UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
| x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
| ¨ | 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 000-26357
LOOKSMART, LTD.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 13-3904355 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
50 California Street, 16th Floor
San Francisco, California 94111
(415) 348-7000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $0.003 per share
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
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.
| Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ | |
| Non-Accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller Reporting Company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing price of common stock on the last business day of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2014, was approximately $11,249,259. Shares of voting stock held by each executive officer and director have been excluded from this calculation. This determination of affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes.
As of March 16, 2015, 5,769,533 shares of the registrant’s common stock were outstanding.
Documents incorporated by reference: None.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predict,” “should” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions; uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels or activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. 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. Our expectations are as of the date this Annual Report is filed, and we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date this Annual Report is filed to confirm these statements to actual results, unless required by law.
This Annual Report also contains estimates and other statistical data made by independent parties and by us relating to market size and growth and other industry data. This data involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to such estimates. We have not independently verified the statistical and other industry data generated by independent parties and contained in this Annual Report and, accordingly, we cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness, though we do generally believe the data to be reliable. In addition, projections, assumptions and estimates of our future performance and the future performance of the industries in which we operate are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including, but not limited to, the possibility that we may fail to preserve our expertise in search advertising network product development; that existing and potential distribution partners may opt to work with, or favor the products of, competitors if our competitors offer more favorable products or pricing terms; that seasonal fluctuations in internet usage and traditional advertising seasonality are likely to affect our business; that we may be unable to maintain or grow sources of revenue; that changes in the distribution network composition may lead to decreases in query volumes; that we may be unable to maintain or improve our query volume, match rate, number of paid clicks, average revenue per click, conversion rate or other ad network metrics; that we may be unable to attain and maintain profitability; that we may be unable to attract and retain key personnel; that we may not be able to effectively manage, or to increase, our relationships with international customers; that we may have unexpected increases in costs and expenses; or that one or more of the other risks described below in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report may occur. These and other factors could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by the independent parties and by us.
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| ITEM 1. | BUSINESS |
Overview
LookSmart, Ltd. (“LookSmart” or the “Company”) was organized in 1996 and is incorporated in the State of Delaware. LookSmart is a digital advertising solutions company that provides relevant solutions for search and display advertising customers, organized along five lines of business: (i) Clickable, (ii) LookSmart AdCenter, (iii) Novatech.io, (iv) ShopWiki and (v) web searches. In addition, LookSmart formed a partnership with Conversion Media Holdings, LLC, which supports the Company’s other lines of business through the creation of content sites directed at ecommerce verticals. The Company operates its partnership and each line of business, while being related to the others in terms of shared resources, as separate business lines with their own core management, profits and losses, and the ability to operate independently as separate businesses. As a result, this separation of business lines allows Looksmart to operate effectively as a holding company and as a capital allocator to each of the Company’s separate businesses with the goal of finding mispriced assets in the public and private markets and subsequently taking those assets to create scalable and sustainable businesses that may then be monetized for the ultimate benefit of Looksmart’s stockholders.
Clickable
In September 2013, LookSmart, through its wholly owned subsidiary LookSmart Canada Ltd., purchased the assets related to its Syncapse Inc. (“Syncapse”) technology for $3 million from MNP Ltd., a receiver appointed by Ontario Superior Court of Justice under an appointment order. As a result of this transaction, the Company acquired a social media platform that the Company believes has allowed it to quickly scale into social media analytics, publishing, and moderation. This, in turn, should allow our enterprise customers the ability to publish, monitor and analyze their social media presence on paid, owned and earned media. In January 2014, LookSmart re-branded Syncapse as “Clickable.”
Clickable helps brands and agencies measure marketing ROI through a customer’s lifetime by connecting critical marketing and advertising products and services into one platform that gives customers the ability to analyze, publish, moderate, social media and search marketing. Clickable also offers its platform as a white label solution to agencies who use it to save hours of time creating reports, increase transparency to clients, increase stickiness of clients, increase recurring revenue streams, and upsell other tools and services. The Company has begun to work with large international brands to assist them in creating, maintaining and analyzing their social media presence online. The Company’s goal is to partner with social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, as well as others, to provide vertically integrated solutions that will offer customers the ability to maximize their ad spend in all relevant ad categories.
In addition, Clickable allows customers to manage paid, owned and earned media by providing a suite of solutions for social media marketers that include publishing, monitoring, data storage, compliance, management, ad placement and analytics. The “Clickable Analytics” dashboard provides customers with the ability to easily put all their cross channel marketing (search, display, social, email, video, offline) and audience data from various sources into one unified, flexible and customizable platform. The platform allows the customer to better understand and utilize the data for the customizing and layering of customer specific key performance indicators. The Company believes that this platform will allow customers to combine data in a way that better suits their particular marketing, financial and operational goals both with standard and customized dashboards and analytics. This platform allows companies to gather and manage Application Programming Interface (“API”) data from many data providers that LookSmart aims to partner with, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as analyze such data in the “Clickable” proprietary platform and within a company’s own data warehouse.
LookSmart AdCenter
We have developed a proprietary web-based advertising auction platform, the “AdCenter”, that allows us to create, track, analyze, report and optimize customers’ advertising campaigns. Through the AdCenter platform, our customers are provided with search, social, display, mobile and video advertising solutions as well as analytic, moderation and publishing workflow solutions across the entire social media marketing ecosystem. The AdCenter indexes ads, analyzes webpage information to match advertising to relevant content, matches search queries to advertising and utilizes advanced fraud detection techniques in a high-volume ad serving environment. The platform also collects impression and click data for each listing that we manage for our customers and provides us with billing information. In addition, we provide each of our advertising customers with a password-protected online account that enables them to track, analyze and optimize their search marketing campaigns using online reports. The platform also includes an interface for publishers to access ad syndication feed reports and revenue information.
The advertisers that comprise the Company’s customer network include intermediaries, direct advertising customers and their agencies, as well as self-service customers in the United States and certain other countries. These AdCenter customers range from small and medium-sized businesses to large Fortune 50 companies. Self-service advertisers are customers that sign-up directly online with the Company and pay by credit card. Direct advertisers (and their agencies) include customers whose main objective is to obtain conversions or sales from clicks. Intermediary customers (“Intermediaries”) do not directly advertise on our platform but sell into the affiliate networks of the large search engine providers. Our Intermediary business model experienced a significant change in the fourth quarter of 2011, such that the Company’s revenue from Intermediaries has declined significantly as compared to 2011 and earlier. Decreasing Intermediary revenue represented a continued trend from 2012 and was the primary driver of the Company's overall 2013 revenue decreases. Thus, in 2013, the Company made the decision to decrease the amount of revenue that it received from Intermediaries compared to 2012. The Company believes that this decision is in the best interests of the Company on a go-forward basis. The Company believes its revenue trends are tied to market-wide changes in the search ecosystem that have had a severe impact on Intermediary business models and consequently the business Intermediaries conduct with the Company. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we ceased business with a number of Intermediaries. Intermediaries continue as our largest category of customer.
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Through a web interface or our proprietary API, LookSmart’s AdCenter allows multiple search advertising customers to upload keywords, manage daily budgets, set rates and view reports, including spend data that is updated hourly. Search advertising customers can also access keyword suggestions, price and traffic estimates, online help and frequently asked questions (“FAQ”). The AdCenter API is also available for search advertising customers and related agencies that use third-party or in-house systems to analyze and manage their search campaigns.
LookSmart's search advertising network generates advertisements that target search intent queries on Looksmart.com and partner publisher sites. The network offers search advertising customers targeted search capability through a monitored search advertising distribution network. LookSmart also offers advertisers the ability to buy graphical display advertising. LookSmart’s “trading desk” personnel utilize Demand Side Platform (“DSP”) technology and licensed data from third party providers to purchase targeted advertising on a real-time bidded basis. By leveraging our extensive historical search marketing network data along with performance data from a conversion pixel, LookSmart constructs models of the highest performing audiences and targets those audiences via the Company’s exchange inventory. LookSmart offers its trading desk as a managed service.
Further, LookSmart offers publishers licensed private-label search advertiser network solutions based on its AdCenter platform technology (“Publisher Solutions”). Publisher Solutions consist of hosted auction-based ad serving with an ad backfill capability that allows publishers and portals to manage their advertiser relationships, distribution channels and accounts.
LookSmart offers a suite of customizable search advertising management tools and solutions that help publishers grow their audience, control advertiser relationships, and enhance and optimize the monetization of their sites. Our Publisher Solutions can be branded and configured according to publishers’ needs. We offer publishers:
| · | Command and control over revenue diversification and growth via the AdCenter for Publishers, a comprehensive private-labeled Application Service Provider (“ASP”) solution that provides publishers with the ability to own and grow their advertiser relationships, increase their distribution capacity, and diversify their revenue sources. |
| · | A customizable set of services and technology to integrate multiple sources of advertisers, including dominant third-party feeds, within a single auction-based platform for cost-per-click (“CPC”) text-based advertising. |
| · | Access to a “backfill” of advertisers so they can quickly ramp their online operations and not lose time or existing revenue sources while establishing their advertiser relationships. Connecting multiple installations of the AdCenter for Publishers together allows LookSmart to create an open marketplace environment that empowers publishers to share, leverage, and exchange their advertisers for expanded distribution. |
Novatech.io
In November of 2013, LookSmart acquired an approximately 10,000 square foot Data Center facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Looksmart has completed the process of consolidating its cloud services in the newly occupied and wholly owned secure Data Center. As a result, the Company intends to expand its cloud-based offerings to its customers.
NovaTech's cloud based services include a private cloud ecosystem comprised of multi-vendor enterprise technologies and capabilities while serving as a production research and development environment to support the needs of companies who need to scale their information technology operations quickly and securely.
ShopWiki
ShopWiki is a consumer shopping search engine that offers comprehensive results for both stores and products. ShopWiki uses crawling technology to find anything and everything on the internet.
It was founded by former DoubleClick Executives, along with a DoubleClick software developer. In January 2011, the Company was acquired by Oversee.net from whom Looksmart acquired the company.
ShopWiki does not sell any products; it simply helps our users find any product available for sale on the Web. ShopWiki actively crawls the Internet and API feeds from merchants, to find and organize the widest selection of products from more than 250,000 online merchants.
Web Searches
The Company offers a LookSmart-branded search engine. For parties submitting search queries, the Company offers free-of-charge search results ranked and presented based on proprietary algorithms. While early in its evolution, part of the Company's current search engine monetization strategy is to generate sponsored search results as a part of overall search results and provide links to paying advertisers’ websites.
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Conversion Media
In March 2014, the Company entered into a partnership with VisionNexus, LLC, a California limited liability company called Conversion Media Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation, with the intent to create content sites directed at ecommerce verticals like housewares, electronics and other consumer products. The operations of Conversion Media Holdings, LLC began in April of 2014 and currently are in a testing phase. The Company believes that Conversion Media Holdings, LLC will begin to generate revenue at the end the 2nd quarter of 2015.
Competition
The online advertising industry is constantly evolving, changes rapidly and is highly competitive. One of the major factors contributing to this competitive environment is that providers of all online advertising formats compete for a share of advertisers’ limited advertising budgets. The large search engines, such as Yahoo!, Google, and Bing often receive the biggest portion of the search marketing budget. In addition, social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn are rapidly scaling their advertising capabilities. With greater capital and technical resources, and greater brand recognition, the larger brands are often first priority in the mind of the advertiser, agency or buyer.
We compete on two main fronts: 1) attracting and growing our base of advertising customers to purchase our online advertising products and to incorporate their key words into our search advertising network, and 2) attracting and maintaining distribution network partners to incorporate their search queries into our search advertising network. The basis on which we compete differs among the two fronts. In addition, while online advertising continues to grow year over year, customers’ online advertising budgets are in competition with advertising in other media such as television, radio and print.
Customers
For the year ended December 31, 2014, our largest customer accounted for 12% of our revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2013, our largest customer accounted for 13% of our revenue.
Intellectual Property
We rely on a combination of patent, trade secret, copyright and trademark laws and contractual provisions to protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights. Our trademarks include LookSmart ®, Clickable ® and Syncapse ®. We have an issued patent on our search engine technology and have patents on various aspects of our ad delivery and search technologies.
Government Regulations
We are subject to a number of domestic state and federal laws that affect companies conducting business on the Internet. In addition, because of the increasing popularity of the Internet and the growth of online services, laws relating to user privacy, freedom of expression, content, advertising, information security and intellectual property rights are being debated and considered for adoption.
In the U.S., state and federal laws relating to the liability of providers of online services for activities of their consumers, and the liability of providers of online advertiser’s ads and activities, are currently being tested by a number of claims, which include actions for defamation, libel, invasion of privacy and other data protection claims, tort, unlawful activity, copyright or trademark infringement, or other theories based on the nature and content of the materials searched by consumers, the advertisements shown to consumers or the content generated by consumers. Likewise, other federal laws could have an impact on our business. For example, the Children’s Online Protection Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act restrict the distribution of materials considered harmful to children and impose additional restrictions on the ability of online services to collect information from minors. In addition, the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998 requires online service providers to report evidence of violations of federal child pornography laws under certain circumstances.
In addition, the application of existing laws regulating or requiring licenses for certain businesses of our search advertising customers, including, for example, distribution of pharmaceuticals, adult content, online gambling, financial services, alcohol or firearms, can be unclear. Application of these laws in an unanticipated manner could expose us to substantial liability and restrict our ability to deliver services to our customers.
Research, Product Development and Technical Operations Expense
Research, product development and technical operations expense includes all costs related to the continued operation, development and enhancement of our Clickable and AdCenter platforms. Our product development and technical operations expense for Clickable, net of capitalized software development costs, was approximately $2.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 and approximately $0.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. Our product development and technical operations expense for AdCenter, net of capitalized software development costs, was approximately $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 and approximately $3.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2013.
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The Company reviews assets for evidence of impairment annually at year end and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable. The impairment review requires the Company to make significant estimates about its future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations and changes in competition.
The fair value of the long-lived assets was derived based on Level 3 inputs, which are based on significant inputs that are not observable. The fair value of the capitalized software long-lived assets was determined using an income approach, based on expected future cash flows and market considerations. The fair value of the computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, software and leasehold improvements long-lived assets was determined using a market approach, based on comparable fair values of similar assets.
The Company expects to continue to invest in internally developed software and other technology initiatives.
Employees
As of December 31, 2014, we had 18 total employees, all of which were full-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a union and we believe our employee relations to be good.
Available Information
Our website, www.looksmart.com, provides access, without charge, to our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information provided on our website is not part of this report, and is therefore not incorporated by reference unless such information is otherwise specifically referenced elsewhere in this report.
Materials filed by the Company with the SEC may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding our company that we file electronically with the SEC.
You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision regarding our common stock. If any of the following events described as a company risk factor actually occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and our investors could lose all or part of their investment. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.
Risks Related to our Business
Our financial results are highly concentrated in the online search advertising business; if we are unable to grow online search advertising revenues and find alternative sources of revenue, our financial results will suffer.
Search advertising accounted for substantially all of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. Our success depends upon search advertising customers choosing to use, and distribution network partners choosing to distribute, our search advertising networks products. Decisions by search advertising customers and distribution network partners not to adopt our products at projected rates, or changes in market conditions, may adversely affect the use or distribution of search advertisements. Because of our revenue concentration in the online search advertising business, such shortfalls or changes could have a negative impact on our financial results. Also, many of our products are offered to website publishers who use them to display or generate revenue from their online advertisements. If we are unable to generate significant revenue from our online advertising business or related business models under development, or if market conditions adversely affect the use or distribution of online advertisements generally, or for some of our larger customers specifically, our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity will suffer.
Our largest category of customers have historically been Intermediaries, the majority of whom purchase clicks to sell into the affiliate networks of large search engine providers. In 2014, we experienced a further decrease in revenues due to loss of Intermediary business.
We operate in a large online search advertising ecosystem serving ads that target user queries on partner sites. We operate in the middle of this ecosystem, acquiring search queries from a variety of sources and matching them with the keywords of our search advertising customers. Our largest category of customers has historically been Intermediaries, the majority of which purchase clicks to sell into the affiliate networks of large search engine providers. The Intermediary business model experienced a significant change in the fourth quarter of 2011. Since then, we have seen our revenues from Intermediaries decreasing from prior levels, and have ceased doing business with a number of our Intermediary customers. We do not expect significant future revenue growth in this area. If we are unable to identify and exploit alternative sources of profitable revenue, our results of operations, financial condition and/or liquidity will suffer.
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Our future success depends on sales to, and the management of, international customers.
A portion of our revenue is derived from sales to international customers who are headquartered internationally, however our business with them is primarily U.S. based and our transactions are primarily in U.S. dollars.
Managing our growing group of customers outside the U.S. presents various challenges, including, but not limited to:
| · | economic and political conditions; |
| · | longer payment cycles; |
| · | differences in the enforcement of intellectual property and contract rights in varying jurisdictions; |
| · | our ability to develop relationships with local accounts; |
| · | compliance with United States and international laws and regulations; |
| · | fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; and |
| · | our ability to secure and retain qualified people for the operation of our business. |
To date, foreign exchange exposure from sales has not been material to our operations. Our activities with customers outside the United States may be affected by changes in trade protection laws, policies and measures, and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States, which increases the risk of unauthorized use of our technologies. Our business could be materially adversely affected if foreign markets do not continue to develop, if we do not receive additional traffic suitable for our foreign accounts or if regulations governing our international businesses change.
We rely primarily on our distribution network partners to generate quality search queries and display advertisements that generate paid clicks; if we are unable to maintain or expand the scope and quality of this network, our ability to generate revenue may be seriously harmed.
The success of our online search advertisement products depends in large part on the size and quality of our distribution network of search queries. We may be unable to maintain or add partners of satisfactory quality in our distribution network at reasonable revenue-sharing rates, if at all. If we lose any significant portion of our distribution network, we would need to find alternative sources of quality click traffic to replace the lost paid clicks. In the past, we have lost portions of our distribution network and chose to remove those with poor quality. Although alternate sources of click traffic are currently available in the market, they may not be available at reasonable prices or may be of unacceptable quality. There is significant competition among advertising networks to sign agreements with traffic providers. We may be unable to negotiate and sign agreements with quality traffic providers on favorable terms, if at all. In order to attract higher quality traffic, we may have to pay high traffic acquisition costs which may adversely affect our gross margin and other financial results. If we are unable to attract higher quality traffic, or if we are otherwise unsuccessful in maintaining and expanding our distribution network, then our ability to generate revenue may be seriously harmed.
We generated net losses in 2014 and 2013, have had losses in the past, and may have further losses in the future. Failure to maintain operating profitability could harm our business and result in a decline in our stock price.
We had a net loss of $6.4 million in 2014 and $5.3 million in 2013. As of December 31, 2014, our accumulated deficit was approximately $259 million. We may be unable to achieve profitability in the foreseeable future. Our ability to achieve and maintain profitability will depend on our ability to generate additional revenue and contain our expenses. In order to generate additional revenue, we will need to expand our network of distribution network partners, increase the amount our search advertising customers spend on our advertising network, expand our advertiser base, experience an increase in paid clicks across our network and publisher products and develop and implement successful new digital advertising revenue generating models. We may be unable to accomplish some or any of these goals because of the risks identified in this report or for unforeseen reasons. Also, we may be unable to contain our costs due to the need to make revenue sharing payments to our distribution network partners, to invest in product development and to market our products. Historically, our operating expenses have increased in proportion to our revenue. Operating expenses may increase in the foreseeable future to the extent that our revenue grows and as we increase headcount, particularly our sales and technology-related headcount, incur general and administrative expenses associated with being a public company and expand our facilities. Additionally, our acquisition-related costs may increase if we pursue additional acquisition opportunities. Although we expect to achieve operating efficiencies and greater leverage of resources as we grow, because of the foregoing factors, and others outlined in this report, we may be unable to achieve profitability in the future, which could result in a decline in our stock price.
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If we experience decreases to our match rate and/or revenue-per-click, or we are unable to rebuild our match rate, and/or revenue-per-click, our financial results may suffer.
We have experienced, and may continue to experience in the future, decreases in our average revenue-per-click (“RPC”) and average match rate, which is the rate at which our paid listings are matched against search queries from distribution network partners. Future decreases in RPC or average match rate may occur for a variety of reasons, including a change in customer mix, the erosion of our advertiser base, a reduction in average advertiser spend, a reduction in the number of listings purchased by search advertising customers, a lower number of bids on keywords, changes in the composition of our distribution network or for other reasons. If our RPC or average match rate falls for any reason, or if we are unable to grow our RPC and average match rate, then we may be unable to achieve our financial projections and our stock price would likely suffer.
Our growth depends on our ability to retain and grow our search advertising customer base; if our search advertising customer base and average search advertising customer spend falls, our financial results will suffer.
Our growth depends on our ability to build a search advertising customer base that corresponds with the characteristics of our distribution network. Our distribution network, which currently consists of a diversified set of distribution sources, may change as new distribution sources are added and old distribution sources are removed. Search advertising customers may view these changes to the distribution network negatively, and existing or potential search advertising customers may elect to purchase fewer or no advertisements for display on our distribution network. If this occurs, it is likely that our average RPC and average match rate may decline and our stock price would likely suffer.
We have launched a solution that is dependent on our customers’ use of search advertising. Any decrease in the use of search advertising or our inability to further penetrate mobile, social and display advertising channels would harm our business, growth prospects, operating results and financial condition.
We expect that search advertising will become a channel increasingly used by our customers in the foreseeable future. Should our customers lose confidence in the value or effectiveness of search advertising, the demand for our solutions may decline, which would harm our growth prospects, operating results and financial condition.
If we cannot increase the capacity of our advertising technology platform to meet advertiser demand, our business will be harmed.
We must be able to continue to increase the capacity of our technology platforms in order to support substantial increases in the number of advertisers, to support an increasing variety of advertising formats and to maintain a stable service infrastructure and reliable service delivery for advertising campaigns. If we are unable to efficiently and effectively increase the scale of our advertising platforms to support and manage a substantial increase in the number of advertisers, while also maintaining a high level of performance, the quality of our services could decline and our reputation and business could be seriously harmed. In addition, if we are not able to support emerging advertising formats or services preferred by advertisers, we may be unable to obtain new advertising clients or may lose existing advertising customers, and in either case our revenue could decline.
The market for digital advertising is relatively new and dependent on growth in various digital advertising channels. If this market develops more slowly or differently than we expect, our business, growth prospects and financial condition would be adversely affected.
The market for digital advertising products such as ours is relatively new and these products may not achieve or sustain high levels of demand and market acceptance. While search and display advertising has been used successfully for several years, marketing via new digital advertising channels such as social media is not as well established. The future growth of our business could be constrained by the level of acceptance and expansion of emerging digital advertising channels, as well as the continued use and growth of existing channels, such as search and display advertising. Even if these channels become widely adopted, advertisers and agencies may not make significant investments in solutions such as ours that help them manage their digital advertising spend across publisher platforms and advertising channels. It is difficult to predict customer adoption rates, customer demand for our platform, the future growth rate and size of the digital advertising market or the entry of competitive products. Any expansion of the market for digital advertising management solutions depends on a number of factors, including the growth of the digital advertising market, the growth of social as an advertising channel and the cost, performance and perceived value associated with digital advertising management solutions. If our digital advertising products, including those in the social media space, do not achieve widespread adoption, or there is a reduction in demand for digital advertising caused by weakening economic conditions, decreases in corporate spending or otherwise, it could result in reduced usage, which could decrease revenues or otherwise adversely affect our business.
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Our business depends on our ability to maintain the quality of our advertiser and developer content.
We must be able to ensure that our customers’ ads are not placed in publisher content that is unlawful or inappropriate. Likewise, publishers rely upon us not to distribute ads that are unlawful or inappropriate. If we are unable to ensure that the quality of our advertiser and publisher content does not decline as the number of advertisers and publishers we work with continues to grow, then our reputation and business may suffer.
If we are unable to attract new advertising customers and sell additional offerings to our existing customers, our revenue growth will be adversely affected.
To sustain or increase our revenue, we must add new advertisers and encourage existing advertisers (both of which are often represented by advertising agencies or other Intermediaries), to purchase additional offerings from us. As the digital advertising industry matures and as competitors introduce lower cost or differentiated products or services that compete with or are perceived to compete with ours, our ability to sell our solution to new and existing advertisers based on our offerings, pricing, technology platform and functionality could be impaired. Some advertisers that are repeat users of our solution tend to increase their spend over time. Conversely, some advertisers that are newer to our solution tend to spend less than, and may not return as frequently as, advertisers who have used our solution for longer periods of time. If we fail to retain or cultivate the spending of our newer, lower-spending advertisers, it will be difficult for us to sustain and grow our revenue from existing advertisers. Even with long-time advertisers, we may reach a point of saturation at which we cannot continue to grow our revenue from those advertisers because of internal limits that advertisers may place on the allocation of their advertising budgets to digital media, to particular campaigns, to a particular provider, or for other reasons not known to us. If we are unable to attract new advertisers or obtain new business from existing advertisers, our revenue growth and our business may be adversely affected.
