e10vq
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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þ |
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009
or
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o |
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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: 000-1158172
comScore, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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54-1955550 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
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Identification Number) |
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11950 Democracy Drive, Suite 600 |
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Reston, VA
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20190 |
(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(703) 483-2000
(Registrants 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 þ No o
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
o No o
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. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer þ
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuers classes of common stock, as
of the latest practicable date: As of August 7, 2009, there were
30,133,958 shares of the
registrants common stock outstanding.
COMSCORE, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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4 |
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4 |
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20 |
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31 |
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32 |
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33 |
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33 |
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33 |
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48 |
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49 |
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49 |
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49 |
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49 |
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50 |
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51 |
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2
CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including the sections entitled Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures 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, capital expenditures, introduction of new
products, regulatory compliance, plans for growth and future operations, 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, or SEC, 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.
3
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
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June 30, |
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December 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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(Unaudited) |
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(In thousands, except share and per |
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share data) |
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Assets |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
31,064 |
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$ |
34,297 |
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Short-term investments |
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42,943 |
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37,164 |
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Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $450 and $479, respectively |
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25,139 |
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29,947 |
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Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
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2,608 |
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1,871 |
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Deferred tax asset |
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13,211 |
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13,304 |
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Total current assets |
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114,965 |
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116,583 |
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Long-term investments |
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7,439 |
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3,497 |
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Property and equipment, net |
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17,577 |
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17,697 |
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Other non-current assets |
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138 |
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131 |
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Long-term deferred tax asset |
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10,464 |
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13,736 |
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Intangible assets, net |
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8,444 |
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8,805 |
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Goodwill |
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40,145 |
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39,114 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
199,172 |
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$ |
199,563 |
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Liabilities and stockholders equity |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
1,385 |
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$ |
1,755 |
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Accrued expenses |
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6,572 |
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9,432 |
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Deferred revenues |
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40,678 |
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42,779 |
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Deferred rent |
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1,182 |
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1,049 |
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Capital lease obligations |
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499 |
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977 |
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Total current liabilities |
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50,316 |
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55,992 |
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Deferred rent, long-term |
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8,581 |
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8,691 |
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Total liabilities |
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58,897 |
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64,683 |
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Commitments and contingencies |
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Stockholders equity: |
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Preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2009 and December
31, 2008; no shares issued or outstanding at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 |
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Common stock, $0.001 par value per share; 100,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2009 and December
31, 2008; 30,130,763 and 29,130,140 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2009 and December 31,
2008, respectively |
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30 |
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29 |
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Treasury stock, 415,054 and 164,395 shares at cost, at June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively |
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(2,517 |
) |
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(1,265 |
) |
Additional paid-in capital |
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197,032 |
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192,612 |
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Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
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(78 |
) |
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(842 |
) |
Accumulated deficit |
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(54,192 |
) |
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(55,654 |
) |
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Total stockholders equity |
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140,275 |
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134,880 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
199,172 |
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$ |
199,563 |
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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
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Three Months Ended |
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Six Months Ended |
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June 30, |
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June 30, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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(Unaudited) |
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(In thousands, except share and per share data) |
Revenues |
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$ |
31,374 |
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$ |
28,750 |
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$ |
61,998 |
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$ |
55,120 |
|
Cost of revenues (excludes amortization of intangible
assets resulting from acquisitions shown below) (1) |
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9,695 |
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7,857 |
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19,731 |
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14,874 |
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Selling and marketing (1) |
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10,329 |
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9,516 |
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20,815 |
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18,461 |
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Research and development (1) |
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4,528 |
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3,637 |
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8,533 |
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6,707 |
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General and administrative (1) |
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4,015 |
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4,444 |
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8,522 |
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|
8,330 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets resulting from
acquisitions |
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327 |
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122 |
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647 |
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129 |
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Total expenses from operations |
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28,894 |
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25,576 |
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58,248 |
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48,501 |
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Income from operations |
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2,480 |
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3,174 |
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3,750 |
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6,619 |
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Interest income, net |
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132 |
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|
492 |
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|
307 |
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1,311 |
|
Gain (loss) from foreign currency |
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7 |
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(87 |
) |
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19 |
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|
(142 |
) |
Other income |
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2 |
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2 |
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Impairment of marketable securities |
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(386 |
) |
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(386 |
) |
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Income before income taxes |
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2,621 |
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3,193 |
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4,078 |
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7,402 |
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Provision for income taxes |
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(1,436 |
) |
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(1,483 |
) |
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(2,616 |
) |
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(3,161 |
) |
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Net income |
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$ |
1,185 |
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$ |
1,710 |
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$ |
1,462 |
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$ |
4,241 |
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Net income available to common stockholders per
common share: |
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Basic |
|
$ |
0.04 |
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|
$ |
0.06 |
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$ |
0.05 |
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$ |
0.15 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.04 |
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|
$ |
0.06 |
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$ |
0.05 |
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$ |
0.14 |
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|
Weighted-average number of shares used in per share
calculation common stock: |
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Basic |
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|
30,052,515 |
|
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28,651,067 |
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|
29,766,531 |
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28,424,191 |
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Diluted |
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|
31,008,672 |
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|
30,269,947 |
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30,736,912 |
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30,130,009 |
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Net income available to common stockholders per
common share subject to put: |
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Basic |
|
$ |
|
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$ |
0.06 |
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$ |
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$ |
0.15 |
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Diluted |
|
$ |
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|
$ |
0.06 |
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$ |
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$ |
0.14 |
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Weighted-average number of shares used in per share
calculation common share subject to put: |
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Basic |
|
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|
2,981 |
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|
69,308 |
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Diluted |
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2,981 |
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69,308 |
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|
(1)
Amortization of stock-based
compensation is included in the
line items above as follows |
|
Cost of revenues |
|
$ |
327 |
|
|
$ |
204 |
|
|
$ |
647 |
|
|
$ |
345 |
|
Selling and marketing |
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|
1,226 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
|
|
2,339 |
|
|
|
1,026 |
|
Research and development |
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|
306 |
|
|
|
168 |
|
|
|
544 |
|
|
|
282 |
|
General and administrative |
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|
672 |
|
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|
613 |
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|
1,301 |
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|
1,080 |
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Comprehensive income: |
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Net income |
|
$ |
1,185 |
|
|
$ |
1,710 |
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|
$ |
1,462 |
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$ |
4,241 |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
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|
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|
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|
|
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|
Foreign currency cumulative translation adjustment |
|
|
948 |
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|
28 |
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|
819 |
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|
(49 |
) |
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities,
net of tax effect of $1 and $35 for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2009 |
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
(55 |
) |
|
|
(102 |
) |
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
Total comprehensive income |
|
$ |
2,131 |
|
|
$ |
1,855 |
|
|
$ |
2,226 |
|
|
$ |
4,090 |
|
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|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
COMSCORE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
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Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
|
$ |
1,462 |
|
|
$ |
4,241 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation |
|
|
3,197 |
|
|
|
2,243 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets resulting from acquisitions |
|
|
647 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
Provision for bad debts and sales allowances |
|
|
271 |
|
|
|
222 |
|
Stock- based compensation |
|
|
4,827 |
|
|
|
2,733 |
|
Amortization of deferred rent |
|
|
(308 |
) |
|
|
(24 |
) |
Deferred tax provision |
|
|
2,459 |
|
|
|
2,957 |
|
Impairment of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
386 |
|
Loss on asset disposal |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
5,003 |
|
|
|
1,055 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
(245 |
) |
|
|
279 |
|
Other non-current assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
28 |
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities |
|
|
(3,491 |
) |
|
|
(1,340 |
) |
Deferred revenues |
|
|
(2,710 |
) |
|
|
3,726 |
|
Deferred rent |
|
|
331 |
|
|
|
7,854 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
11,459 |
|
|
|
24,489 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition, net of cash acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44,403 |
) |
Recovery of restricted cash |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,385 |
|
Purchase of investments |
|
|
(36,336 |
) |
|
|
(64,129 |
) |
Sales and maturities of investments |
|
|
26,526 |
|
|
|
65,332 |
|
Purchases of property and equipment |
|
|
(4,142 |
) |
|
|
(10,066 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(13,952 |
) |
|
|
(51,881 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options and warrants |
|
|
290 |
|
|
|
714 |
|
Repurchase of common stock |
|
|
(1,252 |
) |
|
|
(1,034 |
) |
Principal payments on capital lease obligations |
|
|
(479 |
) |
|
|
(441 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(1,441 |
) |
|
|
(761 |
) |
Effect of the exchange rate changes on cash |
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
(3,233 |
) |
|
|
(28,209 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
34,297 |
|
|
|
68,368 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
31,064 |
|
|
$ |
40,159 |
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization
comScore, Inc. (the Company), a Delaware corporation incorporated in August 1999, provides a
digital marketing intelligence platform that helps customers make better-informed business
decisions and implement more effective digital business strategies. The Companys products and
solutions offer customers 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 Companys digital marketing intelligence platform is comprised of proprietary databases
and a computational infrastructure that measures, analyzes and reports on digital activity. 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. 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.
On May 28, 2008, the Company acquired the outstanding stock of M:Metrics, Inc., a provider of
marketing and media intelligence for the mobile medium in the United States and internationally, to
expand its abilities to provide its customers a more robust solution for the mobile medium.
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 as defined by Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) No. 51, Consolidated
Financial Statements, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 94,
Consolidation of all Majority-Owned Subsidiaries. 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, as defined by Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of 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 condensed consolidated 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 financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles 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 condensed consolidated 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 condensed consolidated financial statements should be read
in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed March 16, 2009
with the SEC. The results of operations for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be anticipated
for the entire year ending December 31, 2009 or thereafter. All references to June 30, 2009 and
2008 or to the three or six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 in the notes to the consolidated
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, valuation of marketable securities, recoverability of intangible assets,
other long-lived assets and goodwill, 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
SFAS No. 107, Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, defines the fair value of
financial instruments as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current
transaction between willing parties. Cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable, accounts
payable, accrued expenses and capital lease obligations reported in the consolidated balance sheets
equal or approximate their respective fair values.
7
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
As of January 1, 2008, the Company adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No.
157), except as it applied to the nonfinancial assets and liabilities subject to FASB Staff
Position No. 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which the Company adopted effective
January 1, 2009. SFAS No. 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount
that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants. 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, SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-tier 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. This hierarchy requires the Company to use observable market data, when available, and
to minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. On a recurring basis, the
Company measures its marketable securities at fair value and determines the appropriate
classification level for each reporting period. The Company is required to use significant
judgments to make this determination.
The Companys investment instruments are classified within Level 1 or Level 3 of the fair
value hierarchy. Level 1 investment instruments are valued using quoted market prices. Level 3
instruments are valued using valuation models, primarily discounted cash flow analyses. The types
of instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include all U.S. government
and agency securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value
hierarchy. The types of instruments valued based on significant unobservable inputs include certain
illiquid auction rate securities. Such instruments are classified within Level 3 of the fair value
hierarchy (see Note 4).
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 and certificates of deposit.
Investments, which consist principally of U.S. treasury bills, U.S. treasury notes and auction
rate securities, are stated at fair value. These securities are accounted for as available-for-sale
securities in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities. Realized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are included in interest
income. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in
interest income. The Company uses the specific identification method to compute realized gains and
losses on its investments. Realized gains and losses for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 were not material.
As
of April 1, 2009, the Company adopted FASB Staff Position
(FSP) FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments (FSP No. 115-2).
FSP No. 115-2 modified the existing model for recognition and measurement of impairment for debt
securities. The two principal changes to the impairment model for securities are as follows:
|
|
|
Recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment charge
for debt securities in an unrealized loss position is
required if any of these conditions are met: (1) the Company does
not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the
security, (2) the Company intends to sell the security or (3) it
is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell
the security before it recovers its amortized cost basis. |
|
|
|
|
If the first condition above is met, but the Company does
not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the
Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of
its amortized cost basis, the Company is required to record the
difference between the securitys amortized cost basis and its
recoverable amount (representing the credit loss) in earnings and
the difference between the securitys recoverable amount and fair
value in other comprehensive income. If either the second or third
criteria are met, then the Company is required to recognize the
entire difference between the securitys amortized cost basis and
its fair value in earnings. |
The Company concluded that its auction rate securities fall within the second and third criteria
above, and as a result, the adoption of the FSP No. 115-2 had no effect on the Companys
consolidated financial statements as all previous impairments were deemed other-than-temporary and
were recognized in earnings.
Prior
to the adoption of FSP No. 115-2, the intent and ability of the Company to hold the
security until the market value recovered was a critical factor in determining whether any declines
in the fair value of investments was other-than-temporary. Declines in value below cost for
investments where it was considered probable that all contractual terms of the investment would be
satisfied, due primarily to changes in market demand, and not because of increased credit risk, and
where the Company intended and had the ability to hold the investment for a period of time
sufficient to allow a market recovery, were not assumed to be other-than-temporary.
Interest income on investments was $150,000 and $526,000 for the three months ended June 30,
2009 and 2008, respectively, and $344,000 and $1.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009
and 2008, 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
managements 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.
8
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
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 on the Statement of Operations in which the asset is deployed.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable
assets acquired and liabilities assumed when other businesses are acquired. The allocation of the
purchase price to intangible assets and goodwill involves the extensive use of managements
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 several different valuation approaches, including the replacement cost, income and
market approaches. The replacement cost approach is based on determining the discrete cost of
replacing or reproducing a specific asset. The Company generally uses the replacement cost approach
for estimating the value of acquired technology/methodology assets. The income approach converts
the anticipated economic benefits that the Company assumes will be realized from a given asset into
value. Under this approach, value is measured as the present worth of anticipated future net cash
flows generated by an asset. The Company generally uses the income approach to value customer
relationship assets and non-compete agreements. The market approach compares the acquired asset to
similar assets that have been sold. The Company generally uses the market approach to value
trademarks and brand assets.
Under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), 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. In accordance with
SFAS 142, all of the Companys goodwill is associated with one reporting unit. Accordingly, on an
annual basis the Company performs the impairment assessment for goodwill required under SFAS 142 at
the enterprise level. The Company completed its annual impairment analysis as of October 1st for
2008 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,
2008 test.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized using the straight-line method over the
following useful lives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Useful Lives |
|
|
(Years) |
Acquired methodologies/technology |
|
|
5 to 7 |
|
Customer relationships |
|
|
7 |
|
Panel |
|
|
7 |
|
Intellectual property |
|
|
10 |
|
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Companys long-lived assets primarily consist of property and equipment and intangible
assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets, the Company evaluates the recoverability of 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, the Company
records an impairment loss equal to the excess of the assets 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. There were no impairment charges recognized during
the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 or 2008.
Lease Accounting
The Company leases its facilities under operating leases, and accounts for those leases in
accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for 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 in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets. 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.
9
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company applies SFAS No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation, with respect to its
international operations. The functional currency of the Companys 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 included as a component of other comprehensive income.
The Company realized foreign currency transaction gains of $7,000 and $19,000 for the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and incurred foreign currency transaction losses
of $87,000 and $142,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. These gains
and losses are the result of transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional
currency of the Companys foreign subsidiaries.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenues in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff
Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB 104). SAB 104 requires that four
basic criteria must be met prior to revenue recognition: (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 Companys 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 are provided, which generally ranges from three to 24 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. Revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the
estimated data collection period once the survey or questionnaire has been delivered. Any change in
the estimated data collection period results in an adjustment to revenues recognized in future
periods.
Certain of the Companys arrangements contain multiple elements, consisting of the various
services the Company offers. Multiple element arrangements typically consist of a subscription to
the Companys online database combined with customized services. These arrangements are accounted
for in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements
with Multiple Deliverables. The Company has determined that there is not objective and reliable
evidence of fair value for any of its services and, therefore, accounts for all elements in
multiple elements arrangements as a single unit of accounting. Access to data under the
subscription element is generally provided shortly after the execution of the contract. However,
the initial delivery of customized services generally occurs subsequent to contract execution. The
Company recognizes the entire arrangement fee over the performance period of the last deliverable.
As a result, the total arrangement fee is recognized on a straight-line basis over the period
beginning with the commencement of the last customized service 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.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for share-based compensation expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123
(revised 2005), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires the measurement and
recognition of compensation expense for share-based awards based on the estimated fair value on the
date of the grant. The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of the
grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This model is affected by the Companys stock
price as well as estimates regarding a number of variables including expected stock price
volatility over the term of the award and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The
fair value of the restricted stock awards is determined based on the quoted market price of the
Companys common stock on the grant date. For stock-based awards subject to graded vesting, the
Company has utilized the straight-line ratable method for allocating compensation cost by period.
In accordance with SFAS 123R, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $2.5 million
and $4.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, and $1.6 million
and $2.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. As of June 30,
2009, there was an accrual for $1.1 million included in stock-based compensation expense for
compensation earned during the six months ended June 30, 2009. This accrual will be settled with
shares of restricted stock to be granted in 2010. As of December 31, 2008, there was an accrual for
$369,000 for compensation earned during 2008 that was settled with shares of restricted stock
granted in February 2009.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS
No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. 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.
10
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an
interpretation of SFAS No. 109, clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing that a
company should use a more-likely-than not recognition threshold based on the technical merits of
the tax position taken. Tax provisions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold
should be measured as 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. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting for interim periods, disclosure and transition, and explicitly excludes income taxes
from the scope of SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies. The Companys policy is to recognize
interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Earnings Per Share
The Company computes earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 128,
Earnings Per Share (SFAS 128). Under SFAS 128, entities with capital structures that include
classes of common stock with different dividend rates are required to apply the two-class method of
calculating earnings per share. In addition to the Companys common stock, prior to April 2008, the
Company had Common Stock Subject to Put outstanding that was issued in connection with certain
acquisitions. However, the additional contractual rights of such Common Stock Subject to Put lapsed
unexercised in April 2008, and such Common Stock Subject to Put was reallocated as common stock
following such time. Prior to the lapse of the contractual rights, the Company calculated earnings
per share for its common stock and its Common Stock Subject to Put using a method akin to the
two-class method under SFAS 128. Undistributed earnings were allocated to holders of common stock
and Common Stock Subject to Put on a pro rata basis. Total earnings allocated to each class of
common stock were then divided by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for each class
of common stock to determine basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share for common stock
reflects the potential dilution that could result 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 sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
June 30, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands, except share and per share data) |
Net income |
|
$ |
1,185 |
|
|
$ |
1,710 |
|
|
$ |
1,462 |
|
|
$ |
4,241 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average shares outstanding-common
stock, basic |
|
|
30,052,515 |
|
|
|
28,651,067 |
|
|
|
29,766,531 |
|
|
|
28,424,191 |
|
Dilutive effect of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options to purchase common stock |
|
|
919,600 |
|
|
|
1,576,807 |
|
|
|
938,278 |
|
|
|
1,657,846 |
|
Unvested shares of restricted stock units |
|
|
27,516 |
|
|
|
21,879 |
|
|
|
26,076 |
|
|
|
27,576 |
|
Warrants to purchase common stock |
|
|
9,041 |
|
|
|
20,194 |
|
|
|
6,027 |
|
|
|
20,396 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average shares outstanding-common
stock, diluted |
|
|
31,008,672 |
|
|
|
30,269,947 |
|
|
|
30,736,912 |
|
|
|
30,130,009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per share-common stock: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
0.04 |
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
0.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average number of shares used in
per share calculation common share
subject to put: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,308 |
|
Diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
69,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income available to common
stockholders per common share subject to
put: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.15 |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.06 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0.14 |
|
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 |
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
June 30, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
Stock options and restricted stock units |
|
|
73,983 |
|
|
|
29,134 |
|
|
|
120,593 |
|
|
|
19,041 |
|
Common stock warrants |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
11
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Recent Pronouncements
In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the
Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principlesa replacement of FASB Statement No. 162.
This standard establishes only two levels of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
(GAAP), authoritative and nonauthoritative. The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (the
Codification) will become the source of authoritative, nongovernmental GAAP, except for rules and
interpretive releases of the SEC, which are sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. All
other nongrandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification will become
nonauthoritative. This standard is effective for financial statements for interim or annual
reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Company will begin to use the new guidelines
and numbering system prescribed by the Codification when referring to GAAP beginning in the period
ended September 30, 2009. As the Codification was not intended to change or alter existing GAAP, it
is not otherwise expected to have any impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events. SFAS No. 165 establishes
authoritative accounting and disclosure guidance for recognized and non-recognized subsequent
events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. SFAS No.
165 also requires disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events
and the basis for that date. SFAS No. 165 was effective for the Company beginning with its
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009, and will be applied
prospectively. The adoption of SFAS No. 165 had no impact on the Companys consolidated financial
statements.
