales growth, and increased rent and other facility related costs and depreciation expense allocations of $1.1 million.
Selling and marketing expenses increased as a percentage of revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011 due to slower than expected revenue growth.
Research and Development Expenses
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Change | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | Change |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % | | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % |
| | (In thousands) |
Research and development | | $ | 8,963 |
| | $ | 9,219 |
| | $ | (256 | ) | | (2.8 | )% | | $ | 25,266 |
| | $ | 25,951 |
| | $ | (685 | ) | | (2.6 | )% |
As a percentage of revenues | | 13.9 | % | | 15.7 | % | | | | | | 13.5 | % | | 15.3 | % | | | | |
Research and development expenses include new product development costs, consisting primarily of salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation and related costs for personnel associated with research and development activities, fees paid to third parties to develop new products and allocated overhead, which is comprised of rent and other facilities related costs, and depreciation expense generated by general purpose equipment and software.
Research and development expenses decreased $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease is primarily attributable to decreased employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $0.3 million associated with a reallocation of resources away from research and development activities.
Research and development expenses decreased $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease is primarily attributable to decreased employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $1.3 million associated with a reallocation of resources away from research and development activities, offset by higher costs of $0.8 million related to certain data licensing contracts that began in the three months ended March 31, 2011.
Research and development expenses declined slightly as a percentage of revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011, due to the increase in revenues and the decrease in the allocation of resources to research and development activities.
General and Administrative Expenses
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Change | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | Change |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % | | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % |
| | (In thousands) |
General and administrative | | $ | 9,400 |
| | $ | 12,568 |
| | $ | (3,168 | ) | | (25.2 | )% | | $ | 28,231 |
| | $ | 36,863 |
| | $ | (8,632 | ) | | (23.4 | )% |
As a percentage of revenues | | 14.6 | % | | 21.4 | % | | | | | | 15.1 | % | | 21.7 | % | | | | |
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, benefits, stock-based compensation, and related expenses for executive management, finance, accounting, human capital, legal and other administrative functions, as well as professional fees, overhead, including allocated overhead, which is comprised of rent and other facilities related costs, and depreciation expense generated by general purpose equipment and software, and expenses incurred for other general corporate purposes.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $3.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in professional fees of $3.4 million associated with patent infringement litigation that occurred in 2011 and was settled in the fourth quarter of 2011, partially offset by increased employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $0.5 million associated with our increased headcount.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $8.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2011. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in professional fees of $9.7 million associated with patent infringement litigation that occurred in 2011 and was settled in the fourth quarter of 2011 and a reduction in stock-based compensation expense of $0.9 million. These decreases were partially offset by increased employee salaries, benefits and related costs of $1.1 million associated with our increased headcount and increased bad debt expense of $1.0 million associated with the write-off of accounts receivable deemed uncollectible.
General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 as compared to the same periods in 2011, due to the overall reduction in costs coupled with the increase in revenues.
Amortization Expense
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Three Months Ended September 30, | | Change | | Nine Months Ended September 30, | | Change |
| | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % | | 2012 | | 2011 | | $ | | % |
| | (In thousands) |
Amortization expense | | $ | 2,385 |
| | $ | 2,458 |
| | $ | (73 | ) | | (3.0 | )% | | $ | 7,007 |
| | $ | 6,886 |
| | $ | 121 |
| | 1.8 | % |
As a percentage of revenues | | 3.7 | % | | 4.2 | % | | | | | | 3.8 | % | | 4.1 | % | | | | |
Amortization expense consists of charges related to the amortization of intangible assets associated with acquisitions.
Amortization expense decreased $0.1 million and increased $0.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 due principally to certain intangible assets whose useful life ended as of December 31, 2011, offset by increased amortization of intangible assets that were acquired as part of the AdXpose acquisition in the third quarter of 2011, the acquisition of certain patent intangible assets acquired in the fourth quarter of 2011, and the shortening of the useful life of the ARS intangible assets.
Impairment of Intangible Assets
During the three months ended June 30, 2012, we noted a significant decline in revenues from ARS, which we acquired in February 2010. As a result, we performed an impairment test of the long-lived assets of ARS. The long-lived assets of ARS consist of customer relationships and acquired methodologies and technology. The first step in testing the long-lived assets of ARS for impairment was to compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of ARS to the carrying value of ARS’s long-lived assets. Based on this analysis, we determined as of June 30, 2012 that the sum of the expected undiscounted cash flows to be generated from ARS was less than the carrying value of the ARS intangible assets. As such, we concluded that the intangible assets of ARS were impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment, we then estimated the fair value of the ARS intangible assets as of June 30, 2012. In determining the fair value of the intangible assets, we prepared a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) analysis for each intangible asset. In preparing the DCF analysis, we used a combination of income approaches, including the relief from royalty approach and the excess earnings approach. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgment, including judgments about appropriate discount rates, terminal growth rates, royalty rates and the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in the DCF analysis are based on our most recent budgets, forecasts and business plans as well as growth rate assumptions for years beyond the current business plan period. Significant assumptions used include a discount rate of 18.5%, which is based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future revenue streams and cash flows of ARS, as well as a royalty rate of 3.0%, which is based on an analysis of royalty rates in similar, market transactions. Based on the DCF analysis, we have estimated the fair value of the intangible assets of ARS to be $2.5 million as of June 30, 2012, which resulted in an impairment charge of $3.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2012. In addition, these intangible assets will be amortized over a remaining estimated useful life of eighteen months, beginning July 1, 2012.