If we do not introduce new and upgraded products and services and successfully adapt to our rapidly changing industry, our financial condition may suffer.
The online search advertising industry continues to evolve and we will need to continue developing new and upgraded products and services, and adapt to new business environments and competition in order to maintain and grow revenue and reach our profitability goals. New search advertising technologies could emerge that make our services comparatively less useful or new business methods could emerge that divert web traffic away from our advertising network. In addition, competition from other web businesses may prevent us from attracting substantial traffic to our services. We may inaccurately predict trends in the online search advertising market, which could lead us to make investments in technologies and products that do not generate sufficient returns. We may face platform and resource constraints that prevent us from developing upgraded products and services. We may fail to successfully identify new products or services, or fail to bring new products or services to market in a timely and efficient manner. Rapid industry change makes it difficult for us to accurately anticipate customer needs for our products, particularly over longer periods.
We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors because competition in our industry is intense, and our competitors may offer solutions that are perceived by our customers to be more attractive than ours. These factors could result in declining revenue, or inability to grow our business.
Competition for our advertiser customers’ advertising budgets is intense. We also expect competition to increase as the barriers to enter our market are low. Increased competition may force us to charge less for our solution, or offer pricing models that are less attractive to us and decrease our margins. Our principal competitors include companies that offer demand side and data management platforms that allow advertisers to purchase inventory directly from advertising exchanges or other third parties and manage and analyze their own consumer data, traditional advertising networks and advertising agencies themselves. We compete with large companies that provide paid placement products, paid inclusion products, and other forms of search marketing as well as contextually-targeted advertising products and other types of online advertisements. We compete for search advertising customers on the basis of the quality and composition of our network, the price-per-click (“PPC”) charged to search advertising customers, the volume of clicks that we can deliver to search advertising customers, tracking and reporting of campaign results, customer service, and other factors. We also compete for distribution network partners and for ad placement on those partners’ sites on the basis of the relevance of our ads and the PPC charged to search advertising customers. We also experience competition in offering our publisher products to website publishers. Some of our competitors have larger distribution networks and proprietary traffic bases, longer operating histories, greater brand recognition, higher RPC, better relevance and conversion rates, or better products and services than we have.
We compete with companies, such as Google, which are significantly larger than us and have more capital to invest in their advertising businesses. We also compete with in-house solutions used by companies who choose to coordinate advertising across their own properties, such as Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo! and Pandora. They, or other companies that offer competing advertising solutions, may establish or strengthen cooperative relationships with their partners, brand advertisers, app developers or other parties, thereby limiting our ability to promote our services and generate revenue. Competitors could also seek to gain market share from us by reducing the prices they charge to advertisers or by introducing new technology tools for developers. Moreover, increased competition for online advertising space from developers could result in an increase in the portion of advertiser revenue that we must pay to developers to acquire that advertising space.
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Our business will suffer to the extent that our Intermediary and advertiser customers purchase and sell advertising directly from each other or through other companies that are able to become Intermediaries. For example, we are aware of companies that have substantial existing platforms for developers who had previously not heavily used those platforms for advertising campaigns. These companies could compete with us to the extent they expand into advertising. Other companies, such as large app developers with a substantial advertising business, may decide to directly monetize some or all of their advertising space without utilizing our services. Other companies that offer analytics, mediation, exchange or other third party services may also become Intermediaries between advertisers and publishers and thereby compete with us. Any of these developments would make it more difficult for us to sell our services and could result in increased pricing pressure, reduced profit margins, increased sales and marketing expenses or the loss of market share.
We have previously derived a portion of our revenues from display advertising. A decrease in the use of display advertising, or our inability to further penetrate display, search, and social advertising channels would harm our business, growth prospects, operating results and financial condition.
Historically, we have had customers use our solution for display advertising. We expect that display advertising will continue to be a significant channel used by our customers. Recently, the market for display advertising, excluding social, has been declining as overall display advertising growth has been driven by mobile, social and video advertising. Should our customers lose confidence in the value or effectiveness of display advertising, the demand for our display solution could decline. In addition, our failure to achieve market acceptance of our solution for social advertising would harm our growth prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
We do not have long-term commitments from our advertisers, and we may not be able to retain advertisers or attract new advertisers that provide us with revenue that is comparable to the revenue generated by any advertisers we may lose.
Most of our advertisers do business with us by placing insertion orders for particular advertising campaigns. If we perform well on a particular campaign, then the advertiser, or most often, the advertising agency representing the advertiser, may place new insertion orders with us for additional advertising campaigns. We rarely have any commitment from an advertiser beyond the campaign governed by a particular insertion order. As a result, our success is dependent upon our ability to outperform our competitors and win repeat business from existing advertisers, while continually expanding the number of advertisers for whom we provide services. In addition, it is relatively easy for advertisers and the advertising agencies that represent them to seek an alternative provider for their advertising campaigns because there are no significant switching costs. Agencies, with whom we do the majority of our business, often have relationships with many different providers, each of whom may be running portions of the same advertising campaign. Because we generally do not have long-term contracts, it may be difficult for us to accurately predict future revenue streams. We cannot provide assurance that our current advertisers will continue to use our solution, or that we will be able to replace departing advertisers with new advertisers that provide us with comparable revenue.
If we serve our advertisers’ advertisements on undesirable websites, our reputation will suffer, which would harm our brand and reputation and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends in part on providing advertisers with a service that they trust. We take action in an effort to prevent advertisements from appearing on undesirable websites. We may distribute advertising to inventory that is objectionable to advertisers, and we may lose the trust of our advertiser customers, which would harm our brand and reputation and negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If our access to quality advertising inventory is diminished or if we fail to have access to new advertising inventory, our revenue could decline and our growth could be impeded.
We must maintain a consistent supply of attractive advertising inventory, meaning the digital space on which we place advertising impressions, including websites, proprietary social networks, such as Facebook, and mobile applications. Our success depends on our ability to secure quality inventory on reasonable terms across a broad range of advertising networks and exchanges, including real time advertising exchanges, such as Google’s DoubleClick Ad Exchange or AppNexus; suppliers of video and mobile inventory; and social media platforms, such as the Facebook Exchange, known as FBX.
The amount, quality and cost of inventory available to us can change at any time. Our suppliers are generally not bound by long-term contracts. As a result, we cannot provide any assurance that we will have access to a consistent supply of quality inventory. Moreover, the number of competing intermediaries that purchase advertising inventory from real-time advertising exchanges continues to increase, which could put upward pressure on inventory costs. If we are unable to compete favorably for advertising inventory available on real-time advertising exchanges, or if real-time advertising exchanges decide not to make their advertising inventory available to us, we may not be able to place advertisements at competitive rates or find alternative sources of inventory with comparable traffic patterns and consumer demographics in a timely manner. Furthermore, the inventory that we can access through real-time advertising exchanges may be of low quality or misrepresented to us, despite attempts by us and our suppliers to prevent fraud and conduct quality assurance checks.
Suppliers control the bidding process for the inventory they supply, and their processes may not always work in our favor. For example, suppliers may place restrictions on the use of their inventory, including restrictions that prohibit the placement of advertisements on behalf of certain advertisers. Through the bidding process, we may not win the right to deliver advertising to the inventory that we select and may not be able to replace inventory that is no longer made available to us.
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If we are unable to maintain a consistent supply of quality inventory for any reason, our business, advertiser retention and loyalty, financial condition and results of operations would be harmed.
If our access to quality inventory in social media is diminished or if we fail to acquire new advertising inventory in social media, our growth could be impeded and our revenue could decline.
If we are unable to compete favorably for advertising inventory on Facebook’s FBX, our social media offering may not be successful. Also, we cannot provide assurance that Facebook will continue to make its advertising inventory available to us upon reasonable terms or at all, and we may not be able to replace the FBX advertising inventory with inventory that meets our advertisers’ specific goals with respect to social media. In addition, advertisers may prefer to work with companies that provide advertising on social media platforms other than FBX or that have a longer history of integration with social media platforms. If we are unable to run advertising campaigns on the FBX platform, integrate with social media platforms that may become available in the future or find alternative sources of quality social media inventory, our business could be harmed.
If mobile connected devices, their operating systems or content distribution channels, including those controlled by our competitors, develop in ways that prevent our advertising campaigns from being delivered to their users, our ability to grow our business will be impaired.
Our success in the mobile channel depends upon the ability of our technology platform to integrate with mobile inventory suppliers and provide advertising for most mobile connected devices, as well as the major operating systems that run on them and the thousands of applications that are downloaded onto them. The design of mobile devices and operating systems is controlled by third parties with whom we do not have any formal relationships. These parties frequently introduce new devices, and from time to time they may introduce new operating systems or modify existing ones. Network carriers may also impact the ability to access specified content on mobile devices. If our solution were unable to work on these devices or operating systems, either because of technological constraints or because an operating system or app developer, device maker or carrier wished to impair our ability to purchase inventory and provide advertisements, our ability to generate revenue could be significantly harmed.
If we do not deliver quality traffic that delivers value for advertisers, then our advertisers and our advertising partners may pay us less for their listing or discontinue listing with us altogether.
For our services to be successful, we need to deliver consumers to advertisers’ websites that are valuable to such advertiser. If we do not meet advertisers’ expectations by delivering quality traffic, then our advertising partners may pay us less per click or cease doing business with us altogether, which may adversely affect our business and financial results. We compete with other web search services, online publishers and high-traffic websites, as well as traditional media such as television, radio and print, for a share of our advertisers’ total advertising expenditures. Many potential advertisers and advertising agencies have only limited experience advertising on the Internet and have not devoted a significant portion of their advertising expenditures to search advertising. Acceptance of our advertising offerings among our advertisers and advertising partners will depend, to a large extent, on its perceived effectiveness and the continued growth of commercial usage of the Internet. If we experience downward pricing pressure for our services in the future, our financial results may suffer.
We depend on publishers for advertising space to deliver our advertiser customers’ advertising campaigns, and any decline in the supply of advertising inventory from these publishers could hurt our business.
We depend on publishers, both search and social media, to provide us with space (advertising inventory) into which to distribute advertisements. There is no contractually bound obligation to make advertising inventory available to us or our customers, or to provide us with a consistent supply of advertising inventory. Furthermore, there are tools that exist that parties could use which could result in pressure to increase the prices paid to publishers for that inventory or to otherwise block access to this inventory, without which we would be unable to facilitate the distribution of ads on behalf of our advertiser customers.
Publishers can change the amount of inventory they make available to us at any time. They may also change the price at which they offer inventory, or they may elect to make advertising space available to our competitors who offer ads to them on more favorable economic terms. In addition, publishers may place significant restrictions on use of their advertising inventory. These restrictions may prohibit ads from specific advertisers or specific industries, or they could restrict the use of specified creative content or format. Publishers may also use a fee-based or subscription-based business model to generate revenue from their content, in lieu of or to reduce their reliance on ads.
If publishers decide not to make advertising inventory available to us for any of these reasons, decide to increase the price of inventory, or place significant restrictions on our use of their advertising space, we may not be able to replace this with inventory from other publishers that satisfy our requirements in a timely and cost-effective manner. If this happens, our revenue could decline or our cost of acquiring inventory could increase.
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We do not have long-term agreements with our advertiser customers, and we may be unable to retain key customers, attract new customers or replace departing customers with customers that can provide comparable revenue to us.
Our success requires us to maintain and expand our current advertiser customer relationships and to develop new relationships. Our contracts with our advertiser customers generally do not include long-term obligations requiring them to purchase our services and are cancelable upon short or no notice and without penalty. As a result, we may have limited visibility as to our future advertising revenue streams. We cannot assure you that our advertiser customers will continue to use our services or that we will be able to replace, in a timely or effective manner, departing customers with new customers that generate comparable revenue. If a major advertising customer representing a significant portion of our business decides to materially reduce its use of our platform or to cease using our platform altogether, our revenue could be significantly reduced. Advertisers in general may shift their business to a competitor’s platform because of new or more compelling offerings, strategic relationships, technological developments, pricing and other financial considerations, or a variety of other reasons, which could cause an immediate and significant decline in our revenue and harm our business.
Our acquisition of businesses and technologies may be costly and time-consuming; acquisitions may also dilute our existing stockholders.
From time to time we evaluate strategic corporate development opportunities and when appropriate, may make acquisitions of or significant investments in complementary companies or technologies to increase our technological capabilities expand our service offerings, or extend the operating scale of our network businesses. The pursuit of acquisitions, whether or not completed, as well as the completion of any acquisitions and their integration may be expensive and may divert the attention of management from the day-to-day operations of the company. It may be difficult to retain key management and technical personnel of the acquired company during the transition period following an acquisition. Acquisitions or other strategic transactions may also result in dilution to our existing stockholders if we issue additional equity securities or increase our debt to pay for such acquisitions. We may also be required to amortize significant amounts of intangible assets, record impairment of goodwill in connection with future acquisitions, or divest non-performing assets at below-market prices, all of which would adversely affect our operating results. Integration of acquired companies and technologies into the company is likely to be expensive, time-consuming, and strain our managerial resources. We may not be successful in integrating any acquired businesses or technologies and these transactions may not achieve anticipated business benefits.
If we fail to make the right investment decisions in our offerings and technology platform, we may not attract and retain advertisers and advertising agencies and our revenue and results of operations may decline.
We compete for advertisers, which are often represented by advertising agencies, who want to purchase digital media for advertising campaigns. Our industry is subject to rapid changes in standards, technologies, products and service offerings, as well as in advertiser demands and expectations. We continuously need to make decisions regarding which offerings and technology to invest in to meet advertiser demand and evolving industry standards and regulatory requirements. We may make wrong decisions regarding these investments. For example, we expect advertisers to award us credit, or attribution, for impressions that generate specific consumer purchases or responses using certain criteria such as last ad clicked or viewed. Our technology considers these attribution models and if new attribution models are introduced by advertisers, we may need to make changes in our technology. If new or existing competitors offer more attractive offerings, we may lose advertisers or advertisers may decrease their spending on our solution. New advertiser demands, superior competitive offerings or new industry standards could render our existing solution unattractive, unmarketable or obsolete and require us to make substantial unanticipated changes to our technology platform or business model. Our failure to adapt to a rapidly changing market or to anticipate advertiser demand could harm our business and our financial performance.
Our acquisition of Syncapse and ShopWiki could have a negative impact on our business, or on our stock price.
In September 2013, we purchased the assets of Syncapse and in December 2014, we acquired ShopWiki. These acquisitions could disrupt our business in the following ways, any of which could negatively affect our stock price or could harm our financial condition, results of operations or business prospects:
| · | our customers and other third party business partners may seek to terminate or renegotiate their relationships as a result of our acquisition of Syncapse, whether pursuant to the terms of their existing agreements or otherwise; |
| · | the attention of our management may be directed toward the integration of our businesses and related matters and may be diverted from our current business operations, including from other opportunities that might otherwise be beneficial to us; and |
| · | current and prospective employees may experience uncertainty regarding their future roles with our company, which might adversely affect our ability to retain, recruit and motivate key personnel. |
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We may be unable to realize the benefits anticipated by the acquisition, including estimated cost savings and synergies, or it may take longer than we anticipate for us to achieve those benefits.
Our realization of the benefits anticipated as a result of the acquisition of the assets of Syncapse will depend in part on the integration and development of Syncapse’s assets with ours. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to operate a business using the Syncapse’s assets profitably or integrate it successfully into our operations in a timely fashion, or at all. Following the acquisition, the size of the combined company’s business is significantly larger than our business was prior to the acquisition. Our future success as a combined company depends, in part, upon our ability to manage this expanded business, which will pose substantial challenges for our management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity. The dedication of management resources to this integration could detract attention from our current day-to-day business, and we cannot assure you that there will not be substantial costs associated with the transition process or other negative consequences as a result of these integration efforts. These effects, including, but not limited to, incurring unexpected costs or delays in connection with integration of the two businesses, or the failure of the business created using Syncapse’s assets to perform as expected, could harm our results of operations.
If we fail to develop widespread brand awareness cost-effectively, our business may suffer.
We believe that developing and maintaining widespread awareness of our brand in a cost-effective manner is critical to achieving widespread acceptance of our products and attracting new customers. We expect sales and marketing expenses to increase as a result of our marketing and brand promotion activities. We may not generate customer awareness or increase revenues enough to offset the increased expenses we incur in building our brand. If we fail to successfully promote and maintain our brand, or incur substantial marketing and sales expenses, which are not offset by increased revenues, we may fail to attract or retain customers necessary to realize a sufficient return on our brand-building efforts, or to achieve the widespread brand awareness that is essential for broad customer adoption of our solution.
Failure to adequately manage our growth may seriously harm our business.
We have in the past experienced, and may again in the future experience, significant growth in our business. If we do not effectively manage our growth, the quality of our services may suffer, which could negatively affect our reputation and demand for our services. Our growth has placed, and is expected to continue to place, a significant strain on our managerial, administrative, operational and financial resources and our infrastructure. Our future success will depend, in part, upon the ability of our senior management to manage growth effectively. This will require us to, among other things:
| · | implement additional management information systems; |
| · | further develop our operating, administrative, legal, financial and accounting systems and controls; |
| · | hire additional personnel; |
| · | develop additional levels of management within our company; |
| · | locate additional office space; |
| · | maintain close coordination among our engineering, operations, legal, finance, sales and marketing and client service and support organizations; and |
| · | manage our expanding international operations. |
Moreover, as our sales increase, we may be required to concurrently deploy our services infrastructure at multiple additional locations or provide increased levels of customization. As a result, we may lack the resources to deploy our services on a timely and cost-effective basis. Failure to accomplish any of these requirements could impair our ability to deliver our mobile advertising platform in a timely fashion, fulfill existing client commitments or attract and retain new clients.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain key personnel; if we were unable to attract and retain key personnel in the future, our business could be materially and adversely impacted.
Our success depends on our ability to identify, attract, retain and motivate highly skilled development, technical, sales, and management personnel. We have a limited number of key development, technical, sales and management personnel performing critical company functions, and the loss of the services of any of our key employees, particularly any of our executive team members or key technical personnel, could adversely affect our business. The combination of stock volatility of Company stock and the Company’s small market capitalization may not allow us to offer competitive equity based compensation to attract and retain key personnel.
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If we do not attract additional sales and technology talent, we may not be able to sustain our growth or achieve our business objectives.
Our future success also depends on our ability to continue to attract, retain and motivate highly skilled managers and employees, particularly employees with technical skills that enable us to deliver effective mobile advertising solutions and sales, and client support representatives with experience in mobile and other digital advertising and strong relationships with brand advertisers and app developers. Competition for these employees in our industry is intense. As a result, we may be unable to attract or retain these management, technical, sales and client support personnel that are critical to our success, resulting in harm to our key client relationships, loss of key information, expertise or know-how and unanticipated recruitment and training costs. The loss of the services of our senior management or other key employees could make it more difficult to successfully operate our business and pursue our business goals.
We face capacity constraints on our software and infrastructure systems that may be costly and time-consuming to resolve.
We use proprietary and licensed software and databases to receive and analyze advertisements, campaigns and budgets, match search queries to advertising, analyze webpage information to match advertising to relevant content, integrate third-party ads, detect invalid clicks, serve ads in high volume, and track, analyze and report on advertising responses and campaigns. Any of these software systems may contain undetected errors, defects or bugs, or may fail to operate with other software applications. The following developments may strain our capacity and result in technical difficulties with our service or the websites of our distribution network partners:
| · | customization of our matching algorithms and ad serving technologies, |
| · | substantial increases in the number of queries to our database, |
| · | substantial increases in the number of searches in our advertising databases, or |
| · | the addition of new products or new features or changes to our products. |
If we experience difficulties with our software and infrastructure systems or if we fail to address these difficulties in a timely manner, we may lose the confidence of search advertisers and distribution network partners, our revenue may decline and our business could suffer. In addition, as we expand our service offerings and enter into new business areas, we may be required to significantly modify and expand our software and infrastructure systems. If we fail to accomplish these tasks in a timely manner, our business will likely suffer.
Our inability to use software licensed from third parties, or our use of open source software under license terms that interfere with our proprietary rights, could disrupt our business.
Our technology platform incorporates software licensed from third parties, including some software, known as open source software, which we use without charge. Although we monitor our use of open source software, the terms of many open source licenses to which we are subject have not been interpreted by U.S. or foreign courts, and there is a risk that such licenses could be construed in a manner that imposes unanticipated conditions or restrictions on our ability to provide our platform to our clients. While we monitor our use of open source software and try to ensure that none is used in a manner that would require us to disclose our source code or that would otherwise breach the terms of an open source agreement, such use could inadvertently occur. In the future, we could be required to seek licenses from third parties in order to continue offering our platform, which licenses may not be available on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. Alternatively, we may need to re-engineer our platform or discontinue use of portions of the functionality provided by our platform. In addition, the terms of open source software licenses may require us to provide software that we develop using such software to others on unfavorable license terms. We may be required to release our proprietary source code, pay damages for breach of contract, discontinue sales in the event re-engineering cannot be accomplished on a timely basis or take other remedial action that may divert resources away from our development efforts. Our inability to use third party software could result in disruptions to our business, or delays in the development of future offerings or enhancements of existing offerings, which could impair our business.
If we fail to maintain adequate security and supporting infrastructure as we scale our systems, we may experience outages and disruptions of our services which could harm our brand and reputation and negatively impact our revenue and results of operations.
As we grow our business, we expect to continue to further invest in technology services, hardware and software, including data centers, network services, storage and database technologies. Creating the appropriate support for our technology platform, including Big Data and our computational infrastructure, is expensive and complex, and our execution could result in inefficiencies or operational failures and increased vulnerability to cyber-attacks, which, in turn, could diminish the quality of our services and our performance for advertisers. The steps we take to increase the reliability, integrity and security of our systems as they scale may be expensive and may not prevent system failures or unintended vulnerabilities resulting from the increasing number of persons with access to our systems, complex interactions within our technology platform and the increasing number of connections with third party partners and vendors’ technology. Operational errors or failures or successful cyber-attacks could result in damage to our reputation and loss of current and new advertisers and other business partners which could harm our business. In addition, we could be adversely impacted by outages and disruptions in the online platforms of our key business partners, such as the real-time advertising exchanges, who we rely upon for access to inventory.
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Our Data Center facility in Phoenix, Arizona is vulnerable to damage or service interruption resulting from human error, intentional bad acts, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, fires, war, terrorist attacks, power losses, hardware failures, systems failures, telecommunications failures and similar events. Moreover, while we have a disaster recovery plan in place, we do not maintain a “hot failover” instance of our software platform permitting us to immediately switch over in the event of damage or service interruption at our Data Center. The occurrence of a natural disaster or an act of terrorism, any outages or vandalism or other misconduct, or a decision to close the facility without adequate notice or other unanticipated problems could result in lengthy interruptions in our services.
Any changes in service levels at the facility or any errors, defects, disruptions or other performance problems at or related to the facility that affect our services could harm our reputation and may damage our customers’ businesses. Interruptions in our services might reduce our revenues, subject us to potential liability, or result in reduced usage of our platform. In addition, some of our customer contracts require us to issue credits for downtime in excess of certain levels and in some instances give our customers the ability to terminate their subscriptions.
Our data and information systems and network infrastructure may be subject to hacking or other cyber security threats. If our security measures are breached and an unauthorized party obtains access to our customer data or our proprietary business information, our information systems may be perceived as being unsecure, which could harm our business and reputation, and our proprietary business information could be misappropriated which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In our operations, we store and transmit our proprietary information and information related to our customers. Our operations are dependent upon the connectivity and continuity of our facilities and operations. Despite our security measures, our information systems and network infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks or could be breached due to an employee error or other disruption that could result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information which has the potential to significantly interfere with our business operations. Breaches of our security measures could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability. Since techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage information systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures in advance of such an attack on our systems. In addition, if we select a vendor that uses cyber or “cloud” storage of information as part of their service or product offerings, despite our attempts to validate the security of such services, our proprietary information may be misappropriated by third parties. In the event of an actual or perceived breach of our security, or the security of one of our vendors, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and we could suffer damage to our reputation or our business, or lose existing customers and lose our ability to obtain new customers. Additionally, misappropriation of our proprietary business information could prove competitively harmful to our business.
Errors or failures in our software and systems could adversely affect our operating results and growth prospects.