In April 2009, the FASB issued three Staff Positions that are intended to provide additional
application guidance and enhance disclosures about fair value measurements and impairments of
securities. FSP No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the
Asset or Liability has Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions that are Not Orderly,
clarifies the objective and method of fair value measurement when there has been a significant
decrease in market activity for the asset being measured. FSP No. 115-2 established a new model for
measuring other-than-temporary impairments for debt securities, including establishing criteria for
when to recognize a write-down through earnings versus other comprehensive income. FSP No. FAS
107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, extends the fair
value disclosures required for all financial instruments within the scope of SFAS No. 107,
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to interim periods. All of these FSPs are
effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of FSP No. FAS
157-4 and FSP No. 115-2 did not have a material impact on the Companys
consolidated financial statements. The adoption of FSP No. FAS 107-1 and APB No. 28-1 did not
result in increased disclosures in the second quarter of 2009 as the Company had historically
included the required disclosures in its interim consolidated financial statements.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised), Business Combinations (SFAS
141(R)), which is intended to improve reporting by creating greater consistency in the accounting
and financial reporting of business combinations. SFAS 141(R) requires that the acquiring entity in
a business combination recognize all (and only) the assets and liabilities assumed in the
transaction, establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all
assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and requires the acquirer to disclose to investors and
other users all of the information that they need to evaluate and understand the nature and
financial effect of the business
combination. In addition, SFAS 141(R) modifies the accounting for transaction and restructuring
costs. SFAS 141(R) is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or
after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008.
After the effective date of SFAS 141(R), all changes to tax uncertainties and deferred tax asset
valuation allowances established in business combination accounting should be recognized in
accordance with SFAS 141(R), generally as an adjustment to income tax expense. For the Companys
acquisition of M:Metrics, Inc. (see Note 3), the effects of changes outside of the measurement
period (or within the measurement period if the changes result from new information about facts
that arose after the acquisition date) to deferred tax asset valuation allowances established in
acquisition accounting will be recognized directly as an adjustment to income tax expense. The
adoption of SFAS 141( R) did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated results of
operation or financial position.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (SFAS No. 160). SFAS
No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held
by parties other than the parent, the amount of the consolidated net income attributable to the
parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parents ownership interest, and the
valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS
No. 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the
interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted SFAS No. 160 effective
January 1, 2009 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated
financial statements.
3. Acquisition
On May 28, 2008, comScore completed its merger with M:Metrics, Inc. (M:Metrics), a provider
of marketing and media intelligence for the mobile medium in the United States and internationally,
pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated May 28, 2008, (the Merger). Pursuant to the
Agreement and Plan of Merger, the Company acquired all the outstanding common stock of M:Metrics in
a cash transaction for approximately $46.0 million. The total purchase price of $46.0 million is
comprised of $44.3 million in cash consideration, $1.2 million in expenses paid on M:Metrics
behalf and estimated acquisition related transaction costs of approximately $480,000.
Acquisition-related transaction costs include legal and accounting fees, and other external
costs directly related to the Merger. In connection with the Merger, the Company exchanged the
unvested options for M:Metrics common stock for options for the purchase of 51,908 shares of
comScore common stock. In addition, $5.0 million of comScore restricted common stock was reserved
for issuance pursuant to the Merger and $4.72 million was issued to certain former M:Metrics
employees that continued as employees of comScore as of June 30, 2008. The estimated fair
12
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
value of
these options and restricted stock has been and is expected to be recognized as compensation expense for post merger
services. The Company has included the financial results of M: Metrics in its consolidated
financial statements since May 28, 2008, the date of acquisition.
The Company believes the Merger with M:Metrics supports the Companys long-term strategic
direction and that the demands in the digital marketing intelligence industry continue to
accelerate at a rapid pace as advertising moves to new digital mediums. In evaluating the
acquisition of M:Metrics, the Company focused primarily on the businesss revenues and customer
base, the strategic fit of the businesss product line with the Companys existing product
offerings, and opportunities for cost reductions and other synergies, rather than on the businesss
tangible or intangible assets, such as its property and equipment. As a result, the fair value of
the acquired assets corresponds to a relatively smaller portion of the acquisition price, with the
Company recording a substantial amount of goodwill associated with the acquisition.
The Merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with SFAS
No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS 141). Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded
at their estimated fair values as of May 28, 2008. Under the purchase method of accounting, the
total purchase price is allocated to M:Metrics net tangible and intangible assets based on their
estimated fair values as of May 28, 2008, the effective date of the Merger. The final purchase
price was allocated as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
1,554 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
2,010 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
226 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
464 |
|
Other long term assets |
|
|
85 |
|
Deferred tax assets, net |
|
|
2,692 |
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(865 |
) |
Other accrued liabilities |
|
|
(3,469 |
) |
Deferred revenue |
|
|
(5,473 |
) |
Other long-term liabilities |
|
|
(145 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net tangible liabilities to be acquired |
|
|
(2,921 |
) |
Definite-lived intangible assets acquired |
|
|
10,160 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
38,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total purchase price |
|
$ |
46,020 |
|
|
|
|
|
Included in the final purchase price allocation were $8.6 million of deferred tax
assets and $3.6 million of deferred tax liabilities initially offset by a full valuation allowance
of $5.0 million. In connection with the reduction of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance
recorded as of December 31, 2008 (see Note 7), the Company recorded a $3.7 million reduction in the valuation
allowance recorded for the acquired deferred tax assets of M:Metrics with a corresponding reduction
of goodwill. In connection with the finalization of the purchase price allocation during the three
months ended June 30, 2009, the Company reduced the acquired
deferred tax assets by approximately
$1.0 million with an offsetting increase to goodwill (see Note 5).
Of the total purchase price, approximately $2.9 million has been allocated to net tangible
liabilities acquired, and $10.2 million has been allocated to definite-lived intangible assets
acquired. Definite-lived intangible assets of $10.2 million consist of the value assigned to
M:Metrics customer relationships of $3.2 million, intellectual property of $2.6 million, developed
and core technology of $2.5 million and panel of $1.9 million. The useful lives range from five to
ten years (see Note 2). Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired
business over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not
deductible for tax purposes.
In connection with the purchase price allocation, the estimated fair value of the deferred
revenue assumed from M:Metrics in connection with the Merger was determined utilizing a cost
build-up approach. The cost build-up approach determines fair value by estimating the costs
relating to fulfilling the assumed contractual obligations plus a market profit margin. The present
value of the sum of the costs and operating profit approximates the amount that the Company would
be required to pay a third party to assume the obligations. The estimated costs to fulfill the
obligation were based on the historical direct costs related to providing the services.
4. Investments and Fair Value Measurements
As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had $2.9 million invested in auction
rate securities, all of which are classified as long-term investments on its consolidated balance
sheets.
Auction rate securities are generally long-term debt instruments that provide liquidity
through a Dutch auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined calendar
intervals, generally every 28 days. This mechanism typically allows existing investors to rollover
their holdings and to continue to own their respective securities or liquidate their holdings by
selling their securities at par value. These securities often are insured against loss of principal
and interest by bond insurers. In prior years, the Company invested in these securities for short
periods of time as part of its investment policy. However, the uncertainties in the credit markets
have prevented the Company and other investors from liquidating holdings of certain auction rate
securities in recent auctions because the amount of securities submitted for sale has exceeded the
amount of purchase orders. Accordingly, the Company continues to hold these long-term securities
and is due interest at a higher rate than similar securities for which auctions have cleared.
13
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, five auction rate securities with a par value of
$5.1 million had failed their most recent auction and are considered illiquid. As there is no
active market for these investments, the Company values its auction rate securities using a
discounted cash flow model that takes into consideration the securities coupon rate, the discount
rate and the expected date liquidity will be restored. The discount rate reflects the financial
condition of the issuers and the bond insurers and incorporates a discount for illiquidity. As of
June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the estimated fair value of the auction rate securities was
below cost, or par value, resulting in an unrealized loss.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the length of time and the extent to which the
auction rate securities were valued below cost both increased significantly. As of December 31,
2008, the credit ratings of the issuers had deteriorated to a range of A- to B and the bond
insurers saw similar downgrades to a range of BBB to C. As a result, the Company concluded that the
unrealized losses on its auction rate securities at December 31, 2008 represented an
other-than-temporary impairment and recorded a charge $2.2 million in earnings. During the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009, there were no auctions for the auction rate securities held by
the Company. However, credit spreads and credit ratings of the issues and bond insurers were more
stable during those periods. As of June 30, 2009, based on the Companys updated valuation,
no further adjustments to the carrying value of these investments was necessary.
The Company is unsure as to when the liquidity issues relating to these investments will
improve. Accordingly, the Company classified these securities as non-current as of June 30, 2009
and December 31, 2008. If the credit ratings of the issuers, the bond insurers or the collateral
deteriorate further, the Company may further adjust the carrying value of these investments.
Marketable securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, are summarized below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Classification on Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Short-Term |
|
|
Long-Term |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Gain |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Investments |
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
As of June 30, 2009: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. treasury bills |
|
$ |
7,954 |
|
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
7,997 |
|
|
$ |
7,997 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
U.S. treasury notes |
|
|
39,482 |
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,524 |
|
|
|
34,946 |
|
|
|
4,578 |
|
Auction rate securities |
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
50,297 |
|
|
$ |
85 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
50,382 |
|
|
$ |
42,943 |
|
|
$ |
7,439 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
Classification on Balance Sheet |
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Fair |
|
|
Short-Term |
|
|
Long-Term |
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Gain |
|
|
Loss |
|
|
Value |
|
|
Investments |
|
|
Investments |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
As of December 31, 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. treasury bills |
|
$ |
24,931 |
|
|
$ |
55 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
24,986 |
|
|
$ |
24,986 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
U.S. treasury notes |
|
|
12,694 |
|
|
|
120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,814 |
|
|
|
12,178 |
|
|
|
636 |
|
Auction rate securities |
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
40,486 |
|
|
$ |
175 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
40,661 |
|
|
$ |
37,164 |
|
|
$ |
3,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There were no gross unrealized losses related to available-for-sale securities as of
June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 other than the auction rate securities, for which the
unrealized loss was deemed other- than- temporary and included in earnings during 2008.
Cash equivalents have original maturity dates of three months or less. All investments,
excluding auction rate securities, have original maturity dates between three months and two years.
Auction rate securities have original maturity dates in excess of fifteen years.
The fair value hierarchy of the Companys marketable securities at fair value as of June 30, 2009
and December 31, 2008 is as follows:
14
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reporting Date Using |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prices |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Markets |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identical |
|
|
Observable |
|
|
Unobservable |
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. treasury bills |
|
$ |
7,997 |
|
|
$ |
7,997 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
U.S. treasury notes |
|
|
39,524 |
|
|
|
39,524 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auction rate securities |
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
50,382 |
|
|
$ |
47,521 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurements at |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reporting Date Using |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prices |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Active |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Markets |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Identical |
|
|
Observable |
|
|
Unobservable |
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
Assets |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
(Level 3) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. treasury bills |
|
$ |
24,986 |
|
|
$ |
24,986 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
U.S. treasury notes |
|
|
12,814 |
|
|
|
12,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Auction rate securities |
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
40,661 |
|
|
$ |
37,800 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,861 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From December 31, 2008 through June 30, 2009, there was no change in the balances
for the major classes of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level
3).
5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The change in the carrying value of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2009 is as
follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
39,114 |
|
Purchase
price allocation adjustments |
|
|
1,031 |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as of June 30, 2009 (unaudited) |
|
$ |
40,145 |
|
|
|
|
|
The
$1.0 million of adjustments to goodwill during the six months ended
June 30, 2009 were primarily due to deferred tax asset reductions of $768,000 for the M:Metrics net operating loss
carryforward at the date of acquisition for transfer pricing adjustments and $344,000 to establish
a reserve pursuant to FIN 48 for certain M:Metrics research and
development tax credit carryforwards that existed at
the date of acquisition. In addition, the deferred tax asset was
increased by $138,000 to true-up the
deferred tax balances to the filed tax returns.
Certain of the Companys intangible assets are recorded in British Pounds, and therefore, the
gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization are subject to foreign currency translation
adjustments. The carrying values of the Companys amortized acquired intangible assets are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Intangible assets consist of the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer relationships |
|
$ |
3,078 |
|
|
$ |
2,927 |
|
Acquired methodologies/technology |
|
|
2,445 |
|
|
|
2,378 |
|
Intellectual property |
|
|
2,576 |
|
|
|
2,547 |
|
Panel |
|
|
1,789 |
|
|
|
1,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets |
|
|
9,888 |
|
|
|
9,553 |
|
Accumulated amortization |
|
|
(1,444 |
) |
|
|
(748 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets, net |
|
$ |
8,444 |
|
|
$ |
8,805 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was approximately $327,000 and
$122,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and $647,000 and $129,000
for the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
6. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
In January 2009, the Company amended an existing lease with a landlord and added approximately
7,264 square feet of additional space for its Seattle office. The base rent increased from
approximately $289,000 per annum to $672,000 and escalates 3% per annum over the lease term. The
lease expires May 2011. The Company consolidated the comScore and M:Metrics Seattle offices into
this expanded office in March 2009. In connection with this lease, the Company recorded $333,000 of
deferred rent and capitalized assets as a result of landlord allowances. The deferred rent will be
applied to rent expense recognized by the Company over the lease term.
Contingencies
On March 31, 2009, the Company renewed its $5.0 revolving line of credit with Bank of America,
with an interest rate equal to BBA LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin based upon the Companys
funded- debt- to- unrestricted-EBITDA ratio. This line of credit includes no restrictive financial
covenants and expires March 31, 2010. The Company maintains letters of credit in lieu of security
deposits with respect to certain office leases. During the six months ended June 30, 2009 two
letters of credit were reduced by approximately $260,000. As of June 30, 2009, no amounts were
borrowed against the line of credit and $4.1 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving
$860,000 available for additional letters of credit or other borrowings. These letters of credit
may be reduced periodically provided the Company meets the conditional criteria of each related
lease agreement. In July 2009, one letter of credit was reduced by approximately $220,000 leaving
$1.1 million available for additional letters of credit or other borrowings.
The Company has no asserted claims as of June 30, 2009, but is from time to time exposed to
unasserted potential claims encountered in the normal course of business. Although the outcome of
any legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the final
resolution of these matters will not materially affect the Companys consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
7. Income Taxes
The Companys 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 in accordance with the interim reporting requirements of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes, APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, and FASB Interpretation No. 18
Accounting for Income Taxes in Interim Periods an interpretation of APB Opinion No. 28. 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 six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recorded income tax
provisions of $1.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, resulting in effective tax rates of
54.79% and 64.15%, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, the Company
recorded income tax provisions of $1.5 million and $3.2 million, respectively, resulting in
effective tax rates of 46.45% and 42.70%, respectively. These effective tax rates differ from the
Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state income taxes, foreign income taxes, and
nondeductible expenses such as certain stock compensation and meals and entertainment. During the
three and six month periods ended June 30, 2009, certain shares related to restricted stock awards
vested at times when the Companys 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. In accordance with SFAS 123R, such
shortfalls reduce additional paid-in capital to the extent windfall tax benefits have been
previously recognized. However, as described below, the Company has not yet recognized windfall tax
benefits because these tax benefits have not resulted in a reduction of current taxes payable.
Therefore, in accordance with SFAS 123R, the impact of these shortfalls totaling $177,000 and
$680,000, respectively, has been included in income tax expense for the three and six month periods
ended June 30, 2009.
The exercise of certain stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008,
generated income tax deductions equal to the excess of the fair market value over the exercise
price. In accordance with SFAS 123R, 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 financial statements
related to the additional net operating losses generated from the windfall tax deductions
associated with the exercise of these stock options. 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.
16
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had a valuation allowance of $3.0
million and $2.8 million, respectively, against certain deferred tax assets, which were related to
the acquired deferred tax assets (primarily net operating loss carryforwards) of the M:Metrics UK
subsidiary and the deferred tax asset related to the impairment recognized on auction rate
securities. The increase in valuation allowance of approximately $0.2 million during the six months
ended June 30, 2009 was attributable to the current year net operating losses generated and
expected to expire unutilized at the M:Metrics UK subsidiary.
During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company concluded that portions of its valuation
allowance against U.S. deferred tax assets and deferred tax assets in certain foreign jurisdictions
were no longer necessary based on the weight of available evidence. In making that determination,
the Company considered the profitability achieved during 2008, the successful integration of
M:Metrics into the base business, and the continued maturity of the online marketing industry,
balanced against the current overall economic environment. As a result, the Company reduced the
valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets to $2.8 million as of December 31, 2008.
As of June 30, 2009, the Company concluded that no events occurred during the six months ended
June 30, 2009 that would significantly impact its valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.
Management will continue to evaluate its valuation allowance position on a regular basis. To the
extent the Company determines that, based on the weight of available evidence, all or a portion of
its valuation allowance is no longer necessary, the Company will recognize an income tax benefit in
the period such determination is made for the reversal of the valuation allowance. If management
determines that, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that all or
a portion of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized, the Company may recognize income tax
expense in the period such determination is made to increase the valuation allowance. It is
possible that any such reduction of or addition to the Companys valuation allowance may have a
material impact on the Companys results from operations.
As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the Company had unrecognized tax benefits of
approximately $912,000 and $240,000, respectively. The increase in unrecognized tax benefits of
approximately $672,000 is attributable to uncertain tax positions related to the M:Metrics
acquisition that were recorded through purchase accounting as an increase to acquired goodwill. The
Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income
tax expense. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the amount of accrued interest expense on
unrecognized tax benefits was not material.
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, state and local tax examinations by tax
authorities for years before 2004, although tax attribute carryforwards generated prior to 2004 may
still be adjusted upon examination by tax authorities.
8. Stockholders Equity
1999 Stock Option Plan and 2007 Equity Incentive Plan
Prior to the effective date of the registration statement for the Companys initial public
offering (IPO) on June 26, 2007, eligible employees and non-employees were awarded options to
purchase shares of the Companys common stock, restricted stock or restricted stock units pursuant
to the Companys 1999 Stock Plan (the 1999 Plan). Upon the effective date of the registration
statement of the Companys IPO, the Company ceased using the 1999 Plan for the issuance of new
equity awards. Upon the closing of the Companys IPO on July 2, 2007, the Company established its
2007 Equity Incentive Plan (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 December 31, 2008 and
June 30, 2009, the Plans provided for the issuance of a maximum of approximately 5.4 million shares
and 6.6 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 Companys common stock on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year; (ii)
1,800,000 shares; or (iii) such other amount as the Companys board of directors may determine. The
vesting period of options granted under the Plans is determined by the Board of Directors, although
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, 2009, the shares available for
grant increased 1,165,205 pursuant to the automatic share reserve increase provision under the
Plans. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2009, 2,537,619 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 and six months ended June 30, 2009, no stock options were granted.
17
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
A summary of the Plans is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
Remaining |
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
Contractual |
|
Intrinsic |
|
|
Number of |
|
Exercise |
|
Term |
|
Value (in |
|
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
(in years) |
|
thousands) |
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
1,453,370 |
|
|
$ |
2.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options granted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercised |
|
|
226,966 |
|
|
$ |
1.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,809 |
|
Options forfeited |
|
|
31,929 |
|
|
$ |
6.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options expired |
|
|
992 |
|
|
$ |
6.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding at June 30, 2009 |
|
|
1,193,483 |
|
|
$ |
2.33 |
|
|
|
5.29 |
|
|
$ |
13,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable at June 30, 2009 |
|
|
1,110,150 |
|
|
$ |
1.98 |
|
|
|
5.15 |
|
|
$ |
12,588 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 Companys common stock at June 30, 2009. The aggregate intrinsic value of
exercised stock options is calculated based on the difference between the exercise price and the
quoted market price of the Companys common stock as of the close of the exercise date. As of June
30, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options granted prior
to that date is estimated at $357,000, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted
average period of approximately 0.77 years. Total unrecognized compensation expense is estimated
and may be increased or decreased in future periods for subsequent grants or forfeitures.
The Companys 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 six months ended June 30, 2009,
129,145 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 June 30, 2009 is presented as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number |
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted |
|
of Shares |
|
Grant-Date |
|
|
Restricted |
|
Stock |
|
Underlying |
|
Fair |
Nonvested Stock Awards |
|
Stock |
|
Units |
|
Awards |
|
Value |
Nonvested at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
1,043,101 |
|
|
|
96,673 |
|
|
|
1,139,774 |
|
|
$ |
18.53 |
|
Granted |
|
|
1,000,040 |
|
|
|
99,726 |
|
|
|
1,099,766 |
|
|
|
9.31 |
|
Vested |
|
|
330,845 |
|
|
|
24,099 |
|
|
|
354,944 |
|
|
|
15.83 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
129,145 |
|
|
|
4,667 |
|
|
|
133,812 |
|
|
|
18.95 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nonvested at June 30, 2009 |
|
|
1,583,151 |
|
|
|
167,633 |
|
|
|
1,750,784 |
|
|
$ |
13.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate intrinsic value for all non-vested shares of restricted common stock
and restricted stock units outstanding as of June 30, 2009 was $23.3 million. The weighted average
remaining contractual life for all non-vested shares of restricted common stock and restricted
stock units as of June 30, 2009 was 3.06 years.