Interest and Other Income (Expense), Net
Interest and other income/expense, net, consists of interest income, interest expense and gains or losses on disposals of fixed assets.
Interest income consists of interest earned from our cash and cash equivalent balances. Interest expense is incurred due to capital leases pursuant to several equipment loan and security agreements to finance the lease of various hardware and other equipment purchases and our revolving credit facility. Our capital lease obligations are secured by a senior security interest in eligible equipment.
Interest and other income (expense), net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 resulted in net expense of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, as compared to $0.1 million and $0.4 million of net interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively. The increase in interest expense was due to our increased use of capital leases to finance the expansion of our technology infrastructure along with fees associated with our revolving credit facility coupled with a reduction in interest income associated with the sale of our auction rate securities in 2011.
Loss From Foreign Currency
The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is the local currency. All assets and liabilities are translated at the current exchange rates as of the end of the period, and revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the period. The gain or loss resulting from the process of translating the foreign currency financial statements into U.S. dollars is included as a component of other comprehensive (loss) income.
We recorded a transaction loss of $0.2 million and $0.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, as compared to a transaction loss of $0.3 million and $0.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively, due to our increased international presence in Europe and Latin America. Our foreign currency transactions are recorded primarily as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the British Pound, Euro, and the functional currencies of our Latin America entities.
Provision for Income Taxes
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, we recorded income tax provisions of $1.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, as compared to an income tax benefits of $1.7 million and $1.8 million during the comparable periods of 2011, respectively. The tax provisions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were attributable to current tax expense of $8.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and deferred tax benefits of $6.6 million and deferred tax expense of $1.6 million, respectively. These amounts include $0.3 million and $3.2 million of current and deferred tax expense for discrete items such as stock compensation, statutory rate changes and changes in uncertain tax positions recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. Included within the amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 is deferred tax expense of $2.5 million associated with the write-off of a deferred tax asset related to certain market-based stock awards that will never be realized due to the expiration of the stock awards prior to vesting.
The tax benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were attributable to current tax expense of $0.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and deferred tax benefits of $1.9 million and $3.3 million, respectively. These amounts include $0.1 million and $0.2 million of current and deferred tax expense for discrete items such as stock compensation, statutory rate changes, return to provision adjustments and changes in uncertain tax positions recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are detailed in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| | 2012 | | 2011 |
| | (In thousands) |
Consolidated Cash Flow Data | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 33,128 |
| | $ | 18,759 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities | | (4,960 | ) | | (7,995 | ) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | (7,936 | ) | | (10,786 | ) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | | 844 |
| | (312 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 21,076 |
| | $ | (334 | ) |
Our principal uses of cash historically have consisted of cash paid for business acquisitions, payroll and other operating expenses and payments related to the investments in equipment primarily to support our consumer panel and technical infrastructure required to support our customer base. As of September 30, 2012, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of $59.1 million in cash, the majority of which represents cash generated from operating activities. During the three months ended September 30, 2012, we also borrowed $4.1 million under our revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2012, $11.2 million of the $59.1 million in cash on hand is held by foreign subsidiaries that would be subject to tax withholding payments if it is repatriated to the U.S. It is management's current intention that all foreign earnings will be indefinitely reinvested in these foreign countries and will not be repatriated to the U.S. However, if management were to repatriate these funds to the U.S., they would be subject to income tax payments ranging from 5% to 15% of the amount repatriated.
On June 30, 2011, we entered into a secured credit and security agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“Bank of America”) for a two-year, $50.0 million secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). The agreement includes a maximum $7.0 million sublimit for a euro loan facility and a $10.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. The maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility is June 30, 2013. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility shall be used towards working capital and other general corporate purposes as well as for the issuance of letters of credit. Loans made under the Revolving Credit Facility will bear interest at a fluctuating rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin, which will range from 1.75% to 2.75%, based on our funded debt ratio. We and each of our material, wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a Security Agreement in favor of Bank of America (the “Security Agreement”). Pursuant to the Security Agreement, the obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets.
Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, we are restricted from paying dividends and incurring certain indebtedness, among other restrictive covenants. We continue to be in full compliance with all covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Facility.
As of September 30, 2012 €3.3 million (or approximately $4.2 million) is outstanding under the terms of our Revolving Credit Facility.
We maintain letters of credit in lieu of security deposits with respect to certain office leases. As of September 30, 2012, $3.9 million in letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $6.1 million available for additional letters of credit. These letters of credit may be reduced periodically provided that we meet the conditional criteria of each related lease agreement.
Operating Activities
Our cash flows from operating activities are significantly influenced by our investments in personnel and infrastructure to support the anticipated growth in our business, increases in the number of customers using our products and the amount and timing of payments made by these customers.