We depend upon the sustained and uninterrupted performance of our technology platform to operate over 1,000 campaigns at any given time; manage our inventory supply; bid on inventory for each campaign; serve or direct a third party to serve advertising; collect, process and interpret data to optimize campaign performance in real time; and provide billing information to our financial systems. If our technology platform cannot scale to meet demand, or if there are errors in our execution of any of these functions on our platform, then our business could be harmed. Because our software is complex, undetected errors and failures may occur, especially when new versions or updates are made. We do not have the capability to test new releases or updates to our code on a small subset of campaigns, which means that bugs or errors in code could impact all campaigns on our platform. Despite testing by us, errors or bugs in our software have in the past, and may in the future, not be found until the software is in our live operating environment. For example, we may experience failures in our bidding system to recognize or respond to budget restrictions for campaigns, resulting in overspending on media, and we may in the future have failures in our systems that cause us to buy more media than our advertisers are contractually obligated to pay for, which could be costly and harm our operating results. Errors or failures in our software could also result in negative publicity, damage to our brand and reputation, loss of or delay in market acceptance of our solution, increased costs or loss of revenue, loss of competitive position or claims by advertisers for losses sustained by them. In such an event, we may be required or choose to expend additional resources to help mitigate any problems resulting from errors in our software. We may make errors in the measurement of our campaigns causing discrepancies with our advertisers’ measurements leading to a lack in confidence with us or, on occasion, the need for advertiser “make-goods,” the standard credits given to advertisers for campaigns that have not been delivered properly. Alleviating problems resulting from errors in our software could require significant expenditures of capital and other resources and could cause interruptions, delays or the cessation of our business, any of which would adversely impact our financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.
Software and components that we incorporate into our advertising platform may contain errors or defects, which could harm our reputation and hurt our business.
We use a combination of custom and third party software, including open source software, in building our advertising platforms. Although we test software before incorporating it into our platforms, we cannot guarantee that all of the third party technology that we incorporate will not contain errors, bugs or other defects. We continue to launch enhancements to our mobile advertising platform, and we cannot guarantee any such enhancements will be free from these kinds of defects. If errors or other defects occur in technology that we utilize in our mobile advertising platform, it could result in damage to our reputation and losses in revenue, and we could be required to spend significant amounts of additional resources to fix any problems.
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The recent global financial crisis, uncertainty in global economic conditions and out history of losses may have significant negative effects on our access to credit and our ability to raise capital.
The recent global financial crisis which has included, among other things, significant reductions in and heightened credit quality standards for available capital and liquidity from banks and other providers of credit, substantial reductions and/or fluctuations in equity and currency values worldwide, and concerns that the worldwide economy may enter into a prolonged recessionary period, may make it difficult for us to raise additional capital or obtain additional credit, when needed, on acceptable terms or at all. We may need to enter into additional credit facilities in the future to operate the business. Our history of operating losses may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional financing for our operations, investing activities, or financing activities. This difficulty or inability could materially limit our business operations and adversely affect our business performance.
If we do not comply with the financial covenants in our credit agreements, our financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our credit facilities contain provisions that could limit our ability to, among other things, incur, create or assume additional debt, sell or otherwise dispose of our or any of our subsidiaries’ assets, or consolidate or merge with or into, or acquire the obligations or stock of, or any other interest in, another person. In addition, our credit facilities contain financial covenants that require us to maintain specified levels of tangible net worth and liquid assets. Our ability to meet those financial covenants can be affected by events beyond our control, and we may be unable to satisfy these covenants. If we fail to comply with these covenants, we may be required to identify restricted cash equal to our outstanding capital lease balance, if any, plus our outstanding standby letter of credit (“SBLC”) or, in the event of default, we may be required to pay the lenders cash in an amount equal to the capital lease balance, if any is outstanding. Paying such cash balances could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition.
Risks Related to Operating in our Industry
Economic downturns and political and market conditions beyond our control could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business depends on the overall demand for advertising and on the economic health of our current and prospective advertisers. Economic downturns or instability in political or market conditions may cause current or new advertisers to reduce their advertising budgets. Adverse economic conditions and general uncertainty about economic recovery are likely to affect our business prospects. In particular, uncertainty regarding the budget crisis in the United States may cause general business conditions in the United States and elsewhere to deteriorate or become volatile, which could cause advertisers to delay, decrease or cancel purchases of our solution, This could expose us to increased credit risk on advertiser orders, which, in turn, could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, concerns over the sovereign debt situation in certain countries in the EU as well as continued geopolitical turmoil in many parts of the world have, and may continue to, put pressure on global economic conditions, which could lead to reduced spending on advertising.
Cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in the economy, in internet usage and in traditional retail shopping may have an effect on our business.
Both cyclical and seasonal fluctuations in internet usage and traditional retail seasonality may affect our business. Internet usage generally slows during the summer months, and queries typically increase significantly in the fourth quarter of each year. These seasonal trends may cause fluctuations in our quarterly results, including fluctuations in sequential revenue growth rates.
Seasonal fluctuations in advertising activity could adversely affect our cash flows.
Our cash flows from operations could vary from quarter to quarter due to the seasonal nature of our advertisers’ spending. For example, many advertisers devote the largest portion of their budgets to the fourth quarter of the calendar year, to coincide with increased holiday purchasing. To date, these seasonal effects have been masked by our rapid revenue growth. However, if and to the extent that seasonal fluctuations become more pronounced, our operating cash flows could fluctuate materially from period to period as a result.
If we fail to prevent, detect and remove invalid search queries and clicks, we could lose the confidence of our search advertisers, thereby causing our business to suffer.
Invalid clicks are an ongoing problem for the Internet search advertising industry, and we are exposed to the risk of invalid clicks on customers’ text advertisements coming from within our distribution network. Invalid clicks occur when a person or robotic software causes a click on a paid listing to occur for some reason other than to view the underlying content. Invalid clicks are commonly referred to as “click fraud.” We continue to invest significant time and resources in preventing, detecting and eliminating invalid traffic from our distribution network. However, the perpetrators of click fraud have developed sophisticated methods to evade detection, and we are unlikely to be able to completely detect and remove all invalid traffic from our search network.
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Currently and in the past we have been subject to advertiser complaints and litigation regarding invalid clicks, and we may be subject to search advertising customer complaints, claims, litigation or inquiries in the future. We have from time to time credited invoices or refunded revenue to our customers due to invalid traffic, and we expect to continue to do so in the future. If our systems to detect invalid traffic are insufficient, or if we find new evidence of past invalid clicks, we may have to issue credits or refunds retroactively to our search advertisers, and we may still have to pay revenue share to our distribution network partners. This could negatively affect our profitability and hurt our brand. If traffic consisting of invalid clicks is not detected and removed from our advertising network, the affected search advertising customers may experience a reduced return on their investment in our online advertising because the invalid clicks will not lead to conversions for the search advertising customers. This could lead the search advertisers to become dissatisfied with our products, which could lead to loss of search advertising customers and revenue and could materially and adversely affect our financial results.
We compete with many companies, some of whom are more established and better capitalized than us.
We compete with a variety of companies on a worldwide basis both through the Internet and in traditional markets. Many of these companies are larger and better capitalized than us. There are also few barriers to entry in our markets. Our competitors may develop services that are superior to, or have greater market acceptance than our services. For example, many of our current and potential competitors have longer operating histories, significantly greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources and larger customer bases than us. These factors may allow our competitors to respond more quickly than we can to new or emerging technologies and changes in customer requirements. Our competitors may engage in more extensive research and development efforts, undertake more far-reaching marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing policies which may allow them to build larger client bases. In addition, current and potential competitors are making, and are expected to continue to make, strategic acquisitions or establish cooperative, and, in some cases, exclusive relationships with significant companies or competitors to expand their businesses or to offer more comprehensive products and services.
System failures could significantly disrupt our operations and cause us to lose advertiser customers or advertising inventory.
Our success depends on the continuing and uninterrupted performance of our own internal systems, which we utilize to distribute and place ads, monitor the performance of advertising campaigns and manage inventory of advertising space. Our revenue depends on the technological ability of our platforms to deliver ads and measure them on a per click basis. Sustained or repeated system failures that interrupt our ability to provide services to customers, including technological failures affecting our ability to deliver ads quickly and accurately and to process users’ responses to ads, could significantly reduce the attractiveness of our services to advertisers and reduce our revenue. Our systems are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunications failures, power outages, malicious human acts and natural disasters. In addition, any steps we take to increase the reliability and redundancy of our systems may be expensive and may not ultimately be successful in preventing system failures.
Any failure in the performance of our key production systems could materially and adversely affect our revenues.
Any system failure that interrupts our hosted products or services, whether caused by computer viruses, software failure, power interruptions, intruders, hackers, or other causes, could harm our financial results. For example, our system for tracking and invoicing clicks is dependent upon a proprietary software platform. If we lose key personnel or experience a failure of software, this system may fail. In such event, we may be unable to track paid clicks and invoice our customers, which would materially and adversely affect our financial results and business reputation. Moreover, our services are governed by Service Level Agreements that, if not met, require the payment of credits to our customers depending upon the level of service interruption.
The occurrence of a natural disaster or unanticipated problems at our principal headquarters or at a third-party data center could cause interruptions or delays in our business. A loss of data could render us unable to provide some services. Our California facilities exist on or near known earthquake fault zones and a significant earthquake could cause an interruption in our services. An interruption in our ability to serve advertisements, track paid clicks, bill and collect invoices, and provide customer support would materially and adversely affect our financial results.
Our business and operations depend on Internet service providers and third party technology providers, and any failure or system downtime experienced by these companies could materially and adversely affect our revenues.
Our distribution network partners and search advertising customers depend on Internet service providers, online service providers and other third parties for access to our services. These service providers have experienced significant outages in the past and could experience outages, delays and other operating difficulties in the future. The occurrence of any or all of these events could adversely affect our reputation, brand and business, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
We have agreements with third-party click tracking and ad-serving technology providers. We do not presently maintain fully redundant click tracking, customer account, and web serving systems at separate locations. Accordingly, our operations depend on the ability of our Data Center to protect the systems in their data centers from system failures, earthquake, fire, power loss, water damage, telecommunications failure, hacking, vandalism, and similar events. We cannot guarantee that our Internet access will be uninterrupted, error-free or secure. Although we maintain property insurance and business interruption insurance, such insurance may not protect against some risks and we cannot guarantee that our insurance will be adequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur as a result of a catastrophic system failure. Also, if our third-party click tracking or ad-serving technology providers experience service interruptions, errors or security breaches, our ability to track, realize, and record revenue would suffer.
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We may face liability for claims related to our products and services, and these claims may be costly to resolve.
Internet users, search advertisers, other customers, and companies in the Internet, technology and media industries frequently enter into litigation based on allegations related to defamation, negligence, personal injury, breach of contract, unfair advertising, unfair competition, invasion of privacy, patent infringement or other claims. Lawsuits are filed against us from time to time. As we enter foreign markets, our potential liability could increase. In addition, we are obligated in some cases to indemnify our customers or distribution network partners in the event that they are subject to claims that our services infringe on the rights of others.
Litigating these claims could consume significant amounts of time and money, divert management’s attention and resources, cause delays in integrating acquired technology or releasing new products, or require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements. Royalty or licensing agreements, if required, may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Our insurance may not adequately cover claims of this type, if at all. If a court were to determine that some aspect of our services infringed upon or violated the rights of others, we could be prevented from offering some or all of our services, which would negatively impact our revenue and business. For any of the foregoing reasons, litigation involving our listings business and technology could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
Our failure to protect our intellectual property rights could diminish the value of our services, weaken our competitive position and reduce our revenue.
We regard the protection of our intellectual property, which includes trade secrets, patents, copyrights, trademarks, domain names and patent applications, as critical to our success. We strive to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state and common law rights, as well as contractual restrictions. We enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements with our employees and contractors, and confidentiality agreements with third parties with whom we conduct business in order to limit access to, and disclosure and use of, our intellectual property and proprietary information. However, these contractual arrangements and the other steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property may not prevent the misappropriation of our proprietary information or deter independent development of similar technologies by others.
We seek patent protection for certain of our technologies and currently have three issued U.S. patents. We are also pursuing the registration of our domain names, trademarks and service marks in the United States and in certain locations outside the United States. Effective trade secret, copyright, trademark, domain name and patent protection is expensive to develop and maintain, both in terms of initial and ongoing registration requirements and the costs of defending our rights. We may be required to protect our intellectual property in an increasing number of jurisdictions, a process that is expensive and may not be successful or which we may not pursue in every location. We may, over time, increase our investment in protecting our intellectual property through additional patent filings that could be expensive and time-consuming.
We have licensed in the past, and expect to license in the future, some of our proprietary rights, such as trademarks or copyrighted material, to third parties. These licensees may take unauthorized actions that diminish the value of our proprietary rights or harm our reputation.
Monitoring unauthorized use of our intellectual property is difficult and costly. Our efforts to protect our proprietary rights may not be adequate to prevent misappropriation of our intellectual property. Further, we may not be able to detect unauthorized use of, or take appropriate steps to enforce, our intellectual property rights. Our competitors may also independently develop similar technology. In addition, the laws of many countries, such as China and India, do not protect our proprietary rights to as great an extent as do the laws of European countries and the United States. Further, the laws in the United States and elsewhere change rapidly, and any future changes could adversely affect us and our intellectual property rights. Our failure to meaningfully protect our intellectual property could result in competitors offering services that incorporate our most technologically advanced features, which could seriously reduce demand for our mobile advertising services. In addition, we may in the future need to initiate infringement claims or litigation. Litigation, whether we are a plaintiff or a defendant, can be expensive, time-consuming and may divert the efforts of our technical staff and managerial personnel, which could harm our business, whether or not such litigation results in a determination that is unfavorable to us. In addition, litigation is inherently uncertain, and thus we may not be able to stop our competitors from infringing upon our intellectual property rights.
We could be subject to infringement claims that may be costly to defend, result in the payment of settlements or damages or cause us to change the way we conduct our business.
Internet, technology and media companies, as well as patent holding companies often possess a significant number of patents. Further, many of these companies and other parties are actively developing online advertising, search, indexing, electronic commerce and other Web-related technologies, as well as a variety of online business models and methods. We believe that these parties will continue to take steps to protect these technologies, including, but not limited to, seeking patent protection. As a result, we may face claims of infringement of patents and other intellectual property rights held by others. Also, as we expand our business, acquire and maintain our customer base, and develop new technologies, products and services, we may become increasingly subject to intellectual property infringement claims. In the event that there is a claim or determination that we infringe third-party proprietary rights such as patents, copyrights, trademark rights, trade secret rights or other third party rights such as publicity and privacy rights, we could incur substantial monetary liability, be required to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements or be prevented from using the rights, which could require us to change our business practices in the future and limit our ability to compete effectively. We may also incur substantial expenses in defending against third-party infringement claims regardless of the merit of such claims. The occurrence of any of these results could harm our brand and negatively impact our operating results. In addition, many of our agreements with our customers, partners and affiliates require us to indemnify them for certain third-party intellectual property infringement claims or determinations, which could increase our costs in defending such claims and our damages.
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Litigation, regulation, legislation or enforcement actions directed at or materially affecting us may adversely affect the commercial use of our products and services and our financial results.
New lawsuits, laws, regulations and enforcement actions applicable to the online industry may limit the delivery, appearance and content of our advertising or our publisher customers’ advertisers or otherwise adversely affect our business. If such laws are enacted, or if existing laws are interpreted to restrict the types and placements of advertisements we or our publishers’ customers can carry, it could have a material and adverse effect on our financial results. For example, in 2002, the Federal Trade Commission, in response to a petition from a private organization, reviewed the way in which search engines disclose paid placement or paid inclusion practices to Internet consumers and issued guidance on what disclosures are necessary to avoid misleading consumers about the possible effects of paid placement or paid inclusion listings on the search results. In 2003, the United States Department of Justice issued statements indicating its belief that displaying advertisements for online gambling might be construed as aiding and abetting an illegal activity under federal law. In 2004, the United States Congress considered new laws regarding the sale of pharmaceutical products over the Internet and the use of adware to distribute advertisements on the Internet. In 2007, the Federal Trade Commission proposed new regulations relating to online behavioral targeting. Moreover, as we enter into foreign markets, we may become subject to additional regulation and legislation. If any new law or government agency were to require changes in the labeling, delivery or content of our advertisements, or if we are subject to legal proceedings regarding these issues, it may reduce the desirability of our services or the types of advertisements that we can run, and our business could be materially and adversely harmed. In addition, many of our agreements with our customers, partners and affiliates require us to indemnify them for certain claims related to online advertising laws, regulations and enforcement actions, which could increase our costs in defending such claims and our damages.
In addition, legislation or regulations, including compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”), present ongoing compliance risks, and a failure to comply with these new laws and regulations could materially harm our business. As we continue our Section 404 compliance efforts we may identify significant deficiencies, or material weaknesses, in the design and operation of our internal control over financial reporting. We may be unable to remediate any of these matters in a timely fashion, and/or our independent registered public accounting firm may not agree with our remediation efforts. Such failures could impact our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information, and could impact market perception of the quality of our financial reporting, which could adversely affect our business and our stock price.
The Company is also involved, from time to time, in various other legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect resolution of these matters to have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position unless stated otherwise. However, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could, depending on its amount and timing, materially affect its results of operations, cash flows or financial position in a future period. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
Activities of our advertiser customers could damage our reputation or give rise to legal claims against us.
Our advertiser customers’ promotion of their products and services may not comply with federal, state and local laws, including, but not limited to, laws and regulations relating to mobile communications. Failure of our customers to comply with federal, state or local laws or our policies could damage our reputation and expose us to liability under these laws. We may also be liable to third parties for content in the ads we deliver if the artwork, text or other content involved violates copyrights, trademarks or other intellectual property rights of third parties or if the content is defamatory, unfair and deceptive, or otherwise in violation of applicable laws. Although we generally receive assurance from our advertisers that their ads are lawful and that they have the right to use any copyrights, trademarks or other intellectual property included in an ad, and although we are normally indemnified by the advertisers, a third party or regulatory authority may still file a claim against us. Any such claims could be costly and time-consuming to defend and could also hurt our reputation. Further, if we are exposed to legal liability as a result of the activities of our advertiser clients, we could be required to pay substantial fines or penalties, redesign our business methods, discontinue some of our services or otherwise expend significant resources.
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Our business practices with respect to data could give rise to liabilities or reputational harm as a result of governmental regulation, legal requirements or industry standards relating to consumer privacy and data protection.
In the course of providing our services, we transmit and store information related to the ads we place. Federal, state and international laws and regulations can govern the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of data that we collect across our advertising platform. We strive to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and legal obligations relating to privacy and data protection. However, it is possible that these requirements may be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another and may conflict with other rules or our practices. Any failure, or perceived failure, by us to comply with U.S. federal, state, or international laws, including laws and regulations regulating privacy, data security, or consumer protection, could result in proceedings or actions against us by governmental entities or others. We are aware of several ongoing lawsuits filed against companies in our industry alleging various violations of privacy-related laws. Any such proceedings could hurt our reputation, force us to spend significant amounts in defense of these proceedings, distract our management, increase our costs of doing business, adversely affect the demand for our services and ultimately result in the imposition of monetary liability. We may also be contractually liable to indemnify and hold harmless our clients from the costs or consequences of inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of data that we store or handle as part of providing our services.
The regulatory framework for privacy issues worldwide is evolving, and various government and consumer agencies and public advocacy groups have called for new regulation and changes in industry practices. For example, in early 2012, the State of California entered into an agreement with several major mobile app platforms under which the platforms have agreed to require mobile apps to meet specified standards to ensure consumer privacy. Subsequently, in January 2013, the State of California released a series of recommendations for privacy best practices for the mobile industry. In January 2014, a California law also became effective amending the required disclosures for online privacy policies. It is possible that new laws and regulations will be adopted in the United States and internationally, or existing laws and regulations may be interpreted in new ways, that would affect our business.
As we expand our operations globally, compliance with regulations that differ from country to country may also impose substantial burdens on our business. In particular, the European Union has traditionally taken a broader view as to what is considered personal information and has imposed greater obligations under data privacy regulations. In addition, individual EU member countries have had discretion with respect to their interpretation and implementation of the regulations, which has resulted in variation of privacy standards from country to country. In January 2012, the European Commission announced significant proposed reforms to its existing data protection legal framework, including changes in obligations of data controllers and processors, the rights of data subjects and data security and breach notification requirements. The EU proposals, if implemented, may result in a greater compliance burden if we deliver ads to mobile device users in Europe. Complying with any new regulatory requirements could force us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices in a manner that could compromise our ability to effectively pursue our growth strategy.
Privacy-related regulation of the Internet could limit the ways we currently collect and use personal information, which could decrease our advertising revenues or increase our costs.
Internet user privacy has become an issue both in the United States and abroad. The United States Congress and Federal Trade Commission are considering new legislation and regulations to regulate Internet privacy. The Federal Trade Commission and government agencies in some states and countries have investigated some Internet companies, and lawsuits have been filed against some Internet companies, regarding their handling or use of personal information. Any laws imposed to protect the privacy of Internet consumers may affect the way in which we collect and use personal information. We could incur additional expenses if new laws or court judgments, in the United States or abroad, regarding the use of personal information are introduced or if any agency chooses to investigate our privacy practices.
We, along with some of our distribution network partners or search advertising customers, retain information about our consumers. If others were able to penetrate the network security of these user databases and access or misappropriate this information, we and our distribution network partners or search advertising customers could be subject to liability. These claims may result in litigation, our involvement in which, regardless of the outcome, could require us to expend significant time and financial resources. In addition, many of our agreements with our customers, partners and affiliates require us to indemnify them for certain claims related to privacy laws, regulations and enforcement actions which could increase our costs in defending such claims and damages.
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Legislation and regulation of online businesses, including privacy and data protection regimes, could create unexpected costs, subject us to enforcement actions for compliance failures, or cause us to change our technology platform or business model, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Government regulation could increase the costs of doing business online. U.S. and foreign governments have enacted or are considering legislation related to online advertising and we expect to see an increase in legislation and regulation related to advertising online, the use of geo-location data to inform advertising, the collection and use of anonymous Internet user data and unique device identifiers, such as IP address or unique mobile device identifiers, and other data protection and privacy regulation. Recent revelations about bulk online data collection by the National Security Agency, and news articles suggesting that the National Security Agency may gather data from cookies placed by Internet advertisers to deliver interest based advertising, may further interest governments in legislation regulating data collection by commercial entities, such as advertisers and publishers and technology companies that serve the advertising industry. Such legislation could affect the costs of doing business online, and could reduce the demand for our solution or otherwise harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, a wide variety of provincial, state, national and international laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure, transfer and other processing of personal data. While we have not collected data that is traditionally considered personal data, such as name, email address, address, phone numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, financial or health data, we may obtain information that are or may be considered personal data in some jurisdictions or otherwise may be the subject of legislation or regulation. Evolving and changing definitions of personal data, within the EU, the United States and elsewhere, could cause us in the future, to change our business practices, or limit or inhibit our ability to operate or expand our business. Data protection and privacy-related laws and regulations are evolving and could result in ever-increasing regulatory and public scrutiny and escalating levels of enforcement and sanctions. While we take measures to protect the security of information that we collect, use and disclose in the operation of our business, and to offer certain privacy protections with respect to such information, such measures may not always be effective. In addition, while we take steps to avoid collecting personally identifiable information about consumers, we may inadvertently receive this information from advertisers or advertising agencies or through the process of delivering advertising. Our failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or to protect personal data, could result in enforcement action against us, including fines, imprisonment of our officers and public censure, claims for damages by consumers and other affected individuals, damage to our reputation and loss of goodwill, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even the perception of privacy concerns, whether or not valid, could harm our reputation and inhibit adoption of our solution by current and future advertisers and advertising agencies.
If the use of “third party cookies” is rejected by Internet users, restricted or otherwise subject to unfavorable regulation, our performance could decline and we could lose advertisers and revenue.
Advertisers and our partners use “cookies” (small text files) to gather important data in the delivery of advertisements. These cookies are placed through an Internet browser on an Internet user’s computer and correspond to a data set. These cookies are known as “third party” cookies because of a lack of a direct relationship with the Internet user. These cookies collect anonymous information, such as when an Internet user views an ad, clicks on an ad, or visits one of our advertiser customer’s websites. On mobile devices, there may also be location based information about the user’s device. These cookies are used to help achieve our advertiser customer’s campaign goals, to help ensure that the same Internet user does not unintentionally see the same advertisement too frequently, to report aggregate information to advertisers regarding the performance of their advertising campaigns and to detect and prevent fraudulent activity throughout our network of inventory. Data from cookies are also used to help decide whether to bid on, and how much to bid on, an opportunity to place an advertisement in a certain location, at a given time, in front of a particular Internet user. A lack of data associated with cookies may detract from the ability to make decisions about which inventory to purchase for an advertiser’s campaign, and undermine the effectiveness of our solution.