The Company granted nonvested stock awards at no cost to recipients during the six months
ended June 30, 2009. As of June 30, 2009, total unrecognized compensation expense related to
non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units was $20.5 million, which the Company expects
to recognize over a weighted average period of approximately 1.95 years. Total unrecognized
compensation expense may be increased or decreased in future periods for subsequent grants or
forfeitures.
Of the 354,944 shares of the Companys restricted stock and restricted stock units vesting
during the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company repurchased 121,514 shares at an aggregate
purchase price of approximately $1.3 million pursuant to the stockholders right under the Plans to
elect to use common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations.
Shares Reserved for Issuance
At June 30, 2009, the Company had reserved for future issuance the following shares of common
stock upon the exercise of options and warrants:
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock available for future issuances under the Plans |
|
|
2,537,619 |
|
Common stock available for outstanding options and restricted stock units |
|
|
1,361,116 |
|
Common stock warrants |
|
|
26,375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,925,110 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
COMSCORE, INC.
NOTES
TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
9. Geographic Information
The Company attributes revenues to customers based on the location of the customer. The
composition of the Companys sales to unaffiliated customers between those in the United States and
those in other locations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 is set forth
below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
United States |
|
$ |
26,888 |
|
|
$ |
24,678 |
|
|
$ |
52,878 |
|
|
$ |
47,777 |
|
Canada |
|
|
1,384 |
|
|
|
1,480 |
|
|
|
2,828 |
|
|
|
2,894 |
|
United Kingdom/Other |
|
|
3,102 |
|
|
|
2,592 |
|
|
|
6,292 |
|
|
|
4,449 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenues |
|
$ |
31,374 |
|
|
$ |
28,750 |
|
|
$ |
61,998 |
|
|
$ |
55,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The composition of the Companys 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:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
United States |
|
$ |
17,400 |
|
|
$ |
17,468 |
|
Canada |
|
|
34 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
United Kingdom/Other |
|
|
143 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
17,577 |
|
|
$ |
17,697 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q on August 10, 2009. The Company is not aware of any significant events that occurred
subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this report that would have a
material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
19
Item 2. Managements 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 a leading digital marketing intelligence platform that helps our customers make
better-informed business decisions and implement more effective digital business strategies. Our
products and solutions offer our 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.
Our digital marketing intelligence platform is comprised of proprietary databases and a
computational infrastructure that measures, analyzes and reports on digital activity. The
foundation of our platform is data collected from our comScore panel of more than 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.
We deliver our digital marketing intelligence through our comScore Media Metrix product
family, through our comScore Marketing Solutions products and since May 2008 through our M:Metrics
products suite. Media Metrix delivers digital media intelligence by providing an independent,
third-party measurement of the size, behavior and characteristics of Web site and online
advertising network audiences among home, work and university Internet users as well as insight
into the effectiveness of online advertising. Our Marketing Solutions products combine the
proprietary information gathered from the comScore panel with the vertical industry expertise of
comScore analysts to deliver digital marketing intelligence, including the measurement of online
advertising effectiveness, customized for specific industries. We typically deliver our Media
Metrix products electronically in the form of weekly, monthly or quarterly reports. Customers can
access current and historical Media Metrix data and analyze these data anytime online. Our
M:Metrics products suite connects mobile consumer behavior, content merchandising, and device
capabilities to provide comprehensive mobile market intelligence. Customers can access our
M:Metrics data sets and reports anytime online. Our Marketing Solutions products are typically
delivered on a monthly, quarterly or ad hoc basis through electronic reports and analyses.
Our company was founded in August 1999. By 2000, we had established a panel of Internet users
and began delivering digital marketing intelligence products that measured online browsing and
buying behavior to our first customers. We also introduced netScore, our initial syndicated
Internet audience measurement product. We accelerated our introduction of new products in 2003 with
the launch of Plan Metrix (formerly AiM 2.0), qSearch, and the Campaign R/F (Reach and Frequency)
analysis system and product offerings that measure online activity at the local market level. By
2004, we had built a global panel of over two million Internet users. In that year, in cooperation
with Arbitron, we launched a service that provides ratings of online radio audiences. In 2005, we
expanded our presence in Europe by opening an office in London. In 2006, we continued to expand our
measurement capabilities with the launch of World Metrix, a product that provides worldwide data on
digital media usage, and Video Metrix, our product that measures the audience for streaming online
video. In 2007, we completed our initial public offering, resulting in the sale and issuance by us
of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock, and we also launched ten new products during that year,
including Campaign Metrix, qSearch 2.0, Ad Metrix, Brand Metrix, Segment Metrix and comScore
Marketer. During the first quarter of 2008, we launched Ad Metrix-Advertiser View, a tool for
agencies and publishers designed to support their media buying and selling activities and supply
their competitive intelligence needs. In April 2008, we launched the second generation of our media
planning product, Plan Metrix, and increased the frequency of reporting from semi-annual to a
monthly cycle. In October 2008, we launched Extended Web Measurement which allows the tracking of
distributed web content across third party sites, such as video, music, gaming applications,
widgets and social media. It enables publishers to report audience reach and characteristics of
their various advertising sales packages providing them with the ability to market those packages
more effectively.
We have complemented our internal development initiatives with select acquisitions. On June 6,
2002, we acquired certain Media Metrix assets from Jupiter Media Metrix, Inc. Through this
acquisition, we acquired certain Internet audience measurement services that report details of Web
site usage and visitor demographics. On July 28, 2004, we acquired the outstanding stock of Denaro
and Associates, Inc, otherwise known as Q2 Brand Intelligence, Inc. or Q2, to improve our ability
to provide our customers more robust survey research integrated with our underlying digital
marketing intelligence platform. On January 4, 2005, we acquired the assets and assumed certain
liabilities of SurveySite Inc., or SurveySite. Through this acquisition, we acquired proprietary
Internet-based data-collection technologies and increased our customer penetration and revenues in
the survey business. On May 28, 2008, we acquired the outstanding stock of M:Metrics, Inc. to
expand our abilities to provide our customers a more robust solution for the mobile medium.
Our total revenues have grown to $117.4 million during the fiscal year ending December 31,
2008 and $62.0 million for the first half of 2009 from $50.2 million during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005. By comparison, our total expenses from operations have grown to
20
$106.4 million for the year ended 2008 and $58.2 for the first half of 2009 from $54.1 million
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005. We attribute the growth in our revenues during this
period to several factors including, but not limited to:
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increased sales to existing customers, as a result of our efforts to deepen our relationships
with these clients by increasing their awareness of, and confidence in, the value of our
digital marketing intelligence platform; |
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growth in our customer base through the addition of new customers; |
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the sales of new products to existing and new customers; and |
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growth in sales outside of the U.S. as a result of entering
into new international markets. |
As of June 30, 2009, we had 1,195 customers, compared to 565 as of December 31,
2005. We sell most of our products through our direct sales force.
As a result of the recent global financial crisis in the credit markets, softness in the
housing markets, difficulties in the financial services sector and continuing economic
uncertainties, the direction and relative strength of the U.S. and global economies have become
increasingly uncertain. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, 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
effects of the current economic downturn. Further, certain of our existing customers have exited
the market due to industry consolidation and bankruptcy in connection with these challenging
economic conditions. Despite this economic downturn, we continued to add net new customers during
the first half of 2009, and our existing customers renewed their subscriptions at a rate of over
90% based on revenue renewed in the quarter ended June 30, 2009. However, if these adverse economic
conditions continue or further deteriorate, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Our Revenues
We derive our revenues primarily from the fees that we charge for subscription-based products
and customized projects. We define subscription-based revenues as revenues that we generate from
products that we deliver to a customer on a recurring basis. We define project revenues as revenues
that we generate from customized projects that are performed for a specific customer on a
non-recurring basis. We market our subscription-based products, customized projects and survey
services within the comScore Media Metrix product family, comScore Marketing Solutions and through
our mobile solutions.
A significant characteristic of our business model is our large percentage of
subscription-based contracts. Subscription-based revenues accounted for 78% of our total revenues
in 2004 and decreased to 70% of total revenues in 2005 primarily due to the acquisition of
SurveySite. Subscription-based revenue increased to 75% of total revenues in 2006, to 79% of total
revenues in 2007, to 83% of total revenues in 2008, and to 86% during the six months ended June 30,
2009.
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, 2008, our
international revenues were $16.5 million, an increase of $6.4 million, or 63% compared to 2007.
For the six months ended June 30, 2009, our international revenues were $9.1 million, an increase
of $1.8 million or 25% over international revenues of $7.3 million for the six months ended June
30, 2008. International revenues comprised approximately 12%, 14% and 15% of our total revenues for
the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008 and the six months ended June 30, 2009,
respectively.
We anticipate that revenues from our U.S. customers will continue to constitute the
substantial majority of our revenues, 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 proportion of our subscription-based revenues from our Media Metrix
product family. Products within the Media Metrix family include Media Metrix 2.0, 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 comScore Marketing Solutions, if that work is procured by customers for at least a nine
month period and the customer enters into an agreement to continue or extend the work. Through our
Marketing Solutions 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 customers
needs on a
21
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 questionnaire and can also include behavioral information that we passively
collect from our panelists. If a customer contractually commits to having a survey conducted on a
recurring basis, 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.
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 customers active online
users and contrasts their market share and loyalty with similar metrics for a competitors 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.
In 2007, we launched Campaign Metrix, a suite of products that enables our customers to
measure their return on investment from their investment in digital marketing campaigns and that we
believe will help their revenue growth. In 2008, we also launched Brand Metrix, which shows
customers the test compared to control effectiveness of a campaign using survey-based metrics that
we collect for our Ad Recruit technology. Project revenues from Campaign Metrix and Brand Metrix
are generated when a customer accesses or downloads a report through our Web site. Pricing for our
Campaign Metrix and Brand Metrix products are presently based on the scope of the information
provided in the report generated by the customer.
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 accounting
principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us
to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our 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. While 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, we
believe the following accounting policies to be the most critical to the judgments and estimates
used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenues in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 104, Revenue Recognition (SAB 104). SAB 104 requires that four basic criteria must
be met prior to revenue recognition: (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.
We generate revenues by providing access to our online database or delivering information
obtained from our 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 are
provided, which generally ranges from three to 24 months.
We also generate revenues through survey services under contracts ranging in
term from two months to one year. Our survey services consist of survey and questionnaire design
with subsequent data collection, analysis and reporting. We recognize revenues 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 our arrangements contain multiple elements, consisting of the various services we
offer. Multiple element arrangements typically consist of a subscription to our online database
combined with customized services. These arrangements are accounted for in accordance with Emerging
Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. We
have determined that there is not objective and reliable evidence of fair value for any of our
services and, therefore, account for all elements in multiple elements arrangements as a single
unit of accounting. Access to data under the subscription element is generally provided shortly
after the execution of the contract. However, the initial delivery of customized services generally
occurs subsequent to contract execution. We recognize the entire arrangement fee over the
performance period of the last deliverable. As a result, the total arrangement fee is recognized on
a straight-line basis over the period beginning with the commencement of the last customized
service delivered.
Generally, our 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 us with written
notice of cancellation. In the event that a customer cancels its contract, it is not entitled to a
refund for prior services, and it will be charged for costs incurred plus services performed up to
the cancellation date.
22
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.
Fair Value Measurements and Investments
As of January 1, 2008, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 clarifies that fair value is an exit
price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. 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, SFAS No.
157 establishes a three-tier 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 us to
develop our own assumptions.
This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data, when available, and to minimize the
use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value. On a recurring basis, we measure our
marketable securities at fair value and determine the appropriate classification level for each
reporting period. This determination requires significant judgments to be made by us.
Our investment instruments are classified within Level 1 or Level 3 of the fair value
hierarchy. Level 1 investment instruments are valued using quoted market prices. Level 3
instruments are valued using a discounted cash flow model that takes into consideration the
securities coupon rate, the financial condition of the issuers and the bond insurers, the expected
date liquidity will be restored, as well as an applied illiquidity discount. The types of
instruments valued based on quoted market prices in active markets include all U.S. government and
agency securities. Such instruments are generally classified within Level 1 of the fair value
hierarchy. The types of instruments valued based on significant unobservable inputs include the
illiquid auction rate securities. Such instruments are classified within Level 3 of the fair value
hierarchy.
As
of April 1, 2009, we adopted FASB Staff Position
(FSP) FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary
Impairments (FSP No. 115-2). FSP No. 115-2 modified the existing model for recognition and measurement of impairment for debt
securities. The two principal changes to the impairment model for securities are as follows:
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Recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment charge
for debt securities in an unrealized loss position is
required if any of these conditions are met: (1) we do not expect
to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, (2) we
intend to sell the security or (3) it is more likely than not that
we will be required to sell the security before it recovers its
amortized cost basis. |
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If the first condition above is met, but we do not intend
to sell and it is not more likely than not that we will be
required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized
cost basis, we are required to record the difference between the
securitys amortized cost basis and its recoverable amount
(representing the credit loss) in earnings and the difference
between the securitys recoverable amount and fair value in other
comprehensive income. If either the second or third criteria are
met, then we are required to recognize the entire difference
between the securitys amortized cost basis and its fair value in
earnings. |
We concluded that our auction rate securities fall within the second and third criteria above,
and as a result, the adoption of the FSP No. 115-2 had no effect on our consolidated financial
statements as all previous impairment were deemed
other-than-temporary and were recognized in earnings.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We record goodwill and intangible assets when we acquire other businesses. The allocation of
acquisition costs to intangible assets and goodwill involves the extensive use of managements
estimates and assumptions, and the result of the allocation process can have a significant impact
on our future operating results. We estimate the fair value of identifiable intangible assets
acquired using several different valuation approaches, including the replacement cost, income and
market approaches. The replacement cost approach is based on determining the discrete cost of
replacing or reproducing a specific asset. We generally use the replacement cost approach for
estimating the value of acquired technology/methodology assets. The income approach converts the
anticipated economic benefits that we assume will be realized from a given asset into value. Under
this approach, value is measured as the present worth of anticipated future net cash flows
generated by an asset. We generally use the income approach to value customer relationship assets
and non-compete agreements. The market approach compares the acquired asset to similar assets that
have been sold. We generally use the market approach to value trademarks and brand assets.
Under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), intangible assets with
finite lives are amortized over their useful lives while goodwill and indefinite lived assets are
not amortized, but rather are periodically tested for impairment. An impairment review generally
requires developing assumptions and projections regarding our operating performance. In accordance
with SFAS 142, we have determined that all of our goodwill is associated with one reporting unit as
we do not operate separate lines of business with respect to our services. Accordingly, on an
annual basis we perform the impairment assessment for goodwill required under SFAS 142 at the
enterprise level by comparing the fair value of our 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. If our
estimates or the related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment
charges
23
to reduce the carrying value of these assets, which could be material. There were no
indicators of impairment suggesting that an interim assessment was necessary for goodwill during
the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008.
Long-lived assets
Our long-lived assets primarily consist of property and equipment and intangible assets. In
accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we
evaluate the recoverability of our 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, we compare 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, we record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the assets
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 we believe that the carrying values of our 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. There were
no impairment charges recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 or 2008.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We manage credit risk on accounts receivable by performing credit evaluations of our customers
for existing customers coming up for renewal as well as all prospective new customers, by reviewing
our accounts and contracts and by providing appropriate allowances for uncollectible amounts.
Allowances are based on managements judgment, which considers historical experience and specific
knowledge of accounts that may not be collectible. We make provisions based on our 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.
Income Tax
We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method in accordance with SFAS No.
109, Accounting for Income Taxes. We estimate our tax liability through calculations we perform for
the determination of our current tax liability, together with assessing temporary differences
resulting from the different treatment of items for income tax and financial reporting purposes.
These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are recorded on our balance
sheet. We then assess the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be recovered in future periods.
In assessing the need for a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset, we consider
factors such as future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, taxable income in prior
carryback years, if carryback is permitted under the tax law, tax planning strategies and future
taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards. In evaluating
projections of future taxable income, we consider our history of profitability, the competitive
environment, the overall outlook for the online marketing industry and general economic conditions.
In addition, we consider the timeframe over which it would take to utilize the deferred tax assets
prior to their expiration. To the extent we cannot conclude that it is more likely than not that
the benefit of such assets will be realized, we establish a valuation allowance to adjust the net
carrying value of such assets.
As of June 30, 2009, we estimate our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards for tax
purposes are approximately $66.2 million and $32.1 million, respectively. These net operating loss
carryforwards will begin to expire in 2022 for federal and in 2014 for state income tax reporting
purposes. In addition, at June 30, 2009, we estimate our aggregate net operating loss carryforward for
tax purposes related to our foreign subsidiaries is $11.2 million, which begins to expire in 2014.
As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, we recorded valuation allowances against certain
deferred tax assets of $3.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively. At June 30, 2009 and December
31, 2008, the remaining valuation allowance related to the acquired deferred tax assets of our
M:Metrics UK subsidiary and the deferred tax asset related to the impairment recorded on our
marketable securities in the U.S.
As of December 31, 2008, we concluded that it was more likely than not that a substantial
portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets and deferred tax assets in certain foreign jurisdictions
would be realized and that a further reduction of our valuation allowance was necessary. In making
that determination, we considered the profitability achieved during 2008, the successful
integration of M:Metrics into the base business, and the continued maturity of the online marketing
industry, balanced against the current overall economic environment. As a result, we recorded a
reduction in the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of approximately $20.4 million. As of June
30, 2009, we concluded that no events occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2009 that would
impact our valuation allowance against deferred tax assets.
The exercise of certain stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008,
generated income tax deductions equal to the excess of the fair market value over the exercise
price. In accordance with SFAS No. 123R, Share Based Compensation
(SFAS 123R), we 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 our
current taxes payable. As such, we have not recorded a deferred tax asset in the accompanying
financial statements related to the additional net operating losses generated from the windfall tax
deductions associated with the exercise of these stock options. If and when we utilize 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 six month periods ended June 30, 2009, certain shares related to
restricted stock awards vested at times when our 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. In accordance with SFAS
123R, such shortfalls reduce additional paid-in capital
24
to the extent windfall tax benefits have
been previously recognized. However, as described above, we have not yet recognized windfall tax
benefits because these tax benefits have not resulted in a reduction of current taxes payable.
Therefore, in accordance with SFAS 123R, the impact of these shortfalls totaling $177,000 and
$680,000 have been included in income tax expense for the three and six month periods ended June 30,
2009, respectively. Looking forward, we expect our income tax provisions for future reporting
periods of 2009 will be impacted by this stock compensation tax deduction shortfall. We cannot
predict the stock compensation shortfall impact because of dependency upon future market price
performance of our stock.
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
FASB Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an
interpretation of SFAS No. 109 (FIN 48).
This
interpretation clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing that a company should use a
more-likely-than-not recognition threshold based on the technical merits of the tax position taken.
Tax provisions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be measured as the
largest amount of tax benefits, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely
than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides
guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods,
disclosure and transition, and explicitly excludes income taxes from the scope of SFAS No. 5,
Accounting for Contingencies. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2006, and was adopted by us on January 1, 2007. As of the adoption date of FIN 48 on January 1,
2007, we did not have any material gross unrecognized tax benefits. As of June 30, 2009 and
December 31, 2008, we had unrecognized tax benefits of $912,000 and $240,000, respectively, on a
tax affected basis. It is our policy to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax
matters in income tax expense. As of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, the amount of accrued
interest expense on unrecognized tax benefits was not material. We or one of our subsidiaries files
income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions.
For income tax returns filed by us, we are no longer subject to U.S. Federal, state and local tax
examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004, although tax attribute carryforwards
generated prior to 2004 may still be adjusted upon examination by tax authorities.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS 123R. SFAS 123R requires the
measurement and recognition of compensation expense for share-based awards based on estimated fair
value on the date of grant. We estimate the fair value of our stock option awards on the date of
grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The determination of fair value using the
Black-Scholes model requires a number of complex and subjective variables. Key variables in the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model include the expected volatility of our common stock price, the
expected term of the award and the risk-free interest rate. In addition, under SFAS 123R, we are
required to estimate forfeitures of unvested awards when recognizing compensation expense.
If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of SFAS 123R in
future periods, the compensation expense we record may differ significantly from what we have
previously recorded. Beginning in 2007, we made use of restricted stock awards and reduced our use
of stock options as a form of stock-based compensation.
At June 30, 2009, total estimated unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested
stock-based awards granted prior to that date was $20.8 million, which is expected to be recognized
over a weighted-average period of 1.93 years.