We generated approximately $33.1 million of net cash from operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Our cash flows from operations were driven by our net loss of $10.2 million, offset by $41.7 million in non-cash items such as depreciation, impairment of intangible assets, amortization, provision for bad debts, stock-based compensation, and a non-cash deferred tax benefit. In addition, our operating cash flows were positively impacted by a $11.5 million decrease in accounts receivable associated with enhanced collection activities. Cash flows from operations were negatively impacted by a $8.8 million decrease in accounts payable, accrued expense and other liabilities associated with the timing of payments associated with annual bonuses paid in the first quarter of the year and professional fees accrued as of December 31, 2011, and a $0.8 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
We generated approximately $18.8 million of net cash from operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Our cash flows from operations were driven by our net loss of $12.5 million, offset by $29.0 million in non-cash
charges such as depreciation, amortization, provision for bad debts, stock-based compensation, a non-cash deferred tax benefit, and a gain on sale of marketable securities. In addition, we experienced a $4.2 million decrease in accounts receivable due to continued strong collections activities during the first nine months of 2011 in light of the increase in revenues. In addition, our operating cash flows were positively impacted by a $6.2 million net increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses due to the timing of payments issued to our vendors and $0.5 million increase in deferred rent due to tenant allowances related to our leases. Cash flows from operations were negatively impacted by a $8.1 million decrease in amounts collected from customers in advance of when we recognize revenue and a $0.6 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Investing Activities
Our primary regularly recurring investing activities have consisted of purchases of computer network equipment to support our Internet user panel and maintenance of our database, furniture and equipment to support our operations, purchases and sales of marketable securities, and payments related to the acquisition of several companies. As our customer base continues to expand, we expect purchases of technical infrastructure equipment to grow in absolute dollars. The extent of these investments will be affected by our ability to expand relationships with existing customers, grow our customer base, introduce new digital formats and increase our international presence.
We used $5.0 million of net cash in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, associated with the purchase of property and equipment to maintain and expand our technology infrastructure.
We used $8.0 million of net cash in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2011. Approximately $5.9 million was associated with the purchase of property and equipment to maintain and expand our technology infrastructure, approximately $3.9 million, net of cash acquired, was used for the acquisition of AdXpose, approximately $0.4 million was related to cash payments associated with the acquisition of Nexius, and approximately $0.4 million was associated with the acquisition of certain intellectual property intangible assets. In addition, we sold certain marketable securities for $2.6 million.
We expect to achieve greater economies of scale and operating leverage as we expand our customer base and utilize our Internet user panel and technical infrastructure more efficiently. While we anticipate that it will be necessary for us to continue to invest in our Internet user panel, technical infrastructure and technical personnel to support the combination of an increased customer base, new products, international expansion and new digital market intelligence formats, we believe that these investment requirements will be less than the revenue growth generated by these actions. This should result in a lower rate of growth in our capital expenditures to support our technical infrastructure. In any given period, the timing of our incremental capital expenditure requirements could impact our cost of revenues, both in absolute dollars and as a percentage of revenues.
Financing Activities
We used $7.9 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 for financing activities. This included $7.2 million for shares repurchased by us pursuant to the exercise by stock incentive plan participants of their right to elect to use common stock to satisfy their tax withholding obligations. In addition we used $5.1 million to make payments on our capital lease obligations offset by $0.2 million in proceeds from the exercise of our common stock options. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012, we received $4.1 million in financing activities related to borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
We used $10.8 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 for financing activities. This included $7.2 million for shares repurchased by us pursuant to the exercise by stock incentive plan participants of their right to elect to use common stock to satisfy their tax withholding obligations. In addition we used $3.9 million to make payments on our capital lease obligations offset by $0.3 million in proceeds from the exercise of our common stock options.
We do not have any special purpose entities and we do not engage in off-balance sheet financing arrangements.
Contractual Obligations and Known Future Cash Requirements
Our principal lease commitments consist of obligations under leases for office space and computer and telecommunications equipment. In prior and current periods, we financed the purchase of some of our computer equipment under capital lease arrangements over a period of either 36 or 42 months. Our purchase obligations relate to outstanding orders to purchase computer equipment, are typically small and they do not materially impact our overall liquidity.
We have a lease financing arrangement with Banc of America Leasing & Capital, LLC in the amount of $22.9 million. This arrangement has been established to allow us to finance the purchase of new software, hardware and other computer equipment as we expand our technology infrastructure in support of our business growth. During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 we incurred $3.8 million of additional borrowings under this financing arrangement. As of September 30,
2012, we have total borrowings under this arrangement of approximately $10.3 million. These leases bear an interest rate of approximately 5% per annum. The base terms for these leases range from three years to three and a half years and include a nominal charge in the event of prepayment. Lease payments are approximately $6.4 million per year. Assets acquired under the equipment lease secure the obligations. In addition to our leasing arrangement with Banc of America, we have also entered into a number of capital lease arrangements with various equipment vendors. As of September 30, 2012, we have total borrowings under these arrangements of $2.7 million
As of September 30, 2012, $3.9 million in letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $6.1 million available for additional letters of credit. These letters of credit may be reduced periodically provided we meet the conditional criteria of each related lease agreement.
As noted in the liquidity and capital resources section, in June 2011, we entered into a $50.0 million revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. As of September 30, 2012 €3.3 million (or approximately $4.2 million) is outstanding under the terms of our revolving credit facility.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K).
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes or have any derivative financial instruments. As of September 30, 2012, our cash reserves were maintained in bank deposit accounts totaling $59.1 million.