Cookies may easily be deleted or blocked by Internet users. All of the most commonly used Internet browsers (including Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari) allow Internet users to prevent cookies from being accepted by their browsers. Internet users can also delete cookies from their computers at any time. Some Internet users also download “ad blocking” software that prevents cookies from being stored on a user’s computer. If more Internet users adopt these settings or delete their cookies more frequently than they currently do, our business could be harmed. In addition, the Safari browser blocks cookies by default, and other browsers may do so in the future. Unless such default settings in browsers were altered by Internet users, we would be able to set fewer of our cookies in browsers, which could adversely affect our business. In addition, companies such as Google have publicly disclosed their intention to move away from cookies to another form of persistent unique identifier, or ID, to indicate Internet users in the bidding process on advertising exchanges. If companies do not use shared IDs across the entire ecosystem, this could have a negative impact on our ability to find the same anonymous user across different web properties, and reduce the effectiveness of our solution.
In addition, in the European Union, or EU, Directive 2009/136/EC, commonly referred to as the “Cookie Directive,” directs EU member states to ensure that accessing information on an Internet user’s computer, such as through a cookie, is allowed only if the Internet user has given his or her consent. We may not be able to develop or implement additional tools that compensate for the lack of data associated with cookies. Moreover, even if we are able to do so, such additional tools may be subject to further regulation, time consuming to develop or costly to obtain, and less effective than our current use of cookies.
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Potential “Do Not Track” standards or government regulation could negatively impact our business by limiting access to the anonymous user data that informs the advertising campaigns we facilitate, and as a result could degrade our performance for our customers.
As the use of cookies has received ongoing media attention over the past three years, some government regulators and privacy advocates have suggested creating a “Do Not Track” standard that would allow Internet users to express a preference, independent of cookie settings in their web browser, not to have their website browsing recorded. All the major Internet browsers have implemented some version of a “Do Not Track” setting. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 10 includes a “Do Not Track” setting that is selected “on” by default. However, there is no definition of “tracking,” no consensus regarding what message is conveyed by a “Do Not Track” setting and no industry standards regarding how to respond to a “Do Not Track” preference. It is possible that we could face competing policy standards, or standards that put our business model at a competitive disadvantage to other companies that collect data from Internet users, standards that reduce the effectiveness of our solution, or standards that require us to make costly changes to our solution. The Federal Trade Commission has stated that it will pursue a legislative solution if the industry cannot agree upon a standard. The “Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2013” was introduced in the United States Senate in February 2013. If a “Do Not Track” web browser setting is adopted by many Internet users, and the standard either imposed by state or federal legislation, or agreed upon by standard setting groups, requires us to recognize a “Do Not Track” signal and prohibits the use of non-personal data as currently done, then that could hinder growth of advertising and content production on the web generally, and limit the quality and amount of data we are able to store and use, which would cause us to change our business practices and adversely affect our business.
Our business involves the use, transmission and storage of confidential information, and the failure to properly safeguard such information could result in significant reputational harm and monetary damages.
We may at times collect, store and transmit information of, or on behalf of, our clients that may include certain types of confidential information that may be considered personal or sensitive, and that are subject to laws that apply to data breaches. We believe that we take reasonable steps to protect the security, integrity and confidentiality of the information we collect and store, but there is no guarantee that inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure will not occur or that third parties will not gain unauthorized access to this information despite our efforts to protect this information. If such unauthorized disclosure or access does occur, we may be required to notify persons whose information was disclosed or accessed. Most states have enacted data breach notification laws and, in addition to federal laws that apply to certain types of information, such as financial information, federal legislation has been proposed that would establish broader federal obligations with respect to data breaches. We may also be subject to claims of breach of contract for such disclosure, investigation and penalties by regulatory authorities and potential claims by persons whose information was disclosed. The unauthorized disclosure of information may result in the termination of one or more of our commercial relationships or a reduction in client confidence and usage of our services. We may also be subject to litigation alleging the improper use, transmission or storage of confidential information, which could damage our reputation among our current and potential clients, require significant expenditures of capital and other resources and cause us to lose business and revenue.
Online commerce security risks, including security breaches, identity theft, service disrupting attacks and viruses, could harm our reputation and the conduct of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.
A fundamental requirement for online commerce and communications is the secure storage and transmission of confidential information over public networks. Although we have developed and use systems and processes that are designed to protect customer information and prevent fraudulent credit card transactions and other security breaches, our security measures may not prevent security breaches or identity theft that could harm our reputation and business. Currently, a significant number of our customers provide credit card and other financial information and authorize us to bill their credit card accounts directly for all transaction fees charged by us. We rely on encryption and authentication technology to provide the security and authentication to effect secure transmission of confidential information, including customer credit card numbers. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments may result in a compromise or breach of the technology used by us to protect transaction data. In addition, any party who is able to illicitly obtain a user’s password could access the user’s transaction data. An increasing number of websites have reported breaches of their security. Any compromise of our security could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of litigation and possible liability. The coverage limits of our insurance policies may not be adequate to reimburse us for losses caused by security breaches.
Additionally, our servers are vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, and similar disruptions, and we have experienced “denial-of-service” type attacks on our system that have made all or portions of our websites unavailable for periods of time. We may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches. Disruptions in our services and damage caused by viruses and other attacks could cause a loss of user confidence in our systems and services, which could lead to reduced usage of our products and services and materially adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our data and information systems and network infrastructure may be subject to hacking or other cyber security threats. If our security measures are breached and an unauthorized party obtains access to our customer data or our proprietary business information, our information systems may be perceived as being unsecure, which could harm our business and reputation, and our proprietary business information could be misappropriated which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
In our operations, we store and transmit our proprietary information and information related to our customers. Our operations are dependent upon the connectivity and continuity of our facilities and operations. Despite our security measures, our information systems and network infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber-attacks or could be breached due to an employee error or other disruption that could result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information which has the potential to significantly interfere with our business operations. Breaches of our security measures could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability. Since techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage information systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures in advance of such an attack on our systems. In addition, if we select a vendor that uses cyber or “cloud” storage of information as part of their service or product offerings, despite our attempts to validate the security of such services, our proprietary information may be misappropriated by third parties. In the event of an actual or perceived breach of our security, or the security of one of our vendors, the market perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and we could suffer damage to our reputation or our business, or lose existing customers and lose our ability to obtain new customers. Additionally, misappropriation of our proprietary business information could prove competitively harmful to our business.
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New tax treatment of companies engaged in Internet commerce may adversely affect the commercial use of our search service and our financial results.
Tax authorities at the international, federal, state and local levels are currently reviewing the appropriate tax treatment of companies engaged in Internet commerce. New or revised state tax regulations may subject us or our search advertising customers to additional state sales, income and other taxes. We cannot predict the effect of current attempts to impose sales, income or other taxes on commerce over the Internet. New or revised taxes and, in particular, sales taxes, would likely increase the cost of doing business online and decrease the attractiveness of advertising and selling goods and services over the Internet. Any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Risks Related to the Capital Market
Our securities may be delisted.
On January 26, 2015, we received a letter from the Staff of the Listing Qualifications Department of NASDAQ indicating that for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock has been below $1.00 per share, the minimum closing bid price required by the continued listing requirements of NASDAQ, as set forth in Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). The notice does not otherwise impact the Company’s listing on NASDAQ at this time.
In accordance with Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company was granted 180 calendar days, or until July 27, 2015, to regain compliance with the Rule (the “Compliance Period”). To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, but generally no more than 20 business days, during the Compliance Period.
If the Company does not regain compliance with the Rule by July 27, 2015, NASDAQ will provide written notification to the Company that its common stock may be delisted. However, the Company would be entitled to an additional 180-day period from July 27, 2015 to regain compliance, if, on July 27, 2015, the Company meets the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The NASDAQ Capital Market, with the exception of the bid price requirement, then the Company would need to provide written notice to NASDAQ of its intention to cure the deficiency during the second compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.
There is no assurance as to the price at which the Company’s common stock will trade. The Company intends to actively monitor the bid price for its common stock during the Compliance Period, and if the common stock continues to trade below the minimum bid price required for continued listing, the Company’s board of directors will actively consider its options to regain compliance with the continued listing requirements.
Our quarterly revenues and operating results may fluctuate for many reasons, which may make our future results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below investors’ and analysts; expectations, negatively affecting our stock price.
Our revenues and operating results have fluctuated in the past, and will likely fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Because our business is changing and evolving rapidly, our historical operating results may not be useful in predicting our future operating results. Factors that may cause fluctuations in our operating results include, without limitation:
| ● | changes in the composition and size of our Advertiser Network customer base; |
| ● | changes in composition of our AdCenter customer base; |
| ● | the seasonal nature of our customers’ spending on digital advertising campaigns; |
| ● | the pricing of advertising inventory or of other third-party services; |
| ● | changes in our distribution network, particularly the gain or loss of key distribution network partners, or changes in the implementation of search results on partner websites; |
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| ● | changes in the intermediary business model which affect the entire online search advertising ecosystem; |
| ● | changes in the number of search advertising customers who do business with us, or the amount of spending per customer; |
| ● | the introduction of new technologies, product or service offerings by our competitors; |
| ● | changes in our customers’ advertising budget allocations, agency affiliations or marketing strategies; |
| ● | the revenue-per-click we receive from search advertising customers, or other factors that affect the demand for, and prevailing prices of, Internet advertising and marketing services; |
| ● | changes to our traffic acquisition costs related to our Advertiser Network, including changes to the economic prospects of our advertisers generally, which could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities and increase the time or costs required to complete sales with advertisers; |
| ● | changes and uncertainty in the regulatory environment for us or our advertisers; |
| ● | changes in the availability of advertising inventory through real-time advertising exchanges, or in the cost to reach end consumers through digital advertising; |
| ● | changes in our capital expenditures as we acquire the hardware, equipment and other assets required to support our business; |
| ● | costs related to the acquisition of people, business or technologies; and |
| ● | systems downtime on our Advertiser Network, our website or the websites of our distribution network partners. |
Due to the above factors, we believe that period-to-period comparisons of our financial results are not necessarily meaningful, and you should not rely on past financial results as an indicator of our future performance. If our financial results in any future period fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, the market price of our securities would likely decline.
Our stock price is extremely volatile, and such volatility may hinder investors’ ability to resell their shares for a profit or avoid a loss.
The stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations in recent years, and the stock prices of Internet companies have been extremely volatile. The low trading volume of our common stock may adversely affect its liquidity and reduce the number of market makers and/or large investors willing to trade in our common stock, making wider fluctuations in the quoted price of our common stock more likely to occur. You should evaluate our business in light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses, delays and difficulties associated with managing and growing a business in a relatively new industry, many of which are beyond our control.
Our stock price may fluctuate, and you may not be able to sell your shares for a profit, as a result of a number of factors, including, without limitation:
| ● | developments concerning proprietary rights, including patents, by us or a competitor; |
| ● | announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, commercial relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments; |
| ● | introductions of new services by us or our competitors; |
| ● | enactment of new government regulations affecting our industry; |
| ● | changes in the market valuations of Internet companies in general and comparable companies in particular; |
| ● | quarterly fluctuations in our operating results; |
| ● | the termination or expiration of our distribution agreements; |
| ● | our potential failure to meet our forecasts or analyst expectations on a quarterly basis; |
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| ● | the relatively thinly traded volume of our publicly traded shares, which means that small changes in the volume of trades may have a disproportionate impact on our stock price; |
| ● | the loss of key personnel, or our inability to recruit experienced personnel to fill key positions; |
| ● | changes in ratings or financial estimates by analysts or the inclusion/removal of our stock from certain stock market indices used to drive investment choices; |
| ● | announcements of new distribution network partnerships, technological innovations, acquisitions or products or services by us or our competitors; |
| ● | the short selling of our stock; |
| ● | the sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market by our stockholders, or the perception that such sales could occur; or |
| ● | conditions or trends in the Internet that suggest a decline in rates of growth of advertising-based Internet companies. |
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted after periods of volatility in the market price of a Company’s securities. A securities class action suit against us could result in substantial costs and the diversion of management’s attention and resources, regardless of the merits or outcome of the case.
We may need additional capital in the future to support our operations and, if such additional financing is not available to us, on reasonable terms or at all, our liquidity and results of operations will be materially and adversely impacted.
Although we believe that our working capital will provide adequate liquidity to fund our operations and meet our other cash requirements for the foreseeable future, unanticipated developments in the short term, such as the entry into agreements which require large cash payments or the acquisition of businesses with negative cash flows, may necessitate additional financing. We may seek to raise additional capital through public or private debt or equity financings in order to:
| ● | fund the additional operations and capital expenditures; |
| ● | take advantage of favorable business opportunities, including geographic expansion or acquisitions of complementary businesses or technologies; |
| ● | develop and upgrade our technology infrastructure beyond current plans; |
| ● | develop new product and service offerings; |
| ● | take advantage of favorable conditions in capital markets; or |
| ● | respond to competitive pressures. |
The capital markets, and in particular the public equity market for Internet companies, have historically been volatile. It is difficult to predict when, if at all, it will be possible for Internet companies to raise capital through these markets. We cannot assure you that the additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If we issue additional equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders may experience substantial dilution.
The report of our independent registered public accounting firm expresses substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Our auditors, Albert Wong & Co. LLP, have indicated in their report on the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 that conditions exist that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern due to our recurring losses from operations and negative working capital. A “going concern” opinion could impair our ability to finance our operations through the sale of equity, incurring debt, or other financing alternatives. Our ability to continue as a going concern will depend upon the availability and terms of future funding, continued growth in product orders and shipments, improved operating margins and our ability to profitably meet our after-sale service commitments with existing customers. If we are unable to achieve these goals, our business would be jeopardized and the Company may not be able to continue. If we ceased operations, it is likely that all of our investors would lose their investment.
We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future and our stock may not appreciate in value.
We have not declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock to date. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. In addition, the terms of any existing or future debt agreements may preclude us from paying dividends. There is no guarantee that shares of our common stock will appreciate in value or that the price at which our stockholders have purchased their shares will be able to be maintained.
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We will incur costs and demands upon management as a result of complying with the laws and regulations affecting public companies in the United States.
As a public company listed in the United States we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including regulations implemented by the SEC and stock exchanges, may increase legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If, notwithstanding our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards, we fail to comply, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed.
Failure to comply with these rules might also make it more difficult for us to obtain some types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we might be forced to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. The impact of these events could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, on committees of our board of directors or as members of senior management
If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies are based on assumptions that change or prove to be incorrect, our operating results could fall below the expectations of investors and securities analysts, which could result in a decline in our stock price.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances (as described in the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”), the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, equity, revenue and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our operating results could be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions. If, as a result, our operating results fall below the expectations of investors and securities analysts, our stock price could decline. Significant assumptions and estimates used in preparing our consolidated financial statements include those related to revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, allowance for doubtful accounts, accounting for internal use software and income taxes.
Concentration of ownership of our common stock among our existing executive officers, directors and principal stockholders may prevent new investors from influencing significant corporate decisions.
As of December 31, 2014, our executive officers, directors and current beneficial owners of 5% or more of our common stock and their respective affiliates, in the aggregate, beneficially owned approximately 68% of our outstanding common stock. These persons, acting together, are able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors and any merger or other significant corporate transactions. The interests of this group of stockholders may not coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of deterring, delaying or preventing 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 ultimately affect the market price of our common stock.
We depend on key persons and the loss of any key person could adversely affect our operations.
The future success of our business is dependent on our management team, including Michael Onghai, our Chief Executive Officer, and our professional team and employees. If one or more of our key personnel are unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, we may not be able to easily replace them, and we may incur additional expenses to recruit and train new personnel. The loss of our key personnel could severely disrupt our business and its financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, since our industry is characterized by high demand and intense competition for talent, we may need to offer higher compensation and other benefits in order to attract and retain key personnel in the future. We cannot assure investors that we will be able to attract or retain the key personnel needed to achieve our business objectives. In addition, we do not have in place “key person” life insurance policies on any of our employees. The loss of the services of key members of our professional team or employees could negatively affect our financial performance.
Provisions of Delaware corporate law and provisions of our charter and bylaws may discourage a takeover attempt.
Our charter and bylaws and provisions of Delaware law may deter or prevent a takeover attempt, including an attempt that might result in a premium over the market price for our common stock. Our board of directors has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price, rights, preferences and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares without any further vote or action by the stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock. In addition, our charter and bylaws provide for a classified board of directors. These provisions, along with Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, prohibiting certain business combinations with an interested stockholder, could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change of control.
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If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls, our ability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis could be impaired.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. This requires that we incur substantial professional fees and internal costs related to our accounting and finance functions and that we expend significant management efforts.
We may in the future discover areas of our internal financial and accounting controls and procedures that need improvement. Our internal control over financial reporting will not prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected.
If we are unable to maintain proper and effective internal controls in the future, we may not be able to produce timely and accurate financial statements, and we may conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective. If that were to happen, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the NASDAQ Stock Market, the SEC or other regulatory authorities.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will, to some extent, depend on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us should downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our business prospects, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
In November 2013, the Company purchased a building in Phoenix, Arizona to house its Data Center.
In October, 2014, the Company entered into a month-to-monthbased sublease in San Francisco, California for 250 square feet of office space.
We believe our existing facilities are suitable for Company operations.
On September 4, 2013, Cowen and Company, LLC filed a complaint against LookSmart with the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco. According to the complaint, Cowen claims that LookSmart is required by an engagement letter dated August 14, 2009 to pay Cowen a $1,000,000 "Sale Transaction Fee" as a result of the third-party tender offer for LookSmart Ltd. consummated by PEEK Investments LLC on January 14, 2013. The parties agreed to a $450,000 settlement at a June 10, 2014 mediation. This amount was subsequently paid by the Company on July 11, 2014. The Complaint and Counter Claim was dismissed with prejudice on August 27, 2014.
On October 3, 2013, WeBoost Media S.R.L., a Societa responsabilita ("WeBoost") filed a complaint against LookSmart with the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco. The matter was subsequently removed and is currently pending before the United States District Court, Northern District of California. WeBoost’s complaint asserts claims for breach of contract and extra-contractual tort and punitive damages related to "click fraud". No specific monetary amounts are indicated in the complaint. LookSmart believes the claims are meritless and continues to vigorously defend the matter. The Company is unable to presently determine the risk of loss associated with this matter.
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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
LookSmart, Ltd. common stock has been quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market since December 2, 2012. The Company trades under the symbol “LOOK”. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices of the common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market for each period indicated:
| HIGH | LOW | |||||||
| 2014 | ||||||||
| First quarter | $ | 2.68 | $ | 1.94 | ||||
| Second quarter | $ | 2.30 | $ | 1.22 | ||||
| Third quarter | $ | 2.88 | $ | 1.50 | ||||
| Fourth quarter | $ | 2.01 | $ | 0.66 | ||||
| 2013 | ||||||||
| First quarter (1) | $ | 3.06 | $ | 2.40 | ||||
| Second quarter (1) | $ | 2.70 | $ | 1.53 | ||||
| Third quarter (1) | $ | 2.70 | $ | 1.77 | ||||
| Fourth quarter (1) | $ | 2.76 | $ | 1.93 | ||||
(1) Prices have been adjusted for 3:1 reverse split on November 7, 2013
LookSmart had approximately 282 holders of record of common stock as of March 11, 2015.
Dividends
We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock and presently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
In December 1997, the Company’s stockholders approved the 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Plan”). In June 2007, the Company’s stockholders approved the LookSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Under the 2007 Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock rights to employees, directors and consultants. Share-based incentive awards to the Company’s employees, directors and executives are provided under the terms of these two plans.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the Company’s incentive plans. Awards under the plans principally include at-the-money options and fully vested restricted stock. Outstanding stock options generally become exercisable over a four year period from the grant date and have a term of seven years. Grants can only be made under the 2007 Plan. The 1998 Plan is closed to further share issuance and all options have expired or been forfeited as of December 31, 2013. The number of shares issued or reserved for issuance under both plans was 1.2 million shares of common stock for both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. There were 1.2 million shares available to be granted under the 2007 Plan at December 31, 2014.
2007 Equity Incentive Plan
The following table gives information about the Company’s common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options granted to employees, directors and consultants under the 2007 Plan as of December 31, 2014.
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Equity Compensation Plan Information
| Number of Shares of | Weighted- | Number of Shares | ||||||||||
| Common Stock to be | Average Exercise | Remaining Available | ||||||||||
| Issued upon Exercise | Price of | for Future Issuance | ||||||||||
| of Outstanding | Outstanding | under Equity | ||||||||||
| Options | Options | Compensation Plans | ||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 4,634 | $ | 5.27 | 1,228,699 | ||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Total | 4,634 | $ | 5.27 | 1,228,699 | ||||||||
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Uses of Proceeds from Registered Securities
The Company had no sales of unregistered securities in 2014 and 2013.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Repurchase of Equity Securities by the Company
In May 2012, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1 million of the Company's common shares. Under the program, the Company may purchase its common shares from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
Approximately 98,000 and 13,000 shares (adjusted for 3:1 reverse split on November 7, 2013) were purchased at approximately $1.78 and $2.34 per share under the program in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and recorded as Treasury Stock at cumulative cost totaling approximately $249 thousand dollars.
| Total Number | ||||||||||||||||
| of Shares | Approximate | |||||||||||||||
| Purchased as | Dollar Value of | |||||||||||||||
| Part of | Shares that May | |||||||||||||||
| Total Number | Publicly | Yet Be Purchased | ||||||||||||||
| of Shares | Average Price | Announced | Under the Plans or | |||||||||||||
| Period | Purchased | Paid per Share | Programs | Programs | ||||||||||||
| Total at December 31, 2012 | 18,825 | $ | 951,849 | |||||||||||||
| Second quarter 2013 (1) | 6,623 | $ | 1.96 | 6,623 | 938,841 | |||||||||||
| Third quarter 2013 (1) | 2,317 | $ | 1.99 | 2,317 | 934,226 | |||||||||||
| Fourth quarter 2013 | 4,137 | $ | 2.12 | 4,137 | 925,239 | |||||||||||
| Total at December 31, 2013 | 13,077 | $ | 2.34 | 31,902 | $ | 925,239 | ||||||||||
| First quarter 2014 | 1,195 | $ | 2.05 | 1,195 | 923,011 | |||||||||||
| Second quarter 3014 | 43,288 | $ | 1.86 | 43,288 | 842,417 | |||||||||||
| Third quarter 2014 | 53,740 | $ | 1.70 | 53,740 | 750,873 | |||||||||||
| Total at December 31, 2014 | 98,223 | $ | 1.78 | 130,125 | $ | 750,873 | ||||||||||
(1) Number of shares purchased and average purchase price per share adjusted for 3:1 reverse split on November 7, 2013
| ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
Not required for smaller reporting company; see Regulation S-K Section 229.301(c).
| ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
Overview
LookSmart, Ltd. (“LookSmart” or the “Company”) was organized in 1996 and is incorporated in the State of Delaware. LookSmart is a digital advertising solutions company that provides relevant solutions for search and display advertising customers, organized along five lines of business: (i) Clickable, (ii) LookSmart AdCenter, (iii) Novatech.io, (iv) ShopWiki and (v) web searches. In addition, LookSmart formed a partnership with Conversion Media Holdings, LLC, which supports the Company’s other lines of business through the creation of content sites directed at ecommerce verticals. The Company operates its partnership and each line of business, while being related to the others in terms of shared resources, as separate business lines with their own core management, profits and losses, and the ability to operate independently as separate businesses. As a result, this separation of business lines allows Looksmart to operate effectively as a holding company and as a capital allocator to each of the Company’s separate businesses with the goal of finding mispriced assets in the public and private markets and subsequently taking those assets to create scalable and sustainable businesses that may then be monetized for the ultimate benefit of Looksmart’s stockholders.
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Clickable
In September 2013, LookSmart, through its wholly owned subsidiary LookSmart Canada Ltd., purchased the assets related to its Syncapse Inc. (“Syncapse”) technology for $3 million from MNP Ltd., a receiver appointed by Ontario Superior Court of Justice under an appointment order. As a result of this transaction, the Company acquired a social media platform that the Company believes has allowed it to quickly scale into social media analytics, publishing, and moderation. This, in turn, should allow our enterprise customers the ability to publish, monitor and analyze their social media presence on paid, owned and earned media. In January 2014, LookSmart re-branded Syncapse as “Clickable.”
Clickable helps brands and agencies measure marketing ROI through a customer’s lifetime by connecting critical marketing and advertising products and services into one platform that gives customers the ability to analyze, publish, moderate, social media and search marketing. Clickable also offers its platform as a white label solution to agencies who use it to save hours of time creating reports, increase transparency to clients, increase stickiness of clients, increase recurring revenue streams, and upsell other tools and services. The Company has begun to work with large international brands to assist them in creating, maintaining and analyzing their social media presence online. The Company’s goal is to partner with social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, as well as others, to provide vertically integrated solutions that will offer customers the ability to maximize their ad spend in all relevant ad categories.