The actual amount of stock-based compensation expense we record in any fiscal period will
depend on a number of factors, including the number of shares subject to restricted stock and/or
stock options issued, the fair value of our common stock at the time of issuance and the expected
volatility of our stock price over time. In addition, changes to our incentive compensation plan
that heavily favor stock-based compensation are expected to cause stock-based compensation expense
to increase in absolute dollars.
Seasonality
Historically, a slightly higher percentage of our customers have renewed their subscription
products with us during the second half of the year.
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.
25
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Three Months Ended June 30, |
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Six Months Ended June 30, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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(Unaudited) |
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Revenues |
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100.0 |
% |
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|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Cost of revenues |
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30.9 |
|
|
|
27.3 |
|
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|
31.8 |
|
|
|
27.0 |
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Selling and marketing |
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|
32.9 |
|
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33.1 |
|
|
|
33.6 |
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|
33.5 |
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Research and development |
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14.4 |
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12.7 |
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|
13.8 |
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12.2 |
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General and administrative |
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12.8 |
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15.5 |
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13.7 |
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15.1 |
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Amortization |
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1.0 |
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0.4 |
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1.0 |
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0.2 |
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Total expenses from operations |
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92.0 |
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89.0 |
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93.9 |
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88.0 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations |
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
Interest and other income, net |
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
1.7 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
Loss from foreign currency |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
Impairment of marketable securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes |
|
|
8.4 |
|
|
|
11.1 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
13.4 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
(5.1 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
|
|
(5.7 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
3.8 |
|
|
|
6.0 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three and Six Month Period ended June 30, 2009 compared to the Three and Six Month Period
ended June 30, 2008
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Revenues |
|
$ |
31,374 |
|
|
$ |
28,750 |
|
|
$ |
2,624 |
|
|
|
9.1 |
% |
|
$ |
61,998 |
|
|
$ |
55,120 |
|
|
$ |
6,878 |
|
|
|
12.5 |
% |
Total revenues increased by approximately $2.6 million and $6.9 million in the three
and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2008. The
revenue growth was due to a combination of increased sales to our existing customer base and
continued growth of our customer base. Our total customer base grew by a net increase of 91
customers to 1,195 customers at June 30, 2009 from 1,104 at June 30, 2008. Sales to existing
customers based in the U.S. totaled $24.3 million and $47.6 million in the three and six months
ended June 30, 2009, respectively, which were $3.9 million
and $7.5 million higher than in the corresponding periods in
2008, respectively.
In addition, revenues from new U.S. customers in the three and six months ended June 30, 2009
were $2.6 million and $5.3 million, respectively, decreases
of approximately $1.7 million and $2.4
million as compared to the three and six months ended June 30,
2008. Despite the decreases in
revenues from new U.S. customers over the comparable periods,
respectively, revenues from international customers totaled approximately $4.5
million and $9.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, respectively, or
approximately 14% and 15% of total respective revenues which were
increases of $415,000 and $1.8
million, over the corresponding prior year periods respectively. These increases were due
to ongoing international expansion efforts that resulted in increases of $197,000, $160,000 and
$153,000 for the U.K., Asia and Latin America, respectively for the
three months ended June 30, 2009, and $1.2 million,
$265,000 and $251,000 for the U.K., Asia and Latin America,
respectively for the
six months ended June 30, 2009.
We experienced continued revenue growth in subscription revenues, which increased by
approximately $3.2 million and $8.3 million in the three and six months ended June 30, 2009,
respectively, from $23.7 million and $45.1 million in the corresponding prior year periods. Our
project-based revenues decreased by $600,000 and $1.4 million in the three and six months ended
June 30, 2009, respectively, from $5.1 million and $10.0 million in the corresponding prior year
periods. We believe that these decreases were attributable to the impact of general economic
conditions upon our customers budgets and capacity for spending on market research.
Cost of Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Cost of revenues |
|
$ |
9,695 |
|
|
$ |
7,857 |
|
|
$ |
1,838 |
|
|
|
23.4 |
% |
|
$ |
19,731 |
|
|
$ |
14,874 |
|
|
$ |
4,857 |
|
|
|
32.7 |
% |
As a percentage of
revenues |
|
|
30.9 |
% |
|
|
27.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.8 |
% |
|
|
27.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 depreciation expense generated by
general purpose equipment and software.
Cost of revenues increased by approximately $1.8 million during the three months ended June
30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008.
This increase was attributable to a
$1.3 million increase in panel recruitment and retention and data and bandwidth costs. In
26
addition,
we incurred increases of approximately $232,000 in employee salaries, benefits, and stock-based
compensation costs associated with an expanded workforce to support a larger product and customer
base during the three months ended June 30, 2009. In addition, we attribute approximately $462,000
to increases in allocated overhead costs for the three months ended
June 30, 2009.
Cost of revenues increased by approximately $4.9 million during the six months ended June 30,
2009 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was attributable to $2.6 million
increase in panel recruitment and retention and data and bandwidth costs. In addition, we incurred
increases of approximately $1.3 million in employee salaries, benefits, and stock-based
compensation costs associated with an expanded workforce to support a larger product and customer
base during the six month ended June 30, 2009. In addition, we attribute approximately $933,000 to
increases in allocated overhead costs for the six months ended June
30, 2009.
Cost of revenues increased as a percentage of revenues during the three and six months ended
June 30, 2009 as compared to the same periods in 2008 due to the increases in costs to build and
maintain our panel to support future growth. In addition, the headcount and costs associated with
our technology staff grew at a faster rate relative to our revenue growth.
We expect cost of revenues to increase in absolute dollar amounts as we continue to grow our
business but vary as a percentage of revenues depending on whether we benefit from investments in
our panel and network infrastructure and benefit from the synergies resulting from the integration
of M:Metrics for our panel recruiting activities.
Selling and Marketing Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Selling and
marketing |
|
$ |
10,329 |
|
|
$ |
9,516 |
|
|
$ |
813 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
% |
|
$ |
20,815 |
|
|
$ |
18,461 |
|
|
$ |
2,354 |
|
|
|
12.8 |
% |
As a percentage of
revenues |
|
|
32.9 |
% |
|
|
33.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33.6 |
% |
|
|
33.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, product management, industry conferences,
promotional materials, public relations, other sales and marketing programs, and allocated
overhead. 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 individuals role. Commissions are paid to a salesperson and
are expensed as selling and marketing costs when a sales contract is executed by both the customer
and us. In the case of multi-year agreements, one year of commissions is paid initially, with the
remaining amounts paid at the beginning of the succeeding years.
Selling and marketing expenses increased by $813,000 during the three months ended June 30,
2009 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was due to a $624,000
increase in stock-based compensation as compared to the same period in 2008 prompted by our
increased use of equity compensation for our sales and marketing employees and the increased number
of personnel in these departments. In addition, we attribute $239,000 of the increase to increased
allocated overhead costs as compared to the three months ended June
30, 2008.
Selling and marketing expenses increased by $2.4 million during the six months ended June 30,
2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was prompted by a $672,000
increase in employee salaries, benefits and related costs associated with an increase in personnel
for our sales and product management departments, our expansion in foreign markets and the
additional costs related to our acquisition of M:Metrics that did not exist in the first quarter of
2008. We also incurred a $1.4 million increase in stock-based compensation as compared to the same
period in 2008 due to our increased use of equity compensation for our sales and marketing
employees and increased number of personnel in these departments. In addition, we attribute
$543,000 to an increase in allocated overhead costs as compared to
the six months ended June 30, 2008.
These increases were favorably impacted by certain cost containment programs which we
initiated in 2009.
Our selling and marketing headcount totaled 245 employees as of June 30, 2009, an increase of
19 employees as compared to June 30, 2008. Selling and marketing expenses as a percentage of
revenues for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 were consistent with the prior year
periods.
We expect selling and marketing expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts as we continue
to grow our selling and marketing efforts but to vary in future periods as a percentage of revenues
depending on whether we benefit from increased productivity in our sales force and from increased
revenues resulting in part from our ongoing marketing initiatives.
Research and Development Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Research and
development |
|
$ |
4,528 |
|
|
$ |
3,637 |
|
|
$ |
891 |
|
|
|
24.5 |
% |
|
$ |
8,533 |
|
|
$ |
6,707 |
|
|
$ |
1,826 |
|
|
|
27.2 |
% |
As a
percentage of revenues |
|
|
14.4 |
% |
|
|
12.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.8 |
% |
|
|
12.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27
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.
Research and development expenses increased by $891,000 during the three months ended June 30,
2009 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was due to a $524,000
increase in employee salaries, benefits and related costs associated with the increase in headcount
and our continued focus on developing new products during the three months ended June 30, 2009. We
also incurred a $139,000 increase in stock-based compensation due to our increased use of equity
compensation as well as our increased headcount. In addition, we incurred an increase of $170,000
in allocation of overhead costs due to the increased size of our research and
development functions. We also experienced smaller increases in our systems and maintenance costs
related to computer hardware and software.
Research and development expenses increased by $1.8 million during the six months ended June
30, 2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. The increase was due to a $1.1 million
increase in employee salaries, benefits and related costs associated with the increase in headcount
and our continued focus on developing new products during the six months ended June 30, 2009. We
also incurred a $262,000 increase in stock-based compensation due to our increased use of equity
compensation as well as our increased headcount. In addition, we incurred an increase of $315,000
in allocated overhead costs due to the increased size of our research and development
functions. We also experienced smaller increases in our systems and maintenance costs related to
computer hardware and software.
Research and development costs increased as a percentage of revenues for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 due to our investments in
research and development of new product initiatives relative to our growth in revenues.
We expect research and development expenses to increase in absolute dollar amounts as we
continue to enhance and expand our product offerings. As a result of the size of our panel and our
past investment in our technology infrastructure, we expect research and development expenses to
vary in future periods as a percentage of revenues however depending
on the extent to which we may benefit from past
investments, particularly with respect to our panel size and
composition as we expand internationally.
General and Administrative Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
General and administrative |
|
$ |
4,015 |
|
|
$ |
4,444 |
|
|
$ |
(429 |
) |
|
|
(9.7 |
)% |
|
$ |
8,522 |
|
|
$ |
8,330 |
|
|
$ |
192 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
% |
As a
percentage of revenues |
|
|
12.8 |
% |
|
|
15.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.7 |
% |
|
|
15.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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, allocated overhead, and expenses incurred for other general corporate
purposes.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $429,000 during the three months ended June
30, 2009 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2008. The decrease was due to a $390,000
reduction in employee salaries, benefits and related costs resulting from salary and benefits
cost-containment programs that became effective during 2009. In addition, bad debt expense was
$149,000 less as compared to the same period in 2008. The decreases were offset by smaller
increases in professional fees such as tax and accounting services and legal fees, and stock-based
compensation as compared to the same period in 2008.
General and administrative expenses increased by $192,000 during the six months ended June 30,
2009 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2008. This increase was due to a $366,000
increase in professional fees, a $180,000 increase in stock-based compensation, and the remaining
increase is attributable to allocated overhead costs and general office expenses. The
increase was offset by a $517,000 reduction in employee salaries, benefits and related costs
resulting from salary and benefits cost-containment programs that became effective during 2009.
General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of revenues for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2009 as compared to the same period in 2008 due to the salary and
benefits cost-containment programs that became effective during 2009 combined with increasing
revenue.
We expect general and administrative expenses to increase in absolute dollars in future
periods as we continue to incur increased costs related to increases in outside professional fees,
stock-based compensation and allocated costs such as rent.
Amortization Expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
Six Months Ended June 30, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
(In thousands) |
Amortization of
intangible assets |
|
$ |
327 |
|
|
$ |
122 |
|
|
$ |
205 |
|
|
|
168 |
% |
|
$ |
647 |
|
|
$ |
129 |
|
|
$ |
518 |
|
|
NA |
As a percentage
of revenues |
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
0.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
0.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28
Amortization expense consists of charges related to the amortization of intangible
assets associated with past acquisitions.
Amortization expense increased $205,000 and $518,000 during the three and six months ended
June 30, 2009, respectively, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2008,
respectively, due to additional amortization of intangible assets that were acquired during the
second quarter of 2008 in connection with the M:Metrics acquisition.
Absent additional acquisitions, we expect amortization expense to remain constant in the near
term, as the remaining amount of intangible assets related to previous acquisitions is amortized.
Interest Income, Net
Interest income consists of interest earned from investments, such as short and long-term
fixed income securities and auction rate securities, and our cash and cash equivalent balances.
Interest expense is incurred due to capital leases pursuant to several equipment loan and security
agreements and a line of credit that we have entered into in order to finance the lease of various
hardware and other equipment purchases. Our capital lease obligations are secured by a senior
security interest in eligible equipment.
Interest income, net, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 was $132,000 and
$307,000, respectively, as compared to $492,000 and $1.3 million for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2008, respectively. The decreases of $360,000 and $1.0 million during the three and six
months ended June 30, 2009 were due to a lower average cash balance due to the use of cash in May
2008 for the acquisition of M:Metrics and lower returns from our investments. Our cash, cash
equivalents and short- and long-term investments increased by $6.6 million to $81.4 million at June
30, 2009 as compared to June 30, 2008 due to positive operating cash flow.
We anticipate that interest income, net may decrease in future periods due to lower interest
rates earned on our investments than those available in prior years.
Gain (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 income.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, we recorded gains of $7,000 and $19,000,
respectively, as compared to losses of $87,000 and $142,000 during the three and six months ended
June 30, 2008, respectively. Our foreign currency transactions are primarily recorded as a result
of fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, Euro and
British Pound.
Provision for Income Taxes
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009 we recorded income tax provisions of $1.4
million and $2.6 million, respectively, compared to $1.5 million and $3.2 million in the same
periods of 2008, respectively. The tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2009
was attributable to current taxes of $230,000 and $157,000, respectively, and the utilization of
our U.S. deferred tax assets of $1.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, including discrete
deferred tax write-offs of $154,000 and $657,000, respectively. The tax provision for the three and
six months ended June 30, 2008 was attributable to current taxes of $139,000 and $205,000,
respectively, and the utilization of our U.S. deferred tax assets of $1.3 million and $3.0 million,
respectively, offset by a discrete release of the valuation allowance in the six months ended June
30, 2008 of $111,000 associated with a foreign entity.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2009, certain shares related to restricted
stock awards vested at times when our stock price was substantially lower than the fair value of
those shares at the time of grant. Such shortfalls reduce additional paid-in capital to the extent
windfall tax benefits have been previously recognized. However, as we have not yet realized our
windfall tax benefits because the tax benefits
have not resulted in a reduction to current taxes payable, the three and six months ended June 30,
2009 was impacted. The tax provision impact of the shortfall totaling
$177,000 and $680,000,
respectively, has been included in income tax expense for the three and six months ended June 30,
2009.
Recent 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.
29
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table summarizes our cash flows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
|
(In thousands) |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
11,459 |
|
|
$ |
24,489 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(13,952 |
) |
|
|
(51,881 |
) |
Net cash used in financing activities |
|
|
(1,441 |
) |
|
|
(761 |
) |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
(3,233 |
) |
|
$ |
(28,209 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our principal uses of cash historically have consisted of payroll and other
operating expenses and payments related to the investment in equipment primarily to support our
consumer panel and technical infrastructure required to support our customer base, and cash paid
for acquisitions. Since the beginning of 2006, we have purchased over $14.6 million in property and
equipment, exclusive of $9.7 million of property and equipment funded through landlord allowances
received in connection with our new Chicago, Reston and San Francisco office leases, made $5.1
million in principal payments on capital lease obligations, and spent $44.9 million as the cash
component of consideration paid for acquisitions.
As of June 30, 2009, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments of $74.0 million which represent remaining proceeds from our initial
public offering in July 2007 and cash generated from operating activities. As of June 30, 2009, we
held $7.4 million in long-term investments consisting of $4.5 million in other long-term fixed
income securities and $2.9 million in auction rate securities. In prior years, we invested in these
auction rate securities for short periods of time as part of our investment policy. However, the
uncertainties in the credit markets have prevented us and other investors from liquidating holdings
of auction rate securities, there have been no auctions for these securities in 2009. Accordingly,
we still hold these auction rate securities and are due interest at a higher rate than similar
securities. None of these investments are mortgage backed securities or collateralized debt
obligations. As of June 30, 2009, these investments were fully backed by investment grade bonds and
are insured against loss of principal and interest by bond insurers whose ratings were under review
and downgraded through December 31, 2008 but remained substantially unchanged during the six month
period ending June 30, 2009. These securities were valued using a discounted cash flow model that
takes into consideration the financial condition of the issuers and the bond insurers as well as
the expected date liquidity will be restored. If the credit ratings of the issuer, the bond
insurers or the collateral deteriorate further, we may further adjust the carrying value of these
investments. We are uncertain as to when the liquidity issues relating to these investments will
improve. Accordingly, we classified these securities as long-term on our consolidated balance
sheet. Based on our Companys updated valuation, no additional adjustment to recorded values was
necessary during the three and six months ended June 30, 2009.
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 $11.5 million of net cash from operating activities during the six
months ended June 30, 2009. The significant components of cash flows from operations were net
income of $1.5 million, adjusted for $8.7 million in non-cash depreciation, amortization and
stock-based compensation expenses and $271,000 in bad debt expense, and $5.0 million decrease in
accounts receivable due to increased collections activity and $2.5 million in deferred income taxes, offset by a $2.7 million decrease in amounts collected from customers in advance of when we
recognize revenues due to some of our customers changing billing frequency, $3.5 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses and $245,000
increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.
We generated approximately $24.5 million of net cash from operating activities during the six
months ended June 30, 2008. The significant components of cash flows from operations were net
income of $4.2 million, adjusted for $5.1 million in non-cash depreciation, amortization and
stock-based compensation expenses, and a $3.7 million increase in amounts collected from customers
in advance of when we recognize revenues as a result of our growing customer base, $3.0 million in
deferred income taxes, $1.1 million decrease in our accounts receivable, an unrealized loss of
$386,000 related to the write down of illiquid auction rate securities, $222,000 provision for bad
debts and sales allowances and a $7.9 million increase in deferred rent associated with landlord
leasehold improvement allowances received in connection with our new Chicago and Reston office
leases, offset by a $1.3 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
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, procure outsourced vendor assistance and
increase our international presence.
We used $14.0 million of net cash in investing activities during the six months ended June 30,
2009, a net $9.8 million of which was used to purchase investments. In addition, $4.1 million was
used to purchase property and equipment to maintain and expand our technology and infrastructure.
Of this amount, $333,000 was funded through landlord allowances received in connection with our
Seattle office lease.
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We used $51.9 million of net cash in investing activities during the six months ended June 30,
2008. We used $44.4 million, net of cash acquired, to purchase M:Metrics. In addition, $10.1
million was used to purchase property and equipment to maintain and expand our technology and
infrastructure. Of this amount, $7.8 million was funded through landlord allowances received in
connection with our Chicago and Reston office leases. We removed the restrictions associated with
certain certificates of deposit that served as collateral for letters of credit associated with
office leases, and the related $1.4 million was reclassified to cash and cash equivalents. Finally,
$1.2 million of net cash was generated by the sale or maturity of investments.
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 $1.4 million of cash during the six months ended June 30, 2009 for financing
activities. This included $1.3 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 $479,000 to make payments on our capital lease
obligations offset by $290,000 in proceeds from the exercise of our common stock options.
We used $761,000 of cash during the six months ended June 30, 2008 for financing activities.
This included $1.0 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 $441,000 to make payments on our capital lease obligations offset
by $714,000 in proceeds from the exercise of our common stock options and warrants.
We do not have any special purpose entities, and other than operating leases for office space,
described below, 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 years, we financed the purchase of some of our
computer equipment under a capital lease arrangement over a period of 36 months. Our purchase
obligations relate to outstanding orders to purchase computer equipment and are typically small;
they do not materially impact our overall liquidity.
On March 31, 2009, we renewed a $5.0 revolving line of credit with Bank of America, with an
interest rate equal to BBA LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin based upon the funded debt to
unrestricted EBITDA ratio. This line of credit includes no restrictive financial covenants and
expires March 31, 2010. We maintain letters of credit in lieu of security deposits with respect to
certain office leases. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, two letters of credit were
reduced by approximately $260,000. As of June 30, 2009, no amounts were borrowed against the line
of credit and $4.1 million of letters of credit were outstanding, leaving $860,000 available for
additional letters of credit or other borrowings. These letters of credit may be reduced
periodically provided we meet the conditional criteria of each related lease agreement. In July
2009, one letter of credit was reduced by approximately $220,000 leaving $1.1 million available for
additional letters of credit or other borrowings.