Foreign Currency Risk
A portion of our revenues and expenses from business operations in foreign countries are derived from transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of our operations in those countries. As such, we have exposure to adverse changes in exchange rates associated with revenues and operating expenses of our foreign operations, but we believe this exposure to not be significant at this time. As such, we do not currently engage in any transactions that hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk. In addition, because we have operations outside of the U.S., the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities may fluctuate due to movements in foreign currency exchange rates and the resulting foreign currency translation adjustments. As we grow our international operations, our exposure to foreign currency risk could become more significant.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
As of September 30, 2012, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $59.1 million. These amounts were invested primarily in bank deposit accounts. The cash and cash equivalents are held for working capital purposes. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. We believe that we do not have any material exposure to changes in the fair value as a result of changes in interest rates. Declines in interest rates, however, will reduce future investment income. If overall interest rates changed by 1% during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, our interest exposure would have been less than $0.1 million, assuming consistent investment levels.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file and submit under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rule and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities. We are not presently a party to any pending legal proceedings the outcome of which we believe, if determined adversely to us, would individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
Privacy Class Action Litigation
On August 23, 2011, we received notice that Mike Harris and Jeff Dunstan, individually and on behalf of a class of similarly situated individuals, filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, alleging, among other things, violations by us of the Stored Communications Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act as well as unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including statutory damages per violation and punitive damages, injunctive relief and reasonable attorneys’ fees of the plaintiffs. Based on review of these claims, we believe that they are without merit, and we intend to vigorously protect and defend ourselves.
An investment in our common stock involves a substantial risk of loss. You should carefully consider these risk factors, together with all of the other information included herewith, before you decide to purchase shares of our common stock. The occurrence of any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose part or all of your investment.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Technologies
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from sales of our subscription-based digital marketing intelligence products. If our customers terminate or fail to renew their subscriptions, our business could suffer.
We currently derive a significant portion of our revenues from our subscription-based digital marketing intelligence products. Subscription-based products accounted for 84% and 85% of our revenues during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and the full year 2011, respectively. Uncertain economic conditions or other factors, such as the failure or consolidation of large financial institutions, may cause certain customers to terminate or reduce their subscriptions. If our customers terminate their subscriptions for our products, do not renew their subscriptions, delay renewals of their subscriptions or renew on terms less favorable to us, our revenues could decline and our business could suffer.
Our customers have no obligation to renew after the expiration of their initial subscription period, which is typically one year, and we cannot be assured that current subscriptions will be renewed at the same or higher dollar amounts, if at all. Some of our customers have elected not to renew their subscription agreements with us in the past. If we experience a change of control, as defined in such agreements, some of our customers also have the right to terminate their subscriptions. Moreover, some of our major customers have the right to cancel their subscription agreements without cause at any time. Given the current unpredictable economic conditions as well as our limited historical data with respect to rates of customer subscription renewals, we may have difficulty accurately predicting future customer renewal rates. Our customer renewal rates may decline or fluctuate as a result of a number of factors, including customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction with our products, the costs or functionality of our products, the prices or functionality of products offered by our competitors, mergers and acquisitions affecting our customer base, general economic conditions or reductions in our customers’ spending levels. In this regard, we have seen a number of customers with weaker balance sheets choosing not to renew subscriptions with us during economic downturns.
Our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate in the future. As a result, we may fail to meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts or investors, which could cause our stock price to decline.
Our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control. If our quarterly revenues or results of operations do not meet or exceed the expectations of securities analysts or investors, the price of our common stock could decline substantially. In addition to the other risk factors set forth in this “Risk Factors” section, factors that may cause fluctuations in our quarterly revenues or results of operations include:
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• | our ability to increase sales to existing customers and attract new customers; |
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• | our failure to accurately estimate or control costs — including those incurred as a result of acquisitions, investments, other business development initiatives and litigation; |
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• | the timing of contract renewals, delivery of products and duration of contracts and the corresponding timing of revenue recognition as well as the effects of revenue derived from recently-acquired companies; |
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• | the uncertainties associated with the integration of acquired new lines of business, and operations in countries in which we may have little or no previous experience; |
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• | the mix of subscription-based versus project-based revenues; |
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• | changes in our customers’ subscription renewal behaviors and spending on projects; |
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• | our ability to estimate revenues and cash flows associated with business operations acquired by us; |
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• | the impact on our contract renewal rates, for both our subscription and project-based products, caused by our customers’ budgetary constraints, competition, customer dissatisfaction, customer corporate restructuring or change in control, or our customers’ actual or perceived lack of need for our products; |
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• | the potential loss of significant customers; |
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• | the effect of revenues generated from significant one-time projects or the loss of such projects; |
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• | the impact of our decision to discontinue certain products; |
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• | the amount and timing of capital expenditures and operating costs related to the maintenance and expansion of our operations and infrastructure; |
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• | the timing and success of new product introductions by us or our competitors; |
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• | variations in the demand for our products and the implementation cycles of our products by our customers; |
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• | changes in our pricing and discounting policies or those of our competitors; |
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• | service outages, other technical difficulties or security breaches; |
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• | limitations relating to the capacity of our networks, systems and processes; |
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• | maintaining appropriate staffing levels and capabilities relative to projected growth, or retaining key personnel as a result of the integration of recent acquisitions; |
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• | adverse judgments or settlements in legal disputes; |
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• | the cost and timing of organizational restructuring, in particular in international jurisdictions; |
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• | the extent to which certain expenses are more or less deductible for tax purposes, such as share-based compensation that fluctuates based on the timing of vesting and our stock price; |
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• | the timing of any additional reversal of our deferred tax valuation allowance; |
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• | adoption of new accounting pronouncements; and |
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• | general economic, political, industry and market conditions and those conditions specific to Internet usage and online businesses. |
We believe that our quarterly revenues and results of operations on a year-over-year and sequential quarter-over-quarter basis may vary significantly in the future and that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful. Investors are cautioned not to rely on the results of prior quarters as an indication of future performance.