In addition, Clickable allows customers to manage paid, owned and earned media by providing a suite of solutions for social media marketers that include publishing, monitoring, data storage, compliance, management, ad placement and analytics. The “Clickable Analytics” dashboard provides customers with the ability to easily put all their cross channel marketing (search, display, social, email, video, offline) and audience data from various sources into one unified, flexible and customizable platform. The platform allows the customer to better understand and utilize the data for the customizing and layering of customer specific key performance indicators. The Company believes that this platform will allow customers to combine data in a way that better suits their particular marketing, financial and operational goals both with standard and customized dashboards and analytics. This platform allows companies to gather and manage Application Programming Interface (“API”) data from many data providers that LookSmart aims to partner with, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram, as well as analyze such data in the “Clickable” proprietary platform and within a company’s own data warehouse.
LookSmart AdCenter
We have developed a proprietary web-based advertising auction platform, the “AdCenter”, that allows us to create, track, analyze, report and optimize customers’ advertising campaigns. Through the AdCenter platform, our customers are provided with search, social, display, mobile and video advertising solutions as well as analytic, moderation and publishing workflow solutions across the entire social media marketing ecosystem. The AdCenter indexes ads, analyzes webpage information to match advertising to relevant content, matches search queries to advertising and utilizes advanced fraud detection techniques in a high-volume ad serving environment. The platform also collects impression and click data for each listing that we manage for our customers and provides us with billing information. In addition, we provide each of our advertising customers with a password-protected online account that enables them to track, analyze and optimize their search marketing campaigns using online reports. The platform also includes an interface for publishers to access ad syndication feed reports and revenue information.
The advertisers that comprise the Company’s customer network include intermediaries, direct advertising customers and their agencies, as well as self-service customers in the United States and certain other countries. These AdCenter customers range from small and medium-sized businesses to large Fortune 50 companies. Self-service advertisers are customers that sign-up directly online with the Company and pay by credit card. Direct advertisers (and their agencies) include customers whose main objective is to obtain conversions or sales from clicks. Intermediary customers (“Intermediaries”) do not directly advertise on our platform but sell into the affiliate networks of the large search engine providers. Our Intermediary business model experienced a significant change in the fourth quarter of 2011, such that the Company’s revenue from Intermediaries has declined significantly as compared to 2011 and earlier. Decreasing Intermediary revenue represented a continued trend from 2012 and was the primary driver of the Company's overall 2013 revenue decreases. Thus, in 2013, the Company made the decision to decrease the amount of revenue that it received from Intermediaries compared to 2012. The Company believes that this decision is in the best interests of the Company on a go-forward basis. The Company believes its revenue trends are tied to market-wide changes in the search ecosystem that have had a severe impact on Intermediary business models and consequently the business Intermediaries conduct with the Company. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we ceased business with a number of Intermediaries. Intermediaries continue as our largest category of customer.
Through a web interface or our proprietary API, LookSmart’s AdCenter allows multiple search advertising customers to upload keywords, manage daily budgets, set rates and view reports-including spend data that is updated hourly. Search advertising customers can also access keyword suggestions, price and traffic estimates, online help and frequently asked questions (“FAQ”). The AdCenter API is also available for search advertising customers and related agencies that use third-party or in-house systems to analyze and manage their search campaigns.
LookSmart's search advertising network generates advertisements that target search intent queries on Looksmart.com and partner publisher sites. The network offers search advertising customers targeted search capability through a monitored search advertising distribution network. LookSmart also offers advertisers the ability to buy graphical display advertising. LookSmart’s trading desk personnel utilize Demand Side Platform (“DSP”) technology and licensed data from third party providers to purchase targeted advertising on a real-time bidded basis. By leveraging our extensive historical search marketing network data along with performance data from a conversion pixel, LookSmart constructs models of the highest performing audiences and targets those audiences via the Company’s exchange inventory. LookSmart offers its trading desk as a managed service.
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Further, LookSmart offers publishers licensed private-label search advertiser network solutions based on its AdCenter platform technology (“Publisher Solutions”). Publisher Solutions consist of hosted auction-based ad serving with an ad backfill capability that allows publishers and portals to manage their advertiser relationships, distribution channels and accounts.
LookSmart offers a suite of customizable search advertising management tools and solutions that help publishers grow their audience, control advertiser relationships, and enhance and optimize the monetization of their sites. Our Publisher Solutions can be branded and configured according to publishers’ needs. We offer publishers:
| · | Command and control over revenue diversification and growth via the AdCenter for Publishers, a comprehensive private-labeled Application Service Provider (“ASP”) solution that provides publishers with the ability to own and grow their advertiser relationships, increase their distribution capacity, and diversify their revenue sources. |
| · | A customizable set of services and technology to integrate multiple sources of advertisers, including dominant third-party feeds, within a single auction-based platform for cost-per-click (“CPC”) text-based advertising. |
| · | Access to a “backfill” of advertisers so they can quickly ramp their online operations and not lose time or existing revenue sources while establishing their advertiser relationships. Connecting multiple installations of the AdCenter for Publishers together allows LookSmart to create an open marketplace environment that empowers publishers to share, leverage, and exchange their advertisers for expanded distribution. |
Novatech.io
In November of 2013, LookSmart acquired an approximately 10,000 square foot Data Center facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Looksmart has completed the process of consolidating its cloud services in the newly occupied and wholly owned secure Data Center. As a result, the Company intends to expand its cloud-based offerings to its customers.
NovaTech's cloud based services include a private cloud ecosystem comprised of multi-vendor enterprise technologies and capabilities while serving as a production research and development environment to support the needs of companies who need to scale their information technology operations quickly and securely.
ShopWiki
ShopWiki is a consumer shopping search engine that offers a comprehensive results for both stores and products. ShopWiki uses crawling technology to find anything and everything on the internet.
It was founded by former DoubleClick Executives, along with a DoubleClick software developer. In January 2011, the Company was acquired by Oversee.net from whom Looksmart acquired the company.
ShopWiki does not sell any products, it simply help our users find any product available for sale on the Web. ShopWiki combines actively crawls the Internet and API feeds from merchants, to find and organize the widest selection of products from more than 250,000 online merchants.
Web Searches
The Company offers a LookSmart-branded search engine. For parties submitting search queries, the Company offers free-of-charge search results ranked and presented based on proprietary algorithms. While early in its evolution, part of the Company's current search engine monetization strategy is to generate sponsored search results as a part of overall search results and provide links to paying advertisers’ websites.
Conversion Media
In March 2014, the Company entered into a partnership with VisionNexus, LLC, a California limited liability company called Conversion Media Holdings, LLC a Delaware limited liability corporation, with the intent to create content sites directed at ecommerce verticals like housewares, electronics and other consumer products. The operations of Conversion Media Holdings, LLC began in April of 2014 and currently are in a testing phase. The Company believes that Conversion Media Holdings, LLC will begin to generate revenue at the end the 2nd quarter of 2015.
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Ability To Continue as a Going Concern
Our independent registered public accounting firm has issued its report dated March 16, 2015 in connection with the audit of our financial statements as of December 31, 2014 that included an explanatory paragraph describing the existence of conditions that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements as of December 31, 2014 have been prepared under the assumption that we will continue as a going concern. If we are not able to continue as a going concern, it is likely that holders of our common stock will lose all of their investment. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our financial condition and results of operations are based upon certain critical accounting policies, which include estimates, assumptions, and judgments on the part of management. We base our estimates on various factors and information which may include, but are not limited to, history and prior experience, experience of other enterprises in the same industry, new related events, current economic conditions and information from third party professionals that is believed to be reasonable under the circumstance, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
The following discussion highlights those policies and the underlying estimates and assumptions, which we consider critical to an understanding of the financial information in this report.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue, expenses, and contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period. We base our estimates on various factors and information which may include, but are not limited to, history and prior experience, experience of other enterprises in the same industry, new related events, and current economic conditions and information from third party professionals that is believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments
We invest our excess cash primarily in debt instruments of high-quality corporate and government issuers. All highly liquid instruments with maturities at the date of purchase greater than ninety days are considered investments. All instruments with maturities greater than one year from the balance sheet date are considered long-term investments unless management intends to liquidate such securities in the current operating cycle. Such securities are classified as short-term investments. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value.
Changes in value of these investments are primarily related to changes in interest rates and are considered to be temporary in nature. Except for declines in fair value that are not considered temporary, net unrealized gains or losses on these investments are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. We recognize realized gains and losses upon sale of investments using the specific identification method.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our estimates of fair value for assets and liabilities is based on a framework that establishes a hierarchy of the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect our significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:
| Level 1: | Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access. |
| Level 2: | Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, default rates, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. |
| Level 3: | Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use. |
Revenue Recognition
Our online search advertising revenue is composed of per-click fees that we charge customers and profit sharing arrangements we enter with Intermediaries. The per-click fee charged for keyword-targeted listings is calculated based on the results of online bidding for keywords or page content, up to a maximum cost per keyword or page content set by the customer. The Company has profit-sharing agreements with several customers that call for the sharing of profits and losses. Profit sharing arrangements are governed by contractual agreement. Revenue from these profit-sharing agreements is reported net of the customer’s share of profit.
Revenue also includes revenue share from licensing of private-labeled versions of our AdCenter Platform.
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Revenues associated with online advertising products, including Advertiser Networks, are generally recognized once collectability is established, delivery of services has occurred, all performance obligations have been satisfied, and no refund obligations exist. We pay distribution network partners based on clicks on the advertiser’s ad that are displayed on the websites of these distribution network partners. These payments are called TAC and are included in cost of revenue. The revenue derived from these arrangements that involve traffic supplied by distribution network partners is reported gross of the payment to the distribution network partners. This revenue is reported gross due to the fact that we are the primary obligor to the advertisers who are the customers of the advertising service.
We also enter into agreements to provide private-labeled versions of our products, including licenses to the AdCenter platform technology. These license arrangements may include some or all of the following elements: revenue-sharing based on the publisher’s customer’s monthly revenue generated through the AdCenter application; upfront fees; minimum monthly fees; and other license fees. We recognize upfront fees over the term of the arrangement or the expected period of performance, other license fees over the term of the license, and revenue-sharing portions over the period in which such revenue is earned. In all cases, revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or determinable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service is performed, and collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
We provide a provision against revenue for estimated reductions resulting from billing adjustments and customer refunds. The amounts of these provisions are evaluated periodically based upon customer experience and historical trends.
Deferred revenue is recorded when payments are received in advance of performance in underlying agreements. Customer deposits are recorded when customers make prepayments for online advertising.
The Company evaluates individual arrangements with customers to make a determination under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-45 Revenue Recognition . We test and record revenue accordingly.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from customers failing to make required payments. This valuation allowance is reviewed and adjusted on a periodic basis. The review is based on factors including the application of historical collection rates to current receivables and economic conditions. Additional allowances for doubtful accounts are considered and recorded if there is deterioration in past due balances, if economic conditions are less favorable than we anticipated or for customer-specific circumstances, such as bankruptcy.
Concentrations, Credit Risk and Credit Risk Evaluation
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company placed its cash equivalents and investments primarily through one financial institution, City National Bank (“CNB”), and mitigated the concentration of credit risk by placing percentage limits on the maximum portion of the investment portfolio which may be invested in any one investment instrument. The Company also invests in fully collateralized funds with maturities of less than two years. These amounts exceed federally insured limits at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company has not experienced any credit losses on these cash equivalents and investment accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds. The fair value of these accounts is subject to fluctuation based on market prices.
Credit Risk, Customer and Vendor Evaluation
Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from sales to customers. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and maintain allowances for estimated credit losses. We apply judgment as to our ability to collect outstanding receivables based primarily on our evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and past collection history and record a specific allowance. In addition, we record an allowance based on the length of time the receivables are past due. Historically, such losses have been within our expectations.
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The following table reflects customers that accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Company 1 | 24 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 2 | 13 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 3 | 12 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 4 | 10 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 5 | ** | 22 | % | |||||
| Company 6 | ** | 18 | % | |||||
| Company 7 | ** | 16 | % | |||||
** Less than 10%
Revenue and Cost Concentrations
The following table reflects the concentration of revenue by geographic locations that accounted for more than 10% of net revenue:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| United States | 91 | % | 82 | % | ||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | ** | 12 | % | |||||
** Less than 10%
LookSmart derives its revenue from two service offerings, or “products”: Advertiser Networks and Publisher Solutions. The percentage distributions between the two service offerings are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Advertiser Networks | 91 | % | 86 | % | ||||
| Publisher Solutions | 9 | % | 14 | % | ||||
The following table reflects the percentage of revenue attributed to customers who accounted for more than 10% of net revenue, all of which are Intermediaries:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Company 1 | 12 | % | 13 | % | ||||
The Company derives its revenue primarily from its relationships with significant distribution network partners. The following table reflects the distribution partners that accounted for more than 10% of total TAC:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Distribution Partner 1 | 20 | % | 26 | % | ||||
| Distribution Partner 2 | 15 | % | ** | |||||
| Distribution Partner 3 | 11 | % | 12 | % | ||||
| Distribution Partner 4 | ** | 11 | % | |||||
** Less than 10%
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, except when an impairment analysis requires use of fair value, and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
| Computer equipment | 3 to 4 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 to 7 years |
| Software | 2 to 3 years |
| Building Improvements | 10 years |
| Building | 39 years |
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Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term.
When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from their respective accounts, and any gain or loss on such sale or disposal is reflected in operating expenses. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures that substantially increase an asset’s useful life are capitalized.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company acquired an approximately 10,000 square foot Data Center facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility has allowed the Company to consolidate its data needs in a company-owned Data Center, and should allow for the expansion of its cloud-based offerings to its customers.
Internal Use Software Development Costs
We capitalize external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing and obtaining internal-use computer software and the payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to developing the internal-use computer software. These costs are capitalized after certain milestones have been achieved and generally amortized over a three-year period once the project is placed in service.
Management exercises judgment in determining when costs related to a project may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs, and in determining the amortization period for the capitalized costs, which is generally three years. The Company expects to continue to invest in internally developed software and to capitalize such costs in the future, although no such costs were capitalized in the year ended December 31, 2014.
Restructuring Charges
In August 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease its office space in San Francisco under terms generally equivalent to its existing commitment. This lease ended on December 31, 2014, at which time the company no longer had any obligations under the terms of this lease and all restructuring charges have been fully amortized.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets held or used in operations, including property and equipment and internally developed software, for impairment in accordance with ASC 360-10 “Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.
The Company reviews assets for evidence of impairment annually at year-end and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable. The impairment review requires the Company to make significant estimates about its future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations and changes in competition.
Traffic Acquisition Costs
The Company enters into agreements of varying durations with its distribution network partners that display the Company’s listings ads on their sites in return for a percentage of the revenue-per-click that the Company receives when the ads are clicked on those partners’ sites.
The Company also enters into agreements of varying durations with third party affiliates. These affiliate agreements provide for variable payments based on a percentage of the Company’s revenue or based on a certain metric, such as number of searches or paid clicks.
TAC expense is recorded in cost of revenue.
Share-Based Compensation
We recognize share-based compensation costs for all share-based payment transactions, including grants of stock options and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, over the requisite service period based on their relative fair values. We estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the grant date using the Black-Scholes method. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in our Consolidated Statement of Operations over the requisite service periods. Share-based compensation expense, related to stock option grants and employee stock purchases, recognized were not significant for the years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant in order to estimate the amount of share-based awards that will ultimately vest. The forfeiture rate is determined at the end of each fiscal quarter, based on historical rates.
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We elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows of the tax effects of employee share-based compensation awards.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to sales and marketing expenses as incurred and were $0.05 million and insignificant in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Product Development Costs
Research of new product ideas and enhancements to existing products are charged to expense as incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. The Company records liabilities, where appropriate, for all uncertain income tax positions. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations as income tax expense.
Comprehensive Loss
Other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, consists of unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities categorized as available-for-sale and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Net Loss per Common Share
Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, excluding treasury stock. Diluted net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding, excluding treasury stock, during the period, using the treasury stock method for stock options. As a result of the Company’s net loss position at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, there is no dilution.
Segment Information
The Company has one operating segment, online advertising. While the Company operates under one operating segment, management reviews revenue under five lines of business: (i) Clickable, (ii) LookSmart AdCenter, (iii) Novatech.io, (iv) ShopWiki and (v) web searches.
As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s accounts receivable and deferred revenue are primarily related to the online advertising segment. All long-lived assets are located in the United States and Canada.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
On January 2, 2014 we adopted guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), ASU 2013-04, “Liabilities – Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date”, an amendment providing guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. Adoption of this new guidance had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-08 (“ASU 2014-08”) “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity." ASU 2014-08 raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. It is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We do not expect the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-08 to be material to our consolidated financial statements.
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In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (“ASU 2014-09”) "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)”, and requires entities to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on our consolidated financial statements.
For a further description of recent accounting pronouncements, please see Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements below.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following table sets forth selected information concerning our results of operations as a percentage of consolidated net revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | Dollar | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | Revenue | 2013 | Revenue | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revenue | $ | 4,702 | 100.0 | % | $ | 6,679 | 100.0 | % | $ | (1,977 | ) | (30 | )% | |||||||||||
| Cost of revenue | 2,441 | 51.9 | % | 4,474 | 67.0 | % | (2,033 | ) | (45 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Gross profit | 2,261 | 48.1 | % | 2,205 | 33.0 | % | 56 | 3 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 1,690 | 35.9 | % | 1,082 | 16.2 | % | 608 | 56 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Product development and technical operations | 4,561 | 97.0 | % | 3,557 | 53.3 | % | 1,004 | 28 | % | |||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,561 | 54.5 | % | 3,052 | 45.7 | % | (491 | ) | (16 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charge | 30 | 0.7 | % | 40 | 0.6 | % | (10 | ) | (25 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 8,842 | 188.0 | % | 7,731 | 115.8 | % | �� | 1,111 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Loss from operations | (6,581 | ) | (140.0 | )% | (5,526 | ) | (82.7 | )% | (1,055 | ) | 19 | % | ||||||||||||
| Non-operating income (expense), net | 162 | 3.4 | % | 177 | 2.7 | % | (15 | ) | (8 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Loss from continuing operations before income taxes | (6,419 | ) | (136.5 | )% | (5,349 | ) | (80.1 | )% | (1,070 | ) | 20 | % | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense | - | - | (7 | ) | (0.1 | )% | 7 | (100 | )% | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,419 | ) | (136.5 | )% | $ | (5,356 | ) | (80.1 | )% | $ | (1,063 | ) | 20 | % | |||||||||
Revenue
Total revenue and revenue from Advertiser Networks and Publisher Solutions for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | Dollar | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | Revenue | 2013 | Revenue | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Advertiser Networks | $ | 4,279 | 91 | % | $ | 5,762 | 86 | % | $ | (1,483 | ) | (26 | )% | |||||||||||
| Publisher Solutions | 423 | 9 | % | 917 | 14 | % | (494 | ) | (54 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Total revenue | $ | 4,702 | 100 | % | $ | 6,679 | 100 | % | $ | (1,977 | ) | (30 | )% | |||||||||||
Advertiser Networks
In 2014, revenue from Intermediaries decreased significantly compared to 2013. We experienced a continuing decrease in Advertising Network revenue in 2014 following a trend from 2013 and 2012. This trend continued into 2014 as several Intermediary customers exited the market or ceased business with the Company.
In 2014, revenue from Direct Advertisers decreased from 2013.
In 2014, revenue from Self Service Advertisers decreased. We did not invest significant resources to expand this business however the Company views Self Service Advertisers as a source for modest potential growth and plans to invest accordingly in the future.
Publisher Solutions
In 2014, Publisher Solutions revenue declined as compared to the prior year. The Company did not invest significant resources to grow this business in 2014.
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Cost of Revenue and Gross Profit
Cost of revenue is primarily TAC (costs paid to our distribution network partners). Other costs include data center rent and power usage, commissions paid to advertising agencies and credit card fees.
Cost of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | Dollar | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | Revenue | 2013 | Revenue | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Traffic acquisition costs | $ | 1,819 | 39 | % | $ | 2,759 | 41 | % | $ | (940 | ) | (34 | )% | |||||||||||
| Other costs | 622 | 13 | % | 1,715 | 26 | % | (1,093 | ) | (64 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Total cost of revenue | $ | 2,441 | 52 | % | $ | 4,474 | 67 | % | $ | (2,033 | ) | (45 | )% | |||||||||||
| Traffic acquisition costs as percentage of Advertiser Network revenue | 43 | % | 48 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
TAC as a percent of revenue decreased in 2014, as compared to 2013. Our Intermediary category of revenue generally has lower margins than Direct and Self-Service and the change in revenue mix from 2014 to 2013 drove the margin decline.
Certain other costs, such as data center rent and power usage, are generally fixed costs. However in 2013, there were some other cost increases associated with planned data center and related transitions in order to effect the move from Raging Wire to our owned Data Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Total cost of revenue decreased in 2014 as result of decreases of TAC, partially offset by increases in other costs in the current year.
Traffic acquisition costs as a percentage of Advertiser Network revenue decreased to 43% in 2014, as compared to 48% in 2013, as a result of overall revenue mix changes from 2014 to 2013.
Operating Expenses
Operating costs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | Dollar | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | Revenue | 2013 | Revenue | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 1,690 | 36 | % | $ | 1,082 | 16 | % | $ | 608 | 56 | % | ||||||||||||
| Product development and technical operations | 4,561 | 97 | % | 3,557 | 53 | % | 1,004 | 28 | % | |||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,561 | 54 | % | 3,052 | 46 | % | (491 | ) | (16 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Restructuring charge | 30 | 1 | % | 40 | 1 | % | (10 | ) | (25 | )% | ||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 8,842 | 188 | % | $ | 7,731 | 116 | % | $ | 1,111 | 14 | % | ||||||||||||
Sales and Marketing
Sales and marketing expenses include salaries, commissions, share-based compensation and other costs of employment for our sales force, sales administration and customer service staff and marketing personnel, overhead, facilities and allocation of depreciation. Sales and marketing expenses also include the costs of advertising, trade shows, public relations activities and various other activities supporting our customer acquisition effort.
Product Development and Technical Operations
Product development and technical operations expense includes all costs related to the continued operations, development and enhancement of our core technology product, the AdCenter platform. The AdCenter is used to operate both our own Advertiser Network and other publishers’ client networks, and is licensed to publishers to operate their own network. These costs include salaries and associated costs of employment, including share-based compensation, overhead, and facilities. Software licensing and computer equipment depreciation related to supporting product development and technical operations functions are included in product development and technical operations expense.
Beginning in 2013, the company had made a concentrated effort to rebuild product and technical human resources by increasing the Company’s product and technical resources to a level that the Company feels appropriate for its current and expected businesses.
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General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses include personnel cost, legal, insurance, tax and accounting, consulting, professional services fees and the provision for, and reductions of, the allowance for doubtful trade receivables.
General and Administrative costs decreased $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2014, as compared to 2013, which is primarily attributed to continuing cost containment efforts in 2014.
Share Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was allocated as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 1 | $ | 3 | ||||
| Product development and technical operations | 1 | 6 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 3 | 33 | ||||||
| Total share-based compensation expense | $ | 5 | $ | 42 | ||||
Asset Impairment Charge
The Company reviews assets for evidence of impairment annually at year end and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable. The impairment review requires the Company to make significant estimates about its future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations and changes in competition.
The fair value of the long-lived assets was derived based on Level 3 inputs, which are based on significant inputs that are not observable. The fair value of the capitalized software long-lived assets was determined using an income approach, based on expected future cash flows and market considerations. The fair value of the computer equipment, furniture and fixtures, software and leasehold improvements long-lived assets was determined using a market approach, based on comparable fair values of similar assets.
Restructuring Charges
In August 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease its office space in San Francisco under terms generally equivalent to its existing commitment. Restructuring costs associated with the sub-lease of the San Francisco office, totaling $0.03 and $0.02 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been fully amortized as of December 31, 2014.
Other items
The table below sets forth other continuing operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| % of | % of | Dollar | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2014 | Revenue | 2013 | Revenue | Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||
| Non-operating income (expense), net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 81 | 1 | % | $ | 198 | 3 | % | $ | (117 | ) | (59 | )% | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | (14 | ) | - | (9 | ) | - | (5 | ) | 56 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | 95 | 2 | % | (12 | ) | - | 107 | (892 | )% | |||||||||||||||
| Total non-operating income (expense), net | $ | 162 | 3 | % | $ | 177 | 3 | % | $ | (15 | ) | (8 | )% | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense | $ | - | - | $ | (7 | ) | - | $ | 7 | (100 | )% | |||||||||||||
Interest Income and Expense
Interest income, decreased 59% in the year ended December 31, 2014 from the year ended December 31, 2013. This decrease was primarily due to maturation of the investment in collateralized debt obligations in the third quarter of 2014.
