EXHIBIT 99.1
AdStar Company Contact:Jeff Baudo, 310-577-8255,jbaudo@adstar.com
AdStar Media Contact:Kevin Wilson, 513-885-5520,kwilson@kevinwilsonpr.com
AdStar Media Contact:Kevin Wilson, 513-885-5520,kwilson@kevinwilsonpr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AdStar Announces Second Quarter Operating Results
Highlights of Quarter Include Significant Improvement in EBITDA and 82% Reduction in Net
Loss, when compared with Prior-Year Period
Loss, when compared with Prior-Year Period
MARINA DEL REY, Calif. –August 15, 2005– AdStar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADST), a leading applications service provider (“ASP”) of e-commerce transaction technology for the advertising and publishing industries, today reported operating results for the second quarter and first half of 2005.
For the three months ended June 30, 2005, the company reported net revenues of $1,303,706, compared with net revenues of $1,389,024 in the second quarter of 2004. The 6% decrease in net revenues reflects a planned decrease in “customization and other” revenues due to management’s decision to refocus its corporate resources upon those activities that generate recurring revenues, including its ASP business model. In the most recent quarter, ASP revenues increased 10% to $472,000 (vs. $428,500), while licensing and software revenues rose 15% to $651,000 (vs. $566,000). Gross profit margin widened to approximately 69% of net revenues during the second quarter of 2005, compared with approximately 63% in the quarter ended June 30, 2004. Gross profits increased 3% to $894,248 in the second quarter of 2005 from $871,161 in the prior-year quarter.
AdStar reduced its net loss by 82% to $69,935, or $0.01 per share, in the quarter ended June 30, 2005, compared with a net loss of $388,136, or $0.03 per share, in the second quarter of 2004.
EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (a non-GAAP measure), improved significantly to $209,727 in the most recent quarter, compared with a negative EBITDA of $9,963 during the second quarter of the previous year.
AdStar also reported that the number of prepaid advertising transactions processed using AdStar’s ASP technology infrastructure increased 32% to 91,031, compared with last year’s second quarter ASP transactions of 69,119. Total ASP transactions, including large contract accounts, rose approximately 8% to 128,575 in the second quarter of 2005, versus 118,281 in the prior-year period.
“During the first half of 2005, our operating activities generated $445,000 in cash, which represents a dramatic improvement relative to the prior-year period, when operating activities consumed over $197,000 in cash,” noted Leslie Bernhard, president and chief executive officer of AdStar, Inc. “We ended the second quarter with more than $1.7 million of cash in the bank, compared with $1.1 million at December 31, 2004, and we continue to move towards profitability, as evidenced by an 82% reduction in net loss and a positive EBITDA of $209,727 in the
most recent quarter. The company also achieved an operating profit, for the first time in its history, in the three months ended June 30, 2005.
“With our operating cost structure having been rationalized in recent months, our primary challenge is to pursue acceleration in revenue growth that can leverage the company’s operating and technology infrastructure. We are optimistic that ASP revenue growth will accelerate in the second half of 2005, reflecting the significant number of newspapers that have joined our customer base in recent months. We are also encouraged by the growth in the value of each ad transaction that we process, as it demonstrates that advertisers are growing more comfortable with the ability of our technology to efficiently place ads through the Internet for both print and online publication.”
During the quarter, AdStar added eight newspapers to its customer base, includingamNew York, Austin American-Statesman, Charleston Newspapers, Inc., Dayton Daily News, Las Vegas Review-Journal,andThe News Journal (Wilmington, Del.). The company also continued its rapid deployment of its technology within the MediaNews Group of newspapers, which when completed, will more than double the number of newspapers served by AdStar’s Web-based products and services. Since the end of the second quarter, AdStar has announced the launch of its services in 30 newspapers, including the Alameda Newspaper Group, Los Angeles Newspaper Group and MediaNews Group newspapers in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
”Last quarter, we commented that a growing number of newspaper companies have recognized the critical role that e-commerce must play in the future success of their organizations,” continued Bernhard. “The importance of the Internet is even more evident at the end of our second quarter, as our e-commerce customer base continues to expand and our existing customers begin to report steady growth in online ad sales. The Internet has significantly changed classified advertising, and AdStar is in a unique position to assist newspaper publishers in the expansion of their classified advertising strategies by taking full advantage of online technology.”