Our business may be harmed if we deliver, or are perceived to deliver, inaccurate information to our customers, to the media or to the public generally.
If the information that we provide to our customers, to the media, or to the public is inaccurate, or perceived to be inaccurate, our brand may be harmed. The information that we collect or that is included in our databases and the statistical projections that we provide to our customers, to the media or to the public may contain or be perceived to contain inaccuracies. These projections may be viewed as an important measure for the success of certain businesses, especially those businesses with a large online presence. Any inaccuracy or perceived inaccuracy in the data reported by us about such businesses may potentially affect the market perception of such businesses and result in claims or litigation around the accuracy of our data, or the appropriateness of our methodology, may encourage aggressive action on the part of our competitors, and could harm our brand. Any dissatisfaction by our customers or the media with our digital marketing intelligence, measurement or data collection and statistical projection methodologies, whether as a result of inaccuracies, perceived inaccuracies, or otherwise, could have an adverse effect on our ability to retain existing customers and attract new customers and could harm our brand. Additionally, we could be contractually required to pay damages, which could be substantial, to certain of our customers if the information we provide to them is found to be inaccurate. Any liability that we incur or any harm to our brand that we suffer because of actual or perceived irregularities or inaccuracies in the data we deliver to our customers could harm our business.
Material defects or errors in our data collection and analysis systems could damage our reputation, result in significant costs to us and impair our ability to sell our products.
Our data collection and analysis systems are complex and may contain material defects or errors. In addition, the large amount of data that we collect may make our data collection and analysis systems more susceptible to defects or errors. The companies that we have acquired also rely on data collection and analysis software and systems to service enterprise customers. Any defect in our panelist data collection software, our census collection systems, our enterprise focused software and systems, network systems, statistical projections or other methodologies could lead to consequences that could adversely impact operating results, including:
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• | lost or delayed market acceptance and sales of our products; |
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• | interruptions in the availability of our products; |
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• | the incurrence of substantial costs to correct any material defect or error; |
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• | sales credits, refunds or liability to our customers; |
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• | diversion of development resources; and |
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• | increased warranty and insurance costs. |
We may lose customers or be liable to certain customers if we provide poor service or if our products do not comply with our customer agreements.
Errors in our systems resulting from the large amount of data that we collect, store and manage could cause the information that we collect to be incomplete or to contain inaccuracies that our customers regard as significant. The failure or inability of our systems, networks and processes to adequately handle the data in a high quality and consistent manner could result in the loss of customers. In addition, we may be liable to certain of our customers for damages they may incur resulting from these events, such as loss of business, loss of future revenues, breach of contract or loss of goodwill to their business.
Our insurance policies may not cover any claim against us for loss of data, unauthorized use of data, improper access to data, inaccuracies in data or other indirect or consequential damages and defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit, could be costly and divert management’s attention. Adequate insurance coverage may not be available in the future on acceptable terms, or at all. Any such developments could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Our business may be harmed if we change our methodologies or the scope of information we collect.
We have in the past and may in the future change our methodologies, the methodologies of companies we acquire, or the scope of information we collect. Such changes may result from identified deficiencies in current methodologies, development of more advanced methodologies, changes in our business plans, changes in technology used by websites, browsers, applications, servers, or media we measure, integration of acquired companies or expressed or perceived needs of our customers or potential customers. Any such changes or perceived changes, or our inability to accurately or adequately communicate to our customers and the media such changes and the potential implications of such changes on the data we have published or will publish in the future, may result in customer dissatisfaction, particularly if certain information is no longer collected or information collected in future periods is not comparable with information collected in prior periods. For example, in 2009, we adopted new methodology that would integrate server-based web beacon information with our existing panel-based data. In 2009, we also acquired and entered into a strategic alliance with web analytics companies in order to enhance the scope of our server-based web beacon information. As a result of future methodology changes, some of our existing customers or customers of acquired entities may refuse to participate, or participate only in a limited fashion, and other customers may become dissatisfied as a result of changes in our methodology and decide not to continue purchasing their subscriptions or may decide to discontinue providing us with their web beacon or other server-side information. Such customers may elect to publicly air their dissatisfaction with the methodological changes made by us, thereby damaging our brand and harming our reputation. Additionally, we expect that we will need to further integrate new capabilities with our existing methodologies if we develop or acquire additional products or lines of business in the future. The resulting future changes to our methodologies, the information we collect, or the strategy we implement to collect and analyze information, such as the movement away from pure panel-centric measurement to a hybrid of panel- and site-centric measurement, may cause additional customer dissatisfaction and result in loss of customers.