Interest expense, which primarily consists of interest paid on capital leases, increased $5 thousand in 2014, as compared to 2013, primarily due to a new capital lease obligation in the first quarter of 2014.
Income Tax Expense
Due to our net operating losses, our income tax expense in the U.S. consists of minimum state taxes.
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows were as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | Change | ||||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (4,059 | ) | $ | (5,575 | ) | $ | 1,516 | ||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | 2,100 | 2,255 | (155 | ) | ||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (348 | ) | (135 | ) | (213 | ) | ||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (177 | ) | (108 | ) | (69 | ) | ||||||
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (2,484 | ) | $ | (3,563 | ) | $ | 1,079 | ||||
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable investment balances were as follows as of December 31, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | Change | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 305 | $ | 2,789 | $ | (2,484 | ) | |||||
| Short-term investments | 129 | 3,102 | (2,973 | ) | ||||||||
| Long-term investments | - | 154 | (154 | ) | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 434 | $ | 6,045 | $ | (5,611 | ) | |||||
| % of total assets | 9 | % | 52 | % | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 4,756 | $ | 11,646 | ||||||||
At December 31, 2014, we had $0.4 million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term marketable investments. Cash equivalents, short-term marketable investments are comprised primarily of highly liquid debt instruments of the U.S. government, commercial paper, time deposits, money market mutual funds, U.S. corporate securities and collateralized debt obligations. We actively monitor the depository institutions that hold our cash and cash equivalents and the institutions of whose debt instruments we hold. Our investment policy, which is reviewed annually by our Board of Directors, primarily emphasizes safety of principal while secondarily maximizing yield on those funds. We can provide no assurances that access to our invested cash and cash equivalents will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. These balances may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. While we monitor the cash balances in our operating accounts and adjust the cash balances as appropriate, these cash balances could be impacted if the underlying financial institutions fail or could be subject to other adverse conditions in the financial markets. Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements below, further describes the composition of our cash, cash equivalents and short- and long-term investments.
Cash, cash equivalents, short- and long-term investments decreased $5.6 million in 2014 primarily due to operating losses, investment in other companies and the purchase of property and equipment.
Our primary source of liquidity is our cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments, and cash flow from operations. We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and cash from operations will be sufficient to satisfy our current anticipated cash requirements through at least the next 12 months, if not longer. Our liquidity could be negatively affected by a decrease in demand for our services beyond the current quarter, and changes in customer buying behavior. Also, if the banking system or the financial markets continue to remain volatile, our investment portfolio may be impacted and the values and liquidity of our investments could be adversely affected. In addition, we may seek to raise additional capital through public or private debt or equity financings in order to fund our operations and capital expenditures, take advantage of favorable business opportunities, develop and upgrade our technology infrastructure, develop new product and service offerings, take advantage of favorable conditions in capital markets or respond to competitive pressures. In addition, unanticipated developments in the short term requiring cash payments, including the acquisition of businesses with negative cash flows, may necessitate additional financing. We cannot be assured that additional financing will be available on terms favorable to us, or at all. If we issue additional equity or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders may experience substantial dilution.
Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 were prepared on the basis of a going concern which contemplates that the Company will be able to realize assets and discharge liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, they do not give effect to adjustments that would be necessary should the Company be required to liquidate its assets. The ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the availability of future funding, continued growth of its business and customer base, and the Company’s ability to profitably meet its after-sale service commitments with its existing customers. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
Operating Activities
Cash used in operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2014, consisted of our net loss adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, provision for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation expense, and deferred lease incentive, as well as the effect of changes in working capital and other activities. Cash used in operations in the year ended December 31, 2014 was $4.1 million and consisted of a net loss of $6.4 million, adjustments for non-cash items of $1.5 million, and cash used in working capital and other activities of $0.8 million. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $1.3 million of depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, $0.08 million in deferred lease incentive, $0.03 million of restructuring charge expense and $0.06 million of bad debt expense. In addition, changes in working capital activities primarily consisted of $0.3 million decrease in accounts receivable offset by $0.1 million increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The decrease in accounts receivable is primarily attributed to reduced revenue while the increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is primarily attributed to decrease in cash flow.
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Cash used in operating activities in the year ended December 31, 2013, consisted of our net loss adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation, amortization, provision for doubtful accounts, share-based compensation expense, and deferred lease incentive, as well as the effect of changes in working capital and other activities. Cash used in operations in the year ended December 31, 2013 was $5.2 million and consisted of a net loss of $5.2 million, adjustments for non-cash items of $0.7 million, and cash used in working capital and other activities of $0.6 million. Adjustments for non-cash items primarily consisted of $0.5 million of depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment, $0.08 million in deferred lease incentive, $0.04 million of restructuring charge expense and $0.04 million of share-based compensation expense. In addition, changes in working capital activities primarily consisted of $1.5 million decrease in accounts receivable offset by $1.6 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The decrease in accounts receivable is primarily attributed to reduced revenue while the decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities is primarily attributed to a reduction in expenditures.
Investing Activities
Cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2014 of $2.1 million was primarily attributed to $3.1 million net sale of investments. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 consisted of $1.0 million for property, software and equipment acquired during 2014.
Cash provided by investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2013 of $1.9 million was primarily attributed to $6.2 million net sale of investments. Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2013 consisted of $4.2 million for property, software and equipment acquired during 2013.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2014 of $0.3 million is primarily attributed to $0.17 million in scheduled capital lease payments and $0.17 million in repurchases of treasury stock.
Cash used in financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2013 of $0.1 million is primarily attributed to $0.1 million in scheduled capital lease payments.
Credit Arrangements
We have an outstanding standby letter of credit issued by CNB of approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2014, related to security of our corporate office lease, which is secured by a restricted money market account held at CNB.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Regulation S-K Item 303(a)(4), investments in special-purpose entities or undisclosed borrowings or debt. Additionally, we are not a party to any derivative contracts or synthetic leases.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We incur various contractual obligations and commercial commitments in our normal course of business. The following table summarizes our significant contractual obligations, net of related subleases, and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2014, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods (in thousands):
| Less than | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | Thereafter | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease obligations | $ | 81 | $ | 81 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Capital lease obligations (principal and interest) | 87 | 87 | - | - | - | |||||||||||||||
| $ | 168 | $ | 168 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||
Operating Leases
In August 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease office space for its headquarters in San Francisco, California, under an operating lease that commenced in November 2009 and expires on December 30, 2014. In July 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease this subleased office space under terms generally equivalent to its existing commitment for a term that commenced in August 2012 and expired in December 2014.
The Company entered into a 30-month operating lease agreement for various network operating equipment beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014.
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Capital Leases
The Company has one capital lease totaling approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2014.
Purchase Obligations
The Company had no outstanding purchase obligations as of December 31, 2014. The Company had outstanding purchase obligations of an insignificant amount relating to an open purchase order for which the Company had not received the related services or goods.
Indemnification
We have agreements whereby we indemnify our officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is or was serving, at our request, in such capacity, to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. However, we maintain directors and officers insurance coverage that may contribute, up to certain limits, a portion of any future amounts paid for indemnification of directors and officers. We believe the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements in excess of applicable insurance coverage is minimal. Historically, we have not incurred any losses or recorded any liabilities related to performance under these types of indemnities.
Additionally, in the normal course of business, we have made certain guarantees, indemnities and commitments under which we may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These indemnities include intellectual property and other indemnities to our customers and distribution network partners in connection with the sales of our products, and indemnities to various lessors in connection with facility leases for certain claims arising from such facility or lease. It is not possible to determine the maximum potential loss under these guarantees, indemnities and commitment due to our limited history of prior indemnification claims and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular provision.
| ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
Not Applicable.
| ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LOOKSMART, LTD.
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of
LookSmart, Ltd.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of LookSmart, Ltd. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of LookSmart, Ltd. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As described in Note 15, the Company has recurring losses, has negative working capital and cash in operating activities, which raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to this matter are also discussed in Note 15. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Albert Wong & Co. LLP
New York, New York
March 17, 2015
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except par value)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 305 | $ | 2,789 | ||||
| Short-term investments | 129 | 3,102 | ||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments | 434 | 5,891 | ||||||
| Trade accounts receivable, net | 255 | 606 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 602 | 1,077 | ||||||
| Total current assets | 1,291 | 7,574 | ||||||
| Long-term investments | - | 154 | ||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 3,403 | 3,831 | ||||||
| Other assets, net | 62 | 87 | ||||||
| Total assets | $ | 4,756 | $ | 11,646 | ||||
| LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Trade accounts payable | $ | 901 | $ | 739 | ||||
| Accrued liabilities | 398 | 444 | ||||||
| Deferred revenue and customer deposits | 1,018 | 1,002 | ||||||
| Total current liabilities | 2,317 | 2,185 | ||||||
| Long-term portion of deferred rent | 22 | 186 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 2,339 | 2,371 | ||||||
| Commitment and contingencies | - | - | ||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||
| Convertible preferred stock, $0.001 par value; Authorized: 5,000 shares; Issued and | ||||||||
| Outstanding: none at December 31 , 2014 and 2013, respectively | - | - | ||||||
| Common stock, $0.003 par value; Authorized: 80,000 shares; Issued and | ||||||||
| Outstanding: 5,769 shares at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | 17 | 17 | ||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 262,508 | 262,502 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (424 | ) | (154 | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | (259,435 | ) | (253,016 | ) | ||||
| Treasury stock at cost: 130 shares and 32 shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively | (249 | ) | (74 | ) | ||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 2,417 | 9,275 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 4,756 | $ | 11,646 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Revenue | $ | 4,702 | $ | 6,679 | ||||
| Cost of revenue | 2,441 | 4,474 | ||||||
| Gross profit | 2,261 | 2,205 | ||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Sales and marketing | 1,690 | 1,082 | ||||||
| Product development and technical operations | 4,561 | 3,557 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 2,561 | 3,052 | ||||||
| Restructuring charge | 30 | 40 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 8,842 | 7,731 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (6,581 | ) | (5,526 | ) | ||||
| Non-operating income (expense), net | ||||||||
| Interest income | 81 | 198 | ||||||
| Interest expense | (14 | ) | (9 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense), net | 95 | (12 | ) | |||||
| Loss from operations before income taxes | (6,419 | ) | (5,349 | ) | ||||
| Income tax expense | - | (7 | ) | |||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,419 | ) | $ | (5,356 | ) | ||
| Net loss per share - Basic and Diluted | $ | (1.12 | ) | $ | (0.93 | ) | ||
| Weighted average shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share | 5,709 | 5,756 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,419 | ) | $ | (5,356 | ) | ||
| Other comprehensive income (loss): | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | (177 | ) | (108 | ) | ||||
| Unrealized loss on investments | (93 | ) | - | |||||
| Change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | (270 | ) | (108 | ) | ||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | (6,689 | ) | $ | (5,464 | ) | ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
| Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Treasury Stock | Stockholder’s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Gain (Loss) | Deficit | Shares | Amount | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2012 | 5,768 | $ | 17 | $ | 262,463 | $ | (46 | ) | $ | (247,660 | ) | (19 | ) | $ | (48 | ) | $ | 14,726 | ||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued for employee stock purchase plan | 1 | - | 1 | - | - | - | - | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | 38 | - | - | - | - | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock at cost | - | - | - | - | - | (13 | ) | (26 | ) | (26 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss | - | - | - | (108 | ) | - | - | - | (108 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | (5,356 | ) | - | - | (5,356 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2013 | 5,769 | $ | 17 | $ | 262,502 | $ | (154 | ) | $ | (253,016 | ) | (32 | ) | $ | (74 | ) | $ | 9,275 | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | 6 | - | - | - | - | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Treasury stock at cost | - | - | - | - | - | (98 | ) | (175 | ) | (175 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss | - | - | - | (270 | ) | - | - | - | (270 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | (6,419 | ) | - | - | (6,419 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2014 | 5,769 | $ | 17 | $ | 262,508 | $ | (424 | ) | $ | (259,435 | ) | (130 | ) | $ | (249 | ) | $ | 2,417 | ||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,419 | ) | $ | (5,356 | ) | ||
| Adjustment to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,316 | 500 | ||||||
| Provision for doubtful accounts | 55 | (20 | ) | |||||
| Share-based compensation | 6 | 38 | ||||||
| Other non-cash charges | 210 | 42 | ||||||
| Deferred rent | (164 | ) | 9 | |||||
| Deferred lease incentive | 77 | 77 | ||||||
| Restructuring charge | 30 | 40 | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Trade accounts receivable | 296 | 1,469 | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 423 | (667 | ) | |||||
| Trade accounts payable | 132 | (688 | ) | |||||
| Accrued liabilities | (37 | ) | (874 | ) | ||||
| Deferred revenue and customer deposits | 16 | (145 | ) | |||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (4,059 | ) | (5,575 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Purchase of investments | (76 | ) | (7,928 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sale of investments | 3,202 | 14,136 | ||||||
| Payments for property and equipment | (1,026 | ) | (3,953 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | 2,100 | 2,255 | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Principal payments of capital lease obligations | (173 | ) | (110 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from issuance of common stock | - | 1 | ||||||
| Payments for repurchase of common stock | (175 | ) | (26 | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (348 | ) | (135 | ) | ||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (177 | ) | (108 | ) | ||||
| Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (2,484 | ) | (3,563 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 2,789 | 6,352 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 305 | $ | 2,789 | ||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Interest paid | $ | 14 | $ | 9 | ||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | - | $ | 7 | ||||
| Supplemental disclosure of noncash activities: | ||||||||
| Assets acquired through capital lease obligations | $ | 164 | $ | - | ||||
| Change in unrealized gain (loss) on investments | $ | (93 | ) | $ | - | |||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
| 49 |
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| 1. | Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Nature of Business
LookSmart, Ltd. ("LookSmart" or the "Company") is a digital advertising solutions company that provides relevant solutions for search and display advertising customers, organized along five lines of business: (i) Clickable, (ii) LookSmart AdCenter, (iii) Novatech.io, (iv) ShopWiki and (v) web searches. LookSmart was organized in 1996 and is incorporated in the State of Delaware.
LookSmart operates in a large online advertising ecosystem serving ads that target user queries on partner sites.
LookSmart offers search advertising customers targeted search via a monitored search advertising distribution network using the Company’s “AdCenter” platform technology. The Company’s search advertising network includes publishers and search advertising customers, including intermediaries and direct advertising customers and their agencies as well as self-service customers in the United States and certain other countries.
LookSmart also offers advertisers the ability to buy graphical display advertising. LookSmart’s trading desk personnel utilize DSP technology and licensed data from third party providers to buy targeted advertising on a real-time bidded basis. By leveraging our extensive historical search marketing network data along with performance data from a conversion pixel, LookSmart constructs models of the highest performing audiences, and targets them via exchange inventory. LookSmart offers its trading desk as a managed service.
In addition, Looksmart, under its “Clickable” and “Syncapse” brands, allows customers to manage paid, owned and earned media by providing a suite of solutions for social media marketers that include publishing, monitoring, data storage, compliance, management, ad placement and analytics.
Further, LookSmart offers publishers licensed private-label search advertiser network solutions based on its AdCenter platform technology (“Publisher Solutions”). Publisher Solutions consist of hosted auction-based ad serving with an ad backfill capability that allows publishers and portals to manage their advertiser relationships, distribution channels and accounts.
Lastly, in the fourth quarter of 2013 the Company began to make available a LookSmart-branded search engine. For parties submitting search queries, the Company offers free-of-charge search results ranked and presented based on proprietary algorithms. While early in its evolution, part of the Company's current search engine monetization strategy is to generate sponsored search results as a part of overall search results and provide links to paying advertisers’ websites.
Our largest category of customers is Intermediaries, the majority of which sell into the affiliate networks of the large search engine providers. Another category of customers is Direct Advertisers and their agencies whose objective is to obtain conversions or sales from the clicks, while others want unique page views. The last category of customers is Self-Service advertisers that sign-up online and pay by credit card.
Decreasing Intermediary revenue represented a continued trend from 2012 and was the primary driver of the Company's overall 2013 revenue decreases. Thus, in 2013, the Company made the decision to decrease the amount of revenue that it received from Intermediaries compared to 2012. The Company believes that this decision is in the best interests of the Company on a go-forward basis. The Company believes its revenue trends are tied to market-wide changes in the search ecosystem that have had a severe impact on Intermediary business models and consequently the business Intermediaries conduct with the Company. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we ceased business with a number of Intermediaries. Intermediaries continue as our largest category of customer.
In September 2013, LookSmart purchased the Syncapse Technology Assets for $3 million from MNP Ltd., a Receiver appointed by Ontario Superior Court of Justice under the Appointment Order. Upon the completion of this transaction, the Company acquired a social media platform that allows enterprise customers the ability to publish, monitor and analyze their social media presence on paid, owned and earned media. The Company has begun to work with large international brands to assist them in creating, maintaining and analyzing their social media presence online. As a result of the Syncapse asset purchase, the Company is expanding its offerings to our current customer base. Our expanded offering allows LookSmart’s traditional customers the ability to manage ad spend in both search and social platforms. The Company intends to partner with social media companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, as well as others, to offer customers the ability to maximize their ad spend in all relevant ad categories.
In November of 2013, LookSmart acquired an approximate 10,000 square foot Data Center facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility will allow the Company to consolidate its data needs in a company-owned Data Center, as well as expand its cloud based offerings to our customers. Looksmart is in the process of consolidating its cloud services in its newly occupied wholly owned secure Data Center.
| 50 |
In addition, LookSmart offers publishers licensed private-label search advertiser network solutions based on its AdCenter platform technology (“Publisher Solutions”). Publisher Solutions consist of hosted auction-based ad serving with an ad backfill capability that allows publishers and portals to manage their advertiser relationships, distribution channels and accounts.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). This requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue, expenses, and contingent assets and liabilities during the reporting period. The Company bases its estimates on various factors and information which may include, but are not limited to, history and prior experience, experience of other enterprises in the same industry, new related events, and current economic conditions and information from third party professionals that is believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Investments
The Company invests its excess cash primarily in debt instruments of high-quality corporate and government issuers. All highly liquid instruments with maturities at the date of purchase greater than ninety days are considered investments. All instruments with maturities greater than one year from the balance sheet date are considered long-term investments unless management intends to liquidate such securities in the current operating cycle. Such securities are classified as short-term investments. These securities are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value.
Changes in the value of these investments are primarily related to changes in interest rates and are considered to be temporary in nature. Except for declines in fair value that are not considered temporary, net unrealized gains or losses on these investments are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss. The Company recognizes realized gains and losses upon sale of investments using the specific identification method.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s estimate of fair value for assets and liabilities is based on a framework that establishes a hierarchy of the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect our significant market assumptions. The three levels of the hierarchy are as follows:
| Level 1: | Unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access. |
| Level 2: | Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, default rates, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data. |
| Level 3: | Valuations based on models where significant inputs are not observable. The unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use. |
Revenue Recognition
Our online search advertising revenue is composed of per-click fees that we charge customers and profit sharing arrangements we enter with Intermediaries. The per-click fee charged for keyword-targeted listings is calculated based on the results of online bidding for keywords or page content, up to a maximum cost per keyword or page content set by the customer. The Company has profit-sharing agreements with several customers that call for the sharing of profits and losses. Profit sharing arrangements are governed by contractual agreements. Revenue from these profit-sharing agreements is reported net of the customer’s share of profit.
Revenue also includes revenue share from licensing of private-labeled versions of our AdCenter Platform.
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Revenues associated with online advertising products, including Advertiser Networks, are generally recognized once collectability is established, delivery of services has occurred, all performance obligations have been satisfied, and no refund obligations exist. We pay distribution network partners based on clicks on the advertiser’s ad that are displayed on the websites of these distribution network partners. These payments are called TAC and are included in cost of revenue. The revenue derived from these arrangements that involve traffic supplied by distribution network partners is reported gross of the payment to the distribution network partners. This revenue is reported gross due to the fact that we are the primary obligor to the advertisers who are the customers of the advertising service.
We also enter into agreements to provide private-labeled versions of our products, including licenses to the AdCenter platform technology. These license arrangements may include some or all of the following elements: revenue-sharing based on the publisher’s customer’s monthly revenue generated through the AdCenter application; upfront fees; minimum monthly fees; and other license fees. We recognize upfront fees over the term of the arrangement or the expected period of performance, other license fees over the term of the license, and revenue-sharing portions over the period in which such revenue is earned. In all cases, revenue is recognized only when the price is fixed or determinable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service is performed, and collectability of the resulting receivable is reasonably assured.
We provide a provision against revenue for estimated reductions resulting from billing adjustments and customer refunds. The amounts of these provisions are evaluated periodically based upon customer experience and historical trends. The allowance included in trade receivables, net is insignificant at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Deferred revenue is recorded when payments are received in advance of performance in underlying agreements. Customer deposits are recorded when customers make prepayments for online advertising.
The Company evaluates individual arrangements with customers to make a determination under Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605-45Revenue Recognition. We test and record revenue accordingly.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from customers failing to make required payments. This valuation allowance is reviewed on a periodic basis. The review is based on factors including the application of historical collection rates to current receivables and economic conditions. Additional allowances for doubtful accounts are considered and recorded if there is deterioration in past due balances, if economic conditions are less favorable than the Company anticipated or for customer-specific circumstances, such as bankruptcy. The allowance for doubtful accounts included in trade accounts receivable, net is $0.8 and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Bad debt expense included in general and administrative expense is $0.1 million and insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Concentrations, Credit Risk and Credit Risk Evaluation
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, and accounts receivable. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company placed its cash equivalents and investments primarily through one financial institution, City National Bank (“CNB”), and mitigated the concentration of credit risk by placing percentage limits on the maximum portion of the investment portfolio which may be invested in any one investment instrument. These amounts exceed federally insured limits at December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company has not experienced any credit losses on these cash equivalents and investment accounts and does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk on these funds. The fair value of these accounts is subject to fluctuation based on market prices.
Credit Risk, Customer and Vendor Evaluation
Accounts receivable are typically unsecured and are derived from sales to customers. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for estimated credit losses. The Company applies judgment as to its ability to collect outstanding receivables based primarily on management’s evaluation of the customer’s financial condition and past collection history and records a specific allowance. In addition, the Company records an allowance based on the length of time the receivables are past due. Historically, such losses have been within management’s expectations.
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The following table reflects customers that accounted for more than 10% of net accounts receivable:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Company 1 | 24 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 2 | 13 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 3 | 12 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 4 | 10 | % | ** | |||||
| Company 5 | ** | 22 | % | |||||
| Company 6 | ** | 18 | % | |||||
| Company 7 | ** | 16 | % | |||||
** Less than 10%
Revenue and Cost Concentrations
The following table reflects the concentration of revenue by geographic locations that accounted for more than 10% of net revenue:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| United States | 91 | % | 82 | % | ||||
| Europe, Middle East and Africa | ** | 12 | % | |||||
** Less than 10%
LookSmart derives its revenue from two service offerings, or “products”: Advertiser Networks and Publisher Solutions. The percentage distributions between the two service offerings are as follows:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Advertiser Networks | 91 | % | 86 | % | ||||
| Publisher Solutions | 9 | % | 14 | % | ||||
The following table reflects the percentage of revenue attributed to customers who accounted for 10% or more of net revenue, all of which are Intermediaries:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Company 1 | 12 | % | 13 | % | ||||
The Company derives its revenue primarily from its relationships with significant distribution network partners. The following table reflects the distribution partners that accounted for more than 10% of the total TAC:
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Distribution Partner 1 | 20 | % | 26 | % | ||||
| Distribution Partner 2 | 15 | % | ** | |||||
| Distribution Partner 3 | 11 | % | 12 | % | ||||
| Distribution Partner 4 | ** | 11 | % | |||||
** Less than 10%
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost, except when an impairment analysis requires use of fair value, and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
| Computer equipment | 3 to 4 years |
| Furniture and fixtures | 5 to 7 years |
| Software | 2 to 3 years |
| Building Improvements | 10 years |
| Building | 39 years |
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Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term.
When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from their respective accounts, and any gain or loss on such sale or disposal is reflected in operating expenses. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures that substantially increase an asset’s useful life are capitalized.
In the fourth quarter of 2013, the Company acquired a 10,000 square foot Data Center facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This facility will allow the Company to consolidate its data needs in a company-owned Data Center, as well as expand its cloud-based offerings to our customers.
Internal Use Software Development Costs
The Company capitalizes external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing and obtaining internal-use computer software and the payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to developing the internal-use computer software. These costs are capitalized after certain milestones have been achieved and generally amortized over a three year period once the project is placed in service.