Future Capital Requirements
We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments and operating
cash flow, will be sufficient to meet our projected operating and capital expenditure requirements
for at least the next twelve months and will provide us with the financial flexibility to execute
our strategic objectives, including the ability to make acquisitions and strategic investments. Our
ability to generate cash, however, is subject to our performance, general economic conditions,
industry trends and other factors. To the extent that our existing cash, cash equivalents,
short-term investments and operating cash flow are insufficient to fund our future activities and
requirements, we may need to raise additional funds through public or private equity or debt
financing. If we issue equity securities in order to raise additional funds, substantial dilution
to existing stockholders may occur.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements (as defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K).
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Item 3. |
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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures 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. To date, most payments made under
our contracts are denominated in U.S. dollars and we have not experienced material gains or losses
as a result of transactions denominated in foreign currencies. As of June 30, 2009, our cash
reserves were maintained in bank deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, treasury bills,
treasury notes, and auction rate securities totaling $81.4 million. These securities, like all
fixed income instruments, are subject to interest rate risk and will
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decline in value if market
interest rates increase. We have the ability to hold our fixed income investments until maturity
and, therefore, we would not expect to experience any material adverse impact in income or cash
flow.
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 be immaterial at this time. As such, we do not currently engage in any transactions
that hedge foreign currency exchange rate risk. As we grow our international operations, our
exposure to foreign currency risk could become more significant.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
As of June 30, 2009, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash, cash equivalents
and short- and long-term investments of $78.5 million, excluding auction rate securities. These
amounts were invested in bank deposit account, certificates of deposit, U.S. treasury bills and
U.S. treasury notes. 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 six months ended June 30, 2009, our interest exposure during the period would have
been approximately $814,000, assuming consistent investment levels.
Auction Rate Securities
As of June 30, 2009, we held $2.9 million in long-term investments consisting of auction rate
securities. In prior years we invested in these securities for short periods of time as part of our
investment policy. However, the uncertainties in the credit markets have prevented us and other
investors from liquidating holdings of auction rate securities, there have been no auctions for
these securities in 2009. Accordingly, we still hold these long-term securities and are due
interest at a higher rate than similar securities. None of these investments are mortgage backed
securities or collateralized debt obligations. As of June 30, 2009, certain of these investments
were fully backed by bonds with ratings ranging from A- to B and were insured against loss of
principal and interest by bond insurers whose ratings range from BBB to C. However, as of June 30,
2009 and December 31, 2008 five auction rate securities with a par value of $5.1 million had failed
their most recent auction and are considered illiquid. As of December 31, 2008, we have recognized
an impairment charge of approximately $2.2 million concluding that the decline in value of these
five securities is other than temporary. These securities were valued using a discounted cash flow
model that takes into consideration the securities coupon rate, the financial condition of the
issuers and the bond insurers, the expected date liquidity will be restored, as well as an applied
illiquidity discount. As of December 31, 2008, based on the valuation models and an analysis of the
other-than-temporary impairment factors we recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $2.2 million
related to our auction rate securities. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the auction rate
securities continued to fail at auction and remain at an unrealized loss position. However, the
credit spreads and credit ratings of the issues and bond insurers were more stable during the six
month period. As of June 30, 2009, based on our updated valuation, no further adjustments to the
carrying value of these investments was necessary.
If the credit ratings of the issuer, the bond insurers or the collateral continue to
deteriorate, we may further adjust the carrying value of these investments. We are uncertain as to
when the liquidity issues relating to these investments will improve. Accordingly, we classified
these securities as long-term as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
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Item 4. |
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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 Commissions 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.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
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Item 1. |
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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.
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
Conditions and changes in the national and global economic environment may adversely affect our
business and financial results.
Adverse economic conditions in markets in which we operate can harm our business. If the
economies of the United States and other countries continue to slow, recede or experience prolonged
uncertainty, customers may delay or reduce their purchases of digital marketing intelligence
products and services. Recently, economic conditions in the countries in which we operate and sell
products have become increasingly negative, and global financial markets have experienced a severe
downturn stemming from a multitude of factors, including adverse credit conditions impacted by the
subprime-mortgage crisis, slower economic activity, concerns about inflation and deflation,
decreased consumer confidence, reduced corporate profits and capital spending, adverse business
conditions, liquidity concerns and other factors. Economic growth in the U.S. and in many other
countries slowed in the fourth quarter of 2007, remained slow throughout 2008, and is expected to
slow further or recede in 2009 in the U.S. and internationally. During challenging economic times,
and in tight credit markets, many customers have and may continue to delay or reduce spending.
Additionally, some of our customers may be unable to fully pay for purchases or may discontinue
their businesses, resulting in the incurrence of uncollectible receivables for us. This could
result in reductions in our sales, longer sales cycles, difficulties in collection of accounts
receivable, slower adoption of new technologies and increased price competition. This downturn may
also impact our available resources for financing new and existing operations. If global economic
and market conditions, or economic conditions in the United States or other key markets
deteriorate, we may experience a material and adverse impact on our business, results of operations
and financial condition.
In the first six months of 2009, our renewal rates for our subscription-based products have
remained reasonably consistent on a dollar-basis with prior recent quarters. However, we
experienced declines in project revenues and renewal rates of smaller customers in the three and
six month periods ended June 30, 2009. If this trend continues, these declines may negatively
impact our business.
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 83%, during full-year
2008 and 86% during the six months ending June 30, 2009. 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 assure 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 the
current economic downturn.
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; |
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our revenue recognition policies related to the timing of contract renewals, delivery of products and duration of
contracts and the corresponding timing of revenue recognition; |
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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 timing of costs related to the development or acquisition of technologies, services or businesses to support our
existing customer base and potential growth opportunities; |
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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;
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general economic, 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.
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 would be harmed.
We believe that the quality, size and scope of our Internet and Mobile 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
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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 would be
reduced and our financial results would be adversely affected.
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 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 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. In 2008, as we integrated our existing methodologies into the product and
services offered by M:Metrics, which we acquired in mid-2008, some customers may have become
dissatisfied and may decide not to continue purchasing their subscriptions. 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 similar customer dissatisfaction and result in loss of
customers.
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 cause errors in our data
collection and analysis systems. Any defect in our panelist data collection software, network
systems, statistical projections or other methodologies could result in:
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loss of customers; |
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damage to our brand; |
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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. |
Any material defect or error in our data collection systems could adversely affect our
reputation and operating results.
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, inaccuracies in
data or other indirect or consequential damages and defending a lawsuit, regardless of its merit,
could be costly and divert managements 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.
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Concern over spyware and privacy, including any violations of privacy laws or perceived misuse of
personal information, could cause public relations problems 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. Existing and future privacy laws and increasing sensitivity of
consumers to unauthorized disclosures and the collection or use of personal information and online
usage information may create negative public reaction related to our business practices. The U.S.
Congress and various sources media have recently expressed concern over the collection of online
usage information from cable providers and telecommunications operators to facilitate targeted
Internet advertising, and the collection of online behavioral data generally. A similar concern has
been raised by regulatory agencies in the United Kingdom. Such criticisms may have a chilling
effect on businesses that collect or use online usage information generally. Additionally, public
concern has increased recently 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, which 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 spyware and adware concerns, numerous programs are available, many of
which are available for free, that claim to identify and remove spyware and adware from users
computers. Some of these anti-spyware programs have in the past identified, and may in the future
identify, our software as spyware or as a potential spyware application. We actively seek to
prevent the inclusion of our software on lists of spyware applications or potential spyware
applications, to apply best industry practices for obtaining appropriate consent from panelists and
protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our panelist data and to comply with existing privacy
laws. However, to the extent that we are not successful, and anti-spyware programs classify our
software as spyware or as 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 or may uninstall our software. 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 and adversely affect
our ability to provide our products to our customers. Any of these effects could harm our business.
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 if a third party were to gain unauthorized access to the personally
identifiable 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.
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.
The market for digital marketing intelligence is at an early stage of development, and if it does
not develop, or develops more slowly than expected, our business will be harmed.
The market for digital marketing intelligence products is at a relatively early stage of
development, and it is uncertain whether these products will achieve high levels of demand and
increased market acceptance. Our success will depend to a substantial extent on the willingness of
companies to increase their use of such products and to continue use of such products on a
long-term basis. Factors that may affect market acceptance include:
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the reliability of digital marketing intelligence products; |
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public concern regarding privacy and data security; |
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decisions of our customers and potential customers to develop digital
marketing intelligence capabilities internally rather than purchasing
such products from third-party suppliers like us; |
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decisions by industry associations in the United States or in other
countries that result in association-directed awards, on behalf of
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members, of digital measurement contracts to one or a limited
number of competitive vendors; |
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the ability to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction; and |
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the rate of growth in eCommerce, online advertising and digital media. |
The market for our products may not develop further, or may develop more slowly than we expect
or may even contract, all of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
If the Internet advertising and eCommerce markets develop more slowly than we expect, our business
will suffer.
Our future success will depend on continued growth in the use of the Internet as an
advertising medium, a continued increase in eCommerce spending and the proliferation of the
Internet as a platform for a wide variety of consumer activities. These markets are evolving
rapidly, and it is not certain that their current growth trends will continue.
The adoption of Internet advertising, particularly by advertisers that have historically
relied on traditional offline media, requires the acceptance of new approaches to conducting
business. Advertisers may perceive Internet advertising to be less effective than traditional
advertising for marketing their products. They may also be unwilling to pay premium rates for
online advertising that is targeted at specific segments of users based on their demographic
profile or Internet behavior. The online advertising and eCommerce markets may also be adversely
affected by privacy issues relating to such targeted advertising, including that which makes use of
personalized information, or online behavioral information. Furthermore, online merchants may not
be able to establish online commerce models that are cost effective and may not learn how to
effectively compete with other Web sites or offline merchants. In addition, consumers may not
continue to shift their spending on goods and services from offline outlets to the Internet. As a
result, growth in the use of the Internet for eCommerce may not continue at a rapid rate, or the
Internet may not be adopted as a medium of commerce by a broad base of customers or companies
worldwide. Moreover, the adoption of advertising through mobile media may slow as a result of
uncertain economic conditions or other factors. Because of the foregoing factors, among others, the
market for Internet advertising and eCommerce, including commerce through mobile media, may not
continue to grow at significant rates. If these markets do not continue to develop, or if they
develop more slowly than expected, our business will suffer.
Our growth depends upon our ability to retain existing large customers and add new large customers;
however, to the extent we are not successful in doing so, our ability to maintain profitability and
positive cash flow may be impaired.
Our success depends in part on our ability to sell our products to large customers and on the
renewal of the subscriptions of those customers in subsequent years. For the year ended December
31, 2008 we derived over 30% of our total revenues from our top 10 customers. For the six months
ended June 30, 2009 we derived over 30% of our total revenues from our top 10 customers. Uncertain
economic conditions or other factors, such as the failure or consolidation of large financial
institutions, may cause certain large customers to terminate or reduce their subscriptions. The
loss of any one or more of those customers could decrease our revenues and harm our current and
future operating results. The addition of new large customers or increases in sales to existing
large customers may require particularly long implementation periods and other costs, which may
adversely affect our profitability. To compete effectively, we have in the past been, and may in
the future be, forced to offer significant discounts to maintain existing customers or acquire
other large customers. In addition, we may be forced to reduce or withdraw from our relationships
with certain existing customers or refrain from acquiring certain new customers in order to acquire
or maintain
relationships with important large customers. As a result, new large customers or increased usage
of our products by large customers may cause our profits to decline and our ability to sell our
products to other customers could be adversely affected.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from a single customer, Microsoft Corporation.
During both the year ended December 31, 2008 and the six months ended June 30, 2009, we derived
approximately 12% of our total revenues from Microsoft. If Microsoft were to cease or substantially
reduce its use of our products, our revenues and earnings might decline.
Because our long-term success depends, in part, on our ability to expand the sales of our products
to customers located outside of the United States, our business will become increasingly
susceptible to risks associated with international operations.
We have very limited experience operating in markets outside of the United States. Our
inexperience in operating our business outside of the United States may increase the risk that the
international expansion efforts we have begun to undertake will not be successful. In addition,
conducting international operations subjects us to new risks that we have not generally faced in
the United States. These risks include:
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recruitment and maintenance of a sufficiently large and representative panel both globally and in certain countries; |
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different customer needs and buying behavior than we are accustomed to in the United States; |
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difficulties and expenses associated with tailoring our products to local markets, including their translation into foreign languages; |
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difficulties in staffing and managing international operations including complex and costly termination requirements; |
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longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable; |
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potentially adverse tax consequences, including the complexities of foreign value-added
taxes and restrictions on the repatriation of earnings; |
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reduced or varied protection for intellectual property rights in some countries; |
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the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations; |
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fluctuations in currency exchange rates; |
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increased accounting and reporting burdens and complexities; and |
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political, social and economic instability abroad, terrorist attacks and security concerns. |
Additionally, operating in international markets requires significant management attention and
financial resources. We cannot be certain that the investments and additional resources required to
establish and maintain operations in other countries will hold their value or produce desired
levels of revenues or profitability. We cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain and
increase the size of the Internet user panel that we currently have in various countries or that we
will be able to recruit a representative sample for our audience measurement products. In addition,
there can be no assurance that Internet usage and eCommerce will continue to grow in international
markets. In addition, governmental authorities in various countries have different views regarding
regulatory oversight of the Internet. For example, the Chinese government has taken steps in the
past to restrict the content available to Internet users in China.
The impact of any one or more of these risks could negatively affect or delay our plans to
expand our international business and, consequently, our future operating results.
As our international operations grow, changes in foreign currencies could have an increased effect
on our operating results.
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 be immaterial at this time and do not currently engage in any transactions that hedge
foreign currency exchange rate risk. As we grow our international operations, our exposure to
foreign currency risk could become more significant.
During the first half of 2009, the value of the U.S. Dollar has appreciated against the
British Pound, the Euro, the Canadian Dollar and other local currencies of international customers.
As the U.S. Dollar appreciates relative to the local currencies of our international customers, the
cost to the customer for our products and projects correspondingly increase and could result in reductions in sales
or renewals, longer sales cycles, difficulties in collection of accounts receivable and increased
price competition, any of which could adversely affect our operating results. Likewise, as the U.S.
Dollar has appreciated, our contracts denominated in foreign currencies have resulted in reduced
revenues.
If we fail to respond to technological developments, our products may become obsolete or less
competitive.
Our future success will depend in part on our ability to modify or enhance our products to
meet customer needs, to add functionality and to address technological advancements. For example,
if certain handheld devices become the primary mode of receiving content and conducting
transactions on the Internet, and we are unable to adapt to collect information from such devices,
then we would not be able to report on online activity. To remain competitive, we will need to
develop new products that address these evolving technologies and standards. However, we may be
unsuccessful in identifying new product opportunities or in developing or marketing new products in
a timely or cost-effective manner. In addition, our product innovations may not achieve the market
penetration or price levels necessary for profitability. If we are unable to develop enhancements
to, and new features for, our existing methodologies or products or if we are unable to develop new
products that keep pace with rapid technological developments or changing industry standards, our
products may become obsolete, less marketable and less competitive, and our business will be
harmed.
The market for digital marketing intelligence is highly competitive, and if we cannot compete
effectively, our revenues will decline and our business will be harmed.
The market for digital marketing intelligence is highly competitive and is evolving rapidly.
We compete primarily with providers of digital media intelligence and related analytical products
and services. We also compete with providers of marketing services and solutions, with full-service
survey providers and with internal solutions developed by customers and potential customers. Our
principal competitors include:
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large and small companies that provide data and analysis of
consumers online behavior, including Compete Inc., Google,
Inc., Hitwise Pty. Ltd, Quantcast and Nielsen/Nielsen
Online; |
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online advertising companies that provide measurement of
online ad effectiveness, including aQuantive, Inc.,
DoubleClick Inc., ValueClick, Inc. and WPP Group plc; |
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companies that provide audience ratings for TV, radio and
other media that have extended or may extend their current
services, particularly in certain international markets, to
the measurement of digital media, including Arbitron Inc.,
Nielsen Media Research, Inc. and Taylor Nelson Sofres
(owned by WPP Group plc); |
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analytical services companies that provide customers with
detailed information of behavior on their own Web sites,
including Omniture, Inc., Visual Sciences and WebTrends
Corporation; |
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full-service market research firms and survey
providers that may measure online behavior and
attitudes, including Harris Interactive Inc., Ipsos
Group, Taylor Nelson Sofres (owned by WPP Group plc)
and The Nielsen Company; |
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companies that provide behavioral, attitudinal and
qualitative advertising effectiveness, including
Dynamic Logic, Inc., Insight Express, LLC and
Marketing Evolution Inc.; and |
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specialty information providers for certain
industries that we serve, including IMS Health
Incorporated (healthcare) and Nielsen Mobile, Inc.
(telecommunications). |
Some of our current competitors have longer operating histories, access to larger customer
bases and substantially greater resources than we do. As a result, these competitors may be able to
devote greater resources to marketing and promotional campaigns, panel retention, panel development
or development of systems and technologies than we can. In addition, some of our competitors may
adopt more aggressive pricing policies or have started to provide some services at no cost.
Furthermore, large software companies, Internet portals and database management companies may enter
our market or enhance their current offerings, either by developing competing services or by
acquiring our competitors, and could leverage their significant resources and pre-existing
relationships with our current and potential customers.
If we are unable to compete successfully against our current and future competitors, we may
not be able to retain and acquire customers, and we may consequently experience a decline in
revenues, reduced operating margins, loss of market share and diminished value from our products.
We may encounter difficulties managing our growth and costs, which could adversely affect our
results of operations.
We have experienced significant growth in recent periods. We have substantially expanded our
overall business, customer base, headcount, data collection and processing infrastructure and
operating procedures as our business has grown. We increased our total number of full time
employees to 581 employees as of December 31, 2008 from 176 employees as of December 31, 2003.
Given our slower growth under the current economic environment, we expect that we may need to
turnover or reduce certain portions of our workforce, and manage or adjust the compensation levels
of our workforce to meet our strategic objectives. Such actions may expose us to disruption by
dissatisfied employees or employee-related claims, including without limitation, claims by
terminated employees that believe they are owed more compensation than we believe these employees
are due under our compensation and benefit plans. In addition, during this same period, we made substantial
investments in our network infrastructure operations as a result of our growth and the growth of
our panel, and we have also undertaken certain strategic acquisitions. We believe that we will need
to continue to effectively manage and expand our organization, operations and facilities in order
to accommodate potential future growth or acquisitions. If we continue to grow, our current systems
and facilities may not be adequate. Our need to effectively manage our operations and cost
structure requires that we continue to assess and improve our operational, financial and management
controls, reporting systems and procedures. If we are not able to efficiently and effectively
manage our cost structure, our business may be impaired.
Failure to effectively expand our sales and marketing capabilities could harm our ability to
increase our customer base and achieve broader market acceptance of our products.
Increasing our customer base and achieving broader market acceptance of our products will
depend to a significant extent on our ability to expand our sales and marketing operations. We
expect to continue to rely on our direct sales force to obtain new customers. We may expand or
enhance our direct sales force both domestically and internationally. We believe that there is
significant competition for direct sales personnel with the sales skills and technical knowledge
that we require. Our ability to achieve significant growth in revenues in the future will depend,
in large part, on our success in recruiting, training and retaining sufficient numbers of direct
sales personnel. In general, new hires require significant training and substantial experience
before becoming productive. Our recent hires and planned hires may not become as productive as we
require, and we may be unable to hire or retain sufficient numbers of qualified individuals in the
future in the markets where we currently operate or where we seek to conduct business. Our business
will be seriously harmed if the efforts to expand our sales and marketing capabilities are not
successful or if they do not generate a sufficient increase in revenues.
If we fail to develop our brand, our business may suffer.
We believe that building and maintaining awareness of comScore and our portfolio of products
in a cost-effective manner is critical to achieving widespread acceptance of our current and future
products and is an important element in attracting new customers. We rely on our relationships with
the media and the exposure we receive from numerous citations of our data by media outlets to build
brand awareness and credibility among our customers and the marketplace. Furthermore, we believe
that brand recognition will become more important for us as competition in our market increases.
Our brands success will depend on the effectiveness of our marketing efforts and on our ability to
provide reliable and valuable products to our customers at competitive prices. Our brand marketing
activities may not yield increased revenues, and even if they do, any increased revenues may not
offset the expenses we incur in attempting to build our brand. If we fail to successfully market
our brand, we may fail to attract new customers, retain existing customers or attract media
coverage to the extent necessary to realize a sufficient return on our brand-building efforts, and
our business and results of operations could suffer.
We have a limited operating history and may not be able to achieve financial or operational
success.
We were incorporated in 1999 and introduced our first syndicated Internet audience measurement
product in 2000. Many of our other products were first introduced during the past few years.