For the six months ended June 30, 2005, net revenues increased to $2,578,000 from $2,437,000, reflecting increases of $177,000 in licensing and software revenues and $86,000 in ASP revenues, partially offset by a decrease of $122,000 in customization and other revenues. The company reported a loss of $380,585, or $0.03 per share, for the first six months of 2005, compared with a net loss of $929,993, or 0.07 per share, in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Shareholders and other interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing 800-322-0079 (international/local participants dial 973-935-2100) a few minutes before 4:15 p.m. EDT on August 15, 2005. The call will also be broadcast live on the Internet at www.adstar.com. A replay of the conference call will be available two hours after its completion, from August 15, 2005 until August 22, 2005, by dialing 877-519-4471 for participants in the US/Canada (international/local participants dial 973-341-3080) and entering the conference ID 6368785. The replay of the call will be archived on the company’s website at www.adstar.com until October 13, 2005.
About AdStar, Inc.
AdStar, Inc. is the leading provider of e-commerce transaction software and services for the advertising and publishing industries. AdStar’s proprietary suite of e-commerce services includes remote ad entry software and web-based ad transaction services, as well as payment processing and content processing solutions that are provided through its Edgil Associates subsidiary, the industry’s largest supplier of automated payment processing services. AdStar’s ad transaction infrastructure powers classified ad sales for more than 40 of the largest newspapers in the United States, the Newspaper Association of America’sbonafideclassifieds.com,CareerBuilder, and a growing number of other online and print media companies.EdgCapture, Edgil’s automated payment process solution, is currently employed by call centers at more than 100 of the nation’s leading newspaper and magazines. AdStar is headquartered in Marina del Rey, Calif., and its Edgil office is located in North Chelmsford, Mass. For additional information on AdStar, Inc., visitwww.adstar.com.
AdStar, Inc. is the leading provider of e-commerce transaction software and services for the advertising and publishing industries. AdStar’s proprietary suite of e-commerce services includes remote ad entry software and web-based ad transaction services, as well as payment processing and content processing solutions that are provided through its Edgil Associates subsidiary, the industry’s largest supplier of automated payment processing services. AdStar’s ad transaction infrastructure powers classified ad sales for more than 40 of the largest newspapers in the United States, the Newspaper Association of America’sbonafideclassifieds.com,CareerBuilder, and a growing number of other online and print media companies.EdgCapture, Edgil’s automated payment process solution, is currently employed by call centers at more than 100 of the nation’s leading newspaper and magazines. AdStar is headquartered in Marina del Rey, Calif., and its Edgil office is located in North Chelmsford, Mass. For additional information on AdStar, Inc., visitwww.adstar.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the business and products of the Company. Actual results may differ from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements depending on a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: historical business has already matured, new online business is unproven and may not generate expected revenues, and Internet security risks. Other risks inherent in the business of the Company are described in Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company’s annual report onForm 10-KSB. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
This release contains forward-looking statements concerning the business and products of the Company. Actual results may differ from those projected or implied by such forward-looking statements depending on a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: historical business has already matured, new online business is unproven and may not generate expected revenues, and Internet security risks. Other risks inherent in the business of the Company are described in Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Company’s annual report onForm 10-KSB. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
Financial Tables to Follow
AdStar, Inc. and Subsidiary
Consolidated Balance Sheet
June 30, 2005 (unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheet
June 30, 2005 (unaudited)
Assets
Current assets: | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,734,114 | ||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $76,000 | 507,550 | |||
Notes receivable from officers – current portion | 8,247 | |||
Prepaid and other current assets | 186,084 | |||
Total current assets | 2,435,995 | |||
Notes receivable from officers, net of current portion | 220,153 | |||
Property and equipment, net | 136,277 | |||
Capitalized and purchased software, net | 1,302,031 | |||
Intangible assets, net | 1,350,838 | |||
Goodwill | 2,132,219 | |||
Other assets | 80,416 | |||
Total assets | $ | 7,657,929 | ||
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | ||||
Current liabilities: | ||||
Due to publications | $ | 1,875,398 | ||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 948,331 | |||