Management exercises judgment in determining when costs related to a project may be capitalized, in assessing the ongoing value of the capitalized costs, and in determining the amortization period for the capitalized costs, which is generally three years. The Company expects to continue to invest in internally developed software, although no such costs were capitalized in 2014 or 2013.
Restructuring Charges
In August 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease its office space in San Francisco under terms generally equivalent to its existing commitment. Restructuring costs associated with the sub-lease of the San Francisco office, totaling $0.03 and $0.02 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been fully amortized as of December 31, 2014.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets held or used in operations, including property and equipment and internally developed software, for impairment in accordance with ASC 360-10 “Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”
The Company reviews assets for evidence of impairment annually at year end and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable. The impairment review requires the Company to make significant estimates about its future performance and cash flows, as well as other assumptions. These estimates can be affected by numerous factors, including changes in economic, industry or market conditions, changes in business operations and changes in competition.
Traffic Acquisition Costs
The Company enters into agreements of varying durations with its distribution network partners that display the Company’s listings ads on their sites in return for a percentage of the revenue-per-click that the Company receives when the ads are clicked on those partners’ sites.
The Company also enters into agreements of varying durations with third party affiliates. These affiliate agreements provide for variable payments based on a percentage of the Company’s revenue or based on a certain metric, such as number of searches or paid clicks.
TAC expense is recorded in cost of revenue.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes share-based compensation costs for all share-based payment transactions with employees, including grants of employee stock options, restricted stock awards, and employee stock purchases related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan, over the requisite service period based on their relative fair values. We estimate the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Our assumptions about stock-price volatility are based on the actual volatility of our publically traded stock. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. We estimate the expected term based upon the historical exercise activity. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations over the requisite service periods. Share-based compensation expense recognized for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was insignificant and $0.04 million, respectively, which was related to stock grants, options and employee stock purchases.
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Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant in order to estimate the amount of share-based awards that will ultimately vest. The forfeiture rate is determined at the end of each fiscal quarter, based on historical rates.
The Company elected to adopt the alternative transition method for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (“APIC pool”) related to the tax effects of employee share-based compensation, and to determine the subsequent impact on the APIC pool and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows of the tax effects of employee share-based compensation awards.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are charged to sales and marketing expenses as incurred and were $0.05 million and insignificant in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Product Development Costs
Research of new product ideas and enhancements to existing products are charged to expense as incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. The Company records liabilities, where appropriate, for all uncertain income tax positions. The Company recognizes potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations as income tax expense.
Comprehensive Loss
Other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 consists of unrealized gains and losses on marketable securities categorized as available-for-sale and foreign currency translation adjustments.
Net Loss per Common Share
Basic net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding, excluding treasury stock. Diluted net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding, excluding treasury stock, during the period, using the treasury stock method for stock options. As a result of the Company’s net loss position at December 31, 2014 and 2013, there is no dilution.
Segment Information
The Company has one operating segment, online advertising. While the Company operates under one operating segment, management reviews revenue under two product offerings—Advertiser Networks and Publisher Solutions.
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, all of the Company’s accounts receivable, intangible assets, and deferred revenue are related to the online advertising segment. All long-lived assets are located in the United States and Canada.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment" or ASU 2012-02. ASU 2012-02 simplifies the requirements for testing for indefinite-lived intangible assets other than goodwill and permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative fair value test. This new guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2013 and will be applied prospectively. We anticipate that the adoption of this standard will not have a material impact on us or our consolidated financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued an amendment to an existing accounting standard which requires companies to present net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. The Company was required to adopt this standard as of the beginning of 2012. This guidance did not have an impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows as it is related only to the presentation of consolidated comprehensive loss.
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| 2. | Cash and Available for Sale Securities |
The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and available-for-sale securities’ amortized cost and estimated fair value by significant investment category as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):
| Amortized Cost and Estimated | ||||||||
| Fair Value | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | 304 | $ | 1,048 | ||||
| Cash equivalents | ||||||||
| Money market mutual funds | 1 | 1,641 | ||||||
| Commercial paper | - | 100 | ||||||
| Total cash equivalents | 1 | 1,741 | ||||||
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 305 | 2,789 | ||||||
| Short-term investments: | ||||||||
| Corporate bonds | - | 501 | ||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 123 | 800 | ||||||
| Commercial paper | - | 500 | ||||||
| Other commodities | 6 | - | ||||||
| Collateralized debt obligations | - | 1,301 | ||||||
| Total short-term investments | 129 | 3,102 | ||||||
| Long-term investments: | ||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | - | 154 | ||||||
| Total long-term investments | - | 154 | ||||||
| Total cash, and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments | $ | 434 | $ | 6,045 | ||||
Realized gains and realized losses were not significant for either of the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013. As of December 31, 2014, unrealized loss on investments was $0.1 million. As of December 31, 2013, there was no significant unrealized loss on investments. The cost of all securities sold is based on the specific identification method.
The contractual maturities of cash equivalents and short-term investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were less than one year. There were no long-term investments at December 31, 2014.The contractual maturity of long-term investments was just over one year as of December 31, 2013.
The Company typically invests in highly-rated securities, and its policy generally limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. When evaluating the investments for other-than-temporary impairment, the Company reviews such factors as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis, the financial condition of the issuer, and the Company’s intent to sell, or whether it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the investment before recovery of the investment’s amortized cost basis. During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not recognize any impairment charges on outstanding investments. As of December 31, 2014, the Company does not consider any of its investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
| 3. | Property and Equipment |
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):
| December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated | Net Book | Accumulated | Net Book | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Cost | Depreciation | Value | Cost | Depreciation | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Computer equipment | $ | 1,108 | $ | (602 | ) | $ | 506 | $ | 490 | $ | (244 | ) | $ | 246 | ||||||||||
| Furniture and fixtures | 22 | (4 | ) | 18 | 21 | (1 | ) | 20 | ||||||||||||||||
| Software | 2,733 | (1,137 | ) | 1,596 | 2,962 | (246 | ) | 2,716 | ||||||||||||||||
| Building and Leasehold improvements | 541 | (36 | ) | 505 | 59 | (4 | ) | 55 | ||||||||||||||||
| Land and Buildings | 797 | (19 | ) | 778 | 797 | (3 | ) | 794 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 5,201 | $ | (1,798 | ) | $ | 3,403 | $ | 4,329 | $ | (498 | ) | $ | 3,831 | ||||||||||
Depreciation expense on property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, including cost of property and equipment under capital lease, was $1.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively, and is recorded in operating expenses. Equipment under capital lease totaled $0.16 million as of December 31, 2014. There was no equipment under capital lease at December 31, 2013. Depreciation expense on equipment under capital lease was $0.04 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, and accumulated depreciation on equipment under capital lease was $0.04 million as of December 31, 2014.
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| 4. | Capitalized Software and Other Assets |
The Company’s capitalized software and other assets are as follows at December 31, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):
| December 31, 2014 | December 31, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accumulated | Net Book | Accumulated | Net Book | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross Amount | Amortization | Value | Gross Amount | Amortization | Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other assets | 62 | - | 62 | 87 | - | 87 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 62 | $ | - | $ | 62 | $ | 87 | $ | - | $ | 87 | ||||||||||||
Capitalized software consists of external direct costs of materials and services consumed in developing and obtaining internal-use computer software and the payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and who devote time to developing the internal-use computer software and is amortized over three years. Amortization expense was zero for both years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
| 5. | Accrued Liabilities |
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Accrued distribution and partner costs | $ | 89 | $ | 176 | ||||
| Accrued compensation and related expenses | 102 | 87 | ||||||
| Accrued professional service fees | 117 | 146 | ||||||
| Other | 3 | 35 | ||||||
| Capital lease obligations (note 7) | $ | 87 | $ | - | ||||
| Total accrued liabilities | $ | 398 | $ | 444 | ||||
| 6. | Restructuring Charges |
In August 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease its office space in San Francisco under terms generally equivalent to its existing commitment. Restructuring costs associated with the sub-lease of the San Francisco office, totaling $0.03 and $0.02 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, have been fully amortized as of December 31, 2014.
| 7. | Capital Lease and Other Obligations |
Capital lease and other obligations consist of the following at December 31, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Capital lease obligations | $ | 87 | $ | - | ||||
| Deferred rent | 22 | 186 | ||||||
| Total capital lease and other obligations | 109 | 186 | ||||||
| Less: current portion of capital lease obligations | (87 | ) | - | |||||
| Capital lease and other obligations, net of current portion | $ | 22 | $ | 186 | ||||
Refer to Note 9 for future minimum payment details.
Capital Lease Obligations
City National Bank
We have an outstanding standby letter of credit (“SBLC”) issued by City National Bank (“CNB”) of approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2014, related to security of the subleased corporate office lease and secured by a money market account held at CNB.
For further discussion see Note 9, Commitments and Contingencies.
| 8. | Income Taxes |
In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), the Company accounts for uncertainty in tax positions and recognizes in its financial statements the largest amount of a tax position that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit, based on the technical merits of the position.
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The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, Canada and various state jurisdictions. The Company remains subject to U.S. federal tax examinations for years 2010-present and Canadian examinations for 2011 to present. The tax years that remain subject to examination in state jurisdictions include 2012, 2013 and 2014-present. The Company believes that its income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and does not anticipate any adjustments that will result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. Therefore, no reserves for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded at December 31, 2014.
The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. The Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits, nor were any interest expenses or penalties recognized during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
The Company was in a net taxable loss position in 2014 and 2013. The income tax provision for all years includes minimum state tax and revisions of prior years’ estimated taxes.
Total income tax expense of $50 and $7,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were allocated to income from continuing operations and is classified as a current provision.
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Deferred tax asset: | ||||||||
| Net operating loss carryforwards | $ | 71,387 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 1,387 | |||||||
| Tax credits | 535 | |||||||
| Share-based compensation | 3,939 | |||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 0 | 77,869 | ||||||
| Less: valuation allowance | 0 | (77,869 | ) | |||||
| Total | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had Net Operating Loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $196.6 million and $77.9 million for federal and state purposes, respectively. The Company also has Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credit carryforwards of $110 thousand and $60 thousand for federal and state purposes, respectively. The NOL carryforwards will expire at various dates beginning in 2015 through 2031 if not utilized. The AMT tax credit carryforwards may be carried forward indefinitely. Included in the NOL carryforwards are losses resulting from the exercise of stock options totaling $47 million and $2 million for federal and state purposes, respectively, which will be credited to Additional Paid-in-Capital when realized.
A valuation allowance existed as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, due to the uncertainty of net operating loss utilization based on the Company’s history of losses. The valuation allowance increased by $1.5 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
On January 14, 2013, effective with the consummation of a tender offer by PEEK Investments LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“PEEK”), a change in ownership as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code resulted in a limitation in the timing and amount of available NOL carryforwards. Beginning in 2013, both federal and state NOL carryforwards will be significantly limited. The Company is currently assessing the amount of the limitation. A valuation allowance fully offsets the deferred tax asset associated with these NOL carryforwards.
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The Company’s effective income tax rate and the federal statutory rate for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is effectively zero and the company does not expect to pay federal income tax in the near future.
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Federal tax rate from continuing operations | 34.0 | % | ||||||
| Permanent differences | -0.2 | % | ||||||
| Change in valuation allowance | -33.8 | % | ||||||
| Other | 0.1 | % | ||||||
| Total | 0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||||
| 9. | Commitments and Contingencies |
As of December 31, 2014, future minimum payments under all operating leases, net of related subleases, are as follows(in thousands):
| Capital | Operating | |||||||||||
| Lease | Leases | Total | ||||||||||
| Years ending December 31, | ||||||||||||
| 2015 | $ | 87 | $ | 81 | $ | 168 | ||||||
| 2016 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| 2017 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| 2018 | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Total minimum net payments | $ | 87 | $ | 81 | $ | 168 | ||||||
| Less: amount representing interest | - | |||||||||||
| Present value of net minimum payments | 87 | |||||||||||
| Less: current portion | (87 | ) | ||||||||||
| Long-term portion of capital lease obligations | $ | - | ||||||||||
Operating Leases
In August 2009, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease office space for its headquarters in San Francisco, California, under an operating lease that commenced in November 2009 and expired on December 30, 2014. In July 2012, the Company entered into an agreement to sublease this subleased office space under terms generally equivalent to its existing commitment for a term that commenced in August 2012 and expired in December 2014.
In August 2013, the Company leased office space of approximately 2,341 square feet for its corporate office in San Francisco, California under a five year lease that commenced in September 2014 and expires on August 31, 2018. On October 15, 2014, the Company terminated this lease, closed the office and was released from all obligations under this lease.
The Company leases office space in Los Angeles, California of approximately of 4,803 square feet. The lease expires in July 2015.
The Company terminated its lease and closed its Canadian office in Kitchener in August 2013.
The Company entered into a 30-month operating lease agreement for various network operating equipment beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Rent expense under all operating leases was $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 2014, and 2013, respectively.
Letters of Credit
We have an outstanding standby letter of credit (“SBLC”) issued by City National Bank (“CNB”) of approximately $0.1 million at December 31, 2014, related to security of the subleased corporate office lease and secured by a money market account held at CNB.
For further discussion, see Note 7, Capital Lease and Other Obligations.
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Purchase Obligations
The Company had no outstanding purchase obligations as of December 31, 2014. The Company had outstanding purchase obligations of an insignificant amount relating to an open purchase order for which the Company had not received the related services or goods.
Guarantees and Indemnities
During its normal course of business, the Company has made certain guarantees, indemnities and commitments under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These indemnities include intellectual property and other indemnities to the Company’s customers and distribution network partners in connection with the sales of its products, and indemnities to various lessors in connection with facility leases for certain claims arising from such facility or lease.
Officer and Director Indemnification
Further, the Company has agreements whereby it indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving, at the Company’s request, in such capacity, to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited. However, the Company maintains directors and officers insurance coverage that may contribute, up to certain limits, a portion of any future amounts paid, for indemnification of directors and officers. The Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements in excess of applicable insurance coverage is minimal. Historically, the Company has not incurred any losses or recorded any liabilities related to performance under these types of indemnities.
Legal Proceedings
On September 4, 2013, Cowen and Company, LLC filed a complaint against LookSmart with the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco. According to the complaint, Cowen claims that LookSmart is required by an engagement letter dated August 14, 2009 to pay Cowen a $1,000,000 "Sale Transaction Fee" as a result of the third-party tender offer for LookSmart Ltd. consummated by PEEK Investments LLC on January 14, 2013. The parties agreed to a $450,000 settlement at a June 10, 2014 mediation. This amount was subsequently paid by the Company on July 11, 2014. The Complaint and Counter Claim was dismissed with prejudice on August 27, 2014.
On October 3, 2013, WeBoost Media S.R.L., a Societa responsabilita ("WeBoost") filed a complaint against LookSmart with the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco. The matter was subsequently removed and is currently pending before the United States District Court, Northern District of California. WeBoost’s complaint asserts claims for breach of contract and extra-contractual tort and punitive damages related to "click fraud". No specific monetary amounts are indicated in the complaint. LookSmart believes the claims are meritless and continues to vigorously defend the matter. The Company is unable to presently determine the risk of loss associated with this matter.
The Company is involved, from time to time, in various other legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities. Although the results of litigation and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not expect resolution of these matters to have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results of operations, cash flows or financial position unless stated otherwise. However, an unfavorable resolution of a matter could, depending on its amount and timing, materially affect its results of operations, cash flows or financial position in a future period. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on the Company because of defense costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
| 10. | Stockholders’ Equity |
Share-Based Compensation
Stock Option Plans
The Company effected a 3:1 reverse stock split on November 7, 2013. All share amounts and share prices have been adjusted for this reverse split.
In December 1997, the Company approved the 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). In June 2007, the stockholders approved the LookSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”). Under the 2007 Plan, the Company may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights and stock rights to employees, directors and consultants. Share-based incentive awards are provided under the terms of these two plans (collectively, the “Plans”).
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administers the Company’s Plans. Awards under the Plans principally include at-the-money options and fully vested restricted stock. Outstanding stock options generally become exercisable over a four year period from the grant date and have a term of seven years. Grants can only be made under the 2007 Plan. The 1998 Plan is closed to further share issuance and all options have expired or been forfeited as of December 31, 2013. The number of shares issued or reserved for issuance under the Plans was 1.2 million shares of common stock for the both years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. There were 1.2 million shares available to be granted under the 2007 Plan at December 31, 2014.
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Share-based compensation expense recorded during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows(in thousands):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Sales and marketing | $ | 1 | $ | 3 | ||||
| Product development and technical operations | 1 | 6 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 3 | 33 | ||||||
| Total share-based compensation expense | $ | 5 | $ | 42 | ||||
Total unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to share-based compensation arrangements at December 31, 2014 was not significant and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 0.57 years. The total fair value of equity awards vested during both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was not significant.
Option Awards
Stock option activity under the Plans during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
| Weighted- | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted- | Average | |||||||||||||||
| Average | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||||||||
| Exercise Price | Contractual | Intrinsic | ||||||||||||||
| Shares | Per Share | Term | Value | |||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | (in years) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| Options outstanding at December 31, 2012 | 705 | $ | 7.41 | 2.96 | $ | 15 | ||||||||||
| Granted | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Expired | (138 | ) | 11.94 | |||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (542 | ) | 7.60 | |||||||||||||
| Options outstanding at December 31, 2013 | 25 | $ | 4.16 | 4.67 | - | |||||||||||
| Granted | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Expired | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | (20 | ) | 3.90 | |||||||||||||
| Options outstanding at December 31, 2014 | 5 | $ | 5.27 | 2.93 | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2014 | 4 | $ | 5.32 | 0.55 | $ | - | ||||||||||
| Exercisable at Decewmber 31, 2014 | 4 | $ | 5.45 | 0.47 | $ | - | ||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the market price of the Company’s stock on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holder had all option holders exercised their options at year-end. The intrinsic value amount changes with changes in the fair market value of the Company’s stock.
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014:
| Options Outstanding | Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted- | Weighted- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted- | Average | Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | Exercise | Exercise | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining | Price | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Price Ranges | Shares | Contractual Term | Per Share | Shares | Per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | (in years) | (in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 4.14 - | $ | 5.64 | 4 | 3.55 | $ | 4.53 | 3 | $ | 4.59 | ||||||||||||||||
| 8.10 - | 8.10 | 1 | 0.55 | 8.10 | 1 | 8.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | 2.93 | 5.27 | 4 | 5.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Awards
The Company did not issue restricted stock during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013.
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Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On July 14, 2009, the 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2009 ESPP”) was approved by the shareholders and authorized to issue up to 500 thousand shares of Common Stock to employees. Substantially all employees may purchase the Company’s common stock through payroll deductions at 85 percent of the lower of the fair market value at the beginning or end of the offering period. Each offering and purchase period is 6 months. ESPP contributions are limited to a maximum of 15 percent of an employee’s eligible compensation, and ESPP participants are limited to purchasing a maximum of 5,000 shares per purchase period. Share-based compensation expense for the 2009 ESPP was zero and insignificant in 2014 and 2013, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, 28 thousand shares have been issued under the 2009 Plan. Following the February 15, 2013 purchase, the ESPP was suspended pending a review of all equity incentive arrangements by the Company’s Board of Directors.
Share-Based Compensation Valuation Assumptions
We estimate the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Our assumptions about stock-price volatility are based on the actual volatility of our publically traded stock. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. We estimate the expected term based upon the historical exercise activity.
No options were granted in 2014 or 2013, therefore no weighted average assumptions are included here.
Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.
Exercise of Employee and Director Stock Options and Purchase Plans
There were no options exercised in the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company issues new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options. No income tax benefits have been realized from exercised stock options.
Repurchase of Equity Securities by the Company
In May 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1 million of the Company’s common shares. Under the program, the Company may purchase its common shares from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
Approximately 98 thousand shares were purchased during the year ended December 31, 2014 at an average price of $1.78 per share under the program and recorded as treasury stock at cost totaling approximately $175 thousand dollars. Approximately 13 thousand shares were purchased at an average price of $2.34 per share under the program during the year ended December 31, 2013, and recorded as treasury stock at cost totaling approximately $26 thousand dollars.
| 11. | Fair Value Measurements |
Fair Value of Financial Assets
The Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis subject to disclosure requirements at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows(in thousands):
| Quoted Prices | ||||||||||||||||
| in Active | Significant | |||||||||||||||
| Markets for | Other | Significant | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at | Identical | Observable | Unobserved | |||||||||||||
| December 31, | Assets | Inputs | Inputs | |||||||||||||
| 2014 | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market mutual funds | $ | 1 | $ | 1 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
| Total cash equivalents | 1 | 1 | - | - | ||||||||||||
| Short-term investments: | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 123 | - | 123 | - | ||||||||||||
| Other commodities | 6 | - | 6 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total short-term investments | 129 | - | 129 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total financial assets measured at fair value | $ | 130 | $ | 1 | $ | 129 | $ | - | ||||||||
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| Quoted Prices | ||||||||||||||||
| in Active | Significant | |||||||||||||||
| Markets for | Other | Significant | ||||||||||||||
| Balance at | Identical | Observable | Unobserved | |||||||||||||
| December 31, | Assets | Inputs | Inputs | |||||||||||||
| 2013 | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||||||||||
| Cash equivalents: | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market mutual funds | $ | 1,641 | $ | 1,641 | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||
| Commercial paper | 100 | - | 100 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total cash equivalents | 1,741 | 1,641 | 100 | - | ||||||||||||
| Short-term investments: | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 800 | - | 800 | - | ||||||||||||
| Corporate bonds | 501 | - | 501 | - | ||||||||||||
| Commercial paper | 500 | - | 500 | - | ||||||||||||
| Collateralized debt securities | 1,301 | - | - | 1,301 | ||||||||||||
| Total short-term investments | 3,102 | - | 1,801 | 1,301 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term investments: | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 154 | - | 154 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total long-term investments | 154 | - | 154 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total financial assets measured at fair value | $ | 4,997 | $ | 1,641 | $ | 2,055 | $ | 1,301 | ||||||||
The Company held no Level 3 investments at December 31, 2014. The Company held approximately $1.3 million in Level 3 investments at December 31, 2013.
Investments
For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in Level 1 of the hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from a third party, nationally recognized pricing service (“pricing service”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine a single estimate of fair value, which is mainly for its fixed maturity investments. The fair value estimates provided from this pricing service are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. The Company bases all of its estimates of fair value for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm’s length transaction.
The Company validates the prices received from the pricing service using various methods including, applicability of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other national government insurance or guarantees, comparison of proceeds received on individual investments subsequent to reporting date, prices received from publicly available sources, and review of transaction volume data to confirm the presence of active markets. The Company does not adjust the prices received from the pricing service unless such prices are determined to be inconsistent. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not adjust prices received from the pricing service.
On June 1, 2013 the Company invested approximately $2.0 million in a fully collateralized fund with a maturity date of September 30, 2014. The investment generally entitles the Company to monthly payments of principal and interest, subject to certain restrictions. During 2014, the Company received payments of $1.1 million in principal and $0.1 million in interest. During 2013, the Company received payments of $0.7 million in principal and $0.2 million in interest. The investment was recorded at amortized cost, reduced for non-temporary losses charged to earnings. No non-temporary losses were recognized by the Company as of and for the periods since the date of investment. As of September 30, 2014, the investment was fully redeemed.
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Level 3 Assets – Roll forward(in thousands):
| Fair Value | ||||
| Measurements | ||||
| Using | ||||
| Significant | ||||
| Unobservable | ||||
| Inputs (Level 3) | ||||
| Collateralized | ||||
| Debt Securities | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2013 | $ | 1,301 | ||
| Transfers into Level 3 | - | |||
| Transfers out of Level 3 | - | |||
| Total gains or losses | ||||
| Included in earnings (or changes in net assets) | 47 | |||
| Included in Other comprehensive income | - | |||
| Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements | ||||
| Purchases | - | |||
| Issuances | - | |||
| Sales | - | |||
| Settlements | (541 | ) | ||
| Balance at March 31, 2014 | $ | 807 | ||
| Transfers into Level 3 | - | |||
| Transfers out of Level 3 | - | |||
| Total gains or losses | ||||
| Included in earnings (or changes in net assets) | 26 | |||
| Included in Other comprehensive income | - | |||
| Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements | ||||
| Purchases | - | |||
| Issuances | - | |||
| Sales | - | |||
| Settlements | (513 | ) | ||
| Balance at June 30, 2014 | $ | 320 | ||
| Transfers into Level 3 | - | |||
| Transfers out of Level 3 | - | |||
| Total gains or losses | ||||
| Included in earnings (or changes in net assets) | 7 | |||
| Included in Other comprehensive income | - | |||
| Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements | ||||
| Purchases | - | |||
| Issuances | - | |||
| Sales | - | |||
| Settlements | (327 | ) | ||
| Balance at September 30, 2014 | - | |||
Trade accounts receivable, net: The carrying value reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value and is net of allowances for doubtful accounts and returns which estimate customer non-performance risk.