Accordingly, we are still in the early stages of development and have only a limited operating
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history upon which our business can be evaluated. You should evaluate our likelihood of financial
and operational success in light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses, delays and difficulties
associated with an early-stage business in an evolving market, some of which may be beyond our
control, including:
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our ability to successfully manage any growth we may achieve in the future; |
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the risks associated with operating a business in international markets, including Asia and Europe; and |
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our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses, technologies or services. |
We have a history of significant net losses, may incur significant net losses in the future and may
not maintain profitability.
Although we achieved net income in the 2008 fiscal year of $25.2 million, and $1.5 million for
the six months ended June 30, 2009. We cannot assure you that we will continue to sustain or
increase profitability in the future. As of June 30, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of $54.2
million. Because a large portion of our costs are fixed, we may not be able to reduce or maintain
our expenses in response to any decrease in our revenues, which would adversely affect our
operating results. In addition, we expect operating expenses to increase as we implement certain
growth initiatives, which include, among other things, the development of new products, expansion
of our infrastructure, plans for international expansion and general and administrative expenses
associated with being a public company. If our revenues do not increase to offset these expected
increases in costs and operating expenses, our operating results would be materially and adversely
affected. You should not consider our revenue growth in recent periods as indicative of our future
performance, as our operating results for future periods are subject to numerous uncertainties.
We have limited experience with respect to our pricing model, and if the fees we charge for our
products are unacceptable to our customers, our revenues and operating results will be harmed.
We have limited experience in determining the fees for our products that our existing and
potential customers will find acceptable. The majority of our customers purchase
specifically-tailored subscription packages that are priced in the aggregate. Due to the level of
customization of such subscription packages, the pricing of contracts or individual product
components of such packages may not be readily comparable across customers or periods. Existing
and potential customers may have difficulty assessing the value of our products and services when
comparing it to competing products and services. As the market for our products matures, or as new
competitors introduce new products or services that compete with ours, we may be unable to renew
our agreements with existing customers or attract new customers with the fees we have historically
charged. As a result, it is possible that future competitive dynamics in our market as well as
global economic pressures may require us to reduce our fees, which could have an adverse effect on
our revenues, profitability and operating results.
If we are unable to sell additional products to our existing customers or attract new customers,
our revenue growth will be adversely affected.
To increase our revenues, we believe we must sell additional products to existing customers
and regularly add new customers. If our existing and prospective customers do not perceive our
products to be of sufficient value and quality, we may not be able to increase sales to existing
customers and attract new customers, and our operating results will be adversely affected.
We depend on third parties for data that is critical to our business, and our business could suffer
if we cannot continue to obtain data from these suppliers.
We rely on third-party data sources for information regarding certain offline activities of
and demographic information regarding our panelists. The availability and accuracy of these data is
important to the continuation and development of our products that link online activity to offline
purchases. If this information is not available to us at commercially reasonable terms, or is found
to be inaccurate, it could harm our reputation, business and financial performance.
System failures or delays in the operation of our computer and communications systems may harm our
business.
Our success depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and
communications systems and the third-party data centers we use. Our ability to collect and report
accurate data may be interrupted by a number of factors, including our inability to access the
Internet, the failure of our network or software systems, computer viruses, security breaches or
variability in user traffic on customer Web sites. A failure of our network or data gathering
procedures could impede the processing of data, cause the corruption or loss of data or prevent the
timely delivery of our products.
In the future, we may need to expand our network and systems at a more rapid pace than we have
in the past. Our network or systems may not be capable of meeting the demand for increased
capacity, or we may incur additional unanticipated expenses to accommodate these capacity demands.
In addition, we may lose valuable data, be unable to obtain or provide data on a timely basis or
our network may temporarily shut down if we fail to adequately expand or maintain our network
capabilities to meet future requirements. Any lapse in our ability to collect or transmit data may
decrease the value of our products and prevent us from providing the data requested by our
customers. Any disruption in our network processing or loss of Internet user data may damage our
reputation and result in the loss of customers, and our business and results of operations could be
adversely affected.
We rely on a small number of third-party service providers to host and deliver our products, and
any interruptions or delays in services from these third parties could impair the delivery of our
products and harm our business.
We host our products and serve all of our customers from two third-party data center
facilities located in Virginia and Illinois While we operate our equipment inside these facilities,
we do not control the operation of either of these facilities, and, depending on service level
requirements, we
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may not continue to operate or maintain redundant data center facilities for all
of our products or for all of our data, which could increase our vulnerability. These facilities
are vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, power loss,
telecommunications failures and similar events. They are also subject to break-ins, computer
viruses, sabotage, intentional acts of vandalism and other misconduct. A natural disaster or an act
of terrorism, a decision to close the facilities without adequate notice or other unanticipated
problems could result in lengthy interruptions in availability of our products. We may also
encounter capacity limitations at our third-party data centers. Additionally, our data center
facility agreements are of limited durations, and our data center facilities have no obligation to
renew their agreements with us on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Our agreement for our
data center facility located in Virginia expires in October 2010, if not renewed, and our agreement
for our data center facility located in Illinois expires in July 2010, if not renewed. Although we
are not substantially dependent on either data center facility because of planned redundancies, and
although we currently are able to migrate to alternative data centers, such a migration may result
in an interruption or delay in service. If we are unable to renew our agreements with the owners of
the facilities on commercially reasonable terms, or if we migrate to a new data center, we may
experience delays in delivering our products until an agreement with another data center facility
can be arranged or the migration to a new facility is completed.
Further, we depend on access to the Internet through third-party bandwidth providers to
operate our business. If we lose the services of one or more of our bandwidth providers for any
reason, we could experience disruption in the delivery of our products or be required to retain the
services of a replacement bandwidth provider. It may be difficult for us to replace any lost
bandwidth on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, due to the large amount of bandwidth our
operations require.
Our operations also rely heavily on the availability of electrical power and cooling capacity,
which are also supplied by third-party providers. If we or the third-party data center operators
that we use to deliver our products were to experience a major power outage or if the cost of
electrical power increases significantly, our operations and profitability would be harmed. If we
or the third-party data centers that we use were to experience a major power outage, we would have
to rely on back-up generators, which may not function properly, and their supply may be inadequate.
Such a power outage could result in the disruption of our business. Additionally, if our current
facilities fail to have sufficient cooling capacity or availability of electrical power, we would
need to find alternative facilities.
Any errors, defects, disruptions or other performance problems with our products caused by
third parties could harm our reputation and may damage our business. Interruptions in the
availability of our products may reduce our revenues due to increased turnaround time to complete
projects, cause us to issue credits to customers, cause customers to terminate their subscription
and project agreements or adversely affect our renewal rates. Our business would be harmed if our
customers or potential customers believe our products are unreliable.
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. While we have filed a number of
patent applications and own three issued patents, 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.
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. 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.
One of our competitors has filed patent infringement lawsuits against others, demonstrating
this partys propensity for patent litigation. It is possible that this third party, or some other
third party, may bring an action against us, and thus cause us to incur the substantial costs and
risks of
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litigation. Any intellectual property rights claim against us or our customers, with or
without merit, could be time-consuming and expensive to litigate or settle and could divert
management resources and attention. An adverse determination also could prevent us from offering
our products to our customers and may require that we procure or develop substitute products that
do not infringe on other parties rights.
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 partys 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.
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. 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 managements 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.
Laws related to the regulation of the Internet could adversely affect our business.
Laws and regulations that apply to communications and commerce over the Internet are becoming
more prevalent. In particular, the growth and development of the market for eCommerce has prompted
calls for more stringent tax, consumer protection and privacy laws in the United States and abroad
that may impose additional burdens on companies conducting business online. The adoption,
modification or interpretation of laws or regulations relating to the Internet or our customers
digital operations could negatively affect the businesses of our customers and reduce their demand
for our products. 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.
If we fail to respond to evolving industry standards, our products may become obsolete or less
competitive.
The market for our products is characterized by rapid technological advances, changes in
customer requirements, changes in protocols and evolving industry standards. For example, industry
associations such as the Advertising Research Foundation, the Council of American Survey Research
Organizations, the Internet Advertising Bureau, or IAB, and the Media Ratings Council have
independently initiated efforts to either review online market research methodologies or to develop
minimum standards for online market research. On April 19, 2007, we received a letter from the IAB,
citing discrepancies between our audience measurement data, those of our competitors and those
provided by the server logs of IABs member organizations. In its letter, the IAB asked us to
submit to an independent audit and accreditation process of our audience measurement systems and
processes. In September 2007, we began a full audit to obtain accreditation by the Media Ratings
Council. Any standards adopted by the IAB or similar organizations may lead to costly changes to
our procedures and methodologies. As a result, the cost of developing our digital marketing
intelligence products could increase. If we do not adhere to standards prescribed by the IAB or
other industry associations, our customers could choose to purchase products from competing
companies that meet such standards. Furthermore, industry associations based in countries outside
of the United States often endorse certain vendors or methodologies. If our methodologies fail to
receive an endorsement from an important industry association located in a foreign country,
advertising agencies, media companies and advertisers in that country may not purchase our
products. As a result, our efforts to further expand internationally could be adversely affected.
The success of our business depends on the continued growth of the Internet as a medium for
commerce, content, advertising and communications.
Expansion in the sales of our products depends on the continued acceptance of the Internet as
a platform for commerce, content, advertising and communications. The use of the Internet as a
medium for commerce, content, advertising and communications could be adversely impacted
42
by delays
in the development or adoption of new standards and protocols to handle increased demands of
Internet activity, security, reliability, cost, ease-of-use, accessibility and quality-of-service.
The performance of the Internet and its acceptance as a medium for commerce, content commerce,
content, advertising and communications has been harmed by viruses, worms, and similar malicious
programs, and the Internet has experienced a variety of outages and other delays as a result of
damage to portions of its infrastructure. If for any reason the Internet does not remain a medium
for widespread commerce, content, advertising and communications, the demand for our products would
be significantly reduced, which would harm our business.
We rely on our management team and need additional personnel to grow our business, and the loss of
one or more key employees or the inability to attract and retain qualified personnel could harm our
business.
Our success and future growth depends to a significant degree on the skills and continued
services of our management team, including our founders, Magid M. Abraham, Ph.D. and Gian M.
Fulgoni. Our future success also depends on our ability to retain, attract and motivate highly
skilled technical, managerial, marketing and customer service personnel, including members of our
management team. All of our employees work for us on an at-will basis. We plan to hire additional
personnel in all areas of our business, particularly for our sales, marketing and technology
development areas, both domestically and internationally, which will likely increase our recruiting
and hiring costs. Competition for these types of personnel is intense, particularly in the Internet
and software industries. In addition, our recent actions to adjust compensation in favor of equity
incentive compensation over cash compensation in order to better align employee interests with
shareholder interest may negatively impact our ability to attract and retain important personnel.
As a result, we may be unable to successfully attract or retain qualified personnel. Our inability
to retain and attract the necessary personnel could adversely affect our business.
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 managements
attention.
In mid-2008, we closed our acquisition of M:Metrics and have integrated this business into our
own. 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 company. 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 which 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; |
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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; 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.
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. Also, the anticipated benefit of many of
our acquisitions may not materialize.
Changes and instability in the national and global political environments may adversely affect our
business and financial results.
Recent turmoil in the political environment in many parts of the world, including terrorist
activities and military actions, the continuing tension in and surrounding North Korea,
Afghanistan, Iraq and the Middle East and increases in energy costs due to instability in
oil-producing regions may continue to put pressure on global economic conditions. If global
economic and market conditions, or economic conditions in the United States or other key markets
deteriorate, we may experience material impacts on our business, operating results, and financial
condition.
43
Changes in, or interpretations of, accounting rules and regulations, including recent rules and
regulations regarding expensing of stock options, could result in unfavorable accounting charges or
cause us to change our compensation policies.
Accounting methods and policies, including policies governing revenue recognition, expenses
and accounting for stock options are continually subject to review, interpretation, and guidance
from relevant accounting authorities, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB,
and the SEC. Changes to, or interpretations of, accounting methods or policies in the future may
require us to reclassify, restate or otherwise change or revise our financial statements, including
those contained in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Investors could lose confidence in our financial reports, and our business and stock price may be
adversely affected, if our internal control over financial reporting is found by management or by
our independent registered public accounting firm to not be adequate or if we disclose significant
existing or potential deficiencies or material weaknesses in those controls.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to include a report on our internal
control over financial reporting in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. That report includes
managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of
the end of the fiscal year. Additionally, our independent registered public
accounting firm is required to issue a report on their evaluation of the operating effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting.
We continue to evaluate our existing internal controls against the standards adopted by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB. During the course of our ongoing evaluation of
our internal controls, we have in the past identified, and may in the future identify, areas
requiring improvement, and may have to design enhanced processes and controls to address issues
identified through this review. Remedying any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses that
we or our independent registered public accounting firm may identify could require us to incur
significant costs and expend significant time and management resources. We cannot assure you that
any of the measures we may implement to remedy any such deficiencies will effectively mitigate or
remedy such deficiencies. Further, if we are not able to complete the assessment under Section 404
in a timely manner or to remedy any identified material weaknesses, we and our independent
registered public accounting firm would be unable to conclude that our internal control over
financial reporting is effective at the required reporting deadlines. If our internal control over
financial reporting is found by management or by our independent registered public accountant to
not be adequate or if we disclose significant existing or potential deficiencies or material
weaknesses in those controls, investors could lose confidence in our financial reports, we could be
subject to sanctions or investigations by The NASDAQ Global Market, the Securities and Exchange
Commission or other regulatory authorities and our stock price could be adversely affected.
A determination that there is a significant deficiency or material weakness in the
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could also reduce our ability to
obtain financing or could increase the cost of any financing we obtain and require additional
expenditures to comply with applicable requirements.
Our net operating loss carryforwards may expire unutilized or underutilized, which could prevent us
from offsetting future taxable income.
We have experienced changes in control that have triggered the limitations of Section 382 of
the Internal Revenue Code on our net operating loss carryforwards. As a result, we may be limited
in the portion of net operating loss carryforwards that we can use in the future to offset taxable
income for U.S. Federal income tax purposes.
As of June 30, 2009, we estimate our federal and state net operating loss carryforwards for tax
purposes are approximately $66.2 million and $32.1 million, respectively. These net operating loss
carryforwards will begin to expire in 2022 for federal income tax reporting purposes and in 2014
for state income tax reporting purposes.
In addition, at June 30, 2009 we estimate our aggregate net operating loss carryforwards for tax
purposes related to our foreign subsidiaries is $11.2 million, which will begin to expire in 2014.
We periodically assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets,
principally net operating loss carryforwards. We consider all available evidence, both positive and
negative, including historical levels of income, expectations and risks associated with estimates
of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As a result of
this analysis of all available evidence, both positive and negative, we reduced the valuation
allowance against a substantial portion of our U.S. deferred tax assets and certain foreign
deferred tax assets and recognized an income tax benefit during the year ended December 31, 2008 of
$20.4 million.
As of June 30, 2009, we had a valuation allowance of $3.0 million against certain deferred tax
assets. The valuation allowance relates to the acquired deferred tax assets of the M:Metrics UK
subsidiary and the deferred tax asset related to the unrealized impairment on the marketable
securities in the U.S. Depending on our actual results in the future, there may be sufficient
positive evidence to support the conclusion that all or a portion of our remaining valuation
allowance should be further reduced. To the extent we determine that all or a portion of our
valuation allowance is no longer necessary, we expect to recognize an income tax benefit in the
period such determination is made for the reversal of the valuation allowance. If we determine
that, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion, or
all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we may recognize an income tax provision in
that period. These events could have a material impact on our reported results of operations.
During 2009, we expect to utilize a portion of our deferred tax assets related to our net operating loss carry
forwards to partially offset current cash taxes payable. If we are unable to utilize these deferred tax assets,
significant cash payments for income taxes could impact our financial condition and results of operations. The
overall 2009 effective tax rate may be materially impacted, and our after-tax net income could decrease, as a result
of discrete charges to income tax expense such as certain stock compensation shortfalls, changes in tax law, changes
in our assessment regarding uncertain tax positions or changes in our judgment related to our ability to utilize net
deferred tax assets.
We may require additional capital to support business growth, and this capital may not be available
on acceptable terms or at all.
44
We intend to continue to make investments to support our business growth and may require
additional funds to respond to business challenges, including the need to develop new products or
enhance our existing products, enhance our operating infrastructure and acquire complementary
businesses and technologies.
Accordingly, we may need to engage in equity or debt financings to secure additional funds. If
we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our
existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue
could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our common stock. Any
debt financing secured by us in the future could include restrictive covenants relating to our
capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more
difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including
potential acquisitions. In addition, we may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms
favorable to us or at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms
satisfactory to us when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and
to respond to business challenges could be significantly limited. In addition, the terms of any
additional equity or debt issuances may adversely affect the value and price of our common stock.
Due to the prevailing global economic conditions that largely began in 2008, many businesses
do not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms. In addition, as a result of this
global credit market crisis, conditions for acquisition activities have become very difficult as
tight global credit conditions have adversely affected the ability of potential buyers to finance
acquisitions. Although these conditions have not immediately affected our current plans, these
adverse conditions are not likely to improve significantly in the near future and could have a
negative impact on our ability to execute on future strategic activities.
We face the risk of a decrease in our cash balances and losses in our investment portfolio.
We hold a large balance of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. The ability to
achieve our investment objectives is affected by many factors, some of which are beyond our
control. We rely on third-party money managers to manage the majority of our investment portfolio
in a risk-controlled framework. Our cash is invested in high-quality fixed-income securities and is
affected by changes in interest rates. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors,
including governmental monetary policies and domestic and international economic and political
conditions.
The outlook for our investment income is dependent on the future direction of interest rates
and the amount of cash flows from operations that are available for investment. Any significant
decline in our investment income or the value of our investments as a result of falling interest
rates, deterioration in the credit of the securities in which we have invested, decreased liquidity
in the market for these investments, or general market conditions, could have an adverse effect on
our net income and cash position.
Our investment strategy attempts to manage interest rate risk and limit credit risk. By
policy, we only invest in what we view as very high quality debt securities, and our largest
holdings are short-term U.S. Government securities. We do not hold any sub-prime mortgages or
structured investment vehicles. We do not invest in below investment-grade securities.
Our investments in auction rate securities are subject to risks which may cause losses and affect
the liquidity of these investments.
As of June 30, 2009, our principal sources of liquidity consisted of cash, cash equivalents
and short-term investments of $74.0 million. As of June 30, 2009 we held $7.4 in long-term
investments consisting of $4.5 million in other long-term fixed income securities and $2.9 million
in auction rate securities, with a par value of $5.1 million. As of December 31, 2008 we held $3.5
million in long-term investments consisting of $2.9 million in auction rate securities, with a par
value of $5.1 million, and $636,000 in other long-term fixed income securities. In prior years we
invested in auction rate securities. Auctions for some of these auction rate securities have
failed, and there is no assurance that auctions on the remaining auction rate securities in our
investment portfolio will succeed in the future. An auction failure means that the parties wishing
to sell their securities could not do so. As a result, our ability to liquidate and fully recover
the carrying value of our auction rate securities in the near term may be limited or not exist.
These developments have resulted in the classification of all of these securities as long-term
investments in our consolidated financial statements.
The uncertainties in the credit markets have prevented us and other investors from liquidating
holdings of auction rate securities, there have been no auctions for these securities in 2009.
Accordingly, we still hold these long-term securities and are due interest at a higher rate than
similar securities. None of these investments are mortgage backed securities or collateralized debt
obligations. As of December 31, 2008, certain of these investments were fully backed by bonds with
ratings ranging from A- to B and were insured against loss of principal and interest by bond
insurers whose ratings range from BBB to C. However, as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008,
five auction rate securities with a par value of $5.1 million had failed their most recent auction
and are considered illiquid. As of December 31, 2008, we have recognized an impairment charge of
approximately $2.2 million assuming that the decline in value of these five securities is other
than temporary. These securities were valued using a discounted cash flow model that takes into
consideration, the securities coupon rate, the financial condition of the issuers and the bond
insurers, the expected date liquidity will be restored, as well as an applied illiquidity discount.
Based on the valuation models and an analysis of other-than-temporary impairment factors, we
concluded during the year ended December 31, 2008 that our investments in auction rate securities
have experienced an other-than-temporary decline in fair value. If the credit ratings of the
issuer, the bond insurers or the collateral deteriorate further, we may further adjust the carrying
value of these investments. During the six months ended June 30, 2009, based on our updated
valuation, no further adjustments to the carrying value of these investments was necessary. We are
uncertain as to when the liquidity issues relating to these investments will improve. Accordingly,
we classified these securities as long-term as of June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. If the
issuers of these auction rate securities are unable to successfully close future auctions and their
credit ratings continue to deteriorate, we may in the future be required to record further
impairment charges on these investments. We may be required to wait until market stability is
restored for these instruments or until the final maturity of the underlying notes (up to 30 years)
to recover our investment.