Deferred revenue and customer deposits – current portion | 233,250 | |||
Loans from stockholders, current portion | 21,000 | |||
Capital lease obligations | 3,822 | |||
Convertible note – current portion | 337,423 | |||
Total current liabilities | 3,419,224 | |||
Deferred revenue – net of current portion | 32,117 | |||
Loans from stockholders, net of current portion | 10,500 | |||
Convertible note, net of current portion | 244,403 | |||
Total liabilities | 3,706,244 | |||
Commitments and contingencies Total stockholders’ equity | 3,951,685 | |||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 7,657,929 | ||
AdStar, Inc. and Subsidiary
Statements of Operations
For the three and six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2005 (unaudited)
Statements of Operations
For the three and six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2005 (unaudited)
Three months ended | Six months ended | |||||||||||||||
June 30, | June 30, | |||||||||||||||
2005 | 2004 | 2005 | 2004 | |||||||||||||
ASP, net | $ | 472,084 | $ | 428,531 | $ | 899,415 | $ | 813,138 | ||||||||
Licensing and software | 650,979 | 565,865 | 1,290,827 | 1,113,853 | ||||||||||||
Customization and other | 180,643 | 394,628 | 387,695 | 509,519 | ||||||||||||
Net Revenues | 1,303,706 | 1,389,024 | 2,577,937 | 2,436,510 | ||||||||||||
Cost of revenues, including depreciation and amortization of $163,501, $162,401, $349,689 and $320,088 | 409,458 | 517,863 | 899,821 | 935,183 | ||||||||||||
Gross profit | 894,248 | 871,161 | 1,678,116 | 1,501,327 | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expense | 457,600 | 466,837 | 941,354 | 904,695 | ||||||||||||
Selling and marketing expense | 184,543 | 327,845 | 358,657 | 655,464 | ||||||||||||
Product maintenance and development expenses | 215,590 | 265,300 | 446,311 | 640,958 | ||||||||||||
Amortization | 22,059 | 21,997 | 44,118 | 44,113 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from operations | 14,456 | (210,818 | ) | (112,324 | ) | (743,903 | ) | |||||||||
Beneficial interest and amortization of financing fees on convertible note | (67,686 | ) | (163,670 | ) | (135,373 | ) | (163,670 | ) | ||||||||
Interest income (expense), net | (13,405 | ) | (10,185 | ) | (27,776 | ) | (11,338 | ) | ||||||||
Loss before taxes | (66,635 | ) | (384,673 | ) | (275,473 | ) | (918,911 | ) | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes | 3,300 | 3,463 | 6,713 | 11,082 | ||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (69,935 | ) | $ | (388,136 | ) | $ | (282,186 | ) | $ | (929,993 | ) | ||||
Deemed dividend on exercise of warrants | — | — | (98,399 | ) | — | |||||||||||
Net loss applicable to common stockholders | $ | (69,935 | ) | $ | (388,136 | ) | $ | (380,585 | ) | $ | (929,993 | ) | ||||
Loss per share – basic and diluted | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | ||||
Weighted average number of shares – basic and diluted | 15,346,571 | 14,361,348 | 15,263,042 | 13,585,883 | ||||||||||||
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization | $ | (9,963 | ) | $ | 209,727 | $ | (334,744 | ) | $ | 275,396 | ||||||
AdStar, Inc. and Subsidiary
Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2005 (unaudited)
Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended
June 30, 2004 and 2005 (unaudited)
2005 | 2004 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | (282,186 | ) | $ | (929,993 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 387,867 | 408,284 | ||||||
Beneficial interest and amortization of financing fees on convertible note | 135,373 | 163,670 | ||||||
Stock based vendor payments | 95,587 | 57,357 | ||||||
Allowance for doubtful accounts | 8,493 | 25,000 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Accounts receivable | 68,610 | (266,451 | ) | |||||
Prepaid and other assets | (9,439 | ) | (79,972 | ) | ||||
Due to publications | 576,469 | 633,530 | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (440,820 | ) | (273,179 | ) | ||||
Deferred revenue and customer deposits | (94,951 | ) | 65,190 | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 445,003 | (196,564 | ) | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
Purchase of Edgil Associates, Inc. | — | (85,000 | ) | |||||
Additions to capitalized and purchased software | (66,489 | ) | (310,112 | ) | ||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (29,338 | ) | (38,137 | ) | ||||
Additions to intangible assets | — | (4,000 | ) | |||||
Principal repayments of shareholder notes receivable | 3,957 | 3,743 | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (91,870 | ) | (433,506 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible note payable | — | 1,353,181 | ||||||
Principal repayments of convertible debt | (274,997 | ) | — | |||||
Proceeds from exercises of options and warrants | 587,935 | 167,579 | ||||||
Costs of conversion of Series A preferred stock | — | (14,978 | ) | |||||
Principal repayments of notes payable | (10,500 | ) | (10,500 | ) | ||||
Principal repayments on capital leases | (14,463 | ) | (17,740 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 287,975 | 1,477,542 | ||||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 641,108 | 847,472 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 1,093,006 | 2,092,477 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | 1,734,114 | $ | 2,939,949 | ||||