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities: The carrying value reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for these items approximates their fair value, which is the likely amount which the liability with short settlement periods would be transferred to a market participant with a similar credit standing as the Company.
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| 12. | Employee Benefit Plan |
The Company has a 401(k) retirement plan covering all eligible employees. Employees may contribute amounts ranging from 1% to 50% of annual salary, up to the maximum limits established by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company matches these contributions in cash up to 5% of annual salary up to a total match of $3 thousand per year per employee. Employees vest 100% immediately in their own contributions and 50% per year in Company matching contributions. Any employer contributions that are not vested are forfeited if an employee leaves the Company, but are reinstated if the employee returns to service within five years. The Company made matching contributions of $0.06 million and $0.03 million, respectively, for each of 2014 and 2013.
| 13. | Related Party Transactions |
The Company paid Michael Onghai $0.08 million in both the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, in connection with his services as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.
The Company has paid over $50,000.00 in each month of 2014 for salaries and office expense for LookSmart India, a company incorporated under the laws of India, with 25 employees, which is owned by Michael Onghai. The services of LookSmart India are for the exclusive benefit of the Company and the money paid by the Company to it only goes to pay Looksmart India expenses. Mr. Onghai has agreed to transfer ownership of LookSmart India to the Company for no consideration when allowable under Indian law.
The Company paid fees directly or indirectly to Jean-Yves Dexmier of $0.04 million, in the year ended December 31, 2013, in connection with his services as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Board member.
The Company had advanced $0.25 million as at December 31, 2014 to Conversion Media Holdings, LLC. One of the directors of Conversion Media Holdings, LLC is also a director of the Company. The receivable from Conversion Media Holdings, LLC relates to ordinary business transactions, bearing no interest or collateral , and is repayable within one year and renewable under normal advancement terms and conditions.
| 14. | Net Income (Loss) per Share |
A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (“EPS”) is provided as follows(in thousands, except per share amounts):
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2014 | 2013 | |||||||
| Numerator | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | (6,419 | ) | $ | (5,356 | ) | ||
| Denominator | ||||||||
| Weighted average shares used to compute basic EPS | 5,709 | 5,756 | ||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities: | ||||||||
| Dilutive common stock equivalents | - | - | ||||||
| Weighted average shares used to compute diluted EPS | 5,709 | 5,756 | ||||||
| Net loss per share - Basic and Diluted | ||||||||
| Net loss per share - Basic and Diluted | $ | (1.12 | ) | $ | (0.93 | ) | ||
Options to purchase common stock are not included in the diluted loss per share calculations when their effect is antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2014, 4 thousand shares of potential common stock related to outstanding stock options were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share as such shares are antidilutive when there is a loss.
| 15. | Going Concern |
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company had a loss from operations of $6.4 million and accumulated deficit of $259 million. As of year ended December 31, 2014, the working capital deficiency was $1 million; the cash used in operating activities was $4 million. The Company intends to fund operations through debt and equity financing arrangements.The ability of the Company to survive is dependent upon, among other things, obtaining additional financing to continue operations, and development of its business plan. In response to these problems, management intends to raise additional funds through public or private placement offerings, and related party loans. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
| 16. | Subsequent Events |
From December 2014 to March 2015, Snowy August Management LLC advanced certain funds to the Company in the aggregate amount of $750,000. The Company’s Chief Executive Offier, Michael Onghai is the manager of Snowy August Management LLC. The Company intends to repay in full such funds to Snowy August Management LLC.
| ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
None.
| ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information that it is required to disclose in reports that the Company files with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Exchange Act rules and regulations.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Under the supervision of, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by the Company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel, 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:
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| · | Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; |
| · | Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and |
| · | Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. |
Because of its inherent limitations, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all material misstatements arising from time to time. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework . Based on our assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2014.
This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal controls over financial reporting because this is not required of the Company pursuant to Regulation S-K Item 308(b).
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2014, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
| ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
| ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
The following table provides information as of March 31, 2015 as to each person who is, as of the filing hereof, a director of the Company:
| Next | ||||||||||||
| Name | Age | Term | Class | Election | Director Since | Other Offices and Positions | ||||||
| Michael Onghai | 44 | (1) | I | 2015 | January 14, 2013 | Chief Executive Officer, President, and Secretary (2) | ||||||
| Christian Chan | 42 | (1) | II | 2016 | January 14, 2013 | Chairman (3) (4) | ||||||
| Paul Pelosi Jr. | 46 | (1) | II | 2016 | January 14, 2013 | (4) | ||||||
| Thorsten Weigl | 39 | (1) | III | 2017 | January 14, 2013 | (4) |
*
| (1) | The directors are divided into three classes. Each director holds office until the next election of the class for which such director has been chosen and until such director's successor is elected and qualified or such director's earlier death, resignation, or removal. |
| (2) | Chief Executive Officer and President since January 25, 2013 and Secretary since April 25, 2013. |
| (3) | Chairman of the board of directors since January 25, 2013. |
| (4) | Such director holds one or more board committee positions as provided in the following table: |
| 66 |
| Compensation | ||||||||||||||
| Audit Committee | Committee | Nominating Committee | ||||||||||||
| Name | Member | Chair | Member | Chair | Member | Chair | Position Since | |||||||
| Christian Chan | X | X | X | X | X | January 25, 2013 | ||||||||
| Paul Pelosi Jr. | X | X | X | X | January 25, 2013 | |||||||||
| Thorsten Weigl | X | X | X | January 25, 2013 | ||||||||||
Executive Officers
The following table provides information as of March 16, 2015 as to each person who is, as of the filing hereof, an executive officer of the Company:
| Name | Age | Term | Principal Position | Position Since | Other Offices and Positions | |||||
| Michael Onghai | 44 | (1) | Chief Executive Officer | January 1, 2013 | Director, President, and Secretary (2) |
*
| (1) | Each officer is chosen and holds office for such term as prescribed by the bylaws or determined by the board and until such officer's successor is elected and qualified or such officer's earlier death, resignation, or removal. |
| (2) | Director since January 14, 2013, President since January 25, 2013, and Secretary since April 25, 2013. |
No Family Relationships
There is no family relationship between any director or executive officer or among any directors or executive officers.
Business Experience and Background of Directors and Executive Officers
Christian Chan has been a director since January 14, 2013 and Chairman of the board of directors since January 25, 2013 and holds other positions with the Company as provided herein. For more than the past five years, Mr. Chan has been a private investor and an independent portfolio manager and adviser to family offices and value-oriented investment funds. Mr. Chan is a director of funds affiliated with Argyle Street Management Limited, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Mr. Chan holds a B.A.S. and a M.S. from Stanford University.
Michael Onghai has been a director since January 14, 2013 and Chief Executive Officer since January 25, 2013 and holds other positions with the Company as provided herein. For more than the past five years, Mr. Onghai has been a private investor and an investment manager, including as the principal of Snowy August Management LLC, a value-oriented alternative investment manager he founded in 2011, and, prior to 2011, as a principal and portfolio manager of Ibis Management LLC, an investment management firm he joined in 2003. Mr. Onghai is a Chartered Financial Analyst and the founder of AppAddictive, a venture capital-sponsored social media digital holding company. Mr. Onghai holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from UCLA.
Paul Pelosi Jr. has been a director since January 14, 2013 and holds other positions with the Company as provided herein. For more than the past five years, Mr. Pelosi has been a private investor and an independent adviser to emerging and Fortune 500 companies, including as financing, infrastructure, sustainability, security, and public policy matters. Mr. Pelosi holds a B.A. and a J.D./M.B.A. from Georgetown University.
Thorsten Weigl has been a director since January 14, 2013 and holds other positions with the Company as provided herein. For more than the past five years, Mr. Weigl has been a private investor and the Chief Executive Officer of Solom GmbH, an asset management company. Mr. Weigl oversees one of Germany's largest intellectual property portfolios and has managed investments in internet and technology companies since 1998.
Other Directorships
The following table provides information as to certain other public company directorships held by the directors as of the filing hereof or during the past five years:
| Name | Other Directorships | |
| Michael Onghai | Director of MGT Capital Investments, Inc. | |
| Paul Pelosi, Jr. | Director of Cereplast Inc. and former director of Natural Blue Resources, Inc. |
Director Independence
The Company has determined that each director other than Mr. Onghai, including Christian Chan, Paul Pelosi, Jr., and Thorsten Weigl, is "independent" as defined by, and determined under, the applicable director independence standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
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Board Committees
The board has designated committees, including a standing audit committee, compensation committee, and nominating and governance committee. Each committee member is designated by the board or as provided by the bylaws of the Company. Each committee member is identified under "Directors" herein.
Committee Member Independence
The Company has determined that each committee member, including Christian Chan, Paul Pelosi, Jr., and Thorsten Weigl, is "independent" as defined by, and determined under, the applicable board committee independence standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
Audit Committee
The Company has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. Each audit committee member is identified under "Directors" herein.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The board of directors has determined that the Company has at least one audit committee financial expert serving on the audit committee. The board has determined that Mr. Chan is an audit committee financial expert and "independent" as independence for audit committee members is defined in the applicable listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC.
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee has concluded that each person who is a director should continue to serve as a director as of the filing hereof in light of the business and structure of the Company and the specific experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills of such person. The following table provides information, for each such person, as to the specific experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills that led the nominating committee to conclude that such person should continue to serve as a director as of the filing hereof:
| Name | Specific Experience, Qualifications, Attributes, and Skills | |
| Christian Chan | Experience as a director and managing investments and with other investment and financial matters and financial expertise as an investment advisor | |
| Michael Onghai | Experience as a director and developing and buying and selling public and private technology companies and financial expertise as an investment advisor and Chartered Financial Analyst | |
| Paul Pelosi, Jr. | Experience as a director and executive officer of a public company and as an independent advisor to public and private financial institutions and leadership and governance skills | |
| Thorsten Weigl | Experience as an executive and entrepreneur and managing intellectual property assets and investments in internet and technology companies |
Procedures for Security Holders to Recommend Nominees for Election as Directors
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the board of directors since the Company last described such procedures or any material changes thereto.
Company Policy as to Director Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders
The Company's policy encourages board members to attend annual meetings of stockholders.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires each person who is a director or officer or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the common stock of the Company to file reports in connection with certain transactions. To the knowledge of the Company, based solely upon a review of forms or representations furnished to the Company during or with respect to the most recent completed fiscal year, no person who was subject to Section 16 at any time during such fiscal year failed to file on a timely basis, as disclosed in such forms, reports required by Section 16(a) during such fiscal year or prior fiscal years, except (i) the filing of one amended report on Form 3 by Michael Onghai was not made on a timely basis and (ii) the filing of one report on Form 5 by Mr. Onghai to correct for the failure to file on a timely basis the report on Form 3 as described in clause (i) was made late, on March 28, 2014.
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Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the Company's principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions. The Company has posted the code of ethics on the Company's Internet website at http://www.looksmart.com/corporate-governance. The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 10 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of the code of ethics by posting such information on the Company's Internet website.
| ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
The following table provides information as to the compensation of each named executive officer ("Named Executive Officer") for each of the last two completed fiscal years:
2014 Summary Compensation Table
| Option | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Awards | All Other | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary | Bonus | (1) | Compensation * | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Michael Onghai | 2014 | $ | 80,000 | - | - | - | $ | 80,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | 2013 | $ | 80,000 | - | - | - | $ | 80,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Jean-Yves Dexmier | 2014 | - | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||||
| Chief Executive Officer | 2013 | - | - | - | $ | 36,000 | (2) | $ | 36,000 | |||||||||||||
| William O'Kelly | 2014 | $ | - | - | - | $ | - | $ | - | |||||||||||||
| Chief Financial Officer | 2013 | $ | 99,180 | - | - | $ | 19,230 | (3) | $ | 118,410 | ||||||||||||
*
| (1) | Represents aggregate grant date fair value (computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718), subject to valuation assumptions discussed in Note 10 to the financial statements filed as part hereof. |
| (2) | Paid to Dexline, Inc. (aka Napa Valley Linens). |
| (3) | Represents payment made to Mr. O’Kelly in relation to his termination. |
The Company believes its current executive compensation is appropriate and in keeping with the Company’s current operations and financial performance.
Post-Termination Compensation or Benefits
Except as otherwise provided herein, the Company has no employment, severance, change of control, or other agreement with any Named Executive Officer that provides for any payment to such Named Executive Officer at, following, or in connection with the resignation, retirement, or other termination of such Named Executive Officer or a change in control of the Company.
Director Compensation
No director compensation was earned or paid by the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. No stock or option awards were issued for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
As of December 31, 2014, there were no outstanding equity awards for any Named Executive Officer. All outstanding equity awards for Named Executive Officers in the prior year were expired or forfeited on or before 2014.
| ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
The following table provides information as of March 16, 2015 as to the common stock of the Company beneficially owned by all directors and nominees, directors and executive officers as a group as of December 31, 2014, and each person known to the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the common stock:
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| Shares | ||||||||
| Beneficially | Percent of | |||||||
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) | Owned | Class * | ||||||
| Michael Onghai | 3,123,047 | 54.1 | %(2) | |||||
| Thorsten Weigl | 194,769 | 3.4 | %(3) | |||||
| Christian Chan | - | 0.0 | % | |||||
| Paul Pelosi, Jr. | - | 0.0 | % | |||||
| Directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons): | 3,317,816 | 57.5 | %(4) | |||||
| Platinum Partners Value Arbitrage Fund L.P. | 576,000 | 10.0 | %(5) | |||||
*
| (1) | To the Company's knowledge, except as otherwise provided herein, each person named herein as a beneficial owner of securities has sole voting and investment power as to such securities and such person's address is c/o LookSmart, Ltd., 50 California Street, 16th Floor, San Francisco, California 94111. |
| (2) | Represents securities owned or held by or for the account of other persons as portfolio securities, which may be deemed to be beneficially owned directly by Snowy August Management LLC, as an investment manager to such persons, and indirectly by Mr. Onghai, as the President of Snowy August Management. |
| (3) | Represents securities which may be deemed to be beneficially owned directly by Solom GmbH and indirectly by Mr. Weigl, as the Chief Executive Officer of Solom GmbH. |
| (4) | Includes stock options vested or to be vested within the next 60 days issued to Lori House, which may be deemed to be beneficially owned by her. |
| (5) | According to the Schedule 13D/A filed January 17, 2013 (1,728,000 reported, adjusted by LookSmart for the 3:1 reverse split on November 6, 2013) by such persons with the Commission, such securities are beneficially owned (and voting and investment power as to such securities is shared) by Platinum Partners Value Arbitrage Fund L.P., Platinum Management (NY) LLC, Uri Landesman, and Mark Nordlicht and the address of such persons is 152 West 57th Street, 54th Floor, New York, New York 10019. |
The following table provides information as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
| Number of Shares of | Weighted- | Number of Shares | ||||||||||
| Common Stock to be | Average Exercise | Remaining Available | ||||||||||
| Issued upon Exercise | Price of | for Future Issuance | ||||||||||
| of Outstanding | Outstanding | under Equity | ||||||||||
| Options | Options | Compensation Plans | ||||||||||
| Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 4,634 | $ | 5.27 | 1,228,699 | ||||||||
| Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Total | 4,634 | $ | 4.16 | 1,228,699 | ||||||||
| ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
Indemnification Agreements
The Company has entered into indemnity agreements with its directors and officers providing for indemnification of each director and officer against expenses incurred in connection with any action or investigation involving the director or officer by reason of his or her position with the Company (or with another entity at the Company's request). The directors and officers will also be indemnified for costs, including judgments, fines and penalties that are indemnifiable under Delaware law or under the terms of any current or future liability insurance policy maintained by the Company that covers directors and officers. A director or officer involved in a derivative suit will be indemnified for expenses and amounts paid in settlement. Indemnification is dependent in each instance on the director or officer meeting the standards of conduct set forth in the indemnity agreements.
Policies and Procedures for Approving Related Person Transactions
Our policy and procedure with respect to any related person transaction between the Company and any related person requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of regulation S-K under the Exchange Act, is that the Company's audit committee reviews all such transactions. This review covers any material transaction, arrangement or relationship, or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships, in which the Company was and is to be a participant, and a related party had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, including, purchases of goods or services by or from the related party or entities in which the related party has a material interest, indebtedness, guarantees of indebtedness and employment by the Company of a related party. The board of directors has adopted a written policy reflecting the policy and procedure identified above.
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| ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
Fees Incurred by LookSmart for Independent Registered Accounting Firm
The following table presents fees and expenses rendered by our principal accountants, Albert Wong & Co. LLP ("Albert Wong") for fiscal years 2014 and 2013:
| Category | 2014 | 2013 | ||||||
| Audit Fees | $ | 107,000 | $ | 101,000 | ||||
| Audit-Related Fees | - | - | ||||||
| Tax Fees | - | - | ||||||
| All Other Fees | 6,000 | 4,500 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 113,000 | $ | 105,500 | ||||
Audit Fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial statements. All Other Fees consist of fees for the audit of our 401(k) plan. Our audit committee considered whether the provision of non-audit services was compatible with maintaining the independence of external public accounting firm and has concluded that it was.
Policy on Pre-Approval by Audit Committee of Services Performed by Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
The policy of the audit committee is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent public accounting firm during the fiscal year. The audit committee pre-approves services by authorizing specific projects within the categories outlined above. The audit committee's charter delegates to its Chair the authority to address any requests for pre-approval of services between audit committee meetings, and the Chair must report any pre-approval decisions to the audit committee at its next scheduled meeting. All of the services related to the fees described above were approved by the audit committee pursuant to the pre-approval provisions set forth in the applicable SEC rules and the audit committee's charter.
| ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
(a)(1) Financial Statements. The following are filed as part of Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
| Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm: | |
| Albert Wong & Co. LLP | 44 |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets | 45 |
| Consolidated Statements of Operations | 46 |
| Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss | 47 |
| Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity | 48 |
| Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 49 |
| Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | 50 |
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
| LOOKSMART, LTD. | ||
| By: | /s/ Michael Onghai | |
Michael Onghai Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer | ||
Date: March 17, 2015
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael Onghai, as his or her attorneys-in-fact, each with the full power of substitution, for him or her, in any and all capacities, to sign any amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting to said attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them, or their or his or her substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
/S/ MICHAEL ONGHAI Michael Onghai | Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | March 17, 2015 | ||
/S/ CHRISTIAN CHAN Christian Chan | Chairman | March 17, 2015 | ||
/S/ THORSTEN WEIGL Thorsten Weigl | Director | March 17, 2015 | ||
/S/ PAUL PELOSI, JR Paul Pelosi, Jr | Director | March 17, 2015 |
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Exhibits
| Number | Description of Document | |
| 3.1 | Registrant’s Certificate of Incorporation (including Certificate of Designation of Series A Participating Preferred Stock) (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 23, 2012). | |
| 3.2 | Registrant’s Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (filed as exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 6, 2013). | |
| 3.3 | Bylaws (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on August 14, 2000) (File No. 000-26357). | |
| 4.1 | Form of Specimen Stock Certificate (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on November 14, 2005).
| |
| 4.2 | Rights Agreement dated as of August 23, 2012 among LookSmart, Ltd. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 23, 2012). | |
| 10.1++ | Forms of Stock Option Agreement used by the Company in connection with grants of stock options to employees, directors and other service providers in connection with the Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on October 22, 2004). | |
| 10.2++ | Amended and Restated 1998 Stock Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581) filed with the SEC on June 14, 1999). | |
| 10.3++ | Forms of Stock Option Agreement used by the Company in connection with grants of stock options made in connection with the LookSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014). | |
| 10.4++ | LookSmart 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-144384) filed with the SEC on July 6, 2007). | |
| 10.5++ | Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and each of its directors and officers (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-80581) filed with the SEC on June 14, 1999). | |
| 10.6++ | Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Company and each of its directors and officers (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on March 26, 2014). | |
| 10.7 | Lease Agreement with Geary-Market Investment Company, Ltd., for property located at 49 Geary Street, San Francisco, California, dated July 15, 2013 (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014). | |
| 10.8++ | LookSmart, Ltd. Form Amended and Restated Change of Control/Severance Agreement (Filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 16, 2009). | |
| 10.9 | Sponsored Links Master Terms and Conditions between the Company and eBay, Inc. dated March 12, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.32 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 9, 2007). | |
| 10.10 | LookSmart Reseller Terms and Conditions with MeziMedia dated September 7, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 10, 2007). |
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| 10.11 | Paid Listings License Agreement between the Company and SearchFeed.com dated April 15, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on May 10, 2006). | |
| 10.12 | License Agreement between the Company and SearchFeed.com dated November 23, 2003, as Amended on March 29, 2004 and March 21, 2005 (Filed as Exhibit 10.40 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 000-26357) filed with the SEC on March 15, 2006). | |
| 10.13 | Paid Listings License Agreement between the Company and Kontera Technologies, Inc. dated July 17, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q with the SEC on August 6, 2010). | |
| 10.14 | License Agreement between the Company and Oversee.net dated April 1, 2004 (Filed as Exhibit 10.48 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 9, 2007). | |
| 10.15 | Backfill Agreement between the Company and Internext Media Corp. dated February 8, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.50 to with the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on May 12, 2008). | |
| 10.16 | Paid Listings License Agreement between the Company and PeakClick GMBH dated April 15, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.51 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q May 7, 2010). | |
| 10.17 | Advertiser Terms and Conditions between the Company and MeziMedia dated September 26, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.52 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on May 7, 2010). | |
| 10.18 | Paid Listings License Agreement between the Company and Wellbourne Limited dated March 15, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.53 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on May 7, 2010). | |
| 10.19++ | Board Services Agreement between the Company and its Jean-Yves Dexmier dated July 1, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.61 to the Company’s Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A on April 30, 2009). | |
| 10.20 | Sublease Agreement with KPMG, LLP for property located at 55 Second Street, San Francisco, California (Filed as Exhibit 10.63 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on November 4, 2009). | |
| 10.21 | Master Lease Agreement between the Company and City National Bank dated April 6, 2007 (Filed as Exhibit 10.65 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 2010). | |
| 10.22 | Covenants Rider to the Master Lease Agreement between the Company and City National Bank dated September 30, 2009 (Filed as Exhibit 10.66 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on November 4, 2009). | |
| 10.23 | Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit Application and Letter of Credit Agreement between the Company and City National Bank dated August 14, 2009 (Filed as Exhibit 10.67 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on November 4, 2009). | |
| 10.24 | First Amendment to Supplemental Terms and Conditions Letter between the Company and City National Bank dated October 16, 2009 (Filed as Exhibit 10.68 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on November 4, 2009). | |
| 10.25 | Master Services Agreement #12223.0.1 between the Company and RagingWire Enterprise Solutions, Inc. effective as of October 30, 2009 (Filed as Exhibit 10.69 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 2010). | |
| 10.26++ | 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan Filed as Exhibit 4.1to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-165791) filed with the SEC on March 30, 2010). | |
| 10.27 | Sales Representation Agreement between Company and JW Digital, dated October 18, 2009 (Filed as Exhibit 10.77 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on May 7, 2010). | |
| 10.28 | Paid Listings Agreement between the Company and Parked.com dated March 13, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.78 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on August 6, 2010). |
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| 10.29++ | Consulting Agreement dated as of November 8, 2010 between the Company and Dexline (Filed as Exhibit 10.80 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on November 9, 2010). | |
| 10.30++ | Employment Offer Letter between the Company and William O’Kelly, Senior Vice President Operations and Chief Financial Officer dated January 12, 2011 Filed as Exhibit 10.84 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 4, 2011). | |
| 10.31 | Amendment to Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit Agreement between the Company and City National Bank dated August 29, 2012 (Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC on April 1, 2013). | |
| 10.32++ | Employment Offer Letter between the Company and Christopher O’Hara, Chief Revenue Officer dated May 20, 2012 (Filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 31, 2012). | |
| 10.33 | Sublease Agreement with Rocket Lawyer for property located at 55 Second Street, San Francisco, California (Filed as Exhibit 10.86 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q on November 14, 2012). | |
| 21.1* | List of Subsidiaries. | |
| 23.1* | Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. | |
| 24.1* | Power of Attorney (Please see the signature page of this Report). | |
| 31.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 31.2* | Certification of Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 32.1* | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
| 101.INS* | XBRL Instance Document, | |
| 101.SCH* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. | |
| 101.CAL* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. | |
| 101.LAB* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document. | |
| 101.PRE* | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. | |
| (*) | Filed herewith | |
| (++) | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
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