If we are not able to maintain panels of sufficient size and scope, or if the costs of maintaining our panels materially increase, our business could be harmed.
We believe that the quality, size and scope of our Internet, mobile and cross-media user panels are critical to our business. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to maintain panels of sufficient size and scope to provide the quality of marketing intelligence that our customers demand from our products. If we fail to maintain a panel of sufficient size and
scope, including coverage of international markets, customers might decline to purchase our products or renew their subscriptions, our reputation could be damaged and our business could be materially and adversely affected. We expect that our panel costs may increase and may comprise a greater portion of our cost of revenues in the future. The costs associated with maintaining and improving the quality, size and scope of our panel are dependent on many factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the participation rate of potential panel members, the turnover among existing panel members and requirements for active participation of panel members, such as completing survey questionnaires. Concerns over the potential unauthorized disclosure of personal information or the classification of our software as “spyware” or “adware” may cause existing panel members to uninstall our software or may discourage potential panel members from installing our software. To the extent we experience greater turnover, or churn, in our panel than we have historically experienced, these costs would increase more rapidly. We also have terminated and may in the future terminate relationships with service providers whose practices we believe may not comply with our privacy policies, and have removed and may in the future remove panel members obtained through such service providers. Such actions may result in increased costs for recruiting additional panel members. In addition, publishing content on the Internet and purchasing advertising space on Web sites may become more expensive or restrictive in the future, which could decrease the availability and increase the cost of advertising the incentives we offer to panel members. To the extent that such additional expenses are not accompanied by increased revenues, our operating margins may be reduced and our financial results could be adversely affected. Finally, we are currently subject to privacy and data security related claims by certain panel members in a pending class action lawsuit, and we may be so again in the future. The outcome of this litigation or the negative public reaction to the details of the litigation may make it difficult for us to attract and retain panel members.
Difficulties entering into arrangements with website owners, wireless communications operators and other entities supporting server- and census-based methodologies may negatively affect our methodologies and harm our business.
We believe that our methodologies are enhanced by the ability to collect information using server-based web beacon information and other census-level approaches. There can be no assurance, however, that we will be able to maintain relationships with a sufficient number and scope of websites in order to provide the quality of marketing intelligence that our customers demand from our products. If we fail to continue to expand the scope of our server-based data collection approaches, customers might decline to purchase our products or renew their subscriptions, our reputation could be damaged and our business could be adversely affected.
We may expand through investments in, acquisitions of, or the development of new products with assistance from other companies, any of which may not be successful and may divert our management’s attention.
In recent years, we acquired M:Metrics, the Certifica group of companies located in Latin America, ARSgroup, Nexius, Nedstat and AdXpose. We also expect to continue to evaluate and enter into discussions regarding a wide array of potential strategic transactions, including acquiring complementary products, technologies or businesses. We also may enter into relationships with other businesses in order to expand our product offerings, which could involve preferred or exclusive licenses, discount pricing or investments in other businesses, or to expand our sales capabilities. These transactions could be material to our financial condition and results of operations. Although these transactions may provide additional benefits, they may not be profitable immediately or in the long term. Negotiating any such transactions could be time-consuming, difficult and expensive, and our ability to close these transactions may be subject to regulatory or other approvals and other conditions that are beyond our control. Consequently, we can make no assurances that any such transactions, if undertaken and announced, would be completed.
An acquisition, investment or business relationship may result in unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. In particular, we may encounter difficulties assimilating or integrating the businesses, technologies, products, personnel or operations of the acquired companies, particularly if the key personnel of the acquired company choose not to be employed by us, and we may have difficulty retaining the customers of any acquired business due to changes in management and ownership. Acquisitions may also disrupt our ongoing business, divert our resources and require significant management attention that would otherwise be available for ongoing development of our business. Moreover, we cannot assure you that the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, investment or business relationship would be realized or that we would not be exposed to unknown liabilities. In connection with any such transaction, we may:
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• | encounter difficulties retaining key employees of the acquired company or integrating diverse business cultures; |
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• | issue additional equity securities that would dilute the common stock held by existing stockholders; |
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• | incur large charges or substantial liabilities, including without limitation, liabilities associated with products or technologies accused or found to infringe third party intellectual property; |
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• | become subject to adverse tax consequences, substantial depreciation or deferred compensation charges; |
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• | use cash that we may need in the future to operate our business; |
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• | enter new geographic markets that subject us to different laws and regulations that may have an adverse impact on our business; |
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• | experience difficulties effectively utilizing acquired assets; |
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• | encounter difficulties integrating the information and financial reporting systems of acquired foreign businesses, particularly those that operated under accounting principles other than those generally accepted in the United States prior to the acquisition by us; and |
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• | incur debt on terms unfavorable to us or that we are unable to repay. |
The impact of any one or more of these factors could adversely affect our business or results of operations or cause the price of our common stock to decline substantially.