45
Risks Related to the Securities Market and Ownership of our Common Stock
We cannot assure you that a market will continue to develop or exist for our common stock or what
the market price of our common stock will be.
Prior to our initial public offering, which was completed on July 2, 2007, there was no public
trading market for our common stock, and we cannot assure you that one will continue to develop or
be sustained. If a market does not continue to develop or is not sustained, it may be difficult for
you to sell your shares of common stock at an attractive price or at all. We cannot predict the
prices at which our common stock will trade.
The trading price of our common stock may be subject to significant fluctuations and volatility,
and our new stockholders may be unable to resell their shares at a profit.
The stock markets, in general, and the markets for technology stocks in particular, have
experienced high levels of volatility. The market for technology stocks has been extremely volatile
and frequently reaches levels that bear no relationship to the past or present operating
performance of those companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading
price of our common stock. In addition, the trading price of our common stock has been subject to
significant fluctuations and may continue to fluctuate or decline.
The price of our common stock in the market may be higher or lower than the price you pay,
depending on many factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be related to our
operating performance. It is possible that, in future quarters, our operating results may be below
the expectations of analysts or investors. As a result of these and other factors, the price of our
common stock may decline, possibly materially. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or
part of your investment in our common stock. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading
price of our common stock include the following:
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price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time; |
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volatility in the market price and trading volume of technology companies and of companies in our industry; |
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actual or anticipated changes or fluctuations in our operating results; |
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actual or anticipated changes in expectations regarding our performance by investors or securities analysts; |
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the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock after this offering or changes in financial estimates by analysts; |
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actual or anticipated developments in our competitors businesses or the competitive landscape; |
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actual or perceived inaccuracies in, or dissatisfaction with, information we provide to our customers or the media; |
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litigation involving us, our industry or both; |
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regulatory developments; |
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privacy and security concerns, including public perception of our practices as an invasion of privacy; |
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general economic conditions and trends; |
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major catastrophic events; |
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sales of large blocks of our stock; |
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the timing and success of new product introductions or upgrades by us or our competitors; |
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changes in our pricing policies or payment terms or those of our competitors; |
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concerns relating to the security of our network and systems; |
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our ability to expand our operations, domestically and internationally, and the amount and timing of expenditures related to
this expansion; or |
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departures of key personnel. |
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a companys securities,
securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If our stock price
is volatile, we may become the target of securities litigation, which could result in substantial
costs and
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divert our managements attention and resources from our business. In addition,
volatility, lack of positive performance in our stock price or changes to our overall compensation
program, including our equity incentive program, may adversely affect our ability to retain key
employees.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or if they
issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume
could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that
industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. If any of the analysts who cover
us issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding our stock, our stock price would likely
decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports
on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our
stock price or trading volume to decline.
Future sales of shares by existing stockholders could cause our stock price to decline.
If our existing stockholders sell, or indicate an intention to sell, substantial amounts of
our common stock in the public market, the trading price of our common stock could decline. These
sales could also make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the
future at a time and price that we deem appropriate.
Insiders have substantial control over the outstanding shares of our common stock, which could
limit your ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including a change of control.
Our directors, executive officers and each of our stockholders who own greater than 5% of our
outstanding common stock and their affiliates, in the aggregate, together beneficially own a
substantial amount of the outstanding shares of our common stock. As a result, these stockholders,
if acting together, may be able to influence or control matters requiring approval by our
stockholders, including the election of directors and the approval of mergers, acquisitions or
other extraordinary transactions. They may have interests that differ from yours and may vote in a
way with which you disagree and which may be adverse to your interests. This concentration of
ownership may have the effect of delaying, preventing or deterring a change of control of our
company, could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their common
stock as part of a sale of our company and might affect the market price of our common stock.
We have incurred and will continue to incur increased costs and demands upon management as a result
of complying with the laws and regulations affecting a public company, which could adversely affect
our operating results.
As a public company, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting
and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002, as well as rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission and The NASDAQ
Stock Market, requires certain corporate governance practices for public companies. Our management
and other personnel devote a substantial amount of time to public reporting requirements and
corporate governance. These rules and regulations have significantly increased our legal and
financial compliance costs and made some activities more time-consuming and costly. We also have
incurred additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. If these costs
do not continue to be offset by increased revenues and improved financial performance, our
operating results would be adversely affected. These rules and regulations also make it more
difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may
be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to
obtain the same or similar coverage if these costs continue to rise. As a result, it may be more
difficult for us to attract and retain qualified people to serve on our board of directors or as
executive officers.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and under Delaware law might discourage,
delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, therefore,
depress the trading price of our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that could depress the trading
price of our common stock by acting to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our
company or changes in our management that the stockholders of our company may deem advantageous.
These provisions:
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provide for a classified board of directors so that not all members of our board of directors are elected at one time; |
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authorize blank check preferred stock that our board of directors could issue to increase the number of outstanding shares to discourage a takeover attempt; |
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prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which means that all stockholder actions must be taken at a meeting
of our stockholders; |
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prohibit stockholders from calling a special meeting of our stockholders; |
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provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws; and |
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provide for advance notice requirements for nominations for elections to our board of directors or for proposing
matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings. |
Additionally, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which
prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations
with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the
stockholder became an interested stockholder and which may discourage, delay or prevent a change
of control of our company.
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Item 2. |
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Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
(a) Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities during the Three Months Ended June 30, 2009
None.
(b) Use of Proceeds from Sale of Registered Equity Securities
On June 26, 2007, our Registration Statements on Form S-1, as amended (Reg. Nos. 333-131740
and 333-144071) were declared effective in connection with the initial public offering of our
common stock, pursuant to which we registered an aggregate of 6,095,000 shares of our common stock,
of which we sold 5,000,000 shares and certain selling stockholders sold 1,095,000 shares, including
the underwriters over-allotment, at a price to the public of $16.50 per share. We received net
proceeds of approximately $73.1 million after deducting discounts, commissions and related costs as
well as the net proceeds received by selling stockholders from the gross proceeds.
The principal purposes of the offering were to create a public market for our common stock and
to facilitate our future access to the public equity markets, as well as to obtain additional
capital. Except as discussed below, we currently have no specific plans for the use of a
significant portion of the net proceeds of the offering. However, we anticipate that we will use
the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, which may include working
capital, capital expenditures, other corporate expenses and acquisitions of complementary products,
technologies or businesses. We used approximately $10.8 million of the net proceeds for capital
expenditures related to computer hardware and equipment as well as office improvements. We used
$44.5 million for the acquisition of M:Metrics, Inc. We currently have no agreements or commitments
with respect to acquisitions of complementary products, technologies or businesses. The timing and
amount of our actual expenditures will be based on many factors, including cash flows from
operations and the anticipated growth of our business.
Pending the uses described above, we intend to invest the net proceeds in a variety of
short-term, interest-bearing, investment grade securities. There has been no material change in the
planned use of proceeds from our initial public offering from that described in the final
prospectus filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) on June 28, 2007.
(c) Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
During the three months ended June 30, 2009, we repurchased the following shares of common
stock in connection with certain restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards issued under our
Equity Incentive Plans:
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Maximum |
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Number (or |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Approximate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
Dollar |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Value) of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares (or |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units) |
|
(or Units) that |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchased as |
|
May |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part |
|
Yet Be |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Publicly |
|
Purchased |
|
|
Total Number of |
|
Average Price |
|
Announced |
|
Under the |
|
|
Shares (or Units) |
|
Per |
|
Plans of |
|
Plans or |
|
|
Purchased(1) |
|
Share (or Unit) |
|
Programs |
|
Programs |
April 1 April 30, 2009 |
|
|
8,704 |
|
|
$ |
5.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May 1 May 31, 2009 |
|
|
69,863 |
|
|
$ |
0.42 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 1 June 30, 2009 |
|
|
13,237 |
|
|
$ |
7.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
91,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The shares included in the table above were repurchased either in
connection with (i) our exercise of the repurchase right afforded
to us in connection with certain employee restricted stock awards
or (ii) the forfeiture of shares by an employee as payment of the
minimum statutory withholding taxes due upon the vesting of
certain employee restricted stock and restricted stock unit
awards. A detailed breakout of each category follows below. |
For the three months ended June 30, 2009, the shares repurchased in connection with our
exercise of the repurchase right afforded to us upon the cessation of employment consisted of the
following:
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of |
|
Average Price |
|
|
Shares Purchased |
|
Per Share |
April 1 April 30, 2009 |
|
|
5,135 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
May 1 May 31, 2009 |
|
|
67,324 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
June 1 June 30, 2009 |
|
|
5,569 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
78,028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The shares we repurchased in connection with the payment of minimum statutory
withholding taxes due upon the vesting of certain restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards
were repurchased at the then current fair market value of the shares. For the three months ended
June 30, 2009, these shares consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of |
|
Average Price |
|
|
Shares Purchased |
|
Per Share |
April 1 April 30, 2009 |
|
|
3,569 |
|
|
$ |
13.23 |
|
May 1 May 31, 2009 |
|
|
2,539 |
|
|
$ |
11.65 |
|
June 1 June 30, 2009 |
|
|
7,668 |
|
|
$ |
13.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
13,776 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item 3. |
|
Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None
|
|
|
Item 4. |
|
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
None
|
|
|
Item 5. |
|
Other Information |
None
The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index attached hereto are filed or incorporated by
reference (as stated therein) as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
49
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
comScore, Inc.
|
|
|
/s/ Kenneth J. Tarpey
|
|
|
Kenneth J. Tarpey |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) |
|
|
Date: August 10, 2009
50
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
3.1(1)
|
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (Exhibit 3.3) |
|
|
|
3.2(1)
|
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (Exhibit 3.4) |
|
|
|
10.1(2)
|
|
Letter Agreement with Kenneth J. Tarpey, dated April 1, 2009 (Exhibit 10.1) |
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Letter Agreement with John M. Green, dated May 20, 2009 |
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
2007 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated July 29, 2009 |
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a 14(a) and Rule
15d 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a 14(a) and Rule
15d 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as
adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Registrants
Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, dated June 26,
2007 (No. 333-141740). The number given in parenthesis indicates
the corresponding exhibit number in such Form S-1. |
|
(2) |
|
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit to the Registrants
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 20, 2009 (File No.
000-1158172). The number given in parentheses indicates the
corresponding exhibit number in such Form 10-K. |
51
exv10w2
Exhibit 10.2
May 20, 2009
Mr. John Green
4101 Fordham Road, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Dear John:
This offer letter sets forth the terms of your employment in connection with your transition from
Chief Financial Officer to Executive Vice President, Human Capital, which took effect as of April
20, 2009. We are confident that you will continue to play a key role in comScores continued
success while helping us remain a leader in the provision of innovative and valuable marketing
solutions.
You will continue working from comScores offices located in Reston, VA.
Effective as of May 15, 2009, your base salary will be $10,000 Semi-Monthly (equivalent to an
annual salary of $240,000.00), payable in accordance with comScores standard payroll practice and
subject to applicable payroll deductions and withholdings. Consistent with other senior comScore
management, this amount will be reduced by 7.5% effective on May 15, 2009, and will continue
indefinitely until the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee) provides
otherwise. The Committee expects to make a one-time stock grant of 1,645 shares to help set-off
the reduction in base salary (the One-Time Restricted Stock Award). The grant shall vest in
equal yearly installments over four (4) years, beginning on May 18, 2010. In the event your
employment with comScore ends before your One-Time Restricted Stock Award Transition Restricted
Stock Award is fully vested, you will forfeit the unvested portion as of the date of your
separation. The One-Time Restricted Stock Award will be governed by the comScore, Inc. 2007 Equity
Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) and related award agreement.
In connection with the execution of this offer letter, you and comScore are entering into
amendments to certain of your outstanding stock option and restricted stock awards. In addition,
Committee has approved the award of 10,000 restricted shares of comScores common stock (the
Transition Restricted Stock Award). The Transition Restricted Stock Award shall vest in equal
yearly installments over four (4) years, beginning on May 18, 2010. In the event your employment
with comScore ends before your Transition Restricted Stock Award is fully vested, you will forfeit
the unvested portion as of the date of your separation. The Transition Restricted Stock Award will
be governed by the 2007 Plan and related award agreement.
In addition, subject to approval by the Committee, during the Committee meeting at which the
approval of discretionary performance-based equity incentive awards for calendar year 2009 is
scheduled to take place, you will be eligible for an award of restricted shares of comScores
Mr. John Green
May 20, 2009
Page | 2
common stock (the Performance Restricted Stock Award) with the value of up to 75% of the actual
earned salary you earned during 2009 in the position of Executive Vice President, Human Capital,
after giving effect to the 7.5% reduction. The Performance Restricted Stock Award shall vest in
equal yearly installments over three (3) years, with the initial 25% tranche vesting on the date
your equity incentive award is approved by the Committee. In the event your employment with
comScore ends before your Performance Restricted Stock Award is fully vested, you will forfeit the
unvested portion as of the date of your separation. The Performance Restricted Stock Award will be
subject to the applicable comScore bonus plan, the 2007 Plan, and related award agreement.
During your employment, you will continue to be eligible to participate in comScores standard
benefits such as medical insurance, life insurance, sick leave, 401k and paid time off consistent
with any eligibility requirements and standard company policy. comScores current vacation policy
provides three (3) weeks paid vacation per year, earned on an accrual basis. The accompanying
benefits brochure provides additional benefits information. Detailed benefits information is
provided in the comScore Employee Guide and in Summary Plan Descriptions, which we previously have
provided to you.
As a comScore employee, you will be expected to abide by comScores rules and policies and by
signing this offer letter you reaffirm that you previously have read and will continue to abide by
the comScore Employee Guide. In addition, you will continue to be bound by and comply with the
Employment, Invention Assignment and Non-Disclosure Agreement that you executed in connection with
your initial employment with comScore, which, among other things, prohibits unauthorized use or
disclosure of comScores proprietary information. Please keep in mind that your employment will
continue to be at-will, which simply means that either you or comScore may terminate the
relationship at any time for any reason, with or without cause.
By signing below, you acknowledge that you have apprised comScore of any and all contractual
obligations that you may have that would prevent you from working at comScore, or limit your
activities with comScore, including but not limited to any non-competition obligations to past
employers.
The terms described in this letter will be the terms of your employment and supersede any other
agreements or promises made to you by anyone from comScore regarding these terms, including any
offer letter you may have entered into as Chief Financial Officer, except that your previous awards
of stock options and restricted will continue to be governed by their terms, as they may have been
amended by the amendments you are entering concurrently with this offer letter. This letter can
only be modified by a written agreement signed by you and an authorized official of comScore.
Please return a signed copy of this letter to me as soon as possible.
We are
very excited about your continuing role with comScore. We hope that you will continue to
help us in making comScore all it can be, to the lasting credit and economic benefit of us all.
Mr. John
Green
May 20, 2009
Page | 3
Best Regards,
/s/ Christiana L. Lin
Christiana L. Lin
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
In response to this offer of employment please sign one only.
|
|
|
/s/ John
M. Green
|
|
I accept the offer of employment. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I do not accept the offer of employment. |
exv10w3
Exhibit 10.3
COMSCORE, INC.
2007 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(As amended and restated July 29, 2009)
1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Plan are:
|
|
|
to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of
substantial responsibility, |
|
|
|
|
to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and |
|
|
|
|
to promote the success of the Companys business. |
The Plan permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Nonstatutory Stock Options, Restricted
Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Units and Performance Shares.
2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions will apply:
(a) Administrator means the Board or any of its Committees as will be administering
the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan.
(b) Applicable Laws means the requirements relating to the administration of
equity-based awards under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the
Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the
applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Awards are, or will be, granted under
the Plan.
(c) Award means, individually or collectively, a grant under the Plan of Options,
Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or
Performance Shares.
(d) Award Agreement means the written or electronic agreement setting forth the
terms and provisions applicable to each Award granted under the Plan. The Award Agreement is
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(e) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(f) Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act)
becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of securities of the Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total
voting power represented by the Companys then outstanding voting securities;
-1-
(ii) The consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of
the Companys assets;
(iii) A change in the composition of the Board occurring within a two (2)-year period, as a
result of which fewer than a majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. Incumbent
Directors means directors who either (A) are Directors as of the effective date of the Plan, or
(B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board with the affirmative votes of at least a
majority of the Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but will not
include an individual whose election or nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened
proxy contest relating to the election of directors to the Company); or
(iv) The consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation,
other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or
by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty
percent (50%) of the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such
surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation.
(g) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a
section of the Code herein will be a reference to any successor or amended section of the Code.
(h) Committee means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying
Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 hereof.
(i) Common Stock means the common stock of the Company.
(j) Company means comScore, Inc., a Delaware corporation, or any successor thereto.
(k) Consultant means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a
Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity.
(l) Director means a member of the Board.
(m) Disability means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3)
of the Code, provided that in the case of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, the
Administrator in its discretion may determine whether a permanent and total disability exists in
accordance with uniform and non-discriminatory standards adopted by the Administrator from time to
time.
(n) Employee means any person, including Officers and Directors, employed by the
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a
directors fee by the Company will be sufficient to constitute employment by the Company.
(o) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
-2-
(p) Exchange Program means a program under which (i) outstanding Awards are
surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Awards of the same type (which may have higher or lower
exercise prices and different terms), Awards of a different type, and/or cash, (ii) Participants
would have the opportunity to transfer any outstanding Awards to a financial institution or other
person or entity selected by the Administrator, and/or (iii) the exercise price of an outstanding
Award is reduced. The Administrator will determine the terms and conditions of any Exchange
Program in its sole discretion.
(q) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as
follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market
system, including without limitation the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the Nasdaq Global Market or
the Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value will be the closing
sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such
exchange or system on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such
other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling
prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share will be the mean between the high bid and
low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street
Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(iii) For purposes of any Awards granted on the Registration Date, the Fair Market Value will
be the initial price to the public as set forth in the final prospectus included within the
registration statement in Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the
initial public offering of the Companys Common Stock; or
(iv) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value will
be determined in good faith by the Administrator.
(r) Fiscal Year means the fiscal year of the Company.
(s) Incentive Stock Option means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock
option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(t) Inside Director means a Director who is an Employee.
(u) Nonstatutory Stock Option means an Option that by its terms does not qualify or
is not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(v) Officer means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of
Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
(w) Option means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(x) Outside Director means a Director who is not an Employee.
-3-
(y) Parent means a parent corporation, whether now or hereafter existing, as
defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(z) Participant means the holder of an outstanding Award.
(aa) Performance Share means an Award denominated in Shares which may be earned in
whole or in part upon attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the
Administrator may determine pursuant to Section 10.
(bb) Performance Unit means an Award which may be earned in whole or in part upon
attainment of performance goals or other vesting criteria as the Administrator may determine and
which may be settled for cash, Shares or other securities or a combination of the foregoing
pursuant to Section 10.
(cc) Period of Restriction means the period during which the transfer of Shares of
Restricted Stock are subject to restrictions and therefore, the Shares are subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture. Such restrictions may be based on the passage of time, the achievement of
target levels of performance, or the occurrence of other events as determined by the Administrator.
(dd) Plan means this 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
(ee) Registration Date means the effective date of the first registration statement
that is filed by the Company and declared effective pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act,
with respect to any class of the Companys securities.
(ff) Restricted Stock means Shares issued pursuant to a Restricted Stock award under
Section 7 of the Plan, or issued pursuant to the early exercise of an Option.
(gg) Restricted Stock Unit means a bookkeeping entry representing an amount equal to
the Fair Market Value of one Share, granted pursuant to Section 8. Each Restricted Stock Unit
represents an unfunded and unsecured obligation of the Company.
(hh) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule 16b-3,
as in effect when discretion is being exercised with respect to the Plan.
(ii) Section 16(b) means Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.
(jj) Service Provider means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(kk) Share means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section
13 of the Plan.
(ll) Stock Appreciation Right means an Award, granted alone or in connection with an
Option, that pursuant to Section 9 is designated as a Stock Appreciation Right.
(mm) Subsidiary means a subsidiary corporation, whether now or hereafter existing,
as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
-4-
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
(a) Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan,
the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 1,400,000 Shares
(following the 1-for-5 reverse stock split of the Companys outstanding capital stock occurring on
June 21, 2007), plus (i) any Shares that, as of the Registration Date, have been reserved but not
issued pursuant to any awards granted under the Companys Incentive Plan (the Existing
Plan) and are not subject to any awards granted thereunder, and (ii) any Shares subject to
stock options or similar awards granted under the Existing Plan that expire or otherwise terminate
without having been exercised in full and Shares issued pursuant to awards granted under the
Existing Plan that are forfeited to or repurchased by the Company, with the maximum number of
Shares to be added to the Plan pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) equal to 1,000,000 Shares. The
Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock.
(b) Automatic Share Reserve Increase. The number of Shares available for issuance
under the Plan will be increased on the first day of each Fiscal Year beginning with the 2008
Fiscal Year, in an amount equal to the least of (i) 1,800,000 Shares, (ii) 4% of the outstanding
Shares on the last day of the immediately preceding Fiscal Year or (iii) such number of Shares
determined by the Board.
(c) Lapsed Awards. If an Award expires or becomes unexercisable without having been
exercised in full, is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange Program, or, with respect to Restricted
Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Units or Performance Shares, is forfeited to or
repurchased by the Company due to failure to vest, the unpurchased Shares (or for Awards other than
Options or Stock Appreciation Rights the forfeited or repurchased Shares) which were subject
thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has
terminated). With respect to Stock Appreciation Rights, only Shares actually issued pursuant to a
Stock Appreciation Right will cease to be available under the Plan; all remaining Shares under
Stock Appreciation Rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the
Plan has terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan under any Award will
not be returned to the Plan and will not become available for future distribution under the Plan;
provided, however, that if Shares issued pursuant to Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock
Units, Performance Shares or Performance Units are repurchased by the Company or are forfeited to
the Company, such Shares will become available for future grant under the Plan. Shares used to pay
the exercise price of an Award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations related to an Award
will become available for future grant or sale under the Plan. To the extent an Award under the
Plan is paid out in cash rather than Shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the
number of Shares available for issuance under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing and, subject
to adjustment as provided in Section 13, the maximum number of Shares that may be issued upon the
exercise of Incentive Stock Options will equal the aggregate Share number stated in Section 3(a),
plus, to the extent allowable under Section 422 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder, any Shares that become available for issuance under the Plan pursuant to
Sections 3(b) and 3(c).
(d) Share Reserve. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times
reserve and keep available such number of Shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the requirements
of the Plan.
-5-
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Procedure.
(i) Multiple Administrative Bodies. Different Committees with respect to different
groups of Service Providers may administer the Plan.
(ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Administrator determines it to be
desirable to qualify Awards granted hereunder as performance-based compensation within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan will be administered by a Committee of two (2) or
more outside directors within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(iii) Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify transactions hereunder as exempt
under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated hereunder will be structured to satisfy the
requirements for exemption under Rule 16b-3.
(iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the Plan will be
administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee will be constituted to satisfy
Applicable Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the
case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the
Administrator will have the authority, in its discretion:
(i) to determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Awards may be granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to approve forms of Award Agreements for use under the Plan;
(v) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any
Award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise
price, the time or times when Awards may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria),
any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation
regarding any Award or the Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the
Administrator will determine;
(vi) to determine the terms and conditions of any, and to institute any Exchange Program;
(vii) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan;
-6-
(viii) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including
rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of satisfying applicable
foreign laws;
(ix) to modify or amend each Award (subject to Section 18(c) of the Plan), including but not
limited to the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of
Awards and to extend the maximum term of an Option (subject to Section 6(b) regarding Incentive
Stock Options);
(x) to allow Participants to satisfy withholding tax obligations in such manner as prescribed
in Section 14;
(xi) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to
effect the grant of an Award previously granted by the Administrator;
(xii) to allow a Participant to defer the receipt of the payment of cash or the delivery of
Shares that would otherwise be due to such Participant under an Award; and
(xiii) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the
Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrators Decision. The Administrators decisions, determinations
and interpretations will be final and binding on all Participants and any other holders of Awards.
5. Eligibility. Nonstatutory Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock,
Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Service
Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees.
6. Stock Options.
(a) Limitations. Each Option will be designated in the Award Agreement as either an
Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation,
to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with respect to which Incentive
Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Participant during any calendar year (under
all plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000), such Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options. For purposes of this
Section 6(a), Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they were
granted. The Fair Market Value of the Shares will be determined as of the time the Option with
respect to such Shares is granted.
(b) Term of Option. The term of each Option will be stated in the Award Agreement.
In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the term will be ten (10) years from the date of grant or
such shorter term as may be provided in the Award Agreement. Moreover, in the case of an Incentive
Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns
stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Incentive Stock
-7-
Option will be five (5) years from the date of grant or such shorter term as may be provided
in the Award Agreement.
(c) Option Exercise Price and Consideration.
(i) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant
to exercise of an Option will be determined by the Administrator, subject to the following:
(1) In the case of an Incentive Stock Option
a) granted to an Employee who, at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of the Company
or any Parent or Subsidiary, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred ten
percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
b) granted to any Employee other than an Employee described in paragraph (A) immediately
above, the per Share exercise price will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair
Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(2) In the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option, the per Share exercise price will be no less
than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price of
less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant
pursuant to a transaction described in, and in a manner consistent with, Section 424(a) of the
Code.
(ii) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the
Administrator will fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and will determine any
conditions that must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised.
(iii) Form of Consideration. The Administrator will determine the acceptable form of
consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. In the case of an
Incentive Stock Option, the Administrator will determine the acceptable form of consideration at
the time of grant. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (1) cash; (2) check; (3) promissory
note, (4) other Shares, provided that such Shares have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender
equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option will be exercised and
provided that accepting such Shares, in the sole discretion of the Administrator, will not result
in any adverse accounting consequences to the Company; (5) consideration received by the Company
under a broker-assisted (or other) cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in
connection with the Plan; (6) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment; or (7) such
other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by
Applicable Laws.
-8-
(d) Exercise of Option.
(i) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder
will be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions
as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award Agreement. An Option may not be
exercised for a fraction of a Share.
An Option will be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) notice of exercise (in such
form as the Administrator may specify from time to time) from the person entitled to exercise the
Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised
(together with applicable withholding taxes). Full payment may consist of any consideration and
method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Award Agreement and the
Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option will be issued in the name of the Participant or,
if requested by the Participant, in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse. Until the
Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly
authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other
rights as a stockholder will exist with respect to the Shares subject to an Option, notwithstanding
the exercise of the Option. The Company will issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly
after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which
the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of the
Plan.
Exercising an Option in any manner will decrease the number of Shares thereafter available,
both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which
the Option is exercised.
(ii) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If a Participant ceases to be
a Service Provider, other than upon the Participants termination as the result of the
Participants death or Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within such
period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on
the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as
set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the
Option will remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Participants termination.
Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is
not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option
will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option
within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered
by such Option will revert to the Plan.
(iii) Disability of Participant. If a Participant ceases to be a Service Provider as
a result of the Participants Disability, the Participant may exercise his or her Option within
such period of time as is specified in the Award Agreement to the extent the Option is vested on
the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as
set forth in the Award Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the
Option will remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Participants termination.
Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, if on the date of termination the Participant is
not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option
will revert to the Plan. If after termination the Participant does not exercise his or her Option
within the
-9-
time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option will
revert to the Plan.
(iv) Death of Participant. If a Participant dies while a Service Provider, the Option
may be exercised following the Participants death within such period of time as is specified in
the Award Agreement to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death (but in no event
may the option be exercised later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in
the Award Agreement), by the Participants designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has
been designated prior to Participants death in a form acceptable to the Administrator. If no such
beneficiary has been designated by the Participant, then such Option may be exercised by the
personal representative of the Participants estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is
transferred pursuant to the Participants will or in accordance with the laws of descent and
distribution. In the absence of a specified time in the Award Agreement, the Option will remain
exercisable for twelve (12) months following Participants death. Unless otherwise provided by the
Administrator, if at the time of death Participant is not vested as to his or her entire Option,
the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option will immediately revert to the Plan. If
the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option will terminate, and the
Shares covered by such Option will revert to the Plan.
7. Restricted Stock.
(a) Grant of Restricted Stock. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the
Administrator, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock to Service
Providers in such amounts as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(b) Restricted Stock Agreement. Each Award of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by
an Award Agreement that will specify the Period of Restriction, the number of Shares granted, and
such other terms and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Company as escrow agent will hold Shares of
Restricted Stock until the restrictions on such Shares have lapsed.
(c) Transferability. Except as provided in this Section 7, Shares of Restricted Stock
may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the
end of the applicable Period of Restriction.
(d) Other Restrictions. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may impose such
other restrictions on Shares of Restricted Stock as it may deem advisable or appropriate.
(e) Removal of Restrictions. Except as otherwise provided in this Section 7, Shares
of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan will be released
from escrow as soon as practicable after the last day of the Period of Restriction or at such other
time as the Administrator may determine. The Administrator, in its discretion, may accelerate the
time at which any restrictions will lapse or be removed. Unless otherwise provided by the
Administrator, all Shares of Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed at the time of
the Participants termination as a Service Provider for any or no reason, will be forfeited and
automatically transferred to and reacquired by the Company and will revert to the Plan and become
-10-
available for future grant under the Plan upon the date of such termination and the
Participant will have no further rights thereunder.
(f) Voting Rights. During the Period of Restriction, Service Providers holding Shares
of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares,
unless the Administrator determines otherwise.
(g) Dividends and Other Distributions. During the Period of Restriction, Service
Providers holding Shares of Restricted Stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other
distributions paid with respect to such Shares, unless the Administrator provides otherwise. If
any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares will be subject to the same
restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect
to which they were paid.
(h) Return of Restricted Stock to Company. On the date set forth in the Award
Agreement, the Restricted Stock for which restrictions have not lapsed will revert to the Company
and again will become available for grant under the Plan.
8. Restricted Stock Units.
(a) Grant. Restricted Stock Units may be granted at any time and from time to time as
determined by the Administrator. After the Administrator determines that it will grant Restricted
Stock Units under the Plan, it will advise the Participant in an Award Agreement of the terms,
conditions, and restrictions related to the grant, including the number of Restricted Stock Units.
(b) Vesting Criteria and Other Terms. The Administrator will set vesting criteria in
its discretion, which, depending on the extent to which the criteria are met, will determine the
number of Restricted Stock Units that will be paid out to the Participant. The Administrator may
set vesting criteria based upon the achievement of Company-wide, business unit, or individual goals
(including, but not limited to, continued employment), or any other basis determined by the
Administrator in its discretion.
(c) Earning Restricted Stock Units. Upon meeting the applicable vesting criteria, the
Participant will be entitled to receive a payout as determined by the Administrator.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time after the grant of Restricted Stock Units, the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any vesting criteria that must be met to
receive a payout. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, all Restricted Stock Units that
have not vested at the time of the Participants termination as a Service Provider for any or no
reason, will be forfeited to the Company and will revert to the Plan and become available for
future grant under the Plan upon the date of such termination and the Participants right to
receive any Shares or payment thereunder will immediately terminate.
(d) Form and Timing of Payment. Payment of earned Restricted Stock Units will be made
as soon as practicable after the date(s) determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Award
Agreement. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may only settle earned Restricted Stock
Units in cash, Shares, or a combination of both.
-11-
(e) Cancellation. On the date set forth in the Award Agreement, all unearned
Restricted Stock Units will be forfeited to the Company.
9. Stock Appreciation Rights.
(a) Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan, a Stock Appreciation Right may be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to
time as will be determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion.
(b) Number of Shares. The Administrator will have complete discretion to determine
the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to any Service Provider.
(c) Exercise Price and Other Terms. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be
issued pursuant to exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right will be determined by the Administrator
and will be no less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date
of grant. Otherwise, subject to Section 6(a) of the Plan, the Administrator, subject to the
provisions of the Plan, will have complete discretion to determine the terms and conditions of
Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan.
(d) Stock Appreciation Right Agreement. Each Stock Appreciation Right grant will be
evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the exercise price, the term of the Stock
Appreciation Right, the conditions of exercise, and such other terms and conditions as the
Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine.
(e) Expiration of Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right granted under
the Plan will expire upon the date determined by the Administrator, in its sole discretion, and set
forth in the Award Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules of Section 6(d) also will
apply to Stock Appreciation Rights.
(f) Payment of Stock Appreciation Right Amount. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation
Right, a Participant will be entitled to receive payment from the Company in an amount determined
by multiplying:
(i) The difference between the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of exercise over the
exercise price; times
(ii) The number of Shares with respect to which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised.
At the discretion of the Administrator, the payment upon Stock Appreciation Right exercise may
be in cash, in Shares of equivalent value, or in some combination thereof.
10. Performance Units and Performance Shares.
(a) Grant of Performance Units/Shares. Performance Units and Performance Shares may
be granted to Service Providers at any time and from time to time, as will be determined by the
Administrator, in its sole discretion. The Administrator will have complete discretion in
determining the number of Performance Units and Performance Shares granted to each Participant.
-12-
(b) Value of Performance Units/Shares. Each Performance Unit will have an initial
value that is established by the Administrator on or before the date of grant. Each Performance
Share will have an initial value equal to the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of grant.
(c) Performance Objectives and Other Terms. The Administrator will set performance
objectives or other vesting provisions (including, without limitation, continued status as a
Service Provider) in its discretion which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will
determine the number or value of Performance Units/Shares that will be paid out to the Service
Providers. The time period during which the performance objectives or other vesting provisions
must be met will be called the Performance Period. Each Award of Performance Units/Shares will
be evidenced by an Award Agreement that will specify the Performance Period, and such other terms
and conditions as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, will determine. The Administrator may
set performance objectives based upon the achievement of Company-wide, divisional, or individual
goals, applicable federal or state securities laws, or any other basis determined by the
Administrator in its discretion.
(d) Earning of Performance Units/Shares. After the applicable Performance Period has
ended, the holder of Performance Units/Shares will be entitled to receive a payout of the number of
Performance Units/Shares earned by the Participant over the Performance Period, to be determined as
a function of the extent to which the corresponding performance objectives or other vesting
provisions have been achieved. After the grant of a Performance Unit/Share, the Administrator, in
its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or other vesting provisions for
such Performance Unit/Share. Unless otherwise provided by the Administrator, all Performance
Units/Shares that are unearned or unvested at the time of the Participants termination as a
Service Provider for any or no reason, will be forfeited to the Company and will revert to the Plan
and become available for future grant under the Plan upon the date of such termination and the
Participants right to receive any Shares or payment thereunder will immediately terminate.
(e) Form and Timing of Payment of Performance Units/Shares. Payment of earned
Performance Units/Shares will be made as soon as practicable after the expiration of the applicable
Performance Period. The Administrator, in its sole discretion, may pay earned Performance
Units/Shares in the form of cash, in Shares (which have an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the
value of the earned Performance Units/Shares at the close of the applicable Performance Period) or
in a combination thereof.
(f) Cancellation of Performance Units/Shares. On the date set forth in the Award
Agreement, all unearned or unvested Performance Units/Shares will be forfeited to the Company, and
again will be available for grant under the Plan.
11. Leaves of Absence/Transfer Between Locations. Unless the Administrator provides
otherwise, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of
absence. A Service Provider will not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of
absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the
Company, its Parent, or any Subsidiary. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may
exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute
or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the
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Company is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the ninety-first (91st)
day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an
Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
12. Transferability of Awards. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Award
may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other
than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of
the Participant, only by the Participant. If the Administrator makes an Award transferable, such
Award will contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate.
13. Adjustments; Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments. In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the
form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse
stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or
exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure
of the Company affecting the Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or
enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the Plan,
will adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan and/or the number,
class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Award, and the numerical Share limits in
Section 3 of the Plan.
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, the Administrator will notify each Participant as soon as practicable
prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously
exercised, an Award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Change in Control. In the event of a merger or Change in Control, each
outstanding Award will be treated as the Administrator determines, including, without limitation,
that each Award be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor
corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. The Administrator will not be
required to treat all Awards similarly in the transaction.
In the event that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute for the Award, the
Participant will fully vest in and have the right to exercise all of his or her outstanding Options
and Stock Appreciation Rights, including Shares as to which such Awards would not otherwise be
vested or exercisable, all restrictions on Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse,
and, with respect to Awards with performance-based vesting, all performance goals or other vesting
criteria will be deemed achieved at one hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms
and conditions met. In addition, if an Option or Stock Appreciation Right is not assumed or
substituted in the event of a Change in Control, the Administrator will notify the Participant in
writing or electronically that the Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable for a
period of time determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion, and the Option or Stock
Appreciation Right will terminate upon the expiration of such period.
For the purposes of this subsection (c), an Award will be considered assumed if, following the
Change in Control, the Award confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share
-14-
subject to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control, the consideration (whether
stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the Change in Control by holders of
Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were
offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of
the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the Change in
Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator
may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received
upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or upon the payout of a Restricted Stock
Unit, Performance Unit or Performance Share, for each Share subject to such Award, to be solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share
consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the Change in Control.
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 13(c) to the contrary, an Award that vests, is earned
or paid-out upon the satisfaction of one or more performance goals will not be considered assumed
if the Company or its successor modifies any of such performance goals without the Participants
consent; provided, however, a modification to such performance goals only to reflect the successor
corporations post-Change in Control corporate structure will not be deemed to invalidate an
otherwise valid Award assumption.
(d) Outside Director Awards. With respect to Awards granted to an Outside Director
that are assumed or substituted for, if on the date of or following such assumption or substitution
the Participants status as a Director or a director of the successor corporation, as applicable,
is terminated other than upon a voluntary resignation by the Participant (unless such resignation
is at the request of the acquirer), then the Participant will fully vest in and have the right to
exercise Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights as to all of the Shares underlying such Award,
including those Shares which would not otherwise be vested or exercisable, all restrictions on
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units will lapse, and, with respect to Performance Units and
Performance Shares, all performance goals or other vesting criteria will be deemed achieved at one
hundred percent (100%) of target levels and all other terms and conditions met.
14. Tax Withholding.
(a) Withholding Requirements. Prior to the delivery of any Shares or cash pursuant to
an Award (or exercise thereof), the Company will have the power and the right to deduct or
withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy
federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the Participants FICA obligation)
required to be withheld with respect to such Award (or exercise thereof).
(b) Withholding Arrangements. The Administrator, in its sole discretion and pursuant
to such procedures as it may specify from time to time, may permit a Participant to satisfy such
tax withholding obligation, in whole or in part by (without limitation) (a) paying cash, (b)
electing to have the Company withhold otherwise deliverable cash or Shares having a Fair Market
Value equal to the minimum statutory amount required to be withheld, or (c) delivering to the
Company already-owned Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum statutory amount
required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld or delivered will be
determined as of the date that the taxes are required to be withheld.
-15-
15. No Effect on Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any Award will confer upon a
Participant any right with respect to continuing the Participants relationship as a Service
Provider with the Company, nor will they interfere in any way with the Participants right or the
Companys right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, to the extent
permitted by Applicable Laws.
16. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Award will be, for all purposes, the date on
which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Award, or such other later date as is
determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination will be provided to each Participant
within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
17. Term of Plan. Subject to Section 21 of the Plan, the Plan will become effective upon
its adoption by the Board. It will continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the date
adopted by the Board, unless terminated earlier under Section 18 of the Plan.
18. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or
terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder Approval. The Company will obtain stockholder approval of any Plan
amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or
termination of the Plan will impair the rights of any Participant, unless mutually agreed otherwise
between the Participant and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the
Participant and the Company. Termination of the Plan will not affect the Administrators ability
to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to Awards granted under the Plan prior
to the date of such termination.
19. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal Compliance. Shares will not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Award
unless the exercise of such Award and the issuance and delivery of such Shares will comply with
Applicable Laws and will be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect
to such compliance.
(b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Award, the
Company may require the person exercising such Award to represent and warrant at the time of any
such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present
intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a
representation is required.
20. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from
any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Companys counsel to be
necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, will relieve the Company of any
liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite
authority will not have been obtained.
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21. Stockholder Approval. The Plan will be subject to approval by the stockholders of the
Company within twelve (12) months after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board. Such
stockholder approval will be obtained in the manner and to the degree required under Applicable
Laws.
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exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Magid M. Abraham, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of comScore, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) designed such disclosure control and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal control
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants
fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit
committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have
a significant role in the registrants internal controls over financial reporting.
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/s/ Magid M. Abraham
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Magid M. Abraham, Ph.D. |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Date: August 10, 2009
exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Kenneth J. Tarpey, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of comScore, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period
covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules
13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) designed such disclosure control and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to
the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within
those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal control
over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and
presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and
procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial
reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants
fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial
reporting; and
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit
committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have
a significant role in the registrants internal controls over financial reporting.
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/s/ Kenneth J. Tarpey
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Kenneth J. Tarpey |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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Date: August 10, 2009
exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the quarterly report of comScore, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the
period ending June 30, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof
(the Report), I, Magid M. Abraham, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my
knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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/s/ Magid M. Abraham
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Magid M. Abraham, Ph.D. |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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August 10, 2009
exv32w2
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the quarterly report of comScore, Inc. (the Company) on Form 10-Q for the
period ending June 30, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof
(the Report), I, Kenneth J. Tarpey, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my
knowledge:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
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/s/ Kenneth J. Tarpey
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Kenneth J. Tarpey |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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August 10, 2009