Following an acquisition of another business, we may also be required to defer the recognition of revenue that we receive from the sale of products that we acquired, or from the sale of bundles products that include products that we acquired. For instance, if we acquire a software company and are not able to establish vendor specific objective evidence, or VSOE, for any undelivered elements in the arrangement, we may be required to defer substantial portions of revenue. If we are unable to establish VSOE for transactions related to acquired products and services in future periods, we may be required to delay the recognition of current and future revenue sources. This may result in fluctuations in our operating results and may adversely affect both revenues and operating margins in a given period or periods.
Future acquisitions or dispositions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses, or write-offs of goodwill, any of which could harm our financial condition. In addition, acquisitions will generally result in us recognizing significant amounts of intangible assets. If we experience significant declines in operating results associated with past, or future, acquisitions, and the anticipated benefits of an acquisition is not expected to materialize, we may be required to perform impairment testing of our long-lived assets, and ultimately may be required to record an impairment charge.
Concern over spyware and privacy, including any violations of privacy laws, perceived misuse of personal information, or failure to adhere to the privacy commitments that we make, could cause public relations problems, regulatory scrutiny, and potential class action lawsuits and could impair our ability to recruit panelists or maintain panels of sufficient size and scope, which in turn could adversely affect our ability to provide our products.
Any perception of our practices as an invasion of privacy, whether legal or illegal, may subject us to public criticism, regulatory scrutiny, and potential class action lawsuits. Media coverage and public discourse initiated by lawmakers and regulators have increased the sensitivity of consumers to the collection or use of personal information and online usage information, especially through the use of third party cookies, and the possibility of an unauthorized use or disclosure of this information may create negative public reaction related to our business practices. A shift in public acceptance of measurement technologies such as third party cookies may have a chilling effect on businesses that collect or use online usage information generally or substantially increase the cost of maintaining a business that collects or uses online usage information, increase regulatory scrutiny and increase the potential of class action lawsuits. In response to marketplace concerns about the usage of third party cookies and web beacons to track user behaviors, the major browsers have enabled features that allow the user to limit the collection of certain data. We actively seek to prevent the inclusion of our cookies and beacons on the lists of companies whose activities are automatically blocked without prior individual review of those cookies and beacons by the end user. Additionally, public concern has grown regarding certain kinds of downloadable software known as “spyware” and “adware.” These concerns might cause users to refrain from downloading software from the Internet, including our proprietary technology, if they inaccurately believe our software is “spyware” or “adware.” This could make it difficult to recruit additional panelists or maintain a panel of sufficient size and scope to provide meaningful marketing intelligence. In response to general spyware and adware concerns in the marketplace, numerous programs are available, many of which are available for free, and that claim to identify, remove or block such software or activity. Some anti-spyware programs have in the past identified, and may in the future identify, our software as spyware or potential spyware applications. We actively seek to prevent the inclusion of our software on lists of spyware applications or potential spyware applications and apply best industry practices for obtaining appropriate consent from panelists, protect the privacy and confidentiality of our panelist data, and comply with existing privacy laws. However, to the extent that we are not successful, and anti-spyware programs classify our software as spyware, a potential spyware application, or third party service providers fail to comply with our privacy or data security requirements, our brand may be harmed and users may refrain from downloading these programs, may uninstall our software or pursue actions against us for damages. For example, we received notice in August 2011 that two individuals, filing individually and on behalf of a class of similarly situated individuals, filed a lawsuit against us in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, alleging among other things, violations by us of the Stored Communications Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act as well as unjust enrichment. The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including statutory damages per violation and punitive damages, injunctive relief and reasonable attorneys’ fees of the plaintiffs. Based on an initial review of
these claims, we believe that these claims are without merit, and we intend to vigorously protect and defend ourselves. Any resulting reputational harm, potential claims asserted against us or decrease in the size or scope of our panel could reduce the demand for our products, increase the cost of recruiting panelists, adversely affect our ability to provide our products to our customers or result in additional costs in the form of settlement, judgments, restrictions on our business or diversion of resources to address and defend the claims. Any of these adverse effects could harm our business and our operating results.
Domestic or foreign laws, regulations or enforcement actions may limit our ability to collect and use information about Internet users or restrict or prohibit our product offerings, causing a decrease in the value of our products and an adverse impact on the sales of our products.
Our business could be adversely impacted by existing or future laws or regulations of, or actions by, domestic or foreign regulatory agencies. For example, privacy concerns could lead to legislative, judicial and regulatory limitations on our ability to collect, maintain and use information about Internet users in the United States and abroad. Various state legislatures have enacted legislation designed to protect Internet users’ privacy, for example, by prohibiting spyware. In recent years, similar legislation has been proposed in other states and at the federal level and has been enacted in foreign countries, most notably by the European Union, which adopted a privacy directive regulating the collection of personally identifiable information online and more recently, restricting the use of cookies without opt-in consent by the user. Recently, the U.S. Congress and regulators have expressed concern over the collection of Internet usage information, which started as part of a larger initiative to regulate online behavioral advertising, but which has expanded in scope to a general concern over online tracking. A similar concern has been raised by regulatory agencies in Europe. In addition, U.S. and European lawmakers and regulators have expressed concern over the use of third party cookies or web beacons to understand Internet usage. Additionally, the European Commission has issued a new directive requiring the regulation of cookies throughout the European Union, which will likely lead to the introduction of additional regulations that may vary from country to country. These laws and regulations, if drafted or interpreted broadly, could be deemed to apply to the technology we use, and could restrict our information collection methods, and the collection methods of third parties from whom we may obtain data, or decrease the amount and utility of the information that we would be permitted to collect. Even if such laws and regulations are not enacted, lawmakers and regulators may publicly call into question the collection and use of Internet or mobile usage data and may affect vendors and customers’ willingness to do business with us. In addition, our ability to conduct business in certain foreign jurisdictions, including China, is restricted by the laws, regulations and agency actions of those jurisdictions. The costs of compliance with, and the other burdens imposed by, these and other laws or regulatory actions may prevent us from selling our products or increase the costs associated with selling our products, and may affect our ability to invest in or jointly develop products in the United States and in foreign jurisdictions.
In addition, failure to comply with these and other laws and regulations may result in, among other things, administrative enforcement actions and fines, class action lawsuits and civil and criminal liability. State attorneys general, governmental and non-governmental entities and private persons may bring legal actions asserting that our methods of collecting, using and distributing Web site visitor information are illegal or improper, which could require us to spend significant time and resources defending these claims. For example, some companies that collect, use and distribute Web site visitor information have been the subject of governmental investigations and class-action lawsuits. Any such regulatory or civil action that is brought against us, even if unsuccessful, may distract our management’s attention, divert our resources, negatively affect our public image or reputation among our panelists and customers and harm our business.
The impact of any of these current or future laws or regulations could make it more difficult or expensive to attract or maintain panelists, particularly in affected jurisdictions, and could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Any unauthorized disclosure or theft of private information we gather could harm our business.
Unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information regarding Web site visitors, whether through breach of our secure network by an unauthorized party, employee theft or misuse, or otherwise, could harm our business. If there were an inadvertent disclosure of personally identifiable information, or customer confidential information, or if a third party were to gain unauthorized access to the personally identifiable or customer confidential information we possess, our operations could be seriously disrupted and we could be subject to claims or litigation arising from damages suffered by panel members or pursuant to the agreements with our customers. In addition, we could incur significant costs in complying with the multitude of state, federal and foreign laws regarding the unauthorized disclosure of personal information. Finally, any perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of the information we collect could harm our reputation, substantially impair our ability to attract and retain panelists and have an adverse impact on our business.
The success of our business depends in large part on our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights.
We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, service mark, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions, to establish and protect our proprietary rights, all of which provide only limited protection. In addition, where we determine necessary, we pursue enforcement of our intellectual property rights. Such enforcement action may cause us to incur costs, distract the attention of management, and result in unfavorable public opinion or outcomes that are not in our favor, each of which could adversely affect our brand, business and results of operations. While we have filed a number of patent applications and own approximately 50 issued patents worldwide, we cannot assure you that any additional patents will be issued with respect to any of our pending or future patent applications, nor can we assure you that any patent issued to us will provide adequate protection, or that any patents issued to us will not be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, or held to be unenforceable in actions against alleged infringers. Also, we cannot assure you that any future trademark or service mark registrations will be issued with respect to pending or future applications or that any of our registered trademarks and service marks will be enforceable or provide adequate protection of our proprietary rights. Furthermore, adequate (or any) patent, trademark, service mark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our services are available.
We endeavor to enter into agreements with our employees and contractors and with parties with whom we do business in order to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary information. We cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent unauthorized use of our technology or the reverse engineering of our technology. Moreover, third parties might independently develop technologies that are competitive to ours or that infringe upon our intellectual property. In addition, the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights in Internet-related industries are uncertain and still evolving, both in the United States and in other countries. The protection of our intellectual property rights may depend on our legal actions against any infringers being successful. We cannot be sure any such actions will be successful, and any such action may be expensive and divert considerable attention of our management team from the normal operation of our business.
An assertion from a third party that we are infringing its intellectual property, whether such assertions are valid or not, could subject us to costly and time-consuming litigation or expensive licenses.
The Internet, mobile media, software and technology industries are characterized by the existence of a large number of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets and by frequent litigation based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights, domestically or internationally. As we grow and face increasing competition, the probability that one or more third parties will make intellectual property rights claims against us increases. In such cases, our technologies may be found to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Additionally, many of our subscription agreements may require us to indemnify our customers for third-party intellectual property infringement claims, which would increase our costs if we have to defend such claims and may require that we pay damages and provide alternative services if there were an adverse ruling in any such claims. Intellectual property claims could harm our relationships with our customers, deter future customers from subscribing to our products or expose us to litigation, which could be expensive and divert considerable attention of our management team from the normal operation of our business. Even if we are not a party to any litigation between a customer and a third party, an adverse outcome in any such litigation could make it more difficult for us to defend against intellectual property claims by the third party in any subsequent litigation in which we are a named party. Any of these results could adversely affect our brand, business and results of operations.
With respect to any intellectual property rights claim against us or our customers, we may have to pay damages or stop using technology found to be in violation of a third party’s rights. We may have to seek a license for the technology, which may not be available on reasonable terms or at all, may significantly increase our operating expenses or may significantly restrict our business activities in one or more respects. We may also be required to develop alternative non-infringing technology, which could require significant effort and expense. Any of these outcomes could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Even if we prove successful in defending ourselves against such claims, we may incur substantial expenses and the active defense of such claims may divert considerable attention of our management team from the normal operation of our business.